Bayern Munich are reportedly prepared to sell Kingsley Coman this summer in a bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz.
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A “fantastic” Celtic hero now won’t play any part in the current international break, with the individual in question withdrawn after picking up an injury.
Injuries can have the potential to define any season, and while the Hoops have been relatively fortunate on the fitness front in 2024/25 to date, that’s not to say that there still haven’t been some concerns.
For example, Cameron Carter-Vickers missed Celtic’s 2-0 win away to Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon, with the USA international seeing his minutes affected so far this season. Thankfully, Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the 26-year-old should be back for the trip to Hearts on November 23rd.
“He just felt a little bit of fatigue in his hamstring with the work that we’ve put into him. But nothing serious. We didn’t want to risk anything today, he will recover, and then obviously be ready for Hearts when we come back.”
With plenty of Celtic’s squad now heading off on international duty to play for their respective countries, supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed that no fresh injury concerns emerge. Worryingly, one individual hasn’t even met up with his compatriots, with a new fitness worry emerging.
On Monday, the Republic of Ireland’s official X account said that Celtic striker Adam Idah has been withdrawn through injury, along with a number of his other teammates.
Idah may not have been a regular for the Hoops so far this season, but this is still a worrying update for Rodgers, who won’t want to see his attacking options limited once the international break is done and dusted.
The 23-year-old has scored twice in the three appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season, while Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper said of him during the summer: “He’s a fantastic player, and in winter he had one of the best goals per minute ratios in Europe.
“He’s a proven goalscorer at Championship level and did very well at Celtic. He’s a full international who’s home grown and has come through the system. He’s exactly the type of player who excites me.”
Idah showed last season what a threat he can be when he is fully fit and on top of his game, scoring eight times in 15 league appearances, of which only five were starts. He also scored the dramatic late winning goal against Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final – an achievement that will immediately endear you to the fans.
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Hopefully, the Celtic loanee’s withdrawal is more precautionary than anything, prior to being available for the meeting with Hearts after the break.
How much does Frenkie de Jong make per week playing for Catalan giants Barcelona?
Frenkie de Jong has been a regular presence in Barcelona's midfield ever since his arrival from Ajax in 2019.
Despite struggling with injuries at times, de Jong has eventually won over each manager he's worked with at the Catalan club so far.
Thanks to his dedication, performances, and seniority within the squad, De Jong has been rewarded with a high salary, making him one of the top earners at the club.
Let's take a look at exactly how much the Dutchman earns playing for Barcelona.
GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!
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Leeds United will be hoping to return to the Premier League at the second time of asking this campaign after failing to secure an immediate top-flight return last season.
Daniel Farke’s side missed out on the automatic spots, before suffering play-off final heartbreak against Southampton at Wembley – confining them to another year in the Championship.
Star talents Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville subsequently departed Elland Road in the summer, joining Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United, respectively – bringing in funds of around £65m in the process.
The aforementioned pair combined for 49 goals in the Championship last campaign, undoubtedly a huge miss for Farke, but his side have started the 2024/25 season in the right way – sitting in third and just a couple of points off the summit.
Subsequent transfers have allowed other players to step up and take responsibility in the final third, to try and make the current year one to remember for the Whites.
Striker Joel Piroe has often left the fanbase wanting more after his £10m transfer from Swansea City last summer.
The Dutchman arrived having scored 20 goals or more in each of his two seasons in Wales, but despite registering 13 goals, it wasn’t enough for some supporters.
However, he’s already started 2024/25 with a bang, scoring six times, currently sitting as Farke’s top scorer and being the go-to man in front of goal.
Brenden Aaronson has integrated himself back into the first team after spending last season on loan at Bundesliga side Union Berlin following the relegation back to England’s second tier.
The American international has made 16 appearances in all competitions since his return to Elland Road, scoring four and registering one assist as he looks to finally start to repay the board’s trust in forking out £25m for his signature in 2022.
Largie Ramazani was one of the new additions brought in over the summer, looking to soften the blow following the sales of Rutter and Summerville.
The Belgian joined from Spanish side Almeria for a fee in the region of £10m, already making an immediate impact for Farke’s side in the Championship.
He’s notched three goals and one assist in his opening eight matches, looking to hold the key to success during his opening campaign in Yorkshire.
Despite the trio’s early season form, the hierarchy are targeting reinforcements in attacking areas to bolster their chances of promotion back to the Premier League come May.
As relayed by CaughtOffside this week, Leeds are said to be plotting an ambitious January move to sign Manchester City talent James McAtee, but face huge competition from various top-flight sides for his services.
Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Leicester City and Southampton have all been credited with interest and undoubtedly hold an edge given their status.
However, Farke could offer more game time to the 22-year-old and potentially allow the talent, who’s previously been dubbed “special” by boss Pep Guardiola, to progress his development.
|
McAtee at Sheffield United in the PL (2023/24) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Games played |
31 |
|
Goals & assists |
6 |
|
Pass accuracy |
72% |
|
Chances created |
28 |
|
Successful dribbles |
33 |
|
Duels won |
104 |
|
Touches in opposition box |
73 |
|
Stats via FotMob |
|
The Englishman could be the Whites’ new version of fan-favourite Raphinha, who made 67 appearances for the club before departing for Barcelona during the summer of 2022 for £55m.
The Brazilian captured the hearts of the fanbase with his creative talent in the final third, with his deadly left foot causing chaos in central and wide areas.
McAtee, who earns £15k-per-week at the Etihad, possesses very similar qualities to the 27-year-old as a versatile left-footer himself, having notably showcased his talents with Sheffield United during his first loan spell with the Blades during the 2022/23 season.
That campaign saw the young playmaker score nine times and register three assists in 37 Championship outings, as the Bramall Lane outfit secured promotion.
His solo run against Blackpool a couple of years ago is just a glimpse of what he is capable of, potentially allowing the fans to fall in love with him as they did with Raphinha.
Given his stature, it would undoubtedly be a huge deal for Leeds should they be able to complete it, massively supercharging their own promotion ambitions with a player – who like Raphinha – can dazzle either in a right-wing berth, or in a central role.
The competition will be fierce, but the Elland Road hierarchy must pull out all of the stops if they are to secure either a temporary or permanent deal for the talented youngster in January.
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Wrexham are now plotting a shock swoop to sign a new striker for Phil Parkinson as they look to secure promotion to the Championship at the first time of asking.
Having only been promoted to League One in May 2024, Wrexham are on course for a third successive promotion as the Welsh side look to work their way back up the Football League.
Parkinson’s side currently sit second in England’s third tier, a point above big spenders Birmingham City, though the Blues do have two games in hand on them, while they trail Wycombe by two points though again, they have played a game more.
Nonetheless, the Red Dragons are targeting a return to the Championship this season, and are currently in with an excellent chance of success either through automatic promotion or through the play-offs, where they currently have a seven-point cushion to seventh-placed Bolton Wanderers.
They face a favourable run of fixtures in the final games of 2024 too, up against sides in the bottom half of League One and, should they be able to string a series of wins together, they could be in a really strong position come the turn of the year.
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Wrexham’s next five League One games |
|
|---|---|
|
Opponent |
Current League position |
|
Burton Albion (Away) |
23rd |
|
Cambridge United (Home) |
22nd |
|
Bristol Rovers (Away) |
16th |
|
Blackpool (Home) |
12th |
|
Wigan Athletic (Home) |
17th |
Though Wrexham boast the meanest defence in the division with just 11 goals conceded, they lag a little way behind both Wycombe and Birmingham in the goalscoring charts despite having played more games, having managed just 27 in their 18 outings.
Now, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney now want to fix that with an exciting new forward.
That comes as Wrexham are one of two sides showing a strong interest in signing Manchester United academy talent Ethan Wheatley on loan in January, according to a fresh report.
The teenage forward was handed his debut by Erik ten Hag last season, but has since returned to the youth setup and has scored five times in seven games in the PL 2 so far this season.
He remains a potential star in the making despite his limited senior game time, with Football Analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “clinical” striker who is similar to Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres in his style of play, offering “typical hold-up, link-up and channel running” for his side.
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As per transfer expert Graeme Bailey, “Wrexham have put Wheatley on their list of striking targets heading into January” as they look to bolster their low-scoring attack, though they face competition for his signature from fellow League One promotion chasers Stockport County, who would offer a more local loan option for the teenage forward.
Any move would be a low risk one, similar to that which initially bought goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to Wrexham from Arsenal on loan, where he has since excelled and moved permanently.
Should Wheatley arrive and have even half the impact that the former Gunners shot-stopper managed, he could quickly become a fan favourite at Wrexham.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been defended over his plans to knock down Old Trafford and build a new 100,000 seater stadium.
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Celtic are interested in signing a new midfielder, but face competition from clubs in both Italy and Greece, according to a new report from a Sky Sports journalist.
Celtic are flying high nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, but that hasn’t stopped the Hoops being linked with a number of new players ahead of the January transfer window.
Among those rumoured to be Glasgow-bound is Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. The 21-year-old has found opportunities scarce this season under Enzo Maresca, failing to make the squad for any of Chelsea’s 15 Premier League games, and managing just five cameo appearances in the Blues’ other competitions.
AC Milan are also interested in the Englishman, but according to Calciomercato, the Hoops are in pole position to land him, with a loan move with an option to buy touted.
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Another potential target is Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen. But while the Danish midfielder would no doubt be an experienced addition to Rodgers’ midfield, his current weekly wage is a huge roadblock. The playmaker currently earns £150,000-per-week at Old Trafford, which is over four times the amount Celtic’s top-earner, captain Callum McGregor, takes home.
Another player understood to be on Celtic’s radar is Ajax midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic. According to Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the Bhoys are one of a number of clubs interested in the 21-year-old, with Lazio and Greek side PAOK also keen.
Tahirovic was a regular feature for Ajax last season, making 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and assisting five more. This term, however, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who has been capped 14 times by his country, has been limited to just 215 minutes of football.
Di Marzio claims that Tahirovic recently changed agents and now “wants to leave” Ajax in search of regular first-team action. Despite Celtic’s interest, however, the versatile midfielder would, according to Di Marzio, prefer a return to Italy.
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Tahirovic began his professional career in Sweden with Vasalunds IF, before joining Roma in 2021. After just 13 appearances for the Italian club, however, he then moved to Ajax in the summer of 2023 for a fee of £6.2 million.
Upon joining Ajax, Tahirovic said: “I love to play as a six the most. I think that position fits my qualities as a player best. I am good when it comes to the technical aspect, have a good pass and play from ball possession.”
The club’s now former director of football Sven Mislintat, meanwhile, described him at the time as “one of the biggest talents I’ve ever seen in this position”.
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Paul Scholes has named two key stars he expects Manchester United to offload in the summer in a bid to raise funds for new signings.
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Newcastle United have hit a convincing vein of form in recent weeks, rekindling their Premier League campaign and beating off Brentford to advance to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, where Arsenal await.
On Saturday, Ipswich Town were picked apart by Eddie Howe’s ruthless men, who were more like vultures than magpies. It was a season-defining week, and several stars stepped up.
Sure, Alexander Isak bagged a hat-trick, but Jacob Murphy continued his red-hot streak of form with two assists to make it three goals and three set-ups in as many matches.
Howe has many qualities, but one of his chief footballing virtues must be how he’s elevated peripheral members to Toon stardom.
Newcastle’s team is populated by a mix of players, ranging in different levels of quality. Some excellent signings have been made along the way, but Howe has triumphed in nurturing some existing members to the fore.
Joelinton and Fabian Schar are perhaps the two salient names. Joelinton’s refashioning into a robust and powerful midfielder after initially struggling as a centre-forward has been masterful, while Schar, 32, was once labelled a “walking mistake” by journalist Josh Gibson.
|
Eddie Howe’s Most Potent Newcastle Players |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Apps |
Goals |
Assists |
G/A |
|
Alexander Isak |
85 |
46 |
9 |
55 |
|
Bruno Guimaraes |
128 |
18 |
21 |
39 |
|
Callum Wilson |
77 |
32 |
6 |
38 |
|
Anthony Gordon |
84 |
16 |
15 |
31 |
|
Jacob Murphy |
111 |
10 |
16 |
26 |
|
Stats via Transfermarkt |
||||
He may not be the headline-stealer all that often, patchy at the best of times, but Murphy has belied his former struggles to become a key part of a talented United side.
Unfortunately, not every struggling star has been able to restore their standing and become a mainstay within Howe’s exciting system.
Miguel Almiron, for example, has never been able to recapture that fleeting run of incredible form in the build-up to Champions League qualification. Elsewhere, Matt Targett has fallen into the St. James’ Park shadows over the past few years, and must surely be set for sale at the end of the season.
Newcastle signed Targett from Aston Villa for a £15m fee in June 2022, sealing the deal after he had spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan at St. James’ Park.
Penning a four-year deal, the left-back will not be part of the potential exodus next summer, with big names like Schar, Callum Wilson, Jamal Lascelles and Sean Longstaff currently heading toward the end of their contracts.
Instead, the summer represents the perfect opportunity for PIF to offload a rarely-seen player who is taking up a significant part of the wage bill, earning £100k per week.
This is a hefty wage indeed, with Targett out-earning mainstays such as Sven Botman, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes. Moreover, he’s actually earning over three times as much as Murphy, who is surely deserving of a bigger pay packet given his importance to the success of Howe’s side at the moment.
The 29-year-old hasn’t played in the Premier League this season despite sitting on the bench on nine occasions. So, it’s pretty clear that Howe doesn’t trust him to play a role in his current squad.
Last winter, it was revealed by Caught Offside that the Tynesiders were open to selling their fringe defender, and while the limited options at Howe’s disposal this year perhaps preclude a January sale, he’s got to be released from his sentence in the shadows at the end of the term, if only to prove to stars like Murphy that they are valued within the squad.
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