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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table with race for Champions League places going down to the wire

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      THE race for the Champions League spots is set to go down the wire as Prem teams jockey for position.With English sides having performed well in Europe this term, the Premier League has been awarded an extra Champions League place for next season.The race for Europa took a further twist as Forest failed to beat Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThis means that the top five will all enter Europe’s premier competition in the 2025-26 campaign.Having already won the title, Liverpool have sewn up their place at Europe’s top table for next season.Second placed Arsenal are then in pole position to join the Reds, sitting six points above sixth with three matches remaining.Manchester City currently occupy third – with Newcastle fourth and Chelsea fifth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing last night’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest are now on the outside looking in at sixth.While Aston Villa are seventh, but will still believe that they are in the hunt.With the race hotting up, boffins and brainiacs over at AceOdds have crunched the numbers to determine how the final Premier League table is likely to look.They reckon that out-of-form Arsenal will win two of their final three matches to seal second spot, and thus a place in the Champions League next season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMikel Arteta’s side will travel to Liverpool this weekend, before hosting Newcastle the following Sunday and finishing with a trip to relegated Southampton.In third, the supercomputer has Manchester City finishing two points back from Arsenal.Premier League manager starts new tradition of joining fans at local pubs if club wins It reckons that Pep Guardiola’s men will collect seven points from their last three games; as they travel to Southampton and Fulham either side of a home assignment against Bournemouth.Newcastle are tipped to finish in fourth place, as the Carabao Cup winners are backed to collect two wins and a defeat from their final three matches.Eddie Howe’s side will host Chelsea and Everton either side of their trip to Arsenal.Somewhat surprisingly, the supercomputer backs Aston Villa to win all three of their remaining games to vault up from seventh into fifth.Unai Emery’s men travel to Bournemouth this weekend, before hosting Tottenham in a match likely to be moved from its current Sunday slot to next Friday night – with Spurs potentially distracted by the upcoming Europa League final, should they make it.Villa then finish their campaign with a trip Manchester United, who will likely have played in the Europa League final in Bilbao four days earlier.The supercomputer reckons that Chelsea will only collect four more points to fall out of the top five.The Blues have awkward trips to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest to come, either side of a home assignment against Man Utd.Forest are backed to win two of their remaining three games, against Leicester, West Ham and Chelsea, but still finish behind the Blues on goal difference.Sixth place will earn a spot in the Europa League.Winning the FA Cup also carries a Europa League place, meaning that Crystal Palace could qualify by winning the competition.Should City win the FA Cup, by virtue of them having already qualified for Europe higher up the table, the Europa League spot would pass down to the team that finishes seventh in the league.Newcastle qualified for the Europa Conference League by winning the EFL Cup.But if the Toon qualify for the Champions League or Europa League via their league position, that Europa Conference League spot would be passed down to the next-best placed team in the Premier League table.This means that the team in eighth could earn a Europa Conference League spot.By winning this season’s Europa Conference League, Chelsea would earn themselves a place in next season’s Europa League.But Enzo Maresca’s side will hope to have already secured at least a Europa League spot via their Premier League finish.Finally, the Supercomputer predicts Man Utd and Tottenham to finish 14th and 16th respectively.Read More on The SunIf one of those two teams wins the Europa League, however, they will automatically enter the league phase of next season’s Champions League, despite their lowly Prem positions.An English side winning the Europa League, coupled with Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup, would see 10 Premier League sides in Europe next season – with six in the Champions League, three in the Europa League and one in the Europa Conference League.Tottenham or Man Utd could salvage a Champions League spot by winning the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea vs Man Utd clash MOVED as a result of Aston Villa and Tottenham’s new fixture

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      CHELSEA’S clash against Manchester United has been moved as a result of rivals Tottenham.The Blues had been set for a crunch clash against Ruben Amorim’s men on Friday May 16, with an 8pm start time.Chelsea vs Man United has been given a new kick-off timeCredit: AlamyHowever, it has now been given a new kick-off after Spurs saw their upcoming game with Aston Villa moved to the same day.Ange Postecoglou’s men were eager to switch their Sunday May 18 clash to a new date, with the Europa League final on Wednesday May 21.Tottenham are virtually there after securing a 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their semi-final.Spurs look destined to play United, who are 3-0 up against Bilbao.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd to make things fair, Tottenham’s Villa clash will now also take place on Friday May 16.The match, which takes place in the Midlands, will start at 7.30pm.But that has had a knock-on effect with United’s trip to Chelsea that same evening.It was originally due to commence at 8pm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, it will now start at 8.15pm instead to even out the gap in scheduling.And fans are now set to be treated to a bumper night of Premier League action, with both games being broadcast on Sky Sports.Should they both make it to the Europa League final, United and Spurs may decide to rest several key figures.That would be a boost for both Chelsea and Villa, who remain locked in a race for the final Champions League spots.The Blues currently occupy the fifth and final place, three points ahead of seventh-place Villa.But as well as United, Enzo Maresca’s men still have to face fourth-place Newcastle.And they end their campaign with a trip to sixth-place Nottingham Forest in a potential winner-takes-all clash. More

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      Man Utd ‘hold talks with long-term transfer target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s brother in shock move’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED might finally sign Milinkovic-Savic – but not the ones fans might expect.The Red Devils have courted Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, since Jose Mourinho was in the dugout at Old Trafford.Vanja (top row, left) and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (top row, second right) are both Serbian internationalsCredit: EPASergej has been on Man Utd’s radar for yearsCredit: GettyThe Serbian midfielder, who grew his reputation at Lazio, left the Serie A outfit in 2023 to join Al-Hilal.The 30-year-old has played 26 times in the Saudi Pro League this term, scoring 10 goals to leave Al-Hilal second in the table, six points off league leaders Al-Ittihad.And, while that form suggests he could still do a job at struggling United, it’s his BROTHER the Red Devils are reportedly keeping tabs on.Vanja, 28, plays as a goalkeeper for Torino, and he has featured 34 times this term in the Italian top flight. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe’s even faced his brother numerous times in his career.Now, after all those years of pursuing Sergej, it appears that United have pivoted to his brother, to at least get one Milinkovic-Savic into their ranks.Vanja’s contract at Torino has one more year to run, expiring in 2026, and, according to Matteo Moretto and Fabrizio Romano, United have held “exploratory contacts” with the Spanish-born Serb.Interestingly, the potential move could see Vanja REJOIN United, after the Serb initially agreed to sign for the Red Devils back in 2014.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnited announced the capture of the ‘keeper for €1.75 million from Serbian side FK Vojvodina. Milinkovic-Savic, who stands at a towering 6’8″, was technically on United’s books for 18 months before departing, not playing a single game for the club.Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke songThe reason for that? He couldn’t obtain a work permit that would allow him to play.As a result, he continued to live in the Serbian capital Belgrade during his time contracted to the English club, and he trained with other clubs locally to him to maintain his match fitness. He joined Polish club Lechia in November 2015 to end his nightmare spell at Old Trafford.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHe moved to his current side Torino in January 2017 and has been there since. It’s fair to say that there were mixed emotions from United fans on social media when they learned of their club’s interest in Milinkovic-Savic. One joked: “We might be signing a Milinković-Savić after all,”, while another admitted that he had “never heard of him before”. Another tweeted: “Bringgggggg! Even my granny is better than Onana and Bayindir”. More

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      Crystal Palace 1 Nottingham Forest 1: Visitors’ Champions League race blow as hosts close on first 50-point season ever

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S slump continues – yet their Champions League fate remains in their nervous, sweaty palms.Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest began April in third and 10 points clear of sixth, daring to dream of welcoming Europe’s big dogs to their beloved City Ground.Eberechi Eze scored the opener from the spotCredit: ReutersMurillo netted Forest’s equaliserCredit: ReutersBut last night’s salvaged point away to Crystal Palace sees them with just one win from their last five Prem outings – Murillo’s 64th minute deflected flick cancelling out Eberechi Eze’s VAR-awarded penalty on the hour mark.Forest are now sat in sixth and two points off fifth-placed Chelsea and fourth-placed Newcastle with three games remaining.That epic final-day showdown against the Blues still leaves Forest in control of their own destiny, requiring a perfect end to the campaign before then at home to relegated Leicester and away to West Ham.There is also the added ingredient of Enzo Maresca’s Londoners visiting St James’ Park this weekend.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut it should never have come down to this, and Forest only have themselves to blame for nearly letting it slip.Oliver Glasner’s Palace, with an FA Cup final to look forward to later this month, are just four points shy of their best-ever Prem points tally, and could have been even closer thanks to a sizzling display by Eze – fresh from winning £15k in an online chess tournament last week.But this was all about Forest and their ability to check-mate themselves out of nowhere.Nuno made a tactical switch from Thursday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford, dropping Ryan Yates and giving injury-plagued Ibrahim Sangare his first Prem start since August. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe other change was enforced – Callum Hudson-Odoi’s hamstring issues pushing Elliot Anderson out wide and Nicolas Dominguez filling in.Palace went with the same XI that battered Aston Villa at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals last month, and Selhurst Park did its best to recreate that atmosphere in south west London.Top 10 highest paid footballersMatz Selz gave away the penalty that led to Palace’s goalCredit: RexMurillo was forced off late in the match with an injuryCredit: GettyIn reality, Forest’s nerves had sapped the energy from their legs from the off. The hosts could smell that fear and hesitation. A bombardment of Forest’s box with several corners one after another had Nuno’s boys scrambling for a breather.The FA Cup finalists were enjoying themselves, perhaps a bit too much as Tyrick Mitchell almost headed past his own keeper when dealing with a long ball but for an acrobatic reaction stop from Dean Henderson.With a place amongst Europe’s finest on the line, Forest were alarmingly flat. Palace were lacking intensity and quality too, but at least they had an excuse of having one eye on Wembley.Needing to win, Forest were playing like a team terrified to lose.Palace sparked into life in the 34th minute – Sarr connecting with Mitchell’s looping back-post cross forcing Matz Sels into his first save.VAR could have livened things up with Chris Woods taking a tumble in the box under contact from Daniel Munoz five minutes before the break, but the briefest of checks allowed referee Andy Madley to play on.Nuno’s half-time talk could have been so different had Anthony Elanga finished a fine move involving Dominguez and Wood instead of firing straight at Henderson – classic countering Forest from back to front.Not one for throwing teacups in dressing rooms, Nuno now needed his side to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents in search of a goal worthy of Champions League football.Wood should have delivered it in the 50th minute via another counter with a composed touch in the box only to watch his effort deflect just wide from the inside of Lacroix’s leg.Nuno sunk to his knees. A huge moment, especially as seconds before Sels had denied Sarr up the other end.The drama continued. Sarr’s brilliant cross picked out Mitchell in the six-yard box and the Eagles full-back was taken out – first by Dominguez and then by Sels.Madley waved away, but a VAR check was inevitable. The monitor confirmed Forest’s worst fears with Sels booked and Eze stood over the penalty.His finish was emphatic – his tenth in all competitions. His stuttered run-up had Forest players surrounding Madley, more out of desperation than anything else.Forest responded quickly, and with a huge slice of luck as Nico Williams’ driven effort from range was helped in by a stray Murillo leg.Palace pushed in the dying moments as Forest retreated.Maxence Lacroix headed just over. Eze curled one onto the bar from 25 yards and Eddie Nketiah had a goal ruled out for offside in injury time to send Nuno’s nerves into overdrive.Read More on The SunForest are alive, but there really is no more room for error.Palace however are now just four points shy of breaking the 50-point barrier in the Premier League for the first time ever.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side need to be near perfect to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: RexOliver Glasner could be the first Crystal Palace manager to win 50 points in a seasonCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel ran his eyes over the England hopefulsCredit: Alamy More

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      Ethan Ampadu appears to leak Junior Firpo’s next club in front of 150,000 Leeds fans during wild bus parade

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      LEEDS fans fear that Junior Firpo is set to return to Real Betis following Ethan Ampadu’s bus parade outburst.The Whites celebrated with an incredible 150,000 fans in Leeds city centre earlier today.Ethan Ampadu grabbed the mic from Junior FirpoLeeds stars enjoyed an open top bus paradeCredit: ReutersAround 150,000 Leeds fans lined the streets to celebrateCredit: ReutersDuring the wild parade, Ampadu serenaded his popular team-mate.Taking the microphone, the former Chelsea star sang: “He came from Barca, he won the cup in Spain.”He plays for Leeds now, he’ll do the same again.”He’s f***ing magic and don’t you f***ing know, his name is Junior, Junior Firpo.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmpadu’s singing prompted the Leeds fans to join in with the popular chant.But the Wales international’s next action was a lot more concerning for Leeds fans.The 24-year-old repeatedly shouted “Real Betis” – Firpo’s former club.Left-back Firpo has been linked with a return to the LaLiga side that he left for Barca in 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Elland Road favourite is set to be out of contract next month.Upon seeing the video of Ampadu’s outburst, one Leeds fan wrote on X: “Real Betis it is then?”Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroesWhile a second admitted: “Yeah, thought “he’s off” once Ampadu said that.”And another added: “Lad’s going out on a high. Can’t blame him. He leaves a legend in my eyes.”Speaking to Marca last month, via Mundo Deportivo, Firpo reportedly said: “Returning to Spain, well. Especially returning to Betis. It’s an option I always have open.”I’ve never hidden it. If I tell you that I’ve found it like a home here in Leeds, I’m telling you that Betis is my home. I’m a Betis fan, everyone knows that, and it’s in my blood.”Firpo also told the Yorkshire Evening Post of his future, upon Leeds sealing promotion: “Last time that we spoke, I probably told you that I was focused on promotion. Promotion is done now. But I don’t know.”I don’t know. I think it’s something to speak with the club about maybe when the season is done, you know, and they have more clear plans as well. Let’s see what happens.”Firpo signed for Leeds from Barcelona in 2021 and has gone on to make 119 appearances for the Whites.The Dominican international has just enjoyed his best campaign since moving to England, scoring four goals and laying on 10 assists from left-back.During today’s title parade, boss Daniel Farke pretended to perform on DJ decks as fans chanted “Don’t you know pump it up, the Whites are going up.”The German gleefully danced along, having won his third Championship title following previous triumphs with Norwich.Read More on The SunAmid speculation over Farke’s future, Leeds CEO Paraag Marathe yesterday publicly backed the German.Marathe said: “I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”Daniel Farke pretended to play DJ decks at the Leeds paradeCredit: https://x.com/The_Forty_Four More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘remembers NOTHING of Man Utd clash as mind was in such a blur after Real Madrid transfer bid’

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD “remembers nothing” of his erratic performance against Manchester United earlier this season.The Liverpool star, 26, has confirmed that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season.Trent Alexander-Arnold had an afternoon to forget against Man UtdCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold, 26, ‘remembers nothing’ of his performance against the Red DevilsCredit: GettySpeculation over the full-back’s future has been rife all season, given that his contract is set expire at the end of June.It is widely expected that Alexander-Arnold will pen a six-year contract with Real Madrid.The England star has mulled over his decision for much of this season.In January, Alexander-Arnold was the subject of a £20million bid from Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to the Telegraph, the offer sent the Liverpool hometown hero’s mind “into a blur”.They add that Alexander-Arnold has since told pals that he “remembers nothing” about his performance against Man Utd at the time.As it happened, the right-back had a day to forget in the 2-2 draw, making an error leading to Lisandro Martinez’s goal.Following that match, it’s said that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes called Alexander-Arnold to check if he was alright.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold went on to confirm his decision not to sign a new contract during the March international break, when he informed boss Arne Slot.With his manager and team-mates having already been told, the Liverpool academy graduate put out a message to fans earlier today.Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarAlexander-Arnold’s emotional statement read: “After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.”This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.”I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.”This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years.”From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.”But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.’MY LOVE FOR THIS CLUB WILL NEVER DIE'”I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.”From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my team-mates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.”I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all.”My love for this club will never die.”Liverpool’s club statement was rather more blunt.It read: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool FC of his intention to leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his current contract.Read More on The Sun”The 26-year-old will bring his two-decade-long association with the Reds to an end having made the decision to depart Anfield once his deal ceases on June 30, 2025.”Alexander-Arnold has won two Premier League titles, and FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Champions League with his boyhood club. More

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      Premier League set for major broadcasting changes including cameramen allowed on PITCH during matches

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      PREMIER LEAGUE broadcasts are set to allow cameramen on the pitch, according to reports.Several changes will come into place when the new TV deal kicks in next season.Cameramen will be allowed to enter the pitch to record celebrationsCredit: GettyOne innovation will change how fans get to see goal celebrations.Previously, cameramen were banned from entering the field of play.According to the Mail, they will now be allowed to do so in order to film players celebrating.With the new domestic TV deal worth a record £6.7billion, Prem chiefs are hoping to make innovations in order to add more value to broadcasters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA further change will affect press box etiquette.Commentators and pundits will now be allowed to record their in-game reactions.The new deal will come into effect at the start of next season and run through to the end of the 2028-29 campaign.It will see 270 games broadcast live, with the BBC continuing to air Match of the Day.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSky Sports purchased four of the five packages available and in a major change, will now be able to broadcast all Sunday 2pm kick-offs.TNT Sports, meanwhile, will show all Saturday 12.30pm matches in addition to two full mid-week rounds of games.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals just THREE Man Utd players have spoken to him since he was sackedAll final day matches will be shown by Sky Sports.Previous rights holder Amazon Prime Video will no longer carry Prem matches.Games will no longer be broadcast on Prime Video from next seasonCredit: Rex More

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      ‘It was meant to be’ – Fans convinced Alexander-Arnold was destined for Real Madrid transfer from first ever Insta post

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      LIVERPOOL’S departing star Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first ever Instagram post involved Real Madrid… 11 years before his impending move to the Santiago Bernabeu.Alexander-Arnold, 26, officially announced he will be leaving Anfield when his contract expires in an emotional statement on Monday.Trent Alexander-Arnold announced he is leaving Liverpool amid interest from Real MadridAlexander-Arnold’s first ever Instagram post was about RealFans believe it’s Alexander-Arnold’s destiny to play for RealHe is now set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer following the Spaniards’ very public pursuit this season.And fans have spotted a major clue that he always dreamed of turning out for Los Blancos on his social media channels.That’s because in his first-ever Instagram post, Alexander-Arnold uploaded a training snap from the Bernabeu with the Liverpool squad from the 2014-15 season.The Merseysiders were visiting Real for a Champions League clash in the group stage and the right-back was included in Brendan Rodgers’ side on a supporting capacity at the age of 16.Read More on FootballThe defender uploaded a photo showing him and then team-mates Rickie Lambert and Raheem Sterling practising on the pitch he may soon call home.Alexander-Arnold included the following caption: “Training at the Bernabeu.”And now some fans insist it was written in the stars as they revisited the pic and stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “It was meant to be.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother commented: “Destined to be a Madridista.”A third wrote: “Born to play for Real Madrid.”Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarWhat 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.This fan said: “It was written.”And that one posted: “Feels like fate.”Alexander-Arnold wasn’t involved in that match against Real, who won 1-0 thanks to Karim Benzema’s winner.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More