All posts by n8rngtd.top

Could Liverpool striker Diogo Jota’s well-taken goal in the Merseyside derby have been more timely? He’d languished through a dreary first half in the Premier League on Wednesday evening, consigned to more misery in the final third.

But, like all great finishers, he struck hard and true when presented with a golden opportunity, securing Anfield a priceless win over Everton as Arne Slot edges closer to maiden-year glory.

Jota is a wonderful goalscorer, but he’s also been horribly out of sorts over the past few months, with his goal earlier this week breaking an 11-game duck in front of goal.

The 28-year-old, of course, will need to build on this moment, but it might just have been enough to remind FSG and Liverpool and the fans that this is a forward worth keeping on the books. Jota, after all, has been hailed for his “exceptional” scoring ability by Jurgen Klopp in the past.

However, Liverpool do need to sign a new striker this summer and ease the burden on chief talisman Mohamed Salah, 32, should the Egyptian renew his contract.

Liverpool's hunt for a striker

Darwin Nunez stoked the passions of Liverpool fans on Wednesday evening, embodying derby-day spirit as he gesticulated in front of the crowd, raising the decibels having been booked for his part in a fracas with the ever-annoying Jordan Pickford.

But Nunez’s day is almost done, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the expectation is for the Uruguay striker to be sold at the end of the season.

He will, at least, be attired in a Premier League champions’ jersey with a gold medal to match, but with just seven goals across 41 appearances for Liverpool this season, it feels certain that Nunez will be sold.

The Athletic have confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, but at £150m (or more) it’s unlikely FSG will green-light a deal. It’s unlikely anyone will green-light a deal, for that matter, least of all the Magpies.

So then, alternatives. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has been reported by Spanish sources to be on Liverpool’s radar, while Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is also admired by Liverpool’s hierarchy.

Both deals, speaking truthfully, feel improbable, with Kane’s release clause not active until January 2026 and Alvarez only arriving in Madrid last summer, thus touted at a rather ridiculous £142m figure.

FSG love a bargain, however, and it may be that they can sign two for the price of one in a talented centre-forward who is waiting for his big break.

Statistical analysis shows he has properties that reflect strengths in both Kane and Alvarez’s skill sets, so perhaps it’s worth a punt.

FSG open talks with bargain striker

According to Empire of the Kop, Liverpool have opened talks with Jonathan David’s representatives ahead of a potential summer signing. David’s contract with LOSC Lille is almost up and he could be signed on a Bosman.

The 25-year-old has thrived in France over the past five years but feels the time is right for a fresh challenge, and the Premier League could be the perfect platform to take his career to new heights.

Liverpool, should they sell Nunez, will need a new centre-forward, but with work to be completed across a vast range of positions, this could be a shrewd deal indeed to add a new level of incisiveness to the bow of the ship.

What Jonathan David would bring to Liverpool

Now, all this might sound a little anti-climactic, but please refer to the myriad deals struck under FSG’s influence that have since proved to be blinders.

David might not be the most prominent name on the sphere (yet), but he’s well regarded by those who know his qualities. Canadian football expert Tony Marinaro has actually pronounced his countryman to be “one of the best strikers in the world.”

His incremental progress in France is evidenced through an increased goal threat and a blooming playmaking quality to match. Goals are great and all, but David has laid on 27 assists across five campaigns for Lille, 19 of which have been posted since the start of last season.

Not only creative, David is one of the most technically crisp number nines on the block, ranking among the top 18% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 17% for carries made per 90 and, crucially, the top 1% for pass completion, as per FBref.

Not only does this align perfectly with Slot’s style of play – Nunez is incongruous in the system, ranking among the bottom 37% for pass completion – but it has led FBref to draw both Kane and Alvarez against the Canada international, technical distinctions marking them among his most comparable players.

Kane might be a deadly goalscorer, but he’s also one of the most creative and influential forwards in the game, with David Ginola once commenting on his elite-level dynamism, saying: “Harry Kane the playmaker, number 10, he’s like Maradona now!”

Likewise, Alvarez has been in fine scoring fettle this season, bagging 23 goals from 46 appearances in all competitions. However, he too is multi-dimensional, ranking among the top 6% of forwards for passes attempted, the top 10% for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 12% for tackles per 90.

If David – who has been described as a “world-class player” by journalist Arash Madani – truly bears a likeness to such players, he might be the perfect option to add to Slot’s brood.

Liverpool need to make a range of signings this summer, and while a more illustrious name will be desired by fans, he’s got what it takes to take the Premier League – and indeed Europe – by storm as Liverpool’s focal frontman.

Slot's hit gold on "special" Liverpool star who's worth more than Frimpong

He’s come on leaps and bounds in Arne Slot’s Liverpool system this season.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 4, 2025

Fenway Sports Group are facing scrutiny back in the United States over another controversial MLB trade, while the Reds are flying high in England

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

The perceptions of Fenway Sports Group (FSG) as an ownership group could hardly differ on the two sides of the Atlantic Ocean. For football fans, they are the streetwise conglomerate that have overseen Liverpool's most successful period in the modern era. Baseball fans, however, aren't as convinced with their credentials, even in spite of bringing glory to the game.

In over two decades of presiding over the Boston Red Sox, FSG have overseen various playoff runs and even championships, but their work across the last seven years has come under major scrutiny. Now, the people of Massachusetts and New England are in revolt.

The online footballing community in Europe was taken aback in recent days after it became overwhelmed by irate Red Sox supporters lashing out at Liverpool's impending signing of Florian Wirtz for a package worth up to £116 million ($156m). GOAL investigates how a British-record transfer has managed to anger the north-eastern corner of the United States…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Curse of the Bambino

  Our tale starts nearly a whole century ago. Red Sox fans may not like this sentiment right now, but FSG weren't always seen as the bringers of doom, far from it.

  The most famous name in all of baseball is Babe Ruth. He transcends the sport even to this day, despite not playing for 90 years and being dead for the last 77. Ruth, nicknamed 'The Bambino', spent his first five years in Major League Baseball with the Red Sox, before being sold by team owner Harry Frazee to the rival New York Yankees. It's a deal that haunted Boston, as a city and a franchise, for generations.

  The Red Sox went 86 years without winning another championship, despite dominating the early years of MLB with Ruth front and centre to their success. On the flip side, the Yankees became the biggest team in the game, driving the passionate people of Boston crazy. They wanted out of the curse supposedly bestowed upon them and went to extreme lengths to remove it. A fan is said to have placed a Red Sox cap atop Mount Everest and burned one of the Yankees, while exorcisms were held outside their Fenway Park home stadium.

  FSG purchased the Red Sox in 2002. One year later, they reached the World Series for a shot at snapping their championship duck, but fell to the Florida Marlins 4-2 in a best-of-seven series. Twelve months on, the Red Sox found themselves 3-0 down to the Yankees in the AL Championship Series (effectively the semi-finals), and it seemed the curse would live on. And yet, they rallied back to remarkably win 4-3, before sweeping the St Louis Cardinals in the World Series.

  The Curse of the Bambino was lifted just two years into FSG's tenure. From there, the Red Sox became a consistent playoff and championship contender, winning further titles in 2007 and 2013. It was around this time that the group's founders, John Henry and Tom Werner, dipped their toes into football and then took a plunge by acquiring one of the most prestigious clubs of all.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Initial investment

  FSG replaced the widely unpopular Tom Hicks and George Gillett as Anfield chiefs in the autumn of 2010. The hope on Merseyside was that Henry and Werner would be able to bring the investment, love and care that had been missing from the top brass towards the end of the noughties. Despite Liverpool's success in the Champions League and FA Cup, a first Premier League title since the 1992 breakaway from the Football League still eluded them, in part because they didn't have the financial muscle to rival Manchester United or Chelsea.

  But FSG found the club in a sorry state. Roy Hodgson was midway through an ill-fated half-season spell in charge amid a slide down the table, and the Reds had spent extremely poorly to try and bolster the squad the previous summer. Though the Americans' decision to sign Luis Suarez in January 2011 proved to be a huge hit, replacing £50m ($58m) Fernando Torres with Andy Carroll for £35m ($41m) did not.

  Hodgson was replaced by club legend Kenny Dalglish, who despite showing signs of promise toward the end of 2010-11 with a respectable sixth-place finish, faltered the following Premier League campaign by dropping to eighth and was sacked. Nevertheless, the Scot won FSG their first trophy in football, lifting the 2012 League Cup.

  Elsewhere during the 2011-12, FSG brought in chief analyst Michael Edwards from Tottenham. He would support Dalglish and his successor, Brendan Rodgers, before moving into recruitment roles upstairs.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Klopp works his magic

  Rodgers went close to becoming a Liverpool immortal, coming to within a Steven Gerrard slip of ending their title drought in 2013-14. He was sacked just over a year later with the team stuck in reverse again, thus ushering in the most important hire of the FSG era.

  Jurgen Klopp, out of work for a few months after reinventing Borussia Dortmund and revolutionising modern pressing, was appointed manager in October 2015, almost five years to the day since FSG took control at Anfield. Within 18 months, the Reds were back in the Champions League, and two years later they had won it. With Edwards in charge of identifying players to improve the squad, the club transformed from mere contenders to perennial winners.

  Klopp providedthe springboard fora sustained period of greatness. In nine years at the helm, he won every trophy available to Liverpool (barring the Europa League) at least once. FSG didn't need to be in the foreground of operations, for the most part letting Klopp, Edwards and Co get on with their jobs, with interventions largely only made to lend the club money to afford upgrades and expansions to Anfield as a stadium.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Bitter in Boston

  To this point, and probably to the annoyance of their detractors, we've painted FSG as an all-conquering beast of sports. Which, well, isn't true, but given their track record you can be forgiven for thinking that may be the case.

  That's not to say they haven't had their bumps along the road, even with Liverpool. In April 2021, their desire to break away and form the European Super League, as well as 'Project Big Picture' a few months prior, was met with substantial rejection among fans, leading to its swift collapse in a matter of days. Sections of the online fanbase, meanwhile, have been critical of their investment in both the men's and women's teams. These are, however, not problems or negatives which are exclusive to only them.

  But this is where Boston comes back into play. The Red Sox last won the World Series in 2018, when they seemed destined to start a new dynasty, fronted by star player Mookie Betts. Just over a year later, Betts was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, partly because FSG did not want to hand him what would later become the third-most lucrative contract in North American sports history at $365m (£271m). It's the equivalent of Liverpool deciding that during Mohamed Salah's prime, they wouldn't bow to his contract demands, and instead shipped him off to Arsenal for the privilege. Betts has also won two World Series with the Dodgers, so imagine Salah actually brought Premier League and Champions League glory to the Gunners too.

  FSG's reputation back home is that they are considerably 'cheap and uninterested' compared to other sports owners – ironically, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly holds a 20 percent stake in Dodgers. Trading away Betts, for a measly haul to boot, has seen the local media already talk of a successor to the Curse of the Bambino.

Harry Kane has teamed up with Britain's major golf championship after featuring in a new film for Reflo's clothing capsule with The Open.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Kane is one of Reflo's major investors
• Bayern star promotes new Open collection
• Limited-edition capsule released to fans

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England striker, who is an investor in the company, took time out from his busy schedule to launch , a limited-edition collection inspired by the legend of Irish giant Finn McCool ahead of the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush next month. Kane makes an appearance in a new film taking in the stunning Northern Irish coastline which helped inspire the must-have new capsule.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane was announced as the lead investor in Reflo's seed funding round in February, 2024, with around £1 million raised to help the brand in its mission to become the most sustainable performancewear company in the world. The former Spurs star, who is a scratch golfer, wore the company's clothing during a number of events before his investment was announced, and is now a Reflo ambassador too.

• Reflo
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Reflo's new collection includes Open-branded performance polos, hoodies, midlayers and caps, all of which have all been made from their signature recycled fabrics and designed to honour both the myths of the land and the giants of the game. Only 500 of each item has been released, with golf fans able to get their hands on them via The Open shop and reflo.com.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

  Kane is currently preparing for a Club World Cup quarter-final against PSG on Saturday as Bayern look to become the first winners of the new-look competition. With the final taking place in New Jersey on July 13, he will be free to watch – or perhaps even attend – The Open, which will see golf’s biggest names descend on Royal Portrush four days later for the final major of the year.

Barcelona could snap up Bayern outcast Bryan Zaragoza, with the winger eager to leave this summer and the Blaugrana eyeing cut-price alternatives.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Zaragoza desperate to quit Bayern this summer
• Barca exploring cheaper wing options after Nico snub
• Osasuna loan star impressed twice against Catalans

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barca are considering a summer swoop for Bayern winger Bryan Zaragoza, who is eager to leave after a frustrating spell under coach Vincent Kompany. According to the Spanish TV program Barca have reportedly contacted the player’s entourage and are weighing up a formal approach as they seek reinforcements out wide.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After missing out on top target Nico Williams, who extended his contract with Athletic Club, Barcelona have turned to cheaper, more feasible alternatives. Zaragoza, with his €12m (£10m) valuation and La Liga experience, fits their budget. Barca also hold interest in Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford, but both are far more expensive targets. Zaragoza is reportedly enthusiastic about joining Barca, even if it means playing second fiddle to Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. His friendships within the squad and past standout performances against Barcelona have only fuelled mutual interest.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 23-year-old scored twice against Barca in a 2-2 draw with Granada in October 2023, and followed that up with a goal and assist for Osasuna in their 4-2 win over the Catalans in September 2024. His direct style and low centre of gravity (1.64m) make him a known threat to the Blaugrana backline.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCA & ZARAGOZA?

  Barcelona’s financial limitations make Zaragoza an attractive, affordable option to bolster squad depth. With Bayern open to recovering most of the €13m (£11.2m) they paid Granada just months ago, a deal could progress quickly, especially with other suitors like Real Betis and Olympiacos also circling. Barca may now decide between short-term practicality or pushing again for high-profile names.

Arsenal are closing in on signing Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia this summer. The Gunners have agreed personal terms with the defender and are close to finalising a deal with the La Liga side. The youngster, who recently represented Spain at the U-21 European Championship, is being considered as a perfect back up for William Saliba and Gabriel.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Arsenal set to sign Mosquera
• Have agreed personal terms with the player
• Arteta on a spending spree in the summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Arsenal are on the verge of sealing a transfer for Mosquera. The 21-year-old appeared in 41 matches across all competitions and played in 37 out of Valencia's 38 La Liga matches. The Gunners had earlier tried to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, but after he moved to Real Madrid, the club turned their attention to Mosquera.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mikel Arteta is on a spending spree in the summer transfer window to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. They have already announced the arrivals of midfielders Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi from Brentford and Real Sociedad, while Kepa Arrizabalaga made the switch from Chelsea. The North London side have also agreed on a deal to sign Noni Madueke from the Blues and are also on the verge of signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Premier League giants are also working on a new long-term deal for wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, as the youngster is all set to commit his future to his boyhood club.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arteta and his team are already back in training as they are scheduled to travel to Singapore and Hong Kong later this month, where they will play pre-season friendlies against AC Milan, Newcastle and Tottenham.

The striker's future is still up in the air despite Liverpool's approach being rebuffed, and Eddie Howe and Co. are struggling badly to make additions

Like a disappointing all-inclusive holiday, Newcastle's summer has not gone to plan. The Magpies' qualification for the Champions League via a fifth-placed Premier League finish was expected to preface some significant improvement to the squad in the transfer window with their Profit and Sustainability Rule (PSR) fears allayed, but so far it's been a story of rejection and "frustration".

Despite the near-limitless financial backing of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the PIF, multiple key targets have opted to move elsewhere, with just one major signing completed to date. And to make matters worse, there is serious speculation surrounding star striker Alexander Isak, who is evidently so unsettled that the club has been forced to take action.

Unable to land their desired players and facing the grim reality of their talisman leaving before the window closes, Newcastle's summer of discontent only looks likely to get worse…

• Getty Images
  

  Missed targets

  The summer has been characterised by high-profile near misses for Newcastle, who have made one major signing so far in the form of the costly £52 million ($75m) capture of Anthony Elanga from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest. That deal aside, it has been a story of repeated rejection.

  At one stage or another, the Magpies had been in the running to sign the likes of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro (both of whom joined Chelsea), Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo (both of whom joined Manchester United) AND Dean Huijsen, who has long since joined Real Madrid.

  Just as it seemed Newcastle might finally be set to end their streak of snubs, the Tynesiders were brutally gazumped by Liverpool despite a big-money offer for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, with the striker now bound for Anfield rather than St. James' Park. Primary goalkeeper target James Trafford, meanwhile, is increasingly being linked with Manchester City despite the Magpies' pursuit of the Burnley shot-stopper having been trailed well before the transfer window opened.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Struggle to compete

  The Magpies now find themselves desperately trying to push beyond their current status as 'Big Six' disruptors, going head to head with the planet's leading clubs in the transfer market for a higher calibre of player in their bid to cement themselves as top-four regulars and lay the foundations for future title tilts.

  But for a second summer in a row they are having to face up to a reality where they are still struggling to compete with the established order, despite their mega riches and the additional offer of Champions League football, and financial restrictions mean this is a problem they can't simply throw money at.

  Manchester United may have finished 15th last season, but the allure of one of the biggest clubs on the planet is still strong; Chelsea are, of course, based in London – a playground for the wealthy – and their return to the Champions League and unexpected Club World Cup triumph is said to have put top stars on notice that they are back on the up; Man City have Pep Guardiola in the dugout and have already completed the transition that lies ahead for Newcastle, from new-money pretenders to established serial winners; Mikel Arteta is a massive draw for Arsenal, who are closer than ever to finally ending that Premier League title drought and the appeal of being part of that is significant.

  Through no fault of their own, Newcastle simply can't compete with that legacy, geographical location or the potential to be part of a genuine title challenge, and that is not something that is going to change in the short-term, even if they technically have the bank balance to absolutely dominate.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'Really frustrating summer'

  Head coach Eddie Howe has not hidden his exasperation with the situation, perhaps in an effort to trigger a reaction in the market from those above him in the Newcastle hierarchy. Speaking after the damning 4-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Celtic, he pulled no punches.

  "It has been a really frustrating summer," he conceded. "We've been very close to signing several players and for different reasons – there's not one theme why we haven't signed more – we've ended up missing out on a few who would have made a difference."

  The 47-year-old also hinted strongly that the club are struggling to attract the very best talent on the market: "The one most important factor in any transfer is the player has to want to come to Newcastle. We're a very proud club and are proud of what we do, so any player has to feel that. If they don't, for whatever reason, I don't think it's a healthy transfer. Every player we have signed to this point, that's gone on to be hugely successful with us, has had that desire to come."

  In a rather bleak final statement, he added: "I'd say I'm hopeful rather than confident because we're not in control of the market or agents, players and other clubs. I can assure everybody we are a hundred percent on it and trying to do things quickly."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Bad to worse

  It had been thought that the one enduring upside for Newcastle in this transfer window was that, having secured a return to the Champions League and the revenues that come with that achievement, they were not under any pressure to sell to fall in line with PSR. That was supposed to make talismanic striker Isak untouchable, especially off the back of a prolific, 27-goal season and with three years to run on his contract. However, the picture has changed very quickly despite the club's insistence that the Swede is not for sale.

  First, Liverpool rocked the boat significantly as it emerged the Reds were prepared to stump up in the region of £130m ($175m) to snatch Isak in what would have been a Premier League record transfer. Newcastle's Saudi owners are said to have intervened to ensure the approach was rebuffed, but that wasn't the end of the story.

  Later the same day, it was reported that Saudi giants Al-Hilal – who, like Newcastle, are owned by the unfathomably wealthy Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the Gulf State – were weighing up their own mammoth offer for the 25-year-old. Perhaps tellingly, that news was not given the same short shift that Liverpool's interest was, and Howe was forced to take action – sending Isak home before the friendly against Celtic due to the intense speculation surrounding his star player.

The winger is dealing with a minor injury and Milan are reportedly hesitant to risk him ahead of the Serie A season

• Pulisic dealing with injury
• Could miss final preseason games
• Milan set to face Leeds and Chelsea

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. international Christian Pulisic could miss the rest of AC Milan's preseason, including an upcoming clash with former club Chelsea, due to a reported knock suffered earlier in the tour.

  The U.S. men's national team star played Milan's preseason opener against Liverpool but reportedly suffered a minor injury in the 3-2 win in Hong Kong. He sat out the subsequent match against Perth Glory, with Milan's staff preferring to rest him rather than risk him in a friendly against the Australian side.

  Now, per Gazetta dello Sport, Pulisic's condition is still seen as being day-to-day, and he will continue to be evaluated by the club's medical staff. It's uncertain at the moment if he'll feature in the club's final two preseason friendlies against Leeds on Aug. 9 and Chelsea on Aug. 10.

Advertisement

• Imagn
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pulisic is no stranger to injury issues, and he suffered through a few during his standout 2024-25 season. Throughout the campaign, he missed several matches due to muscle issues, but ultimately did go on to make 50 appearances in all competitions for the second consecutive season.

  Heading into the summer, though, Pulisic opted out of playing in the Gold Cup, telling USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino that he needed a summer of rest one year out from the 2026 World Cup. That decision, ultimately, sent shockwaves throughout American soccer, putting Pulisic in the spotlight ahead of this 2025-26 AC Milan campaign.

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Pulisic had his best season for Milan in their most recent campaign, totalling 17 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, helping the club win the Supercoppa Italiana. It wasn't enough for Milan to earn European soccer, though, as they finished eighth in Serie A, prompting the arrival of new manager Massimiliano Allegri.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC?

  Following the two upcoming friendlies against Premier League sides, Pulisic and AC Milan will kickstart the campaign in the Coppa Italia against Bari on Aug. 17 and then open their Serie A season at home on Aug. 23 when they face Cremonese.

Maya Jama has given fans a rare look into Ruben Dias’s glittering trophy cabinet, sharing a behind-the-scenes snap from the Manchester City star’s home. The Love Island host posted a casual Instagram Story, but fans were quick to spot the Premier League and Champions League silverware proudly on display in the background.

• Maya shares rare look inside Ruben Dias's trophy room
• Trophies include Premier League, Champions League
• The couple met at the 2023 EMAs, romance now public

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Jama uploaded a photo of herself enjoying a drink from a Co-op mug while sitting inside Dias’s trophy room. The snap revealed replica trophies including four Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup and a Community Shield. Also on display were Player of the Match awards and multiple medals from his time at Manchester City.

  Instagram (@mayajama)

Advertisement

• THE GOSSIP

  Jama and Dias reportedly met at the European Music Awards in November of last year. Dias was said to be smitten after their encounter, and they’ve been romantically linked ever since. Their relationship went public in April after they were spotted sharing the love at KSI’s Baller League event.

• instagram/rubendias/Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Jama has since attended several Manchester City games to support Dias. Their chemistry was clear in more footage earlier in the summer where they were seen embracing warmly as Dias kept a low profile in casual attire, while Maya seemed happy to flaunt the new romance.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT?

  Fans may get more glimpses into the couple’s private life via social media. With Jama regularly posting, more cosy moments could follow. Their relationship appears to be growing stronger heading into the new season.

Want-away Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma released a fiery statement on Tuesday confirming his impending exit from the French club. The Italian goalkeeper suggested PSG boss Luis Enrique is responsible for his exile from the club. Donnarumma's likely destination is going to be the Premier League with Manchester City.

• Donnarumma confirms PSG exit
• Releases an explosive statement
• Suggests Enrique is to blame

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It's all but confirmed that PSG's star goalkeeper Donnarumma will leave the European champions this summer, after the 26-year-old released an explosive statement confirming his likely exit. He expressed his desire to meet the PSG fans one last time and also bid farewell to his team-mates.

Advertisement

• WHAT DONNARUMMA SAID

  The official statement from the goalkeeper read: "To the special Paris fans, From the first day I arrived, I gave everything – on and off the pitch – to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain. Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened. I hope to have the opportunity to look the fans at the Parc des Princes in the eyes one more time and say goodbye as it should be done. If that doesn’t happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me, and I will never forget it. I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights, and of you, who made me feel at home. To my teammates – my second family – thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers. Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour. Thank you, Paris."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While the Italiy international did not name any individual in his statement, the individual he referred to as "someone" is surely Luis Enrique, as the PSG boss had earlier admitted to removing him from his UEFA Super Cup matchday squad against Spurs. The Spaniard had told reporters, "Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt about it, and an even better person. But that's the life of top-level footballers. I am 100% responsible for this difficult decision. If it were easy, anyone would do it. These decisions have to do with the profile of the goalkeeper my team needs. It's clear that we're all responsible for achieving what we achieved last season. The players had to make many sacrifices; last year, no one believed in us, while this year represents a huge challenge to prove that we can still win."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR DONNARUMMA?

  While Donnarumma is yet to finalise his next destination, he is closely linked with a move to the Premier League, amid interest from Manchester City. Earlier on Tuesday, several reports emerged that claim that the Cityzens have approached PSG with an offer for the goalkeeper, as they look to offload their current No.1, Ederson.

Granit Xhaka has sensationally returned to the Premier League, signing for Sunderland in a £17 million ($23m) deal that has left Germany legend Lothar Matthaus fuming at Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag. Matthaus believes Ten Hag should have done more to keep hold of the 31-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title run in 2023-2024.

• Matthaus slams Ten Hag over Xhaka exit
• Sunderland land ex-Leverkusen midfield leader
• Germany legend shocked with key exits

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It’s been a brutal few months for Leverkusen. In addition to Xhaka’s departure, their talismanic coach, Xabi Alonso, walked away to take the reins at Real Madrid. Meanwhile, star defender Jonathan Tah joined Bayern Munich, and Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong both completed blockbuster moves to Liverpool. Long-serving goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky also left for Monaco.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Xhaka transfer was especially a bitter pill to swallow. The deal with Sunderland was completed shortly after Ten Hag publicly assured fans that there would be “no more departures” from the squad; a statement that immediately aged like milk once Xhaka was pictured holding up his new red and white shirt at the Stadium of Light.

• WHAT MATTHAUS SAID

  Speaking to , World Cup winner Matthaus ripped into the Leverkusen hierarchy, and Ten Hag in particular, for allowing Xhaka to walk away.

  “Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Jonathan Tah to FC Bayern. Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool. Lukas Hradecky to Monaco, and then Granit Xhaka to Sunderland! I can hardly remember seeing a more drastic upheaval at a top team," he said.

  “Most of the departures are understandable and couldn’t have been prevented. I just don’t accept that in Xhaka’s case! Erik ten Hag must accept the criticism of not fighting harder for the strategist and the heart of the team.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR XHAKA?

  Xhaka’s arrival is a massive statement of intent from Sunderland, who are looking to cement themselves as more than just Premier League survivors. The former Arsenal midfielder brings over 300 games of top-flight experience, a fiery competitive edge, and a knack for dictating games from deep midfield. Sunderland kick off their Premier League campaign at home against West Ham on Saturday, August 16, with the veteran midfielder tipped to make his full debut.