Latest news with #TEAMtalk
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man United make contact with Rafael Leao over summer swoop
Manchester United have 'concrete interest' in signing Rafael Leao with AC Milan increasingly open to the 25-year-old winger's departure, according to a report. The Red Devils hold a long-standing interest in Leao whose unique blend of speed, strength and skill offers the quintessential prototype of a modern forward which few players in Europe can match when he's in form. Despite standing 6'2, Leao retains excellent acceleration and is an absolute nightmare for opposition defences when running with the ball at his feet at full flight, given his outrageous technical ability and powerful frame. However, he remains a player plagued by inconsistency; unable to find the next gear which will elevate his talent from prospect to premier amongst his peers. The Portuguese international finished the season with 8 goals and 8 assists in Serie A. For a winger with his talent, approaching his peak years in a league where pace and power puts you on a pedestal, he should be hitting double figures at a minimum in both. AC Milan have endured a difficult season domestically, however, potentially limiting Leao's contributions as a result. I Rossoneri finished 8th in the table, seven points off Champions League qualification and 19 points off league leaders Napoli. They lost the final of the Coppa Italia to Bologna, though did triumph in the Supercoppa Italiana over bitter rivals Inter Milan in January. But without the prospect of any European football for Milan next season, the club are believed to be 'increasingly' open to the sales of key stars – including Leao. A report by TEAMtalk reveals 'Milan's failure to qualify for European football next term has sent shockwaves through the club and opened the door for potential suitors to pounce and sign Leao. 'Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Man Utd, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all monitoring developments closely, with each side registering concrete interest in recent weeks. Arsenal and Barcelona have also touched base with Leao's representatives, we understand.' The report concludes that the 'most concrete' suitors for the 25-year-old winger are Bayern Munich, closely followed by United and Chelsea. A €100 million (£84m) price tag is mooted by TEAMtalk for Leao which would provide a significant stumbling block to the Reds' pursuit, even if the club were to sell Alejandro Garnacho to help fund a move. There is also the issue of one inside forward with excellent speed and incisive dribbling ability, who lacks the consistency or attitude to translate his talents on the pitch, having already been discarded by Ruben Amorim this season – Marcus Rashford. There are a number of parallels, both positive and negative, between Rashford and Leao. But most relevant is the fact that neither are a comfortable fit in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system, making the prospect of an £84 million raid on the San Siro this summer a hard one to envision. Follow us on Bluesky: @
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Premier League rivals to lose £40m man as United monitor situation
Man United Circle as Villa's Summer Reset Looms Large Martinez Move Could Unlock United's Next Phase Aston Villa's resurgence under Unai Emery has been a striking subplot to the Premier League season, but the end of the campaign may bring a jarring twist. As reported by TEAMtalk, Villa could lose multiple key players this summer – with Emiliano Martinez emerging as a headline name linked to Manchester United. Advertisement United are 'a serious option' to sign the Argentine goalkeeper, a move that could see Andre Onana's time at Old Trafford cut unexpectedly short. Martinez, a World Cup and Copa America winner, brings pedigree and presence – a factor United may value as they look to stabilise a defence that has too often felt exposed. At £40m, the price point represents value for a keeper of his stature and experience. Villa, meanwhile, are being forced into tough decisions as Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) dictate the pace and shape of their window. PSR Pressure Threatens Villa's Core While fans basked in a Champions League quarter-final run and a top-six finish, Villa's board has had to brace for financial recalibration. Heavy investment fuelled their recent rise, but that same ambition now demands asset sales. TEAMtalk confirms that Martinez and Jacob Ramsey 'will leave', with Ollie Watkins also of interest to top-tier clubs. Advertisement This isn't just a squad refresh. It's a strategic U-turn – one that risks compromising the very identity Emery has worked to build. Selling Ramsey, a £50m-rated academy graduate with versatility and athleticism, would strike particularly deep. His departure would symbolise a shift away from nurturing long-term potential in favour of short-term financial balance. Watkins Retention a Key Emery Objective Ollie Watkins remains one of the Premier League's most reliable forwards, his 19-goal haul last season underscoring a player at his peak. Unsurprisingly, 'bids could test Villa's resolve', but TEAMtalk suggest Emery is determined to resist. Watkins' influence transcends statistics – his movement, energy and positional intelligence are vital to Villa's attacking fluidity. Photo IMAGO Still, should the right offer land, Villa might be unable to refuse. The domino effect from one major exit could tip the scales further – and in a post-PSR world, ideals often give way to economics. Rashford Decision Adds Further Complexity There's an awkward subplot too. Marcus Rashford, whose temporary switch to Villa raised eyebrows, is yet to commit beyond this season. Emery 'faces a problem' convincing the Manchester United forward to remain. Rashford's reluctance could be telling – either of Villa's trajectory, or his own preference for familiar surroundings. Advertisement With a busy summer ahead, the uncertainty around his situation compounds the wider sense of flux. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Manchester United supporter's lens, this story offers both intrigue and cautious optimism. Martinez is a proven winner, and while his temperament divides opinion, his ability to perform on the big stage is unquestionable. At £40m, he's not a bargain – but given Onana's inconsistencies, the deal makes sporting sense. It could also allow the club to recoup funds from an Onana sale. Yet it's the wider situation at Villa that stands out. This is a club that's overachieved and is now paying the price for it. Losing Ramsey, in particular, feels like a victory for short-termism across the league – and it's the sort of move United fans are all too familiar with. We've been there, seen talent slip away because the business model didn't support footballing ideals. The Rashford angle is murkier. Some supporters might wish he'd find form away from Old Trafford, but his indecision signals he still sees United as his home. Villa might be making room for others – but could also be making way for United's gain.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester United have offered Andre Onana to Saudi Pro League sides as Ruben Amorim wants him gone
Manchester United have offered Andre Onana to Saudi Pro League sides as Ruben Amorim wants him gone Ruben Amorim is not too pleased with Andre Onana, and Manchester United will try and move the Cameroonian on in the summer, with Saudi Arabia being a potential destination. The United goalkeeper has made nine errors leading to goals across all competitions since last season, the most in the English top-flight. Advertisement This season, the former Inter Milan man has been culpable for shocking goals conceded both in the Premier League and Europa League, and ideally, Amorim should not start him in the Europa League final on Wednesday. Teamtalk have revealed that the club have offered the 29-year-old to Saudi Pro League sides but it will not be easy to move him on given the goalie's significant financial demands while the Red Devils are also seeking a high price. Andre Onana's demands Onana currently earns £200,000 per week including bonuses (via capology), which he will look to increase should he agree a move to the cash-rich league. Advertisement The 20-time English league champions had acquired his services for £47.2 million in 2023 so they will also be looking to earn a decent profit from his sale. 'Manchester United are actively seeking to offload goalkeeper Andre Onana in the summer transfer window, TEAMtalk understands, as the Red Devils identify his ideal replacement. 'Sources have told TEAMtalk that Man Utd are now actively trying to get rid of Onana and have alerted Saudi Pro League clubs to his availability. One of the clubs in Saudi Arabia that Man Utd have reached out to is Neom SC, who will play in the top division from the 2025-26 campaign. 'That Man Utd are desperately trying to offload Onana reflects their urgency to move him off. However, the goalkeeper's £200,000-per-week wages and contract until 2028 pose challenges. United trying to move Andre Onana on 'Sources have told TEAMtalk that interested parties are wary of Onana's high wage demands, especially after a 25% pay cut last summer due to Man Utd's Champions League absence. Advertisement 'TEAMtalk understands that Onana is seeking a substantial financial package to relocate to Saudi Arabia, further complicating negotiations. Man Utd's financial constraints, including outstanding payments from his Inter transfer, mean they are holding out for a high transfer fee to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, which could deter suitors.' Newly-promoted SPL club Neom SC were reportedly in talks with the ex-Ajax ace's camp but the goalie had turned down the proposal. It will be interesting to see if any other outfit joins the race or if the player changes his mind. United have been linked with a plethora of alternatives including Senne Lammens, and Emiliano Martinez. Not only Onana but backup keeper Altay Bayindir and reserve shot-stopper Tom Heaton could also be leaving once the current campaign concludes. Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images Follow us on Bluesky: @
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool Weighing Up £60m ‘More accessible' Wirtz Alternative
Xavi Simons: The £60m Catalyst Liverpool Might Need Simons Steps Into Liverpool's Spotlight As Liverpool look set for a busy summer, it's telling that one of the first marquee names linked to Anfield is Xavi Simons. According to TEAMtalk, the Dutch international is firmly on the club's radar, with sources suggesting that both Liverpool and Simons are open to exploratory talks. Advertisement His profile certainly stands out. Eleven goals and eight assists in 33 games for RB Leipzig underline not just output but consistency. That he has achieved this in the Bundesliga, often playing across various attacking roles, only adds weight to his rising value. Photo: IMAGO With Florian Wirtz seemingly Bayern-bound and priced beyond Liverpool's comfort zone, Simons emerges as a more strategic and cost-effective alternative. His £60m fee feels like a shrewd investment rather than an extravagant gamble, particularly when viewed through the lens of Slot's need to reinvigorate Liverpool's attacking layers. Slot's System and Simons's Skillset Align 'Simons ticks numerous boxes for Arne Slot's side,' TEAMtalk reported, and it's easy to see why. Slot's Feyenoord sides thrived on positional flexibility, pressing structure and creative incision. Simons is all of those things: adaptable, intelligent and industrious. Advertisement TEAMtalk suggest 'Liverpool manager Slot is an admirer of Simons's technical quality and maturity.' That admiration will likely be reciprocated. Both share Dutch roots, and both come from systems where work ethic and spatial understanding are non-negotiables. Simons's ability to function as a winger, attacking midfielder or even in a more withdrawn midfield role speaks to a footballing IQ that belies his age. He's not just filling gaps – he's shaping games. Financial Prudence and Strategic Fit At £60m, Simons is far more accessible than Wirtz. The article notes that Leipzig are open to selling if the valuation is met. It's a crucial detail. Liverpool have become increasingly selective with their major outlays, preferring players who offer immediate impact and future resale value. Interest Beyond Anfield It's worth noting, as TEAMtalk does, that another top Premier League club is also circling. Simons is 'keen to talk to interested parties, including Liverpool,' which signals a player aware of his stock but measured in his ambition. The sense is he wants a project where his qualities are amplified rather than diluted. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a fan perspective, this feels like the type of smart, forward-looking move Liverpool should be making. Xavi Simons isn't just another name on the carousel of summer targets – he's a player with real trajectory, both technically and tactically. Advertisement The £60m fee seems manageable given the going rates in the modern market, especially when the alternative – Wirtz – would cost nearly double and is likely Bayern-bound. What makes Simons particularly intriguing is how well he fits into Arne Slot's Liverpool. Simons could thrive alongside Szoboszlai and Salah, giving Liverpool multiple creative outlets across the midfield and forward lines. This isn't about replacing what's lost but enhancing what already exists. If Liverpool can move quickly and decisively, they may well secure a player who could define their next chapter.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Dortmund make decisive move as Man Utd hesitate in transfer battle
Jobe Bellingham, Dortmund and the Tug-of-War for English Midfield Promise Dortmund's Bold Bid Reflects Familiar Blueprint Borussia Dortmund's pursuit of Jobe Bellingham is not only a headline-grabbing move—it's a case study in strategic foresight. TEAMtalk has revealed that the Bundesliga club has already made a significant move to prise the 19-year-old from Sunderland, believing their track record and established relationship with the Bellingham family may give them the edge over Manchester United and Chelsea. Advertisement That relationship, built during Jude Bellingham's formative years in Germany, looms large. It's not sentiment, as some might lazily suggest. It's pragmatism. Dortmund know how to nurture. They don't just buy potential—they refine it. Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland, and of course, Jude Bellingham are proof of that. 'Dortmund's interest in the teenager is driven by their strong relationship with the Bellingham family and their proven track record of nurturing young talent,' TEAMtalk notes. Photo IMAGO That track record is what elevates this move beyond transfer gossip. It's a pattern—and a threat to English clubs slower to adapt. Bellingham's Rapid Ascent Adds Intrigue Jobe Bellingham's evolution at Sunderland has been startling. Seven goals and an assist last season, four goals and three assists this campaign. His raw numbers don't scream for headlines, but watch him, and you'll understand. Composure, positional awareness, and versatility—operating both box-to-box and deeper—make him look more seasoned than 19. Advertisement That maturity has drawn comparisons to Jude, though Jobe is carving a style of his own. Sunderland's potential return to the Premier League could complicate things, but TEAMtalk is clear: 'Dortmund's confidence in Bellingham's potential and their determination to sign him [remains], even if Sunderland win promotion.' Premier League Giants in Passive Pursuit Manchester United and Chelsea have shown interest, but for now, it appears passive. It raises questions about how elite English clubs assess domestic talent. Dortmund's willingness to travel to Newcastle—manager Niko Kovac and sporting director Sebastian Kehl included—shows the kind of intent that has long been lacking in some corners of the Premier League. Why wait for proof in the top flight when evidence is already there in the Championship? Especially when the price—£25m—is within reach for clubs used to paying double that for players with half the grounding? Sunderland's Dilemma and Historic Context If the Black Cats agree to sell, Jobe Bellingham would become their second most expensive export behind Jordan Pickford. But his potential far outweighs the fee. With a contract until 2028, Sunderland have leverage. Still, Dortmund's offer of immediate development and first-team football might trump all. Advertisement TEAMtalk has made it clear: 'There is a growing belief that Saturday's Wembley showdown will be the player's final outing in Sunderland colours.' Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Manchester United supporter's perspective, there's reason to feel both frustration and concern. Jobe Bellingham represents the type of profile United should be targeting—young, composed, tactically flexible, and English. But while the club continues to chase high-priced stars or speculative overseas talent, Borussia Dortmund are once again executing the kind of recruitment strategy that built their brand and bolstered their finances. The fact that Dortmund are so proactive—flying in top-level delegates to Newcastle—should sting. United often appear reactive, waiting for price tags to soar or performances to validate a move. By then, the opportunity is gone. It happened with Jude Bellingham. It may now repeat with Jobe. Dortmund's strategy is enviable: identify talent early, make a compelling case centred on development, and offer meaningful minutes. If Jobe does choose Germany, it won't be out of sentimentality—it'll be because it makes footballing sense. For United, it's another reminder that heritage and name alone don't secure signatures anymore. The pitch project must speak louder.
