All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham Hotspur are now planning to sell Richarlison, in order to fund a move for an “incredible” £55m star, according to a report.

Richarlison struggling to make an impact at Spurs

The Brazilian’s 2024-25 campaign was marred by a number of injury issues, which meant he only managed to make 15 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he provided four goals and one assist.

However, with Dominic Solanke often leading the line, the 28-year-old has found holding down a starting spot very difficult even when fit, often being utilised as a substitute last term, which indicates Spurs can afford to let him move on this summer.

That is exactly what Tottenham are planning to do, according to Football Insider’s transfer correspondent, Pete O’Rourke, who said: “With Son staying, Dibling linked, and Richarlison likely to be moved on… there’s got to be some restructuring at Tottenham this summer.

“The domestic campaign was awful… the squad depth and quality has to be addressed and must improve.”

Tottenham plotting bid to sign £195k-per-week France forward on loan

Spurs are eager to bolster their attacking options.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 31, 2025

The report also states that Spurs plan to sell Richarlison in order to fund a move for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, with the Saints looking to hold out for a fee of £55m for the forward, although the Lilywhites are hopeful a deal can be done for £40m – £45m.

Signing Dibling is said to align with the north Londoners’ transfer strategy “perfectly”, given that they plan on signing the best youngsters to give them first-team football immediately, in order to make an instant impact.

The Brazilian international’s exit could be crucial when it comes to Spurs’ ability to compete for the Southampton star’s signature, however, given the money it would generate, and Richarlison has previously been linked with a return to Everton.

Dibling could be "incredible" signing for Tottenham

Southampton’s 2024-25 campaign was one of the worst in Premier League history, collecting just 12 points across the entire season, but their 19-year-old winger still managed to make a name for himself.

Reporter Alfie House was left particularly enamoured with the youngster, lauding him as an “incredible” player back in November, and he went on to finish the season with four goals and three assists in all competitions.

The Englishman also drew praise from Match of the Day’s Danny Murphy, who said: “It is the quality he has got – the belief in himself and the physical power. He just goes past people with ease. He has got a lovely left foot. He is very brave on the ball and his decision-making is good.”

With Richarlison falling down the pecking order, it could make sense to cash-in on the forward to fund a move for Dibling this summer, given that he showed some very promising signs during his breakout season at Southampton.

Manchester United’s season ended in disappointing fashion when they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League in Bilbao last month.

That result means that the Red Devils will not be playing European football in the 2025/26 campaign, as they missed out on the chance to qualify for the Champions League.

This has already had an impact on their summer transfer business, as Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town ahead of them. Fabrizio Romano claimed that Champions League football was key to the Blues winning the race for the England U21 international.

The 22-year-old marksman plundered 12 goals in 37 appearances in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys in the 2024/25 campaign, and will now link up with Enzo Maresca and his squad.

However, despite failing to qualify for any European competition and missing out on the signing of Delap, Manchester United have already confirmed that Matheus Cunha has joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a permanent deal.

What Matheus Cunha could bring to Manchester United

The Brazil international appears to be an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s system on paper, because he played as one of two attacking midfielders behind a striker in a similar formation at Wolves.

This means that he could slot straight in as one of the number tens in the Portuguese head coach’s 3-4-2-1 system, with the hope that he can deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

The 26-year-old’s form for Wolves in the last two Premier League seasons suggests that the potential is there for him to make an instant impact at Old Trafford with his ability to score and create goals.

As you can see in the table above, Cunha delivered 27 goals and 13 assists in 65 appearances across those two campaigns, whilst no Manchester United player scored more than eight goals in the Premier League this term.

This suggests that he could immediately be Amorim’s biggest goal threat at the top end of the pitch, due to the current lack of quality in the final third for United.

Cunha, however, only scored six goals and provided six assists in 40 LaLiga outings for Atletico Madrid earlier in his career, so there may still be a question mark over his suitability for a side that is looking to challenge at the top end of the table.

Whilst there is still some doubt over whether or not he can become a star for United in the same way he was for Wolves, the Red Devils could land an even bigger signing than Cunha amid interest in a Champions League winner.

Man Utd eyeing deal for PSG star

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The report claims that Inter, Juventus, Manchester United, and Manchester City are all eyeing up a move for the shot-stopper, who kept a clean sheet in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It states that the Italy international’s current contract in Paris is due to expire in the summer of 2026, with contract talks at a standstill, and this has left the door open to a potential move away from the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

CaughtOffside adds that Juventus and Inter are the two most serious contenders to land the 26-year-old goalkeeper this summer, as they hope that a move back to Italy would be tempting for him.

The report claims, however, that Manchester United are also monitoring his situation with PSG because Amorim is unconvinced by Andre Onana could swoop for the PSG star as a replacement for the Cameroon international.

If the Red Devils can get a deal over the line for Donnarumma ahead of the likes of Inter and Juventus, the Italian colossus could be an even bigger signing than Cunha.

Why Donnarumma would be a bigger signing than Cunha for Man Utd

Unlike Cunha, the PSG superstar has proven himself at the very top level as a regular for both PSG and Italy, winning four Ligue 1 titles, one Champions League, and the European Championship with his country.

The former Milan star has been there and done it in the biggest competitions and leagues, whereas Cunha – as aforementioned – is yet to prove himself at that level.

GOAL recently posted an updated power ranking for the 2025 Ballon d’Or and placed Donnarumma in 12th place, as one of the contenders for the prestigious award, thanks to his impressive performances for PSG.

Cunha, as he has not showcased his quality on the same stages, did not rank in their top 20, which speaks to the gulf in quality between the two players.

Donnarumma would also come in as a significant upgrade on Onana between the sticks and provide United with a solid goalkeeper who could be relied upon week-in-week-out.

As you can see in the table above, the Italian international was significantly better as a shot-stopper in Europe this season, whilst also making fewer errors that led to goals.

The PSG star also went through the Ligue 1 campaign, playing 24 matches, without making a single error that led to a shot or a goal, whilst Onana made four errors leading to shots or goals in 34 Premier League games.

These statistics suggest that Donnarumma would be a huge upgrade on the current United number one, both as a shot-stopper and as a reliable presence in goal, which is another reason why he would be an even more important signing than Cunha.

Instead of worrying about whether or not their goalkeeper is going to make a mistake, the Red Devils defenders could be assured by the Italy international behind them, leading to greater defensive displays and fewer errors at the back.

Osimhen upgrade: Best "finisher in the world" is now Man Utd's no.1 target

All of Manchester United’s attacking dreams would come true if they landed this Victor Osimhen upgrade.

5

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 1, 2025

It is now down to the club to win the race to sign the Champions League winner and Ballon d’Or contender this summer, as he could be a transformational signing due to the quality and pedigree that the goalkeeper would bring to the team.

Attention is already turning to the new 2025/26 Premier League season, with promoted sides Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland looking to buck the recent trend and avoid relegation at the first time of asking.

Liverpool, under Arne Slot, will be the defending champions, whereas Pep Guardiola is leading a Manchester City rebuild. Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will finally be hoping that this is their year, while Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to improve on their terrible domestic campaigns last time around.

Grok, the AI tool on X, relayed by Birmingham World, has already predicted the 2025/26 Premier League table, looking at how many points each team will collect, including their goal difference.

AI 2025/26 Premier League table in pictures:

The next 10 Ballon d'Or winners predicted by AI

Who could win the Ballon d’Or across the next ten years?

By
Matt Dawson

May 31, 2025

20

20th: Sunderland

(30 points, -30 GD)

Starting the countdown at the bottom of the table, AI thinks Championship playoff winners Sunderland will finish in 20th place.

They believe Regis Le Bris’ side will accumulate 30 points, though, 18 more than Southampton, who were 20th in 24/25.

19

19th: Burnley

(34 points, -25 GD)

Another newly promoted side, Burnley are believed to be the next side to go down. Scott Parker worked wonders at Turf Moor in his first campaign, conceding just 16 goals in 46 games and ending on 100 points.

However, potentially losing some of those defensive stars, including goalkeeper James Trafford, could see the Clarets struggle.

18

18th: Wolves

(38 points, -20 GD)

Wolves have been flirting with the bottom three in the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons, and AI thinks 25/26 is the year they are going down.

After losing Matheus Cunha to Man Utd, the Old Gold will need to replace their top scorer and could struggle under Vitor Pereira.

17

17th: Crystal Palace

(40 points, -15 GD)

Just avoiding the drop are the 24/25 FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. AI claims that the fixture congestion from Europe could see them struggle in the Premier League.

Another problem for the Eagles is player sales, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta all being linked with moves away from Selhurst Park.

16

16th: Leeds United

(42 points, -12 GD)

AI feels that Leeds United, the Championship title winners, could buck the trend and avoid relegation by finishing on 42 points.

If they do, the Whites, who won the second tier title in stoppage time on the final day, will be the first side since the 2022/23 season to get promoted and remain in the Premier League.

15

15th: Brentford

(46 points, -8 GD)

Despite a top 10 finish in 24/25, Brentford are next on the list, with AI believing Bryan Mbeumo’s potential departure could result in a drop-off for Thomas Frank’s side.

Mbeumo scored 20 of the Bees’ 66 goals last season but could be on his way to Man Utd, which may see them slide down the table.

14

14th: Bournemouth

(48 points, -5 GD)

Another side who finished in the top 10 last season, Bournemouth, could also be in line to lose some of their star players.

Already selling Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo are also in demand, with AI feeling that any sales will negatively impact the Cherries.

13

13th: West Ham

(50 points, -2 GD)

One side that AI feels will slightly improve from 24/25 is West Ham, who finished 14th in the previous campaign on 43 points.

Graham Potter is preparing for his first full season in charge at the London Stadium and will be looking to make his mark in the transfer window.

12

12th: Everton

(52 points, 0 GD)

Another team AI think will finish one place higher than 24/25 is Everton. David Moyes came in and steadied the ship for the Toffees and will be leading them at their new stadium in 25/26.

It is added that keeping hold of star defender Jarrad Branthwaite and adding depth to the side is key, though.

11

11th: Manchester United

(54 points, +2 GD)

Things couldn’t have gone much worse for Man Utd in 24/25, so AI does have them finishing higher but still in the bottom half with 54 points.

‘Integrating new signings and addressing defensive frailties’ under Ruben Amorim in a 3-4-3 system could still see the Red Devils struggle, ending 12 points and four places better off.

The Premier League fixtures for the new season were released on Wednesday and, fair to say, they were not kind to Arsenal.

The Gunners will commence their campaign at Old Trafford on 17 August, before also facing Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle all in their first six matches; brutal!

So, ahead of their first scheduled pre-season game against AC Milan in Singapore on 23 July, Gooners worldwide are itching to see their team make some signings, so could their cravings be quelled by the arrival of an “insane” young talent?

Arsenal targeting defensive reinforcements

According to reports in France, Arsenal have “submitted” a contract offer to Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, adding that “talks are progressing well” for the “versatile left-footed centre-back”, who is valued at around £43m.

Hato, who is just 19 years old, made his senior debut for Ajax in the KNVB Beker against Den Bosch in January 2023, accumulating 111 appearances subsequently, starting 48 of the Dutch giants’ 54 matches across all competitions this season, predominantly deployed at left-back by Francesco Farioli, but also utilised at centre-back semi-regularly too.

His Eredivisie form has earned international recognition, earning six senior caps for the Netherlands, currently at the Under-21 European Championships in Slovakia, starting all three of Jong Oranje’s group stage fixtures as a central defender.

So now, could the teenager be on his way to North London?

How Jorrel Hato could replicate Jurriën Timber's success at Arsenal

Just under two years ago now, Jurriën Timber, heartbreakingly, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest, thereby making just one more appearance that entire season, this coming on the final day.

Nevertheless, this time round, Timber established himself as an absolute stalwart in the Arsenal back-line, making 48 appearances across all competitions, very much the undisputed first-choice right-back, while also doing a commendable job on the left side or in the middle when called upon.

Ben McAleer of the Guardian described his performances as ‘commanding’, while Adam Keys asserted that the Dutchman is the “best 1vs1 defender” on the planet right now, following his exceptional performances against Vinícius Júnior and others.

So, while Timber is likely to begin next season as first-choice, above Benjamin White, who suffered his own long-term injury in November, he also offers Mikel Arteta invaluable versatility, affording Gabriel and William Saliba a breather when necessary.

So, could Hato do the same?

Well, let’s assess how the duo compare with each other.

As the table outlines, when comparing Hato’s statistics from this season to those of Timber from his final campaign at Ajax, they are largely remarkably similar, with the teenager coming out on top when it comes to tackles and clearances.

Adam Keys describes Hato as incredibly talented, noting that he would offer Arteta “insane” depth across the entire back line.

Meantime, Domagoj Kostanjšak of Total Football Analysis documents how Hato boasts an ‘excellent duelling frame’, adding that he is ‘very comfortable on the ball’, which allows him to be ‘adventurous and brave’ in possession, while also a more than capable defender, given that he ‘reads the game well’.

On top of this, Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines outlines how the Dutchman is extremely ‘technically gifted’ and destined for greatness.

Thus, it is clear that Hato would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s squad, so Arsenal should act fast, before someone else comes in for this ultra-talented youngster.

Fabrizio Romano: £56m star "in London" with new Arsenal signing "completed"

Mikel Arteta has been gifted a major boost.

6

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 21, 2025

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin finally has the chance to meet some of his players in the flesh for the first time after they returned for pre-season testing on Monday.

The Light Blues head coach will have a lot of difficult decisions to make over the playing squad at Ibrox in order to end the summer transfer window with a squad that is capable of competing for the Scottish Premiership title.

Martin will be working with sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who is now in his first window at Ibrox as well, to secure new signings to bolster the team.

In fact, Thelwell is reportedly pursuing a deal for a new player who would leave the Scottish manager with a big decision to make on two of his current options in the same position.

Rangers set to bid for Premier League defender

According to DAVEOCKOP, Rangers are interested in a deal to sign left-back Owen Beck from Premier League champions Liverpool this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report claims that the Light Blues are planning to submit a bid to sign the Wales international, as Thelwell aims to add another full-back option to Martin’s squad.

It adds that Liverpool have held talks with Beck over a potential new contract and that the plan has been to send him out on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

However, Rangers are now looking to disrupt those plans by swooping in with an offer to sign the left-footed star on a permanent deal this summer, although it remains to be seen how likely a move is at this moment in time.

Why Rangers should sign Owen Beck

The Light Blues should push to convince the Reds to part ways with the 22-year-old full-back because his performances on loan at Dundee in the Premiership in the 2023/24 season suggest that he has the potential to be an upgrade on Jefte.

Beck spent this season on loan at Blackburn in the second tier of English football and started 21 of his 24 appearances in the division, averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game at left-back.

The Welsh star, who was once hailed as a “spectacular” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, really caught the eye whilst playing in Scotland with Dundee, though.

Jefte started 30 of his 33 appearances in the top-flight during his debut campaign in Glasgow in the 2024/25 campaign, but the arrival of Beck on a permanent deal could put an end to his role as a regular starter.

As you can see in the table above, Beck’s performances for Dundee suggest that the potential is there for him to offer more to the team as a creator and as an out-and-out defender.

The 22-year-old star put up more impressive creative numbers than Jefte did whilst playing in an inferior team, with respect to the Premiership, which suggests that he could thrive even more at the top end of the pitch as part of a ball-dominant Rangers team led by Martin.

Couple that with his superb defensive numbers, which suggest that he does not shirk his responsibilities going back the other way, and it appears as though Beck would come in with a real chance of being an upgrade on Jefte.

As a proven Premiership performer, the Liverpool dynamo would also have the potential to hit the ground running without having to get used to the physical demands of the style of football in Scotland.

A Colak repeat: Club now pushing to sign Rangers star in the next 48 hours

Rangers could repeat their Antonio Colak masterstroke by selling this star this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 23, 2025

Therefore, this is a signing that would make a lot of sense for the Light Blues, but it would also leave Martin with some big decisions to make on Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz.

Manchester United are interested in signing an “outstanding” attacker in a surprise move, and he wants a £100,000-a-week contract to move to Old Trafford.

Man Utd still hopeful over Mbeumo signing

The signing of Matheus Cunha felt like a significant piece of business by the Red Devils, showing that they still have plenty of pulling power, despite failing to qualify for Europe last season.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has stood out as United’s primary transfer target since the arrival of Cunha from Wolves, but Tottenham are thought to be providing stiff competition for his signature, having appointed Thomas Frank as their new manager.

Some reports have said that the Red Devils are closing in on the signing of the Cameroonian, who was one of the Premier League’s best attacking players last season, scoring 20 goals in the competition and starting all 38 of Brentford’s matches.

Mbeumo would surely be a perfect option on the right-hand side of United’s attack, with Ruben Amorim admitting he wants a signing in that position, despite the emergence of Amad Diallo: “I think Amad in that position (right wing-back) he could be an option but in this moment with the type of players we have we need a left footer on that position in front. I try to reinforce the team with the idea and try to use the characteristics of the players.”

Free agent wants £100,000-a-week to join Man Utd after talks

Now, according to a fresh claim from Caught Offside, Manchester United are “considering” completing the surprise signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of the new Premier League season after recently holding talks with the free agent.

The England international is available after leaving Everton earlier this summer, and it is believed that he is looking to earn £100,000-a-week at his next club, coming in at over £5m per year, which the report says could be too much for the Red Devils.

In truth, there are both positives and negatives to United signing Calvert-Lewin, with the free element of the signing jumping out as a good thing, not to mention the fact that Sean Dyche lauded him during their time together at Everton.

“I thought he was excellent. He’s had a bit of illness. We’re hopeful that has passed, he had it before the game, so I must commend him on that. His physical performance was outstanding, He’s not quite over it but we hope it settles down a bit.”

On the flip side, though, Calvert-Lewin has suffered badly with injury problems down the years, not starting over 30 Premier League games in a season since the 2020/21 campaign, so there would be a big risk element in bringing him in.

At 28, the striker, who scored at Old Trafford in 2021, is also no longer a young player who could develop or overcome fitness issues, so United should arguably be looking elsewhere for someone to lead the line.

Amorim's answer to Kane: Man Utd in talks to sign "world-class" striker

Manchester United could finally end their pursuit of a new talisman with a move for one European star.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 11, 2025

If Amorim brought in Calvert-Lewin as a squad option, as well as a superior signing to play most weeks, it could be sensible business, but it may be a non-starter due to his wage demands.

Glasgow Rangers added yet another signing to their first-team ranks on Wednesday when they confirmed the arrival of central defender Nasser Djiga on loan.

The Burkina Faso international has joined on a season-long loan, and the Gers do not have an option to make it permanent next summer.

He joins Joe Rothwell, Thelo Aasgaard, Emmanuel Fernandez, Max Aarons, and Lyall Cameron in making the switch to Ibrox during the summer transfer window, and there is more to come.

The Light Blues are also closing in on the signing of winger Djeidi Gassama from, having agreed a deal with the English side, but he is not the only wide attacker Rangers are pursuing.

Rangers have bid rejected for English forward

As well as eyeing up a deal to bring the Sheffield Wednesday forward to Ibrox, Russell Martin is also looking to reunite with one of his former players.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsela, Rangers are interested in a swoop to sign Southampton attacker Samuel Edozie during the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Scottish Premiership giants have had an ‘initial’ offer turned down by the Saints, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Kinsela states that the Light Blues have a long-term interest in Edozie, which predates Martin’s appointment, and that more clubs are expected to join the race for his signature.

If Rangers go in with another offer for the 22-year-old winger and manage to strike a deal with the Saints, the club could land a big upgrade on Oscar Cortes.

Why Edozie would be an upgrade on Cortes

The Gers played their first friendly at Ibrox against Club Brugge last weekend and Cortes provided an assist for Mohamed Diomande’s goal in the 2-2 draw.

It remains to be seen if the Colombian winger will be a useful operator when the competitive games roll around, though, as the forward has only produced one goal and one assist in 16 matches in the Premiership in his career at Ibrox to date.

Edozie, meanwhile, produced three goals and two assists in 23 games in the Pro League whilst on loan at Anderlecht in Belgium in the 2024/25 campaign.

The former England U20 international also racked up six goals and three assists in 16 Championship starts under Martin in the 2023/24 season, as Southampton earned promotion to the Premier League.

As you can see in the table above, the English speedster produced more goals, more assists, more dribbles, and created more chances in the second tier for the Rangers boss than Cortes has managed in 18 months in the Premiership with the Gers.

Edozie, who was once hailed as an “exciting” talent by Martin, has already played for the ex-Saints manager, which means that he could hit the ground running at Ibrox as a player who already knows the system and style of play.

This is why Rangers should go back in with a second offer to sign the former Manchester City academy star, who has only missed 19 games through injury in his career, compared to Cortes’ 39 matches missed just last season.

Therefore, the Southampton youngster could come in as a big upgrade on Cortes, as he is clearly available more often and provides more quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the left or right flank.

Personal terms agreed: Rangers set to sign their next Ryan Kent at Ibrox

Rangers are reportedly set to complete a deal to sign their new Ryan Kent at Ibrox.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 9, 2025

Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams suffered a major blow as the Super Eagles laboured to a draw against South Africa, leaving fans furious and making 'embarrassing' comparisons to Manchester United’s recent struggles. The result leaves Nigeria precariously placed in their group, with only one win in eight matches.

• Nigeria slump in World Cup qualifying campaign
• Fans compare Super Eagles to struggling Man Utd
• South Africa move closer to 2026 finals

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Since their last World Cup appearance at Russia 2018, Nigeria have struggled to recapture their former dominance, and the current campaign suggests that qualifying for even a play-off spot could be out of reach. Tuesday's 1-1 draw saw former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong accidentally deflect the ball into his own net, giving South Africa an early lead. Calvin Bassey of Fulham restored parity with his first international goal, leaving the sides level.

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  Despite the equaliser, Nigeria now trail South Africa by six points with only two games remaining in the group. The qualification format means the top team advances directly, while the four best second-placed nations enter a play-off for a chance at the intercontinental qualifier. With a maximum of 17 points attainable, Nigeria must rely on other results to have any chance.

• WHAT ARE THE FANS SAYING

  The result sparked a wave of criticism from Nigerian fans, many of whom took to social media to vent frustration.

  @_ezeokolorie blasted: "48 team World Cup and Nigeria couldn't qualify. Embarassing. I'M DONE." 

  @iiamemry humorously compared the team to England’s Premier League flops: "Nigeria out here trynna qualify to the World Cup like Manchester United was tryna qualify for Champions League last season lol."

  @EbongDi highlighted the lack of quality on display, questioning if this was truly the best Nigeria could field: "If this is the best 11 players Nigeria can assemble, then we don't deserve to represent Africa at any World Cup."

  @Forlartimate admitted the double heartbreak of supporting both clubs and country: "Supporting Man Utd & Nigeria 🇳🇬 has affected my mental health a lot 🥺😩#MUFC."

  Whereas @prophetswitch said: "Why is Nigeria playing like amateurs? These are supposed to be professional footballers in top leagues across the world. What kind of embarrassing display is that, for crying out loud?"

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The parallels with Manchester United’s season only added insult to injury. The Red Devils have started the 2025-26 campaign poorly, with only one win from three Premier League games and a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town to go with that.

Sunderland have now submitted a bid for a proven Premier League player who is capable of scoring “worldies”, according to a new transfer update.

Le Bris outlines Sunderland's pre-season training plan

The Black Cats are getting closer to their Premier League return all the time, with Regis Le Bris working on having his squad as prepared as possible during pre-season.

Sunderland’s manager has been discussing what he wants to see from his players during their trip to Portugal, with focus on the “dynamic” within the team.

Le Bris will know that further signings are needed before the end of the summer transfer window, though, with talks reportedly underway over a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, and now a fresh update has emerged.

Sunderland submit formal offer for Xhaka

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Sunderland have now “made advances” to sign Xhaka, submitting a bid for the former Arsenal man. While the Swiss is valued at £17m, the offer in question is believed to be “less” than that, as the Black Cats look to get a cut-price deal over the line.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has discussed the 32-year-old’s future: “Granit is a very important player for us, for the team and for the club.

“Our main interest is to keep him. Sure, there is interest in him, we need to speak to the player to know what his ambitions are. But one thing is clear: There would only be a transfer in a win-win situation.We still have a three-year contract with the player and are very happy with him.

“We have big goals for the next few years. That’s why there can only be a transfer if it’s good for all sides. We’ll have to wait and see. But our goal is for Granit to stay with us.“

Xhaka stands out as such a shrewd option for Sunderland this summer, so it is exciting to see progress being made in their pursuit of him.

The Leverkusen stalwart is now a 137-cap Switzerland international, showing how vastly experienced he is, and he has been hailed as a “lovely technician” by Joe Cole, also lauding the ex-Gunners star for his ability to score “worldies” from distance.

Better signing than Henderson: Sunderland open talks to sign £17m "monster"

Sunderland could now win a far better signing than Jordan Henderson by picking up this £17m leader.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 17, 2025

Xhaka knows the Premier League inside out, making 225 appearances in the competition during his Arsenal days, so he could be an invaluable addition to Sunderland’s midfield, combining tactical discipline with an eye for the spectacular.

Wayne Rooney has explained how son Kai faced added "pressure" in Manchester United's academy when playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

• Teenage hopefuls following in famous footsteps
• Attract more attention than others of the same age
• Difficult for them to escape the added attention

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo made a stunning return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021. His eldest son has followed the Portuguese GOAT around the world, spending time in youth systems at Real Madrid, Juventus, United and Al-Nassr.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo Jr got the chance to work with other famous offspring when linking up with the Red Devils. Kai Rooney formed part of the same age group, as did Michael Carrick’s son Jacey. They brought more eyes to games that would usually have sailed under the radar.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer admits as much, with Wayne seeing his first born have to cope with even more attention as attendance numbers for games featuring a collection of teenage hopefuls surged.

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  WHAT ROONEY SAID

  Speaking on podcast, the Red Devils icon said of the challenge facing those that come from a professional football family: "There's a bit more pressure on them as well.

  "Kai and [when Cristiano] Ronaldo came back, Ronaldo's lads and Michael Carrick's lad were all on the same team.

  "You go and watch and then all of a sudden there's like 10 times the amount of people that's normally there, all around the pitch watching, so there's a lot more pressure because they're coming to watch the three kids to see how they play and stuff. They've got to be ready."