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He was charged by the ICC in 2021 and was found guilty in August 2023 following a hearing by an independent tribunal

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Nov-2023

Marlon Samuels was charged on four counts in September 2021 and was found guilty in August 2023•Getty Images

Former West Indies batter Marlon Samuels has been banned from all cricket for six years by the ICC after he was found guilty of corrupt behaviour during the Abu Dhabi T10 in 2019, where he was part of the Karnataka Tuskers but did not play.An independent tribunal found Samuels guilty on four counts, including accepting favours that brought himself and the game into disrepute and concealing information from the investigating authorities. He had been punished for a similar offence 15 years ago.”Samuels played international cricket for close to two decades, during which he participated in numerous anti-corruption sessions and knew exactly what his obligations were under the Anti-Corruption Codes,” Alex Marshall, the head of ICC’s HR and Integrity Unit, said. “Though he is retired now, Mr Samuels was a participant when the offences were committed. The ban of six years will act as a strong deterrent to any participant who intends to break the rules.”Related

Marlon Samuels found guilty of breaching anti-corruption code

Marlon Samuels charged under ICC's anti-corruption code

Marlon Samuels, 'the confident fellow', retires

The Abu Dhabi T10 is an Emirates Cricket Board run tournament as such it is their anti-corruption code that is in operation. By their rules, the ICC conducts all investigations into breaches made and they found Samuels had made four of them. Article 2.4.2 (by a majority decision) – Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute. Article 2.4.3 (unanimous decision)- Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more. Article 2.4.6 (unanimous decision) – Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation. Article 2.4.7 (unanimous decision) – Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.Samuels’ ban takes effect from November 11, 2023. He was initially charged by the ICC in September 2021 before he was found guilty of the offences in August this year.Samuels, who top-scored for West Indies in the final of both the 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup, last played international cricket in 2018 and announced his retirement in November 2020 with over 11,000 international runs across formats. He was no stranger to controversy during his career, the lowest point of which was his two-year ban after being found guilty, in May 2008, of “receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute”.

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O meia Paulinho, do Corinthians, é o mais novo cliente daR9 Gestão Patrimonial e Financeira, empresa do Ronaldo Fenômeno.O family office vai auxiliar o jogador em questõesfinanceiras, patrimoniais e familiares.

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Além de Paulinho, a empresa também auxilia o goleiro Cássio, o atacante Róger Guedes e a lateral Tamires nasquestões extracampo.Gabriel Jesus, ex-Palmeiras e hoje no Arsenal, foi o primeiro cliente a assinar com o escritório e, no mesmo ano, se tornou sócio da empresa.

-Precisamos de pessoas boas, que coloquem a gente no caminho certo e, assim, seguir para uma linha importante. Neste pouco tempo de trabalho com o family office, eu já vejo muita diferença, pois são coisasque eu não vivenciei lá atrás. Você sabe o que você tem, das suas coisas e, desta forma, a tomada de decisão fica mais fácil – explicou Paulinho.

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Nesta semana, Paulinho voltou a treinar com o resto do elenco alvinegro cinco meses após cirurgia no ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho esquerdo. O jogador só deverá reforçar o Timão no próximo ano.

O atletavê a aposentadoria como algo distante, mas quer estar bem preparado para o futuro. Para isso, está fazendo cursos de gestão esportiva enquanto se recupera, e com a R9, terá auxílio nas áreas de planejamento financeiro, gestão familiar e patrimonial, assessoria jurídica, fiscal e tributária.

Com sede no Rio de Janeiro e em São Paulo, a R9 Gestão Patrimonial e Financeira oferece linhas de serviço para ajudar financeiramente os jogadores, oferecendo a eles o mesmo serviço de gestão da carreira de Ronaldo.

Chelsea are reportedly prioritising a move for Jamie Gittens but have also identified two Premier League stars as potential alternatives.

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• Chelsea set sights on Gittens
• BVB value the winger at £50m
• Kudus & Pedro are also on their radar

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , the Blues are intensifying their pursuit of Gittens as Enzo Maresca seeks to bolster his attacking options with a right-footed left winger. Earlier in the month, Dortmund turned down a £42 million ($56.26m) proposal from Chelsea, deeming the bid insufficient for a player they value at closer to £50m ($67m). However, with personal terms already agreed between Gittens and the London club, Chelsea are expected to return with a revised offer in a bid to finalise the deal.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While confidence remains high that Gittens will eventually be a Chelsea player, the club is preparing contingency plans. Lyon's Malick Fofana has emerged as a credible backup option should the German side refuse to budge on their asking price.

  Maresca currently has few natural options on the wings. Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke are both left-footed, making them better suited for the right flank, while youngster Tyrique George lacks top-level experience. As Chelsea brace for a congested fixture calendar with Champions League commitments next season, depth and adaptability have become a major focus of their recruitment drive.

• TELL ME MORE

  Chelsea have touched base with Brighton regarding a potential move for Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward, who is valued at around £60m ($80m), has also attracted interest from Newcastle United, with the Magpies reportedly further along in negotiations.

  The west London club have also assessed RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, but both cases present financial roadblocks. Frankfurt’s £84m ($113m) valuation of Ekitike has been deemed excessive by Chelsea, effectively ruling out an immediate pursuit.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chelsea have also expressed strong interest in West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian attacker, who is also on the radar of Manchester United, Newcastle and another unnamed Premier League club, could be a marquee addition if negotiations progress. Initial conversations between Chelsea and the Hammers have taken place, with the Blues exploring the possibility of a player-plus-cash deal. West Ham, however, have shown no appetite for swaps and remain firm in their stance for a direct transfer. Kudus has an £85m ($114m) release clause valid exclusively for Premier League clubs during the first ten days of July, a clause Chelsea may activate if their other options stall.

خسر ريال مدريد فرصة التتويج بكأس العالم للأندية 2025، بعد هزيمته الثقيلة أمام باريس سان جيرمان برباعية نظيفة، في نصف نهائي البطولة، ليتبدد حلم حصد لقب مهم يدفعه للأمام.

وكان ريال مدريد على بعد خطوة من تحقيق جائزة مالية ضخمة قدرها 145 مليون يورو، كانت مخصصة لبطل البطولة، لكنه سيكتفي الآن بمبلغ 74 مليون يورو نظير بلوغه نصف النهائي.

الخسارة لم تكن مالية فقط على ريال مدريد، بل طالت اللاعبين أيضًا، حيث حُرم كل منهم من مليون يورو كانت مخصصة كمكافأة في حال التتويج بالبطولة، بحسب ما نشرته صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الكتالونية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بيريز يوجه رسالة قوية إلى جماهير ريال مدريد بعد السقوط أمام باريس سان جيرمان

وفقًا للتقديرات، فإن ريال مدريد وفر ما لا يقل عن 25 مليون يورو، كانت ستُوزع على اللاعبين، لتصبح ضمن الأرباح غير المتوقعة نتيجة عدم تحقيق اللقب.

من غير المعروف ما إذا كانت الإدارة ستمنح اللاعبين مكافآت على التأهل إلى نصف النهائي، لكن المؤكد أنهم حصلوا هذا الموسم على مكافآت تجاوزت نصف مليون يورو لكل لاعب.

فقد نال اللاعبون 120 ألف يورو بعد الفوز بالسوبر الأوروبي، و150 ألفًا بعد التتويج بكأس الإنتركونتيننتال، بالإضافة إلى 250 ألف يورو كمكافأة تخطي أتلتيكو مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ورغم هذه المكافآت، كانت جائزة كأس العالم للأندية لتصبح الأكبر هذا الموسم، لكن الهزيمة القاسية حرمت الفريق من المجد القاري والمكافآت الأضخم.

Despite still having a lot to play for this season, Aston Villa are slowly turning their attention to the summer and are now interested in signing a “special” Real Madrid player, with the pursuit being led by transfer guru Monchi.

Rashford double sends Villa to FA Cup semi-finals

Two second-half goals from Marcus Rashford helped secure Villa’s place in the last four of the FA Cup this weekend, as the Midlands side eased past Preston North End. It was Rashford’s first and second goals for Villa since joining on loan from Manchester United, and manager Unai Emery believes Rashford has now made “one step forward”.

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The Villans do have the option of making Rashford’s deal at Villa Park a permanent switch, and after the game against Preston, the boss was asked about the situation, but Emery didn’t want to waste time talking about that.

“We can’t waste time speaking about that,” he told the BBC. “If next year we are in the Champions League, in the Europa, or the Conference League or not. Or we don’t win a trophy – it is completely different.”

Monchi wants Aston Villa to sign Real Madrid star Güler

As the Midlands side continue their focus on what remains of this season, according to a report from Spain, Monchi has confirmed Aston Villa’s interest in signing Arda Güler from Real Madrid this summer.

The report states that despite injuries affecting his game time this season, when he’s played for Real Madrid, he has impressed with his enormous attacking quality. Villa have now taken notice of his performances, and Monchi sees Guler as the ideal player to reinforce their attack as the Villans look for young players who can continue their growth in the Premier League.

However, any deal Villa wishes to do for Güler will be considered difficult to complete, as Real Madrid consider the Turkey international an important player for their future. The report does state however that Madrid will have to make a decision about what they want to do with Güler soon – the player himself will also have to decide what he thinks is best for him and his career amid such limiting playing time this season.

Apps

44

Goals

9

Assists

6

Guler, who has been dubbed “excellent” by Alex Barker, joined the Spanish giants in July 2023, and so far, he’s had to remain patient when it comes to game time. The midfielder, who earns €100,000 a week (£83,000), has played 19 times in La Liga this season but has only started 12.

Tottenham Hotspur are still bruised from their limp defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday evening, and while sights will be set on next week’s return leg, first Spurs must welcome Bournemouth down at N17 in the Premier League.

Hopes for the remainder of the campaign lie almost solely on ending an interminable trophy drought and lifting the European trophy, for Ange Postecoglou’s side are 13th in the top flight and ten points behind the European zone with ten matches remaining.

While the severity of Tottenham’s injury crisis is easing, there are still plenty of problems for Ange to deal with – especially when keeping an eye on the crucial Europa League showdown with AZ, which is only a matter of days away.

Tottenham team news

Defensive stars Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both put their lengthy injury problems behind them, having made the bench on Thursday. That said, Postecoglou opted against bringing either onto the grass.

However, there’s more uncertainty regarding the fitness of Dominic Solanke, who took a heavy blow to the leg at the AFAS Stadium and saw his cameo ended prematurely. Ahead of the meeting with his former outfit, it’s touch and go.

Ben Davies may be fit enough to feature, but Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Radu Dragusin remain absent.

Spurs are desperate to reclaim a more respectable position in the Premier League but Ange should consider rotating for this one, with Lucas Bergvall perhaps dropped to the bench for this one.

Why Ange should drop Lucas Bergvall

While it was Bergvall who suffered the frustration of converting the own goal to leave Tottenham with work to do in next week’s last 16 second leg, this isn’t exactly the reason he should be benched.

The 19-year-old has been a central cog in Postecoglou’s machine this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions, including 18 starts.

There’s a good reason for it. He’s creative, cultured and combative, all rolled into one. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has even hailed his teenage talent as “unstoppable” when on the ball.

It may be worth taking him out of the firing line and resting him ahead of next week’s big one. He must start on the continent. Bergvall might be young but he’s such an influential talent, ranking among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 4% for successful take-ons and the top 13% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

Should Postecoglou place his Swedish ace on the bench, it would be the perfect chance for Pape Sarr to reenter the ascendency.

It’s been a difficult year for the Senegalese centre-midfielder, 22, with his manager choosing not to start him in each of Tottenham’s past four Premier League matches.

In fact, Sarr has only started 15 of his 26 top-flight fixtures all season, also starting from the sidelines against AZ Alkmaar this week.

However, his energy and rounded style could be perfect in a Tottenham midfield that should see Rodrigo Bentancur retain his starting berth since he is suspended next week.

Sarr has a certain quality in elevating his peers and causing issues for his opponents, something Postecoglou has singled out in the past: “He’s one of those midfielders who causes the opposition real problems because whether it’s him running with the ball or without the ball, he runs forward, he runs aggressively and he disrupts the opposition.”

Given he’s won 56% of his ground duels in the Premier League this year after only 45% across the 2023/24 season, as per Sofascore, you could argue Sarr is beginning to show some more maturity, and is struggling within the wider scale of Tottenham’s problems.

It’s the kind of stable approach which could also help revive James Maddison, who was branded with a lowly 4/10 rating by football.london after a non-showing in the Netherlands, unable to provide any of his creative ability.

Maddison’s time at Tottenham has very much been characterised by ebbs and flow in performances and fortunes. The 28-year-old playmaker has struggled this season but still boasts a return of nine goals and five assists from 17 Premier League starts.

When he’s on his a-game, the Lilywhites turn into a different team. However, Maddison needs to stabilise and could indeed benefit from Sarr’s inclusion behind him, with the younger man’s positioning and intelligence helping Spurs beat the press.

And in turn, helping Maddison to focus on making things tick in attack. After all, his metrics across the campaign speak loudly of his playmaking prowess.

James Maddison in the Premier League (24/25)

Stats (* per game)

#

Matches (starts)

25 (17)

Goals

9

Assists

5

Touches*

52.9

Shots*

1.4

Pass completion

86%

Key passes*

1.3

Dribbles*

1.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.4

Duels won*

4.4 (54%)

Stats via Sofascore

There’s plenty to admire about his overall levels, and with Sarr’s infectious energy behind him, this could be the perfect way for Postecoglou to revitalise Tottenham’s midfield, with Bentancur pulling the strings from deep.

Hailed for his “frightening” talent by scout Antonio Mango, Sarr truly could be the difference-maker here, crucial in beating Bournemouth’s high-intensity attacking game, giving Bergvall a rest and restoring Maddison.

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Tottenham and rotation, ay. Who’d have thought?

Related Better than Tel: Spurs must rue selling Mourinho's "big-game monster"

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Ruben Amorim has opened up on Al-Hilal's interest in Bruno Fernandes and revealed Manchester United's stance on a possible transfer.

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Amorim addresses Al-Hilal's interest in BrunoRevealed Man Utd's stance on transferRed Devils face Athletic Club on ThursdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Al-Riyadh reported on Tuesday that reigning Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal have tabled a three-year contract for United captain Fernandes to join them this summer. The Daily Mail further claimed that the Saudi Pro League side are willing to offer £65 million ($86.5m) per year in wages to lure the Portuguese midfielder away from Old Trafford.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

ESPN has claimed that Fernandes is content at Old Trafford and has no plans of leaving the Red Devils ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. United boss Amorim has now weighed in on Al-Hilal's interest, while clearly stating the club will not sanction the departure of their talismanic captain.

WHAT RUBEN AMORIM SAID

Speaking to reporters, the Portuguese coach said: "It’s normal that a lot of clubs want a player like Bruno, like (Alejandro) Garnacho, like others. But we want to keep the best players, and Bruno is clearly one of the top players in the world, so our idea didn’t change. We want Bruno here."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

Amorim's United side are currently focused on going all the way in the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League. They will next face La Liga side Athletic Club at Old Trafford in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Thursday. Amorim's side won 3-0 in Bilbao last week.

Manchester United have struggled within the transfer market in recent years, with numerous of their big-money additions failing to impress at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba is arguably one of the biggest examples of such a feat, costing a club-record £89m back in the summer of 2016, before departing numerous years later on a free transfer.

New boss Ruben Amorim has been tasked with putting an end to such business, potentially looking to transform their fortunes on and off the pitch and lead them back to Premier League glory.

It will undoubtedly be a long process given the amount of deadwood currently on the books, with the 40-year-old needing to offload various players to aid his ambitions at the Theatre of Dreams.

He’s already made a start by signing Patrick Dorgu in his first window at the helm, with various other players either moving to or away from the club to improve the current league standing.

Man Utd’s transfer activity in January

Marcus Rashford has been a United player for the entirety of his professional career, but found game time virtually impossible after Amorim’s appointment, being frozen out of the first-team squad by the former Sporting boss.

He started the first two league outings of his reign, registering three goals, but it quickly became apparent that he wouldn’t be utilised by the Portuguese boss, leaving his career at his boyhood side in the balance.

He subsequently joined fellow Premier League side Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the campaign, looking to recapture his goalscoring form after his recent period in the darkness.

As a result of his departure, Amorim targeted Bayern Munich youngster Mathys Tel as a replacement for the Englishman in the closing days of the transfer window.

However, given their reluctance to fork out his €10m (£8.3m) loan fee, he moved to divisional rivals Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day, ending any lasting hopes of landing the Frenchman.

It’s understandable that disappointment will be felt after missing out on such a talent to a fellow English side, but they may have also made a mistake in allowing a former player to leave given his goalscoring exploits in 2024/25.

Man United sold a player who's now outscoring Rashford & Tel

Back in the summer of 2017, the Red Devils once again raised eyebrows by splashing the cash just 12 months on from the Pogba deal, forking out a deal rising up to £90m for Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

Whilst it was a huge price tag, it looked like a move that would transform the club’s forward department after his record of 26 goals across all competitions during his final season at Goodison Park.

It all looked to be going swimmingly during his first season in the North West, scoring 27 times during his debut campaign at the club, but he would fail to impress during his second – leading to a rapid departure despite the huge funds spent.

The Belgian still registered 15 goals, but came under fire from supporters, ultimately ending his stint in Manchester and swapping Old Trafford for the San Siro.

The Serie A giants forked out £73m for his signature, preventing a huge loss on United’s investment, but he’s since carried on his rich vein of goalscoring from away from the club – something which is of massive need in the present day.

Lukaku, who’s since returned to the Premier League with Chelsea, now plies his trade for Napoli in Italy, linking up with Antonio Conte and playing a huge role in their early season success in Italy.

The former United ace, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by journalist Charlie Parsons, has registered nine goals and six assists in his 21 outings to date, helping Conte lead the club to the top of the table.

Most combined goals & assists in Serie A (2024/25)
Player	Tally
1. Mateo Retegui	19
2. Marcus Thuram	16
3. Romelu Lukaku	15
= Moise Kean	15
= Ademola Lookman	15
4. Lautaro Martinez	12
5. Mattia Zaccagni	11
Stats via FotMob

His subsequent goalscoring tally is higher than United outcast Rashford and transfer target Tel who have both only notched seven and zero goals respectively during the current campaign – with United potentially living to regret the departure given their struggles in the final third.

Current options Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are both enduring long droughts without finding the back of the net, further strengthening the regret in allowing Lukaku to depart.

Whilst his game might not be the easiest on the eye, it’s evident that he possesses the clinical edge which Amorim has desperately been hunting for over the last couple of months at Old Trafford.

However, after selling the Belgian, he goes down as yet another case of what could’ve been had they kept hold of him, with their loss evidently Napoli’s gain given their current league standing.

Worth even more than Garnacho: INEOS & Amorim need to axe Man Utd star

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Tottenham Hotspur have now received a major update on their pursuit of Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel, with Sky Sports sharing breaking news live on air during their deadline day coverage.

Spurs chasing Mathys Tel

Tottenham have been attempting to make multiple additions to their squad in the final days of the winter transfer window, and one of their attacking targets has emerged as Tel.

Daniel Levy even travelled to hold talks over a deal for the 19-year-old just a few days ago, but the move was held up by the player’s initial reluctance to move to north London.

Levy was unsuccessful in his attempt to convince the forward, however, which led the Lilywhites to start assessing their options, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface.

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There has now been a promising new update on Spurs’ pursuit of Tel, however, with Sky Sports revealing he has now changed his mind and is now willing to make the move.

Fabrizio Romano has since shared an image of the Frenchman on a flight to London with his agent, while also revealing the deal is set to be a straight loan until the end of the season.

Huge twist on deadline day

Florian Plettenberg has described the development as an “incredible twist”, given that the starlet seemed to have decided against a move to north London, and the reporter has now explained why he ultimately changed his mind.

“He has reconsidered his decision. He was in talks with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. I’m convinced that in the end Spurs have presented the best project in order to get match practice. This is the most important for Tel.

“Now it’s up to Postecoglou to place him in the right position. He’s not a winger, he’s a striker. Let him strike, let him score goals!”

The Sky journalist has lauded the Bayern ace as “unbelievable”, and there are plenty of signs he could be a fantastic addition to Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Although game time has been limited last season, the teenager amassed 12 goal contributions in 30 Bundesliga games last term, and he has showcased his versatility by playing on both wings and at striker.

Having picked up an impressive win at Brentford yesterday, and strengthened their squad considerably in the latter stages of the transfer window, Tottenham will now be hoping they can get their season back on track and start moving up the Premier League table.

Manchester City are keeping tabs on a £67 million-rated Netherlands star who snubbed Paris Saint-Germain this month, according to a new report.

Man City back on track ahead of monster Real Madrid clash

Following a dismal start to the season, City look to be getting back to at least somewhere near their best. After sweeping aside Chelsea in the Premier League last week, Pep Guardiola’s side survived a scare to beat Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday night and secure their spot in the competition’s knockout phase play-offs.

City went behind on the night thanks to a goal from Raphael Onyedika just before the break, but second-half goals from Mateo Kovačić and Savinho, as well as an own goal from Joel Ordonez secured a 3-1 win.

“In the second half we lifted our soul and our hearts were free,” Guardiola said after the game. “For today, we are in the next round, that’s good. The first half was so academic, we didn’t have the spark to do it against a team that defends really well.”

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Defender Manuel Akanji hinted after the win over Brugge that he believes City can now go on to win the competition, just as they did in 2022/23. The Cityzens will face Real Madrid in next round.

“Obviously Real Madrid and Bayern Munich aren’t the teams you want to face but, whoever it is, we are looking forward to the challenge and I think we can beat every team in Europe,” he said. “Whoever comes, we are ready for the challenge. Even though we didn’t play as good as we used to do, I think no team wants to face us.”

City eyeing Leipzig star Simons

While City are undoubtedly in their best form of the season, Guardiola will likely feel the need to further strengthen his squad to restore the club to its former glory. Having already spent a combined £123 million on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis this month, City’s January transfer business appears to be complete.

However, according to journalist Christian Falk, the club is already planning ahead for the summer, with RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons emerging as a key target.

The Dutchman joined Leipzig on a permanent deal from PSG earlier this month, having snubbed a return to the French captial amid fears he wouldn’t be guaranteed game time by manager Luis Enrique. Falk reports that despite Leipzig having only just secured his signature on a permanent basis, the German club would be willing to sell him at the end of the season for a fee of between £59 million to £67 million.

City are keeping tabs, claims Falk, but will face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool, who are also interested in the midfielder.

Xavi Simons Bundesliga Stats 2024/25

Games

11

Goals

4

Assists

3

Chances Created

21

Successful Dribbles

16

FotMob Average Rating

7.66

Stats per FotMob. (As of January 31, 2025)

Simons has been one of the Bundesliga’s outstanding players since initially joining Leipzig on loan in 2023. In 60 games for the Red Bulls, the 21-year-old has scored 15 goals and produced 19 assists. He was also a standout player for the Netherlands as they made it to the semifinals of last year’s European Championships.