Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 150 Shares42 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri handed goalkeeper’s shirt number with chequered Gunners history

      by

      ETHAN NWANERI has been given a new shirt number ahead of the 2025/26 season.The 18-year-old was one of the shining lights in a disappointing season for Arsenal, who are on course for a third-straight second-placed Premier League finish.Ethan Nwaneri wore the number 53 shirt for Arsenal last seasonCredit: ALAMYThe 18-year-old has been handed a new shirt number for the 2025/26 campaignCredit: GETTYNwaneri will take the number 22 shirt left vacant by David Raya, who has officially taken the number 1 jerseyCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKNwaneri has worn the number 53 shirt this season, in which he’s scored nine goals and provided two assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.But he’ll don a different number for the 25/26 campaign after one of his team-mates vacated their current number.Nwaneri will be Arsenal’s new number 22 next season, taking the shirt from goalkeeper David Raya.Raya has ditched his old number to officially become Arsenal’s number one, which was left vacant following Aaron Ramsdale’s move to Southampton last summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Emirates faithful will hope the number 22 shirt will bring Nwaneri the same good fortune it did Invincible Gael Clichy.The shirt, however, has had a chequered past in recent years, being worn by flops Yaya Sanogo, Denis Suarez and Pablo Mari.Nwaneri’s fellow teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly won’t be following his suit and changing his number for the 2025/26 season.The 18-year-old – who has been one of the club’s star performers this season – will continue to wear the number 49 shirt next season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNwaneri has played a whopping 1,303 minutes of football in his breakthrough season at the Emirates.But manager Mikel Arteta is wary of giving the teenager too much game time too soon.Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guiseThe Spaniard said of the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend: “There are moments where players are used more and less.“He’s played a lot, probably more than anybody expected for sure.”In the last few games, it’s been because of the games and the context, we decided not to play him in those matches.”It can change very quickly.” More

    • 263 Shares40 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford set for £40m summer transfer scramble as Aston Villa have NO buy clause in Man Utd star’s loan deal

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD will be up for grabs for £40million this summer.Aston Villa will have the option to buy the Manchester United ace after he spent the last half of the season on loan with them.Marcus Rashford is available for £40m this summerCredit: GettyHowever, Unai Emery’s side do not have the first option on the 27-year-old and other clubs can sign him for the same fee in the close season.Villa confirmed yesterday that Rashford is not fit to face Tottenham, meaning he has played his last game for them.That’s because their final game of the season next Sunday is against his parent club at Old Trafford when he would be ineligible.As things stand he is due to return to Carrington to begin pre-season training in early July.But it seems unlikely he will play for his boyhood club again while Ruben Amorim remains in charge.The challenge will be to find a club which is willing to pay Rashford’s £315,000-a-week wages as he does not want to take a pay cut.Villa are believed to be covering around 75 per cent of that while he is on loan with them with United making up the shortfall.They may have to enter into a similar arrangement if they want to get him off the books permanently this summer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother loan deal is an option if a permanent move cannot be found.Rashford is clear he wants to join a Champions League club.He won an England recall on the back of his form with Villa – where he scored four goals and made six assists in 18 appearances.However, he has missed the past few weeks with a hamstring injury which has put an end to his domestic season.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

    • 263 Shares38 Views

      in Soccer

      Free agent XI could be greatest unemployed team of all time with Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar all set to be available

      by

      FOR most footballers, the end of the season marks the chance to get some well-earned rest before going again next term.But for many, it sees them enter a period of limbo – because their contracts are expiring.Lionel Messi is out of contract this yearCredit: ReutersCristiano Ronaldo may be set to leave Al-NassrCredit: GettyAnd the list of stars currently set to be without a club includes some outrageous talent. From World Cup winners and GOAT contenders to some of the top performers in the Premier League and across Europe.SunSport creates the best XI of free agents who could be on the move for nothing during the summer transfer window if they don’t put pen to paper on contract extensions in the next few weeks.And it may well be the greatest team of unemployed blokes ever…READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGK: ALEX MERETNapoli goalkeeper Meret, 28, has racked up 15 clean sheets in Serie A so far this season.But more importantly, he could end the campaign with his second winner’s medal in three years and would be a shrewd acquisition for anyone wanting a new shot-stopper.Alex Meret could depart Napoli with another Serie A titleCredit: GettyRB: TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLDOne man who has already secured the title is Alexander-Arnold, 26, with Liverpool. He announced he will leave his boyhood club after 20 years at the end of the season – to a mixed reaction – and is on his way to Real Madrid. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrent Alexander-Arnold looks set to join Real Madrid from LiverpoolCredit: AlamyCB: JONATHAN TAHTah, 29, has been a key figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s recent success.But with his deal up, he could see if Xabi Alonso takes over at the Bernabeu – and wants to take the German centre-back with him.Zirkzee to Inter?! Why Man Utd Flop Could Shine in ItalyJonathan Tah may follow Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen to the BernabeuCredit: GettySunSport revealed Newcastle have joined the likes of Real, Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the race for Tah.CB: OLIVIER BOSCAGLI Boscagli, 27, could be allowed to leave PSV – even if they pip Ajax to the Eredivisie title in dramatic fashion.The Monaco-born Frenchman has never earned a senior international cap due to the sheer strength in depth in Les Bleus’ squad – but would be a smart signing for a lot of Prem sides. Olivier Boscagli could be on his way to the Premier League for freeCredit: GettyLB: TYRICK MITCHELLMitchell, 25, has been at Crystal Palace since joining the academy in 2016 and has started all 36 Prem games this season.It would be a major mistake for the Eagles to let the academy graduate go for free – with no shortage of suitors – both due to the PSR benefits of selling him but also the quality they would lose. Crystal Palace are on course to see academy graduate Tyrick Mitchell leaveCredit: GettyCM: THOMAS PARTEYPartey, 31, has never quite lived up to the hype at Arsenal since his arrival in 2020. And the possible addition of fellow holding midfielder Martin Zubimendi would see him drop down the pecking order so while talks are ongoing over an extension for Partey, it would not be a surprise to see him let go as Mikel Arteta refreshes the squad. Thomas Partey’s Arsenal contract expires in the summerCredit: GettyCM: MARCO VERRATTIVerratti, 32, spent 11 years at PSG where he won nine Ligue 1 titles before heading to Qatari outfit Al-Arabi. With his contract ending in the Middle East, what does the future hold for the Euro 2020 winner?Marco Verratti has had two years in Qatar with Al-ArabiCredit: Twitter @alarabi_clubAM: KEVIN DE BRUYNENow we get to the real heavyweights with four superstars at the top end of the pitch – starting with Kevin De Bruyne.The Belgian maestro, 33, is leaving Manchester City after ten sensational, trophy-laden years – more pushed than by his own accord. Could Pep Guardiola and City’s loss be the gain for one of their main Premier League rivals who believe he still has plenty to bring? Kevin De Bruyne still has plenty to offer in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyRW: LIONEL MESSIOK, this front three is bonkers – and it starts with none other than Lionel Messi, although technically he becomes a free agent on December 31 due to the MLS season’s dates. So Messi, 37, will play the 2025 campaign with Inter Miami – but then what will come next for one of the greatest footballers to ever grace a pitch? Another few years in Florida? An emotional return to Argentina? Retirement? LW: NEYMARMessi’s former team-mate Neymar, 33, is hilariously valued at the same price as Fulham right-back Kenny Tete these days. But after penning a short-term deal with Santos in January to end his Saudi nightmare, it started well enough before his injury woes kicked in again. Neymar headed back to Santos on JanuaryCredit: EPAST: CRISTIANO RONALDOAnd completing the all-star attack with a bonkers goals tally is Ronaldo at the tender age of 40.His two-and-a-half years at Al-Nassr could be coming to an end with just one Arab Club Champions Cup to show for it (and an awful lot of money). The Saudi club’s fans want to see the back of the veteran icon – but surely he is not ready to retire just yet, is he? So, where may he end up next? SUBSA special mention to some players who did not make the starting XI but are still free agents this summer.The likes of Ola Aina, Jorginho, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Tariq Lamptey and Callum Wilson see their current deals in the Premier League expire at the end of June. Plus, on the continent, Leroy Sane, Walter Benitez, Angel Gomes and Jonathan David are all out of contract. Read More on The SunAnd, of course, it would be wrong not to mention Jamie Vardy.The ultimate Fox in the box will say goodbye to Leicester after 13 years on Sunday – hoping to score his 200th goal on his 500th and final appearance – but is not giving up on another season in the Premier League. Jamie Vardy will become a free agent when his Leicester contract expiresCredit: Getty More

    • 163 Shares23 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool ready to trigger Jeremie Frimpong’s £30million release clause as Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement

      by

      LIVERPOOL are on the brink of taking a huge step towards replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, it’s been claimed.The Reds are eyeing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong as a replacement for the outgoing Alexander-Arnold, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season.Liverpool are hot on the heels of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie FrimpongCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Reds have identified the 24-year-old as a replacement for the outgoing Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAThe Merseysiders are reportedly set to trigger the Dutchman’s release clauseCredit: GettyAnd the Kop club are moving quickly to secure the 24-year-old’s services.That’s according to The Times, who claim the Merseysiders are set to trigger the defender’s £30million release clause.A timeline for the Reds’ triggering of the Netherlands international release clause, however, is currently unknown. Liverpool are said to be keen on Frimpong due to his versatility as a right wing-back and a right winger.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe low fee needed to bring him to Anfield is also said to have played a role in the club’s decision to pursue him.Signing Frimpong would also add to the number of home-grown players on the Reds’ books. The Dutchman would qualify as a homegrown player as he spent nine years in England when he was on Manchester City’s books.Frimpong was a key part of the Leverkusen team that pipped Bayern Munich to the 2023/24 Bundesliga title.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLeverkusen haven’t been shy about their desire to retain Frimpong’s services and recently denied reports that they’d agreed to sell the defender.Club CEO Fernandno Carro told RTL: “Jeremie Frimpong has a long contract with us, which also has an exit clause.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign him”But we are currently unaware of any transfer.”The Reds were hoping they wouldn’t have to pursue Frimpong, or any right-sided defender, as they hadn’t given up hope of Alexander-Arnold committing his future to the club.But the England international emotionally announced last week that he’d be LEAVING his boyhood club after his contract expires at the end of the season.His announcement wasn’t well received by sections of the Anfield faithful, who BOOED him when he came on as a second-half substitute in the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday. More

    • 238 Shares40 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker confirms punditry retirement date with legendary presenter just days away from last Match of the Day show

      by

      GARY LINEKER has put an expiration date on his career as a football presenter and pundit.Lineker, 64, already announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Match of the Day after 26 years in the presenter’s seat for the BBC.Gary Lineker has confirmed when he will step away from football punditryCredit: GettyThe former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25. But will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and will also lead the coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.However, Lineker has revealed that he doesn’t think his punditry career will carry on past that summer – telling the Telegraph that he will call it a day after the tournament.He said: “Once I’ve done the World Cup, I won’t be a football presenter again. I’ll focus more on my podcast empire.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker co-owns a podcast production company called Goalhanger Productions, which has seen immense success since its inception in 2018.It is now the largest independent podcast producer outside of the US and has a number of top podcasts hosted by recognisable faces.Those include The Rest is Football, hosted by Lineker himself alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, as well as The Rest is Entertainment, a podcast hosted by TV icon Richard Osman and respected journalist Marina Hyde.While it is also the home of The Rest is Politics, one of the leading political podcast fronted up by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker has been unapologetically vocal about politics in recent years and has even come in for criticism for a number of opinions.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.’No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight messageHe added: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have. “Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Lineker is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

    • 238 Shares33 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie Vardy could make personal sacrifice to play final game in front of home fans as Leicester release statement

      by

      IT will be 500 and out for Jamie Vardy at Leicester.The Foxes legend, 38, will pull on his blue No9 shirt for the final time against Ipswich on Sunday.Jamie Vardy will play his final game for Leicester City this weekendCredit: GettyHe was a crucial part of the miracle team that won the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP – GettyVardy married wife Rebekah in 2016Credit: GettyRather than finish with an away game at Bournemouth next weekend, Vardy wants to go out in front of his own fans at the King Power.Vardy has 199 goals for Leicester and a clash against the Tractor Boys will be his final chance to hit number 200.A packed King Power Stadium will say ‘Goodbye to the GOAT’ in a tearful farewell to their greatest-ever player.Amazingly, it will come exactly 13 years to the day since he joined in a non-league record £1million transfer from Fleetwood Town.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Vardy has had no time to look back — even at Leicester’s incredible 2015-16 title triumph — and is only looking forward to a Premier League future.The 26-cap former England striker said: “I’ll keep going until my legs literally tell me ‘no, you need to stop, we’re done’. And my legs are fine.”This isn’t the end. No. I’ve no doubts I can still do it in the Premier League – but that’s just me.”I believe I can still do it at an elite level, 100 per cent.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’m excited for the next challenge – I’m always excited. Always!”At the end of the day, I’m doing a sport that I love.” Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadHe is the first player to score in 11 consecutive Prem gamesCredit: Getty – ContributorLeicester plan to mark his incredible stint with them by inviting former team-mates to “to share another special post-match moment with the Blue Army” and “give the GOAT the send-off he deserves”.Vardy won the FA Cup in 2021 but is best remembered for the Foxes’ 5,000-1 title triumph.Asked how often he reflects on that career-defining moment, Vardy replied: “I don’t. I’ve not had a chance, not properly, to fully digest the size of it.”I finished, did the parade, I was then off with the Euros.”So I was having to then get ready to play for England and then by the time the tournament’s finished, it’s a couple of weeks and you’re back in for training for the next season.”So it’s not something, again like most of it, I’ve had a chance to sit down and properly think about it.”That’ll be more once the boots are officially hung up.”Vardy cannot guarantee he will seal the deal with a fairytale 200th goal against the Tractor Boys on Sunday – unlike the night he created Prem history during Leicester City’s iconic 2015-16 title triumph.The striker scored in the first-half of the Foxes 1-1 draw with Manchester United to break Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record by becoming the first player in history to score in 11 consecutive Premier League matches.Vardy revealed that he promised his wife Rebekah and his family he would score that night.He told Sky Sports: “It’s a bit big-time, that!”I had the belief in myself for the 11th game and I actually watched it that morning as well.”It was after that that I said to my family, to my wife, that I’m scoring tonight.”I’d love to score my 200th but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t.”Vardy says he will approach Sunday’s farewell game as if it was any other.He added: “I’ll prepare the same as I always do.”Do you know what it is? You can speak to my family and they’ll all say I’m emotionless.”It might do (kick-in) like at the end of the game or whatever, but until that happens, I’m literally just focused on the game.”At the end of the day, it’s still a game of football to play first.”If it doesn’t hit me afterwards, then my family are right.Read More on The Sun”We want to win. We’ve managed to pick a couple of decent performances up, get a few results.”If we can now, it’s about seeing out the season with momentum to help for the start of next season.” More

    • 175 Shares35 Views

      in Soccer

      Wrexham ‘in talks over signing Fulham captain Tom Cairney’ to bolster Championship promotion hopes

      by

      WREXHAM are in talks to sign Fulham captain Tom Cairney, according to reports.The Red Dragons could spend big once again after winning a third successive promotion to reach the Championship.Wrexham are in talks to sign Tom CairneyCredit: RexThe Fulham captain has made 27 appearances this seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have spent big since taking overCredit: GettyWrexham have already been linked with a number of targets and Cairney is now on their radar, according to The Telegraph.The club has opened talks over a move for the midfielder, who would be one of their most ambitious signings after breaking the bank to sign Sam Smith for £2million in January.Cairney is out of contract in the summer so could be snapped up for free but would command hefty wages.Wrexham are believed to want experienced players as they return to the second tier for the first time in 21 years, and Cairney fits the mould.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has played 318 games at Championship level and has 412 top-flight appearances, as well as two Scotland caps.Cairney, 34, has made 27 appearances this season, 23 of which have been in the Premier League although nearly all from the bench.Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has often gone down the experienced route when recruiting players – Jay Rodriguez, 35, James McClean, 36, and Steven Fletcher, 37, have joined the club in recent years.In total Wrexham have 11 players aged 30 or over, with more potentially arriving.Most read in FootballJamie Vardy has been linked with a move to North Wales after confirming he will leave Leicester after 13 years at the club.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManchester United defender Jonny Evans has also been mooted as a potential arrival with his contract up next month.Parkinson said the club was “always planning” but admitted that while they have not spoken about anyone in particular they do have a profile of targets who are free agents.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightHe said: “We haven’t really spoken about anything. We’ve always got our eye on players who are free transfers and are going to be available.”I think it’s interesting because the jump in salaries is incredible, mind-blowing. Even coming up to this level, the jump to get players of Championship quality is expensive.”But obviously the next level, I don’t think people outside football quite realise.”They think players in League One must be multi-millionaires, but the drop-off from what people read in the press about Premier League players is huge.”That is a challenge but what we’ve always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right.”No superstars, no egos in the dressing room, and we’ve got to try to get that balance right again, to make sure the right people come into the building.” More

    • 225 Shares23 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I cannot thank you enough’ – Wrexham legend thanks Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as he announces departure

      by

      WREXHAM fan-favourite Mark Howard has announced his exit from the Welsh club after helping them climb the Football League.Howard, 38, confirmed his exit from the Racecourse in an emotional statement on social media – thanking Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for bringing him to the club.Mark Howard has announced his exit from WrexhamCredit: instagram @markhoward.1The goalkeeper thanked Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in an emotional statementCredit: RexHoward joined Wrexham in 2022, helping the club secure promotion into the Football League as the first choice goalkeeper alongside former Premier League star Ben Foster.While he has had a smaller role in recent seasons, losing his starting spot to Arthur Okonkwo as Wrexham have earned another two successive promotions from League Two and League One.Howard, who is nicknamed Chomp, featured just 11 times in League One last season and will depart ahead of the Red Dragon’s return to the Championship.In a statement revealing that he isn’t planning on retiring just yet, he wrote: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.”Everyday I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again. Love you boys.”Being able to say I’m the only goalkeeper ever to do the three-peat. Back-to-back-to-back. I say tongue in cheek.”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.”The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me.”Finally a huge thank you to these two amazing people. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.”Wrexham stars were quick to pass on their well-wishes to the experienced shot-stopper.Elliot Lee wrote: “The oldest goalkeeper there ever was. I will miss you old man”.While Andy Cannon added: “One of the best. What a man”.Steven Fletcher posted: “Chompy, what a fella. Friend for life big man.”And Wrexham director and comedian Humphrey Ker wrote: “Farewell to a man who never let us down and always lifted us up. One of the greats. The Chomp.”Howard, who previously played for the likes of Sheffield United and Blackpool, leaves Wrexham having made 58 appearances and kept 19 clean sheets for the club.Read More on The SunHe could be the first of many to leave on the expiration of their current deals at Wrexham as the club look to bring in more talent to compete in the Championship next season.Wrexham are yet to release their retained list, however a number of players are set to run out of contract – including former Scotland international Steven Fletcher.Wrexham earned promotion into the Championship this seasonCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is out of contract in the summerCredit: Getty More