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      Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sends fans bold Champions League prediction

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis shared an ambitious Champions League prediction ahead of next season.Forest have been the Premier League’s surprise package this term as they are third in the table ahead of the likes of Chelsea and defending champions Manchester City.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis predicted his team can win the Champions LeagueCredit: PAMarinakis also believes his other team Olympiacos can win the Champions LeagueCredit: RexNottingham are pushing for their first ever Champions League qualification after almost three decades away from any European competition despite barely surviving the drop the last two seasons.The Tricky Trees are seven points above sixth-placed Newcastle and thus pose among the Prem’s favourites to play in Europe’s elite competition next season.Forest may be joined by Marinakis’ other club Olympiacos, who made history last season by becoming the first ever Greek team to win a European trophy when they lifted the Europa Conference League.The Greek giants are top of the Super League and need to win the title to practically seal a place in the league phase – they will then hope Aston Villa or Borussia Dortmund don’t win the Champions League.Read More on FootballMarinakis, 57, has more ambitious goals after doing the unthinkable by helping Olympiacos win a European trophy and guiding Forest into an almost certain top-five finish.The Greek businessman took part in a documentary commemorating Olympiacos’ 100-year anniversary where he addressed both of his teams’ path in next season’s elite comeptition.And the shipping magnate expressed his confidence that one of his teams will “surely” win the Champions League soon.Marinakis told Mega: “I’m sure you’ve heard many things, what I have to say is that since both clubs will compete in the Champions League one of them is sure to win it.”Most read in FootballNeither of his two teams have sealed a place in the competition yet as they still face some tough matches ahead.Forest have nine Premier League games to go against the likes of Manchester United, Villa, Tottenham and Chelsea.Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also in the FA Cup where they will visit Brighton in the quarter-finals next week.Olympiacos, on the other hand, are seven points ahead of second-placed AEK Athens in Greece.Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men are facing six tough play-off matches against title foes AEK, defending champions PAOK and eternal rivals Panathinaikos.The reigning Conference League winners will also have the chance to win their first Double in five years when they take on either OFI or Asteras Tripolis in the Greek Cup final.Nevertheless, steps are already being taken to comply with UEFA competition regulations in case both of Marinakis’ clubs make it to the Champions League.The rules prohibit clubs controlled by the same ownership structure from competing in the same European competition and thus a club reshuffle commenced last month.READ MORE SUN STORIESDocuments were recently filed on the Companies House website that confirm Forest co-owner Sokratis Kominakis and Ioannis Vrentzos are no longer directors at the City Ground.Both Vrentzos and Kominakis will retain their positions at Olympiacos. More

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      Race for Europe is hotting up and table shows Premier League is a meritocracy with likes of Brentford and Palace in mix

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      THE RACE for Europe is really hotting up as teams chase the dream of a trip to Munich, Bilbao or Bratislava.This season though looks very different as a side as low as 11th in the Premier League could qualify for continental competition.Teams will look to emulate West Ham’s success in the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: GettyMan Utd’s failures show that the Premier League is a meritocracyCredit: GettyOK, it would take a set of circumstances more complex than the welfare benefits system.But what the current table does show is that the Premier League is every inch a meritocracy.Rubbish, I hear you say. The same big teams keep winning the league.That may or may not be true — 2016 champions Leicester being a case in point — but just one look at the table and it struck me that plenty of the so-called “smaller” clubs are doing remarkably well.Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Bournemouth, Brentford and Crystal Palace are all vying for those vaunted European places and only one of them has ever won the English title — Forest under the late, great Brian Clough.Read more football newsIndeed, this season has shown above many others that reputations mean precious little with big clubs such as Manchester United, Spurs and Everton all at the wrong end of the table.At West Ham we know only too well how a European competition can light up your season.No one will ever forget that remarkable night in Prague two years ago when Jarrod Bowen’s late winner clinched us the Uefa Conference League crown.So for those chasing the coveted European places, there is a real incentive to give their fans something to get excited about.Most read in FootballWith only a few games to go this scrap is the most exciting element left to play out, with Liverpool 12 points clear at the top of the Prem and the bottom three seemingly cast adrift from the rest.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashYou’ll have to bear with me as the late Professor Stephen Hawking would have struggled with the mathematics — but it is theoretically possible for the 11th-placed team in the Premier League to qualify for Europe. Very unlikely, but possible.So, here goes.Liverpool, Arsenal, Forest and Manchester City qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four.Newcastle end fifth but collect the extra Champions League place awarded due to our teams doing so well in Europe this season.So far, so good.What this underlines for me is that the Premier League is both the strongest in the world — and the most competitive. It also has little respect for previous achievements and stature.Karren BradyBrighton finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League, while Bournemouth end seventh but win the FA Cup, thus qualifying for the Europa League as well.Chelsea finish eighth and win the Conference League, therefore also qualifying for the Europa League.Phew. But here is where it gets a bit complicated.Aston Villa end the season in ninth but win the Champions League, giving them the right to defend their trophy.Carabao Cup winners Newcastle could find themselves in the Champions LeagueCredit: RexNottingham Forest are on the brink of European qualification for the first time in 30 yearsCredit: AlamyMeanwhile Manchester United or Spurs finish tenth, but by winning the Europa League they also qualify for next season’s Champions League.With fifth-place Newcastle in the Champions League, their Conference League slot for winning the Carabao Cup would go to the 11th-placed side in the table — with the top ten already in Europe.It was a long and winding road, but we got there in the end.Of those “smaller” clubs vying for those qualification places, two-times European champions Forest were last in Europe 30 years ago.Fulham reached a European final 15 years ago while Brighton got to the Europa League round of 16 in 2024. The others never had a sniff at sipping coffee in Copenhagen, or biting into a Bratwurst in Berlin.What this underlines for me is that the Premier League is both the strongest in the world — and the most competitive.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt also has little respect for previous achievements and stature.But between now and the end of the season on May 25, there promises to be more twists and turns than at Silverstone as clubs race for the finishing line. More

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      Which striker should Arsenal buy? We rate the contenders and name the man Arteta must sign in the transfer window

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      INJURIES have forced Arsenal to play Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, adding fuel to the fire around their lack of signings.However, even if Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz had not been injured the Gunners would still be lacking in firepower.Mikel Arteta is desperately searching to find the next great goalscorerCredit: GettyEven with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus available the Gunners lacked some punchCredit: GettyNeither Jesus or Havertz completely fit the profile for the position Arteta wants to lead the line of his team in dropping deep or running into the channels.Modern football’s development in recent seasons means strikers need to be capable of breaking a game open on their own.They are athletic, strong and capable of playing on the last line and threatening to attack space behind the defensive line.Arsenal’s issue is every top club appears to be in a similar situation as they search for the next great goalscorer; there simply are not enough top strikers to go around at the moment. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle ace Alexander Isak would have been the natural top target, but last weekend’s Carabao Cup final win means the Swede is now unobtainable.We take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the strikers that Arsenal will be considering this summer.Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon and SwedenVictor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s top strikersCredit: EPAThe first name on the list is a striker who Arsenal have been linked with several times in recent seasons, 26-year-old Victor Gyokeres.The Swedish ace has been one of Europe’s top strikers in the last two seasons, hitting 50 goal contributions in 41 games this season after his 58-goal contribution tally at club level last season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesRightfully so, the former Coventry star is being billed up for a possible transfer fee of £83million.He already has experience in English football with Brighton and Coventry, contributing to 60 goals or assists in 116 games for the Sky Blues, while he scored just one for the Seagulls.How Arteta’s Merino experiment is surprising defenders and crucial to Arsenal’s attackGyokeres is far beyond the level of the Portuguese top-flight and his ability to score goals from a variety of positions and situations have really stood out for Sporting.His biggest strength comes in his ability to lead the line and to attack in moments of transition, working the channels effectively and gathering loose balls.Meanwhile, his strength and athleticism means he can drive through the final third towards the opposition area to create danger – a quality Arsenal are missing in their squad.Gyokeres typically finds himself in situations stretching the play and leading the lineHowever, there are genuine questions about how effective a striker like Gyokeres would be with a team that is more possession-dominant.His technical level when receiving in tight areas and when under pressure on his touch can be slightly loose. There is no doubt that he is better when he has space to attack as opposed to when he is trying to unlock a deeper defensive block.Victor Osimhen – Galatasary and NigeriaVictor Osimhen is itching for a transferCredit: GettyVictor Osimhen, 26, is a very experienced Nigeria international with 39 caps and 23 goals at senior international level as well as stellar at club level with 166 goal contributions across 253 games.His time at Napoli, which of course culminated in the club’s first Serie A win since Diego Maradona, looks to have come to a difficult end with Osimhen ending up on loan to Galatasaray.This season alone he has scored 26 goals and added five assists in 30 games in all competitions, including six goals in seven matches in the Europa League.He has clear similarities with Gyokeres in terms of profile, with both being strong and athletic strikers who are adept at playing on the last line and disrupting opposition defensive lines.But while Gyokeres excels when he has space to attack, Osimhen is more effective in tight spaces looking to receive and break down a deeper defensive block.Here we see how Osimhen likes to position himself between the defensive playersOsimhen is extremely powerful with the ability to receive under pressure and create chances for himself with creative touches and movements to create separation for himself.These qualities give weight to his £62m price tag despite having just one year left on his contract with parent club Napoli, and he is the exact type of striker Arsenal should be looking for.The biggest area of weakness for Osimhen comes in his out-of-possession work, with him being far from a monster in that respect. Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt and FranceHugo Ekitike looks set to be the next big money striker to be sold by FrankfurtCredit: ReutersEintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga have developed something of a reputation as a finishing school for strikers with several players being sold for big money.The France Under-21 international Hugo Ekitike, 22, appears to be the latest gem on that conveyor belt, with an estimated potential fee of £67m.Ekitike has scored 19 goals in 38 matches in all competitions so far this season, having moved to Frankfurt last summer from Paris Saint-Germain in France.The 22-year-old is extremely similar to Isak in that he is comfortable in a variety of situations.He can receive back to goal in deeper areas and link the play and he is comfortable in the channels. Here we see Ekitike receiving a forward pass before he turns, holds off defenders and pressure and then creates a shooting angle for himselfCrucially, however, he is strong when receiving on the last line with the ability to make space for himself and to get shots away.At the moment the biggest area of development that Ekitike has is improving his consistency and decision making in the final third. He is obviously younger than both Gyokeres and Osimhen with more development to come from him, but it can be argued Arsenal need a ready-made forward sooner rather than later.Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig and SloveniaArsenal have already been linked with Benjamin SeskoCredit: GettyThe fact Arsenal need a striker has been common knowledge for some time now and as such there have been players who have been consistently linked to a move to the club.One of those is the 21-year-old RB Leipzig and Slovenia star Benjamin Sesko.The Gunners were rumoured to be interested in the striker both in the summer and in the winter transfer window, although Sesko was keen to see the season out in Germany.So far this season Sesko has scored 17 goals in 36 games including four goals in eight Champions League games.Sesko is tall, powerful and fast and he combined the ability to play in space and transition with the ability to play on the highest line and to receive the ball with back to goal. Here Sesko shows his shot power as he receives and gets turned to face the opposition goal on his first touchThere is no doubt that his biggest strength as a striker though comes through his ball striking and the power that he can generate from shots.Sesko’s biggest area of development is his technical ability, patience and consistency when he receives the ball. At the moment there is still a sense with him that he has a tendency to try to force the game too aggressively as opposed to being more composed and calm in possession of the ball.Sehrou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund and GuineaSehrou Guirassy’s form has exploded in the last two seasonsCredit: AFPThe next player we have shortlisted is 29-year-old Sehrou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmunda and Guinea, who could cost as much as £40m.After a slightly slower start to his career Guirassy exploded last season while at VfB Stuttgart before making a move across Germany to sign for Dortmund.Guirassy has scored 24 goals in 36 matches this season including 10 goals in 12 Champions League appearances.It would be fair to say Guirassy is very much a last-line striker, and there is no doubt he would improve Arsenal’s forward play with his ability to play high and receive the ball under pressure.He has impressed in recent seasons with his ability to get on the ball and create space and angles to get shots away around the penalty area.Here we see Guirassy positioned between the two central defendersHis movement and ability to get little pockets of separation from defenders help him to create shooting opportunities.Despite the impressive performances that we have seen from Guirassy in recent seasons there is still some doubt as to his ability to perform at the highest level. Does he have the ability to play with his back to goal and then to attack space against the more athletic profiles of defenders in the Premier League?Samu (Omorodion) Aghehowa – Porto and SpainSamu Aghehowa has already been linked with a top Premier League moveCredit: GettyThe rise of Samu Aghehowa, also known as Omorodion, to this point has been nothing short of spectacular.From playing in the fourth tier of Spanish football just two seasons ago to being recognised as one of the most promising young strikers in European football.The young striker moved initially to Atletico Madrid having just broken into the first team at Granada, leading to heavy links with Chelsea before he moved to join Porto.So far this season he has scored 20 goals in 34 games this season with six goals in nine games in the Europa League.Aghehowa, 20, is extremely powerful and he is at his best in the final third and around the opposition penalty area.He is very strong when it comes to attacking the ball in the air and he routinely displays the ability to dominate opposition defenders from crosses or high balls into the area. Here we see how Aghehowa can excel in tight areas as he performs an overhead kick under tight pressureRated at potentially £84m, he can also shield the ball and bring others into the game as his team attacks.At the moment Aghehowa still has to refine and improve his technical level.He needs to improve his ability to receive and outplay defenders and add more to his game in terms of his passing when he comes into deeper positions.Liam Delap – Ipswich and EnglandLiam Delap has had a solid season despite his team’s looming threat of relegationCredit: GettyIt would be fair to say the performances of Liam Delap have been one of the real highlights of Ipswich’s first season back in the Premier League.The 22-year-old, England Under-21 star is a product of the youth academy at Manchester City but moved to Ipswich on a permanent deal last summer.He is another striker who has real power and pace with the ability to stretch the game and provide threat with his off-ball movement to attack space around the final third.So far this season he has scored 10 goals in 31 matches, a strong return for a team facing relegation from the Premier League this season.Delap has the ideal profile for a modern striker. Here we see where Delap actually picked the ball up deep before starting to drive forwardHe has the frame to attack with real power and he is quick when he gets into stride and can run to attack space in advanced areas.As a striker he can carry the ball over longer distances and drive past opposition players with real pace and power.He still needs to develop his consistency and at the moment it is unclear whether he would be as effective when playing against a team who sit in a deeper and more compact defensive block or for a team that are more possession-dominant.ConclusionThere are several players who are options for Arsenal going forward as they look to add a striker to their current squad. The issue is that there will be significant competition for any of the seven players that we have discussed in this article.Arsenal will have to be aggressive in terms of securing the right target. Given the position Arsenal are in they need to add a proven winner and goalscorer who can give them the edge and help them to win the Premier League. While there is every chance that a forward like Ekitike would thrive at Premier League level, we believe Osimhen is the striker who would have the biggest impact next season for Arteta’s side.His experience of leading Napoli to the Serie A title just a couple of seasons ago and the fact Napoli would be very keen to do a deal. are key factors.The fact he is not a pressing monster can be worked around, as we saw in his time at Napoli under Spalletti.Two seasons ago, he was the man who led the press for Napoli, and there is no reason why he cannot do it again.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis tactical approach is something that Arteta could easily replicate given the nature of the players that would be either side of Oshimen.And his attacking prowess at both holding the ball up and also stretching that last line of defence make him a very interesting match for Arsenal.We reckon Osimhen would be the perfect fit for Arsenal’s striker problemCredit: Getty More

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      Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAIN

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      BARCELONA’S move to their new stadium has been delayed AGAIN.Barca left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Catalan city’s Olympic Stadium.Barcelona’s return to the Nou Camp has been delayed once moreCredit: BARCELONABarcelona left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona fans were informed they will play the rest of their LaLiga and Champions League matches at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona were expected to return to the Nou Camp in NovemberCredit: RexThe legendary ground, which will be renamed the Spotify Camp Nou, is undergoing reconstruction that will see it hold a capacity of around 105,000 – the highest in Europe.The Blaugrana were initially expected to return in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.Barcelona president Joan Laporta then claimed the club would be back in the stadium by March.According to ESPN, however, the Catalan giants have now informed fans the club will finish the season at the Olympic Stadium, where they will play all remaining LaLiga and Champions League matches.Read More on FootballSupporters got the news via email on Thursday.Things have slowed down due to the fact more work is required on the second tier than initially planned.This comes after a recent report from Relevo claimed the earliest the Catalans could move would be October 2025.The same source added the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Most read in FootballBarcelona are pushing for the LaLiga title despite playing away from their home.They currently top LaLiga, but bitter rivals Real Madrid are second with the same amount of points.Delayed Camp Nou appears far from completion as new video shows slow progress of £1Atletico Madrid are four points behind the El Clasico foes amid an exciting season.Hansi Flick’s side are also in the Champions League quarter-finals where they will face Borussia Dortmund. More

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      Champions League giants ‘ready to WITHDRAW 70,460-seater stadium from hosting World Cup’

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      ATLETICO MADRID are prepared to pull out of hosting games at the 2030 World Cup, reports claim.As many as 23 venues have been proposed for the biggest show in sport in five years’ time- which will be held across a record SIX countries.Atletico Madrid are prepared to withdraw from hosting games at the 2030 World CupThe club won’t push for the Metropolitano to be one of the 32 stadium venuesSpain, Portugal and Morocco will be the main hosts in 2030 in a year where the World Cup will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It is the first time the competition will be played in Spain for 48 years, and its first time ever in the latter two.For its centenary celebrations, the first three matches of the 2030 World Cup will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.This is to commemorate the first World Cup final in 1930, where hosts Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in the final.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe final venues for the tournament have not been confirmed, although most grounds are bidding for a spot.But Atletico Madrid are reportedly shelving their 2030 World Cup hosting bid.The LaLiga club won’t push for the Metropolitano to be one of the 32 stadium venues, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.It comes as Fifa requires stadiums to be available more than a month before the 2030 tournament for its preparations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Atletico are keen to exploit the commercial benefits of hosting concerts and events during the peak summer calendar.Reports claim that Atletico would lose around £20million by not being able to use its stadium during June and July.Inside £49m ‘Stadium of the Year’ which saw world record set and is more popular than the Bernabeu And club believe that hosting one or two group stage matches is not worth losing out on the concert money.Meanwhile, Atletico are also predicting that they’ll likely play second fiddle to fierce city rivals Real Madrid in 2030.The new and iconic Bernabeu will compete with Barcelona’s Nou Camp to host the World Cup final. Meanwhile, Valencia’s Nou Mestalla Stadium is set to have its World Cup hosting rights restored after work restarted following 16 years.The skeleton of what had been dubbed “the world’s best stadium” had been lying dormant as construction work halted in 2009.The aim is to complete the 70,000-capacity stadium by the summer of 2027 after the club unveiled its sixth set of plans since the original announcement in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzan, has now suggested the ground will be one considered for 2030.Meanwhile. the Metropolitano has all-but been confirmed as the host stadium for the 2027 Champions League final, according to the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF).2030 FIFA World Cup venues – proposed full listAnoeta Donostia, SpainCamp Nou Barcelona, SpainGran Canaria, SpainLa Cartuja, SpainLa Rosaleda SpainRiyadh Air Metropolitano, SpainNueva Romareda, SpainRCDE Stadium, SpainEstadio Riazor, SpainSan Mamés, SpainSantiago Bernabéu, SpainEstádio da Luz, PortugalEstádio do Dragão, PortugalEstádio José Alvalade, PortugalAdrar Stadium, MoroccoHassan II Stadium, MoroccoFez Stadium, MoroccoMarrakesh Stadium,MoroccoPrince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, MoroccoIbn Batouta Stadium, MoroccoEstadio National del Paraguay, ParaguayEstadio Monumental, ArgentinaEstadio Centenario, Uruguay More

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      I made Champions League debut against Real Madrid and scored winner against Barcelona – now I make a living cutting hair

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      DANNY HOESEN made his name with his ability to cut in and finish.Now he is proving his worth with a very different cut and finish.Danny Hoesen scored against Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has taken on a new career as a barberCredit: MAESONSHoesen is honing his skills away from the football fieldCredit: MAESONSHoesen, 34, enjoyed the best night of his football career when he scored the winner for Ajax in the Champions League against Barcelona in front of Johan Cruyff – in the stadium named after his legendary compatriot.He also played against Real Madrid on his Ajax debut, found the net against Borussia Dortmund and won both the Eredivisie and KNVB Dutch Cup. But after being forced to retire aged just 32 with a hip injury that plagued his career, Hoesen has launched himself into a new job as a barber.The ex-forward is now working part-time at his brother-in-law’s salon Maesons in Utrecht after going through their very own academy to get trained up in his clipping skills.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHoesen told SunSport: “I had no cartilage left in my hip. My level and the pain were getting worse and worse. I couldn’t finish one training session and decided to quit football.“I needed something to do, needed to have goals and was looking to invest. My brother-in-law’s business was a golden opportunity.“In the beginning as a co-owner, I was just in the office trying to understand and help the business but it was kind of boring.“I always enjoy watching the barbers when they cut hair because it looks satisfying. I wanted to try it myself.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I really enjoyed it. There’s not a lot of football players that started doing this.“I never really had that big ego or thought I was bigger or better than anybody else. So the transition for me wasn’t that hard.Football Fixers | Cutting it with Premier League Football Stars“I always had respect for people because every job is hard – especially at the club, even the cleaners or the chefs or physios.”Hoesen played against some of the best footballers of his generation on big European nights with Ajax – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar.He named Xabi Alonso as his toughest opponent but reckons a shift at the barbers is even harder work.But getting out of the football “bubble” has been a breath of fresh air for Hoesen, who was on Fulham’s books from 2009 to 2012 but didn’t make a first-team appearance amid his hip struggles and a revolving door of managers.He added: “In the beginning, I was thinking it would be quite easy but you notice it’s hard work because you have customers all day.“If you’re a bit late, then you need to catch up, miss your break and paying customers are waiting. It’s a huge focus.“I said to my brother-in-law, ‘I feel like I played two games.’ I was just completely tired, which is funny because you’re standing still but you also have to realise that every customer comes and wants to tell their story.“So not only are you cutting hair but you’re also talking all the time.“I always say as a footballer, you live in a bubble. You’re only around other football players.“If I stayed working in football, then I would be in the exact same world again with the exact same things. I wanted to do something completely different.Hoesen had a stint with Fulham as a youngster but did not make a first-team appearanceCredit: AlamyHis strike against Barcelona in front of Johan Cruyff proved to be the winnerCredit: GettyThe forward spent six years in America but struggled with his ongoing hip issueCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowHe ‘signed’ for his brother-in-law’s barbers in 2024Credit: MAESONS“It’s really interesting hearing other people’s stories as well. That’s probably what I like the most.“It doesn’t matter what you do, you always have something in common with other people: work, relationships, kids or whatever.“I have customers who are lawyers or pilots or in the government. As a football player, you just don’t talk to these people.“I get very positive reactions because for some people this is the closest they will get to a footballer.“Apparently people thought I was very arrogant as a player so it’s nice for me to show people that I’m a normal human being and always was.”Hoesen’s brother-in-law Maeson launched the company and has a long list of footballer clients – plus ex-Prem goalkeeper Michel Vorm as another co-owner – with plans to franchise abroad.Maeson travels to London to cut Jurrien Timber’s hair every couple of weeks, does a few Tottenham players and looks after the Holland national team squad, even flying out to Brazil to keep their fades fresh throughout the 2014 World Cup.When “super nice and relaxed” Timber’s Arsenal played at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, the Gunners defender got in touch and his barber sorted out the entire squad’s trims for the 7-1 demolition.Hoesen, though, admits he hasn’t got to the level of being trusted to cut any player’s hair just yet.And part of the reason is because he understands the intrinsic link between footballers and hair.’LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD’He explained: “You’re on TV, a lot of people are watching, so you want to look good. I truly believe in look good, feel good.“So the days before a game, all the players get treatments and ice baths just to feel as good as possible.“You don’t leave one bit behind to have a good game.“Everybody feels better after going for a haircut or a shave. You look in the mirror and you’re happy with what you see and ready.“I do believe it helps confidence on the field for sure.”SunSport quizzed Hoesen on some of the best and worst haircuts he has seen in football.He replied: “It’s funny because like Brazilian Ronaldo at the 2002 World Cup, that was a terrible haircut but it became so iconic. That was cool at the same time.“So sometimes you see that a haircut can be funny or silly and at first people are like, ‘Nah, this doesn’t look good.’ But now everybody over 15 who sees that haircut knows it’s R9.”But while he refused to heap praise on any team-mates for their hair, he was quick to point out two Premier League players for their ability.Hoesen said: “It has always been Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen. Those two were pure talent.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Different type of players, but so good. Even in bad moments, those two always wanted the ball.“Sometimes the fans sometimes don’t understand Dembele but if you saw that guy day in, day out in training, how he can handle the ball, that’s something you don’t see a lot.”Hoesen’s brother-in-law Maeson cuts Jurrien Timber’s hairCredit: MAESONSHoesen has not been trusted to do any footballers’ trims yetCredit: MAESONSThe former striker is enjoying being out of the football bubble and meeting new peopleCredit: MAESONS More

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      Champions-elect Liverpool face most important transfer window in club history with TWELVE stars facing uncertain future

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      LIVERPOOL are facing a seismic summer exodus – whatever happens in the remaining weeks of the season.The Reds are still odds-on favourites to welcome the Premier League title back to Anfield, but within weeks could also wave goodbye to up to a whole team’s worth of players in the busiest and most important transfer window in recent club history.Mo Salah is poised to lead an exodus of star names from Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyLiverpool fans have told owners FSG to pay their stars whatever they want to stayCredit: ReutersThe future of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk, the out-of-contract big three, has been a sub-plot for the whole of Arne Slot’s debut campaign.And it is no longer unthinkable that all three will leave and be followed out of the Anfield exit door by a number of others.Kop boss Slot and Anfield chiefs are also on alert as European rivals circle around first-teamers like Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz. Then there are bit-part players like back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez who want regular football.Read more in footballAnd even if the Reds would welcome offers for underperforming stars such as Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, they would still need to find high-quality replacements to give Slot the chance to maintain momentum.Despite Liverpool’s Champions League exit and defeat in the Carabao Cup Final, the Dutchman’s season will be judged a huge success if he delivers the Premier League crown that would put the club level with Manchester United But Slot has relied on the core of players who revived the Reds under Jurgen Klopp.If this is to be the start of a glorious new era at Anfield, Slot will need chief executive of football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes to deliver a new-look squad that is fit for purpose.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOn his way – Mo Salah is one of three key men yet to sign a new Reds dealCredit: AlamyMOHAMED SALAHWhether the Egyptian King opted to join a European rival like Inter Milan or to take the money from Saudi Arabia, he would be absolutely irreplaceable.With 27 goals and 17 assists, Salah has been involved in 63.7 per cent of Liverpool’s Premier League goals this season.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsThere is no like-for-like option to step into the shoes of the third highest scorer in club history and a legend of English and world football. The Reds pulled a rabbit out of the hat when they signed Kenny Dalglish to succeed Kevin Keegan as their main man in 1977. This is a bigger task.Down and out – Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real MadridCredit: GettyTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLDMost Liverpool fans accept that “the Scouser in our team” is going to Real Madrid to join new bestie Jude Bellingham.Supporters also know that recruiting a right back with the same passing range and potency going forward will be impossible. There is a reason why TAA is the most prolific assist provider from his position in Premier League history, with 62 at the age of only 25. The trick will be finding someone who can defend better yet still deliver enough at the other end of the field to give some compensation for his absence. Good luck.Stand off – Van Dijk and Liverpool are yet to agree terms to keep the skipper at AnfieldCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedVIRGIL VAN DIJKThe accepted wisdom on Merseyside remains that captain Van Dijk is the one of the big three who will sign a new deal to keep him at Anfield.The man himself, though, has given that opinion little support in recent weeks, as rumours of interest from Real Madrid, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere re-emerge, die down and then return.But for Salah’s incredible numbers, the Dutchman would be a leading candidate for player of the year. He is generally regarded as one of the best central defenders to play in England in recent decades.Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen are among those touted as successors. Neither is currently at the same level. But then again, who is?It’s all kicking off as Real Madrid, PSG and others plot moves for Ibrahima KonateCredit: GettyIBRAHIMA KONATEApart from the defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle, the most alarming and unexpected development of recent weeks has been the emergence of doubt about the future of Van Dijk’s centre back partner.You could dismiss talk that the France international would welcome a summer battle for his signature as mischief-making by the clubs with their friends in the local  media or the product of a slow news day. But it may well not be.Konate’s susceptibility to injury has been an issue in the past but the Reds could ill afford to lose him, regardless of what happens with Van Dijk.Luis Diaz has had a poor second half of the season and could be on his way outCredit: GettyLUIS DIAZThe links between Diaz and Barcelona are as long-standing as the La Liga giants’ financial problems that make any such deal challenging.Yet amid talk of a busy summer at the Camp Nou, with Barca allegedly willing to cash in on bankable stars like Frenkie De Jong and Raphinha, Diaz will be on their radar.Liverpool would not necessarily be averse to selling the Colombian after he failed to maintain his early season form and Cody Gakpo became first-choice on the left flank.Yet Slot would want someone of high calibre and/or versatility to push Gakpo and whatever other forwards he has after the summer.Darwin Nunez is one of FIVE Liverpool forwards who could leave Anfield this summerCredit: GettyDARWIN NUNEZCaptain Chaos’ time at Anfield is surely up after another season of occasional highs but even bigger lows.Liverpool are said to have turned down a bid of £62m plus add-ons from Al-Nassr in January only because they did not have enough time to find a suitable replacement for the Uruguayan.Al-Nassr signed Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead, but other Saudi clubs remain keen on the Reds’ No 9.Rumours about Atletico Madrid won’t go away, either. Whatever fee Liverpool are able to get for Nunez will need to be re-invested more wisely than the initial £64m they spent on him three years ago.Caoimhin Kelleher is set to take his destiny in his hands and leave LiverpoolCredit: GettyCAOIMHIN KELLEHEREnough is surely enough for the goalkeeper who is the Republic of Ireland’s No 1 yet deserves to be first choice for a club, too.That’s not going to happen at Liverpool, with Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili due to arrive this summer to push Alisson for his place and, if all goes well, take it in the not-too-distant future.The Reds have turned down bids from Nottingham Forest and others in recent transfer windows and Kelleher filled in well for Alisson while the Brazilian was injured earlier in the season.But with Bournemouth now joining the ranks of clubs ready to give the Irishman his big chance, he will surely be on his way in the summer.Harvey Elliott’s winner in the Champions League at PSG was a rare highlight this seasonCredit: PAHARVEY ELLIOTTBrighton and Borussia Dortmund were among the clubs who were reported to be looking at a move for Elliott in January.The player himself was quick to play down talk of a winter move, stressing that he had had talks with Slot about his lack of game time and understood how hard it was to break into a team that was doing so well.Yet Elliott’s resolve to stay – and the Reds’ determination to keep him – would be tested by sizeable summer offers for a player with just over two years left on his contract.The attacking midfielder/forward – and doubt about his most effective position is a factor – has made just 21 appearances this season, compared to 53 in Klopp’s final campaign, with not a single start in the Premier League.Joe Gomez has never scored in 10 years at Liverpool and may leave before he canCredit: EPAJOE GOMEZGomez has gone from being a key player in Klopp’s farewell season to an outsider under Slot, although he seemed to be returning to favour before a hamstring injury sidelined him.The Reds allegedly included Gomez as a makeweight in the proposed deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle last year.Eddie Howe will not be the only manager interested in Gomez this summer. Aston Villa, Chelsea and Fulham have all been linked with him, along with clubs in Europe.A move back to London for the former Charlton Academy star, after 10 years at Anfield, looks a good bet. The Reds would want a replacement who matched his versatility but not his injury record.Wataru Endo is Arne Slot’s favourite late sub but other clubs would offer him moreCredit: GettyWATARU ENDOFulham, AC Milan and even Barcelona are just some of the club believed to have an interest in the defensive midfielder, who arrived for a cut-price £16m in the summer of 2023.The Japan captain has become a cult hero at Anfield because of his no-nonsense style and cameo roles in closing out games for Slot’s side.Yet sentimentality will count for little if the Reds could recoup a decent amount of their initial outlay and put it towards securing someone who might put more pressure on Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister for a starting place.Diogo Jota has struggled for fitness and form this season and could be availableCredit: AlamyDIOGO JOTAAs the Kop song goes, the man from Portugal wears the No 20 but if Liverpool win title No 20, his contribution will not have been significant.Jota’s injury issues have been glossed over in the past because of his tendency to have scoring streaks at important times.But like Nunez, the 28 year old has not done enough this season to share the burden of scoring with the incredible Salah.Despite that and his physical frailty, a number of clubs at home and abroad would be prepared to offer Jota a chance to make a new start, perhaps including former employers Wolves.FEDERIO CHIESASerie A title rivals Inter Milan and Napoli were both interested in bringing Chiesa back to Italy on loan in January, after his injury-affected lack of game time at AnfieldUntil what was only a consolation goal in the Carabao Cup final, Chiesa’s most memorable contribution to the season was his manic celebration of Nunez’s late goals at Brentford.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe potential departure of other forward options might make it worth Liverpool’s while to give the Euro 2020 winner another season to prove his worth.But after spending only an initial £10m on the Italy international, the chance to recoup that cash or even make a profit would also be tempting, probably for the player, too. 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      Dream Team bosses quickly crawling back to Aston Villa stars ahead of Gameweek 29

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      MANY Dream Team managers have wasted no time in bringing Aston Villa players back into the mix after their annoying blank.There’s still an entire international break to navigate before the Gameweek 29 deadline but at this early stage, Morgan Rogers (£3.9m), Marco Asensio (£4.1m) and Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) are the three most popular recruits.Gaffers are eagerly recruiting Rogers this weekCredit: Dream TeamThe schedule has conspired to force gaffers into a hokey-cokey with Unai Emery’s favourites.The Villains were immensely popular in Gameweeks 26 and 27, when they played Cardiff and Brentford around a Champions League last 16 tie against Club Brugge in consecutive double headers.But Dream Team bosses were forced to get rid ahead of Gameweek 28 as Rogers and company blanked, a knock-on effect of the Carabao Cup final.The reason gaffers are now eagerly crawling back is that Villa are the only team with six fixtures across the next three Gameweeks, starting with Preston and Brighton immediately after the break.Villa will be busy after the breakCredit: ReutersHowever, two of the upcoming fixtures come in the form of PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals.Based on the Parisians’ impressive performance over two legs against Liverpool, Villa assets may find points hard to come by but there’s no doubt the calendar broadly favours them for the next month or so.Watkins is the top performer among his team-mates with 250 points to his name.The 29 year-old striker will not feature for England over the international break as he’s resting his troublesome knee but he is expected to be available in Gameweek 29.Most read in FootballWatkins has scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists this season – only Erling Haaland (£7.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£8m) have registered more shots on target in all competitions.Back in vogueCredit: GettyAt a more affordable price, Rogers is the most popular Villa player at present.The former Middlesbrough midfielder ranks fifth in his position having amassed 231 points via 12 goals and nine assists.Asensio is an interesting one as it’s not all that easy to predict his minutes but his impact since joining on loan in January has been sizeable.The Spain international has scored seven goals in his first eight games for the club at a strike rate of one every 54.7 minutes!Asensio averages 8.3 points-per-game since arriving on these shores.Among midfielders, only Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) and Cole Palmer (£5.4m) boast superior averages this season.Asensio has hit the ground running at Villa ParkCredit: GettyDream Team bosses should be aware that Asensio is allowed to play against parent club PSG in the Champions League next month as Uefa’s ruling on such matters differs to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESASTON VILLA’S THREE CONSECUTIVE DOUBLE HEADERS:Gameweek 29: Preston (a) & Brighton (a)Gameweek 30: Nottingham Forest (h) & PSG (a)Gameweek 31: Southampton (a) & PSG (h)Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More