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In a thrilling Serie A encounter, AC Milan edged out Napoli 2-1 at the San Siro, with Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers putting Milan ahead before Kevin De Bruyne converted a penalty for Napoli. Despite the loss, De Bruyne shared a heartfelt message with Luka Modric, expressing admiration for the Croatian midfielder's exceptional talent.

• Milan's resilient victory over Napoli

  Milan secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Napoli at the San Siro, propelling them to the top of the Serie A standings. Christian Pulisic opened the scoring with an assist from Saelemaekers, and before the Belgian doubled the lead before half-time. Napoli's De Bruyne converted a penalty after Milan's Pervis Estupinan was sent off for a foul on Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Despite Napoli's late pressure, Milan held on to claim all three points.

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• De Bruyne's shares heartfelt message to Modric

  Following the match, De Bruyne took to Instagram to share a message with Modric, which said: "Everybody enjoys good football. Good to see you brate."

  This gesture shows the mutual respect between the two midfield maestros. Despite the competitive nature of the match, De Bruyne's words are of nothing but admiration for Modric's exceptional skill and influence on the game.

• De Bruyne's angry reaction to being subbed off

  De Bruyne may have pulled Napoli back into the contest with his second-half penalty, but the Belgian’s night ended on a sour note. Coach Antonio Conte decided to substitute him in the closing stages, a move that visibly irked the midfielder. The ex-Manchester City player walked straight to the bench without acknowledging his manager, his frustration clear for all to see.

  Conte later explained the change was a tactical one, aimed at injecting fresh energy into Napoli’s attack. He added that he hoped De Bruyne’s anger was directed at the result, not the decision.

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  A season of high expectations from Serie A

  The match between Milan and Napoli highlighted the high stakes in Serie A this season. With both teams vying for the top spot, both the teams have brought in experienced and young talents to rejuvenate the team. With Inter making it to the Champions League final last year, the expectations from the Serie A clubs are high this time as well.

Newcastle United have turned their transfer window around, having for so much time across the past several months looked to have fallen by the wayside after a terrific 2024/25 campaign.

But, despite all the drama, Howe must be delighted with how PIF have pulled through with a series of exciting signings, the latest of which comes in the form of Nick Woltemade, who has joined from Stuttgart for a club-record £69m fee.

Woltemade, 23, scored 17 goals for the German side last season, and is considered to carry a deceptive depth of skill, belying his 6 foot 6 frame.

A thrilling addition, one of the most talented young nines out there, but Woltemade’s signing does come with the caveat that he is viewed as Alexander Isak’s replacement at the front of Howe’s system.

Isak remains a Newcastle player with t-minus 24 hours remaining of the market, but his incendiary comments earlier this month and fierce desire to leave St. James’ Park and sign for Liverpool have scoured all but the slimmest hopes of a harmonious and continuing relationship between the player and club.

Newcastle have only claimed two points from their opening three fixtures of the campaign, but the quality coursing through Howe’s squad remains intact, and the wins are sure to be around the corner.

However, it wouldn’t hurt to add another player to the ranks before the market slams shut on Monday evening, and there’s a feeling from some circles that PIF are gearing up to strike a deal for one of the world’s finest midfielders.

Newcastle lining up midfielder deal

Newcastle added Jacob Ramsey to their ranks in a package rising to £40m this month, but he was withdrawn with an issue against Leeds United, and injuries to Sandro Tonali and Joelinton against Liverpool have heightened the need for a deeper-lying midfielder.

And according to Spanish reports, an ambitious move for Eduardo Camavinga has beenprepared, though it will be difficult to land the Real Madrid star, with the La Liga giants issuing a firm not-for-sale response to intrigue.

Reports from earlier this week outline the Magpies’ interest in the France international, who has been valued at €70m (equating to around £61m) at this late stage of the window.

Camavinga, 22, would be a marquee addition for the Toon, and though Los Blancos are outwardly denying any chance of him leaving, there is a feeling that a bid entering the aforementioned ballpark would be considered.

What Eduardo Camavinga would bring to Newcastle

Camavinga joined Real Madrid from Rennes in his homeland in 2021, and he has won La Liga-Champions League doubles in 2022 and 2024, featuring 180 times for the Spaniards all told.

A deep-sitting midfielder, Camavinga blends grit and gusto from number six, specialising in combative defensive work and progressive passing play.

Thanks to FBref’s data, it can be observed that the Frenchman ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 19% for progressive carries, the top 16% for successful take-ons, the top 7% for ball recoveries and the top 1% for tackles won per 90.

Tonali’s injury heightens the need for such a player, but Camavinga could even prove to be an upgrade on the Italian maestro, statistically comparable to Premier League heavyweights like Ryan Gravenberch and Moises Caicedo.

Having bounced back from a lengthy suspension last term, 25-year-old Tonali became a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Magpies, instrumental in building top form throughout the winter and winning silverware thereafter.

But Camavinga might add even more to the St. James’ Park centre.

Injuries had a prohibitive effect on Camavinga’s form and fluency in La Liga last season, but from the matches he did play, he stood out. Indeed, his dynamism and range suggest he might even prove an upgrade on Newcastle’s star.

Similar players, Camavinga would ease the workload on Tonali while ensuring that Howe is able to rotate as Newcastle challenge both domestically and in the Champions League without working to the detriment of the squad’s performance levels.

Hailed for his “world-class” quality by journalist Thom Harris, Camavinga would cost a pretty penny to bring over to Tyneside, but there’s just cause for such a mammoth bid.

Of course, reservations stemming from the rangy player’s injury record are understandable, but while Camavinga, in his finest form, has a higher ceiling and more about him than the impressive Tonali, he wouldn’t displace the Italian, but rather, jockey for a position, perhaps leading Howe to eke out the best from both players.

A strong ball-carrying presence with physicality and athleticism to take him far in the Premier League, Camavinga could hit the jackpot by stepping away from Real Madrid and rehousing in Newcastle’s midfield, where he could showcase his skills as a talismanic part of Howe’s project, raising the level of those around him too.

Having enjoyed a trophy-laden start to his career, Camavinga could bring that mentality to the Premier League and take Newcastle to the next level, with the English club having enjoyed a taste of true success at the highest level and now hungering for more.

Imagine him & Bruno: Newcastle lodge bid for "one of the world's best DMs"

Newcastle are looking to sign one of the best midfielders on the planet to partner Bruno Guimaraes

By
Will Miller

Aug 31, 2025

Harry Kane provided an update on his condition after suffering an injury scare during Bayern Munich's 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Kane, who scripted yet more Bayern history with a goal, had to be subbed off towards the end of the game after he picked up an ankle injury. The knock certainly left the English fans sweating as he is scheduled to link up with the national team.

• Kane suffers injury scare

  Kane suffered an ankle injury and had to be substituted in the 85th minute following a challenge from Kaua Santos. He returned to the pitch for a few seconds before Vincent Kompany replaced him with Nicolas Jackson to protect the England captain. 

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  England captain provides update on his condition

  Speaking to reporters after the match, Kane said: "I'm okay. It was a contact to the bone. I had it a few weeks ago, and it was in the same spot today. A few days and it'll be fine."

  When asked if he would join the England team on Monday, the Three Lions star added: "Yes I'll be there Monday."

• Kane created more Bundesliga history

  The prolific star scored the second goal for his side just three minutes before the half-hour mark with a brilliant strike. In the process, he became the first player in history to score 11 goals in his six league appearances in a season. Former Liverpool star Luis Diaz also had a fabulous outing as he contributed with a brace. 

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  Relief for Tuchel ahead of World Cup qualifier

  Thomas Tuchel will breathe a sigh of relief after Kane's statement as he needs his captain to be in his best shape ahead of England facing Wales in a friendly match on October 9, before taking on Latvia in a World Cup qualifier five days later. 

Celtic were on the hunt for a striker to bolster their forward line on deadline day but were rejected in their efforts to sign a former wonderkid.

Celtic sell Adam Idah to Swansea City

Adam Idah was called back to Glasgow despite agreeing a deal to join Swansea City initially, but he wasn’t involved in the 0-0 draw with Rangers at Ibrox and has now completed his move to the Championship.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph confirmed he was set to leave the club on X, highlighting that he underwent the second part of his medical and headed to Wales for a fee of £6 million plus £1 million in add-ons.

He stated on deadline day: “Celtic striker Adam Idah has completed the second part of his medical ahead of a £7m move to Swansea City. Idah has also finalised the paperwork on a long-term contract. It’s understood Celtic & Swansea have agreed an initial fee of £6m, plus more than £1m in add-ons.”

Leaving with 29 goals in 76 appearances, Idah will be remembered as someone who produced big moments on occasion, though he never looked convincing enough to claim the Bhoys’ number one striking jersey.

Responding with plans to improve their attack, Celtic made a late loan move for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who was also wanted by Rangers, Leicester City and Lyon before the deadline.

If it didn’t need upgrading already, the Hoops’ blunt attack in a 0-0 draw with their rivals at Ibrox on Sunday in the Scottish Premiership failed to fire, leaving Brendan Rodgers desperate to secure reinforcements at the top area of the field.

Celtic made £10 million bid for Kasper Dolberg

According to Sportsboom, Celtic made a £10 million bid for Denmark international Kasper Dolberg, who emerged as their leading target before the deadline.

Rodgers was deemed to be a big fan of the player, but Ajax swooped in at the last minute to agree a deal, leaving the Scottish champions scrambling during the final hours of the window before landing Sebastian Tounekti, who is not an out and out forward.

Better signing than Balikwisha: £5m star is late leading target for Celtic

Celtic are eyeing up a move for a star who could be an even better addition than Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

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By
Dan Emery

Aug 31, 2025

Dolberg scored 24 times in 45 appearances for Anderlecht last term and has started 2025/26 with five strikes in his first nine outings, which made him a leading target to lead the Bhoys’ line.

While at Ajax the first time, the Dutch champions rejected a bid worth over £43 million from AS Monaco for the forward, who burst onto the scene at the Johan Cruyff Arena and has previously been likened to Marco van Basten by Flemming Rasmussen.

Nevertheless, he has opted for a new challenge elsewhere, in a scenario that left Celtic picking up the pieces in the final hours of the window.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior have taken their partnership to the next level this season, with the French forward insisting their chemistry is "much better this year". Mbappe dismissed claims in the media of issues with the Brazil star, who has been dropped to the bench by coach Xabi Alonso on occasion this season while the ex-Paris Saint-Germain man shines up front.

• Mbappe and Vini Jr's improved chemistry

  Since Mbappe joined Madrid, he and Vinicius have developed a strong, positive relationship. However, Vinicius' form has dipped somewhat and he has lost his guaranteed starting position under new coach Alonso. Despite this, both players continue to support each other and connect well in attack, aiming to push Madrid to success together. Mbappe claims the relationship is "much better this year", calling Vinicius "a great player and a good person," and emphasising their shared goal to help Madrid win titles by being at their best.

  This improved chemistry is already visible on the field, with the duo scoring in the same La Liga match three times this season, already close to matching last season’s total from 26 matches. Their recent performance against Villarreal highlighted their synergy, as Vinicius scored twice and Mbappe showed strong support, even allowing the Brazilian to take a penalty.

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  Mbappe says he and Vinicius share the same goal

  Asked about what has changed this year, the French forward explains how he now understands his teammate better and the two have formed a great relationship over the year.

  "I have a very good relationship with Vinicius. It's much better this year because we know each other much better. He's a great player and a good person. We know people are going to talk about us, but we have the same goal, which is to help Real Madrid win titles. If we want to win titles, we both have to be at our best," Mbappe said in an interview with

  While Mbappe leads the frontline with 14 goals already this season, Vinicius also has made nine goal contributions so far.

• Off-field turbulence between the two Madrid stars?

  Vinicius' reluctance to extend his contract with Madrid has fuelled growing rumours, especially as he faces more rotation under Alonso. Reports suggest that the Brazilian desires to become the club's highest-paid player, surpassing even Mbappe, which has added to the speculation. Despite this off-field turbulence and media frenzy, Mbappe has publicly dismissed any notion of conflict between them. He blamed the media for sensationalising their relationship stating: "Two famous players on the same team sell a lot of paper, they sell a lot of things."

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  How will Alonso navigate Madrid's next matches?

  Madrid's upcoming schedule for the 2025-26 season includes some crucial matches against top opponents such as Getafe, Juventus, Barcelona, Valencia, and Liverpool. With injuries to key defensive players like Trent-Alexander Arnold and Dani Carvajal, and the team facing a demanding run, coach Alonso’s tactical setup and ability to manage rotations will be vital in determining the club's fortunes for the rest of the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is edging closer to a Real Madrid return and could make the squad against Juventus after resuming group training. However, Xabi Alonso is still unsure about the condition of Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen ahead of Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona, with several key players facing late fitness tests in a decisive week for Los Blancos.

• Trent closes in on Real Madrid return ahead of Juventus clash

  Madrid have been handed a much-needed boost as Alexander-Arnold completed a significant part of training with the squad, raising hopes of his inclusion against Juventus in the Champions League, according to . The England international has missed the last six matches through injury and also sat out international duty. His recovery has progressed well, and Madrid staff believe he could be named in the travelling squad if he completes one more session without discomfort.

  Alonso is expected to be cautious. Trent has been sidelined for over a month, and while his return would be timely, the coaching staff must decide whether to start him or ease him back from the bench. With a packed schedule and El Clasico on the horizon, the plan is to involve him against Juve to assess his rhythm and readiness. For now, his comeback offers tactical balance, especially with his playmaking from deep and ability to invert into midfield.

  His return would also help ease concerns in defence, where Madrid have been forced to rotate heavily due to injuries. With Ferland Mendy also returning to full training and available for Juventus, Alonso may have two of his preferred full-backs back in contention at a crucial point in the season.

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  Madrid still sweating over Carvajal and Huijsen ahead of El Clasico

  While Alexander-Arnold’s return is positive news, Los Blancos remain uncertain over the fitness of Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen. Both players trained individually to start the week and are unlikely to feature against the Bianconeri. Their availability for El Clasico remains in doubt, and Madrid will monitor their progress day by day. Carvajal is dealing with muscle discomfort, while Huijsen has yet to rejoin full sessions following his injury setback.

  Carvajal’s situation is particularly concerning for Alonso. The veteran full-back brings defensive solidity and experience in big games, and without him, he may need to rely on Alexander-Arnold playing multiple high-intensity matches in quick succession or turn to makeshift solutions. If neither the Englishman nor Carvajal are fully match fit for Barcelona, Federico Valverde could be forced to fill in. Huijsen, meanwhile, is valued for his aerial presence and distribution but faces a race against time.

  Adding to the complications, Dani Ceballos is also training alone and is unlikely to make the squad for Juventus. While not a guaranteed starter, his absence reduces midfield depth and affects rotation plans. With two massive contests within four days, Madrid's medical staff are attempting to fast-track recoveries without taking unnecessary risks.

• Injury room still full: Rudiger ruled out, Alaba & Mendy monitored closely

  Madrid remain stretched defensively, with Antonio Rudiger officially ruled out of El Clasico. The centre-back is only halfway through his recovery from a rectus femoris injury and is expected to miss several more weeks. His absence leaves a notable gap in central defence, especially with Alaba also a concern after feeling discomfort in his right soleus against Getafe. The Austrian will undergo medical tests to determine whether he can feature midweek or at the weekend.

  Mendy, however, has given the club some relief. He completed full training and is expected to be available against Juventus. His return allows Eduardo Camavinga to move back into midfield if needed, restoring balance in both defensive and midfield structures. That said, Alonso will weigh whether to start him immediately or introduce him gradually.

  In midfield, no new injuries have surfaced, but the lack of depth in defence means Aurelien Tchouameni may again be forced to cover at centre-back if Alaba is unable to play. The club are expected to make a final decision on selection after Tuesday’s training session and medical reports.

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  Madrid’s critical week: Juventus first, then Barcelona showdown

  Los Blancos must first navigate their Champions League meeting with Juve before turning full attention to Barcelona. A win against the Italian side would keep them in control of their European campaign and provide momentum heading into the Clasico. Alonso will likely balance rotation and rhythm, using returning players like Trent and Mendy but managing minutes carefully.

  El Clasico, however, is the real focus. Barcelona sit just two points behind Madrid in La Liga, and a defeat could see the league leaders lose their cushion at the top. If Carvajal and Huijsen are deemed fit, they could be rushed back into the squad.

  Beyond injuries, Alonso will stress composure and energy management. The team have already come through a narrow 1-0 win against Getafe and know there is no room for error. With Juventus on Wednesday and Barcelona on Sunday, this week could shape Madrid’s season and Trent’s return comes at just the right time.

West Ham United are internally discussing a host of managerial options as serious uncertainty surrounds the long-term future of Graham Potter.

West Ham attempt to quell fan unrest with an official statement

David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the Hammers board are set to be protested against before every Saturday matchday at the London Stadium this season, with the relationship between fans and ownership at boiling point.

Before West Ham departed their beloved Boleyn in favour of a move to their new ground, supporters were promised a new era of transfers, competing for honours and a whole new level. The belief among supporters is that these pledges haven’t been honoured, despite West Ham breaking their transfer record and winning the Europa Conference League in 2023.

To quell unrest, West Ham released a statement earlier this week outlining their plans for the future, which includes much of what has already been said before.

There is a serious case to be made that the Hammers haven’t kicked on from that incredible night in Prague, as evident by their lowly Premier League finishes ever since then, with their Europa League adventure to the semis in 2022 also seeming like a distant memory.

Now, nearly a year after West Ham parted company with Julen Lopetegui, his replacement Potter is facing the potential West Ham sack as well — with Sullivan and co eyeing up potential replacements for the Englishman.

Of the candidates to replace Potter, one name has been mentioned regularly in the form of ex-West Ham boss Slaven Bilic.

Bilic is said to be open to a move back to West Ham after departing his most recent managerial role last year, having left Saudi side Al-Fateh, and chairman Sullivan is reportedly in favour of re-appointing the Croatian eight years after he was sacked by the club.

Nuno Espirito Santo is also a top contender, which is unsurprising when you factor in the incredible job he did at Nottingham Forest before a public fallout with controversial owner Evangelos Marinakis.

West Ham talking about appointing Nuno Espírito Santo

This is backed up by very reliable media source Jacob Steinberg, who told The Guardian that Nuno is indeed under consideration by West Ham after he guided Forest back to European football for the first time since 1995.

Other reports suggest that the Portuguese’s priority is to remain in the Premier League, providing West Ham with a significant boost in the race for his signature, and there is every reason to believe Nuno should really be their top choice.

West Ham must appoint Nuno if they sack Graham Potter

We’ve seen fellow free agents like Gary O’Neil and Sean Dyche mentioned too, but Nuno is clearly levels above the pair.

His pragmatic style, while not exactly the ‘West Ham way’, is exactly what the club need right now, having conceded more goals than any other Premier League side so far this season.

Forest were also very vulnerable to set plays until Nuno came in, and West Ham have had similar trouble in that regard under Potter — which comes as yet another reason to go all out for the tactician.

As well as this, Henry Winter brought attention to his excellent man-management in a fiery X post after Forest sacked Nuno in a shocking move.

The Nuno Espírito Santo era has well and truly begun at West Ham United.

Granted, the Portuguese coach didn’t win his first game in charge, but a spirited fightback saw his side share the points with Everton.

More importantly, there were several impressive performances from his new players, suggesting that better results could be around the corner.

One of the standouts was, of course, Jarrod Bowen, but another was someone who could be West Ham’s best signing since the Englishman.

Bowen's game vs Everton

Even when the rest of the team were flattering to deceive under Graham Potter last season and at the start of this one, Bowen was still putting in good performances.

The Englishman ended last season with a tally of 14 goals and ten assists in 36 appearances, and has already racked up a tally of three goals and an assist this season.

In fact, it was the former Hull City gem who got the Hammers back in the game on Monday, as he fired off a brilliant shot from the right of the penalty area that flew past Jordan Pickford.

Moreover, even though it wasn’t his best performance for the Irons, it was an overall strong showing from the 28-year-old.

Like Crysencio Summerville on the left, he was a threat throughout the game, getting up and down the pitch and causing problems for the Toffees.

However, there was another starter that night who was even more impressive than Bowen, someone who could end up being the club’s best signing since the Englishman.

The West Ham star who could be their best signing since Bowen

Encouragingly for Nuno, several players put in strong showings against Everton, including Summerville, Max Kilman, and even Soungoutou Magassa.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, when it comes to someone who has the potential to become West Ham’s best signing since Bowen, it’s impossible to ignore El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The former Slavia Prague gem played like a man possessed against the Toffees, fulfilling his defensive duties while also surging up and down the pitch with “explosive acceleration,” as one analyst put it.

More than that, though, he kept on firing incredible cross after incredible cross into extremely dangerous areas, and it was one of these that led to Bowen’s goal.

On another night, the 20-year-old could have racked up two or three assists, and from what he’s shown earlier this season, he’s going to end up getting plenty.

For example, in the five games leading up to Monday night, the Ziguinchor-born dynamo had already racked up three assists: one against Chelsea, one against Nottingham Forest, and one against Crystal Palace.

There is still plenty of the campaign to come, but the Senegalese ace is already making waves in England, so much so that one analyst has already made the bold claim that he’s “one of the best fullbacks in the league.”

With this in mind, it doesn’t feel too absurd to suggest that the incredibly exciting summer arrival could end up being the club’s best signing since Bowen.

After all, the others who could have that crown include Lucas Paqueta, who can be unreal when he’s on his day, and that’s not every game, or Mohammed Kudus, but he struggled in his second campaign and then ruined his reputation by joining Tottenham Hotspur.

Ultimately, things seem to be on the up for West Ham, and it looks like Diouf could end up being one of the signings of the season.

Like Ward-Prowse: West Ham dud is "nowhere near" good enough to play for Nuno

James Ward-Prowse isn’t the only player who should be given the boot by new West Ham manager, Nuno Santo.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 1, 2025

Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez sparked debate by saying Carlos Vela's record-setting 2019 campaign was more impressive than Lionel Messi's current Golden Boot-winning season, despite the Argentine's contributing to 48 goals in just 28 appearances. Vela scored 34 goals and contributed to 49 goals in 31 games in 2019.

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  Competitive rivalry with Zlatan

  Despite acknowledging Messi's statistical brilliance in 2025, the ESPN FC analyst gave the nod to Vela's 2019 season when comparing the two campaigns. The 2019 season featured a compelling race between Vela and Zlatan Ibrahimović. The Mexican international finished with 34 goals while the Swedish star had 30.

  "I’m going to lean Carlos Vela,” Gomez said on the Futbol Americas podcast. “And only for one reason and one reason only – Carlos Vela had a nemesis that year. He had an actual rivalry and the league was better for it… And the games they had against each other? It made Carlos Vela better. There is nobody making Messi better. There is nobody to rival Lionel Messi, to even be the nemesis of Lionel Messi.

  "And because of that, I think the narrative here is that it’s kind of boring. Messi is doing what he does and there’s no drama. The only drama is well, will he finally do what we all think they’re going to do – win MLS Cup?”

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• Gomez acknowledges Messi's dominance

  The former USMNT striker praised Messi after his Decision Day hat-trick, which sealed the Golden Boot race. He contrasted the Argentine with former MVP Hany Mukhtar and 2025 Golden Boot contender Sam Surridge, saying neither could truly compete with Messi.

  "Surridge was in the fight for the Golden Boot and Hany Mukhtar is a former Golden Boot and former MLS MVP of this league – and they’re still not at the level of a Messi," he said. "He’s beyond any player in this league. Despite his age he just takes over. This is a player who is fighting for the Golden Boot, is fighting to break records, scores his first penalty in this game… And he’s also giving penalties away to his teammates, to players trying to make a name for themselves on the team.

  "So he’s giving up goal contributions. And for us, it's like we’re looking at him making history here – but he’s looking at it as another day in the office."

• Messi reshapes MLS record books

  While Gomez favored Vela's season for its narrative appeal, Messi's 2025 regular-season campaign was historically dominant by nearly every statistical measure. His 1.03 goals-per-game average ranks second only to Vela's 2019 campaign (1.10) among Golden Boot winners since 2005. Twenty-eight of Messi's 29 goals came from open play – the most in a season in league history by three goals.

  The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also became the first player in MLS history to record 10 multi-goal games in a season, breaking the previous mark of eight.

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  Debate highlights evolution of MLS

  As Inter Miami prepares for a playoff matchup against the same Nashville SC side that Messi dominated on Decision Day, the Argentine's continued excellence at age 38 has redefined expectations for what's possible in MLS.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank sent a ‘welcome here anytime’ message to club legend Harry Kane in a recent press conference, but the England star may not be the only player who could seal a move to N17 in 2026.

Thomas Frank wants Harry Kane to make Tottenham return

News of a £54 million release clause in his Bayern Munich contract, which becomes active next year (BILD), has resulted in plenty of speculation about a potential homecoming for Kane.

The 32-year-old left tears in the eyes of all Lilywhites supporters after his £86 million move to Bavaria in 2023, which brought an end to his near-lifelong Spurs stay off the back of an incredible 280 goals in 435 appearances.

Since departing North London, Kane has led Bayern to a league title and German Super Cup, all whilst finishing both of his full campaigns as the Bundesliga’s top goalscorer with 36 goals in 23/24 and 26 in 24/25.

He also rounded off 2024’s Champions League as the competition’s joint-top scorer with Kylian Mbappé (8), with the prospect of a return to Tottenham being kept alive by Frank.

Not only does Kane’s deal include the release clause, which is active from January (BILD), but The Telegraph also reported in February that ex-chairman Daniel Levy negotiated a ‘first option agreement’ in potential talks for the 32-year-old.

For the first option to be valid, Bayern would have to agree to the move, as would Kane, but it is something he could seriously consider.

England’s all-time best goalscorer had his eyes on Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record for years, and is just 47 strikes away from equalling the Newcastle legend’s tally.

We’re likely to see more and more reports linking Kane with a senstional move back to N17, with his contract expiring in 2027, but another Bayern player could seal a switch to Tottenham before him.

£135,000-per-week midfielder Joao Palhinha has been a revelation for Spurs since joining on an initial loan deal. However, if the club don’t trigger Palhinha’s £27 million buy-option, he’s due back in Germany once the season ends.

Joao Palhinha wants to seal Tottenham transfer next year

That being said, there appears to be a willingness from all parties to extend his stay indefinitely.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, via GiveMeSport, Palhinha is keen to seal his move to Tottenham in 2026 and was insistent on the buy-option clause to be inserted into any deal.

The Portugal international has resurrected his career back in the Premier League after a very difficult debut season at Bayern, with Palhinha winning plenty of admirers through his robust, tough-tackling style which has added serious steel to Frank’s midfield.

The 30-year-old’s dominant display away to Man City earned a ‘wow’ from Spurs’ manager, and supporters will be hopeful the best is still yet to come.