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    Neymar becomes unemployed as Brazil icon’s £2.5m-a-week Al Hilal contract is terminated with 45-word statement

    NEYMAR rolled credits on his hapless stint in Saudi Arabia as he had his contract with Al Hilal terminated by mutual consent.The star forward moved to the Saudi Pro League from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 and signed a whopping £2.5million-a-week deal with the club.Neymar had his contract with Al Hilal terminated by mutual consentCredit: ReutersNeymar endured a hapless two-year stint at Al Hilal marred by injuryCredit: GettyHowever, the Brazil international endured a series of injury setbacks, including a devastating cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2023-24 season.The 32-year-old only managed one goal and three assists in a mere seven appearances during a disappointing two-year stint at the Kingdom Arena.That led the ex-Barcelona star to an unceremonious exit as he agreed with Al Hilal to tear the megamoney deal up.The club issued a brief and bland announcement to confirm Neymar’s exit.Read More on FootballAl Hilal announced: “Al Hilal and Neymar agree to terminate contract by mutual consent.”Al Hilal club company and Neymar Jr have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent.”The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career with Al Hilal, and wish the player success in his career.”According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Neymar is heading back to Santos.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe versatile forward burst onto the scene with the Brazilian giants where he amassed a staggering 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 appearances.That led to a big move to Barcelona in 2013 where he registered 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 matches during a four-year stint that included two LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and the 2015 Champions League.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starRomano claims Neymar is set to undergo a medical with Santos after flying back to Brazil. More

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    I’m Patrick Dorgu’s former manager, he’s an exciting player but he should NOT join Man Utd

    PATRICK DORGU’S former manager has urged him to reject Manchester United.The 20-year-old star is a target for Ruben Amorim and talks have reportedly begun over a potential deal.Patrick Dorgu has been urged to not sign for Man UtdCredit: GettySerie A side Lecce are thought to be holding out for a fee of £33.7million for their versatile youngster.United could make a bid for him should they sell Alejandro Garnacho to Napoli for £60m in the final days of the January transfer window.Jens Fonnskov Olsen managed Dorgu when he was part of Denmark’s Under-19s setup.And the player’s old boss has shockingly encouraged him not to join United. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe told Tipsbladet: “If I have to be a little cheeky, I hope he chooses something other than Manchester United right now. “I don’t know if it’s a bad fit, but they’re just in a period where… I don’t know if you can afford to say no to United, but maybe somewhere where there’s a little more structure and where things fit in with his pace.”Sometimes things have to go in the right order, if you can say it like that.”The thing is that there are many paths to the goal.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDorgu has featured at full-back and on the wing for Lecce, with Amorim believing he will suit his 3-4-3 system.Explaining what type of player he is, Olsen said: “Patrick left and went to a slightly smaller side in Italy and took the chance there.Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager'”He has been really well-educated, especially in the defensive part of the game, where he may have lacked something.”I was really happy with him. I think he had some exciting skills. “Patrick is fast, he is forward-thinking, he can head both offensively and defensively, and he has a very, very good left foot.””He is a creative player. I am incredibly happy that I brought him in and just believed in him. “I am really happy for him, in terms of how his career has developed.”MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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    Chelsea ‘revisit talks with Bayern Munich to sign Mathys Tel’ and Nkunku could go the other way in swap transfer

    CHELSEA are set to revisit talks with Bayern Munich to sign Mathys Tel, according to reports.The Blues showed an interest in the forward earlier this month but were told Tel wanted to stay at Bayern.Chelsea are interested in signing Mathys TelCredit: GettyChristopher Nkunku could join Bayern Munich in exchangeCredit: AlamyHowever after failing to feature in the last three matches the Frenchman could be available for a move with time running out in the transfer window.Chelsea are set to try again to see if Tel has changed his mind, according to the Daily Mail.They could even offer Christopher Nkunku as part of the deal with Bayern interested in the out of favour forward.Nkunku has made just three Premier League starts this season and could be allowed to leave on loan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United are also keen on the French international.It has been rumoured Nkunku could move to Old Trafford on loan as part of a deal that would see Chelsea sign Alejandro Garnacho.United have reportedly slapped a £55million asking price on the head of the 20-year-old, who Blues boss Enzo Maresca is open to signing.He said: “We pay attention [to the market] if something can happen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But 10 days to go, we didn’t do anything, just we called back Trev [Chalobah].”We’ll see in the next 10 days if something is going to happen.”Fan spot classy gesture from Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson to Man City newbie Abdukodir Khusanov after horror debut More

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    Aston Villa boss Emery reveals he wants to bring former Tottenham flop back to Premier League for reunion

    UNAI EMERY wants a reunion with versatile Villarreal defender Juan Foyth at Aston Villa.Ezri Konsa is Emery’s only fit senior centre-back.Aston Villa boss Unai Emery wants a reunion with one of his former Villarreal acesCredit: ReutersEmery is keeping tabs on Villarreal ace Foyth during the January transfer windowCredit: RexFoyth struggled to stand out at Tottenham before moving to VillarrealCredit: GettyVilla were chasing a central defender having sold Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce, while Tyrone Mings suffered a knee injury against West Ham on Sunday.Foyth, 27, won the Europa League under Emery and with crocked Villa centre-back Pau Torres in 2021.But the ex-Spurs and Argentina right-back has been hit by injuries over the past two seasons.Emery said: “Juan is one player that can unite and play with the qualities and the performance we want to add.”Read More on FootballFoyth kicked off his senior career at Argentinean giants Estudiantes in 2016.The versatile full-back’s impressive performances caught the eye of Tottenham, who signed him a year later.The right-back, who can also play at centre-back, struggled to stand out at Spurs as he only managed 32 appearances and that ultimately led to a loan to Villarreal in 2020.The defender shone bright with the Yellow Submarine, who signed him on a permanent deal a year later.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFoyth has since amassed a total of four goals and six assists in 120 appearances across all competitions with Villarreal.The Argentina international has also registered 18 caps after making his senior international debut in 2018.Prem ace arrested on pitch in front of shocked teammates on suspicion of making sex tape without consentMeanwhile, Midfielder Emi Buendia, 28, has signed a one-year contract extension to stay at Villa until 2027. More

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    Newcastle to reward Alexander Isak with long-term contract offer and make him top earner amid Arsenal transfer links

    NEWCASTLE are looking to reward Alexander Isak with a huge new contract amid interest from Arsenal, according to reports.The 25-year-old scored his 16th and 17th Premier League goals of the season in a 3-1 win over Southampton yesterday.Alexander Isak is set to be offered a bumper new contract by NewcastleCredit: ReutersNewcastle are desperate not to lose their star striker and are willing to make him the club’s highest earner.Isak has three-and-a-half years left on his contract and talks over an improved deal were halted last year.But The Telegraph report that discussions over an extension are set to resume at the end of the season.Qualification for the Champions League would supposedly “sweeten the talks” and would remove a reason he could have for leaving.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey also claim the player is happy at Newcastle and he has told team-mates that he is not thinking of playing elsewhere.Toon chiefs reportedly wanted £150million for Isak in the summer.Arsenal have continuously been linked with Swedish international.But The Telegraph understands that the Gunners cannot afford him at that price, nor can anyone in Europe.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIsak has the chance to show Arsenal what they are missing in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on February 5.Newcastle won the first clash 2-0 and are hopeful of winning a first trophy since 1955.Suspended Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes shares heartwarming clip celebrating famous win in his living room with his son More

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    Man Utd send scouts to watch former star they sold in the summer over buying him back in £17million transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock move to re-sign Alvaro Carreras, according to reports.The 21-year-old left-back was on the books of the Red Devils until the summer but never made a senior appearance for the club.Man Utd could re-sign Alvaro Carreras from BenficaCredit: RexCarreras could now be set for an immediate return to Old Trafford for £17million – just six months after he left in a £5m, plus £2.5m in add-ons, deal.Reports from outlet Record in Portugal state United have sent scouts to watch the Benfica star against Casa Pia today.They also claim that Ruben Amorim’s side have a £42m buy-back clause in Carreras’ contract.But Benfica are seemingly unlikely to hold out for that fee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarreras, who has a contract in Lisbon until 2029, has impressed this season in an attacking full-back role and he could suit Amorim’s wing-back system.The Spaniard joined United from Real Madrid in 2020.He had spells away from the club on loan at Preston, Granada and Benfica, with latter then making it a permanent move in the summer.Speculation suggests that Carreras is seen as an alternative to Lecce star Patrick Dorgu.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnited are in talks with the versatile 20-year-old over a potential month this January.But the Italian side are standing firm in their £33.6m valuation of Dorgu.The club have reportedly seen a second bid worth £25.2m rejected for him.Ruben Amorim celebrates Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Rangers Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More

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    Chelsea ‘chasing Serie A midfielder Reda Belahyane’ in deal worth 30 TIMES more than he was bought for last year

    CHELSEA are “pushing hard” to sign Verona star Reda Belahyane, according to reports.The Blues are keen to reinforce their midfield, with Cesare Casadei said to be nearing an exit.Reda Belahyane is reportedly being chased by ChelseaCredit: RexCasadei, 22, is claimed to be attracting strong interest from Lazio and Torino.Chelsea are said to want £12.6million for the 22-year-old, who has made just six appearances this season – and none in the Premier League.According to Sky Sports in Italy, the Blues could reinvest a similar sum in signing Belahyane.The Moroccan international signed for Verona from Nice in a £420,000 transfer in January 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould Chelsea invest the full £12.6m they receive for Casadei into Belahyane, Verona will have received 30 times what they paid Nice for him 12 months ago.A Nice academy graduate, Belahyane made just eight first team appearances for the Ligue 1 club.He has since established himself in Italy and has played 20 times in Serie A this term.His performances earned him an international debut last October, when he featured for Morocco against the Central African Republic.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYChelsea could be busy up until the February 3 transfer deadline.The Blues have also been linked with Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him Earlier this week, SunSport reported that Chelsea are weighing up a bid for the Red Devils winger.They are set to face strong competition from Napoli for the Argentine’s signature. More

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    ‘My old vets team would have bought him for that’ – Arsenal legend stunned at tiny fee AC Milan paid for Kyle Walker

    PAUL MERSON was left stunned by the bargain fee AC Milan have paid for Kyle Walker.The 34-year-old’s glittering seven-and-a-half years at Manchester City officially came to an end yesterday.Kyle Walker joined in with AC Milan training today for the first timeCredit: GettyPaul Merson reckons Milan have got a bargain deal for the right-backWalker has moved to Milan initially on loan until the end of the season.But the England right-back is not expected to return in the summer as the deal includes a buy option worth £4million.Arsenal legend Paul Merson was left shocked by the low price City accepted.He told Sky Sports: “I don’t think Kyle Walker could play ever game at the moment, but he could still do a job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”For me, for the sake of the fee of £4m, the vets team I used to play for would have bought him for that.”On top of the fee, SunSport understands that Milan will pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.The Serie A side’s local rivals Inter were also keen on signing him but wages proved a stumbling block.There was also a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side, but Walker was keen to still play at the highest level.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWalker joined in with training at his new club for the first time today. That was after saying farewell to City in a touching social media post, thanking Pep Guardiola, his team-mates and fans.Inside Kyle Walker and wife Annie Kilner’s move to Wags’ paradise Milan to put his sex scandals behind himIt read: “Manchester City… where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.”Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child.”To play alongside so many talented players has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity I’ve had at the Etihad.”A huge thank you to so many people, the coaching staff, the kit men and all the backroom staff who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes. You make every day enjoyable and provide the platform for us to perform at our best.”To my team-mates, from the moment I walked through the door I felt at home. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.”To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017.”Together, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I’ll be forever grateful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To Annie and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.”Lastly, to the fans—thank you for embracing me as one of your own from day one. Your unwavering support, week in, week out, home and away, will never be forgotten. I wish you all constant success going forward. Thank you, Kyle.” More