It might sound a little hyperbolic, but it feels like West Ham United are currently in a crisis.

Graham Potter’s side have lost all three of their games so far, and while they’ve scored three goals, they’ve conceded a whopping 11.

It’s crystal clear that the East Londoners are in desperate need of quality reinforcements who can help make them a far tougher proposition to play against if they are to still be playing Premier League football next year.

Fortunately, it appears that the club are incredibly close to bringing in someone who could be just what they need and the perfect teammate for the promising El Hadji Malick Diouf.

West Ham close in on the perfect teammate for Diouf

Arguably, the area of the team West Ham are most in need of reinforcing before the window closes next week is in the midfield.

Transfer Focus

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

The middle of the park was already looking a little weak at the start of the summer, but with Edson Alvarez now in Turkey, Potter and Co are in serious need of fresh legs and quality.

Not only do the Hammers need someone who can help with the offensive side of things, but someone who can come straight into the side and make them a nightmare to play against.

Fortunately, it appears that the East Londoners are incredibly close to signing a player who would not only fit that description, but also be able to get more out of fellow summer signing Diouf.

At least that is according to a recent update from Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, who has revealed that West Ham are closing in on Soungoutou Magassa.

Furthermore, Thomas has confirmed that the young Frenchman will be flying into London on Wednesday to undergo a medical ahead of his £17.3m move from AS Monaco, a switch that Thomas suggests is set to be done in the “next 24-48 hours”.

Magassa might not be a household name, but he looks like just the sort of player West Ham need at the moment, and someone who could get even more out of Diouf.

Why Magassa would be a dream signing for Diouf

The first and most significant reason Magassa could help get even more out of Diouf is the same reason he’d be a brilliant teammate for the rest of the West Ham team: his defensive and athletic qualities.

For example, even though he can play in central midfield and at centre-back, he’s been at his best in recent seasons playing as a defensive midfielder, where he can utilise both to break up play and harry opposition attackers.

You can best see how elite he is at the defensive side of the game through his underlying numbers.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 2% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for tackles plus interceptions, tackles in the middle third, and dribblers challenged, as well as the top 6% for passes blocked and more, all per 90 minutes.

In other words, the 21-year-old could be trusted to do the bulk of the defensive work for the Irons, which in turn would allow Diouf more opportunities to maraud down the wing and supply the frontline with chance after chance from his brilliant crosses.

Yet, there is another way in which the Monaco ace would be able to help get more out of the Senegalese gem: his passing ability.

On top of being a defensive monster in the middle of the park, the “elegant” Frenchman, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also far more accomplished with the ball at his feet than you might imagine.

Dribblers Tackled

1.88

Top 1%

Ball Recoveries

7.59

Top 1%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.81

Top 2%

Dribbles Challenged

3.62

Top 2%

Tkl+Int

5.22

Top 2%

Tackles

3.48

Top 3%

Interceptions

1.74

Top 4%

Passes Blocked

1.39

Top 6%

Switches

0.77

Top 7%

Through Balls

0.42

Top 10%

Blocks

1.74

Top 10%

Successful Take-Ons

1.11

Top 12%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

1.25

Top 14%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

42.70

Top 14%

Passes into Final Third

5.78

Top 18%

Tackles Won

1.60

Top 18%

In fact, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has praised him for his “forward-thinking mindset” and his impressive ability to “spray passes wide out to the wings,” which suggests he would be able to find the former Slavia Prague ace with ease.

Once again, we can see skills in 6 foot 2 titan’s underlying numbers, as FBref ranks him in the top 7% for switches and the top 10% for through balls per 90.

Ultimately, West Ham appear to be making an excellent signing in Magassa, as not only will he add some defensive steel to the midfield, but he will also allow Diouf to flourish out wide.

After Magassa: West Ham keen on signing their best CM since Rice for £9m

As West Ham United search for midfield reinforcements, could an £9m star who “moves like a god” become the Hammers’ best since Declan Rice?

Aug 27, 2025

Liverpool’s summer transfer window was defined by big spending, but also by letting some of their most promising youth talent depart.

While the Anfield hierarchy pursued marquee signings such as Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike, a quieter narrative was simultaneously unfolding.

Several academy graduates, once thought of as future first-team players, left the club in search of regular gametime and development opportunities that Liverpool could not immediately guarantee.

Harvey Elliot went on loan to Aston Villa with a £35m obligation next summer, Jarell Quansah moved to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m, and Ben Doak joined Bournemouth for £25m.

These departures, while financially reasonable, highlight the ongoing challenge Liverpool face in balancing youth development with immediate competitiveness.

Sometimes, trusting homegrown talent pays dividends, as 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha demonstrated with his 100th-minute winner on Premier League debut against Newcastle, reminding the club of the potential locked away in its academy.

For one player, however, leaving Liverpool has opened the door to a role that is allowing him to flourish at one of the European elite in a role that had long been earmarked for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who ultimately moved to Arsenal for £60m.

The lesson for Liverpool's youth talent

Liverpool’s history of allowing talented youngsters to leave and succeed elsewhere is not new.

Raheem Sterling’s departure is one of the most notable examples.

Sterling left Anfield in 2015 for Manchester City at just 20 years old in a £44m deal, making him the most expensive English player at the time.

His career trajectory underlines the risks of selling promising youth too early, even at a premium.

Sterling went on to score 131 goals and register 86 assists in 339 appearances for City, winning four Premier League titles and earning inclusion in the 2018/19 PFA Team of the Year.

Sterling’s success serves as a benchmark for evaluating the club’s current youth departures which include the likes of Dominic Solanke, Neco Williams and most recently Jarell Quansah.

Quansah, however, was not the only Kirkby graduate to flee Merseyside for Europe in the summer of 2025.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

From Liverpool to Lyon

Tyler Morton, a 22-year-old local talent, joined Liverpool’s academy at just seven years old.

After progressing through the ranks, he experienced loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City before making his Premier League debut against Arsenal and his Champions League bow against Porto.

During his time at Liverpool, Morton made 14 appearances in all competitions, gaining valuable experience in a squad filled with international stars, while also contributing to the U21 European Championship victory over the summer.

This summer, Morton left Liverpool for Lyon in a £15m deal, a move that has allowed him to start playing consistently in Ligue 1 as a deep-lying playmaker.

This role mirrors the one Martin Zubimendi excelled at in La Liga before his £60m transfer to Arsenal, making Morton’s progression particularly noteworthy.

Liverpool had a bid for the Spain international rejected last summer, even though they may have already have their equivalent in the squad. Ultimately, Zubimendi went elsewhere, and Liverpool lost one of their most promising academy graduates too.

Regardless, Lyon and Morton have started the season strongly, winning three games from three, with the ex-Liverpool midfielder earning praise for his performances.

Against Metz, he played the full 90 minutes, recorded 84 touches, completed 63 of 69 passes (91%), delivered four key passes, three accurate crosses, four long balls – all successfully executed – and won four ground duels.

Bence Bocsák described Morton as a “quality midfielder,” highlighting the attributes Liverpool’s coaching staff have long admired, while Jurgen Klopp labelled him as an “outstanding” player.

His ability to control tempo, execute progressive passes, and contribute defensively makes him a versatile asset, one that Liverpool could have nurtured as in-house but instead allowed to blossom elsewhere.

Statistically, Morton’s style closely mirrors the deep-lying playmaking role that Zubimendi has excelled in.

Matches Played

36

Goals

2

Assists

1

Progressive Carries

38

Progressive Passes

195

Both operate in the transitional midfield zone, blending defensive awareness with progressive passing and the vision to influence play across the pitch.

While Zubimendi’s high-profile switch made headlines, Morton’s development in Lyon represents a potentially missed opportunity for Liverpool to cultivate a similar talent internally.

The youngser’s exit also underscores a recurring theme at Anfield and within the wider Premier League.

Clubs are increasingly letting promising youngsters leave only to see them thrive elsewhere.

Sterling set the precedent; Morton is now another example of Liverpool’s academy producing talent that, for reasons ranging from tactical fit to financial prudence, finds success beyond Merseyside.

While investing in high-profile signings is essential for immediate results, the club continues to face the delicate task of integrating its academy graduates into a star-studded first team.

Not Frimpong: Liverpool man who's "not at the races" is this season's Trent

Liverpool could have the next Trent Alexander-Arnold on their hands…

1 ByJoe Nuttall Sep 10, 2025

Rathi, who had been penalised after a similar offence in the game against Punjab Kings, now has three demerit points against his name

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Apr-2025

Digvesh Rathi pulls out his notebook celebration a safe distance away from Naman Dhir•BCCI

Digvesh Rathi, who sent Naman Dhir off with a “writing in the notebook” celebration in the IPL 2025 match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday night in Lucknow, has been fined 50% of his match fee and given two demerit points. His captain Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, was fined INR 12 lakh for his team’s slow over rate in the game, which LSG won by 12 runs.For Rathi, it was the second such offence and penalty under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. He was fined 25% of his match fee when he had sent Priyansh Arya back with a similar gesture – and a bit of body contact – in an eight-wicket defeat in Lucknow on April 1. That earned him one demerit point, too. The latest Level 1 code of conduct breach came with a bigger fine as a result, even though he was some distance away from the batter. The offence also earned him two demerit points to go with the one he had from the earlier occasion.According to the IPL Code of Conduct, four demerit points add up to one suspension point, meaning the player will be forced to sit out one match when that mark is reached. Since the demerit points remain on an individual’s record for a period of 36 months, Rathi will have to be careful even in the upcoming seasons.What is Article 2.5?

Article 2.5 includes any language, action or gesture used by a Player and directed towards a batter upon his/her dismissal which has the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter, whether or not any reaction results, or which could be considered to disparage or demean the dismissed batter, regardless of whether the batter him/herself feels disparaged or demeaned (in

It is understood that Rathi was told by the match officials after his first offence about the rule and why he was penalised*. On Friday, Rathi was again pulled up, but he said that he was under the impression that the first time he was sanctioned for charging towards the batter.For the 25-year-old Delhi mystery spinner in his debut IPL season, the latest reprimand came on a day when he had his best night out of the season so far. MI, chasing LSG’s 203 for 8, were in a strong position for the best part of their innings till they lost their way towards the end to go down. Rathi returned 1 for 21, an economy rate of 5.25. None of the other LSG bowlers on show on the night went at under 10 an over. Rathi was named the Player of the Match.Pant, who had another poor day with the bat, scoring 2 in six balls after 17 runs in his three earlier innings, became the third captain to be fined for his team’s slow over-rates in IPL 2025, after Hardik Pandya of MI and Riyan Parag of Rajasthan Royals (RR).*1000 GMT, April 5, 2025 The story was updated with the latest information.

Bilal El Khannouss is talking to Belgian reporters in the press area of the Cegeka Arena, home of KRC Genk. While the attacking midfielder is discussing the details of a 0-0 draw with Ferencvaros, a journalist from Sporza can no longer contain himself.

Eddy Demarez had noticed when El Khannouss came back onto the pitch after the half-time interval that the front of his azure blue Adidas boots was about to give way. A single piece of tape was the only thing holding everything together – and yet, remarkably, it did the job. The boots survived the second half.

These are scenes you would normally see on an amateur pitch. Together with the crooked socks, the shirts that are just a little too tight and shorts that reek of tiger balm, the half-taped boots don't belong in a European tournament, so the journalist is incredibly curious. Why didn't El Khannouss change into a new pair? The response says much about this young man's character.

"I got kicked on the foot in the first half, which broke my boot," El Khannouss explains to Demarez. "During half-time, I put tape on it. We have to make do with what we have. I hope to have new shoes tomorrow." Making the most of what you have: it's all El Khannouss knows and it also helps explain why he's set to become Stuttgart's second-most expensive signing ever next summer…

• Where it all began

  Born in 2004, El Khannouss grew up in Strombeek-Bever and, at the age of five, his cousin took him to his first football club: Crossing Schaerbeek. He didn't play there for long, though. 

  "Soon after I arrived, my coach Ebrahim Bouazzati moved to Anderlecht and took his best players with him," he recalls in . "I was the last survivor of that group."

  It was the football pitches of Brussels that made him the player he is today. In Josaphat Park, or under the Europe Bridge, where Ajax talent Rayane Bounida also spent his youth, he learned to understand the art of football. It shaped him, both as a human being and as a player. 

  "It was mainly five against five in a cage," he recalled in an interview with . "Up until I was 13, I also played indoor football at Futsal Besiktas Gent. Playing in those small spaces teaches you to run smarter. It definitely helped me."

  And then there was a youth transfer that caused quite a stir in the Belgian newspapers. The Brussels-born player with a purple Anderlecht heart moved to Genk at the age of 15.

  "What did Anderlecht have to say about that? A lot of things. Some youth coaches called me a traitor," El Khannouss revealed. "They said it with a smile, but you could feel that they meant it."

  He had played for Anderlecht for 10 years, and alongside the likes of Rome Lavia. However, the sporting picture in Genk was much more appealing. The future prospects were simply better there, and so it proved.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  The big break

  When he was still only 18, he made his debut for Genk's first team. A few months later, Bounida's Ajax came calling – along with a string of other top foreign clubs. However, El Khannouss decided to extend his contract with Genk.

  It turned out to be the right choice. The following season saw his real breakthrough and the reward was a place in Morocco's 2022 World Cup squad. Once again, it was not a decision that went over well in the local press.

  Until that point, El Khannouss had played for various Belgium teams at under-age level. "I am extremely grateful to Belgium for all the opportunities I have had here, but I knew from an early age that I would choose Morocco," he explained.

  "My grandparents came to Belgium from Morocco and I feel that this is a way for me to give something back to them. They are no longer with us, but I am sure they are proud of me."

  During Morocco's highly successful World Cup campaign – the team reached the semi-finals – he started in the third-place play-off against Croatia. He went head to head with his great idol, Luka Modric, and the 18-year-old impressed, thus becoming immensely popular., both in Morocco and back in Belgium.

  These days, even during his pilgrimages to Mecca, he cannot escape his fame. "It's great to be recognised everywhere and feel the love from fans, but sometimes I do miss the anonymity. I've already learned to choose restaurants where few Moroccans go. The fans are literally everywhere!" he joked.

  After the World Cup, El Khannouss continued to shine at Genk for another year and a half before making an inevitably transfer to a top league in 2024, with Leicester City agreeing to pay £22.5 million for the offensive midfielder, who was also courted by Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool.

  Following the dismissal of Steve Cooper, he got to work with striking legend Ruud van Nistelrooy and was one of the few bright lights in an otherwise gloomy season at the King Power Stadium. 

  "I think you will see and hear a lot more from him," Van Nistelrooy insisted. "He can go very far. He has the potential to become a top player in the Champions League."

• AFP
  

  How it's going

  Although El Khannouss started the current campaign playing Championship football with Leicester, it was always unlikely that he'd do so for the entire season.

  However, he only secured a transfer to Stuttgart on deadline day, as the German side looked to add to their attacking options following the lucrative sale of star striker Nick Woltemade to Newcastle.

  El Khannouss was signed on a season-long loan but with an obligation to buy next summer for €25 million (£22m/$29m). It's already looking like a bit of a masterstroke by Stuttgart.

  The 21-year-old has netted three times in his first six appearances in all competitions for his new side, much to the delight of coach Sebastian Hoeness. 

  "He has incredible quality – he has already demonstrated that in the Premier League, of course," Hoeness said. "But he has had a great start and is a very promising young man. We are very happy to have him with us."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Biggest strengths

  Thorsten Fink, who coached El Khannouss in Belgium, has already expressed similar sentiments to Van Nistelrooy. "I have worked with many players, and what I have seen is that this boy is very special," he told . "He can become one of the best footballers in Europe. I am convinced of that."

  He's certainly got the talent to do so. El Khannouss has a fantastic first touch, is an elusive dribbler, can really pick a pass and has outstanding awareness, which is why his former coach at Genk once quipped that the attacking midfielder seems to have "eyes in the back of his head".

  Pep Guardiola also liked what he saw when his Manchester City side faced Leicester last season, making a bee-line for El Khannouss as soon as the full-time whistle blew. 

  "He said he was impressed with my play," El Khannouss revealed afterwards. Once again, though, his human qualities and impressive work ethic quickly came to the fore.

  "I have to show this level every week. Other than that, I just enjoy the game and the day. Because we have the best job in the world." Indeed, he understands very well indeed just how lucky he is to be a footballer and that's why he often thinks about society as a whole. 

  "I do my bit, without everyone always having to know about it," he told "God has given me a luxurious life. Sometimes I wake up and think: 'Sh*t, today I have to do this or that.' In Ivory Coast, I saw 70-year-old women walking barefoot up a mountain with heavy buckets filled with food on their heads just so their families could eat. Things like that break your heart."

MatériaMais Notícias

O Bragantino divulgou a lista de relacionados para enfrentar o Botafogo, neste sábado (15), no Estádio Nilton Santos, pela 15ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A partida em questão ocorre às 21h (de Brasília).

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A grande novidade da lista montada pelo técnico Pedro Caixinha fica por conta do zagueiro Léo Ortiz, nome que não entra em campo desde outubro de 2022.

No dia 1° de outubro do ano passado, em confronto do Brasileirão contra o Flamengo, o defensor se lesionou em problema que, posteriormente, foi diagnosticado como uma ruptura parcial do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito.

>Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

Tendo passado por cirurgia em dezembro de 2022, Léo Ortiz entrou na fase final de recuperação e ganha sua primeira oportunidade depóis de nove meses fora de combate. Porém, a tendência é que ele ainda não seja efetivamente utilizado pela comissão técnica do Massa Bruta.

CONFIRA A LISTA DE RELACIONADOS DO BRAGA PARA ENFRENTAR O BRAGANTINO

Goleiros: Cleiton e Maycon Cleiton;
Zagueiros: Cipriano, Léo Ortiz, Léo Realpe, Luan Patrick e Natan;
Laterais: Aderlan, Andrés Hurtado, Guilherme, Juninho Capixaba e Luan Cândido;
Meio-campistas: Eric Ramires, Gutavinho, Jadsom, Lucas Evangelista, Matheus Fernandes, Praxedes e Yani;
Atacantes: Bruninho, Sasha, Sorriso, Talisson, Thiago Borbas e Vitinho.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) must “accept reality” and focus on getting the most out of their current squad rather than make drastic changes just four games into IPL 2025, in the opinion of former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu.CSK are currently ninth on the points table with only one win in four games. On Tuesday, they will aim to end a run of three losses when they take on Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.”They’re trying to compare this CSK team to erstwhile CSK teams, which have been really good and won tournaments,” Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut. “When you see it like-for-like, players in the past compared to now, I’d say they’re not the same. It’s very difficult to replace a certain player with a certain player. They have to accept reality and get the best out of what they have. That’s where I feel they seem confused and can’t get their combinations right.Related

• Fleming says CSK are still 'grappling' to find their best line-up

• Jaffer: CSK look 'rattled', their batters are not even 'trying'

• Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target

“Players [like Deepak Hooda or Rahul Tripathi who have been dropped three games in] they thought would deliver in certain numbers, certain positions, they haven’t been able to do that. It’s quite an uphill task for them going [deep] into the season. I feel they will come back strong once they get their combination and personnel right.”Rayudu, a three-time IPL champion with CSK, said that conditions and pitches should be the least of CSK’s worries. They lost two out of their three home games, both heavy defeats to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Coach Stephen Fleming has pointed to the lack of home advantage at Chepauk for a few years now.”The pitch they’re playing on is tailor made for Chennai. It’s just that they’ve not been able to execute well, and batters have come up short,” Rayudu said. “I feel they can drop one of their two really good weapons. Noor Ahmad or [Matheesha] Pathirana – should sit out to boost their batting. It’s a luxury they may not afford at this point, but one of them has to sacrifice for [Jamie] Overton.”Sanjay Bangar, the former India batting coach, said CSK’s struggles at the top of the order were having a ripple effect on the rest of the batting line-up, including key players like Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni in the lower-middle order. So far, CSK have been the slowest-scoring team in IPL 2025.Ruturaj Gaikwad has had to come in at No. 3 in the second over in three out of four games. Opener Tripathi was dropped after three matches, while Hooda was axed after two. In total, CSK have used 17 players, including all seven of their overseas options – a stark departure from their usual strategy of maintaining continuity.”The top order not getting runs is one of the issues,” Bangar said. “Shivam Dube not being the Dube of the last couple of seasons is an issue. MS-Jadeja at the stage they are, more so MS, I’m not expecting him to come up and do a bulk of the scoring in the last six-seven overs.”Bangar said there was little more that could be done in terms of tweaking their combination. “It seems right, what they’ve now arrived at after the first three experimental games. In the fourth game, I felt their combination was just about right. It’s a matter of the batting coming together and giving them runs at the top to get the confidence back.”1:49

Rayudu: CSK’s best shot is for Gaikwad to open

In the lower order, Dhoni has struggled to hit sixes like he did last season. When asked about Jadeja’s form and whether he had passed his prime as a batter, Rayudu felt he still had plenty to offer.”I won’t say that,” Rayudu said. “He’s someone who is really fit, actually has come into his own in the last five-six years. He’s been a brilliant batsman, which we’ve not seen in his early years, [we’ve seen him] play some match-winning knocks chasing, specially playing in those 16-20 overs period. That’s the period ideally for Jadeja and Dhoni if they bat, they’ll be much more effective than coming in overs 10-14, it’s not their strength.”Rayudu also defended CSK’s methods when asked if they had not done enough to nurture young talent over the years.”Generally, we’ve seen over the years teams that have come up with lot of youngsters and have gone nowhere,” he said. “MI brought in, bred youngsters, but one at a time not four-five at a time. Fans are emotional, they want results immediately. You’ve got to believe in process when things are not going well. This has worked for many years; they’ve done well. Have a little bit of patience, trust the management. A little bit of freedom and things will turn around.”

A video posted online by Gary Neville in the wake of a synagogue attack in Manchester has courted controversy and attracted criticism, but it is reported that the former United and England defender will not face any punishment from Sky Sports. Neville remains a prominent public face for the broadcasting giants, with a role being filled as a co-commentator and pundit.

What Neville said

Neville, speaking through his LinkedIn account, took aim at “angry middle-aged white men” and offered his take on the trend of Britons fastening St George and Union Jack flags to lampposts and bridges across the country. The 50-year-old spoke out after the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation tragedy, which saw Syrian-born terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie stage a deadly knife and car rampage.

He began by saying: “Seeing the news last night and the news this morning dominated by the horrific attacks within the Jewish community, just a mile from here.” He then turned his attention to the ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ flag movement – co-founded by Andrew Currien, a close ally of Tommy Robinson – and went on to say: “When I was driving to Salford City last night, going down Littleton Road, I seen probably 50 or 60 Union Jack flags. And on the way back I went down the parallel road, Bury New Road, which has got the Jewish community right at its heart and they're out on the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear. Funnily enough on one of my development sites last week there was a Union Jack flag put up and I took it down instantly.”

Neville added: “I just kept thinking as I was driving home last night that we're all being turned on each other, and the division that's being created is absolutely disgusting. Mainly created by angry, middle-aged white man, who know exactly what they're doing.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportStance of Sky Sports

Said comments generated lively debate, with Sky Sports reportedly being threatened with boycott action. Their company guidelines state: “Talent and contributors should be aware that social media communities are public forums and should not undertake activity that brings either the programme or Sky into disrepute.” The reports that “the pundit is not expected to face any action”.

This is not the first time that Neville has shared his opinion on political matters, having previously spoken out against working conditions in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup and condemned the behaviour and leadership of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Reform UK MP Lee Anderson is among those to have responded to Neville, saying: “I believe in free speech but on this occasion just shut up. You had no problem in playing in front of the England flag. And the middle-aged English men you talk about are the same type of men that paid your wages.”

Neville refutes unpatriotic claims

Neville refuted any suggestion that his comments were unpatriotic, saying: “I played for my country 85 times, I love my country. I love Manchester and I love England, but I've been building in this city for 15 to 20 years and there's no one put a Union Jack flag up in the last 15 to 20 years, so why do you have to put one up now? Quite clearly it's sending a message to everybody that there's something you don't like.

“The Union Jack flag being used in a negative fashion is not right and I'm a proud supporter of England, Great Britain, of our country, and I'll champion it anywhere in the world as one of the greatest places to live. But I think we need to check ourselves, bring ourselves back to a neutral point, because we're being pulled right and left and we don't need to be, at all.”

He added: “Brexit has had a devastating impact on this country and the messaging is getting extremely dangerous. All these idiots out there spreading hate speech and abuse in any form, we must stop promoting them. We must stop elevating our voices towards them and it needs to stop now, and get back to a country of peace, love, harmony and become a team again.”

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Getty/GOALCo-owner of Salford with Beckham & property empire

Neville, who is a co-owner of League Two side Salford City alongside fellow Class of ‘92 graduate David Beckham, boasts a sprawling property empire in Greater Manchester. The Mail states that claims of Sky being “bombarded with demands” to remove Neville from his role are “unfounded”.

Manchester United have endured a torrid few years on and off the pitch, leading to discontent shown by the fanbase amid their lack of tangible success.

From managerial changes to board protests and record-low Premier League finishes, it really has been a continuous period for the supporters to forget about.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try and transform the club, but so far to no avail, as seen by the 15th-placed league finish in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 40-year-old had the summer transfer window to try and transform the fortunes on the pitch, but so far he’s been unable to do so, only winning one of the first four outings to date.

£200m spent and yet another Manchester Derby defeat could spell the end for the manager, especially if recent reports around his future in the role are to be believed.

The latest on Ruben Amorim’s future at Man Utd

Despite his 20th defeat since taking the reins last November, it’s been reported in recent days that INEOS may not be looking to part ways with Amorim in the near future.

Many people on the board see the 40-year-old as the man to lead the club forward, but there’s no denying concerns have been raised given the dismal form under his guidance.

Contrary to recent reports, a report from Miguel Delaney states that the Red Devils are huge admirers of Andoni Iraola and could see him as a potential replacement in the months ahead.

The journalist claims that the hierarchy have been impressed by his work at Bournemouth in recent months, with the 43-year-old seen as an ideal candidate to take the reins.

However, Delaney’s report also states that rivals Manchester City are also keen on the Spaniard, who could move to the Etihad to replace Guardiola, should he depart the Citizens.

Why Iraola would be a huge upgrade on Amorim for Man Utd

Amorim’s record of just 18 wins in his 48 outings in charge of United is nothing short of shocking and has fallen way below the standards demanded from the fanbase.

His 3-4-2-1 system was something to be excited about upon his appointment 10 months ago, but now it appears to be a real sticking point of his tenure at Old Trafford.

He’s spoken about his reluctance to switch away from his preferred system, with his stubbornness potentially adding to the case to sack him from his current post.

The 40-year-old has failed to have the desired impact on England’s top-flight, but the same can’t be said for Iraola during his own spell at the Vitality Stadium.

The Spaniard has won 38 of his 92 games in charge of the Cherries, securing the club’s best-ever Premier League finish in the 2024/25 campaign. As a result, it’s arguably no surprise to see him described as the “best young coach in the world” by many, including Sky Sports pundit Sam Tighe.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 43-year-old will cost, and if he would want a move to Old Trafford, but when comparing his stats to those of Amorim – it’s clear he would be an upgrade.

Iraola, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Sky Sports’ Nick Wright, has achieved a higher win percentage to date, whilst also achieving a better point-per-game record in England’s top-flight.

Games managed

80

31

Wins

31

8

Draws

20

7

Losses

29

16

Points per game

1.4

1

Win percentage

39%

25%

Goals per 90

1.5

1.1

Goals conceded per 90

1.5

1.6

His side have also scored more goals and conceded fewer per 90, showcasing his ability to get the best out of his sides at both ends of the pitch.

Such success if further highlighted in the higher league finish throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly conducting a better job in the role despite the Cherries having a much smaller stature.

There’s no disputing that Iraola has done a phenomenal job on the South Coast, massively outperforming expectations over the last few seasons – especially on a shoestring budget in comparison to the Red Devils.

If he’s able to achieve such success with limited funds, the prospect of him working under INEOS at Old Trafford would be one to get excited about – potentially able to be the perfect replacement for Amorim.

Amorim wanted his own Donnarumma & Haaland but Man Utd got Altay & Sesko instead

It’s been yet another poor start to a Premier League season for Manchester United.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 16, 2025

Manchester United went into the transfer window with a long list of deals that needed to be completed. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS looked to overhaul United’s squad to one that would better fit Ruben Amorim’s style of play and avoid another catastrophic Premier League season.

In terms of outgoings, they looked to offload their “bomb squad”. They successfully moved on, whether temporarily or permanently, all of its members bar Tyrell Malacia. The club also managed to move on Rasmus Hojlund on a loan with a conditional option to buy to Napoli.

On the recruitment side of things, going into the window, the priority was attacking midfielders and a striker, which United successfully signed. Once those deals were completed, the club looked at signing a goalkeeper and a midfielder, with the former arriving on deadline day with Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens.

However, the crucial midfielder was not signed despite several inquiries to a number of players. It has now been revealed that United approached Chelsea about the signing of one of their defensive midfielders.

Chelsea star Lavia among those Man Utd inquired about in midfield hunt

News has emerged that during their fruitless hunt for a new midfielder, Manchester United approached Chelsea over the signing of Romeo Lavia. The £53 million midfielder joined Chelsea in 2023 from Southampton.

Speaking to United in Focus reporter Graeme Bailey, revealed that United were interested in the Chelsea midfielder and could be keen again come Janaury.

The report also indicated that Lavia was one of the club’s four main midfield targets. Other midfielders included Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand, Atlético Madrid’s Connor Gallagher and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, with the latter being priced at over £100 million following United’s inquiry.

Where Lavia ranks among United's midfield targets

United weren’t expected to have massive amounts available to spend in the transfer window this summer, but they ended up spending £216 million thanks to player sales, sell-on clauses and a new revolving credit facility. It is currently uncertain if they have enough left over to sign a new midfielder in January or if they have to wait until next summer.

If the money is available, then they will likely look at the same options they did this summer, in which case Lavia may not be the best candidate. Options like Baleba and Gallagher have performed to a higher standard in recent seasons and are more likely to be an immediate upgrade to the United squad.

One of the main reasons that these two have performed better than Lavia in recent seasons is that they’ve been available far more often.

While he could turn out to be a fantastic midfielder, his injury record makes signing him a massive gamble. Since joining Chelsea, Lavia has averaged 11.5 appearances a season, and with a club like United, who will hope to be back in Europe next season, that means he may only be available for a quarter of their games.

If Lavia was signed at the end of the summer transfer window after nothing else worked out, then he would be a useful addition to the squad. However, given the other options available, Lavia should be further down United’s transfer wishlist for January.

تترقب جماهير كرة القدم في مصر والعالم اليوم الأحد الموافق 19-10-2025، يوماً كروياً حافلاً بالإثارة، حيث تُقام مجموعة من المواجهات القوية والمرتقبة في مختلف الدوريات والبطولات القارية، تتصدرها قمة الدوري الإنجليزي بين ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد على ملعب “أنفيلد”.

في الدوري المصري، تتواصل منافسات الجولة الحادية عشرة بمباراتين قويتين، حيث يلتقي فريق زد مع بتروجيت في مباراة يبحث فيها كلا الفريقين عن العودة لطريق الانتصارات، بينما يصطدم سيراميكا كليوباترا بنظيره طلائع الجيش في مواجهة متكافئة على ملعب القاهرة الدولي.

أما في أوروبا، فسيكون عشاق الكرة على موعد مع مواجهات نارية، أبرزها لقاء ريال مدريد ضد خيتافي في الدوري الإسباني، وميلان أمام فيورنتينا في قمة الدوري الإيطالي، إلى جانب لقاء توتنهام وأستون فيلا في البريميرليج، الذي قد يحدد شكل المنافسة في المراكز الأربعة الأولى.

وفي الدوري الفرنسي، يحل باريس سان جيرمان ضيفاً ثقيلاً على لانس في مباراة مرتقبة ضمن الجولة الثامنة، بينما يشهد الدوري الألماني مواجهتين هامتين أبرزها صدام فرايبورج مع فرانكفورت.

وعلى الصعيد العربي، تستمر منافسات الدوري السعودي بثلاث مباريات مثيرة، حيث يلتقي الخليج مع الرياض، والتعاون مع ضمك، فيما يواجه فريق نيوم نظيره القادسية في ختام اليوم الكروي بالمملكة.

كما تتجه الأنظار إلى القارة السمراء حيث تُستكمل مباريات ذهاب دور الـ32 من دوري أبطال أفريقيا وكأس الكونفدرالية، وتشهد مباريات قوية أبرزها مواجهة الجيش الملكي المغربي مع حوريا كوناكري الغيني، والوداد البيضاوي ضد أشانتي كوتوكو الغاني، إلى جانب لقاء اتحاد العاصمة الجزائري مع أكاديمية أمادو ديالو الإيفوارية. مواعيد مباريات اليوم الأحد 19-10-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري المصري اليوم

زد ضد بتروجيت، الساعة 5:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، وتُذاع عبر قناة “ON Sport 1”.

سيراميكا ضد طلائع الجيش، الساعة 8:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، وتُذاع عبر قناة “ON Sport 1”.

طالع أيضًا | إبراهيم العامري فاروق عن ترشحه لانتخابات الأهلي: والدي ترك لي مسؤولية كبيرة مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإنجليزي اليوم

توتنهام ضد أستون فيلا، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 1 HD”.

ليفربول ضد مانشستر يونايتد، الساعة 6:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 1 HD”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإسباني اليوم

إلتشي ضد أتلتيك بيلباو، الساعة 3:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 3 HD”.

سيلتا فيجو ضد ريال سوسييداد، الساعة 5:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 3 HD”.

ليفانتي ضد رايو فاييكانو، الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 3 HD”.

خيتافي ضد ريال مدريد، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 1 HD”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإيطالي اليوم

كومو ضد يوفنتوس، الساعة 1:30 ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر منصة “STARZPLAY” و”STC”.

كالياري ضد بولونيا، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر منصة “STARZPLAY” و”STC”.

جنوى ضد بارما، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر منصة “STARZPLAY” و”STC”.

أتالانتا ضد لاتسيو، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر منصة “STARZPLAY” و”STC”.

ميلان ضد فيورنتينا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر منصة “STARZPLAY” و”STC”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الألماني اليوم

فرايبورج ضد فرانكفورت، الساعة 4:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر منصة “شاهد”.

سانت باولي ضد هوفنهايم، الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “MBC Action” ومنصة “شاهد”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الفرنسي اليوم

لانس ضد باريس سان جيرمان، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 4 HD”.

لوريان ضد بريست، الساعة 6:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 4 HD”.

رين ضد أوكسييه، الساعة 6:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 5 HD”.

تولوز ضد ميتز، الساعة 6:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 6 HD”.

نانت ضد ليل، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 4 HD”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري السعودي اليوم

الخليج ضد الرياض، الساعة 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “ثمانية 2”.

التعاون ضد ضمك، الساعة 6:10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “ثمانية 3”.

نيوم ضد القادسية، الساعة 9:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “ثمانية 1”. مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال أفريقيا اليوم

نسينجيزيني ضد سيمبا، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

كولومب ضد مولودية الجزائر، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

سانت إيلوا لوبوبو ضد أورلاندو بايرتس، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

ريمو ستارز ضد ماميلودي صنداونز، الساعة 6:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

حوريا كوناكري ضد الجيش الملكي، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

فايبرز ضد باور ديناموز، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

إف سي نواذيبو ضد ستاد مالي، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. مواعيد مباريات الكونفدرالية الأفريقية اليوم

نيروبي يونايتد ضد النجم الساحلي، الساعة 3:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

فلامبو دو سنتر ضد سينجيدا بلاك ستارز، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

فروفياريو دي مابوتو ضد أوتوهو أويو، الساعة 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

أشانتي كوتوكو ضد الوداد البيضاوي، الساعة 6:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

هافيا كوناكري ضد شباب بلوزداد، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

القوات المسلحة ضد دجوليبا، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

أكاديمية أمادو ديالو ضد اتحاد العاصمة، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا