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Glasgow Rangers quickly bounced back from their Europa League disappointment on Thursday night with a relatively comfortable 2-0 win over St Johnstone on Sunday night in the Scottish Premiership.

The Light Blues, playing at Ibrox for the second time in a week, secured all three points thanks to goals either side of half-time from Wolfsburg loanee Vaclav Cerny.

They were made to work for the win late on, however, as Ianis Hagi – on his return to action – was shown a red card for a studs-up challenge in midfield, but held on to keep a clean sheet.

One of the most impressive performers for Philippe Clement’s Rangers side on the night at Ibrox was, of course, the scorer of the two goals – Cerny.

Vaclav Cerny's performance in numbers

The Czechia international opened the scoring in the 34th minute of the match by brilliantly nutmegging the defender on the edge of the box before bending a left-footed finish into the far bottom corner.

That was a moment of individual brilliance from the right winger but the second goal came from the creativity and passing range of Hagi, who was later sent off, as the Romania international fizzed a superb pass into the forward, who controlled well and finished with his weaker right foot inside the box.

Cerny’s all-round play did still leave a little bit to be desired, however, as the winger completed one of his combined eight cross and long pass attempts.

He also lost five of his six duels against St Johnstone defenders, which shows that they found it too easy to get the better of him in physical contests.

His two fantastic goals more than made up for any other weaknesses in his performance on Sunday, but he was not the top performer for Rangers, as John Souttar excelled at the back.

John Souttar's performance in numbers

The Scotland international was colossal at the heart of the Rangers defence and dealt with almost everything that was thrown at him to help his side to a clean sheet.

In the first half, Souttar marshalled the back line brilliantly and won 100% of his ground duels before he had to deal with the pace of Adama Sidibeh off the bench in the second half.

The speedy St Johnstone substitute was no match for the former Hearts star, however, as he failed to beat the Scotsman in any foot races, with the centre-back maintaining his 100% ground duel success rate.

As you can see in the table above, Souttar won 83% of his duels in total during the game and earned himself a Sofascore rating of 7.7 for his superb defensive display.

The central defender also completed 91% of his attempted passes and created one chance for his teammates, which shows that he was composed and reliable in possession for the Light Blues.

Overall, the Scottish titan was crucial to Rangers’ play out of possession to provide a platform for the attackers and enjoyed a terrific all-round performance, which is why he was even better than Cerny – who struggled at times aside from his goals.

Rangers failing to sign amazing loan star was a bigger mistake than Sima

The Light Blues will regret not being able to sign him on a permanent deal.

By
Dan Emery

Oct 2, 2024

The Argentine and the Herons played to a second-consecutive regulation draw, with the result settled by a penalty shootout

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• Inter Miami draw Peruvian side Universitario 0-0 in preseason friendly
• Messi and Suarez both logged 71 minutes
• Tadeo Allende made debut in XI
• Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

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  TELL ME MORE

  Another friendly, another penalty shootout win for Inter Miami, who remain unbeaten in preseason under new manager Javier Mascherano.

  Inter Miami and Club Universitario couldn't separate themselves in a 0-0 draw that was ultimately decided on spot kicks in Lima, Peru – part of the MLS side's preseason tour.

  Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were both named to the starting XI, along with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Meanwhile, newcomer Tadeo Allende was handed his Miami debut, being thrown into the XI from the opening whistle. Benjamin Cremaschi, who was a member of Mauricio Pochettino's January training camp with the USMNT, replaced Allende midway through the second half, with the U.S. international getting some crucial minutes off the bench as well.

  Miami's stars didn't exactly dazzle in their time on the pitch, but Suarez did put the ball in the back of the net in the first half — only for it to be called back due to an offside call in the buildup. Messi, meanwhile, ran the show in the attacking third of the pitch throughout the first 45 minutes, despite nothing coming of it.

  Universitario had their moments, too, but a lack of clinical finishing – from both teams – loomed large.

  In penalties, Universitario would rue their third attempt, with the ball skying over the net, ultimately settling the match as every other taker found the back of the net. For the second-straight match, Miami found victory in kicks from the spot after a regulation draw, with a 5-4 shootout win.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The won their preseason opener against Club America in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 regulation draw. Messi opened his preseason account in the match, scoring a sensational goal for Miami en-route to victory.

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  THE MVP

  The fans in attendance:

  The soccer fans who filled the stands at the Estadio Monumental created an incredible atmosphere that lasted 90 minutes long with whistles, chants, music and cheers. The noise filled the broadcast throughout the entire contest, creating a thrilling background for the affair.

  Even through the final whistle, those at the match didn't quiet down, with voices of support for both clubs. It was more inspiring than any of the action on the pitch.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  Luis Suarez: The Uruguayan forward struggled to integrate into the match from the opening whistle. At times, he didn't look up to fitness, struggling in transition — which is expected in preseason. However, his runs into space were poorly timed, and he often was standing watching rather than moving to get into the match.

  Not his best showing, but at the same time, service was limited, too.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper and current Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been full of praise for the latest off-field deal that the 49ers have seemingly agreed at Elland Road.

49ers agree key Leeds deal

Whilst Leeds’ promotion failure led to a summer exodus of significant talent, the 49ers deserve credit for how they reinvested to form a squad still capable of securing their place in the Premier League. The likes of Ao Tanaka and Largie Ramazani, as well as several others, all arrived to hand Daniel Farke a major boost and replace stars such as Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray.

The Whites haven’t adjusted right away, however, sitting as low as fifth, albeit just three points adrift of league-leaders Sunderland who earned a last-gasp point thanks to Illan Meslier’s moment to forget last time out.

Whilst Leeds continue to find their feet on the pitch though, the 49ers have seemingly made a significant move away from the action after agreeing to extend their current Leeds deal with Adidas until at least the end of the 2025/26 season.

In what is only a positive for the Whites, former goalkeeper and current Sky Sports pundit Robinson reacted to the news, telling MOT Leeds News: “It’s a huge sportswear manufacturer with an incredible history, one of if not the biggest alongside Nike. For a club like Leeds United to have that affinity and a sponsor like Adidas is big.

Leeds wanted to sign £50m "warrior" for Bielsa, they got Koch instead

Leeds United will rue not getting this major deal done.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 11, 2024

“The second kit, the yellow one, has been a huge success this season. Going back to the old badge and the yellow colour, touching on Leeds’ history, the second kit has been a huge, huge success.

“Having that relationship with a manufacturer such as Adidas is only good for a club the size of Leeds, who want to develop as a club, as a brand and as a business. It just shows growth.”

Leeds must match Adidas deal with Championship promotion

Clearly still seen as one of England’s biggest clubs despite their place in the Championship, Leeds must now match the ambition of Adidas and earn promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking this season.

The Yorkshire club have been out of luck at times in the current campaign, on both the mistake front and the injury front, but the “growth” – as Robinson put it – that they’ve undergone away from the action courtesy of Adidas may well act as a springboard towards success on the pitch.

Once the latest international break comes to an end, Leeds have the task of hosting a Sheffield United side who sit level on 19 points with league-leaders Sunderland and just three points ahead of those at Elland Road. Secure three points and suddenly Farke’s side will be vying for an early place in the automatic promotion places in the Championship.

An ex-Barcelona youth coach has revealed how they beat Espanyol to Lamine Yamal's signature – despite him forgetting his boots for a trial.

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• Yamal could have joined Espanyol
• Ended up signing for Barcelona
• Despite forgetting boots at trial

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Albert Puig, who was a youth coach at Barcelona between 2005-10, has revealed how close Yamal was to joining Espanyol when he was at La Torreta academy. He said a six-year-old Yamal forgot to bring his boots to his Barcelona trial and that Juan Gascon, a president of La Torreta, insisted he "has to play for Barca".

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  WHAT ALBERT PUIG SAID

  He told Jijantes: "Lamine Yamal had already gone on a trial with Espanyol. They had noticed him before. Then, two key figures at La Torreta appeared. The president, Rafa Rodriguez and Juan Gascon. Also the scout, Isidre Gil, absolute legend. If I’m not mistaken, he also scouted Marc Casado and many others. So, Isidre Gil goes to La Torreta’s playground, and there in the bar he asks if they have any good players. And Gascon answers, 'Look, there’s a little dark-skinned kid who’s really good'. Talking about the guy [Lamine Yamal] Espanyol had scouted. The next day they had a match and they won 6-0. He said, 'Well, this kid has to play for Barça'.

  "Then Lamine Yamal came for a trial. A funny detail: Juan Gascon told him a thousand times to not forget anything, but of course, what happens? He forgets his boots. Well, we are talking about a six-year-old kid. And obviously we lent a pair of boots.

  "Despite being one or even two years younger than others, he stands out incredibly. And, obviously, since I was there, you can imagine who made the decision. From that moment, we told him to keep coming back, and we formally notified them that we wanted him."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yamal is, arguably, the best Barcelona academy product the club have produced in decades. Not only was he voted the best young footballer in the world, the 17-year-old is already one of the best players on the planet. How different it could have been if he had joined Espanyol..

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Yamal could next feature for Barca at home to lowly Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Monday night.

Wrexham are still writing a Hollywood script in League One, with Max Cleworth proving to be the hero for them once again in a 2-1 win at Mansfield.

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• Parkinson's side battle to away win
• Remain within touching distance of top two
• Bid to book day out at Wembley up next

• TELL ME MORE

  Phil Parkinson’s side were gifted a dream start at Field Mill, with Calum MacDonald inexplicably turning into his own net when trying to deal with a drilled cross from Ollie Rathbone. The creator of that goal clipped the post a few minutes later, before Jay Rodriguez fired straight at Stephen McLaughlin when presented with a sight of a net that was no longer guarded by a goalkeeper.

  MacDonald was having the most eventful day, though, and he restored parity in the 16th minute when sliding in at the back post and recording Mansfield’s first goal on home soil since January 18. The game was severally disrupted by a concerning injury picked up by Wrexham midfielder Andy Cannon, with a lengthy delay to proceedings brought to a close when he was stretchered from the field wearing an oxygen mask.

  Cleworth thought he had put the visitors back in front early in the second period but, after finding space 12 yards out, crashed a well-struck effort against the crossbar. He was not to be denied in the 58th minute when latching onto a pass on the edge of the box and drilling low into the bottom corner.

  Record signing Sam Smith came agonisingly close to adding a third for Wrexham when straining to reach a cross that only required a touch from a matter of inches, but was unable to get his head to the ball. A couple of other half chances came and went before the full-time whistle blew.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The Red Dragons remain third in the League One table, as they continue to chase down a historic third successive promotion, but are just three points behind second-placed Wycombe. Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney provided the funds in January that helped to add greater depth to Parkinson’s squad, with an immediate return on that investment being sought.

• THE MVP

  Max Cleworth has been billed as a Premier League star of the future, and it is easy to see why. The 22-year-old can always be relied upon to give his all at both ends of the field. He has matured as a defender, while operating in a three-man centre-half unit, while also picking up a useful eye for goal. He registered his eighth effort of the season when helping to wrap up all three points against Mansfield. Cleworth finished with the aplomb of a prolific striker when thundering a first-time shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards out.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  Harsh to bill Andy Cannon as a “loser”, but he was the most unfortunate player on the pitch. He had been brought back into a League One starting XI for the first time since January 16, but saw his afternoon cut painfully short. Cannon was tended to by medics on the field for several minutes, with it clear that he had suffered a serious knock. He required oxygen before being carried away for further attention. Wrexham may be without the 28-year-old for several weeks – having already had to contend with a number of fitness problems during the 2024-25 campaign.

Celtic’s perfect start to the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign came to an end on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Aberdeen at Parkhead.

Both teams had won their first seven matches in the division ahead of the big clash but neither side was able to make it eight wins in eight in the end.

Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate had given the hosts a 2-0 lead in the first-half, before second-half strikes from Ester Solker and Graeme Shinnie secured a point for the Dons.

It was the first time the Hoops had conceded more than one goal in a game in the league this season and centre-back Auston Trusty’s performance played a part in that.

Auston Trusty's performance against Aberdeen

The USA international, signed from Sheffield United in the summer transfer window, has been needed alongside Liam Scales in recent weeks due to the continued absence, through injury, of Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic have not conceded a goal in five outings with the former Spurs titan at the back in the Premiership this term, whilst they have let in three goals in three league games with Trusty as a starter.

The ex-Blades dud was questionable for the equalising goal as he did not get close enough to the forward laying the ball off to Shinnie in the box and the defender then turned his body away from the ball and made himself smaller, which helped to spin the shot off his ankles and past Kasper Schmeichel.

Trusty did win six of his 11 duels, though, and made two interceptions and one block to help his side out defensively at points, but he will surely be disappointed with his involvement in Shinnie’s goal.

The American defender was not the worst performer on the pitch for the Hoops, though, as winger Daizen Maeda was even worse than the former Premier League flop.

Daizen Maeda's performance against Aberdeen

The Japan international started on the left wing and endured a frustrating afternoon against the Dons with a poor showing in and out of possession for the Scottish giants.

Maeda, who had produced zero goals and zero assists and missed a ‘big chance’ against Ross County before the break, was incredibly ineffective at the top end of the pitch.

He was involved in the build-up to Kyogo’s goal but the winger got in down the left side and played a poor ball across the box, that was then dreadfully cleared by a defender straight to Hatate, whose effort then deflected for the striker to convert from close range.

As you can see in the table above, Maeda was a lightweight off the ball for the Hoops, losing 75% of his duels, and failed to register a shot on target or a ‘big chance’ created.

The winger was handed a 4/10 player rating by the Scotsman, who lamented his play on the ball and his concession of possession in the build-up to Shinnie’s goal, whilst they gave Trusty a score of 6/10.

Therefore, Maeda, who struggled in and out of possession throughout the game, was even worse than the centre-back and should be fearful of losing his place ahead of the clash with Atalanta.

Celtic thought they had their new Tierney, now he's already left Parkhead

Celtic wasted millions on the left-back after they look to replace the Scottish defender.

By
Dan Emery

Oct 17, 2024

Marseille president Pablo Longoria has been hit with a 15-match ban following his "true corruption" rant against Ligue 1 match officials.

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• Questionable decisions in loss to Auxerre
• President, advisor and head coach spoke out
• Lengthy suspensions handed out as a result

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Longoria also accused the French top-flight of being "rigged" and branded it a "sh*tty championship" after witnessing some debatable decisions in his team’s 3-0 defeat to Auxerre – which saw Roberto De Zerbi’s side finish the game with 10 men.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The referee’s union in France was quick to condemn Longoria’s tirade, and he has since apologised. He will, however, have to serve a lengthy ban from "all official functions" at Stade Velodrome – which includes being on the bench, visiting the dressing room and stepping foot on the pitch.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Marseille advisor Fabrizio Ravenelli, who accused referee Jeremy Stinat of "not knowing what he was doing", has also been stung with a three-match ban. Both sanctions could into effect from March 4, after a meeting with Nantes on Sunday.

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  WHAT ROBERTO DE ZERBI SAID

  De Zerbi will be hoping that no more controversy is sparked there, as the former Brighton boss said in the wake of a disappointing loss to Auxerre: "I'm Italian, and after OM I'm not going to coach in France again. There's a problem in the French championship, if French people are happy with this level of decision-making, then good for them. But today it was scandalous. The referee was not in [the right state of mind to officiate] this match because of all the controversy surrounding him."

Sean Dyche has actually succeeded in turning things around, at least in the short term. Of course, Everton are walking a long and treacherous road in the Premier League this season and must sustain their recent resilience.

Southampton might have secured victory last time out, claiming their first top-flight win of the term, but Everton showed spirit and saw resurgent striker Beto score a last-gasp equaliser, only to be chalked off for a marginal offside.

There goes the five-match unbeaten streak. But then again, the fact that Dyche constructed such a run bears testament to his character – and his acumen and tactics and tenacity.

He’s not going to roll over and expose his front, will fight to bring the Toffees back to the fore as they seek to step into a brand new world under the financial influence of The Friedkin Group.

The mob’s volume had risen several decibels after losing all four of the opening league games, and though Everton are now covering distance, there’s sure to be plenty for TFG to sort out in 2025.

Where Everton need to improve under TFG

Friedkin purchased Farhad Moshiri’s majority 94% stake in Everton back in September, closing an interminable period of uncertainty for one of the Premier League’s proudest outfits.

There’s plenty of work to dig into. Jarrad Branthwaite’s future is bound to be a hot topic once again when the 2025 summer transfer window approaches: Manchester United have had a vested interest in the centre-back this year.

Addressing the full-back positions is also going to be one of the first ports of call. Ashley Young is as industrious as ever, but he’s also 39 years old. Vitalii Mykolenko, conversely, is struggling, regressing from the promise once shown. Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson are fit again, but Coleman is also getting on and his partner has been routinely injured in recent years.

Everton do have enough depth to ensure success this season and create a platform for TFG to build upon. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s revival, for example, has played a focal role in the campaign.

However, the 27-year-old is very much at the core of the club’s issues: he’s out of contract next summer, with a resolution not forthcoming.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's contract conundrum

Calvert-Lewin has amassed 257 appearances for Everton over the years, across all competitions, and has notched 89 goal contributions for his efforts.

It’s a fine thing that Calvert-Lewin has recovered his fitness levels, but he’s not doing enough at the front of Everton’s ship, and when considering that he earns £100k per week and has a patchy history, it’s perhaps the right time to cut ties.

TFG could do plenty with the funds freed up by the 11-cap England international’s departure, and relevant chiefs will no doubt be emboldened by promising signs displayed by Beto – with Armando Broja an exciting, if yet untested, option too.

Who knows, but maybe Calvert-Lewin is suffering from having entered the twilight phase of his bumper Blues contract, encumbered by the growing noise of potential suitors and a barren spell that deepens with each passing fixture.

It’s a credit to Dyche’s system that Everton have found comparative success without the striker’s scoring, indeed notching all three of his goal contributions this term during the four-game losing run that began the term.

Change is good, a natural part of football, and Calvert-Lewin might well be approaching the end of his time on Merseyside. He will be remembered fondly, a “monster” of a centre-forward on his day, as he was once declared by talent scout Jacek Kulig before setbacks gripped him in their vice.

Everton must enforce changes this summer but are surely rueing the decision not to have sold the Three Lions star this summer when lofty figures were touted.

Everton should have sold Calvert-Lewin

Newcastle United boast one of the Premier League’s finest strikers in Alexander Isak, who has been declared “world-class” by his manager Eddie Howe.

But with Callum Wilson out of contract next summer and William Osula not yet ready for so many minutes in the Premier League, they had earmarked Calvert-Lewin as the dream option to come in and play as the Swede’s foil.

The Magpies’ interest was strong, but there were understandable concerns looped around Calvert-Lewin’s injury record, and thus efforts were held in abeyance when Everton put forth £40m demands, indeed deciding against returning as the summer market entered its later stage.

Everton must rue their inability to convince the Tynesiders to pay up, for Calvert-Lewin is now in the final part of his Everton career and has naturally seen his market value take a significant nosedive.

In fact, according to Football Transfers’ player valuation model, the number nine is currently worth just £8m, which is probably thereabouts the figure that interested suitors would be interested in forking out if negotiations for a January acquisition were to take place.

Everton have clearly planned prudently by signing Broja, aware that Calvert-Lewin is into the late period of his Everton career, but since he’s taking up major resources, not paying back the faith with commanding attacking performances and was on the cusp of departing for a £40m recoup in the summer, this must be frustrating for TFG, who could have done with the war chest.

Not just Dele: Everton could revive "animal" who's yet to feature in 2024

Everton will be looking to revive some struggling players under TFG – including Dele Alli.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 5, 2024

Everything you need to know about Erling Haaland's salary at Manchester City

Manchester City haven’t been in the best of form in 2024-25, having been knocked out in the Champions League play-off against Real Madrid, while things haven’t really worked out for them in the Premier League either. Despite the turmoil at the club, Erling Haaland hasn’t been short of goals and the big Norwegian was rewarded with a contract renewal with the Cityzens, keeping him at the Etihad until 2034. The new contract has made him the highest paid-player at the club, but exactly how much does the City striker earn? Let’s find out!

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

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• Erling Haaland's wages at Manchester City in numbers

  Under his current contract with the club, Haaland earns £525,000 ($663,164) on a weekly basis, which scales up to over £27 million ($34m) for a year, making him the highest-paid player in the entire squad.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Erling Haaland	Norwegian	£525,000	$663,146	£27,300,00	$34,483,586

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  Top earners at Manchester City

  As already mentioned, Haaland is the highest-paid City player.

  Following the striker is the experienced Kevin De Bruyne, a winner of multiple titles and the City player with the most Premier League assists.

  Meanwhile, Jack Grealish is the third-highest earner at the Etihad alongside Bernardo Silva. Capping off the list in fifth spot is new signings Omar Marmoush.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Erling Haland	Norwegian	£525,000	$663,146	£27,300,000	$34,483,546
  Kevin De Bruyne	Belgian	£400,000	$505,254	£20,800,000	$26,273,308
  Jack Grealish	English	£300,000	$378,941	£15,600,00	$19,704,906
  Bernardo Silva	Portuguese	£300,000	$378,941	£15,600,00	$19,704.906
  Omar Marmoush	Egyptian	£295,000	$372,625	£15,340,000	$12,376,491

• Top 5 earners in the Premier League

  Haaland and De Bruyne both sit at the top of the charts not just at City, but also in the league.

  Arguably the Premier League’s best player in 2024-25, Mohamed Salah, makes an appearance at number three.

  Meanwhile, Casemiro comes in as a rather surprising entrant at number four, followed by yet another city player in Grealish.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wage sin USD
  Erling Haaland	Norwegian	£525,000	$663,146	£27,300,000	$34,483,586
  Kevin De Bruyne	Belgian	£400,000	$505,254	£20,800,000	$26,273,206
  Mohamed Salah	Egyptian	£350,000	$442,097	£18,200,000	$22,989,057
  Casemiro	Brazilian	£350,000	$442,097	£18,200,000	$22,989,057
  Jack Grealish	English	£300,000	$378,941	£15,600,000	$19,704,906

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  Highest paid players in the world

  Although Haaland and De Bruyne are the top earners in the Premier League, they fail to make the top five when it comes to the highest paid players across the world.

  At the top sits the never-aging Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Saudi Premier League side Al Nassr.

  At number two comes Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema, while Riyad Mahrez of Al Ahli makes an appearance at number three.

  Player	Club	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual wages GBP	Annual wages USD
  Cristiano Ronaldo	Al Nassr	£3,846,154	$4,027,872	£200,000,000	$209,449,340
  Karim Benzema	Al Ittihad	£1,923,077	$2,013,936	£100,000,000	$104,724,670
  Riyad Mahrez	Al Ahli	£1,003,846	$1,051,275	£52,200,000	$54,666,278
  Sadio Mane	Al Nassr	£769,231	$805,574	£40,000,000	$41,889,868
  Kalidou Koulibaly	Al Hilal	£667,308	$698,836	£34,000,000	$36,339,460

Looking to take a vital step back towards the Premier League’s top four, Newcastle United are now reportedly willing to take a gamble on one free agent who could help them reach that level again.

Newcastle transfer news

Whether it’s Bryan Mbeumo or Victor Osimhen, the transfer rumours are certainly coming thick and fast when it comes to recruits on Tyneside.

Those at St James’ Park have the opportunity to earn redemption after a summer of failure last time out left Eddie Howe short on reinforcements. As the Magpies continue to turn their form around on the pitch, sporting director Paul Mitchell must do the same away from the action.

Osimhen would be a particularly impressive signing given his strong links to Chelsea in recent seasons and the mouth-watering partnership that he could form with Alexander Isak.

If Newcastle are looking to make their return to the Champions League after enjoying some moments to savour among Europe’s elite last season, signing players of such calibre should be the way forward. And that has seemingly left them prepared to take quite the risk.

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now willing to take a gamble by signing Paul Pogba on a free deal in 2025, with the Frenchman thought to be a main target.

The midfielder was initially banned for four years in February after tests found that he had an elevated level of testosterone in his system. However, that ban has since been reduced to 18 months, which will see Pogba make his return in March next year.

Newcastle send officials in race to land double La Liga swoop over Arsenal

The Magpies could land two midfield reinforcements.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 17, 2024

Now a free agent after leaving Juventus, the former Manchester United man could yet make a sensational return to the Premier League courtesy of Newcastle. Those at Old Trafford often failed to get the best out of him, but the Magpies could yet get the World Cup winner at the heart of their side.

"Fantastic" Pogba is worth the gamble

For a side like Newcastle, who are desperately looking to break into the top four and then maintain their place, taking risks is a must. Welcoming Pogba without having to splash out on a transfer fee and therefore reducing the risk of profit and sustainability questions should be a no-brainer for those at St James’ Park.

Of course, the age-old question is how a team can get the best out of the Frenchman, but Howe may yet have the answer. Next to a midfield duo of a battling Brazilian in Joelinton and the more technical and assured Bruno Guimaraes, Pogba could have the licence to play his best football and seek the ultimate redemption after recent troubles.

Whilst his time at Old Trafford ended in a case of what might have been, Pogba was at the centre of praise from former teammate Juan Mata when his form saw the Frenchman lose his starting place:

He said: “I’m sure he will keep showing how good a player he is and how nice a guy he is.

“We know Paul is looking forward to playing good, to do the best for the team and try to perform at his level because we all know when he does that he is a fantastic midfielder.”