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Picault will reportedly head to South Beach in 2025 after his contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps expired

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• Miami reportedly sign Fafa Picault
• Herons bolster attack with MLS free agent
• Forward has represented USMNT and Haiti internationally
• Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Inter Miami have signed former U.S. international and current Haiti star Fabrice "Fafa" Picault, according to a report.

  The winger's contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps ran out at the end of 2024, a season in which he scored nine goals and recorded five assists in 1,675 minutes for the Western Conference side. Austin FC also was interested in Picault.

  Picault, 33, is an MLS veteran who has played with FC Dallas, the Philadelphia Union, Nashville SC, the Houston Dynamo and most recently, the Whitecaps.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Miami have been active this offseason, selling winger Diego Gomez to Brighton in the English Premier League and trading Designated Player and striker Leonardo Campana to the New England Revolution. Picault will be a filler gap for both heading into 2025, but another high-profile attacking signing is likely to come.

  Per the MLS Players Association, Picault had a base salary of $650,000 in 2024 with a guaranteed compensation of $670k. The winger will now sign a contract with Miami, and some restructuring will occur with his deal in South Beach.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Picault earned two caps with the U.S. men's national team, debuting under Jurgen Klinsmann, in an international friendly in 2016. His second appearance came under interim head coach Dave Sarachan in 2018.

  In 2023, he used his one-time switch to represent the Haiti national team to compete in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. His grandfather, Henry, was a former professional – and was an ex-captain of the Haiti national team.

  Since switching over to , Picault has recorded 14 appearances on the international stage.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  David Beckham's side will look to continue preparing their roster for 2025. The South Beach club will compete in the Champions Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Leagues Cup and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been a player subject to huge interest from Newcastle United in recent weeks, as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his backline.

The 24-year-old has been the focus of three separate bids from the Magpies this summer, but have so far been unable to match the Eagles’ valuation of £75m for the centre-back.

His price tag has undoubtedly been inflated after his stellar performances at Euro 2024, with Guehi featuring in all but one game as he helped England reach a second successive European Championship final.

He would be a massive coup for Howe’s side in his attempts to secure a return to Champions League football, but with just over a week remaining in the transfer window, they will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on such a talented player.

Despite the interest in Guehi, the club could be about to land a star who would be an even bigger coup, providing the added cutting edge in the final third at St James’ Park.

Newcastle transfer news

It was reported over the weekend that Newcastle are said to be preparing a bid to sign Barcelona winger Ferran Torres, with the Spaniard expected to depart the LaLiga side this window.

The 24-year-old, who is valued at around €30m (£25m), wants to stay and fight for his place under new boss Hansi Flick, but Barca are willing to listen to offers for his services.

Torres only arrived at Barca back in January 2022 for a fee in the region of £55m from Premier League side Manchester City, but has failed to make the impact many anticipated, now finding himself behind 17-year-old Lamine Yamal in the pecking order.

If Torres is to arrive at St James' Park – where he previously scored a hat-trick for the Cityzens – it would potentially allow the Magpies to sign their own version of a player who has set England’s top-flight alight in recent times.

Why Torres could be like Foden for Newcastle

City forward Phil Foden has emerged as one of the leading youngsters in England over recent years, making himself a regular under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

The 24-year-old enjoyed his best campaign to date in 2023/24, scoring 19 and registering eight assists in his 35 Premier League appearances, helping the club secure their fourth league title in the last five years.

He was once a teammate of Torres during their respective times at City, but despite his departure a couple of years ago, the Spaniard managed to match or even better the England international in numerous key areas in the Champions League last season.

The “incredible” ace, as described by former boss Guardiola, has been ranked as a similar player to Foden by FBref – understandable given his impressive numbers in the European competition during 2023/24.

Whilst he may have managed to produce fewer combined goals and assists than Foden, Torres did match the City attacker for shot-on-target accuracy but averaged a higher goal per shot-on-target rate – proving to be slightly more clinical than the Englishman.

The Spaniard also managed to complete more crosses and won more aerial battles than Foden, making him a complete option for the right-hand side of Howe’s attack.

Given the stats he produced in the Champions League last season, the £25m price tag could be a potential bargain for a player who has all the qualities to transform the Magpies’ attack.

Guehi’s potential arrival on Tyneside would undoubtedly provide more defensive cover, but Torres would bring extra quality alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, allowing the club to reach the next level in their hunt for European football, making him a bigger coup for Howe's side.

Of course, Guehi himself would be an exciting move, but prising a player from an elite outfit like Barcelona would be a real statement, particularly with Torres having chalked up 12 goal involvements in just 28 games in the Premier League previously.

As Saturday's hard-fought win over Southampton showcased, the Magpies do already boast defensive stability – even without Guehi onboard – with it seemingly signings like that of the Spaniard which could make the real difference between success and failure at the top end of the pitch.

He's like De Ligt: Newcastle target move for £26m Guehi alternative

Eddie Howe is desperate to bolster his defence during the current transfer window

By
Ross Kilvington

Aug 20, 2024

Chelsea captain Reece James has sent a touching message of support to Mason Mount after the Manchester United star's latest injury setback.

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• Mount & James had injury problems
• Man Utd man suffers another setback
• Chelsea ace sends message to ex-team-mate

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Since Mount swapped Chelsea for United in 2023, the midfielder has had his fair share of injury issues. After coming off injured against Manchester City last weekend, the 25-year-old took to social media to say how "devastated" he was at this new blow. Blues captain and ex-team-mate James has also spent a long time on the sidelines, admitted he had lived through that "disappointment" and offered him words of encouragement.

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• WHAT MASON MOUNT AND REECE JAMES SAID

  In an Instagram post, Mount wrote: "Words can’t portray how devastated I’m feeling right now, you could probably see the look on my face when it happened. I knew what it meant. United fans, you may not know me too well yet, but one thing I can guarantee, I will never give up or lose faith. I've said this before, but I will continue to give everything, get through this tough period and won’t stop until that’s achieved."

  Soon after, James posted an Instagram story that said: "Not many people understand what you’re going through but I have lived your disappointment after disappointment after disappointment. It’s real tough and lonely man! Speedy recovery and stay strong brother! I have no doubts you’ll be back to your best."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mount came back from a hamstring problem earlier this season but will now spend "several weeks" out injured, said United head coach Ruben Amorim. While this is not a serious injury, these setbacks can really knock a player's confidence. Many will hope Mount and James are back playing soon, though.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While Mount and James try to come back to football soon, United host Bournemouth on Sunday and Chelsea are away to Everton on the same day in the Premier League.

Sunderland supporters would have walked away from the Stadium of Light last weekend overjoyed with their side's performance, as Danny Rohl's Sheffield Wednesday were torn to shreds by a relentless Black Cats side going forward.

There were various different star performers for Regis Le Bris' men on the day, as a now fit Dennis Cirkin continues to make up for lost time by firing in a goal against the Owls, whilst Eliezer Mayenda netted his first two senior strikes for the Wearside outfit in the resounding victory.

Still, this doesn't mean Le Bris won't be bringing in any more new recruits between now and the close of August, with a move now seemingly back on for this long-term target to join the Frenchman's ranks.

Sunderland move now back on

As was first reported by French outlet Foot01 over the weekend, it looks as of a move could now be back on the table for Alexandre Mendy to join the Black Cats, owing to a fresh transfer development emerging from SM Caen.

Caen look to have found a replacement for their potent 30-year-old striker in the form of Mbaye Niang reportedly, which might well swing open the door for Mendy to finally move over to England, after an earlier switch was on the cards.

This has since been further backed up by FootMercato journalist Josué Cassé, who revealed that a transfer is now back in motion with an increased bid even fielded by Sunderland in the region of £2m, ensuring this long-standing saga might well be resolved very shortly.

Mendy is still insistent that he only wants the Black Cats to be his next club, as per Cassé, with Le Bris content that all the pieces are now coming together.

What Mendy can offer Sunderland

Mayenda will now be sweating about his starting spot as Sunderland's lone striker going forward, when you take a glance at Mendy's prolific numbers playing in France across his career to date.

The deadly Caen man has 65 strikes next to his name for his current employers from 142 total games, and could well explode in the English game lining up next to the likes of Cirkin, who is very much an attack-oriented defender, seen in his headed effort against the Owls after moving up the field.

Glancing at his above numbers from both of Sunderland's opening league contests, Cirkin could be a major thorn in the side for Championship clubs as a spark in attack if he can remain injury-free, with an assist also picked up in Wales, before his goal against Rohl's men.

Energetic and lively too when it comes to launching into tackles and duels, Cirkin's tenacity when bursting forward is yet another effective calling card for Le Bris to rely on, alongside the sublime trickery of Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts among other slick performers.

Mendy would certainly fit in well, therefore, surrounded by all of this top attacking talent, with the 30-year-old known to operate as an instinctive finisher when given just a sniff of a chance, with his scoring frequency last campaign in Ligue 2 coming in at every 143 minutes.

Equally able to hold his own in a tussle, with six duels won on average last season in the French second division too, Mendy might well be the centre-forward Sunderland have been crying out for, and a figure who could help Mayenda also progress his game further.

Cost £0: Sunderland struck gold on star who's worth way more than Ekwah

Sunderland fans adore this player when he’s at the top of his game.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 20, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled out a transfer away from Al-Nassr in the January window, with the Portuguese superstar seeing his contract run down.

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• Deal set to expire in the summer
• Linked with teams in Europe
• Intends to honour his contract

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is working on a record-breaking £177 million-a-year ($220m) deal in the Saudi Pro League. Those terms, which were agreed when heading to the Middle East early in 2023, are due to expire in the summer.

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  There has been talk of Ronaldo readying himself for another new challenge, with a return to Europe being speculated on for the evergreen frontman, but no change of scenery is expected to be taken in before the all-time great turns 40 on February 5.

• WHAT RONALDO SAID

  Ronaldo has told the : "I’m happy and my family is happy. We started a new life in this beautiful country. Life is good, football is good. In terms of individual and collective, we are still there. We are still improving.

  "It’s hard to compete with teams like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, but we are still there, still pushing and fighting. Football is like that; you have good moments and bad moments. But, for me, the most important thing is to be professional, to push hard, respect the club, respect your contract and believe that things will change – for Al Nassr to try to win more titles."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Major silverware has been in short supply for Ronaldo across his stint with Al-Nassr, despite the goals continuing to flow, and he is determined to add to his medal collection before any long-term future plans are drawn up. CR7 added: "The [AFC] Champions League is something I want to win for the club. But the most important is to keep pushing and be professional."

Manchester United are believed to be pursuing a late move for a "big talent" on deadline day, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Man Utd eyeing last-gasp signings

The Red Devils have enjoyed a strong summer in the transfer market, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe making his presence felt by bringing in some exciting names. Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt have been eye-catching additions at the heart of United's defence – the former is unfortunately injured for a sustained period, though – while Manuel Ugarte has added much-needed legs and tenacity to Erik ten Hag's midfield. Joshua Zirkzee has been a key attacking signing, too, scoring on his debut in the 1-0 win over Fulham on the opening night of the Premier League season.

There is still just about time for the Red Devils to complete some last-minute business, however, with various rumours emerging recently. Sverre Nypan is a young talent who United are said to be in the mix to sign, with the 17-year-old Rosenborg ace also wanted by Arsenal.

Another report has linked them with a last-minute move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, although it now looks as though the England international will be on his way to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Ahli in the process. There have also been constant exit reports surrounding Jadon Sancho's future, with a switch to Chelsea far from out of the question.

Man Utd "exploring" move for "big talent"

Taking to X on Friday afternoon, Sheth claimed that Manchester United are looking to sign Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, in a new separate deal from the one potentially involving Sancho moving to Stamford Bridge:

Chukwuemeka is a gifted player with a potentially high ceiling in the game, so the idea of United striking a deal for him has to be considered exciting. Admittedly, he wouldn't be arriving as a guaranteed success, considering he is still a 20-year-old with a lot to learn in the game, but Steven Gerrard spoke highly of him during their time together at Aston Villa.

Chukwuemeka could see United as a better club to be at than Chelsea, in terms of earning more regular minutes, given the constant spending of the Blues and the fact that they are arguably less likely to promote youth than the Red Devils.

Over time, it could prove to be a masterstroke of a signing, with the £4.3m-a-year-earning Chukwuemeka capped for England across four different youth teams, making a total of 23 caps combined, and picking up 37 Premier League appearances to date.

Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has been named FC Seoul’s new captain ahead of the 2025 K League 1 season.

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• Lingard named FC Seoul captain
• Joined the South Korean club last year
• Scored six goals in 26 appearances last season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  FC Seoul have announced that Lingard will lead the club during the 2025 K League 1 campaign. Ex-United forward Lingard, who joined the South Korean club in February last year, has been handed captaincy responsibilities ahead of his second full season at the Sangam Stadium.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lingard has had a mixed experience in the K League so far. He suffered a knee in the early stages of last season and subsequently underwent surgery. In the second half of the campaign, Lingard regained full fitness and started to gel with his team-mates, eventually finishing up with six goals and three assists to his name in 26 league appearances as FC Seoul finished fourth in the table.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Man Utd academy graduate, who also took in Premier League spells at Nottingham Forest and West Ham, donned the captain’s armband for FC Seoul for the first time in June last year, and led the capital-based club frequently in the second half of the 2024 campaign.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JESSE LINGARD?

  The mercurial forward will be back in action for FC Seoul next month as they take on Jeju in their K League 1 season opener on February 15.

The international break can either bring a player's form to a complete standstill or hand it another major boost ahead of their return to domestic action. For one Liverpool star, in particular, the latter has certainly been the case.

Liverpool's flying start under Arne Slot

The Reds couldn't have asked for a better start under new boss Arne Slot, who has the near-impossible task of replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. The Dutchman is not attempting to simply replicate the Liverpool legend, however. He arrives his own man with his own techniques. Gone are the fist bumps, replaced instead by the more reserved thumbs up, job done attitude of Slot.

Liverpool "machine" who was sold by Klopp outscored Diaz & Nunez in 23/24

He’s a Premier League icon…

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 10, 2024

More classical than heavy metal thus far, Slot's side have been as stylish as the Premier League gets, winning three from three without conceding once in a run that includes a stunning 3-0 mauling of Manchester United at Old Trafford. Even without Klopp, things quite clearly haven't changed all too much when it comes to the modern history of that rivalry.

Alas, Old Trafford victory aside, what has been most impressive is how Slot has transformed Ryan Gravenberch into the defensive midfielder that he was craving at the heart of his Liverpool side. The Dutchman has stepped up for his club and more recently for his country to win over a harsh critic in Rafael van der Vaart.

Van der Vaart's praise for Gravenberch

As the Netherlands held Germany to an entertaining 2-2 draw courtesy of goals from Denzel Dumfries and Tijjani Reijnders, it was one particular pass from Gravenberch that caught the eye of Van der Vaart. The Liverpool man unleashed a stunning half-volleyed pass into the path of Xavi Simons, who failed to convert to hand his teammate what would have been the ultimate assist.

Earning the praise of Van der Vaart, the former Tottenham Hotspur star said via The European Lad: "That pass by Ryan Gravenberch. I actually wanted to go home after he gave that pass because it ain't going to get any more beautiful than that."

The former Bayern Munich man may have finally discovered his best form after a difficult few seasons, and that could leave Ronald Koeman with no choice but to hand him a permanent place in his Dutch side. Of course, the ex-Everton boss didn't hand Gravenberch a single minute at Euro 2024 in a move that he may now be regretting.

The task for Gravenberch is now to pick up where he left off for Liverpool. As things stand, he's set to save the Reds from spending what could likely be over £50m on a defensive midfield solution by handing Slot the perfect option. With Nottingham Forest up next, Liverpool, Slot and Gravenberch have the chance to make it four from four in the Premier League.

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is hoping to land Ansu Fati from Barcelona before the close of the January transfer window.

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• Mourinho eager to sign Fati
• Forward struggling for minutes at Barca
• Fenerbahce fighting for title

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mourinho is hoping to add more titles to his collection in Turkey and currently has his Fenerbahce team in the second place in the table, just six points behind leaders Galatasaray. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss is now hoping to add Barcelona's Fati to his squad in the January transfer window in a bid to boost his team's title hopes, according to .

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fati is once again struggling for game time at Barcelona and has only made one start so far under Hansi Flick. Injuries have disrupted Fati's career in recent years and he has failed to reproduce the exciting form he showed when he burst onto the scene at Barcelona. Fati also faces a real challenge for minutes at Barcelona with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha round and may benefit from a move away to a club where he can play regularly and try to reignite his career.

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  WHAT BARCELONA HAVE SAID

  Flick has hinted he will not stand in Fati's way if he does want to move. He told a press conference earlier this month: "It’s very important to be honest with the players. I've been honest with Ansu. We talked about various options and now it’s his decision. If he wants to stay, that’s fine, he’s a La Masia player. This is professional football and performances count. My job is to help him improve and that’s what we want to do with all the players. Ansu is very professional and always focused. I want to help him."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The transfer window in most of Europe's top leagues is open until Monday, February 3. In Turkey it does not close until Tuesday February 11, 2025.

Chelsea have been a club who have recruited excellently over the years, signing players from all over the globe to improve their squad and help them win various major trophies.

The Blues are, however, without any silverware since the UEFA Super Cup at the start of the 2021/22 season, with new boss Enzo Maresca tasked with leading the club back towards the top of the Premier League and competing for titles.

The Italian has only been at the helm a matter of months, but he’s already recruited well, with various talents arriving at Stamford Bridge in different ways.

Jadon Sancho arrived on loan with an obligation to buy from Manchester United, making an immediate impact for the Blues, registering two assists in his first two outings for his new club.

João Félix has also impressed, rejoining the club on a permanent basis after spending six months on loan in West London during the 2022/23 campaign.

However, two players who were already at the Bridge have also caught the eye during the opening weeks of the 2024/25 campaign.

Madueke & Fofana’s stats for Chelsea in 2024/25

Forward Noni Madueke has enjoyed an excellent start to life under Maresca during the first few outings of the new season, cementing himself as a regular first-team starter under the Italian.

The 22-year-old has already registered four goals in all competitions, increasing his output in the final third – a crucial feature if he is to be a success at the club.

His best performance undoubtedly came in the 6-2 rout over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, with Madueke bagging a second-half hat-trick – the first of his senior career.

As for Wesley Fofana, he’s endured a torrid time at the Bridge after his £75m move from Leicester City back in the summer of 2022, spending most of his time at the club injured on the sidelines.

He made 20 appearances in his debut campaign, before suffering an ACL injury that ruled him out of the entirety of last season. However, he’s started every single league outing so far this campaign, becoming a regular under new boss Maresca.

Despite the pair’s respective form in 2024/25, one player who previously plied his trade for the Blues has seen a huge increase in his market value after leaving the club.

The player who’s now worth more than Madueke & Fofana

Centre-back Andreas Christensen came through Chelsea’s academy, before breaking into the first-team and making over 100 appearances for the Blues.

However, at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, the Danish international’s contract expired, leaving the club and departing Thomas Tuchel’s side for Spanish giants Barcelona – joining on a four-year contract.

The move has allowed the 28-year-old to star in LaLiga, featuring 75 times for the Catalan outfit – with his market value skyrocketing as a result of his consistent displays.

Christensen is now valued at £33m as per Transfermarkt, with his subsequent value higher than current first-team stars Madueke and Fofana.

The aforementioned are only valued at £23m and £21m despite their excellent form under Maresca at the Bridge – with the club potentially regretting the decision to allow Christensen to depart the club for nothing under Tuchel’s watch.

The Dane has proven that he’s capable of starring at the top level of European football, demonstrating qualities that would undoubtedly be of use to the current squad.

With the club looking to return to the top end of the Premier League, Christensen would’ve been able to provide that added quality needed in defensive areas, with the Blues now living to regret their decision from two years ago.

£90m wasted: Enzo must axe Chelsea dud who earns more than Palmer & Jackson

His time at the Blues has been turbulent to say the least.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 26, 2024