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Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer has been hailed as one of the world's top three goalkeepers by his national team successor, Oliver Baumann. The Hoffenheim star, who is currently Germany's No.1, dismissed talk of a national team return for Neuer but praised the 39-year-old's enduring 'world-class' standard and down-to-earth personality.

• Neuer still going strong for Bayern Munich

  Baumann has hailed Neuer as one of the top three goalkeepers in world football, asserting that the Bayern legend continues to set the standard for the position. Speaking in an interview with , Baumann, who has stepped in as Germany's current number one, praised the Bayern captain's enduring quality and character. Despite his retirement from international duty, Neuer’s club career shows no signs of slowing down. 

  According to Bild, the veteran goalkeeper is now strongly considering extending his Bayern Munich contract beyond its current expiry date in June 2026. The decision reportedly rests entirely with the club captain, who remains a vital player under Vincent Kompany, having already kept three clean sheets in eight matches this season. While Neuer continuing would buy Bayern valuable time in their search for a long-term successor, it underscores his remarkable longevity and enduring importance to the Bavarian giants.

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  What Baumann said about Neuer's 'world-class' status

  When asked if the Bayern captain is the best goalkeeper in the world again, Baumann offered high praise for his compatriot. "He might clash with one or two others, like Thibaut Courtois. But he definitely sets the standard; Manuel is one of the top three goalkeepers in the world," Baumann stated. He also complimented Neuer's personality, adding: "We have a very good relationship. I really appreciate how he's remained so human and down-to-earth as a world-class goalkeeper. Manu is above it all, both personally and athletically."

• Baumann dismisses talk of Neuer's national team return

  With Germany's established number one, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, currently sidelined with injury, some speculation had emerged about a potential return for Neuer ahead of the World Cup. Baumann, who has earned six caps for his country, quickly shut down the suggestions. 

  "Are there so many calls? I didn't perceive them as that loud. And he himself denied it – so the matter is settled," the Hoffenheim keeper said. "For me, there's only one relevant question in this regard: What do the coaches think?"

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• Germany's goalkeeping situation and Baumann's ambition

  Baumann's recent performances have seen him rewarded with the starting spot for Germany, an opportunity the 35-year-old is relishing after a long wait for his international debut. While he has enjoyed the experience and would "like to win more international caps," he affirmed his commitment to the team's success and promised to support Ter Stegen upon his return to fitness. He stressed his team-first mentality would prevent any public rivalries, stating that a vocal campaign like the one Jens Lehmann waged against Oliver Kahn in 2006 "would certainly not be Baumann-like."

كشف ميكيل أرتيتا مدرب آرسنال عن تحديث إيجابي قبل مباراة فولهام مساء غد السبت بعد العودة من فترة التوقف الدولي في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وسيكون مارتن زوبيميندي متاحاً لمباراة الغد، رغم غيابه عن تدريبات آرسنال أمس الخميس، وكان لاعب خط الوسط الإسباني قد شارك في مباراتي إسبانيا في تصفيات كأس العالم ضد جورجيا وبلغاريا.

وقال أرتيتا في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة” مترو” البريطانية: “جميع اللاعبين يأتون من دول مختلفة ويختلف عدد مبارياتهم ودقائق لعبهم، نعتقد أنه كان القرار الصائب، كان الضغط الذي تعرض له زوبيميندي كبير جداً لكنه سيكون متاحاً”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ماريسكا: كنت مخطئا بشأن كول بالمر.. وطردي أمام ليفربول لحظة فارقة

وسيخسر أرتيتا خدمات مارتن أوديجارد في المباريات المقبلة بعد غيابه لإصابة في الركبة، وقد أجبر اللاعب على مغادرة الملعب ضد وست هام.

وقال أرتيتا الذي لم يعلن موعد زمني محدد لعودة النرويجي: “ستستغرق عودة أوديجارد بعض أسابيع قبل أن يكون متاحاً مرة أخرى، وربما ليس قبل التوقف القادم”.

واختتم المدرب الإسباني: “أوديجارد سيغيب لعدة أسابيع ولا يوجد موعد محدد لعودته، هو يتحسن بشكل جيد ومن المؤسف جداً ما يحدث له وإصاباته هذا الموسم، علينا أن نتابع حالته وكيف تشعر ركبته وكيف سيتعامل مع المرحلة الثانية من إعادة تأهيله ومن السابق لآوانه الحديث عن إجابة”.

Southampton have now opened talks to sign an “unbelievable” winger, who could be brought in as a replacement for Tyler Dibling, according to a report.

Saints looking to sign replacement for Dibling amid Everton links

Following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League, Dibling has been expected to leave the club, and Everton have emerged as one of the most interested parties, with David Moyes’ side having multiple approaches knocked back.

It has been widely reported the 19-year-old is training away from the rest of the squad, amid interest from the Toffees, and reporter Sami Mokbel has recently suggested the youngster could be heading for the exit door this summer.

Mokbel said: “The information varies depending on who you speak to. If you speak to people closer to Everton, they will tell you that the deal has reached an impasse and Southampton are asking for far too much.

“If you speak to those closer to the South Coast, there is a realisation there that maybe Tyler Dibling’s time is coming to an end.”

Amid the major doubts surrounding the starlet’s future at St. Mary’s, Will Still’s side have now set their sights on a replacement, and a report from Football Insider has revealed they have opened talks over a deal for West Bromwich Albion star Tom Fellows.

Fellows has been lined up as a direct replacement for Dibling, who has been the subject of a £40m offer from Everton, and a deal may be relatively inexpensive, with reports from elsewhere revealing the Baggies could look to hold out for just £10m.

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ByDominic Lund Jul 15, 2025 "Unbelievable" Fellows could be perfect replacement for Dibling

Losing one of their prized assets will, of course, be a bitter pill to swallow for the Saints, should Dibling complete a move elsewhere, but there are plenty of signs the West Brom winger could be the perfect replacement.

Most notably, the Solihull-born winger chalked up some very impressive attacking numbers in the 2024-25 campaign, picking up four goals and 14 assists in the Championship alone, leading to some very high praise from teammate Karlan Grant.

Grant said: “He’s an unbelievable young player. As soon as he does that step-over, I know the ball’s going to be arriving at the back stick and there’s going to be chances.

At just 22-years-old, Fellows could still have plenty of room to develop even further, but he is already a top winger at Championship level, and West Brom’s potential asking price of just £10m means the forward could be an absolute bargain.

Five players who were in the hotel at the time of the incident were safely evacuated

PTI18-Nov-2024The PCB had to curtail the National Women’s Championship in Karachi on Monday after five players had a close shave following a fire incident in the team hotel.”Fortunately, no players were injured, as the PCB promptly evacuated the five players in the hotel at the time of the incident and relocated them safely to the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre,” the PCB said in a statement.The PCB tried to find an alternate accommodation for the teams but because of the Ideas Defence Exhibition being held in Karachi, they could not find a hotel. The board said the decision to truncate the tournament was taken keeping in mind the health and safety of the players.”Additionally, the unavailability of alternative accommodations to meet the approximately 100 rooms of the required standards contributed to this outcome,” said the PCB statement. “To determine the tournament winner, the PCB has decided that the Invincibles and the Stars – the top-two teams after four matches each – will face off in the final. The date and venue for the final will be announced in due course.”

Bayern Munich have now made an approach over a potential deal for a Chelsea star who excelled at the Club World Cup, according to a report.

Blues crowned Club World Cup champions in New Jersey

Few would have predicted the Blues to cause an upset against European champions Paris Saint-Germain, but they put in a remarkable performance to secure a 3-0 victory, with all three goals coming in the first-half.

Cole Palmer is likely to get most of the headlines, with the England international bagging a brace, and the 23-year-old’s second goal was extremely well-taken, creating space with a shimmy that was impossible for Lucas Beraldo and Vitinha to predict.

However, Enzo Maresca has praised the entire team for the way in which they were able to implement his game plan, saying: “It went well, but I think we won the game in the first 10 minutes, when the team came out to demonstrate that we were here to try to win, respecting the rival, considering the rival the best team in the world at this time.

“But I think in the end, you can give the players a plan, but in the end it’s them who have to execute it, and they did it very well.”

Another player who caught the eye was Malo Gusto, with the right-back assisting Palmer’s opening goal vs PSG, while also being trusted by Maresca throughout the tournament, featuring in every single match.

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However, according to a report from France, Gusto is now attracting interest from across the continent, with Bayern Munich submitting an enquiry over a potential deal, given that Sacha Boey is expected to leave the German club this summer.

It is currently unclear whether the Blues would be willing to listen to offers for the Frenchman, who started against PSG, but they should be in a strong negotiating position, as he remains contracted until 2030.

Chelsea must reject Bayern's advances

Maresca could be brewing something special at Stamford Bridge, with the statement victory over PSG suggesting his side may be Premier League title contenders next season, and Chelsea must not put that at risk by selling one of their key players.

The France international made 32 appearances in the Premier League last season, indicating Maresca trusts the full-back, with the Italian also describing the 22-year-old as one of his “favourite” players.

As such, it seems unlikely that a departure will be on the cards this summer, especially in the wake of the Club World Cup final triumph, which may convince the defender to continue being a part of Maresca’s project.

That said, if Chelsea do decide to cash-in, they should hold out for far more than the £31m they forked out to sign him from Lyon back in January 2023.

Newcastle United are beginning to motor this summer and could now be in the running to sign one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen, according to a report.

Newcastle United look to follow up Anthony Elanga's arrival

Eddie Howe has taken a measured approach this window and had to bide his time in the hunt for a big-money signing to follow Antonio Cordero’s arrival in the North East.

However, Anthony Elanga is now officially a Newcastle player after joining on a long-term deal from Nottingham Forest in a transfer said to be worth around £55 million.

Signalling his intention to hit the ground running at St James’ Park, he stated: “I’m ready to put on this black and white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase that lives and breathes football.

“I had an amazing two years at Nottingham Forest, they really helped me to become the player I am today, but I’m really happy to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and are building something unique, something special that I really want to be part of.”

Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike is also on Newcastle’s radar and could represent a statement piece of business at the club. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins could be a left-field solution to strengthen their forward line.

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Missing out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea will have come as a body blow in the North East. However, with Champions League football on the table, there is far more in the way of optimism than pessimism on Tyneside.

Now, Newcastle are said to have been contacted over the availability of another exciting marksman who could answer the call to fill one of their striking berths.

Newcastle contacted by Benjamin Sesko's agent

According to TBR, Newcastle have been contacted over RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko’s availability by his agent, and Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also being kept in the loop regarding his future.

Arsenal had been heavily linked with a swoop for the Slovenia international earlier this summer, but it looks as if Viktor Gyokeres will move to the Emirates Stadium instead, and there are indications from Sesko’s camp of a willingness to move to England.

Hugo Ekitike in senior football

Benjamin Sesko in senior football

Appearances – 150

Appearances – 251

Goals – 50

Goals – 106

Sesko, who has an asking price of £78m, could now be eager to try his hand at the English top-flight and is on the market after missing out on a move to the Gunners, but the scenario of him staying in Germany for another season hasn’t been discounted.

Should Newcastle accelerate their hunt for a new striker, being able to bring in someone who has claimed a wealth of senior experience despite only being 22 years of age would be a statement of intent ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Setting his sights on further arrivals, Regis Le Bris is reportedly set to drive Sunderland’s move to sign a former Arsenal midfielder who he has already worked with in the past.

Commencing their summer business in style, the Black Cats are reportedly set to break their club-record deal to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg before also welcoming Reinildo from Atletico Madrid. An impressive double swoop, Le Bris will have himself a much-needed replacement for Jobe Bellingham as well as key depth at left-back.

Given that Leeds United were also interested in Diarra, Sunderland’s move looks all the more impressive. Those in Wearside, by outbidding another promoted side, are set to make quite the statement.

The Black Cats may not be finished with their spending, however. Names such as Charlie Creswell have threatened to steal the headlines as of late in what would be another big-money deal. The defender has impressed ever since swapping Leeds for French side Toulouse and could now be on his way back to English football as a result.

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Creswell’s arrival would deal Leeds another blow, who could watch on as their former player stars elsewhere in the Premier League next season. That said, he’s not the only name on Sunderland’s reported radar.

As well as strengthening their backline, those at the Stadium of Light have also reportedly turned their focus back towards their midfield and signing an ex-Arsenal player. Perhaps attempting to find a partner for Diarra, Le Bris is now reportedly driving the move.

Le Bris driving move to sign Matteo Guendouzi

According to their former chief scout Mick Brown, Le Bris is set to be the “driving force” as Sunderland race to sign Matteo Guendouzi. The Frenchman previously worked under the Sunderland boss during their time together at FC Lorient’s B team several years ago and could now finally have the chance to reunite with his former manager.

Speaking about the potential deal, Brown told Football Insider: “Sunderland are in a position where they feel they need to strengthen their squad. They need Premier League-level players and to get those you have to be ambitious in the market.

“A lot of it will depend on what sort of fee his club are going to demand for him. The manager is playing a big role in their recruitment so far and did the same when they were in the Championship, he appears to have good relationships in France. He’s worked with Guendouzi before and he’s going to be the driving force behind the move.”

Previously dubbed “impressive” by former Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce, Guendouzi has unfinished business in the Premier League and could have the chance to return from Lazio with a bang courtesy of the Black Cats this summer.

West Bromwich Albion have boldly put their faith in the unknown ahead of next season as Ryan Mason embarks on his first proper managerial gig at the helm of the Baggies.

Mason has taken charge of Tottenham Hotspur previously on an interim basis, but this is an entirely different kettle of fish for the 33-year-old to get used to, with a hope hanging in the air that his fresh approach can finally guide the West Midlands side back up to the Premier League.

To boost his chances of securing promotion right away, Mason will no doubt be busy in the transfer market when it comes to incomings to stamp his mark on his new side, with experienced signings akin to the success story of Jonny Evans potentially in the offing.

Evans was a regular in the heart of the defence when the Baggies were routinely competing in the Premier League, and for good reason too, with the Northern Irishman very rarely putting a foot wrong at the Hawthorns.

Evans' successful stint at West Brom

The 37-year-old is still amazingly going strong so late into his playing days, with seven Premier League appearances notched up for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United last season.

He might well have just been released by the Red Devils, but that doesn’t taint his successful stint with the Baggies at all, as Evans ended up tallying up 96 appearances for the then top-flight club over three seasons.

In total, Evans would collect a rock-solid 15 clean sheets across his three Premier League campaigns at the Hawthorns, with the dependable centre-back also chipping in with an impressive five goals and four assists, away from competently completing his defensive duties.

West Brom could be about to win their next Evans-style figure with this defensive target; therefore, with the colossus in question a similar under-the-radar presence to the 37-year-old when also consistently putting in sharp, yet unspectacular, performances at the back.

West Brom could land the new Evans

Mason will hope that adding in gritty battlers to this camp can help make their instant promotion dreams a reality, with the long-term goal that the Baggies end up being a Premier League regular again, like they were during Evans’ stint.

Nathaniel Phillips might well be what Mason and West Brom desire in attempting to land an up-to-date version of the Northern Irishman, with the Liverpool centre-back reportedly on West Brom’s shopping list as per The Athletic.

The £1.7m-rated brute has often had to make do with a background role at Anfield, but he has shown off his brilliance on occasion for the Reds, with this stylish piece of skill away at the San Siro one standout moment from his Liverpool career to date.

Away from that isolated clip, the 6-foot-3 “monster” – as he was once labelled by Jurgen Klopp – has also collected a favourable seven clean sheets from his sparing 19 top-flight appearances on Merseyside, on top of also showing off his strengths as a defender more widely when out on loan in the EFL.

This season just gone, in particular, the 28-year-old would shine bright on loan with Derby County, with an imposing average of six duels won per Championship contest helping the Rams stave off the relegation positions in the division.

He would be expected to come in and be as strong for Mason’s men, but with promotion their main end-goal, over seeking out survival.

This wouldn’t be a jaw-dropping pick-up that gets Hawthorns spectators out of their seats, but Phillips could be just what West Brom need in defence to strengthen ahead of a promotion run-in. With prior experience at an elite Premier League club – like Evans – he could well be a worthy addition.

If he’s steady and slots in well, he could even go on to star for the Baggies in the top-flight, much like Evans did all those years ago.

West Brom in talks to sign their best striker since Maja for £0

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The Premier League is the most popular league in the world and has seen some of the best players of all time since its inception in 1992, but Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard once claimed there is only one Premier League ‘GOAT’.

The right wing spot in a Premier League all time XI is firmly up for debate – Mohamed Salah has cemented himself as one of the greatest players in English football history after winning a second title with Liverpool.

Salah is now in the top ten goalscorers in top flight history and could potentially even surpass Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals in the division.

Premier League's top 10 goalscorers in pictures

However, many still believe the sheer talent of Cristiano Ronaldo takes the cake. Indeed, Sir Alex Ferguson once claimed the Portugal superstar is “up with the best” players he had coached, while Jose Mourinho even placed him in the same category as Diego Maradona and Pele.

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Indeed, Ronaldo won three league titles in England, one Golden Boot and two Player of the Season awards, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest two players in football history alongside Lionel Messi.

When it comes to crowning the best of the best in England however, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard revealed one man stands above the rest.

Gerrard: Thierry Henry is the Premier League 'GOAT'

Speaking in an interview during his time as Aston Villa manager, Gerrard was fast and firm with his reponse when asked who the greatest of all time is – Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry.

The former Anfield skipper picked Messi as the greatest in football history and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe as the next up for the crown, but had no hesitation when pointing to Henry as English football’s best.

Gerrard was no stranger to Henry’s talents, as the Frenchman scored nine times in 18 career appearances against Liverpool, including a brace in a famous 2-0 win at Highbury in the 2005/26 season, in which Gerrard accidentally set up the winner.

France legend Zinedine Zidane called his compatriot “technically the most gifted footballer ever to play the beautiful game”, and his list of accomplishments is extremely impressive.

Thierry Henry Trophies Won

Year

Monaco

Ligue 1

1996-97

Arsenal

Premier League

2001-02, 2003-04

FA Cup

2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05

Barcelona

La Liga

2008-09, 2009-10

Copa del Rey

2008-09

UEFA Champions League

2008-09

UEFA Super Cup

2009

FIFA Club World Cup

2009

France

FIFA World Cup

1998

UEFA European Championship

2000

Since retiring from playing, Henry has coached at club level with Monaco and at international level as an assistant for Belgium. He also managed the French team at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games, winning the silver medal as France were beaten in the final by Spain.

Arsenal’s season now rests on 90 minutes in Paris next week.

Mikel Arteta’s side have failed to win the Premier League for a third campaign on the bounce, but as things stand, they still have a genuine chance of overturning Paris Saint-Germain’s one-nil lead at the Parc des Princes and making it to their first Champions League final in 19 years.

However, to do that, they’ll have to play substantially better than they did on Tuesday night, and more specifically, club captain Martin Odegaard will have to step up in a big way following his dismal showing at home.

Odegaard’s 24/25

Appearances

40

Minutes

3072′

Goals

5

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.37

Minutes per Goal Involvement

204.8′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

With just 15 goal improvements in 40 appearances, the Norwegian international has been a massive disappointment this season, so it’s excellent news that recent reports have linked the club with a striker who should be able to revive his fortunes next year.

Arsenal's striker search

Ask any Arsenal fan what they desperately need in the summer, and we’d hazard a guess that almost all of them will say a striker. After all, despite being just one place ahead of them in the Premier League, Liverpool have scored 17 more goals this season.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Fortunately, the board clearly agrees with this sentiment, as there have been a whole host of centre-forwards touted for moves to the Emirates in recent weeks, one of the more recent being Jonathan David.

Thanks to his contract expiring at the end of next month, the Canadian international will be available for nothing in the summer, and as he’s already scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 games this year, he’d undoubtedly be an incredible addition to Arteta’s squad.

A little closer to home, the Gunners have once again been linked with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in recent weeks.

The Englishman was the subject of a failed £45m bid from the North Londoners in the winter window, and while it’s unclear just how much he’d cost in the summer, it’s clear that with 29 goal involvements in 50 games this season, he’d be a brilliant signing.

However, to really propel the club to the title next year and get the likes of Odegaard firing again, Arteta and Co need to sign a goalscoring machine, which is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal remain incredibly keen on bringing the Swedish international to N5 this summer.

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the story, but other reports from this week claim that the striker could be available for up to £70m.

It’s certainly a lot to spend on one player, but given his immense ability and the effect he could have on the likes of Odegaard, it’s a transfer worth doing for Arsenal.

How Gyokeres would revive Odegaard

While there might be several small reasons here and there why Gyokeres would be able to get more out of Odegaard, like his application in training sessions and his attitude during games, his raw output is what matters more than anything.

After all, it doesn’t matter how hard he works if he can’t finish the chances the Norwegian creates for him.

Fortunately, when it comes to being a pure out-and-out goalscorer, it’s hard to think of anyone better than the former Coventry City star in Europe at the moment.

Gyokeres’ 24/25

Appearances

48

Minutes

3858′

Goals

52

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

1.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

60.28′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in 48 appearances for Sporting CP, totalling 3858 minutes, the 6 foot 2 “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored a simply staggering 52 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

In other words, the 26-capped monster is currently averaging 1.33 goal involvements every game, or one every 60.28 minutes, which is undoubtedly a world-class rate of return.

Just imagine a striker as unrelentingly efficient as that in front of the Gunners’ captain – he’d almost instantly see his assist tally skyrocket.

Moreover, if opposition defenders had to spend more time worrying about the North Londoners’ new monstrous forward as well as Bukayo Saka off the right, there would be more room for the former Real Madrid prospect to operate in, and as a result, his own goal tally would likely increase as well.

Ultimately, while it’s a lot of money, Arsenal should be doing all they can to bring Gyokeres to the Emirates this summer, as not only could he fire them to the title next year, but he could be just the man to get Odegaard back to his mercurial best as well.

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