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Angel FC wonder kid Alyssa Thompson scores her first international goal for the USWNT vs. Iceland

• Thompson scored her first international goal
• Sam Coffey assists
• Thompson represents USWNT first time since 2023

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In the 39the minute of the USWNT's friendly against Iceland Thursday night, Angel City FC wonderkid Alyssa Thompson scored her first international goal. Thompson received the ball outside the 18-yard-box from Sam Coffey. She dribbled down the left flank and then, with a quick inside, outside touch, rocketed the ball to the far side of the goal, scoring upper-90. Thompson's finish put the USWNT up 1-0.

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• WHAT THOMPSON SAID

  At halftime, Thompson told TNT: “Coming onto the field in the beginning, and wearing this jersey, I was like, ‘This is surreal.’ And being able to get my first goal, I can’t describe how I feel.” I’m just so happy.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Thompson's finish is her first international goal. She made a return to the USWNT roster after previously representing the squad at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Thompson has been a force for Angel City FC this season, and was selected first overall by the Los Angeles team in the 2023 NWSL Draft.

  Thompson was the youngest player to ever be drafted into the league and started her professional journey right out of high school.

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• WHAT'S NEXT FOR THOMPSON?

  The USWNT will play Iceland again on Sunday in Nashville, and then face Argentina on Oct. 30 to finish the month's round of friendlies.

After a deal to sign Jose Cordoba collapsed, Rangers have turned their attention towards another South American defender, who already reportedly has an offer on the table from Ibrox.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers looked destined to sign Cordoba, before a deal ultimately collapsed with Norwich City now the leading candidates to land the young defender's signature. He would have followed Jefte through the door to complete Rangers' second signing in a matter of weeks to start their summer transfer window with a bang, but Philippe Clement has now been forced to find another option.

That's not to say that Rangers have given up on the South American market following their Cordoba failure, however. In fact, it's quite the opposite. According to Chilean outlet Despliegue Fútbol, Rangers have presented an offer to Thomas Galdames, who has reportedly played his final game for Godoy Cruz in Argentina, winning 4-0 against El Porvenir this week.

Clement already personally eyeing new Rangers moves after Cordoba collapse

The Gers aren’t wasting any time…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 29, 2024

The 25-year-old left-back, who can also play as a centre-back, also reportedly has offers from Belgium and must now make his decision. With Rangers looking to fill the role that many believed Cordoba would, Galdames could emerge as the perfect option at Ibrox this summer.

Having already filled their left-back role with the arrival of Jefte, it will be interesting to see whether Clement would opt to turn Galdames into a central defender on a permanent basis if he completes a move to Scotland this summer. On paper, it's a risk, but it could be one worth taking if the Chilean finds his feet quickly and becomes the defender that the Gers are clearly after.

"Confident" Galdames can make up for Cordoba collapse

The Gers certainly aren't wasting any time feeling sorry for themselves after missing out on Cordoba, turning their attention straight to Galdames. And if Nathan Joyes' praise is anything to go by, dubbing the defender as "confident in the final third" among other positives, then those at Ibrox should be hoping to see Rangers get this one over the line.

If the aim isn't for Galdames to arrive and step into the centre-back role, then he will be left competing with Jefte and question marks will naturally begin to rise regarding the future of Ridvan Yilmaz, who has been linked with an Ibrox exit in the past.

It's certainly solid planning from Rangers, either way. On the one hand, they'll have a left-back ready to compete if Yilmaz leaves, and on the other, Clement could mould a top centre-back.

Rodri suffered a season-ending ACL injury during Manchester City's draw with Arsenal but that did not stop him celebrating their late equaliser.

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• Rodri suffered serious injury against Arsenal
• Ruled out for rest of season
• Still managed to celebrate City's late equaliser

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The fall-out from Manchester City's draw with Arsenal continues after a fiery contest that saw Rodri go off injured and subsequently be ruled out for the rest of the season. Despite the seriousness of the injury, Rodri still managed to enjoy the late equaliser by John Stones at the Etihad. According to, the Spain star managed to "celebrate raucously in front of the Arsenal bench" despite being forced off with an injury that has required surgery.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The rivalry between the two sides appears to have ramped up several notches after the 2-2 draw at the Etihad. Stones accused Arsenal of "dirty" tactics after the match, while manager Pep Guardiola has claimed City have been provoked into a "war" by the Gunners and has hit out at Mikel Arteta after the Arsenal boss claimed he had inside information on the Cityzens.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rodri's injury will be a huge blow to Manchester City and their hopes of claiming more silverware this season. The midfielder is unbeaten in his last 52 Premier League appearances, while City's last four defeats in the top flight have all come when Rodri has been absent.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY

  Manchester City's first test without Rodri comes on Saturday against Newcastle at St James' Park, while Arsenal play host to Leicester later in the day.

Pundit Keith Wyness has dropped an exciting update regarding Celtic's upcoming transfer business this summer, with Brendan Rodgers not messing around and set for a serious charge at Champions League success.

Celtic transfer plans in progress after title win

The Hoops sealed yet another Scottish Premiership title this week – their third in a row – following their ruthless 5-0 victory away to Kilmarnock on Wednesday evening. It is a fantastic achievement by Rodgers and his players, who trailed Rangers earlier in the campaign, as their victory over their rivals last weekend sealed the deal in emphatic fashion.

New signings are still needed despite this success, however, ensuring that Celtic don't rest on their laurels, and a replacement for the soon-to-be-retiring Joe Hart will be at the top of their list of priorities, with Southampton ace Alex McCarthy backed to join this summer.

It is being reported that Trabzonspor stopper Ugurcan Cakir is a top target, with a £6m+ bid believed to have been submitted, with the 27-cap Turkey international looking like an exciting choice. Liverpool 'keeper Caoimhin Kelleher has also been linked with a move to Parkhead, should the Irishman feel that now is the time to leave Anfield and stop playing second fiddle to Alisson.

Celtic are also reportedly battling with Rangers for the signing of Connor Barron, who has impressed in Aberdeen's midfield and is considered an exciting long-term prospect at the age of 21.

Celtic backed for busy summer

Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness claimed that Celtic could make as many as five signings this summer, as Rodgers looks to make big changes, with a larger focus on the Champions League next season:

"I’m expecting Celtic to be looking at four to five new signings this summer. I’m hearing that Brendan Rodgers will place more of a focus on getting through in the Champions League. They had a difficult time this year with that particular issue, with some heavy losses.

"But I think he’ll plan and try to equip themselves better on the European stage with some of the business they do. I hope they can do so because the Scottish coefficient needs it."

This is a hugely exciting update at a time when Celtic supporters are already in buoyant spirits, suggesting that another busy summer is on the cards.

The worst thing that the Hoops could do is not kick on after the current campaign, allowing Rangers to narrow the gap in the process, and ruthlessness is needed in the transfer market. With Champions League football coming their way next season, higher quality players are required, having finished bottom of their group with just four points from six matches this season.

Celtic make £6m+ bid to sign "highly rated" goalkeeper to replace Hart

He could be the new first-choice ‘keeper at Celtic Park.

By
Ben Browning

May 15, 2024

This isn't a Celtic squad that needs major surgery, as their title success shows – they could still clinch Scottish Cup glory, too – but a new goalkeeper to replace Hart looks set to kickstart a mini squad overhaul this summer.

As Eddie Howe and Newcastle United look to strengthen their squad depth this summer, they've been linked with a fresh face to hand their side an exciting attacking boost in the transfer window.

Newcastle transfer news

Newcastle aren't wasting any time this summer. Already, it looks as though Lloyd Kelly is on his way upon the expiry of his current Bournemouth contract, whilst Tosin Adarabioyo could also complete a similar move at the end of his Fulham deal. The two defenders could be just the start of a busy summer for the Magpies, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season.

Howe could bin Longstaff in Newcastle swoop for "immense" £30m award-winner

The player has produced an excellent campaign in 2023/24.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 31, 2024

It's not just their backline that those at St James' Park need to upgrade though, especially if Miguel Almiron does leave in the coming months. The winger hit new heights in the 2022/23 season, but failed to return to such form this season to hand Newcastle a fresh problem going forward.

Now, in search of rediscovering that quality, the Magpies have reportedly turned to a fellow Premier League side and a winger who earns a reported £45k-a-week at his current club.

According to L'Equipe, Newcastle have expressed their interest in Bryan Mbeumo ahead of a potential move to sign the Brentford winger this summer. Mbuemo was a standout in the absence of Ivan Toney for the majority of the campaign until he suffered an untimely injury blow. Nonetheless, it seems as though that form was enough to attract Newcastle, who are also reportedly joined by Liverpool in their interest.

With doubts over the future of Almiron and the winger struggling to replicate the form of last season, Mbeumo could step in to offer Newcastle the ultimate upgrade in the summer transfer window.

"Brilliant" Mbeumo can replace Almiron

Still just 24 years old, Mbeumo is entering his prime, which makes now the perfect time to leave Brentford and complete a big move elsewhere. Whilst the attention has been on Toney's future, it is the Cameroon international who could steal the headlines in deserving fashion this summer to become Newcastle's Almiron replacement.

Those at Newcastle will be hoping to see Mbeumo end his current St James' Park record if he does complete a move, however, given that he's never won there with Brentford in a frustrating run for the winger.

That record aside, however, Mbeumo is a player on the up and one who has been recognised by Brentford boss Thomas Frank in the past, who said via FourFourTwo: "It’s brilliant I must say. He’s been brilliant for us this year in the Premier League. He came back from a minor injury, we knew that he wanted to play ready for Tuesday. And three quality finishes, very composed.”

Celtic attacking midfielder Matt O'Riley collected multiple trophies at the club's end-of-season awards night at the weekend after a sublime season from the star.

He won the Young Player of the Year, Men's Player of the Year, and Men's Players' Player of the Year awards for his contributions on the pitch this term.

It will now be interesting to see whether or not the Hoops can keep hold of the Denmark international, who was recently named as a player of interest to Italian giants Inter.

The Bhoys have made a profit on a number of players, who O'Riley could join this summer, over the years and one star they hit the jackpot with was goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

How much Celtic paid for Fraser Forster

The towering stopper initially joined the Hoops on loan from English Premier League side Newcastle United in the summer of 2010 and spent two seasons on loan from the Magpies.

In the summer of 2012, Celtic completed a reported £2m deal to sign the goalkeeper on a permanent deal from the English team, and then-manager Neil Lennon claimed that he would be a "magnificent" signing for the club.

As you can see in the table above, his form over his two seasons on loan with the Scottish giants warranted them making a move to sign him permanently.

He caught the eye with a staggering 42 clean sheets in 69 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, conceding just 42 goals for the club in that time.

How much Celtic sold Fraser Forster for in 2024 money

After two more years with the Hoops, Forster's performances in Scotland were impressive enough to draw in interest from Premier League side Southampton.

When you adjust for the inflation of transfer fees in football over the subsequent years, per Totally Money's index, then the £11.2m the Saints paid to sign him in the summer of 2014 would be worth a staggering £20.2m in today's (2024) money.

This shows that Celtic hit the jackpot with Forster as they made a significant profit on the initial £2m they paid Newcastle to sign him, making £9.2m, and the fee they raked in from Southampton would be worth a huge £20.2m in the current day, which speaks to how expensive the deal was at the time.

The England international, who now plays for Tottenham Hotspur, later enjoyed another season on loan with the Hoops, from the Saints, during the 2019/20 campaign and has racked up 118 clean sheets in 234 appearances for the club in all competitions to date.

Forster was, as shown by the aforementioned statistics, a clean sheet machine for the Scottish giants with more than one shutout every other match on average.

Celtic's "pressing machine" was as good as O'Riley in the Old Firm

The Hoops star was unplayable for Brendan Rodgers against Rangers on Sunday.

By
Dan Emery

May 11, 2024

He was a colossal performer on the pitch, winning eight domestic trophies in total, and then made the Hoops a huge sum of money just two years after being signed for only £2m, which illustrates how much of a blinder they played with the titan.

The Saudi Pro League – also known as the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) for sponsorship reasons – dominated the 2023 summer transfer window with many high-profile players leaving Europe in favour of a move to the rapidly rising division.

Cristiano Ronaldo started the trend, of course, taking an enormous contract at the start of the year to play for Al-Nassr.

And, now, with the 2024 summer transfer window edging closer, Football FanCast takes you through the latest news and transfer rumours…

Why players moved to the Saudi Pro League

Essentially, it came down to investment from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, or PIF. You'll have heard a lot about it when PIF purchased Newcastle United, of course.

The same fund purchased majority stakes in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad. The former two are the biggest clubs in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The latter two are the biggest in Jeddah, the country's second-largest city. All four now have incredible wealth behind them and are looking to make waves.

Latest Saudi Pro League games, results, league standings and top scorers

FFC brings you the latest of the action from the Saudi Pro League, as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar do battle.

By
Mark Marston

May 28, 2024

Saudi Pro League 2024 summer transfer window dates

The Saudi Pro League's summer transfer window is set to open on July 1, 2024, which near enough aligns with the rest of Europe's top leagues.

The window will remain open until September 7, 2024, whilst the other leading divisions in Europe will slam their doors shut on 1st.

Players who joined the Saudi Pro League

A steady stream of players have followed in Ronaldo's footsteps by ditching European football for a go at the Saudi Pro League and that trend is expected to continue this month.

The RSL outlaid an eye-watering £701.3m on transfer fees last summer, which doesn't account for the colossal wages on top of that.

So who decided to make the move? Here's a rundown of the 20 most expensive signings:

Latest Saudi Pro League transfer rumours

In the winter transfer window, things were rather quiet in comparison to the summer, with clubs putting their wallets away to recover from what was a mental 2023 for transfers.

However, with the months flying by, there are a few rumours that have been circling around already ahead of the summer…

Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea to Al-Ittihad

According to Rudy Galetti (as per Tribal Football), Al-Ittihad have already opened talks over the possibility of signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea in the summer.

Al-Ittihad and other teams from the Middle East have shortlisted the Belgian as a "main target", which won't come as an issue for the Blues as they've done just fine without him this season.

Idrissa Gueye

Everton to Saudi Pro League

According to Football Insider, Saudi Pro League clubs are ready to pounce to sign Idrissa Gueye this summer.

According to reports, Gueye's contract with the Toffees is set to expire this summer, and Saudi Pro League teams are 'ready to approach' him. The Senegalese player would be interested in relocating to the Middle East.

For Gueye, joining a Saudi Arabian team is reportedly seen as "an attractive proposition."

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool to Saudi Pro League

Jose Enrique has claimed (as per Grosvenor Sports) that Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool this summer if the opportunity to move to the Saudi Pro League presents itself.

He stated:

“If the right offer comes then I think Salah will leave because I think he was actually trying to leave last summer. They were offered something like £200 million for him last summer and that was a real offer!

“When you get an offer like that, usually it means there is already an agreement between the player and the club. I think Salah had already agreed to go and I believe that he will finally go to Saudi Arabia this summer.

“Jurgen Klopp is leaving so it is the perfect time for Salah to go. There is a new cycle happening at Liverpool and lots of changes, so it is perfect for him. This will likely be the final big contract of his career, so I think he’ll leave for Saudi Arabia.”

This comes after a string of very sub-par performances from the Egyptian.

It's been a fantastic week and a half for Arsenal, one that has seen them demolish Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates before beating bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 away from home to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

Mikel Arteta's side have masterfully recovered from their slight wobble against Bayern Munich and Aston Villa a couple of weeks ago and now look to be back in the swing of things with three games to go.

Thomas Partey's reintroduction into the team has been a massive positive, but based on recent transfer reports, these last few games could be more of a swan song than a resurgence in red and white for the Ghanaian.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are now one of a few teams leading the race for Everton ace Amadou Onana ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report revealed that the 22-year-old midfielder has 'caught the eye of some elite clubs', but the German giants Bayern Munich and absurdly wealthy Newcastle United are leading the race alongside the Gunners.

The North Londoners were interested in the Belgian international back in the January transfer window, but with reports suggesting that a deal would've cost them anything from £70m to £90m, they understandably held off from making a move.

While there hasn't been much said regarding the former LOSC Lille ace's potential price tag this summer, it's unlikely to be quite that high, and so that could encourage Edu Gaspar and Co to come back in with an offer, which could be good news for Declan Rice, but bad news for Partey's long-term future at the club.

How Onana compares to Partey

Now, while there is a lot of interest in Onana from some of the biggest clubs in world football, like Arsenal, Bayern and Newcastle, it would be fair to say that thus far, he hasn't played long enough to say whether he's categorically better than Partey, but there are a few reasons why it might be a smart move from the Gunners to sign him as the Ghanaian's replacement.

The first reason is age. Arsenal have spent the last few years bringing down the average age of their squad by shipping out players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil, and Alexandre Lacazette. As a result, they have fielded the third-youngest XI in the league this season.

So, with a clear desire to build a team for the long-term and the former Atlético Madrid ace set to turn 31 this year, it would make sense to phase him out of the side, as when the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz all hit their peaks, he'll be way past his prime, which The Athletic place around the age of 25 to 27 – the age the Everton ace will be at the time.

The second reason is related to age: injuries. For as great as the Krobo Odumase-born midfielder has been for the Gunners, he has also likely caused Arteta and Co an inordinate amount of stress due to his consistent injury problems, problems that have seen him miss 72 games in the four seasons since he arrived at the club.

In comparison, the Toffees' "one-man army", as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has missed just 11 games in the same period and, therefore, he would be a reliable option for Arteta to call upon, which cannot be said for the man he may replace next year.

Moreover, signing an incredibly talented midfielder who is regularly available for selection could help take Rice's game to the next level at the Emirates.

Thus far, the former West Ham United captain has seen his midfield partner alternate frequently between Havertz, Partey, and Jorginho, which cannot be conducive to his development at the club nor to creating a consistent and effective unit in the middle of the park.

Respected data analyst Ben Mattinson certainly seems to share this opinion, claiming that signing the 12-capped international would allow Arteta to field "a disgusting double pivot" comprised of the Belgian and Englishman, a pivot that could realistically remain at the heart of the team for up to a decade.

Finally, when comparing the pair's underlying numbers from last season – Partey has barely played this year, so the comparison has to be from 22/23 – it's clear that there isn't an enormous difference between the two stars, suggesting that with the right coaching, the Dakar-born gem could reach the level of the Arsenal man.

For example, the Gunners ace produced more progressive carries and passes, maintained a higher passing accuracy, recovered more balls and made more blocks, but the Everton midfielder produced a higher non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, made and won more tackles, won more aerial duels, and made no errors that led to a goal.

Ultimately, Partey is an incredibly talented footballer, and whenever he's had a consistent run of starts for Arsenal, he has shown that. But therein lies the problem: He can't stay fit enough to start games consistently.

So, if the Gunners have a genuine opportunity to sign Onana this summer, they should do it. Not only would it further future-proof a team that looks set to challenge for years to come, but it could also allow Rice to truly flourish at the heart of midfield next to a teammate he can rely on season upon season.

Arteta must finally cash in on Arsenal star who earns more than Saka

It might be time for the Gunners to move on from the talented star.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 2, 2024

Pep Guardiola has backed Rodri in his comments suggesting Manchester City's stars would consider a 'strike' due to an increasingly intense schedule.

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• Rodri hinted players could strike
• City could play more than 70 games this season
• 'Players have the power to make change' insists Guardiola

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guardiola echoed Rodri's sentiments that the players are the most important factor in football, with the City boss claiming that any change would only come from the actions of his own stars. Rodri had criticised the decision to add more fixtures to the football calendar, believing many players would be willing to go on strike as 'we are the guys who suffer'.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  UEFA has introduced a new-style Champions League format, leading to more fixtures being added to an already-intensive football calendar. City are also set to play in the revamped Club World Cup at the end of the season, which will feature additional teams and matches, leading to Rodri's claim that the wellbeing of players was being overlooked, although some have claimed any notion of a strike as 'nonsense'.

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  WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Guardiola said: "I agree that many voices are talking about the players. If something is going to change, it must come from the players. They are the only ones who can change something.

  "The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media and owners – but without players you cannot play. They alone have the power to do it."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GUARDIOLA AND MAN CITY?

  The intensity does not stop for City, with Guardiola's men facing off against Arsenal on Sunday in a match which could have significant implications on the title come the end of the season.

  City will then play in three competitions over the course of a week, hosting Watford in the Carabao Cup before visiting Newcastle in the Premier League followed by a Champions League trip to Slovan Bratislava prior to the international break.

Amid their Scottish Premiership title ambitions, Rangers are set to bid farewell to several stars this summer upon the expiry of a number of contracts, including one star who Philippe Clement wants to keep.

Rangers transfer news

Keeping together a side who could yet end the season as champions is usually seen as a vital step ahead of potentially defending that crown, but the exit door is well and truly open at Ibrox even if they do pip Celtic to the title.

Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, Leon Balogun and Borna Barisic are all among the players set to become free agents this summer, moving on and making room for fresh faces in Clement's first summer in charge.

In a ruthless act from Clement, he will hope to make his mark more than ever in Glasgow this summer. He's already shown what he's capable of by reviving Rangers mid-season to get them back in the title picture, so there's plenty of promise in giving him the keys ahead of his first full season in charge.

Rangers’ 10 best managers of all time ranked by win percentage

The Gers missed out on the league title in his first season, but where does Philippe Clement rank among his predecessors?

By
Charlie Smith

Jan 4, 2025

One player that he'll likely have to do it without next season is John Lundstram, however. According to 61 Trabzon Haber via Sport Witness, Lundstram has agreed a deal in principle with Trabzonspor after reports earlier in the week indicated that they were chasing a deal. Now, with just a few details to agree on, the midfielder looks to have taken a step closer to finding his next club.

The news will leave Clement undoubtedly frustrated, having previously been positive when asked about the chances that Rangers keep hold of Lundstram.

Rangers must find right replacement for Lundstram

Despite Clement's attempt to pour water on flames to put out any rumours regarding Lundstram's exit, it looks increasingly likely that Rangers will be in need of a replacement for the Gers midfielder this summer. And they must make sure to get things right.

His exit does at least pave the way for a fresh face and clear a reported £22,000 per-week from their wage bill, but that doesn't make finding a replacement for Lundstram any simpler this summer.

The midfielder ticks the box for both experience and quality, which are two traits which may not go hand in hand for fresh faces. Instead, Clement could go down the route of finding a young player to mould into his system to hand Rangers a long-term option who may even eventually become better than the version of Lundstram that Ibrox has seen over the years.