This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Kieran Tierney will not play for Scotland in their final two Euro 2020 qualifiers after Arsenal asked Steve Clarke not to call him up, as reported by The Daily Mail.
Speaking about the decision, Clarke stated: “Kieran has got an ongoing issue that Arsenal are keen to address in the next international break and Arsenal asked us not to select him.
“It’s a little bit frustrating. It’s obviously frustrating for Kieran as well, but we’ve got good cover in that position.”
The Scotland manager’s stance on the situation is understandable, as Tierney can be an important player for his national team, as signified by the fact he has started the last 10 games he has been available for, as per Transfermarkt.
However, Arsenal have definitely made the right decision in requesting the 5ft 10 left-back’s fitness is worked on, especially as Scotland mathematically can’t make it through.
Tierney has only played the last two Premier League games for the Gunners, having been eased into things following his hip injury.
There have been positive signs from those games, with the Scotsman averaging 1.5 tackles, 1 interception, 2.5 clearances and 0.5 blocks per game, as per WhoScored.
With this in mind, it would be silly to risk halting his progress with another injury, when his fitness can be reinforced over the break.
It can be argued that, in the long run, this decision will benefit Scotland as well as Arsenal, so it is certainly the correct call for everyone involved.
A selection of Tottenham Hotspur fans have voiced their support for Dele Alli rediscovering his form, that saw the midfielder thrive before suffering a string of injuries.
Alli missed the start of the Premier League season through a hamstring issue, and only managed to feature for 30 minutes in the top-flight across the opening eight weeks of the campaign.
He has since started three league games in a row and featured for the full ninety minutes in each, while hitting two goals with the late equaliser against Watford in October and the opening strike against Everton on Sunday.
Which North London club is facing the biggest crisis at the moment? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…
Injuries were a regular gripe of his campaign last term, as the 23-year-old was sidelined for a total of 22 games over 98 days through hamstring and thigh strains, as well as a fractured hand.
He also suffered a hamstring injury in the 2017/18 season, along with a knee issue in the 2016/17 term.
The 6 ft 2 advanced midfielder regularly wrote his name on the scoresheet before injuries began to creep into his game, as Alli recorded more goals and assists in the Premier League before turning 21 than Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo had managed.
His total of 40 was also more than Lampard (15), Gerrard (13) and David Beckham (12) together had managed.
Some Tottenham fans have recently voiced their support for Alli returning to his more creative best, as ‘class is permanent’ and the 37-cap England international will only get better the more he plays.
Celtic have less than 48 hours to complete the remainder of their business in the summer transfer window, as the deadline is set to pass on Friday night.
The Hoops have made five additions to their first-team squad so far, with Adam Idah, Paulo Bernardo, Kasper Schmeichel, and Viljami Sinisalo signing permanently, alongside a loan swoop for Alex Valle.
Brendan Rodgers' side has also been dealt a blow as central midfielder Matt O'Riley completed a move to Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Scottish Premiership giants are now looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park, with last-gasp swoops for new midfielders this week.
Celtic eyeing late deal for midfield ace
According to Football Scotland, Celtic are lining up a late move for FC Lausanne-Sport central midfielder Alvyn Sanches to compete with the likes of Callum McGregor, Paulo Bernardo, and Reo Hatate.
The report adds that the club's pursuit of Augsburg ace Arne Engels is separate to their interest in the Swiss gem, as they view the Belgian talent as a replacement for O'Riley, whilst Sanches would come in as competition across the midfield.
It reveals that he is rated at £4m and that a deal to take him to Scotland is now on the table, as they look to spend the money they raked in from Brighton.
The outlet states that the Hoops are hoping to bring in two new midfielders before the deadline, which means that Sanches and Engels could both come in as fresh recruits for Rodgers.
Imagine Alvyn Sanches and Arne Engels
At 21 and 20 respectively, Celtic could secure the future of their midfield by completing these two days before the end of the summer transfer window.
Firstly, Engels could come in to provide a creative presence in the middle of the park. In the 2022/23 and 2023/24 Bundesliga campaigns, the 20-year-old star produced five assists in 31 starts.
He ranked within the top 26% of midfielders in the division for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.14) and the top 19% for assists per 90 (0.18) in the 2022/23 season, which speaks to his impressive creativity at such a young age in a major European league.
Appearances
25
Starts
19
Goals
5
Assists
0
Dribbles completed per game
1.3
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.8
As you can see in the table above, Sanches could come in and offer a goal threat from midfield, after a return of five goals in 25 Super League games last term, despite only starting 19 times.
The 21-year-old gem, who was dubbed "highly-rated" by journalist Charlie Gordon, has also made 3.3 tackles and interceptions combined per match across four league games this season, which shows that he can make an impact in and out of possession.
These statistics suggest that Sanches and Engels could complement each other well in midfield, as the former can offer defensive strength and a goal threat, whilst the latter can be the maestro tasked with unlocking opposition defences with his creative quality.
Rodgers lining up late Celtic swoop for "powerful" Kyogo upgrade
The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Premier League striker.
Manchester United are thought to be in talks with the representatives of a 23-year-old "leader" over a summer move to Old Trafford, according to a fresh transfer update.
Man Utd transfer news
The Red Devils continue to be linked with new signings after a hugely productive time of things in the transfer market, with Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui completing moves to the club.
It looks as though United's centre-back additions may not be done yet, however, despite Yoro and De Ligt adding much-needed depth there, with Barcelona ace Andreas Christensen emerging as a rumoured target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe. There is plenty of Premier League interest in the Denmark international, however, with Tottenham and Newcastle United also believed to be in the mix to acquire his services.
Andreas Christensen
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are also continuing their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, as they look to bring in a long-term successor to Casemiro at the base of the midfield, following some leggy performances from the Brazilian over the past 12 months or so.
Ederson also plays in a similar role to Ugarte, and appears to be a possisble alternative to the Uruguayan, with the 25-year-old proving to be a key player for Atalanta en route to them winning the Europa League last season. In fact, United are even said to have made an offer for him.
Man Utd in talks for 23 y/o Brazilian "leader"
According to a new update from journalist Aline Nastari on X, Manchester United have started negotiations and talks with Fluminense midfielder Andre over a summer move to Old Trafford:
"Wolverhampton and Manchester United are interested in the player. Negotiations are underway between the player's representative and the clubs. However, there is no offer on the table for Fluminense."
Andre is another deep-lying midfielder in the mould of Ugarte and Ederson, putting out fires in front of the defence, so he could be a great option for United as they slowly look to replace Casemiro.
Fluminense midfielder Andre
The 23-year-old was a reported target for Liverpool during the January transfer window, with Fluminense rejecting an offer for him, so signing him could feel extra sweet for the Red Devils.
Andre has been described as a "leader" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, arguably operating with a level of maturity beyond his years, and he is now a five-time capped Brazil international, potentially adding to that tally and becoming more of a key starter leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Surprise move: Man Utd target "extraordinary" UCL winner who's like De Ligt
The experienced international could be a clever addition to the team.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 23, 2024
It is so important for United to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer, and while Ugarge and Ederson possess the European experience that Andre doesn't, the latter could be the cheapest option, with a report from Sport Witness relaying claims that Fluminense want a total package of €35m (£30m) for his services, including bonuses.
Whilst their recent focus has been on welcoming reinforcements, Manchester United could now reportedly sanction the sale of a player who Erik ten Hag loves in a big-money sale.
Man Utd transfer news
Having shown plenty of promise despite eventual defeat against Manchester City in the Community Shield on penalties, Manchester United have added further fresh faces to Ten Hag's side, confirming the arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The duo arrive to complete the Red Devils' backline ahead of the beginning of the Premier League campaign.
Speaking to Manchester United's official website, the first of the Red Devils' arrivals, Mazraoui said: “It’s an incredible feeling to be a Manchester United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt. I know that I’m joining the club at an exciting time; everyone I’ve spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together and I can feel the determination to achieve that.”
He's better than Berge & Ugarte: Man Utd submit bid for "monster" CM
He is a long-term target in midfield
ByJoe Nuttall Aug 14, 2024
Following the defensive duo's arrival, however, United could be about to bid farewell to an attacking star. According to reports in Spain, Manchester United and INEOS could be tempted to sell Marcus Rashford in a deal worth €100m (£86m) this summer, with clubs in Saudi Arabia willing to make a mega-money move before the end of the month and transfer deadline day.
Rashford, like many of his teammates at Old Trafford, had a season to forget last time out, failing to find form and failing to fire Manchester United any higher than a disappointing eighth. Missing out on a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 England squad as a result, the winger now finds himself at a career crossroads.
"Unstoppable" Rashford needs to start season well
Simply put, Rashford cannot afford to endure another inconsistent campaign at Manchester United. Ten Hag must know which version of the winger that he is going to get on a matchday. And that version must be the player who scored 30 goals on top of 10 assists in the 2022/23 campaign, and not the winger who managed just eight goals and five assists in all competitions last season.
At a career crossroads, some at Old Trafford may be tempted to cash in, but Ten Hag will undoubtedly back his forward to rediscover his best form. The Dutchman praised Rashford in January of 2023, saying via Manchester Evening News: "I don't think I said he had to learn to deal with it, but he has; he knows how to deal; he knows that in top football you have to suffer, sacrifice, and have painful moments.
"Especially a player like he is, he's unstoppable, opponents will go tough against him to stop him. But you have to deal with it, and I think he's capable of it. He keeps investing, he keeps going, he keeps focusing for his chances and in the end he got a reward and the team got his reward."
Arsenal are "now leading the race" for Chelsea forward Kai Havertz and manager Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer, according to journalist Steve Kay.
Who could join Arsenal this summer?
Even before the Gunners fell short in their quest to win a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, sporting director Edu was working long and hard behind-the-scenes on summer targets.
The Brazilian confirmed as much in an interview with ESPN (via 90min), saying back in April that planning was already done with the transfer window firmly in their sights.
"Our planning has already been done," said Edu.
"It has already reached the owners. Now, we're taking things step by step. We're focused on how we will finish the season, but we've put in the planning and I'm very excited."
A lot of the noise lately has surrounded a potential move for West Ham star Declan Rice, who impressed yet again under David Moyes last season.
The north Londoners saw an opening bid of £80 million for Rice rejected on Thursday, with Brighton star Moises Caicedo and Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan also linked recently.
A fairly new target, however, is Havertz – with journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic breaking news of a "proposal" for the player from Arteta's side.
kai-havertz-chelsea-arsenal
Now., sharing an update for Football Transfers, journalist Steve Kay has claimed that Arsenal are "now leading the race" for Havertz and personal terms have already been agreed.
They've seemingly entered pole position for the 24-year-old, who apparently wants to join Arteta, with the Gunners boss being a huge admirer of him.
However, while Arsenal are "pushing hard" for Havertz's signature, there is still work to be done, as Chelsea and Arsenal are about £15 million apart in terms of valuation.
The Blues want £70 million for their forward, but Arsenal apparently value him at around £55 million.
Who is Kai Havertz?
Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, Havertz has gone to produce some big moments at Chelsea, perhaps most notably a winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Man City.
His versatility is big draw for Arteta and the "terrific" attacker has even been likened to French footballing icon Zinedine Zidane by Lothar Matthaus.
“I compare him to Zinedine Zidane in terms of skills, technique and overview, and anticipating a situation,” he said to Kicker (via The Mirror).
“Zidane didn’t seem quick, but he was when he hit the ball. Havertz can do that too.”
If Arsenal secure his signing, there is certainly plenty of potential there.
West Ham have done it. This humid, sticky, unforgiving evening in Prague will go down in their history.
It was far from a classic, but the Hammers won’t care. The trophy was clinched at the death when the ever-present Jarrod Bowen sprinted on goal and calmly slotted it into the back of the net.
The club had flirted with relegation throughout the year, finding themselves in the drop zone at various points.
But through the murky turmoil of domestic football, the Europa Conference League provided a shining beacon of light that has culminated in the club’s first major trophy in 43 years and European success since 1965.
There were many points within the season when the faith wavered. The trust in David Moyes, who was elated at full-time and his cohort of extravagant new signings was under constant scrutiny.
But they have emerged as champions, blessed with another season of top-flight and European football.
In recent weeks, when the pressure intensified, one player who has emphatically proven his worth is Lucas Paqueta, who was instrumental in this monumental victory.
How did Lucas Paqueta perform against Fiorentina?
The Brazilian arrived in East London with humongous expectations for a club-record fee of £51m – a dazzling, scintillating playmaker expected to orchestrate another top-half finish.
However, at the start, he flattered to deceive. The 40-cap international often cut an anonymous, dejected, and uninvolved figure, unable to showcase his extraordinary talent.
The 25-year-old didn’t score his first goal for his new club until January 2023, but in the latter stages of the Premier League and in Europe, the former Lyon ace has repaid every penny of his transfer.
Although he struggled to influence the first half of their famous 2-1 victory, he provided that match-winning moment, threading an expertly weighted through ball to the onrushing Bowen, who coolly converted.
As well as this, the joyous technician recorded two key passes from his 46 touches, won 11 defensive duels, and made four tackles, as per Sofascore, in a well-rounded performance from central areas.
Throughout the term, the £150k-per-week star’s contribution to the defensive effort has been undeniable; in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers, he ranks in the highest 4% for tackles, blocks, clearances, and aerials won per 90 – a glowing testament to his unrelenting work rate and commitment to the Irons.
Described as “simply sensational” by CBS’ James Benge following the game, the attacker has finished the season with 43 appearances, 12 goal involvements, and the second-highest average rating in the squad across the campaign.
Big players forge even bigger moments and Paqueta’s contribution to this fateful European excursion is unforgettable. It may well have been Bowen who popped up with that remarkable late goal, but it was his Brazilian colleague that he owes it to.
More power to Moyes, who after receiving a torrent of speculation regarding his future, is deservedly entitled to another season at the helm.
Newcastle United are interested in an ambitious swoop for Napoli phenomenon Victor Osimhen, with the Serie A champion's future uncertain after Luciano Spalletti's recent departure from Naples.
What's the latest on Victor Osimhen to Newcastle?
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via the Mirror), who claim that Eddie Howe's Magpies are set to battle it out with Premier League rivals Manchester United this summer for the Nigerian frontman, having received a £100m windfall after qualifying for next year's Champions League.
The report states that Newcastle have 'made contact' with the player's agent and are now looking at the feasibility of a move for an ace integral in Napoli's Scudetto this term.
A stumbling block comes in the form of Osimhen's valuation, with I Partenopei demanding roughly £130m for the 24-year-old after such a sensational season.
Should Newcastle sign Victor Osimhen?
Napoli signed Osimhen for around £81m from French outfit Lille in 2020 and he swiftly asserted himself as an impressive striker in Italian football, scoring 28 goals across his first two campaigns.
This season, he has truly emerged as one of Europe's foremost forwards, posting 30 goals and five assists from 38 matches across all competitions as Napoli emphatically secured the Serie A title for the first time since 1990.
Newcastle already boast a formidable strikeforce in Callum Wilson and £63m club-record signing Alexander Isak, who have plundered 18 and ten goals respectively this term. The Swede was even hindered by injury issues for much of his maiden season in English football.
However, a signing of Osimhen's ilk would lift the offensive calibre to a whole new level, the forward ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals and the top 3% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref, and subsequently being hailed as a "goal-machine" by journalist Mimo Fawaz.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The £91k-per-week phenom would indeed be hard to prise away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium but Spalletti's departure to take a year-long sabbatical surely opens the door for the likes of Newcastle and the Red Devils.
Newcastle are on the up and will not want to rest on their laurels after finishing in the top four, instead looking to utilise their newfound prominence to continue an ascent to the very forefront of domestic and continental football, and to do so, closing the gap on imperious Premier League champions Manchester City is the goal.
Pep Guardiola's defending champions have taken precedence in England after the sagacious Spaniard arrived in 2016, and this term could yet complete a historic treble, having clinched the league title and await their fate in both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.
A definitive factor behind the blistering success is down to the signing of prolific prodigy Erling Haaland, who has scored an incredible 52 goals from 51 outings during his first season with the Sky Blues, also supplying nine assists.
Ranking among the top 1% of forwards for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 10% for rate of assists and the top 5% for touches in the attacking box per 90, the Norwegian sensation has taken the world by storm and rivals will be desperately searching for a way to dethrone his side, and Newcastle could unearth the formula by signing Osimhen.
The semblance between the strikers is uncanny, and Osimhen would undoubtedly become the Tyneside club's "heart and soul" – as praised by reporter Mina Rzouki for his feats in Naples – not only bridging the gap but perhaps harnessing a level of fluidity to leapfrog the divisional giants and claiming centre-stage as the Premier League's new leading force.
Liverpool could revitalise their midfield to full intensity should they succeed in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, according to The Redman TV's Paul Machin.
What's the latest on Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool?
Jurgen Klopp's Reds are leading the race for the Argentine World Cup winner, according to the likes of transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with an agreement on personal terms believed to be all but complete.
The Seagulls, who will join Liverpool in the Europa League next season, have touted the 24-year-old at £70m and the Merseyside outfit appear set to meet the valuation, beating the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United to his signature.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Machin waxed lyrical over the dynamic midfielder and hinted that Mac Allister is the perfect heir to Gini Wijnaldum's position in the team, with the industrious midfielder departing on a free transfer in 2021.
Machin said: "The weird thing about Gini Wijnaldum is I think the role has changed. It was a very functional role for Liverpool that Wijnaldum played and not many footballers have got that kind of capability.
"I actually see Mac Allister as being a Gini Wijnaldum plus. He might have the ability to do those functions, but you're going to get more assists and you're going to get more goals out of him further up the pitch.
"I see him more in rotation with Curtis Jones potentially, and it's going to be their job to actually do more of the fun stuff on the pitch, whereas Gini Wijnaldum was very much doing the dirty work."
How good is Alexis Mac Allister?
Few would deny that a midfielder of Mac Allister's make would enhance Liverpool's prospects of success next season, bringing energy and intensity to the fore.
Wijnaldum was often the unsung hero for his Merseyside outfit, plying his trade with assiduous diligence and being heralded as "sensational" by his former German manager for his exploits, and there is likely a growing belief that Mac Allister could not only emulate the Dutchman but transcend his feats at the Liverpool centre.
Having broken into Brighton's first team last year, making 36 appearances and scoring five goals, the "sumptuous" dynamo – as dubbed by Gary Lineker – has taken a major stride in his development and plundered 12 strikes from 39 outings, with a central role in his nation's triumphant World Cup campaign wedged in the middle.
Alexis Mac Allister Brighton Argentina
The £50k-per-week phenom's rounded skill set is likely a major reason behind Liverpool's ostensible willingness to pay the big bucks, with FBref underscoring his dynamism by referencing his ranking among the top 17% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 17% for successful take-ons.
A "magician" with the ball, as hailed by teammate Danny Welbeck, Mac Allister could cement his role as central focal point for Liverpool, perhaps even emerging as Klopp's own version of Barcelona's prodigious maestro Pedri.
Signing for La Blaugrana from Las Palmas for just €20m (£17m) in 2020, the 20-year-old Pedri has since made 109 appearances for his club and earned 18 caps for Spain, belying his age with the superlative calibre of his performances.
He ranks among the 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for progressive passes, progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, praised as a "brutal player" by Barca legend Andres Iniesta.
Both Mac Allister and Pedri are progressive presences with bundles of energy, and Barcelona's resurgence under Xavi is indebted to Pedri's presence at the nucleus of the pitch.
Likewise, it's no coincidence that Mac Allister has starred in Albion's ascension to European football and Argentina's return to the pinnacle of international football, and Liverpool must tie up a deal for the remarkable talent.
Newcastle United transfer target Harvey Barnes is keen on a move to the club during the summer transfer window, a new update has claimed.
Is Barnes expected to leave Leicester?
The Magpies have been linked with a host of players ahead of what could be a significant summer for them, having been boosted by qualifying for next season's Champions League.
Barnes is one player who has emerged as a potential target, having done his best to help Leicester avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, scoring 12 times in the competition and also registering one assist.
The £40,000-a-week attacker may end up leaving the King Power Stadium at the end of the season, though, alongside Foxes teammate James Maddison, who also appears to be a primary target and is interested in a move to Newcastle, and it looks as though the situation is similar with Barnes.
According to Football Insider, Barnes is "keen on joining Newcastle United if they push hard for his signature this summer". He is thought to be "one of three English creative or attacking midfielders" that the Magpies are eyeing up, with Maddison and Mason Mount the other two players in question.
It is even stated that the one-time capped England international, who shares the same agency as manager Eddie Howe, "will quit Leicester City this summer regardless of whether the Foxes escape relegation on the Premier League final day or not."
Barnes is someone who could be viewed as an eye-catching option for Newcastle this summer, having been a key figure for Leicester over an extended period now, who prior to the final day, scored 44 goals and chipped in with 32 assists in 186 appearances for the club. He was once described as "sensational" by Gary Lineker in 2019, and he could offer the Magpies extra pace and directness in wide areas, often adopting a left-sided role with the ability to either cut inside or go on the outside.
To have stood out for a struggling side like Leicester shows the impact that Barnes could have with better players around him – the same applies to Maddison, too – so there is every chance that he could find an extra gear in a Newcastle shirt, benefiting from the vision of Bruno Guimaraes, and providing for and linking with the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in the attacking third.