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Barcelona are demanding answers from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over Robert Lewandowski's disallowed goal against Real Sociedad.

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• Barcelona lose 1-0 to Real Sociedad
• Lewandowski goal wrongly disallowed
• Barca demand answers from RFEF

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona suffered their second La Liga loss of the season following a 1-0 defeat at Sociedad on Sunday, but Hansi Flick's men controversially had a goal ruled out. A VAR review found that Lewandowski was offside for his 13th minute goal but the Catalan club are complaining there was an error on the part of the system. Now, claims the Blaugrana want an explanation on this matter.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report states Barcelona president Joan Laporta was heard saying "It can't be" about the disallowed goal at the Reale Arena and that manager Flick later told referee Cuadra Fernandez that he made the "wrong decision".

  Ultimately, Barca went on to lose the game, meaning they missed the chance to go nine points clear at the top of La Liga.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report adds Barcelona will ask for explanations to find out exactly what happened and try to find solutions for the future in these types of situations. They also pointed out that the replays didn't show Lewandowski was offside but VAR made the error.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Barcelona will have to stew on this mistake for nearly a fortnight as they are not in La Liga action again until they travel to Celta Vigo on November 23.

Phil Parkinson has confirmed that Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo could be out for "a minimum of six weeks" in a bitter injury blow.

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• Okonkwo suffered a wrist injury against Mansfield
• Scans show that the wrist is broken
• Luke Bolton and Will Boyle join him in the treatment room

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old keeper was instrumental in preserving Wrexham’s 1-0 lead over Mansfield last weekend but ended the match with pain in his wrist. Subsequently, he was sent for scans and the results have revealed a fracture which will keep him out of action for over a month.

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  WHAT PARKINSON SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Parkinson revealed: "We had some bad news when we had to send Arthur Okonkwo for a scan after he damaged his wrist on Saturday. Unfortunately, he has broken his wrist and is going to be out for a minimum of six weeks."

  During their last outing against Port Vale in the EFL Trophy, Parkinson opted for a heavily rotated lineup, fielding a team distinctly different from the one that clinched the weekend victory over Mansfield. And in the absence of Okonkwo, he alternated between two goalkeepers during the match: Callum Burton took charge in the first half, while Mark Howard filled in during the second.

  “Our fans might have found it unusual that we split the game time between two keepers on Tuesday,” Parkinson explained, “but this was pre-planned, in terms of giving them both some gametime, but also to protect Callum a little bit as well. I feel for Arthur, he’s in good form, but we’ve got two experienced goalkeepers ready and waiting.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In Tuesday’s match, Will Boyle, who was initially selected as captain, had to be replaced just before kickoff after he injured his calf during the warm-up. Max Cleworth took over both Boyle’s position and captaincy for the game. Adding to Wrexham’s misfortune, wing-back Luke Bolton, who recently returned from a foot injury, exited the match just 12 minutes in with another calf problem.

  Asked about about their latest status, Parkinson said: "Unfortunately, we picked up two injuries on the night – Luke Bolton and Will Boyle – and both look like 4-5 week lay-offs, which is obviously frustrating."

  The manager also provided an update on other players dealing with injuries, including George Evans, James Jones, Steven Fletcher, and Jack Marriott. He added: "George Evans is making good progress, James Jones is still a couple of weeks away from joining in training with a foot injury, and Steven Fletcher trained last week but has had a slight setback and he’s seeing a specialist today so we’ll know more after that. Jack Marriott has been with the group, but as everyone knows that’s going to take time. It’s good to have him back in and around the ground with the lads though.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  With Okonkwo and several others sidelined Wrexham now face the challenge of regrouping ahead of their upcoming League One match against Stockport on Saturday.

Arsenal are considering a move for one highly-regarded attacker with 148 career goals in total, coming as a squad member becomes open to leaving this summer.

Edu and Arteta identify forward targets for Arsenal

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, assisted by the club's recruitment team and high-ranking transfer chief Edu Gaspar, has identified several rumoured forward targets as Arsenal look to upgrade their ranks ahead of next season.

Arsenal have submitted opening bid for ex-player who "works his socks off"

Edu and the recruitment team have gone in with their first bid.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 11, 2024

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz played a crucial role with their attacking impetus last season – racking up a brilliant 51 goals and a further 23 assists between them in all competitions – but Arteta is believed to want another option.

Indeed, Arsenal's manager is keen on a young striking partner for Havertz, leading to their interest in signing RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko earlier this window. Unfortunately, the Slovenia international decided to remain at Leipzig – even putting pen to paper on a new contract despite an offer from Arsenal and other elite Premier League sides.

Luckily, Edu and co have earmarked opposing targets for the 21-year-old. One example is Arsenal displaying a rumoured interest in Ajax striker Brian Brobbey recently, as Arteta seeks an alternative option to Gabriel Jesus going forward.

Arsenal have also been linked with both Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli star Victor Osimhen since the window opened, but both strikers could become very costly operations for interested sides.

Gyokeres' contract includes a seismic £86 million release clause, while it is believed Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is holding firm on Osimhen's £110 million exit clause as well.

A much cheaper and attainable choice, especially considering he has just one year left on his contract, is Lille talisman Jonathan David. The Canada international, who's racked up 148 career goals for both club and country, could be available for just £20 million.

Arsenal ponder Jonathan David signing as Eddie Nketiah considers exit

CaughtOffside have an update this week concerning Arsenal, David and Eddie Nketiah.

According to their information, Arsenal are pondering a move for David as Nketiah considers leaving the club. The latter, who scored five league goals in 27 appearances last season, is attracting serious interest from Ligue 1 giants Marseille and Arsenal could sell the 25-year-old.

Marseille are said to be preparing a bid for the £100,000-per-week Nketiah, and if the Englishman were to be sold, then Arteta would need a prolific replacement. David is being considered for that role after another prolific season in France, where he managed 26 goals 47 across appearances in all competitions last season.

Nottingham Forest are on the hunt for fresh faces and have registered their interest with one ace over a potential move to the City Ground ahead of the new Premier League season.

Nottingham Forest preparing for Nuno's first full season

Hit with a points deduction for breaching the Premier League's financial fair play regulations last season, Nuno Espirito Santo's side only mathematically dodged relegation from the top flight on the final day of the season.

They will be looking for a far more comfortable campaign this time around, and have already made several new signings in a bid to ensure that they avoid the drop once more next May.

The Garibaldi have broken their transfer record to sign young talent Elliot Anderson from Newcastle United, paying £35m to take the Englishman from Tyneside to the City Ground. They have also added Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic to their backline in a £12m deal, with the Serbian having previously attracted attention from Premier League rivals Manchester United and West Ham.

But attacking additions remain needed, with 32-year-old Chris Wood possibly unable to replicate his extraordinary season and Taiwo Awoniyi seeing injuries hamper his significant potential at the City Ground. The club's 49 goals across 2023/24 was the fourth fewest in the division, and played a large part in their relegation fight. Now though, they may have found a solution.

Nottingham Forest chasing free striker

That comes in the shape of free agent Kelechi Iheanacho, who is free to choose his next club after his £80,000 per week with newly promoted side Leicester City came to an end at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Once considered one of the brightest talents around Europe, Iheanacho spent several seasons as Manchester City's backup to Sergio Aguero and was even tipped to replace the Argentine in the long run.

European club want £30m Nottingham Forest star as talks scheduled

Another of Forest’s players could be on the move this summer.

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By
Tom Coates

Jul 23, 2024

City boss Pep Guardiola didn't hold back in his praise of the Nigerian striker either, dubbing his former protegee "incredible" ahead of a reunion during his time at Leicester City.

"Incredible," Guardiola explained when quizzed on his former striker's recent performances. "The quality was there, he was a young player here and I believe in that moment with Gabriel and Sergio we didn't have much space. He is a fantastic person, we had a good relationship, and I'm delighted it's going well lately."

Now, Football Insider report that Forest are one of two Premier League sides pushing to sign Iheanacho, with newly promoted Ipswich Town also in the hunt for the 27-year-old, who also has an offer on the table in Turkey.

They claim that the pair are "hopeful of convincing him to stay in England" and that both "are now set to make formal contract proposals to the striker" in a bid to convince him to choose them after registering their interest, and by extension, making contact.

Often overlooked by Enzo Maresca last season, Iheanacho managed just five goals in 23 appearances for the Foxes, but would bring plenty of Premier League pedigree, having found the net on 42 occasions in the top flight. As a squad player, he could be an excellent pickup for the Reds.

Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his trust in Manchester City's ownership amid the club's battle against 115 charges of financial misconduct.

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• Verdict on charges expected in the new year
• Guardiola says 'most teams want us relegated'
• City have won six of the last seven PL titles

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Speaking after a Premier League summit in London, Guardiola doubled down on his belief that the club's owners had done no wrong amid an investigation into 115 alleged financial breaches by City, after a large majority of top-flight clubs approved changes to sponsorship rules – something which could prove detrimental to the Cityzens.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The sponsorship amendments, which concerned the framework around associated party transactions (APT), were less than favourable to Manchester City, who attempted to throw them out but did not receive the required backing to do so. Only Newcastle, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest sided with City, while every other top-flight side sided with the Premier League shareholders.

  As a result of the outcome, City are threatening legal action against the Premier League. They have accused chief executive Richard Masters of misleading clubs when he stated that the proposed changes would be made swiftly, and they will be aided by a tribunal in January, which could help them establish factual evidence to back up their case.

  With the threat of relegation very real should City be found guilty of their 115 alleged financial breaches, Guardiola has reiterated his loyalty to the club, stating that he would stay even if the club found themselves in the Conference. He has also signed a new contract.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  A statement from the Premier League said: "At a Premier League shareholders' meeting today, clubs approved changes to the League's associated party transaction (APT) rules.

  "The amendments to the rules address the findings of an arbitration tribunal following a legal challenge by Manchester City to the APT system earlier this year. The purpose of the APT rules is to ensure clubs are not able to benefit from commercial deals or reductions in costs that are not at fair market value by virtue of relationships with associated parties."

  In response to the changes, Guardiola was staunch in his defence of his club. Speaking in a press conference, he said: "I read something about how we need to be relegated immediately. 75% of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes and this sort of stuff.

  "I prefer not to be in that position but once it's there I love it — because you believe in your club and the people there. I believe what they say to me (about the alleged breaches) and the reasons why. We're awaiting the sentence in February or March."

  He added: "What happens if we are relegated? I will be here. I don't know the position they are going to bring us. The Conference? But we will come up and come up and come back to the Premier League. I feel it."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GUARDIOLA AND MAN CITY?

  Outside of legal proceedings and Premier League administration, City resume their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Tottenham on Saturday, to whom they lost less than a month ago in the Carabao Cup. Looking for revenge on their home turf, and with Liverpool to chase at the top of the league, City will be hungry for a big win.

Pre-season is here, and the return of the Premier League is just on the horizon.

That said, while it's certainly exciting, there is a slight concern among Arsenal fans that the club have yet to make an outfield signing for the first-team this window, thus leaving themselves underequipped to challenge Manchester City for the title a third year running.

However, even though the Gunners have been relatively slow this window in comparison to some of their rivals, it does appear as if they'll have the signing of Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori wrapped up soon and that a move for Spanish international Mikel Merino is also looking increasingly likely as time goes on.

The Euros winner would be an interesting addition to Mikel Arteta's squad, although he'll have to be a real world-beater to match the valuation of one of his potential new teammates.

The latest on Merino to Arsenal

According to a recent report by Spanish journalist Kiki Marin, Arsenal are now edging "closer" to securing a deal for Merino this summer.

Marin does not mention how much the player may cost, but various reports in the last few weeks have claimed that the 28-year-old will cost the Gunners anywhere from £21m to around £34m.

This seemingly reasonable price is partly because his £51k-per-week contract is set to expire next summer, as based on his performances over the last year or so, he's surely worth a lot more.

Last season, he proved he could be a goal threat from midfield as he scored eight goals and provided five assists in 45 appearances for La Real, equating to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 3.46 games.

However, his real strength is in his ability to win a frankly absurd number of duels, with Squawka revealing that he won a staggering 326 last season, making him the best at doing so in Europe's top seven leagues and justifying data analyst Ben Mattinson's description of him as being a "duel monster."

In all, it looks like he'd be an excellent signing for Arsenal, although even with a new contract and the buzz that will follow, it's unlikely that his valuation will ever match that of one of his potential midfield partners.

Martin Odegaard's valuation in 2024

Yes, the midfielder in question is Arsenal's captain fantastic, Martin Odegaard.

According to Transfermarkt, the Norwegian international is now worth around a whopping €110m, which converts to around £92m, or at least £58m more than Merino could cost the Gunners.

This is an undeniably impressive valuation, but given the former Real Madrid ace's efforts in North London over the last few years, it is entirely justified.

For example, despite only being 25 years old, he is the captain of his club and country and has been a core component of Arteta's overhaul of the squad since he agreed to join the club on a permanent deal in 2021.

In all, he has made 153 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 34 goals and providing 38 assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 2.77 games.

Moreover, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Drammen-born "wizard", as dubbed by footballer Babayele Sodade, sits in the top 1% of midfielders for shot-creating actions and touches in the opposition penalty area, the top 2% for progressive passes, the top 3% for non-penalty expected goals plus expected assists and the top 4% for actual assists and total shots, all per 90.

Ultimately, Merino will likely be a hit in North London, but it seems improbable he'll ever match Odegaard's incredible but justified valuation.

Forget Nico Williams: Arsenal set for talks over signing £25m Saka rival

The “difficult” attacker would add so much quality to the Gunners’ squad.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 23, 2024

Rob McElhenney made a surprise video call to a young Wrexham fan battling a rare form of cancer, while Ollie Palmer paid him a visit in hospital.

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• Young Wrexham fan has rare cancer
• Owner McElhenney makes video call
• Striker Palmer visits him in hospital

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wrexham supporter Archie White had an uplifting video chat with Red Dragons co-owner McElhenney while he was on the set of his TV show . The 12-year-old from Wrexham was diagnosed with a cancer, myeloid sarcoma, that affects less than one in a million children and is undergoing treatment at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool. On top of the call, forward Palmer spent hours at Archie's bedside in a heart-warming meeting.

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• WHAT ARCHIE'S MUM SAID

  Archie's mum, Sarah, told Wales Online: “The doctors told us that Archie had cancer just before Halloween, but we only told our friends last Friday. We started getting video messages from the Wrexham players, because Archie is a die-hard fan. I messaged the players just to say thank you for their messages and Ollie replied to me. He said that when he's feeling better, he’d really like to take him to the training ground and that was it. Yesterday was a really difficult day for Archie with his chemotherapy treatment. He's obviously been feeling really weak and tired, and he broke down. He was like: ‘Why is this happening to me?’ I went to the toilet after that and when I came out he said: ‘I think that Ollie Palmer’s outside.’ Then the door opened and he just walked in, and I said: ‘What are you doing here?’ He said Archie’s story really got to him and he had a family member who went through something similar. He stayed with us for hours and that was when he rang Rob McElhenney.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A video of McElhenney's call shows him introducing Archie to his co-stars Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton. After being called back to set, the American rang again for a longer chat and showed him around his work.

  McElhenney also said: “Hey man, how are you doing? I'm sure you're not old enough to watch my show, but this is the set that we shoot on. We would love to have you and your family come and sit up with us in the box so we'll make sure we get your information and invite you when we're out there.”

  Acts like these just show Wrexham's class.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While everyone hopes and prays that Archie gets better, his beloved Wrexham host Exeter City in League One action on Saturday in a battle between third and ninth in the division.

Looking at Southampton's opening batch of Premier League fixtures, there is a possibility that Russell Martin's men could put together a positive sequence of results to start their season on the right foot.

Newcastle United away is a tough opening day clash for the South Coast club, but a home game in front of the expectant St. Mary's masses versus Nottingham Forest right after this trip to Tyneside could be a great opportunity for the newly promoted outfit to pick up a vital win and get some crucial points on the board early.

Flynn Downes will be expected to perform during these big games in August, having signed permanently for the Saints after an excellent loan spell in the Championship, and he could well line up for these crunch clashes to come with a brand-new partner in the middle of the park.

Southampton enter battle for Premier League midfielder

As per a new report by the Telegraph, Southampton are just one of a whole plethora of clubs eyeing up a potential move for wantaway Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp this summer.

Skipp will want to get this stuttering career back up and running again, after finding regular first-team minutes hard to come by last campaign at an average of 35 minutes per clash in the top flight, and he could find a new location where he can excel soon in Southampton.

Yet, both Leicester City and Ipswich Town – who join the Saints in the promised land of the Premier League this forthcoming campaign – are also said to be interested in snapping up the 23-year-old, which could lead to a three-way tussle taking place for his coveted services between now and transfer deadline day.

What Skipp can offer Southampton

Skipp might well see what Downes managed to achieve with Southampton last season as one major plus about potentially relocating to the South Coast, with the ex-West Ham United star struggling for minutes with the Hammers, before linking up with Martin and Co to fill the hole left behind by James Ward-Prowse.

There was widespread jubilation online when Downes put pen to paper on a return back to Southampton this summer, and for obvious reasons, with the 25-year-old a calm and stylish operator last season on the way to promotion being clinched.

The beloved Saints number four would average an ice-cold 93% pass accuracy per second-tier clash, alongside displaying another side to his game away from spraying balls about the turf for fun, with grit and determination also present in spades by winning 4.5 total duels per game also.

Downes might well strike up a formidable duo with Skipp, therefore, if the Spurs outcast swaps North London for pastures new, with the in-demand 23-year-old a top performer for Norwich City during the 2020/21 campaign, on the way to lifting the Championship title.

Beating Downes when it comes to total duels won and tackles averaged per game that standout campaign, the Spurs number four will be seen as the more defensively sound of the two moving up a league, with Martin aware that his Saints side will need to be more switched on at the back when facing the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City who boast frightening attackers.

The tenacious 5 foot 9 battler will want to prove himself away from Ange Postecoglou's men and show he can be a consistent top performer at the elite level, and he has shown in flashes for his boyhood employers in the past that he can shine in the tough league.

Tottenham great Glenn Hoddle has even described the £40k-per-week man as "fabulous" when commenting on the hard graft he previously has put in for Spurs, and so Southampton could bulk up their holding midfield options with a tireless new face soon, who could shine next to Downes.

In talks: Southampton moving to sign "amazing" Mara replacement

Southampton could freshen up their attacking options even more with this purchase.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 7, 2024

GOAL USA writers offer MLS Cup predictions and discuss the Premier League title race and the 2025 Club World Cup

Finally, MLS Cup is here. After nine months and three of the four presumptive favorites exiting, there is a soccer match to be played that will decide who lifts the trophy. And it's an enticing match up. LA Galaxy have been, at times, the best team in MLS this season, high powered attack and all. New York Red Bulls, meanwhile got hot at the right time.

Pit the two against each other, throw in a season-ending ACL tear to Riqui Puig, and we have a game. It won't be an easy one to call.

Elsewhere, there's some USWNT fallout to deal with. Emma Hayes' side played England to a bit of a bore at the weekend, a hyped-up friendly finishing in a drab 0-0. Yes, there was some more intrigue than the scoreline might have suggested, but the U.S. certainly missed their big names.

And also, a word on the Premier League. Manchester City have gone from the world's best to Champions League spot outsiders in a matter of weeks, leaving Liverpool nine points clear. Is that an unassailable margin? History tells us it should be.

There's all that and more, as GOAL US writers debate some of the biggest stories in soccer in the latest edition of… The Rondo.

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  Who wins MLS Cup?

  Tom Hindle: Before this weekend, you would have said LA Galaxy, and probably pretty comfortably. But after the games, given the fine run of form the Red Bulls are on, and potential injuries for LA, it's not quite that simple. The NYRB will probably be up for it, and have a real belief that they can do something here (not to mention that a No. 7 seed winning the whole thing would be exquisite content.) Still, the Galaxy are probably a bit too good. An early LA goal and the floodgates probably open. Instead, let's say the Red Bulls put up a fight and we get some sort of 2-1 Galaxy win, with most of the action coming in the second half.

  Alex Labidou: This would have been a WAY easier question to answer prior to the news of Puig's injury. Take away the MVP nominee, who also delivered the Galaxy to this moment, and the Galaxy and Red Bulls are a lot more even than the difference in their playoff seeding would suggest. That said, this Red Bulls group feels like a team of destiny – and with their defense being a lot stronger than LA's along with having just enough in attack, let's go with Red Bulls in a 2-1 win.

  Ryan Tolmich: As a strong believer in Teams of Destiny, we'll go Red Bulls. It seems like just about everything has broken their way over the last month or so, despite the odds eternally being against them. Outshot? No problem. Outplayed? Doesn't matter. This team has generally just found a way. Now, they face an LA Galaxy team without their best player? Everything is coming up Red Bulls, so, despite a clear talent deficit to make up, let's go with them.

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  How bad is Puig's ACL tear for LA Galaxy?

  TH: On Saturday? They will probably survive. LA are too good going forward, even with Puig out. Gabriel Pec, Marco Reus, Joseph Paintsil, et al, will have too much on the day. The real issue is next year. Pec could – and probably should – leave for greener pastures. Reus is still a bit of a question mark over the course of a full season, while it remains to be seen if Dejan Joveljic can replicate his form. Puig was the guy who held it all together this year (and is probably the single player most important to his side in MLS.) Considering that an ACL tear likely rules next year, too, the Galaxy could be in trouble.

  AL: It's heart-wrenching. Puig was debatable as an MLS MVP candidate, but he has hands-down been the best player in this postseason. LA likely still have enough to win it all, but Puig, to steal a line from Yankees Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, is the straw that stirs the drink. I'm not sure how the Galaxy get past a stout Red Bulls defense without him.

  RT: Horrible. No player, other than maybe Lionel Messi, is as important to their team, and the stats prove it. When Puig is on the field, the Galaxy have the best midfielder in MLS, and it isn't particularly close. Without him, this team loses so much of the creativity that unleashes the star-studded attack. Can they win without him? Yes. Will they? Not so sure.

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  Why is the Club World Cup a big deal for America?

  TH: Well, let's put it simply: soccer matters here. Get more of those guys fans will recognize from the telly to play on American soil – and with some handsome money as a result – and then there's room for growth, for sure. Yes, the tournament has its critics. The calendar is already too full, and a month of soccer in the States when players are already knackered is perhaps a bit much. But from an American perspective, with the World Cup coming in 2026, there couldn't be a better warmup for the world's biggest sporting event than some of the marquee guys coming to play. Just please, please, please get a TV deal sorted, FIFA.

  AL: There isn't a lot of anticipation for this tournament and it does feel a tack on to an already extensive soccer calendar. Yet, all of those factors mentioned above won't matter once the event actually kicks off. If the players are bought in, fans are going to see some really tantalizing and intriguing matchups and get introduced to stars and teams from other regions outside of Europe that they are completely unaware of.

  The biggest factor, outside of obviously finding a broadcasting partner, will be ticket pricing. Copa America last year had issues with attendance in certain matches because they priced all the matches relatively the same and there were a lot of teams without broad fan interest. If they do a dynamic pricing scheme, it could be to the benefit for both the fans and teams trying to introduce themselves to new audiences, such as Boca Juniors or Urawa Red Diamonds.

  RT: It matters because, again, it is an example of the sport's powerbrokers investing in the U.S. game. Everyone involved in the sport continues to believe that the U.S. is a gold mine and, as long as that's the case, more money will be pumped into growing the game in this part of the world. Maybe young fans will fall in love after seeing Real Madrid. Maybe an Inter Miami run will help validate MLS. Maybe a closer look at someone like Weston McKennie will inspire the next USMNT star. Either way, the more money and effort is pumped into the American game, the more room there is to take the game forward – and that's good for everyone.

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  Is the Premier League title Liverpool's to lose?

  TH: Yes? Maybe? I don't know? Manchester City's puzzling collapse would seem to leave some room for someone else, and the Reds are playing very, very, very well. But the next few months will really test things. Negotiate Christmas, and sure. Perhaps the main concern is Mohamed Salah's recent history of late-season drop offs. For a few years now, the Egyptian has dealt with scoring slumps, and he is HARDcarrying Liverpool at the moment. If he stays hot, then there can be belief on Merseyside. All that said. For now, a very, very, very nervy yes.

  AL: The old adage is whoever is leading by Boxing Day usually wins the league. Liverpool are leading the Prem by nine points (!) and barring something unforeseen, aren't going to give away that lead going into 2025. So yes. What's been more interesting, is following the unexpected storylines. Aston Villa are collapsing after puffing their chest from making the Champions League last season, sitting in 12th. Everyone roasted Chelsea for moving on from Mauricio Pochettino, but quietly they're on the same points as Arsenal at second and third. And literally nobody is talking about Brighton being fourth in the league. That's where the fun is.

  RT: Yeah, they're pretty clearly the favorites now, huh? Still, come back after the holiday period, which is where title dreams go to die. Games come thick and fast, injuries pile up and standards tend to dip just a little bit. If Liverpool can get to New Years Day with a big lead, we can anoint them as Champions elect – but surviving that time of year is a tough ask for both the Reds and anyone hoping to chase them down.

Leeds United started their Championship season by dropping two points at Elland Road as they failed to beat newly-promoted Portsmouth on Saturday.

The Whites were held to a 3-3 draw in a game that saw three of the club's four summer signings feature, including Joe Rodon, making his second debut, Joe Rothwell, and Jayden Bogle.

Daniel Farke has just over two weeks left to make further additions to his squad in an attempt to build a team that can compete for promotion back to the Premier League, having fallen short in the play-off final back in May.

A forward is reportedly on the agenda, with Leeds preparing a bid for Norwich winger Jonathan Rowe, whilst the West Yorkshire outfit are now said to be eyeing a new defender.

Leeds keen on Premier League starlet

According to DaveOCKOP, the 49ers have joined the race to land Owen Beck on loan from Premier League giants Liverpool for the Whites.

The report claims that the Championship side are looking to sign the left-back on loan for the 2024/25 campaign, but they will need to compete with divisional rivals Queens Park Rangers for his signature.

Scottish giants Celtic are also said to be keen on signing the Welsh defender but want a permanent deal, which the Reds want £3m for – a fee the Hoops are yet to get near.

DaveOCKOP adds that Liverpool would prefer Beck to sign a new contract before going out on loan, rather than selling him, which could put Leeds and QPR in pole position as it stands.

The last time the Whites won promotion from the Championship, versatile left-sider Ezgjan Alioski played a crucial role – featuring in 39 matches – and the Reds youngster could be Farke's own version of him.

Why Beck could be Alioski 2.0

Alioski was a left midfielder who was converted into a left-back under Marcelo Bielsa and Beck is a similar player, who has played a lot of football in both of those positions – with 22 games at left-midfield and 77 matches at left-back.

The former Leeds star, as shown in the graphic above, provided an attacking threat from both roles during his time at Elland Road, and contributed to the promotion in the 2019/20 campaign.

Beck spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Dundee in the Scottish Premiership and showcased his attacking quality with two goals and four assists in 25 matches.

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old starlet's contributions at both ends of the pitch were, in fact, more impressive than Alioski's for Leeds in their last promotion campaign under Bielsa.

The "spectacular" – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – whiz showed off his midfield instincts by providing a constant creative threat from a left-back position, making more than two key passes per game on average.

These statistics suggest that Leeds would be bringing in a fantastic left-back and left-midfield option who could make things happen at the top end of the pitch, just like Alioski did for the Whites when Bielsa was in the dugout.

Leeds fail with £15m bid for "remarkable" ace they'd agreed loan terms for

The Whites have changed tact and gone for a permanent move instead.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 12, 2024