Wolves have been dealt a blow with the news that Manchester United and Chelsea are looking to snap up the Molineux club’s recruitment chief Matt Hobbs.
The Lowdown: Hobbs’ role at Wolves
In an era where transfer fees are often exorbitant, player recruitment is becoming an increasingly important aspect of running a football club, with everyone looking to get good value on the players that they sign.
Hobbs is a key figure at Wolves in that respect, heading the recruitment team and doing his best to ensure that the right players come in each summer in order to strengthen the squad.
The Old Gold’s business has often been astute under his watch, with Bruno Lage praising his work in the past, and his efforts clearly aren’t going unnoticed elsewhere.
The Latest: Hobbs wanted by Premier League giants
According to Football Insider, United and Chelsea are eyeing up a move for Hobbs, seeing him as someone who can enhance their respective recruitment departments.
The Wolves employee is ‘on the radar’ of both Premier League clubs, and a deal to secure his services could be finalised ‘within weeks’.
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The Verdict: Big blow for Wolves
Having a top-class recruitment chief in place is huge for any club – Michael Edwards at Liverpool is a good example of that – and Hobbs is no different.
Although he has only been in his current role since February, he has still overseen some notable business at Molineux, with more than £100m spent on summer signings Matheus Nunes, Goncaldo Guedes, Sasa Kalajdzic and Nathan Collins – the former of those being a club-record transfer for the Old Gold.
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Should Hobbs move on – he may find it hard to say no to one of the foremost clubs in the league – it is imperative that a suitable replacement comes in immediately, ensuring that Wolves can still pull off some astute business in the transfer market.
Newcastle United could reportedly omit one of Jonjo Shelvey or Karl Darlow from their 25-man squad in order to register Loris Karius.
The Lowdown: Karius to sign
It has been reported that the former Liverpool goalkeeper is now set to sign for the Magpies as a free agent, following an ankle injury picked up by Karl Darlow in training.
After loaning out Martin Dubravka to Manchester United, Eddie Howe clearly wants some competition for Nick Pope; and with Darlow injured, he feels as if the German can give him that.
The Latest: Shelvey or Darlow to miss out?
Writing in his latest piece for The Shields Gazette, journalist Miles Starforth has shared the news that, after Emil Krafth’s long-term injury, Howe now has 25 players for his squad.
For Karius to be registered, one player has to miss out. Starforth claims that Darlow could be the one to make way after his injury, or alternatively Shelvey could be sacrificed after being ruled out for 12 weeks in August.
That would take him to the World Cup in Qatar in November, and due to the cut-off from domestic football at that point, it seems very unlikely that Shelvey will be able to play until after the tournament has finished.
The Verdict: Shelvey over Darlow
Even though it looks as if Darlow could return sooner than Shelvey, the Magpies should still register the central midfielder over him in case.
With Karius joining, Howe will have three senior goalkeepers in him, Pope and Mark Gillespie, which is enough for the 25-man squad.
Although it looks unlikely at this stage, Shelvey could still make a swift recovery and return earlier than expected, and Howe will want to keep his outfield options open from now until the World Cup starts.
The 2025/26 campaign has deepened and we now have a clear picture of how things are going. For Liverpool, improvements are needed across the board.
Arne Slot has cut a dismayed figure over the past several months, unable to grasp how his high-flying squad have been grounded so miserably. A run of six defeats from seven in the Premier League before the weekend win over West Ham United has cast doubt over his tenure.
With the January transfer window less than a month away, FSG are attentive to potential opportunities, and it’s no secret that Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is at the top of the Merseysiders’ Christmas list.
Liverpool's winter transfer plans
While the thought of activating Semenyo’s £65m release clause next month is tempting, he is not the only talented (and versatile) winger on the market.
And Liverpool are not the only club looking to seal his signature. Semenyo is also on Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur’s radar, with the latter “intensifying their interest”, according to Sky Sports.
But Liverpool have earmarked a number of potential signings, and Caught Offside have revealed that they have been boosted by Real Madrid’s transfer-listing of rogue winger Rodrygo for around €85m (£75m), whose fortunes at the Santiago Bernabeu have been sour for a while now, and is surely set for an exit in 2026.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo looks on
Rodrygo has not been in good form for Los Blancos this season or last, but there remains a world-class talent in there, and he could finally reach his potential in a leading role at Liverpool.
Why Liverpool want Rodrygo
Rodrygo is one of the most talented forwards in the world. Rodrygo has also gone 30 La Liga matches without a goal.
It’s clear that he needs to leave Real Madrid and restore his reputation as a “world-class superstar”, as he has been called in the past by former teammate Luka Modric. This is a versatile and multi-faceted forward who has proved himself on the biggest stages time and time again.
Cody Gakpo is a consistent force down the left for Liverpool, but he’s not Sadio Mane, who was one of the best players in the world when in his prime. Now, Slot could land such a player in Rodrygo, who is out of sorts under Xabi Alonso’s wing but still, even at an ebb tide, ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
The Brazil international hasn’t actually played that much football on the left flank, but that is his preferred position. Right-footed, he is at his most prolific when cutting inside and striking on goal, all the while retaining a creative flair that sets him apart from so many other talented wingers.
Rodrygo – Career Stats by Position
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Right winger
148
34
31
Left winger
89
23
18
Centre-forward
85
22
8
Attacking midfield
4
–
1
Data via Transfermarkt
Mane was also a versatile and dynamic forward, devastating in the final third. Now 33 and playing in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool have sorely missed their one-time talisman’s presence, accentuated by the sale of Luis Diaz this summer, who was never quite on his predecessor’s level.
Liverpool’s data analysts are among the finest in the game. They will know to overlook Rodrygo’s woes in recent times and look at the wider picture. For example, he scored only five goals in La Liga last season, but Sofascore show that he missed only one big chance, emphasising the kind of clinical, Mane-like returns Slot would receive.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
Big boots to fill, but the South American is one of the most accomplished wingers in the game,
Rodrygo is still young – the same age, in fact, as Mane when the Senegalese completed his move to Merseyside.
The fact he has accomplished so much already is a testament to his quality and will to win. Liverpool could do with a bit of that, and if they bring such a complete and dangerous player to Anfield, it might prove to be the catalyst for sustained change.
He's like Arteta: Liverpool line up "best coach in the PL" to replace Slot
Arne Slot is under intense pressure at Liverpool after a shocking run of form.
شن الفرنسي كريستوف دوجاري، المتوج بكأس العالم 1998 مع منتخب الديوك، هجومًا على فينيسيوس جونيور، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد بسبب سلوكه لحظة خروجه من مباراة الكلاسيكو أمام برشلونة.
واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”، يوم الأحد الماضي.
وتمكن ريال مدريد من حسم نتيجة المباراة بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.
وفي الدقيقة 72، قرر تشابي ألونسو خروج فينيسيوس جونيور ونزول مواطنه رودريجو، ولكن ذلك القرار لم يعجب الأول.
وأبدى فينيسيوس جونيور غضبه واستياءه من قرار تشابي ألونسو، حيث انفعل بطريقة عصبية على ذلك الإجراء، وظل يردد كلمات وهو في حالة انفعال شديد خلال خروجه.
ولم يتوقف فينيسيوس عند هذا الحد، بل زاد الطين بلة بعدما قرر عدم التوجه إلى دكة البدلاء، بل خرج إلى النفق المؤدي لغرفة الملابس على الفور، في رد فعل قوي من جانبه ضد تشابي ألونسو.
اقرأ أيضًا | فينيسيوس جونيور يهدد بقرار ناري بعد مشادته مع تشابي ألونسو في الكلاسيكو
وفي ضوء ذلك، قال دوجاري في تصريحات عبر صحيفة “آس”: “أحببت أسلوب مبابي وسلوكه وتصرفاته على عكس فينيسيوس، فهو لا يُطاق”.
وأكمل: “دائمًا ما يشتكي من الحكم وخصومه، كان يقوم بتوبيخ الجماهير كما لو كان في الملعب والآن، يُسيء إلى مدربه”.
وأردف: “قد تشعر بخيبة أمل نعم لكن هذا التصرف مُبالغ فيه، ارحل يا رجل ! أداؤك ليس على المستوى المطلوب أبدًا”.
وأضاف: “هذا يُزعجني حقًا فهو يبكي بلا توقف، ويطالب دائمًا بشيء ما، لا يزال بعيدًا كل البعد عن مستواه في المواسم الأخيرة وعليه إعادة تقييم نفسه”.
وأتم: “فينيسيوس من أبرز المرشحين للفوز بالكرة الذهبية في المستقبل وقائد للبرازيل وأحد أفضل لاعبي ريال مدريد، عليه أن يُثبت جدارته أكثر إذا أراد أن يكون على نفس المستوى، فلورنتينو بيريز سيتخلص منه”.
“We went a bit overboard in terms of bowling bouncers and tried to take wickets,” Shreyas Iyer said about what went wrong against DC
ESPNcricinfo staff25-May-20253:09
Should PBKS be concerned about their bowling?
As the IPL 2025 playoffs draw near, Punjab Kings (PBKS) find themselves with a potential Achilles’ heel – their bowling. Even as the power-packed batting line-up has consistently put up 200-plus scores, the bowlers have struggled to deliver under pressure, with PBKS relying heavily on Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal. On Saturday, PBKS failed to defend 206 against Delhi Capitals (DC), which dented their chances of finishing in the top two. Their former head coach Anil Kumble feels “it’s certainly worrying”.”Yes [PBKS should be concerned about their bowling],” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show. “We have seen that on display. Other than Arshdeep and without [Harpreet] Brar to an extent… we don’t know what happened to Chahal [who missed the game]. It’s certainly worrying. And with Marco Jansen not being there for the playoffs, this is a worry.”PBKS’ spin-bowling coach Sunil Joshi clarified after the game that Chahal had been rested because of a niggle. While Brar stepped up in Chahal’s absence as the lead spinner to return 2 for 41, it wasn’t enough as PBKS failed to control the chase and DC scored 114 runs from the last 57 balls.Related
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Arshdeep has been their best bowler with 16 wickets at an economy rate of 8.70 in 13 matches, while Chahal and Jansen – who will be unavailable for the playoffs owing to South Africa duties – have 14 wickets each. Left-arm spinner Brar has played only six games but has stood out, picking up nine wickets at an economy rate of 8.50. Allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai’s recent performances – five wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 10.60 – hasn’t been spectacular either, while Marcus Stoinis hasn’t had an enormous amount to do.After the six-wicket defeat to DC, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer said that they “went a bit overboard” in trying bouncers and failed to execute plans.”I felt that it was a fantastic score, to be honest, on this wicket because it was helping the seamer,” Iyer said on the broadcast. “There was some odd bounce, variable bounce, and, yeah, the ball wasn’t coming at the same pace, so I felt that that was overpowering.”I think we weren’t disciplined enough in terms of our execution. Once we read the wicket in the first innings, we had planned that we would be bowling hard lengths as much as possible. Right in the stumps. I think we went a bit overboard in terms of bowling bouncers and tried to take wickets. Couldn’t execute that, but a great learning for the boys.”With just one game left in the league phase for PBKS, Kumble and Tom Moody warned that the loss could derail the team’s momentum, and that they shouldn’t start doubting themselves at the business end of the tournament.”Yeah, momentum’s a funny thing,” Moody said, “because when you’ve got it, you feel like when you go into a contest without bowling a ball, you feel like you’re ahead of the game already, even though the contest is starting on an even-playing field.Arshdeep Singh has been PBKS’ best bowler this season•Getty Images
“But when you don’t have momentum, you feel like you’re behind the game and you’re having to catch up to get even to start the game.”Iyer, however, sounded a positive note, and didn’t want to “dwell too much” on the defeat.”It [the IPL] is bigger than a [English] Premier League, I feel, because every team is equally poised in this tournament,” he said. “You never know when anything can happen, but you’ve got to stay positive and stay calm as much as possible, because there’s always a sunrise you’ve got to see tomorrow. You come in with a fresh mindset and also see to it that you’re sticking to the present and not dwell too much about what has happened today.”We’ve got to go back to the drawing board and see where we went wrong and definitely come in with a strong set of plans so that we’ll be able to execute pretty well in the next game.”
After losing three of his first six Premier League games in charge of Manchester United this season, it’s no surprise that pressure is once again starting to mount on manager Ruben Amorim.
The 40-year-old could only lead the Red Devils to a 15th-place finish last time around, but he was handed the benefit of the doubt after taking the reins midway through the campaign.
However, the hierarchy backed him with over £200m worth of funds to strengthen his first-team squad, but so far, it appears that his attempts have been to no avail.
Questions have since started to be asked about his long-term future in the role, but it’s thought that the hierarchy aren’t yet planning a change of manager despite the recent poor form.
Despite such reports, rumours continue to swirl around Old Trafford, with numerous names constantly touted over a potential switch to take the reins in the near future.
The latest on United’s hunt for an Amorim replacement
Over the last couple of days, former England boss Gareth Southgate has been hugely linked with the role at United – not for the first time, after being touted for the position numerous times in recent years.
The 55-year-old would be a cheap option for the hierarchy, with no compensation fee needing to be paid, given he’s currently without a job after departing the Three Lions role in July last year.
However, he’s not the only manager currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner another huge target, according to Graeme Bailey.
The journalist confirmed in recent days that the Eagles are planning to tie the Austrian down to a new contract, but the Red Devils are looking to swoop and secure his services.
He also stated that the 51-year-old could be open to the switch after receiving a lack of funding at Selhurst Park, with the move to Old Trafford undoubtedly a huge jump in his managerial career.
Why United’s latest target would be the next Mourinho
José Mourinho was a manager who divided opinion during his time at United, but his ability to win trophies is something which simply can’t be understated.
The 62-year-old spent two and a half years in the role at Old Trafford, securing two trophies in the form of the Europa League and the EFL Cup – with both trophies coming in the 2016/17 campaign.
He also led the club to their joint-highest league standing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, ending the 2017/18 season in 2nd place behind Manchester City.
His outspoken nature often drew discontent from the fanbase, subsequently leading to his departure from the Red Devils back in December 2018.
However, the hierarchy could appoint their next version of the manager should they appoint Glasner, with the Austrian possessing a lot of similarities to Mourinho.
In a surprising turn of events in 2024/25, the 51-year-old claimed the FA Cup by beating Manchester City in the final to secure their first-ever major trophy.
He also won the Community Shield against Liverpool back in August, matching the feat achieved by Mourinho at Chelsea before his own move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Oliver Glasner – PL stats
Statistics
Tally
Games managed
57
Wins
23
Draws
20
Losses
14
Goals scored
88
Goals conceded
68
Points won
89
Points per game
1.6
Win percentage
40.3%
Stats via Transfermarkt
Glasner, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has also led the Eagles to an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions – the longest of any side in England’s top-flight.
In his 72 outings in charge of the Eagles, he’s claimed victory in 35 of them, whilst only losing 15 times – further highlighting how impressive he’s been at Selhurst Park.
Such a record has seen him lose six fewer games than Amorim at United, that’s despite taking charge of 23 more outings than the 40-year-old at Old Trafford.
It remains unclear if Glasner himself would be open to making the move to Manchester, but it’s clear that the Austrian would be an unbelievable appointment should Amorim depart.
Given the failures felt since the current boss took charge nearly 12 months ago, it’s crucial that the board make a huge call on his future in the coming weeks, but the appointment is just as important, with Glasner needing to be the number one target.
Amorim upgrade: "Best coach in the PL" would now "love" to manage Man Utd
Manchester United may look to one manager to replace Ruben Amorim in the near future.
أصدر الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة اليد عقوبة ضد نادي الزمالك، تتضمن الإيقاف عن المشاركة في بطولات إفريقيا لمدة موسمين وتغريمه ماليًا بعد قرار الانسحاب.
وعلم بطولات، أن الاتحاد الإفريقي أخطر نادي الزمالك رسميًا بعقوبة الإيقاف وغرامة مالية قدرها 25 ألف يورو، وذلك بعد قرار انسحاب النادي من بطولة إفريقيا للأندية عقب إجراء قرعة المنافسات، التي أسفرت عن تواجد الفريق في المجموعة الثالثة إلى جانب فرق: “منتدى المغربي، الصداقة الكاميروني، وكريكوس الأثيوبي”.
طالع أيضًا | بمشاركة الأهلي والزمالك.. مواعيد مباريات كأس السوبر المصري لكرة اليد
وكشفت مصادر بطولات في وقت سابق، أن إدارة الزمالك قررت الاكتفاء بالمشاركة في بطولة كأس الكؤوس الإفريقية، المؤهلة لبطولة السوبر الإفريقي، بدل المشاركة في البطولة الكبرى.
يذكر، أن فريق النادي الأهلي لكرة اليد، توج ببطولة إفريقيا للأندية أبطال الدوري، التي أقيمت في المغرب، بعدما حقق الفوز على منتدى درب السلطان المغربي بنتيجة 31-20.
ويعد تتوج النادي الأهلي، ببطولة إفريقيا، هذا الموسم، هو الثامن في تاريخ القلعة الحمراء والثالث على التوالي.
Ednaldo Rodrigues, presidente da CBF, montou um planejamento para definir se manterá ou não a técnica Pia Sundhage no comando técnico da Seleção Brasileira Feminina. O mandatário da entidade máxima do futebol brasileiro fará uma avaliação sobre o trabalho da treinadora e pretende conversar sobre o futuro da treinadora com as atletas mais experientes que disputaram o Mundial, incluindo Marta, que encerrou sua trajetória com a Amarelinha na competição. As zagueiras Mônica e Rafaelle, a lateral Tamires e a meia Andressa Alves também devem ser consultadas.
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O contrato de Pia com o Brasil tem mais um ano de duração, terminando em agosto de 2024, após os Jogos Olímpicos de Paris. No entanto, a possibilidade de mudança no comando técnico não está descartada, principalmente após a eliminação precoce ainda na fase de grupos da Copa do Mundo.
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Diante da possibilidade de desligamento do cargo, a treinadora sueca, que voltou para seu país natal após a eliminação brasileira no Mundial, enviou uma mensagem para Ednaldo pedindo para permanecer no cargo. A informação sobre esse contato foi divulgada inicialmente pelo ‘SporTV’ e confirmada pelo Lance!.
Pia Sundhage chegou à disputa da Copa do Mundo feminina prestigiada pelo elenco da Seleção Brasileira. No entanto, algumas tomadas de decisões durante a competição geraram discordância interna entre as jogadoras, fazendo com que a comandante ‘perdesse’ algumas atletas que tinha sob controle.
Ednaldo Rodrigues está ciente de que o clima de ‘lua de mel’ entre elenco e treinadora esfriou e, por isso, pretende conversar com as atletas. O presidente da CBF esteve bastante ativo acompanhando as atividades da Seleção Brasileira na Austrália e, inclusive, acompanhou a delegação da equipe nos dias de jogos. O homem forte da Confederação é um entusiasta do futebol feminino e pretende potencializar a categoria enquanto estiver no cargo.
Assim, sabendo da necessidade de conversas e avaliações, o mandatário da CBF não tem pressa para tomar a decisão. Ele pretende ‘curar a ressaca’ da campanha desanimadora no Mundial para ‘abrir as feridas’, tirar conclusões e chegar a definições distantes de qualquer emoção.
Celtic will enjoy a hard-earned summer break after a long season and are already in discussions over bringing a renowned star to Parkhead on a permanent basis.
Celtic end the season with defeat in the Scottish Cup final
Years of success at Hampden led many to believe that Celtic’s Scottish Cup final clash against Aberdeen was only going to go one way, but the Dons seized their opportunity to claim glory at the national stadium under Jimmy Thelin.
Two trophies, tangible success in the Champions League and coming a whisker away from winning a domestic treble is a good season by any stretch for the Hoops. Still, Brendan Rodgers will wonder what might’ve been if his side took their chances on Saturday afternoon.
Brendan Rodgers
One thing is for certain, Celtic will be active on the transfer front once the window opens. The Irishman confirmed his intent to bring in fresh blood after their Scottish Cup final defeat, insisting there is plenty of work to be done over the next few months.
He stated: “It’s no different to any summer. I think the result today doesn’t change anything, I spoke during the week and before the game. It doesn’t change anything.
“We know we need to strengthen areas on the field and see how the summer goes. I think for us, we want to strengthen. That’s what you aim to do every summer.”
Celtic have been backed to make stunning move for 20 y/o "superstar"
This would be a great piece of business.
ByHenry Jackson May 24, 2025
Giorgos Giakoumakis has claimed he would love a move back to Celtic, though it remains to be seen whether the Scottish Premiership champions will take the Greece international up on his enthusiastic suggestion.
Either way, movement is set to occur and discussions have taken place between the club and a star who could sign a permanent deal at Parkhead.
Celtic hold talks over permanent Jeffrey Schlupp deal
According to Sky Sports, Celtic have held discussions with Jeffrey Schlupp over a permanent move now that his loan deal is at an end at Parkhead.
Jeffrey Schlupp
The £60,000-per-week earner is set to be available on a free transfer and when his Crystal Palace contract expires, though there is yet to be any indication of whether an extended stay in Glasgow could be on the cards.
Jeffrey Schlupp at Celtic – has his loan spell been a positive one?
Appearances
18
Goals
1
Assists
1
Trophies
Scottish Premiership winner
Labelled “fantastic” by Oliver Glasner, the 32-year-old has become a useful rotation option alongside Greg Taylor at left-back, but his current wages may prove to be a stumbling block given his likely status as deputy to Kieran Tierney next term.
Reports state that if neither Schlupp nor Taylor agree to stick around, the Bhoys will venture into the market to provide further competition in that area of the field.
There is clearly a desire from Celtic to tie up the experienced campaigner on a permanent basis. However, his age would make him a stop-gap signing rather than a long-term solution at left-back.