Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a move for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta after missing out on Eberechi Eze, with Aston Villa also interested. With Mohammed Kudus already sold to Spurs, Paqueta could be the next big name to move from east London to north.
Spurs and Villa interested in PaquetaTottenham already raided Hammers for KudusPotter under pressure as exits pile up at West HamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Per the , Paqueta has emerged as a transfer target for both Tottenham and Aston Villa as the summer window nears a close. Spurs are keen to strengthen their midfield options after losing out on a deal for Eze, while the Villans are also exploring possibilities amid financial constraints. Paqueta, fresh from clearing spot-fixing allegations, remains open to a fresh start at a Champions League club.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
West Ham are under growing pressure after a poor start to the season, and the recent 5-1 defeat to Chelsea only added to the gloom. Having already lost Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham, selling another key player would deepen concerns among fans. Under pressure, boss Graham Potter is facing a real test to stabilise his squad while dealing with transfer uncertainty this summer.
DID YOU KNOW?
Paqueta was one of West Ham’s brighter performers against Chelsea, scoring the opening goal before the Hammers collapsed defensively. Spurs, meanwhile, continue to explore attacking alternatives, with Daniel Levy still pushing for Savinho despite setbacks elsewhere. Villa remain in the race, too, though their financial situation could restrict them to a loan bid.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA?
With just weeks left in the transfer window, Tottenham and Villa must decide whether to formalise their interest in Paqueta. West Ham face a tough call on whether to cash in or resist further departures.
Eddie Hearn has explained how he and boxing champion Anthony Joshua are building a football agency that could attract interest from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Initial idea floated by boxing superstarMeetings and talent scouting taking placeWill handle all aspects of footballer's careerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Hearn, who is the head of Matchroom Sport, is buying into an exciting venture that was dreamt up by Olympic gold medal winner and former heavyweight title holder Joshua. They are planning to create a company that will help to manage every aspect of a professional footballer’s career.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT HEARN SAID
Hearn has told the , with meetings and talent scouting already taking place: “We've been talking about this for years and fine-tuning the plans behind the scenes over the past couple of months. But, I hadn't planned to speak about it publicly just yet. AJ's gone and revealed the whole thing. I had no idea he was going to post about it (on Instagram) but once he did it went mental. Players, clubs, sponsors, media, everyone was coming to us.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The business model in question will handle sponsorships, brand deals, PR, endorsements, lifestyle, logistics, and long-term career strategy, with Hearn adding: “It will be a 360-degree service for players. From a commercial level, from a transfer level, from a concierge level, booking restaurants and sorting private jets – everything. We're not just talking about moving you from one club to another. It's about shaping your career and life on and off the pitch. We don't expect to be a nine-to-five business, they can use us as they please to benefit their careers.”
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Joshua’s profile will help the new brand to gain access to players that others cannot reach, with Hearn saying of ambitious plans to get superstar clients on board: “I'm not interested in coming in, with all due respect, and representing a couple of lower league players. I want to enter at the highest level. I want to leverage all of our contacts globally – particularly, perhaps, in the Middle East – to represent the biggest names in the sport.
“So we've definitely been keeping our ear to the ground when it comes to players who might be seeking new representation or looking for something different. Because again, when we launch, we want to do so with players already on board – not launch the agency and then, a year later, people are asking, ‘So who have you actually signed?’ So yeah, we believe we could move quite quickly when it comes to talent.”
Coming into Royal Challengers Bangalore’s final group game of WPL 2024, Ellyse Perry had not picked up a single wicket in six outings. She more than made up for that by returning the best-ever figures in the WPL, and propelling RCB into the playoffs. It was a sensational display of swing bowling from Perry, who finished with 6 for 15 to help bowl Mumbai Indians out for a mere 113.And Perry wasn’t done yet. With RCB losing their top three quickly, she then carried the chase with an unbeaten 38-ball 40. She had an ally in Richa Ghosh, who remained not out on 36 off 28 as RCB sealed a seven-wicket win in Delhi.RCB’s win snuffed out Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz’s playoff hopes.
Mandhana’s decision at the toss bears fruit
It takes a brave captain to go against the tide, especially in a game that could make or break the team’s season. Six of the seven games in the Delhi-leg of the WPL before today had been won by the sides batting first. Even the one that Mumbai won chasing required a Harmanpreet Kaur special. Despite that, Mandhana elected to field, citing the match being played on a fresh surface as the reason. And her decision paid off.With Yastika Bhatia out due to illness, Mumbai had a new opening pair in S Sajana and Hayley Matthews. The duo added 43 for the opening wicket, but once Matthews fell, it was all one-way traffic.
Perry magic leaves Mumbai dumbfounded
It started with a catch, it ended with the poles being hit four times – interspersed by two lbws – as Perry ripped through Mumbai in a sensational display of swing and seam bowling. She was involved in each of the first seven Mumbai wickets to fall and by the time she was done, RCB had one foot in the playoffs.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Sophie Devine struck first removing Matthews with Perry taking an excellent catch diving forward at deep midwicket. Perry started well with the ball conceding only a run in her first over, but Mumbai were still motoring along at close to eight runs an over.From no wickets off her first nine balls, she picked up six off her next 15 as Mumbai collapsed from 61 for 1 in 8.3 overs to 82 for 7 in 13.It was the good length ball that brought about Mumbai’s undoing. Perry first got through Sajana’s defences with a sharp in-ducker that clattered into her off stump. The very next ball, Perry went away from Harmanpreet who drove at it half-heartedly only to manage a thick inside-edge back onto her stumps.The first ball of her next over, Perry got another good length ball to deviate sharply back into Amelia Kerr, who was rapped on the pads and a loud appeal ensued. RCB challenged the on-field umpire’s not-out decision and were proven right. Amanjot Kaur pulled Perry first ball but was sent back immediately after with another booming inswinger that cut her in half.Perry picked her fifth wicket by cleaning up Pooja Vastrakar and then claimed the WPL record for the best figures off the final ball of her spell trapping Nat-Sciver Brunt in front. In all, Perry bowled 18 dot balls in her four-over spell, leaving Mumbai clueless.Priyanka Bala, on WPL debut, remained unbeaten on 19 to take Mumbai past the 100-mark.Richa Ghosh produced a vital, unbeaten 36 off 28•BCCI
Perry, Ghosh take RCB into the playoffsIf six wickets weren’t enough, Perry also starred with the bat after RCB lost their top three quickly. Sophie Molineux, opening the batting for the second game running, had a life on 4 when Sciver-Brunt spilt a simple catch at extra cover. She couldn’t last long though with Matthews getting her stumped for 9. Sciver-Brunt then saw the back of Mandhana the next over before Shabnam Ismail beat Devine for pace.At 39 for 3 after 6.1 overs there would have been some nerves in the RCB camp. Perry settled some of them by hitting Saika Ishaque for a four and six. Ghosh then had a big reprieve when Sciver-Brunt again shelled a simple catch at midwicket off Ismail. And unlike Molineux, Ghosh made Mumbai pay.Both batters paced their innings well and once they got a hang of the surface, they opened up their shoulders. It was fitting that Perry got RCB over the line lofting Vastrakar over mid-on to seal the deal in 15 overs.
BCCI secretary confirms tournament will begin in “second or third week” of February
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Dec-2023The second edition of the Women’s Premier League will take place in “one state” of India, starting from the “second or third week” of February. BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed as much on Saturday, talking to journalists after the WPL auction in Mumbai.”It is decided that we will have the tournament in February,” he said. “Most probably we will start in the second or third week.”As far as the venue is concerned, it will be held in one state only so that it is better logistically. Logistics are very important for us this time, next time we can figure it [having more venues] out.Related
New faces give timely boost to India's T20 World Cup prep
Uncapped Kashvee and Vrinda make biggest splash at WPL auction
WPL 2024: What the five squads look like
'What! 1.3 lakh?' – Vrinda Dinesh tells the story of her big payday
“We can do it either in Bangalore [Karnataka] also or Uttar Pradesh also. We have so many venues, even in Gujarat, where we have Ahmedabad, Rajkot and after a few years Baroda can build their own stadium. Basically, it is a joint call between the franchises and the BCCI. We will sit together and we will decide. We will let you know. It will be in one state, that is for sure.”Last year, the first edition of the WPL was played only in Mumbai, across two venues: the Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Sports Academy. India women’s ongoing international season, featuring series against England and Australia, will also solely be played in Mumbai. When asked if there was a plan for India Women to play in other cities or states, Shah said: “The domestic season is going on, so we will have to see – where the venue is available, we will have it. There are [other] matches happening in Gujarat, Chandigarh, Ranchi… it is not the case that we want to organise matches in Mumbai only.”The auction ahead of the second WPL was held in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon, with the uncapped Indian pair of Kashvee Gautam and Vrinda Dinesh commanding the biggest pay cheques.
The PCB, hosts for the tournament, agreed to the decision reluctantly after the ACC sent out a message to stakeholders without consulting the PCB
Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Sep-2023The PCB has reluctantly agreed to have the last five matches of the ongoing Asia Cup played in Colombo, as scheduled. This is despite the Pakistan board having strongly objected to the games staying in Colombo and not moving to Hambantota, as well as the manner in which the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) made that decision.The PCB had been on board with plans to move the Colombo matches to Hambantota, on account of rains being forecast in Colombo during the next ten days – this information is understood to have been provided by Sri Lanka’s department of meteorology. On Monday evening, and on Tuesday morning, the ACC appeared to be working on the understanding that the games would shift to Hambantota.But suddenly, around midday on Tuesday, the ACC sent a mail to the stakeholders stating that the matches would be played in Colombo as originally scheduled. This incensed the PCB officials, who not only would have preferred the matches to have been played in Hambantota but were also alarmed that the ACC had made this decision unilaterally, without adequately consulting them, the hosts of the tournament.In response, the PCB called for an immediate ACC executive board meeting, and has also sent a letter to ACC president Jay Shah, protesting the decision-making process at the ACC. But beyond pulling out of the tournament, there is little the PCB can do now. While deeply troubled by the events of Tuesday, the PCB appears unlikely to take a drastic step.On Tuesday afternoon, Shah himself made a statement as ACC president, which addressed the matter of the tournament’s scheduling.”All the full members, media rights holder, and in-stadia rights holders were initially hesitant to commit to hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan,” Shah said in this statement. “This reluctance stemmed from concerns related to the security and economic situation prevailing in the country.”However, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have visited Pakistan for bilateral tours since 2019, and have also played matches there in the group stage of the ongoing Asia Cup. Neither team has publicly expressed a reluctance to play there, nor have their boards expressed a reluctance to send teams to Pakistan. In fact, two BCCI officials – board president Roger Binny and vice-president Rajeev Shukla – have visited Lahore over the past two days, and were hosted by the governor of (Pakistani) Punjab.The background to all of this is that the PCB had originally wanted the whole tournament to be played in Pakistan, but the BCCI refused on the basis that their government would not allow the team to travel to Pakistan. Much of the tournament was then shifted to Sri Lanka.This seemed a workable compromise, until the Pakistan vs India match in Pallekele was rained out on Saturday, prompting fears that the whole tournament would be severely affected by the weather.BCCI president Roger Binny and vice-president Rajeev Shukla flank PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf during their visit to Lahore•PCBIn any case, the SLC is pleased the tournament will stay in Colombo, and has always preferred the tournament to be played there, as it is logistically the easiest city in which to host a multi-team tournament. SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday that one of the reasons the ACC decided to keep the games in Colombo was because “a lot of fans had already made arrangements to watch the matches in Colombo” and because “the last few days it hasn’t been raining as much” in the city.He also cited Sri Lanka’s largely successful history with hosting ODIs. In the last ten years, 79 of the 84 men’s ODIs played in the country have been completed. Of the five abandoned matches, Saturday’s game was the only match to be abandoned in the month of September, which historically is not an especially wet month.Jay Shah points to ‘several changes’ in PCB for confusion In his statement, Shah also said, “In my capacity as ACC President, I was committed to finding a viable and mutually agreeable solution. To this end, I had accepted the hybrid model that was proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in collaboration with the ACC management. However, it’s important to note that the leadership of the PCB underwent several changes, and this resulted in some back-and-forth negotiations, particularly regarding crucial aspects such as tax exemption and insurance for matches.”In response to initial PCB suggestions that the tournament be played in Pakistan and the UAE – aired again in recent days given the weather in Sri Lanka – Shah said there was a difference between playing 20-over games and 50-over games in the UAE in September.”The Asia Cup 2022 edition was played in the UAE in the T20 format. It’s important to emphasize that the dynamics of a T20 tournament cannot be directly compared to those of a 100-over One-day format. In this context, ACC members received feedback from their respective high-performance teams, expressing concerns about playing One-day matches in the UAE in the month of September. Such a schedule could have potentially led to player fatigue and an increased risk of injuries, particularly right before the all-important ICC Cricket World Cup.”The decision-making process regarding the Asia Cup 2023 format and venue was guided by a sincere desire to prioritise the well-being of the players, as well as the overarching interests of the sport. Ultimately, the goal was to strike a balance that would allow for a competitive and successful tournament while ensuring the health and readiness of the participating teams for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.”
Liverpool are now keen on signing a “total footballer” in the summer transfer window, but there is set to be fierce competition from a number of rival Premier League clubs, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Reds set to continue Premier League title pursuit vs Everton
Despite Arsenal’s 2-1 victory against Fulham on Tuesday, the Reds remain in a strong position to win the Premier League title, and they have the opportunity to restore their 12-point lead at the top of the table in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Having crashed out of the Champions League before going on to lose the EFL Cup final, the league title is the last remaining piece of silverware up for grabs this season, but if they manage to go all the way, it will undoubtedly still be considered a successful campaign.
One of the slight criticisms that could be made of Arne Slot’s side this season is perhaps their overreliance on Mohamed Salah, with Diogo Jota struggling with injuries while the likes of Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez haven’t exactly set the world alight.
Liverpool make contact to sign "world-class" £62m striker ahead of Arsenal
The Reds are now in the race to sign a “world-class” striker, having made the first move towards getting a deal done.
1 ByDominic Lund Apr 1, 2025
As such, Slot seems intent on bolstering his attacking options this summer, and Liverpool are now keen on signing RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, as reported by Romano for GiveMeSport.
There is a concrete chance Simons is on the move this summer, despite only recently signing for Leipzig permanently from Paris Saint-Germain, and several other Premier League clubs are also in the race for his signature, such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Netherlands'XaviSimonscelebrates scoring their third goal
The Dutchman could be available for a fee of around £58m – £62m, and the Premier League is one of the top destinations in his mind, particularly with Barcelona’s financial issues making it difficult for the La Liga side to compete for his signature.
"Total footballer" Simons could be destined for the top
Freelance scout Ben Mattinson is clearly a huge admirer of the 21-year-old, having lauded him as a “total footballer”, while also claiming he has “superstar potential” and the IQ to play all over the pitch.
Since then, the attacking midfielder, who can also play on the wing, has continued to impress for RB Leipzig, picking up seven goals and four assists in 19 Bundesliga outings this term, building on an impressive first season in Germany.
The Netherlands international has also been in top form for his country during the recent international break, being lauded as a “game-changer” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig after scoring against European champions Spain.
Liverpool could do with some more attacking depth if they are to compete on all fronts next season, with Jamie Carragher of the belief there are four or five players Slot doesn’t rate in his current squad, and Simons has proven he could be an excellent addition.
There have not been many positives this season for Glasgow Rangers. The Ibrox side won’t win any domestic silverware, trailing their arch-rivals by 16 points in the Premiership title race, also being knocked out of the Scottish and League Cups.
Barry Ferguson did mastermind a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League first leg of their last-16 clash, but even the most optimistic Rangers supporter will feel glory in Europe is beyond them.
Vaclav Cerny has been a hit since joining the club on loan from Wolfsburg, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, although finances will likely prevent the Gers from securing his signature on a permanent basis.
Hamza Igamane has also been another bright spark for the club. Costing just £1.7m from Moroccan side AS FAR last summer, the 22-year-old has since netted 13 goals in all competitions, despite this season being the first outside his native Africa.
Hamza Igamane
One of the most underrated players since he returned to the starting XI in October has been Nico Raskin.
The Belgian has missed only two games between September and the time of writing, establishing himself as a key member of the team.
How Nico Raskin has grown in importance at Ibrox
Against Celtic at the start of the year, Raskin was given the captaincy due to James Tavernier missing the game through injury.
During the 3-0 victory, Raskin provided an assist while also making two key passes, creating a big chance and winning 60% of his ground duels throughout the game.
He controlled the midfield, making four interceptions and three tackles which nullified Celtic and contributed to the stunning Old Firm win.
The midfielder has struggled with his injury problems during his first year or so at the club, but his performances this season have proved he is now indispensable to any future success at Ibrox.
Raskin may not offer too much in the final third, but in terms of providing effective support in the heart of the midfield, he has been crucial.
In the Premiership, the Belgian has averaged 3.6 tackles per game, along with averaging 7.8 ball recoveries, 1.6 interceptions and 1.4 clearances each match in the top flight.
If he continues this current form until the end of the campaign, the new manager might have to fend off interest from other clubs this summer.
Indeed, these impressive performances for the Light Blues have seen Raskin’s market value soar since joining the club.
According to Transfermarkt, the Belgian is currently worth around £5.5m and this value should only continue to rise over the coming months ahead of the summer transfer window.
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin
He has the highest market valuation in the entire squad apart from Cerny, who will depart this summer once his loan spell ends.
Whoever comes in to take charge of the Gers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign must utilise Raskin in his desired position, as he could be an ideal choice to take over the captaincy from Tavernier, especially following his display against Celtic in January.
Market Movers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
Having also starred in continental competition, shining against Fener last week and standing out against Spurs, he’s certainly following in the path of a Europa League hero from a few years ago.
Rangers' European hero is now worth less than Raskin
Joe Aribo may have only been at the club for three seasons, yet he developed from a raw talent to a player who scored in a major European final.
Glimpses of his talent were on show during the Gers title-winning 2020/21 campaign, where he registered 15 goal contributions – eight goals and seven assists – as the club went the entire league season undefeated.
2023/24
40
4
1
2022/23
27
2
0
2021/22
57
9
10
2020/21
43
8
7
2019/20
49
9
8
2018/19
39
10
5
2017/18
34
6
3
2016/17
22
0
7
From a personal point of view, the following season was even better. Indeed, the Nigeria international scored nine goals while chipping in with ten assists across all competitions, helping the Gers reach the 2022 Europa League final.
He opened the scoring in that match against Eintracht Frankfurt, becoming just the fourth player in the club’s history to score in a European final. Unfortunately, Rangers lost the game on penalties to the German side.
With Giovanni van Bronckhorst needing to raise some funds that summer in order to bring in the players he wanted, a few were moved on.
How Joe Aribo is playing in 2025
Calvin Bassey departed the Ibrox side in 2022, with Ajax signing him for a club-record fee after an impressive campaign.
This bolstered the coffers, but when Southampton came in for Aribo, a deal was concluded that could rise to around £10m, and it was too good to turn down, that’s for sure.
This fee proved to be a significant profit on the midfielder, although they would have a big gap to fill.
Aribo hasn’t exactly proved his worth on the south coast, however, struggling to adapt at times.
The “exceptional” gem – as so dubbed by his manager Ivan Juric recently – scored just twice for the Saints in his first season.
He helped them secure a place back in the Premier League last term, defeating Leeds United in the playoff final, but they look set to drop back down into the second tier.
Now part of a team that could end with the fewest points in Premier League history, Aribo has netted three top-flight goals. As a result, his value has decreased since making his move south of the border three years ago.
Now, according to Transfermarkt, Aribo is currently worth £5m and if he fails to perform in the Championship next term, this could drop even lower.
This valuation is even lower than Raskin’s at the time of writing, indicating that the Gers have struck gold by selling Aribo when they did, maximising the best possible transfer fee for the former Charlton Athletic midfielder.
The new manager will be aiming to bring in his own players for cheap, before making millions on them after a few years at Ibrox. That’s a certainty.
49ers must move on Rangers star who earns more than Raskin & Hagi
Rangers should move on from the reportedly highly-paid star in the summer window.
Whilst Eddie Howe and his side have their sights firmly fixed on the Carabao Cup final, those away from the pitch at Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a rising star this summer.
Newcastle battling to sign 'the next Aguero'
The Magpies have endured a mixed season in the Premier League, with their battle to secure a Champions League place in danger of coming up just short as things stand. In all usual circumstances, their campaign could be destined to end in frustration. This time, however, Wembley and the chance to salvage a moment to savour against Liverpool awaits.
Howe deserves great credit for putting the Magpies in contention to finally end their wait for silverware. The former Bournemouth boss has been forced to make do with his current squad in the last two transfer windows, occasionally forming makeshift sides as a result. However, that could finally change when this summer arrives.
The Magpies have already been linked with moves for the likes of Tammy Abraham and could yet also turn towards a rising star in an attempt to boost Howe’s squad once and for all.
Newcastle now targeting move for £25m-rated ace with an "elite engine"
He could be an ideal addition to Eddie Howe’s midfield.
ByHenry Jackson Mar 15, 2025
According to Sabah, as relayed by Sports Witness, Newcastle are now battling to sign Semih Kilicsoy from Besiktas, who value their 19-year-old at just €15m (£12m) ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Magpies aren’t alone in their interest though, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa reportedly set to submit a third bid in pursuit of his signature. Sparking a race between two sides fighting for European qualification this season, those at St James’ Park should be desperate to get one over on those in the Midlands.
Meanwhile, such a battle for Kilicsoy’s signature should come as no surprise. The teenager is a rising star who looks destined to reach the very top, having been dubbed ‘the next Sergio Aguero’ by former EFL scout Jake McGhee.
"Fantastic" Kilicsoy is one to watch
Of course, if Kilicsoy is anything close to the level that Aguero reached throughout an illustrious career then Newcastle could be in for a treat if they make their move this summer. The Besiktas gem has once again been a standout in Turkey, scoring four goals and assisting a further six in all competitions to follow up an excellent campaign last time out.
Praised for a “fantastic first professional season” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kilicsoy is only just getting started. What is also worth noting is that in Aguero’s first season at Atletico Madrid, he managed six goals and two assists in La Liga compared to the 11 goals and two assists that Kilicsoy managed at 18 years old in the Turkish Super Lig last season.
So, whilst he has already been dubbed the next Aguero, the Besiktas star could yet become even better than the Premier League legend.
Manchester City are interested in signing an “exceptional” player who could be available for a transfer in the summer, according to a new report.
Man City suffer eighth defeat of Premier League season
The Blues continued their tricky run of fixtures with a home tie against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. Just a few days after being dispatched by Real Madrid in the Champions League, Liverpool came to the Etihad and looked comfortably in control despite often surrendering the ball to their hosts.
Worse than Marmoush v Liverpool: Pep must finally axe 5/10 Man City man
Manchester City should allow the forward to move on from the club in the summer.
2 ByDan Emery Feb 24, 2025
That leaves City in fourth place and level with Newcastle United on 44 points after their eighth defeat in the league. But despite being beaten once again, Pep Guardiola said his side played “really good” and he had “no regrets”.
“It was a good game. Tight game in the first half; the first half it was more open, and the second half they defended very deep.
“They always have the threat, but it is not easy to control it. We dropped them. Through our pressing or build-up, dropped the team there. I think Doku and Savinho played an incredible game and get to the byline a lot, but then just from there, we missed the magic. We played really good so I have no regrets. The chances in the final third, when we want to shoot and cross, for the amount we arrived there, we did not create much.
Manchester City managerPepGuardiola and Erling Haaland
“I saw a bright future. Other than Kevin [de Bruyne] and Nathan [Ake], they are the future of this club in the next years, with others who will come in future windows. So many players are here playing, but we know Erling [Haaland] will come, and we have important absences. Everyone was really, really good.
“The first goal from the corner, but we tried to play, and I know how the opponent will play. Second half, they were 11 players in the box. We did well because they don’t want to do that. Big compliment to them, but I am very pleased with the way we play.”
Man City interested in signing 19 y/o Juventus star
As Guardiola mentioned after the Liverpool game, more players will come to the club in future transfer windows as they build for the future. According to Caught Offside, Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz could be a future arrival a Man City with Juve Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli aware of the need to balance their books amid interest from the blue half of Manchester.
The report states that while Yildiz is one of Juventus’ most valuable assets, they could consider selling him in the summer transfer window. The Italian giants know selling the 19-year-old would help generate funds and improve their financial situation, and that is why they are looking to get between €80-90 million (£66-74 million). This has alerted City, who are interested in signing the player but face competition from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.
Apps
70
Goals
10
Assists
6
Yildiz has already expressed his interest in moving to the Premier League, and that could alert clubs even more. The young Turkey star can play anywhere across the frontline, and this season he has chipped in with four goals and two assists in Serie A. His performances have also impressed his national team manager, who has labelled Yildiz as “exceptional”.
Having recruited so well from the Championship in the past, Crystal Palace have now reportedly set their sights on two impressive second-tier stars ahead of the summer transfer window.
Crystal Palace transfer news
The Eagles are once again soaring after Oliver Glasner a year on from when he arrived and turned their season around. Following initial struggles to replicate that form, the Austrian has got his side firing on all cylinders once again and Jean-Philippe Mateta wheeling away in celebration more often than not in what has been another key change in fortune.
Now eyeing a potential top-half finish, those at Selhurst Park will be keen to build on current form when the summer transfer window arrives. After already welcoming Romain Esse on a permanent basis from Millwall and Ben Chilwell on loan from Chelsea in January, Palace could seek further improvements.
Once again, those improvements could come courtesy of the Championship too, as talents continue to follow in the footsteps of Eberechi Eze and now Esse towards South London.
According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now plotting a double swoop to sign Hayden Hackney and Rav van den Berg from Middlesbrough this summer.
Crystal Palace plotting double signing of two young international forwards
Crystal Palace are keen on signing two players from the same club in the summer transfer window.
ByBrett Worthington Feb 24, 2025
The duo have both impressed in the Championship this season and have deservedly earned the interest of Palace, who could win the race for their signatures. Hackney, in particular, will not come cheap though. Boro reportedly value their defensive midfielder at as much as £20m this summer, but as Palace look to replace Will Hughes, he could be worth every penny.
Dubbed “great” by manager Michael Carrick last season, Van den Berg is impressive in his own right. Amid recent rumours once again linking Marc Guehi with a move away this summer, the 20-year-old could emerge to instantly solve Glasner’s centre-back problem.
Hackney is good enough to replace Hughes
With contract talks yet to prove successful, Glasner is set to have a Hughes-shaped hole to fill when the summer transfer window arrives in what will be a frustrating blow. The former Derby County man has become an important figure at the heart of the Austrian’s midfield, but as he potentially departs, the future of Palace’s midfield could arrive in the form of Hackney.
League stats per 90 24/25 (via FBref)
Hayden Hackney
Will Hughes
Starts
30
18
Progressive Carries
2.71
1.02
Progressive Passes
10.6
4.26
Ball Recoveries
6.67
5.45
Without Hughes, there may be concern within Selhurst Park that Palace are about to lose their safest midfielder and often the man left to win possession back for his side. But not only is Hackney perfectly capable of replicating both of those traits, he’s performing those tasks more often than the Palace midfielder – albeit in the Championship.
Hayden-Hackney-and-Michael-Carrick
What’s most impressive is that the Boro star progresses play extremely well. One criticism of Hughes – especially when looking at the numbers – is that his passing range is almost too safe and too limited at times. Hackney, by contrast, sets his sights forward more often than not.
So, if Palace are seeking a replacement for Hughes – an heir to his midfield throne – then Hackney should be the man in waiting.