Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea set to get second shot at Osimhen transfer in January for £40m discount with advantage due to special clause

      by

      CHELSEA could be set for a second chance at signing Victor Osimhen in January, according to reports.The Blues were strongly linked with a move for the striker throughout the summer.Victor Osimhen is reportedly interested in finally joining Chelsea in JanuaryCredit: RexHowever, they ultimately missed out on a deal after Al-Ahli agreed a fee with Napoli on Deadline Day.The Saudi Pro League side then opted to sign Ivan Toney instead, leaving Osimhen in limbo.He later joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan, with his £109million release clause expiring in the process.According to Corrierre dello Sport, Osimhen remains interested in joining Chelsea when the window re-opens in January.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is even considering the possibility of moving to West London if given the chance.The report adds that Galatasaray are also keen to make his loan permanent, with a £68million release clause becoming active in the New Year.That clause will then drop to £63million next summer once he returns to Napoli.In a further boost to the Blues, the January release clause is not valid to clubs in Serie A.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOsimhen has already scored two goals and provided four assists in four appearances since moving to Turkey.Meanwhile, he has less than two years remaining on his deal with Napoli, which expires in the summer of 2026.Chaos as Victor Osimhen is greeted by flare-wielding Galatasaray fans as he leads them in chant at 4am after transferChelsea would add to their already impressive attacking options at Stamford Bridge by signing Osimhen.Enzo Maresca can currently call upon Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and youngster Marc Guiu to lead the line.Nkunku and Jackson alone have scored 11 goals between them so far this season.The Blues sit fourth in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Liverpool and unbeaten in their last six league matches.Osimhen has scored twice in four appearances since joining Galatasaray on loanCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Brighton star Julio Enciso faints on plane on way to international duty as passenger comes to his rescue

      by

      BRIGHTON star Julio Enciso has revealed that he fainted on the plane while travelling to international duty.The Paraguayan, 20, claimed he “almost died” – before being helped out by a fellow passenger.Julio Enciso was in action for Brighton against Tottenham last SundayCredit: RexEnciso was in action as a 73rd minute substitute during Brighton’s 3-2 win over Tottenham last Sunday.He then jetted to South America, where Paraguay are set to battle Ecuador in Quito.On the plane over, Enciso began to feel unwell.Since arriving in Ecuador, he has detailed his flight ordeal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs per Sport Witness, the attacking midfielder said: “My head hurts. I almost died, I fainted on the plane.”I was powerless, I didn’t eat or sleep well. At one point I got up to go to the bathroom and I felt like I was falling.”Enciso went on to reveal what managed to perk him up.He added: “A guy grabbed me and took me to the front; He made me drink coke and a Japanese soup and that did me good.”Most read in FootballThe Brighton ace will hope to feel fully 100 per cent again for his team’s clash with Ecuador tomorrow evening.Paraguay are then set to host Venezuela next Tuesday, in what could be a crucial World Cup qualifier.Former Chelsea manager Potter weighs in on Postecoglou’s ‘shell-shocked’ interview after Brighton’s win over Spurs Despite his youth, Enciso is already a key man for his country.He has already earned 19 caps, having debuted in 2021.Enciso is yet to start a Premier League game for Brighton under boss Fabian HurzelerHis five Prem outings this term have all come from the bench – although he has started League Cup games against Crawley and Wolves.Enciso helped Brighton see out their comeback win over SpursCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd should have conceded MORE this season but there are signs Erik ten Hag’s side can climb the Premier League table

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED should count themselves lucky to not have conceded MORE goals this season.The Red Devils have endured their worst ever start to a Prem season – but the stats show that United can climb the table if players put their shooting boots on.Man Utd are fortunate to not have conceded more goals this season, according to the statsBut there are signs the Red Devils can turn around their misfortunesNew data from Soccerment has revealed a mixed bag for United – but Erik ten Hag can draw improvements from their chances created.United have conceded 1.14 goals per game, which is relatively solid, ranking them 7th in the league. But their expected goals against (xGA) per game is 1.81, meaning that they have been somewhat fortunate to not have conceded more.United currently rank 13th in expected goals against.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Red Devils tally of five goals in 2024-25 is their lowest in any Premier League season after seven games.And bear in mind three of those goals came away to Southampton – who have conceded 15 goals in seven games.But United’s misfortune can possibly turn on its head if the Old Trafford forwards start converting more chances.This is because United’s underperformance of expected goals (xG) is the highest of all Prem clubs so far this season.Most read in FootballThe graph shows United’s expected goals for (xG) and against (xGA) per game this seasonCredit: soccermentFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey’ve scored five of their 89 shots this season, with an expected goals figure of 11.1 in those attempts.This means that their chance conversion rate is poor, as they are creating chances but failing to put the ball in the back of the net.’I was unaware,’ says Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd icon gives Phil Jones heartfelt public apology on camera after criticism United’s season has been marked by a notable gap between their potential and actual performance, particularly in offensive efficiency.The Red Devils have managed to score only 0.71 goals per game, placing them 19th in the league.This is significantly lower than their expected goals (xG) per game of 1.53. United had 15 shots in their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.But Ten Hag’s side have only scored ONE goal at Old Trafford this term – Joshua Zirkzee’s 87th minute winner over Fulham on the opening night.The data has been compiled by leading AI football data analytics company Soccerment, who’s revolutionary xvalue.ai platform provides the most in-depth stats, data and analysis for leagues from 20 countries from around the world including the Premier League. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Hugo Viana set for incredible rise from Newcastle flop to Man City chief and could bring pal to replace Pep Guardiola

      by

      HUGO Viana’s likely move to Manchester City may not be the last time a key figure from Sporting Lisbon ends up at the Etihad.Viana was close friends with Ruben Amorim well before they teamed up at Sporting to transform the club from cash-strapped underachievers to champions on and off the pitch.Hugo Viana has been tipped to take over from Txiki Begiristain at Man CityCredit: GettyThe 41-year-old previously played for NewcastleCredit: GettyCity’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, will step down at the end of the seasonCredit: PASporting’s current sporting director is set to replace Txiki Begiristain in the same role at City in early 2025.And when the time comes for City to find a successor to boss Pep Guardiola, it would be a surprise if they did not take a close look at Amorim – already described by Guardiola as “one of the best” coaches around.What is a shock, for a British audience at least, is the news that Viana has been lined up by City to take on one of the biggest jobs in football.He first hit the headlines in 2002 when Newcastle paid £8.5m to sign him from Sporting, a record fee for a 19-year-old, in the first major English deal involving an agent named Jorge Mendes.Read More in FootballThe midfielder was one of the hottest talents in Europe, after helping Sporting to win the Portuguese league and impressing at the European Under-21 Championship.But although Viana enjoyed the company of mentor Gary Speed, he was unable to oust the Welshman from the central midfield role that he craved.After two seasons spent mainly on the wing and the periphery at St James’ Park, Viana had two loan spells before joining Valencia permanently.After he hit the post with Portugal’s second penalty in the shootout that ended England’s 2006 World Cup at the quarter-final stage, he pretty much disappeared as far as English fans were concerned.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is fair to say that Viana is also regarded as an unfulfilled talent in his homeland, despite an impressive spell with Braga later in his career.But it was in his final season at that club that he deepened his friendship with Amorim, having already been in international squads with him.Man City & Premier League BOTH claim victory in landmark court case as legal battle continuesIt would prove to be a key relationship.Viana returned to Sporting as sporting director in 2018 as part of the new regime of president Frederico Varandas.The club was in turmoil. A group of ultras, allegedly furious at Sporting’s 2017/18 campaign, had invaded the training ground and attacked players and staff. Bruno Fernandes was among nine stars to try to tear up their contracts, although he later signed a new deal.It took time for Viana to find his feet. He and Varandas went through three permanent head coaches as things on the pitch took time to improve.In January 2020, Sporting sold best player Fernandes to Manchester United for an initial £47m. Weeks later the club spent £8.65m –  the third highest fee ever for a manager – to poach Amorim from Braga.Most people Viana and Varandas were mad to invest so much hope and money in the unproven coach, not least because of his playing history with fierce rivals Benfica.But it proved to be an inspired gamble.Incredible successIn Amorim’s first full season, 2020/21, Sporting claimed their first league title since the one Viana had won as a player 19 years before.A second Portuguese championship followed last season, and Sporting are also winners off the pitch.Transfermarkt values the current squad at £370m, more than double what it was when Viana joined.Yet in that time, Sporting have brought in more than £650m from player sales and loans, including big-money sales like Fernandes and fellow Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.Returning to the Champions League has given Sporting the financial stability to hold out for big fees, and Viana always has a succession plan.Ugarte was signed as a replacement for Joao Palhinha, and then sold at a profit to Paris Saint-Germain last year, with Morten Hjulmand arriving as his successor.The job for Viana at City will be different.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Premier League champions and Begiristain, who has had a key role in identifying and appointing his successor, believe he is up to it.And it is not wild to suggest that Viana and Amorim could be the partnership entrusted with building on the Guardiola/Begiristain legacy. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd promote wonderkid JJ Gabriel, 14, dubbed ‘Kid Messi’ to U18s squad with coaches ‘blown away’ by his talent

      by

      A MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid dubbed “Kid Messi” is training with players four years older than him.Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, who goes by the name JJ Gabriel, is one of the most highly-rated youngsters at the club.JJ Gabriel has been tipped to be a future starCredit: InstagramAt the age of 14, he is already training with the club’s Under-18sCredit: InstagramGabriel posing with Ronaldo’s son Cristiano JrCredit: InstagramThe teen sensation celebrated his 14th birthday at the weekend – but has already outgrown his new age group.Gabriel has been promoted to train with Man Utd’s Under-18s such is his talent.At the age of 13, he was a regular for the Red Devils’ Under-16s last season.And in the summer, he won the Most Valuable Player award at a pre-season tournament in Hong Kong after scoring two and assisting another two goals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was presented with his accolade by United hero Dimitar Berbatov.The Mail report that “Kid Messi” has left “coaches blown away” by his skill.He will not get minutes for the Under-18s but training with older players should “help his development and give him a new challenge”.Gabriel has already been snapped up by Nike, signing a deal with the sportswear giant.Most read in FootballAnd on Instagram he shares pictures with the likes of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son Cristiano Jr, 14. Gabriel has been on the books at Old Trafford since 2021.What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkids More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Mo Salah, Martin Odegaard and more Premier League stars spend time away with hobby most football fans don’t enjoy

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA and Enzo Maresca surprisingly have chess to thank for their tactical brilliance.The bosses of Manchester City and Chelsea have both methodically drilled their players on how to keep possession using clever movement and a detailed understanding of the game. Magnus Carlsen is a football-loving chess legendCredit: EPAEnzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola have studied chess to help their tacticsCredit: GettyMo Salah says he is ‘addicted’ to chessCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard is also an avid chess playerCredit: APInterestingly, their setups have been inspired by chess and one man in particular – Magnus Carlsen.The 33-year-old is a five-time world champion and is widely regarded as one of the best grandmasters ever.But away from the board, Carlsen is huge football fan and has influenced some of the world’s best players and coaches with his thinking.To the shock of many, England stars Harry Kane, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon all love chess.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool legend Mo Salah has called himself “addicted” to the game and has namechecked Carlsen as the man he most wants pit his wits against.The Norwegian has already demolished Alexander-Arnold in 17 moves and he has wiped the floor with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.This huge love for chess may come as a surprise – but there is method to the madness.Guardiola studied the genius of Carlsen after leaving Barcelona in 2012 and says it helped him become a better tactician.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said via the book Pep Confidential: “You have no idea how similar the two things are.”There was one thing Carlsen said that I loved. He said that it doesn’t matter if he has to make some sacrifices at the start of the game because he knows he is strongest in the latter stages. Eight bizarre football rules you may not know”It got me thinking and I must learn how I can apply it to football.”Carlsen and Guardiola previously did an interview together with Puma, in which the grandmaster said: “In chess and football, the important thing is to control the middle. “If you control the middle, you control the pitch or the board. “Another thing is that in chess, you attack on one side, so you overload, and then you switch so you have an advantage on the other side. In terms of space, it’s remarkably similar.”Maresca wrote a tactical thesis long before he was Chelsea’s boss and compared much of his thinking to chess.He explained: “A coach can only benefit from acquiring the mind of a good chess player. I concluded that playing chess can train the mind of a coach. “The fundamental element of chess is the logic that leads a player to understand and thus predict the opponents’ moves.”The chess board is like a football pitch that can be divided into three channels — a central one and two external ones. “In football, as in chess, an inside game can be more interesting as it is the quickest and most direct towards goal or the king.”For now, Carlsen is focused on winning the upcoming Global Chess League, which would pocket his team $1million.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he has his eyes also set on playing against Salah, telling The Observer: “I’ve not met him yet but I would certainly love to – as well as other sports people who I admire who play chess.”Odegaard plays a little bit. He was playing a lot for a while and then not so much. He’s not a bad player, but he’s kind of private about it.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City targeting Premier League flop to take over as sporting director after Txiki Begiristain bombshell

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have allegedly earmarked former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana as a potential replacement for outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain.Sporting director Begiristain will step down from his position at the end of the season.Man City chief Txiki Begiristain is set to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: PAFormer Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana is believed to be in the frame for the jobCredit: EPAViana spent four years at St James’ ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationSunSport revealed this week that he will play a key role in identifying and appointing his replacement.Begiristain aims to have a new man in place by January and will then spend six months helping the new chief settle into their new role.While Begiristain’s successor is yet to be revealed, ex-Newcastle star Viana is believed to be in the frame.The 41-year-old spent four years at St James’ Park as a player following his move from Sporting Lisbon in 2002 and made 61 appearances.Read More in FootballSince retiring, Viana has taken up a senior position in football.He is currently director of football at Sporting Lisbon, having accepted the job in 2018.Manchester United identified him as a potential candidate for the position of chief operating officer at Old Trafford earlier this year.He caught the attention of Sir Jim Ratcliffe by assisting the transfer of Bruno Fernandes in 2020.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut taking over from Begiristain at Man City would be an even harder job.City have won 14 major trophies under the guidance of the Spaniard, including the Champions League and six Prem titles.But they are currently in the midst of a huge legal battle with the Premier League.A hearing is underway into allegations that City broke PL rules more than 100 times in relation to sponsorship deals, player and manager contracts and failure to cooperate with the investigation.City deny all the charges. An initial verdict is expected in the spring, but the saga is unlikely to end there and Begiristain will be gone before everything is resolved.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney calls Ten Hag a ‘fantastic manager’ but ‘frustrated’ Man Utd legend pinpoints where it has gone wrong

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY has labelled Erik ten Hag a “fantastic” manager and has pinpointed a possible reason behind Manchester United’s failings.The Red Devils have suffered their worst start to a Premier League season and lie 14th after picking up just two wins in seven games.Wayne Rooney has identified how Man Utd could improveCredit: GettyHe also praised Ten Hag calling him a ‘fantastic’ managerCredit: RexTen Hag is under pressure but looks set to stay in charge with draws against Porto and Aston Villa appearing to save his job.Man Utd have a number of candidates in mind to replace the Dutchman but he has received backing from club legend Rooney, who is against the idea of having to undergo another rebuild at Old Trafford if Ten Hag is sacked.Asked if Ten Hag is the right man for the job, Rooney told Sky Sports: “Well that’s obviously down to the owners of the football club to look at that. I’m sure Erik Ten Hag is a fantastic manager.”He’s won trophies wherever he’s been and won trophies at Manchester United as well.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”So yes, he’s going through a difficult period and I think he’d probably say that himself.”But you hope he can turn it around because too often managers lose their jobs and then it’s another rebuild with a different manager.”Rooney, 38, also offered Ten Hag a tip on how he could turn things around, suggesting he needs to implement a core of British players.He said on talkSPORT: “I think for everyone who wants Manchester United to do well, it’s been frustrating.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think the culture of the football club is… we’ve seen a lot of players who are coming in, a lot of foreign players.” I think Manchester United’s identity was always a good core of British players and I think that’s maybe missing a little bit, players who can control the dressing room and help the manager out when they’re going through a difficult period.Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaves showdown talks over Ten Hag’s future after 7 HOURS without giving update as he uses rear exit”So I think that’s a big change, if you like, from what I’ve seen over the last few years, but we hope Ten Hag can turn it around and get them back challenging.” More