Antonio Rudiger has issued an apology after his rampage during the Copa del Rey final, after the defender threw a projectile at the referee.

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Rudiger threw a projectile at the refereeHad to be held back after being sent offIssues apology to referee and teammatesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was always going to be the point of focus during Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, following the off-field drama that took place on Friday. However, the Clasico did not see a lot of moments where the referee was in the spotlight. Towards the end, though, Bengoetxea awarded Barcelona a free kick just as Kylian Mbappe looked through on goal, much to the dismay of Los Blancos' dugout. Rudiger then burst into a fit of rage as he launched a projectile towards the referee and then had to be held back by multiple staff members as he was shown a red card.

AdvertisementXTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Rudiger was one of three Real Madrid players to be sent off during Barcelona's 3-2 extra-time win, with Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez also being shown red for the 'aggressive behaviour' towards Bengoetxea and his team. Rudiger is the only one in actual trouble as he attempted to physically assault the official, and the German has voiced an apology on his social media.

Getty ImagesWHAT RUDIGER SAID

On the social media platform X, Rudiger wrote: "There's definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I'm very sorry for that. We played a very good game from the second half on. After 111 minutes, I was not able to help my team anymore, and before the final whistle, I did a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night."

WHAT NEXT FOR RUDIGER?

As per Spanish publication Cadena SER, Rudiger faces a ban of between four and 12 games, meaning he could well be suspended for the remainder of the season. Additionally, the German's outburst could be separately reviewed, meaning a longer ban could be on the cards.

Whilst it’s beginning to feel like deja vu, it would once again be an understatement to suggest that Manchester United need a major overhaul under new manager Ruben Amorim.

They needed exactly that when David Moyes arrived, and then again under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. And who could forget a transfer window that featured the return of Cristiano Ronaldo and the arrival of Jadon Sancho under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

Having rebuilt their side using materials suggested by Erik ten Hag before he saw his house huffed, puffed and blown down by the rest of the Premier League, the Red Devils must look towards the transfer market to help Amorim turn things around at Old Trafford.

The former Sporting CP boss has already shown what he’s capable of by defeating Manchester City and earning a point at Anfield against Liverpool in a game that should have ended in all three, but defeats against the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth have exposed that he cannot work miracles.

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However, if INEOS truly want to turn things around at Old Trafford, signing these five players would be a good place to start.

1 Bryan Mbeumo Brentford

If INEOS are to prove their transfer genius and take Manchester United away from an era of expensive big-name transfer flops, signing Bryan Mbeumo would be an intelligent first move. The Brentford winger is more than ready for a big move, and as Marcus Rashford heads for an Old Trafford exit, he should be high up on the Red Devils’ list of potential replacements.

Still just 25 years old and at the peak of his powers, Mbeumo’s ability to play as a winger and in the striker role would kill two birds with one stone for Amorim, who could deploy the versatile star next to Rasmus Hojlund.

The Bees have benefited in the past from Mbeumo’s link-up play with a fellow striker when he thrived next to Ivan Toney, and now Manchester United should aim to prosper by combining a powerful forward of their own with the quicker, smarter Brentford man, who’s reportedly worth a hefty £60m this month.

2 Antonee Robinson Fulham

A problem which remains unsolved even as the revolving door of managers at Manchester United continues is the one at left-back. Whether it’s been Solskjaer, Ten Hag or others, Luke Shaw has remained the man relied upon to take that left-back spot. Amorim and INEOS must simply bring that trend to an end amid the England international’s inability to remain fit.

In his place should be someone like Antonee Robinson. The Fulham star has arguably been the best left-back in the Premier League so far this season, and his attacking output suggests that he’d be ready-made to slot straight into Amorim’s left wing-back role within his Manchester United back five.

Starts

21

20

Assists

9

1

Interceptions

41

26

Ball recoveries

84

113

Not many players have been able to match Robinson’s output on the assists front throughout the current campaign, with Dalot simply a level below the American, who could instantly solve United’s issues down the left-hand side.

3 Goncalo Inacio Sporting CP

Whilst some may be scarred by the number of former Ajax players who struggled to perform under Ten Hag, Goncalo Inacio and Amorim could form a far more successful story, which should begin as early as this month.

When looking at Manchester United’s backline, there have been far too many square pegs in round holes to give the United boss a mere fighting chance of consistency.

The former Sporting manager desperately needs a centre-back capable of thriving in his system – ideally, one he knows well. Therefore, Inacio could be the perfect choice. A defender who played his best football under Amorim and one who can play left wing-back and centre-back, all signs point towards him as the ultimate solution for the Red Devils.

Inacio’s name has been mentioned alongside Manchester United for some time, and his reported release clause of just £50m should make any deal even more tempting to pursue before the end of the January transfer window. Next to Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, the Portugal international could quickly plug what has been a leaky backline in recent months.

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ByDominic Lund Dec 31, 2024 4 Joao Gomes Wolverhampton Wanderers

Having failed to sign Joao Gomes last summer and eventually settling for Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United should go again in their pursuit of the Wolverhampton Wanderers man to form quite the midfield partnership.

Amorim’s system certainly needs an added No 6 next to Ugarte, and when it’s not Kobbie Mainoo, it simply cannot be Christian Eriksen whom he turns towards. Instead, Gomes should emerge.

Whilst the Brazilian’s reported £38m price tag last summer quickly put United off any deal, Wolves’ current fight to avoid relegation could see that valuation drop just in time for those at Old Trafford to make their move. If the Midlands club were to go down, that £38m price tag should plummet into bargain territory for any club willing to complete a summer swoop.

Ten Hag’s lacklustre midfield was arguably his greatest weakness and the beginning of his downfall, but Amorim can swiftly turn that narrative on its head by welcoming Gomes and turning the Dutchman’s shortcomings into his greatest strength at Old Trafford.

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ByHenry Jackson Jan 14, 2025 5 Viktor Gyokeres Sporting CP

In usual circumstances, any club in the bottom half of the Premier League would be ruled out of signing one of the best strikers in world football. But not every bottom-half side carries the name Manchester United, and not every bottom-half side would have the Amorim advantage in pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sporting star thrived under the current United boss and is destined to become a gamechanger wherever he finds himself next, especially if it is Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been crying out for a talisman for some time. Hojlund arrived and is yet to prove that he’s ready to steal the show, whilst Joshua Zirkzee is arguably more likely to head for the exit door than he is to burst into life in Manchester United colours, opening the door for Gyokeres to do the job that so many have shirked away from.

With a reported release clause of £80m, Gyokeres would not come cheap, but he’d more than pay the Red Devils back if he can replicate the goalscoring record that even Erling Haaland has struggled to match at times this season.

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da apostebet： Celtic failed to automatically qualify for the next stage of the Champions League and will have to go through the play-offs after their 4-2 loss to Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

da esport bet： The Hoops found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening five minutes of the match against the Premier League outfit, thanks to two goals from Morgan Rogers.

Adam Idah, however, scored two goals in three minutes to make it 2-2 before the break. Despite their valiant comeback, Ollie Watkins and Rodgers scored in the second half to secure all three points for the hosts.

Auston Trusty was one of the players who struggled against Unai Emery’s side, playing on the right side of the defence in the absence of the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Auston Trusty's performance against Aston Villa

The USA international needed to step up without his compatriot available but was caught out in the opening couple of minutes as he failed to cut out a cross at the front post, which allowed Rogers to score, although multiple other players missed chances to cut out the attack before that.

Trusty was composed in possession, completing 94% of his attempted passes, and managed to end the game with five clearances, a block, a tackle, and a clearance.

There is no getting away, however, with his big error to gift Aston Villa a penalty in the second half. He was slow to track Watkins’ run into the box and made an incredibly rash, and clumsy, challenge that gave the England international a chance from the spot, which he then failed to take.

The American defender, despite that mistake, was not the worst player on the pitch for the Scottish giants, though, as Hyun-jun Yang struggled badly out wide.

Performance in Numbers

Expand Collapse Hyun-jun Yang missed his big chance

The South Korean youngster had a huge opportunity to shine and show Brendan Rodgers that he deserves to continue to play regularly, now that Jota has returned to the club and Daizen Maeda is still at Parkhead.

However, his performance against Aston Villa is more likely to end up costing him a place in the team moving forward, as the other two wingers could be preferred ahead of him.

Vs Aston Villa

Hyun-jun Yang

Minutes

73

Dribbles completed

0/2

Shots

0

Key passes

0

Duels won

0/5

Stats via Sofascore

It was a big chance for him to showcase his talent, with Jota and Maeda both unavailable for selection, and he failed to take it, putting in a dismal showing instead.

As you can see in the table above, Yang offered almost nothing in or out of possession on the left flank for the Hoops, losing 100% of his duels and failing to register a single shot or key pass.

Whilst Idah took his chance, after Kyogo Furuhashi’s exit, by scoring two goals, the South Korean winger, instead, showed Rodgers why he should be behind Jota and Maeda in the pecking order when they are both available for selection next time out in the Scottish Premiership.

Yang was even worse than Trusty, who at least contributed with some defensive interventions and remained composed on the ball, and should be concerned about what his game time will look like in the weeks to come.

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Posts 2 ByDan Emery Jan 28, 2025

Derby County look to be edging closer to appointing John Eustace with Blackburn Rovers now resigned to their boss talking to the Rams over a potential switch.

Indeed, it has now been confirmed by the Riversiders – via their X account – that the 45-year-old is eyeing a move away from Ewood Park to return to familiar surroundings in Pride Park, having previously finished his playing days pulling on a Rams shirt.

This will come as a major blow to Blackburn who are sat in the Championship playoff positions under the ex-Birmingham City manager.

Meanwhile, Derby languish near the foot of the division after Paul Warne had guided his lowly team to seven straight league defeats before being binned.

With Eustace in charge, the aim will no doubt be to rise up the league standings away from any relegation trouble, with this dream XI below what the Solihull-born boss could prefer if he is to take on the reins shortly…

1 GK – Jacob Widell Zetterstrom

In the goalkeeper position, Eustace is likely to persist with Swedish shot-stopper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom with the summer buy starring in patches this season for his relegation-threatened team.

Indeed, Zetterstrom has five clean sheets next to his name and has performed valiantly even as his side went on that lengthy losing streak, with seven saves amassed away at Cardiff City towards the back end of January.

2 RB – Ryan Nyambe

The first change could see Ryan Nyambe reinstated into the starting XI at the right-back spot after finding himself dropped for Derby’s last outing away at Norwich City.

After all, Eustace might view the ex-Blackburn man’s experience of the level as a big plus in trying to keep his new side afloat in the second tier, with Nyambe up to 196 career appearances in the Championship.

3 CB – Sondre Klingen Langås

Eustace would have loved to enter the building with Eiran Cashin still at his disposal, but the main Rams titan at the back has now departed his boyhood employers for a shot in the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Therefore, the potential new Rams boss will have to make do with fresh centre-back recruit Sondre Klingen Langås instead, who did impress in flashes at Carrow Road last match.

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Costing £4m to obtain from his native Norway, it seems as if Langas is the natural successor to Cashin, with three clearances registered and one duel won in Norfolk.

4 CB – Nathaniel Phillips

He will likely be partnered by Liverpool loanee Nathaniel Phillips in a four-at-the-back formation, moving away from the five-at-the-back on show versus Norwich.

Whilst the 27-year-old is yet to pick up a clean sheet this season in the Championship, he has also impressed those watching on in spurts when times have been tough, with eight duels won away at Bristol City right at the start of January even as Derby fell to a slim 1-0 loss.

5 LB – Callum Elder

Another change defensively could come at the left-back spot, as a Warne favourite in Ben Osborn – who has been present 22 times in the league this campaign even as an ageing 30-year-old – is axed for promotion-winner Callum Elder.

Across that promotion-winning season, Elder was a utility member of the squad Warne could depend on, with the ex-Hull City man winning a high 4.3 duels per game this campaign when chucked into the team.

6 CM – Ebou Adams

With Eustace’s preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation coming into play here, he will want a tough, no-nonsense midfield presence in his ranks to shore up the defence and he has just that in Derby battler Ebou Adams.

The former Cardiff City midfielder has remarkably won 8.3 total duels a match in the second tier this season, alongside also being well-equipped to fire a goal home with four strikes tallied up.

7 CM – David Ozoh

Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh looks likely to partner Adams in the central midfield area of the team, with the Eagles youngster also capable of rolling his sleeves up for the cause.

From his eight league appearances so far, Ozoh has won 5.6 duels per game with his promising showing against Norwich perhaps putting him in Eustace’s early good books, with seven ground duels successfully registered on top of completing all his dribbles when attempting to instigate a Derby attack.

8 RM – Nathaniel Mendez Laing

Nathaniel Mendez Laing is in need of breathing life back into his playing days at Pride Park, having only picked up two goals and four assists so far this campaign after a whirlwind League one season prior.

Indeed, the ex-Cardiff winger tore the third tier to shreds with a stunning nine goals and 16 assists picked up, with Eustace now wanting to revive the “crucial” ace – as he was once labelled by football journalist Jacob Hackett – back to his frightening best.

9 CAM – Kenzo Goudmijn

With this formation switch in place, Eustace could be prepared to push promising Dutch midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn further up the field into a number ten spot.

After all, Goudmijn has one of his two Championship goals for the season from this more attacking-oriented role, with his creative flair to pick up two assists also lending itself to this new spot in the side.

Having been labelled as “incredibly talented” by football journalist Jake Barker back in December, the 23-year-old star could now potentially thrive under Eustace’s fresh ideas.

10 LM – Marcus Harness

Marcus Harness will be hoping that a new manager occupying the Pride Park dug-out means more game-time is handed his way, with his cameo against Norwich City last time out gifting his side a crucial last-minute penalty.

Only starting 13 of his 26 Championship games this campaign, he could be set for an extended period in the first team under Eustace, with the ex-Ipswich Town attacker also a promotion winner from this level in the past.

da blaze casino： Burnley are now looking at signing a “talented” defender who has travelled to England ahead of a potential deal, according to a report.

Clarets' incredible defensive record

da doce： The Clarets are in a solid position to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, currently sitting in second place in the Championship, and much of their success can be put down to their incredible defensive record.

Scott Parker’s side have shipped just nine goals in the second tier, by far the fewest of any side in the league, and goalkeeper James Trafford has been particularly impressive.

Parker was full of praise for the shot-stopper after saving two penalties in a 0-0 draw against Sunderland, saying: “For sure, this is a boy with absolutely humongous potential.

“But I still think there is so much more to come from him. I’ve seen a real development in him this season and there is no better goalkeeper in and around this division.”

Burnley are reaping the rewards after signing the young goalkeeper from Bolton Wanderers, and it now appears as though they have their sights on another starlet in defence, having been linked with a move for an up-and-coming centre-back.

According to a report from Tipsbladet, the Clarets are now looking at signing Akademisk Boldklub defender Pachanga Kristensen, who is currently plying his trade in the Danish third tier, where he has estbalished himself in the first team.

Kristensen has travelled to England, presumably with a potential move to Turf Moor in mind, although it remains to be seen whether a formal offer is made.

The report makes it clear the 18-year-old could go on to be a part of the first-team set-up at Burnley in the long-term, but he would be more likely to link up with the development squad to begin with, given the strong competition for starting spots in defence.

Kristensen is one for the future

The teenager has received regular game time for AB this season, albeit at a low level, putting in some solid performances, and he has been described as a “talented” left-footed centre-back by Tipsbladet reporter Farzam Abolhosseini.

However, it would probably be wise for the youngster to continue his development in the development squad initially, if he were to complete a move to Turf Moor in the near future.

Burnley have been extremely impressive in a defensive sense this season, and Parker is unlikely to want to tinker with his side too much as they aim to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Kristensen is clearly highly-rated in Denmark though, and signing a promising young player, which would presumably be for a relatively low fee, is a good sign for Burnley going forward.

Deadline Day is upon us and Arsenal are yet to conclude any business. Should we be surprised? Probably not.

Arsenal don’t tend to spend money unless they have a particular talent in mind and despite the flurry of deals across the Premier League over the last month, the winter window is a particularly tricky one to recruit in.

In January’s gone by, the Gunners have added marquee signings such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil, two of the finest players we’ve seen in home colours at the Emirates Stadium. That said, will anyone join them in becoming one of the biggest post-Highbury deals we’ve seen?

Ollie Watkins is one target’s name who has come to the forefront of fans’ minds over the last five days but any move now seems unlikely given Jhon Duran has moved to Saudi.

So, is there anyone else in the pipeline?

Arsenal's late window business

With Watkins now likely off the table attention appears to have turned itself to Dusan Vlahovic according to reports.

The Juventus frontman could cost in the region of £54m if the Serie A side decide to let him leave Turin.

However, he’s not the only player on the club’s radar. Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners and Manchester United are in contact with Bayern Munich regarding Mathys Tel.

The Frenchman – who can play as a lone striker or on the wing – rejected a £50m move to Tottenham over the weekend and it did look as though he might stay in Germany as a result.

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However, he could still be on the move with further reports from the Mirror even suggesting that he is ‘ready to join’ either Arsenal or United before the window closes.

A loan move cannot be ruled out either with reports earlier in the window indicating the forward was willing to initially leave Munich on a temporary basis.

What Mathys Tel would offer Arsenal

Should Tel move to Arsenal on a loan move this January then it could be a wonderful repeat of the initial deal that saw current captain Martin Odegaard head to north London.

Back in late January of 2021, Arteta and Co needed an extra sprinkle of creativity in the team and they did so by bringing the Norwegian to the capital.

Judging by Arteta’s comments four years ago, a similar move could be replicated here. Like Odegaard was when he joined, Tel is young, exciting, and on the periphery of one of Europe’s major clubs. To put it simply, he desperately needs game time to improve.

Well, the 19-year-old would be pretty perfect for Arsenal given the boxes they need to tick before the window shuts.

With Gabriel Jesus injured, they need a centre forward and with Bukayo Saka also on the treatment table, they need a winger. Fortunately, Tel can do both.

Described as “one of the best young strikers in Europe” by journalist David Reed, there’s clearly a great degree of excitement around the teenager and here’s why.

Goals

64%

Assists

84%

Shots

93%

Crosses

92%

Goal-creating actions

95%

Successful take-ons

86%

Aerial duels won

86%

Despite a lack of game time, the wonderkid ranks incredibly highly for a number of key metrics. Having scored ten goals in 40 games last term, he’s not the most prolific yet but that’s still an incredibly impressive number for someone still learning their trade.

Crucially, he ranks highly for goal-creating actions and what should also excite Arteta and the supporters is how highly he ranks for successful take-ons.

The Gunners have missed players with a daring ability to beat their marker and in Tel they’d find that player. A permanent move would be ideal but even if it’s only on loan, an extra body certainly wouldn’t go amiss in the final months of the new campaign.

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ByRobbie Walls Feb 1, 2025

A fan pays tribute to the New Zealand legend, waxing lyrical about Crowe’s place in the pantheon of cricketing greats

G.G. Sivaraman07-Mar-2016Once-in-a-generation cricketers come by, well, once in a generation. Martin Crowe was one of them – a prince among batsmen.With all due respect to Sutcliffe and Turner – and Hadlee and Chatfield too – New Zealand cricket may well be conceived of in terms of pre- and post-Martin Crowe eras. Such was the incandescence of his batting, such was the luminosity of his presence.In decorum and demeanour, as well as in mastery of batting diction, Crowe stood tall as quite the consummate professional. His command of batting grammar and finesse with bat in hand was the stuff of cricketing poetry. If near-contemporaries Wright, Greatbatch and brother Jeff were workmanlike in their approach to eking out runs, Martin did it like a millionaire. He had cricket shots aplenty to spend and his ability to spot the ball early and contemplate the geometry of a cricket field gave him a regal flair.Here was a player who knew the game like the back of his hand. Destiny waited to be scripted even as brain and brawn combined to dish out severe treatment to many an earnest delivery. The sports field was but a theatre and the King had to take centre stage. There were shades of his celebrated cousin Russell Crowe, except that Martin wrote his own scripts.As captain, his imaginative approach to the 1992 World Cup ignited new possibilities in a satiated game. Indeed the unorthodox gambit of Dipak Patel opening the bowling rekindles many a memory. The slings of misfortune perhaps ambushed the ambition of holding the Cup. That said, Crowe’s captaincy and cricketing skills embellished the cricket world down under.Crowe, the elder statesman of the game, is credited with creating the forerunner to the nascent T20 form of the game. His articulate writings fondly recall his exploits at the batting crease and showcase his shrewd cricket brain and all-round personality.Sadly, his life at the world’s crease has been all too short, a magnificent Test innings abruptly abbreviated to a truncated T20 knock, as it were. Even as fans egged him on to stay, destiny willed otherwise. Brave in batting, his determination to stay the course shone as bright as many of his splendid battles at the crease, before the flame flickered one last time.RIP Martin Crowe. The world of gentleman cricketers is poorer with your departure, but the cricketing heavens are now lit up with the radiance of your presence and craft.

Although the Liverpool machine continues to power on, as seen in Arne Slot’s side picking up a straightforward 4-0 win in the FA Cup over Accrington Stanley, this month could still prove to be a sticky time for the Reds.

After all, the futures of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain up in the air, with some nerves at least quelled in this department when reading that Virgil Van Dijk reportedly looks set to pen a new Anfield deal shortly.

Alongside all this contract talk, there is another surprise player who could be set to leave Merseyside behind very soon, even as his current deal remains in play until 2028.

Liverpool star could be heading for Saudi

As per a report by Anfield Watch, Darwin Nunez could now be on the move this January as new suitors eye up the hot-and-cold Uruguayan.

One of those fresh outfits preparing to try and snap up the 25-year-old is money-rich Al-Hilal, with the Saudi side wanting to offload former £200m man Neymar for some new star power.

After all, Al-Hilal are currently under the managerial guidance of ex-Benfica boss Jorge Jesus, who managed to turn Nunez into a revered goal machine in Portugal.

Moreover, with Nunez sliding further and further down the pecking order under Slot – with ex-Reds great Robbie Fowler stating prior to his Accrington duck that he’s “not a Liverpool player” calibre-wise – this might well be a move that suits all parties, especially if Al-Hilal cough up some mega bucks similar to the £85m once forked out for the forward.

Liverpool have been here before in terms of losing an attacker who had left his mark on proceedings at Anfield, only for the Reds to recover easily from this departure with Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and more now lighting up the Premier League.

A Sadio Mane-like exit for Liverpool

Whilst it’s clear that Nunez won’t go down in the same legend’s bracket as Sadio Mane when he does exit, it would still be a knock to lose the Uruguayan, especially when you consider the amount of cash that was splashed to land him.

Additionally, he has shown his class in spurts for the Reds, with 37 strikes picked up in total for the Merseyside giants resulting in Jurgen Klopp labelling the 6 foot 2 attacker as “outstanding” when he still steered the Liverpool ship.

But, after his goalless showing against League Two opposition on Saturday, patience will be wearing thin on Slot’s end who might sense a departure is the most logical next step, with the Reds having to give in regarding a sale of Mane too after the Senegalese ace rejected a new contract.

Whilst that development was initially demoralising – considering Mane bowed out of Liverpool with a stunning 120 goals next to his name – the Reds have more than bounced back with Salah ageing like a fine wine, alongside the heroics of other stars up top.

Liverpool attackers’ PL G/A records since Mane’s departure
Player	Games	Goals scored	Assists
Cody Gakpo	75	21	10
Diogo Jota	55	21	9
Luis Diaz	72	20	9
Mohamed Salah	89	55	35
Sourced by Transfermarkt

As can be seen above, Slot has a whole host of exciting players in attack he can choose from, with Salah chipping in with an outrageous 90 goals and assists since Mane’s exit, with the ex-Reds forward now forgotten about playing in Saudi Arabia.

The same could soon happen to Nunez if he makes an Al-Hilal move a reality, with Liverpool no doubt using the millions they would recoup to add another frightening attacker to their already star-studded arsenal.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 10, 2025

كشفت تقارير صحفية فرنسية عن وجود خطوة تصاعدية ضد نجم فريق باريس سان جيرمان، أشرف حكيمي، في إطار اتهامه بالتورط في قضية اغتصاب قبل عامين.

وذكرت صحيفة “لو باريزيان” الفرنسية أن مكتب المدعي العام طالب بإحالة أشرف حكيمي إلى محكمة جنائية في قضية اغتصاب، تعود وقائعها إلى عام 2023.

وتواصل اللاعب المغربي، في فبراير 2023، مع إمرأة تبلغ من العمر 24 عامًا عبر إنستجرام، ودعاها إلى منزله، حيث اعتدى عليها جنسيًا دون موافقتها، رغم احتجاجها المستمر.

وزُعم أن المجني عليها تمكنت من دفع أشرف حكيمي بعيدًا، مستخدمة قدميها، قبل أن تغادر المكان، وبعثت رسالة نصية إلى صديقة تطلب منها الحضور لاستلامها، لكونها في حالة إعياء شديد جراء الاغتصاب.

وأكدت الصديقة أقوال الضحية المزعومة أمام الشرطة بعدما توجهت الفتاة إلى المركز من أجل الإبلاغ، قبل توجيه تهمة الاغتصاب ضد حكيمي في 3 مارس من العام نفسه.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لاعب باريس سان جيرمان: أنا أفضل من لامين يامال

واُحتجز أشرف حكيمي لدى الشرطة، وفتح مكتب المدعي العام تحقيقًا قضائيًا ووُضع تحت المراقبة القضائية، رغم نفيه المستمر لما قيل على لسان المدعية، واصفًأ ما حدث بكونه مؤامرة لتحقيق مكاسب مالية على حسابه.

ورغم ذلك، وحسب الصحيفة المذكورة، فإن مكتب المدعي العام في نانتير طالب في لائحة اتهام نهائية، يوم الجمعة، بمثول أشرف حكيمي أمام المحكمة الجنائية.

وأشارت إلى إنه على الرغم من ارتياح محامية حكيمي لهذا القرار، إلا أنها تعتبر لائحة الاتهام غير مفهومة وغير منطقية بالنظر إلى الأدلة في القضية.

وصرّحت المحامية: “الأدلة تثبت كذب المدعية، خاصة من خلال التقييمات النفسية التي خضعت لها، نحن وأشرف حكيمي هادئان كما كنا في بداية الإجراءات، إذا تم تأييد التهم، سنلجأ بكل تأكيد إلى جميع سبل الاستئناف”.

وشددت الصحيفة على أن أشرف حكيمي يحظى بدعم باريس سان جيرمان في إطار تلك القضية منذ البداية وحتى الآن.

Despite often being cited as the most important position on the pitch, goalkeepers typically haven’t been sold for big money. That has changed in more recent years, with long-standing records tumbling within the past decade.

But who are football’s most expensive goalkeepers? In this list, we’ve taken a look at the priciest transfers concerning those between the sticks, with a detailed summary of the top 10 moves.

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Rank

Player

From

To

Fee

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Athletic Club

Chelsea

Alisson

Roma

Liverpool

Andre Onana

Inter

Man Utd

Thibaut Courtois

Chelsea

Real Madrid

Ederson

Benfica

Man City

Gianluigi Buffon

Parma

Juventus

Neto

Valencia

Barcelona

Jasper Cillessen

Barcelona

Valencia

Aaron Ramsdale

Sheff Utd

Arsenal

Jordan Pickford

Sunderland

Everton

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Valencia

Liverpool

David Raya

Brentford

Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal

Southampton

Robert Sanchez

Brighton

Chelsea

Alex Meret

Udinese

Napoli

Edouard Mendy

Rennes

Chelsea

Manuel Neuer

Schalke

Bayern Munich

Pau Lopez

Real Betis

Roma

Filip Jorgensen

Villarreal

Chelsea

Odysseas Vlachodimos

Nottingham Forest

Newcastle

10 Jordan Pickford Sunderland to Everton (£30m)

Coming in at 10 is Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who joined the Toffees in June 2017 for a club-record fee of £30m, with Everton paying £25 million to Sunderland and then another £5 million depending on team and individual performances.

The goalkeeper signed a five-year contract after only breaking into the Sunderland team just over 12 months before his move to Goodison Park.

Since joining Everton, Pickford has cemented his spot as their No 1 goalkeeper, keeping the role despite the various changes in management. He has also become England’s No 1, winning 73 caps and playing pivotal roles in recent European Championship and World Cup campaigns.

9 Aaron Ramsdale Sheff Utd to Arsenal (£30m)

Aaron Ramsdale made the move to join Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021. The shot-stopper joined the Gunners worth as much as £30m.

The 26-year-old spent three seasons with Arsenal, keeping 12 clean sheets in 34 Premier League games in his first campaign. Ramsdale then went on to beat that, as he kept 14 the following season, but then lost his place in the 2023/24 season and was sold to Southampton in the summer of 2024.

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1 ByBarney Lane Jan 27, 2025 8 Jasper Cillessen Barcelona to Valencia (£31.4m)

Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen joined Valencia in a deal worth £31.4m, where he signed a four-year deal and had a buyout clause worth £71.66m.

Cillessen spent three seasons at Valencia, which were not plain sailing, as Cillessen was in and out of the side through injuries, playing a total of 57 games, conceding 81 goals, and keeping just 12 clean sheets.

He returned to the Netherlands after his time was up at Valencia, turning out for NEC Nijmegen before making a La Liga comeback this summer with Las Palmas.

7 Neto Valencia to Barcelona (£31.4m)

In June 2019, Barcelona signed goalkeeper Neto from fellow Spanish side Valencia in a deal that was worth €35m (£31.4m) including add-ons.

Now at Arsenal, the Brazilian ended a poor spell at Camp Nou by sealing a free transfer to Bournemouth in the summer of 2022, as the cash-strapped Catalans made a nightmare return on their original investment – though their sale of Jasper Cillessen for virtually the same amount the day before meant little harm was done in the end…

6 Gianluigi Buffon Parma to Juventus (£32.6m)

In July 2001, Juventus made history as they paid the highest fee for a goalkeeper when signing Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon. The Turin giants paid £32.6m to Parma, where he came through the academy, to secure the services of a ‘keeper who would become one of the best in the game.

Buffon was the world’s most expensive goalkeeper for 17 years, although interestingly, that depends on which currency you go by. Despite costing just under £33m in pounds sterling, his record in euros (around €50m) wasn’t beaten until the top two goalkeeping transfers took place in 2018.

5 Ederson Benfica to Man City (£35m)

Manchester City signed goalkeeper Ederson in June 2017 for a deal worth £35m, after only recently breaking into the first team in Portugal.

The Brazilian showed his quality straight away, and it wasn’t long before he established himself as one of the strongest goalkeepers in the Premier League. Ederson has been a key part of City’s domestic and European success in recent years continues to be a key part of the City team today.

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ByBarney Lane Jan 28, 2025 4 Thibaut Courtois Chelsea to Real Madrid (£35m)

Thibaut Courtois ended a seven-year spell at Chelsea when he joined Real Madrid in 2018 for a deal believed to be worth £35m.

The Belgian had become one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers and earned his move to Madrid, which was controversial given his existing ties to rivals Atlético.

The 32-year-old has won three league titles, three Spanish Cups and two Champions League trophies since being at the Bernabeu.

3 Andre Onana Inter to Man Utd (£47.2m)

Manchester United decided to pay £47.2m to bring Andre Onana to Old Trafford as the replacement for David de Gea in July 2023, with then-manager Erik ten Hag working with the shot-stopper at Ajax.

He has come under fire during his time in Manchester, with the Cameroon international guilty of making some high-profile errors, which will surely cast doubt over his long-term future amid the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.

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ByRoss Kilvington Jan 24, 2025 2 Alisson Roma to Liverpool (£66.8m)

When Liverpool signed Alisson from Roma in July 2018, he became the most expensive goalkeeper in football. The Premier League side paid £66.8m to the Italian giants for the Brazilian’s services, and it has been worth every penny, with the goalkeeper on hand to play a key role in Liverpool winning the Champions League in his first season, all while keeping six clean sheets in 13 European games.

Alisson has since gone on to help Liverpool win the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Premier League in recent years and has kept over 120 clean sheets in over 280 games for the Merseyside club.

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ByBrett Worthington Jan 25, 2025 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga Athletic Club to Chelsea (£71m)

Kepa Arrizabalaga is the most expensive goalkeeper in world football. The Spain international joined Chelsea in 2018 for a record fee of £71m.

Chelsea triggered the release clause in Arrizabalaga’s contract at Athletic Club and he joined the Blues on a seven-year contract. The 30-year-old made an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, becoming the club’s No 1, but after two seasons at the helm, Arrizabalaga lost his place in the starting XI and has struggled to get back in, spending time on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

Chelsea's most expensive sales of all time

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