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      ‘I often read calls for us to spend more’ – Daniel Levy warns Tottenham fans about transfer business this summer

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      DANIEL LEVY launched a fierce defence of his Tottenham stewardship – as the cost of missing out on Europe was confirmed.Levy has been targeted by protesting fans with accusations that he is more concerned with the commercial success of the club than glory, glory on the pitch.Daniel Levy has fiercely defended his Tottenham leadershipCredit: AlamyHe insists the club must make ‘smart purchases’Credit: AlamyFans have criticised Levy for the way in which he runs the clubCredit: GettyBut as Spurs unveiled their financial results for the 2023-24 season when they finished fifth in the Prem, Levy pointed to the spending facts.Levy said: “Since opening our new stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £700million net in player acquisitions. “Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means. “I often read calls for us to spend more, given that we are ranked as the ninth richest club in the world.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“However, a closer examination of today’s financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues.”Criticism has also been aimed at Spurs highlighting the growth of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an entertainment arena, with concerts from Rihanna, Chris Brown and Kendrick Lamar this summer, as well as the ongoing deal with the NFL to stage two games a year.Levy, though, insisted: “Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power. “We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Indeed, our off-pitch revenues have significantly supplemented the lower football revenues this year, testament to our diversified income strategy.”The numbers show a drop in revenue of four per cent, down £21.4m to £528.2m.Bizarre moment Robbie Keane gives yellow card to his own team-mate for hilarious reason in Tottenham legends matchBut that came with NINE fewer home games last term than when they reached the Champions League last 16 the previous campaign.Tottenham missed out on more than £55m in Uefa income compared to the previous campaign.This season the Europa League run ensures at least seven more home matches, although a miserable Prem campaign under Ange Postecoglou means Spurs must realistically win the competition to be in continental football next term.That would be worth £60m-plus in prize money alone and Levy conceded: “We currently find ourselves in 14th position in the Premier League, navigating what has been a highly challenging season on the pitch. “We are, however, in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. “Winning this competition would see welcome silverware and mean qualification for the UEFA Champions League. “We must do everything we can to support the team in these final key stages.“I want to thank everyone who supports us through good times and bad. Read More on The Sun“We are resilient and passionate about our Club.  We shall aim to finish this season as strongly as we can and continue to build for success on the pitch.”Debt has risen by some £95m to £772.5m with total borrowings of £851.5m although with 90 per cent of that being repaid at just 2.79 per cent the cost is under £30m under deals running to 2051.Tottenham must win the Europa League if they realistically want to qualify for European football next seasonCredit: Getty More

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      What’s gone wrong for Cole Palmer? Why Chelsea’s superstar is struggling and how he can turn it around for Enzo Maresca

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      COLE PALMER has been the shining light in a Chelsea season which has peered into the edge of darkness too often.But now, for the first time since his arrival from Manchester City, Palmer is struggling.Cole Palmer has struggled to meet expectations at times this seasonCredit: GettyThe midfielder is currently experiencing a slump in formCredit: APAnd how he and the Blues find a way out of Palmer’s slump may determine whether they are playing Champions League football next season – or face a THIRD straight season out of Europe’s elite.The Blues’ talisman is undeniably one of the best players in the Premier League.Not just in the Prem either – just recall his impressive cameos for England in Euro 2024, including that stunning equaliser in the Final defeat to Spain.But from being the stand-out English performer of the season, with goals and assists raining in, Palmer is in the middle of a barren run.Palmer, 22, has 14 goals and six assists to his name in the top flight this term, having scored 22 and laid on 11 more last season.Yet since the turn of the year, Palmer has lost form, without a single direct goal contribution in his last NINE games.Few players ever go through their career without periods in the doldrums and Palmer has already shown enough to believe this is a temporary downturn.But SunSport has looked at how the Blues can get Ice Cold Cole back to his best, and fast.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeBattling illness and injury Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was honest – arguably too honest – about how Palmer was struggling with stomach issues and diarrhoea ahead of the match with Leicester. Nonetheless he played in that game, and his barren run continued, his run of 12 successive converted penalties coming to an abrupt end as Mads Hermansen plunged to his left to turn the spot-kick aside. ‘Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyPalmer then missed the defeat at Arsenal – which left Chelsea in fourth and part of the group of seven clubs scrapping for Champions League football – and was pulled out of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.The news that Palmer requires a second scan on the unspecified injury will be a massive concern for Chelsea fans – to add to their recent woes.Has he been ‘figured out’?Some fans are suspecting that Cole Palmer has been ‘figured out’ by Premier League opposition, but to me, that seems unlikely. Palmer is an enigmatic, maverick of the League, who has shone at Chelsea in the number 10 position and on the right hand side since he joined. Some fans have claimed that Palmer has been ‘figured out’Credit: GettyEven throughout his slump, he still looks a class above most players on the pitch, he just hasn’t had the ability to convert that into numbers. That’s not to say compared to last season teams aren’t making it harder for him, because that is definitely true.Everyone who has watched Chelsea in the past year knows that he is their main goal threat, especially in the absence of Nicolas Jackson – a factor that must be taken into serious account.What that means is he’s being marked tighter, doubled up on and tackled a bit harder.Chelsea fans of an older vintage will see parallels of how Eden Hazard was targeted by opponents during his time at Stamford Bridge – and how the Belgian found his own way to combat that treatment.And like Hazard, Palmer will be able to cope with the need to deal with such rough-house defending by evolving his own game.Palmer has already shown he can do so this season. That, though, was when his team-mates were also pulling their weight to give him the room to play. And at the moment, they’re not.Missing Nico and Noni Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke have both come under heavy criticism and scrutiny since joining Chelsea, which is perhaps down to the lofty standards of the fans rather than the players’ individual ability. One thing is for sure, that since the pair have been on the treatment table and not the pitch, the team has suffered. And, unsurprisingly, Palmer has too.It has been well documented the great relationship Cole has with these two in particular, and even in his face on the pitch you can see he’s not enjoying himself as much without them around. But it’s not only about relationships, Jackson is still Chelsea’s second highest Premier League scorer and while his finishing is questionable at times, his creative effort and link-up with Palmer cannot be underestimated. Nicolas Jackson’s absence has affected PalmerCredit: GettyPalmer is also missing Noni MaduekeCredit: GettyHe makes runs into the channels, often moving out to the left and allowing Palmer to take up space in the middle, but also presents a threat in the box from the England man’s in-swinging crosses – something which Chelsea massively lack at the moment. Unless Marc Cucurella has stormed in from deep, that is…It’s a similar story with Noni Madueke. While he has often been criticised for appearing selfish, actually his selfishness has been under-appreciated.His high shot volume has led to more goals than most in Blue this season, with his ability to create space on the right and pose a goal threat creating more space for Palmer to get free and work his magic.With those two out, Chelsea have lacked chemistry in attack. More critically, as far as Palmer is concerned, it has left him as the main, indeed, sometimes ONLY threat – and therefore much easier to defend against than three. While Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto are not bad players, neither appears the natural fit for Chelsea.Nkunku, whose first term was significantly blighted by injuries, is making his goal-laden final two years at Leipzig look like the blip, rather than the norm. The Frenchman has scored just six Prem goals across two seasons.Neto, bought with an injury cloud hanging over him, is a winger, pure and simple. Asking him to play up front, as Maresca has done recently, is putting a square peg in a round hole. It cannot fit. Is he trying TOO hard?At the crux of this issue, is what you see visibly on the pitch – a player who is unable to be his best because of a combination of factors, many of them outside his control.Watching Palmer, not just his performances but his body language, and you see a player who looks as if he’s almost trying too hard to score.The 22-year-old sometimes looks like he is trying too hard during gamesCredit: ReutersPalmer clearly shows with his touches, quick feet and passing that he is one of the better players on the pitch – and the stats showed that in February he was the most creative player in EUROPE, despite not registering an assist in the previous two months.This shows the extent to which he is being let down somewhat by his teammates in terms of goals. Against Southampton and Leicester in particular he was doing all the work to get into a good position.But when it came to pulling the trigger he appeared to be overthinking things – when the beauty of his game before was that it seemed so natural, effortless and almost an afterthought. How will it work out? More than likely Palmer just needs one bit of fortune and we will see the ice cold menace turned Premier League sweetheart back at his best.The returns of Jackson and Madueke would almost certainly give Palmer a boost too, with Chelsea being a more threatening side overall when they’re in it – this should ease the creative burden on Cole and allow him to be a bit more natural and instinctive in his play. The international break will provide him with a rest, and hopefully when the Premier League returns we’ll see ‘Cold’ Palmer prove that while form is temporary, class is permanent. Chelsea ratings vs ArsenalCHELSEA missed the chance to pull clear in the race for Champions League football as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game as the Blues produced a limp performance at the Emirates.They were without several key men including Cole Palmer.And they struggled to create chances against Arsenal with a threadbare subs bench to boot.But who was Chelsea’s best player in North London?And which players will want to forget about their performance as soon as possible?See SunSport’s Andy Dillon’s verdict on the Chelsea players here More

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      Erling Haaland’s £350k green Aston Martin collected from airport by Man City official after star leaves on crutches

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      ERLING HAALAND’S car was collected by a Manchester City official on Sunday evening after he suffered an injury against Bournemouth.The 24-year-old was spotted leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutches with a protective boot after the FA Cup quarter-final.Erling Haaland’s Aston Martin was collected by a staff member after he suffered an injury against BournemouthCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe striker was unable to drive after injuring his ankleCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeKevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic were spotted walking across the car park to their carsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHaaland was seen leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutchesHe was forced off with what appeared to be an injury to his ankle in the 61st minute, shortly after equalising for Man City.Pep Guardiola subsequently admitted that he did not know the extent of the damage.He said: “I don’t know yet. I saw him on the massage table but I didn’t speak with him or the doctors. We will have to see.”After suffering the injury, Haaland was unable to drive his new £350,000 Aston Martin DBX 707 when he got back to Manchester.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe lime green vehicle was instead collected by a City staff member.Man City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.Cherries striker Evanilson broke the deadlock in the 21st minute but Haaland equalised after half-time.It then didn’t take long for Omar Marmoush, who replaced the striker when he got injured, to flip the match on its head and seal the win for Guardiola’s side.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHaaland was forced off with the ankle injury during Man City’s match against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe reigning Premier League champions will now face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals at Wembley.After the match, Guardiola said: “There are minimum requirements that we have to show – respect for your mate, you have to make the effort. And today we did it. Worrying moment man sprints across pitch towards Erling Haaland before Premier League cult hero acts as human shield”I spoke with the team at half-time so we are good. We are in your hands. We conceded just one shot on target.”That means how Bernardo, Kova, the senior players, the legendary players that give the most incredible things in the club, they make a step up again and made an excellent performance.”Phil Foden was also seen walking past Haaland’s carCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      Arsenal and Tottenham announce historic extra North London derby at brand new stadium as fans left divided

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      NORTH LONDON rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are set to clash in a pre-season friendly overseas.The two clubs will meet at the newly-opened Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on July 31.Arsenal will face Tottenham at the the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong KongCredit: AFPIt will be the first North London Derby played outside the UKCredit: EPAIt will be the first North London Derby played outside of the United Kingdom.The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm local time, meaning fans watching from the UK will be tuning in at lunchtime for a 12:30pm start.While fans of both teams generally look forward to the North London Derby each season, many have been left disappointed by the move.One person said: “This is a disgrace and you know it. Pathetic.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother commented: “Travelling all that way to play our neighbours. You’ll be tweeting about zero emissions again next week.”A third wrote: “Game has officially gone.”While a Spurs fan was quick to point out: “A friendly with that lot… make it make sense.”However, some supporters were happy with the announcement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne said: “MY TEAM IS FINALLY BACK TO HK!”While another wrote: “I WILL BE THERE.”‘Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyArsenal beat Tottenham on both occasions this season.The Gunners managed a 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September before clinching a 2-1 victory at the Emirates in January. More

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      Newcastle star targets emulating Dan Burn after Carabao Cup heroics and eyes England World Cup dream under Thomas Tuchel

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      JACOB MURPHY is dreaming of being the next one of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle stars to make their England breakthrough.Carabao Cup Final goalscoring hero Dan Burn, 32, was the latest Toon player to make their Three Lions bow.Jacob Murphy has another huge goal in his sights after Newcastle’s cup successCredit: GettyToon star Dan Burn has just made his England debutCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have all become internationals under the guidance of Howe at St James’ over the past year.And now winger Murphy hopes his form can catch the eye of Thomas Tuchel ahead of next year’s World Cup.Murphy said: “That’s a conversation me and coach Graeme Jones have been having for a number of seasons. Just got to keep putting in performances and they’re always casting an eye out on all the English players.“To see Dan get his call up was amazing. It does give you that extra motivation to know that it really is possible.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’ve got Gordy, Lewis Hall, Tino and when you’re kicking it with them every week you know what you have to offer, you think there’s every chance in the future.“I keep my head down and – you know – I’ve just won a Cup with Newcastle so who’s to say no to getting a call-up?”Murphy has played for England across four youth age groups, with his last involvement in the under-21 Euros in 2017.This term he has produced eight assists and five goals in the Premier League and, crucially, also provided the knockdown for Alexander Isak to score the winner over Liverpool at Wembley.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAfter being part of the side that finally ended a 70-year wait for major silverware, the attacker believes the Toon Army will have a lot more to celebrate under Howe.After celebrating on Saturday in front of an estimated 300,000 Geordies at a bus parade and on stage at the Town Moor, he said: “I think the Newcastle fans, the council, everyone’s probably gonna have to get used to this.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success “We always knew that the specialness was in being the first and to be on that bus, knowing that we were the first in so long to do it, makes it even more special.“I didn’t know there were that many people in Newcastle. You drive these streets daily, weekly, but then to see them full of people is something that you can’t really put into words. It looked unbelievable.“As a club we want to be doing that every season. Now, without putting too much pressure on ourselves, we’ve set a level and that’s what we have to be aiming for and striving for every season.“Granted, it’s not going to happen every year because wonderful teams up and down the country are going to make it difficult for us, but these are moments that now that we’ve got a taste for it we want it again.“We spoke about it so much being the first. Now that the club’s on this trajectory, I think titles, accomplishments like this will be happening more frequently.”Despite the huge party and two weeks of celebrations since the Wembley win, it is finally back to business.Newcastle host Brentford on Wednesday in the Premier League – the first of ten remaining matches that sixth-placed Toon have to try and secure Champions League qualification.Murphy, who signed from Norwich for £12m back in 2017, added: “That’s the aim. We’ve got ten huge games coming up. READ MORE SUN STORIES“Although this is lovely and we’re taking it in, I think that secretly, in the back of everybody’s mind, is that there’s 30 points to get and we need to try our best.“We might have already got some sort of European football, but we want the big dog.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      ‘I’ve made it clear’ – Matheus Cunha confirms plan to leave Wolves with Arsenal and Man Utd circling

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      MATHEUS  CUNHA  confirmed he wants to quit Wolves so he can “take the next step and fight for big titles”.The Brazil forward, 25, was the subject of strong January interest from Arsenal.Matheus Cunha revealed he wants to leave Wolves in the summerCredit: GettyChelsea, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest also wanted to sign the star while Manchester United are interested, too.However, not only did he stay put at Molineux – but he also signed a new contract.The fresh four-and-a-half deal tied Cunha down in the West Midlands until 2029. However, it also reportedly included a £62.5million release clause. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd now Cunha has openly confessed what SunSport reported in January – that he wants out of the club when the transfer market reopens in the summer.Cunha’s 13 Premier League goals look set to be enough to help keep Wolves in the division – unless Leicester or Ipswich can produce a remarkable turnaround to avoid relegation.And with his work all-but complete, the Selecao star is ready to start challenging at the right end of the table – after staying put in January.He told the Guardian: “I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.”Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. Wolves forward Matheus Cunha faces trial over ‘driving blunder'”But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. “I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”Cunha arrived at Wolves from Atletico Madrid in 2023, initially on loan before securing a £44m transfer. The former Sion, RB Leipzig and Hertha Berlin attacker is yet to win a trophy in club football.However, with Brazil, he did win the 2019 Toulon Tournament and then secure an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021. But his incredible talent is not limited to the football pitch – for Cunha can speak six languages fluently: Portuguese, English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. ‘WOLVES GAVE ME JOY’And despite his clear ability, Cunha is candid in his acknowledgement he – like all young men – needs a loving, supportive environment in order to thrive. He added: “Sometimes all we want in life is affection. “People think we have everything, but we’re human beings, too. We need a bit of understanding – we have our difficulties. “Wolves gave me that joy back. The fans [have given] me a lot. “The status I have today, the player I am now and the happiness I’m feeling, it’s because of them. I’m really grateful to Wolves.”I love learning, but I don’t like the football life. The football life deprives you of a lot. “I left home and have been living off football since I was 13. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Maybe when I stop, I’ll be a bit calmer and can think about coaching. “But I’ll need to take a few years off to rest, get my head round it and live like a normal person for a while. I need to live a different life.”The Brazil international speaks six languages fluentlyCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea reignite Jules Kounde transfer interest and could move for Barcelona star or Premier League ace

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      CHELSEA have rekindled their transfer interest in Barcelona star Jules Kounde… while they keep eyeing Bournemouth ace Dean Huijsen.The Blues have been looking for a highly-rated centre-back ever since Thiago Silva’s departure from Stamford Bridge last year.Chelsea are planning to rekindle their interest in Barcelona star Jules KoundeCredit: GettyChelsea are also keeping tabs on Bournemouth ace Dean HuijsenCredit: AlamyAccording to Sport, the West Londoners are planning another bid for Kounde, 26, whom they tried to sign from Sevilla in 2022 before Barca hijacked the deal with a £42million swoop.The same source claims Chelsea need a central defender that can also cover at full-back, making the France international the perfect pick for manager Enzo Maresca.Kounde was initially supposed to play at centre-back under previous Barcelona boss Xavi but the Spanish tactician quickly realised how good he is at right-back as well and changed his position.Current Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick has continued to field the Frenchman on the right flank of his defence and the player has proven to be among the best in Europe.Read More on ChelseaKounde is “very happy” in Catalonia and is keen to sign a new contract.His current deal is set to expire in 2026.However, the defender is fully aware he could earn more at Stamford Bridge amid Barcelona’s ongoing financial woes.Plus, Kounde would almost certainly play in his natural position at centre-back with the Premier League giants.Most read in FootballBarcelona are full in that position and are planning a move for Bayer Leverkusen ace Jonathan Tah this summer.Chelsea, though, are prepared for another potential transfer blow involving the ex-Bordeaux star.Former Chelsea star Demba Ba talks about his role as director of football of USL And that is why they are also eyeing Bournemouth’s Huijsen, 19, ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the same source claims Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Spain international. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold raking in millions off the pitch as Liverpool star’s sports firm posts huge profits

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD scored a huge win off the pitch – banking £8.5million from his sponsorship and image rights deals.The Liverpool defender – who’s almost certain to join Real Madrid this summer – has assets worth £8,577,321 in his sports firm All Star Sports Ltd.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has banked £8.5m from his sponsorship and image rights dealsCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold is strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool with Real Madrid very interestedCredit: GettyTAA, 26, has £2,417,770 in cash and shrewdly pumped £2,503,550 into “listed investments and bonds”.The England star launched his image rights firm aged just 18.His company’s latest annual accounts show assets increased £1.9m.That is on top of his £180,000-a-week Liverpool pay, boot deal with adidas and Calvin Klein modelling contract.Read More on FootballThis comes amid intense reports suggesting Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real on a five-year contract worth £240,000 per week.It’s reckoned the right-back will pocket an annual salary worth £13m.That breaks down to around £240,000 a week – a tasty rise on his weekly salary at Liverpool.However, the full-back is also set to take home a lucrative signing-on fee as he will be a free agent in June when his contract runs out.Most read in FootballWhile the star can also boost his pay packet with a series of performance-related bonuses.The defender has won every trophy available for his boyhood club and looks set to win his second Premier League title with the Merseysiders.Top 10 highest paid footballersAlexander-Arnold has amassed a total of three goals and seven assists in 39 appearances this season.What happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally. 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