More stories

  • in

    Premier League clubs spend record £318MILLION in agents’ fees with Man City splashing out more than double title rivals

    PREM clubs splashed a staggering £318,219,426 on agents’ fees in the last year.The spending spree – from February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023 – is a record amount in a 12-month period and is up £46m on last year.
    Here’s how much each Premier League club spent on agent fees
    Manchester City paid more on agency fees overal than they spent for Erling HaalandCredit: PA
    Chelsea rank behind Manchester City, who top the findingsCredit: Getty
    Champions Manchester City topped the charts with £51.6m – £200,000 more than they paid Borussia Dortmund for Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland last summer.
    Around £35m was paid to agents in the Haaland deal alone.
    Chelsea, who made 21 permanent signings under new American owner Todd Boehly, adding Denis Zakaria and Joao Felix on loan – were the next big spenders on £43.2m.
    Liverpool were third highest with £33.7m while Manchester United splashed out £24.7m.
    Read More on Football
    Arsenal and Tottenham follow with £16.7m and £16.1m respectively.
    Nottingham Forest signed a whopping 30 players across both transfer windows but rank last as they spent £4.4m on agent fees.
    The figures, released by the FA today, include payments and transactions involving agents and intermediaries registered in England.
    It covers transfers and loans going in and out of the clubs as well updated contracts, new registrations and scholarship applications.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    By comparison, the 24 Championship clubs spent just £36.3m – £8m down on the last accounts.
    Norwich were the leaders in the second tier with £4.4m, followed by Watford (£4.3m) and Burnley (£4.1m).
    In League One, the total amount was £5.7m, and £1.67m in League Two.
    Wrexham, who are owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, dwarfed every club in the National League with their fees of £163,737.
    Liverpool are third on the list after landing players like Darwin NunezCredit: Getty
    Manchester United rank fourth after signing stars like CasemiroCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd star names TEN flops Erik ten Hag must sell in huge summer transfer clearout including £85m buy Antony

    MANCHESTER UNITED must sell TEN flops in a massive summer clearout, according to Paul Parker.And one of the main names on the chopping block is £85million new signing Antony.
    Erik ten Hag has been urged to sell ten playersCredit: PA
    Club-captain Harry Maguire and big-money signing Jadon Sancho are both at riskCredit: Getty
    Antony is another man who could be sold just a year after arrivingCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag has helped revitalise the sleeping giant since taking over in the summer.
    He ended the six-year wait for a trophy by leading United to the Carabao Cup and still has ambitions of FA Cup and Europa League glory, as well as qualifying for the Champions League.
    But despite nine arrivals – signed or loaned – and nine first-team players sold or released, Parker insists there is still plenty of work to be done in the transfer market.
    Parker said: “I would say that ten players from the current squad need to leave Manchester United this season.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    “Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, Wout Weghorst, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Antony all have to leave the club.
    “And then we can always talk about players like Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and so on who don’t have a future at the club but they are quite obvious.
    “Antony… I can see the reason why Erik ten Hag brought him in. He knew him very well and he knows that he works hard. He can trust him.
    “But I just don’t see him having the opportunity to make himself a regular player at United.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    “There are a lot of better players out there that are way cheaper than him.
    “And I don´t believe that he can pay back in performance what Manchester United paid for him.”
    “I really don’t see him occupying that right-hand side.
    “United need a player that can perform consistently and I don’t think they will ever get that from him.”
    Antony arrived with much fanfare after a summer-long tussle with Ajax, before splashing out a mammoth fee for the Brazilian.
    But despite glimpses of quality, he is yet to close anywhere close to justifying his price tag, contributing seven goals and one assist in 30 appearances.
    He has not been involved in a Premier League goal since October 9, when he scored for the third game running against Everton.
    Dalot appears to be back behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order while Lindelof and Maguire are often overlooked for Luke Shaw to play at centre-back.
    ‘LINDELOF MADE A SCAPEGOAT’
    Casemiro improved the midfield and Ten Hag may think he can improve on McTominay and Van de Beek.
    While in attack, Marcus Rashford is the star man with Elanga, Martial, Weghort, Sancho and Antony unable to contribute effectively.
    Parker, though, thinks Lindelof has been given a bit of a hard time.
    He added to Bettors: “A lot of the names that I mentioned are obvious because they are not playing and the want to play regularly.
    “But I want to elaborate why I think that Victor Lindelof should leave, because I actually like him as a player
    “Lindelof is a great player and he deserves to play every week but it’s not going to be at United as Erik ten Hag doesn’t seem to fancy him.

    “He has been made the scapegoat by a lot of fans and the media as well. But he has a lot of qualities and he could play for a lot of good clubs.”
    “He will always perform at least a seven out of ten.
    “He never lets the manager down and he is the man to bring if you want a defender who you know you can trust.”
    Parker’s comments echo those of Gary Neville, who claimed the Red Devils have signed just six world-class players since Sir Alex Ferguson left way back in 2013.
    But the club have already drawn up a shortlist with their summer transfer targets.
    Top of the pile is England captain Harry Kane, with the board giving the manager the green light to make a move.
    Read More on The Sun
    Mason Mount, Kaoru Mitoma, Moises Caicedo and Randal Kolo Muani are also possible options.
    But in order to bring the new stars in, United will need to ship out a fair chunk of the deadwood to create space in the squad.
    Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek may be deemed surplus to requirementsCredit: PA
    Paul Parker wants to see big changes at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Arsenal great Ray Parlour explains why Mikel Arteta can win title and where transfer target Declan Rice needs to improve

    ARSENAL legend Ray Parlour believes his former club will win the Premier League because Manchester City may focus on other competition.The Gunners are top of the table with eight points separating them from second-placed City, who have a game in hand.
    Arsenal can win the Premier League title, claims club legend Ray ParlourCredit: Getty
    Arsenal legend Parlour believes Manchester City prefer the Champions LeagueCredit: The Sun
    Parlour, who won three titles with the North Londoners, believes manager Mikel Arteta can lead his team all the way to the trophy.
    That is because the reigning Prem champions will be preoccupied with the FA Cup and the Champions League, which remains the only major honour that still evades them.
    The former England international loves how Arsenal are playing and advised them to enjoy the challenge as that will help them win more matches and apply more pressure on City.
    Parlour told SunSport: “Well, there certainly is a long way to go. And I’ve always tried to play it down a little bit because the pressure will build on Arsenal because that’s what happens when they’re six or seven games to go but all they can do – and I know it’s a cliche – just keep playing the way you are. Enjoy it.
    Read More on Arsenal
    “And again, it’s a young team, so they look a little bit fearless at times. I know Man City beat them at the Emirates and the [Manchester] United game wasn’t great, but even then they had a few chances in the first half.
    “So all I can say is Mikel Arteta has got it really going. What I like about their play now is when they lose the ball they’re trying to win it back quickly. A little bit like City do sometimes, so I think they could do it. I really do.
    “I mean, Man City are gonna have the FA Cup. They’re gonna have the Champions League, which I think deep down Pep Guardiola really wants that Champions League for the club.
    “So hopefully that takes their mind off it a little bit and they’ve got a tricky game against Bayern Munich now with [Thomas] Tuchel going in. So I think Arsenal have a big game at the weekend with Leeds United at home fighting to avoid relegation.
    Most read in Football
    “So if you’re getting another three points, it starts putting a little bit more pressure on Manchester City and we know that game against [Crystal] Palace was a big one because Man City didn’t play and went into the international break with an eight-point gap. You know that sometimes mentally that’s really good for you.”
    Arsenal are focused on the Premier League title race, but are also keeping an eye on the summer transfer window with West Ham superstar Declan Rice a top target.
    Parlour insists Rice would be a perfect fit for Arteta’s midfield if the Gunners manage to win the bidding war against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
    However, the former midfielder insists the England international still needs to improve and has to learn to get forward “a little bit more”.
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    West Ham star Declan Rice will have to learn to get forward, claims ParlourCredit: Getty
    Parlour added: “Declan is a super player, we saw him play for England the other night [against Italy] and he was brilliant again as he scored a goal.
    “But yeah, sometimes you have to get forward a little bit more because I always think [when it comes to] holding midfielders there’ll be occasions in a game where you do get past your other midfielder and it’s just a bit of common sense for me that the other midfielder fills in for you.
    “That’s what I used to do when we played for Arsenal, because you know, not everybody’s got a set position at times, you’ll see yourself in a different part of the pitch.
    “And that’s where the other team-mates have got to say, ‘Right, he’s out of position there but we fill in for him and then there’s no problem’. So I think Declan Rice definitely can get forward a little bit more.
    “At any team he goes into he would make them stronger, so if Arsenal have got a chance to maybe buy Declan Rice, especially if they can win the league this year, that would be a fantastic signing.
    Read More on The Sun
    “But I’m sure there’s a big queue of people waiting to see where he’s going in the summer.”
    Ray Parlour was speaking to The Sun on behalf of Fairplay. Fairplay is a peer to peer, free to use betting app which is revolutionising the way people wager, collect and distribute funds. More

  • in

    Luke Shaw ‘agrees new long-term Man Utd contract’ in huge boost as Erik ten Hag builds for future

    LUKE SHAW has agreed a new Manchester United contract.The left-back’s current £150,000-a-week deal expires in 2024.
    Luke Shaw is set to sign a new contract at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    But he has successfully negotiated an extension for a further four years.
    And the news will come as a good boost for manager Erik ten Hag as he continues to shape his squad for the long-term.
    Shaw, 27, only signed a new contract in December.
    That was when United triggered the option to add an extra 12 months to his deal.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    But they have wasted no time in tying down the England full-back despite the uncertainty over the ownership of the club.
    David De Gea and Marcus Rashford are also in ongoing talks over new deals, too.
    Defender Shaw joined the Red Devils from Southampton in 2014 in a record £30million move.
    However, injury troubles and fall-outs with previous managers, especially Jose Mourinho, limited his progression.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    But he is now the first-choice left-back ahead of Tyrell Malacia – though Shaw has also filled in superbly at centre-back when required.
    Ten Hag has also been impressed by his character and personality off the pitch and wants him to be part of the new era.
    England boss Gareth Southgate is similarly pleased with Shaw and was delighted he stuck with the squad during the recent international break despite his red card in Italy ruling him out of the game against Ukraine.

    Shaw has played 35 times for United across all competitions this season, including 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup final win – chipping in with one goal and six assists.
    The Red Devils still have hopes of winning the FA Cup and Europa League while the main aim in the Premier League is to secure a top-four finish.
    Ten Hag’s side face a hectic April with nine matches, starting with a trip to Newcastle on Sunday before facing Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-finals and going away to Tottenham. More

  • in

    Chelsea and Man Utd set for Andre Onana transfer battle with swap deal touted as Inter Milan name price for keeper

    CHELSEA and Manchester United are reportedly set to battle it out for Inter Milan star Andre Onana.But the Blues could look to offer up a swap deal as a sweetener for the keeper.
    Chelsea and Man Utd are set to lock horns over Inter Milan goalie Andre OnanaCredit: Getty
    Onana, 26, joined Inter on a free transfer from Ajax last summer.
    The former Cameroon international, who was sent home from the World Cup for disciplinary reasons, has made 28 appearances in all competitions after battling Inter icon Samir Handanovic for the No1 jersey.
    But Onana could soon be on the move to England, with Gazzetta dello Sport claiming Chelsea and United are interested.
    The Blues are ready to sell Edouard Mendy this summer, and still harbour some doubts over Kepa Arrizabalaga’s capabilities as first-choice goalie.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    As for United, they could lose David De Gea on a free transfer as both parties struggle to agree a new deal.
    And Inter are thought to want £35million to sell Onana, who had an on-field fight with teammate Edin Dzeko last month.
    However, Chelsea are ready to offer up several stars in exchange for a cheaper fee.
    Romelu Lukaku is already at Inter on loan, and the Blues could pave the way for a second season by landing Onana.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Inter have also shown concrete interest in Trevoh Chalobah, who has dropped down the rankings under Graham Potter.
    And the Italians also fancy the look of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — ideally on a free transfer.
    As a result, Chelsea are said to be edging United in the Onana race.
    But the stopper played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
    And that could sway things in United’s favour should they make a formal approach. More

  • in

    Eintracht Frankfurt chief breaks silence on Man Utd transfer target Randal Kolo Muani with warning message

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been issued a transfer warning regarding target Randal Kolo Muani.The French forward, 24, has been on United’s radar ahead of a possible summer move.
    Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani is being chased by Europe’s big gunsCredit: Getty
    He has scored 16 goals and produced 12 assists for Frankfurt this season following his arrival from Nantes in Ligue 1 at the start of the campaign.
    This has also seen the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich join United in the transfer chase for his signature.
    As we reported earlier this week, the Red Devils may have to fork out £105million to prise him away from Oliver Glasner’s Eintracht Frankfurt.
    However, it seems that the Bundesliga side are determined to resist all big money offers and hold on to their star man.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Their director of football Markus Krosche told Sport1: “We have no intention of selling Kolo Muani now. The hype about him is understandable and normal.
    “Another season with us would be good for Randal, we want to continue and not necessarily sell him.”
    But Kolo Muani dropped his biggest hint yet that he may move in the summer during an interview last week.
    He said: “We talk about it a lot already, but I try to be focused on my club.
    Most read in Bundesliga
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “We continue our performances and we will see this summer. Afterwards, I always dreamed of playing in big clubs.”
    His form this term led to a call-up from France for the World Cup in Qatar, a few short months after he made his international debut.
    He made a strong impression in appearances off the bench in the semi-final and final.
    Kolo Muani netted a killing blow in the semi-final victory over Morocco, while he picked up an assist in the final against Argentina.
    However, he was denied the chance to win the World Cup when Emiliano Martinez saved his shot in extra time which later saw him subjected to vile racist abuse. More

  • in

    Chelsea make Mason Mount transfer fee demands as Liverpool and Bayern Munich look to snap up Chelsea star

    CHELSEA have revealed their transfer demands to sell Mason Mount, reports suggest. Amid ongoing speculation surrounding a new contract, Mount has been linked with the Stamford Bridge exit door.
    Thomas Tuchel could ask Bayern Munich to sign Mason Mount after his transfer fee was revealedCredit: Getty
    Mount is entering the final year of his deal at ChelseaCredit: Alamy
    The likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have been tipped to sign the Englishman.
    However, it now appears Chelsea have shown their hand in terms of what they want if they are to sell him.
    According to The Athletic, Chelsea have set a £70million price tag on Mount.
    This is despite the 24-year-old entering the final year of his deal this summer.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The report states interest from Liverpool is thought to be “serious”, while Thomas Tuchel could lobby Bayern chiefs into pushing for a move.
    Tuchel and Mount enjoyed a good working relationship while at Chelsea together.
    This included Mount setting up Kai Havertz’s winning goal in the Champions League final under Tuchel and Mount’s best output for goals and assists in a single season in his career so far.
    Indeed, SunSport took a look at how Bayern may line up after Tuchel has got his hands on some of his own players in the summer transfer window.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    After the Blues announced losses of £121m in the latest financial year, a mass clearout is expected to occur, with Mount one player touted to lead the exodus.
    It comes as Todd Boehly and Co look set to try and navigate potentially tricky financial waters given the club’s likely loss of Champions League football.
    Tottenham are the latest team to emerge as a shock party interested in a transfer, though Spurs fans have laughed this off. More

  • in

    Tottenham fans all say the same thing as Chelsea star Mason Mount emerges as ambitious transfer target

    TOTTENHAM fans have mocked reports of their club being interested in Chelsea star Mason Mount.Mount, 24, is no closer to agreeing a new deal to commit his long-term future to the Blues.
    Mason Mount has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summerCredit: Getty
    His contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire in 2024.
    And he has been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs including Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.
    But according to The Athletic, Tottenham are the latest team to emerge as an interested party.
    Spurs are understood to have been monitoring the England man since last summer.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    But Lilywhites supporters do not believe Mount – who has 36 international caps – would consider a move across the city to Chelsea’s London rivals.
    Reacting on social media, one person said: “As if he’d come here 😂.”
    Another replied: “Like that is ever going to happen.”
    A third simply responded: “Complete non-starter.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And a fourth pointed out: “Can get [James] Maddison for less money and wages.”
    Mount, a product of Chelsea’s academy system, has contributed 33 goals and 37 assists in 192 games for the club.
    But just nine goal contributions in 32 matches this season have called into question his importance to the Blues moving forward.
    Bayern are emerging as an option for the Englishman, particularly after hiring Thomas Tuchel as their head coach – a manager Mount thrived under and won the Champions League with in West London.
    And it could work out for the German champions as Chelsea may well prefer to sell him to a foreign club rather than an English rival.
    But a Premier League move is also a possibility, with Liverpool thought to be leading the race among the domestic clubs.
    Jurgen Klopp is keen to re-energise his midfield in the summer as Jordan Henderson and Thiago move deeper into their 30s. More