Harry Maguire shares Ruben Amorim's frustration with Manchester United's performances after the coach called his side the worst in the club's history.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Defender also frustrated with Utd's formAmorim explains why he made astonishing claim'I'm young and sometimes I make mistakes'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Maguire was speaking alongside Amorim in a press conference ahead of United's Europa League match against Rangers on Thursday, the first media appearance since the Portuguese made the disparaging remark about his side on the back of their 3-1 defeat by Brighton on Sunday.
AdvertisementWHAT MAGUIRE SAID
"I think as players, we were frustrated and disappointed, coming on the back of a good away perfoRmance [at Arsenal] and beating Southampton. We have to look at ourselves and take responsibility," Maguire said. "We were going into the game confident we had the belief we could beat Brighton but we didn't perform on the day. I go home and think about how I can help the team get back to where we want to and that's challenging given where we are in the league."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Amorim attempted to explain the reasoning behind his frank comments, which stunned pundits and former players. But he stopped short of apologising. He said: "I was talking more for myself than for my players, because you have a coach that starts a job and loses eight games so it was more for me. I also talked in the same response about I was not helping my players and if you look at every time I speak I never put the spotlight on my players. So I understand I gave you that headline and I’m frustrated sometimes and sometimes I should not say that in those terms. But it is what it is. Sometimes it's really hard to hide the frustration in some moments. But the good thing is that I said the same things in a different way in the dressing room five minutes before and the response was quite normal because I’m really blunt with my players. I say what I see."
DID YOU KNOW?
It has been revealed that Amorim damaged a television in the club's dressing room as he vented his fury over the Brighton performance. The coach did not directly reference damaging the television but admitted he sometimes oversteps the mark: "I’m a young guy and sometimes I make a mistake. That’s why I don’t talk about it after the game," Amorim said. "This game, I needed to talk and maybe it was a mistake and then I get more nervous and go to the to press conference really nervous. Then you say things that you shouldn’t say, and that’s it. Sometimes you are a young guy, and then do mistakes and you improve. I don’t promise you that I won’t do it again, but I will try to improve."
Newcastle United are expected to make an offer for an "extraordinary" free agent, but will need to act quickly as he is also wanted by another Premier League club, according to a fresh transfer update.
Newcastle contract & transfer news
The Magpies' summer transfer business is done and dusted, in what was a relatively low-key period in the market for them, but there are still contract and transfer rumours doing the rounds. The future of Anthony Gordon was a major talking point during the summer, with a move to boyhood club Liverpool mooted a number of times, but the winger ended up staying put at St James' Park. Now, it is claimed that the 23-year-old could sign a new deal at Newcastle, acting as a major boost for Eddie Howe.
In terms of potential new signings, only free agents are now available for the Magpies, with Yusuf Yazici reportedly a target, having left Lille upon the conclusion of last season. Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also thought to be in the mix for the 27-year-old.
There is another free agent who has emerged as an exciting option for Newcastle, too, as they battle with one of the clubs mentioned above for his signature.
Newcastle plan offer for "extraordinary" midfielder
According to a new update from Le Figaro [via Sport Witness], Newcastle could soon table an offer for Adrien Rabiot, who is currently a free agent after his departure from Juventus at the end of last season. United are in the same position, however, seeing the Frenchman as an excellent option to replace Casemiro, as the two Premier League clubs are said to "need to hurry" to get a deal done.
Adrien Rabiot for France.
Rabiot could be a fantastic addition to Newcastle's midfield, considering his pedigree as a player throughout his career, during which time he has won seven league titles – six for Paris Saint-Germain and one with Juve. Not only that, but the 29-year-old has won 48 caps for a formidable France team, proving to be a key figure in the middle of the park, while David Trezeguet has lauded him in the past.
With Newcastle supporters not overly happy about a lack of stellar signings during the summer transfer window, the £29.5m-valued Rabiot could add so much class and experience to Howe's midfield all without splashing a penny, possessing quality in possession and a strong work ethic off the ball.
Last season, the France international registered eight goal contributions (five goals and three assists) in Serie A, but he also averaged 1.9 tackles per game, not to mention starting five matches for his country at Euro 2024 earlier this summer.
Newcastle sold a defender for £90k, now he has more career goals than Isak
The Magpies previously sold a defender for mere peanuts…
ByRoss Kilvington Sep 8, 2024
Signing Rabiot should be considered a no-brainer for Newcastle, even though he would likely demand big wages, with the free element of the fee making it less of an issue.
عبر سيهلي ندولي، لاعب فريق ستيلينبوش الجنوب إفريقي، عن سعادته الكبيرة بتسجيله هدف الفوز الذي قاد فريقه للتأهل إلى نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية الإفريقية بعد الفوز على الزمالك.
وكان الفريق الجنوب إفريقي حديث العهد قد اقتنص بطاقة الصعود للدور نصف النهائي من الزمالك حامل اللقب بفوز بهدف دون مقابل داخل استاد القاهرة وبين جماهير الفارس الأبيض.
وسط أجواء مشحونة وغضب جماهيري.. الزمالك يودع الكونفدرالية من ربع النهائي بخسارة صادمة أمام ستيلينبوش (فيديو)
وفي تصريحات له بعد المباراة عبر فضائية “بي إن سبورتس”، قال ندولي: “أنا مسرور جدًا بأنني استطعت منح فريقي الفرصة للتأهل. أعتقد أن الهدف كان جميلًا، حيث كنت متمركزًا بشكل جيد وتمكنت من استغلال الفرصة، كانت تمريرة رائعة، هذا الهدف مهم للغاية لأنه مهد لنا الطريق للمرحلة التالية”.
وأضاف: “الزمالك فريق كبير، والفوز عليهم يعد إنجازًا كبيرًا بالنسبة لنا، التفوق على بطل كبير مثل الزمالك يعطينا دفعة معنوية قوية، نحن الآن نؤمن بأنفسنا أكثر من أي وقت مضى، وعندما تتفوق على بطل، فإن دوافعك تتضاعف”.
واختتم: “كنا الأفضل على مدار المباراة، ولم يكن من السهل خوض مواجهة ضد الزمالك في القاهرة، لكننا تمكنا من فرض سيطرتنا، وهذا الفوز يعطينا ثقة كبيرة في المستقبل”.
GOAL reviews key takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, with struggles for the big names all over the weekend
Well, that was underwhelming.
It was a pretty miserable weekend for Americans in Europe. Ricardo Pepi, after being billed as the next big thing in the Eredivisie, was denied of a start for PSV. Brenden Aaronson, looking to make an impact to help Leeds go atop the English Championship, fell flat. And Tim Weah, finally getting a run in the Juventus side, was brutally misused by an increasingly out-of-his-depth Thiago Motta.
It all amounted to a brutally forgettable 48 hours.
This is, for everyone except Christian Pulisic, who – it must be said – was hardly world beating in his own right. But he did provide a signature flash of quality to help Milan stick around in the Serie A title fight (although it does seem that Paolo Fonseca is a couple of bad results away from the sack, at this point.) A word, too, for Gio Reyna, who added some minutes to his struggling legs.
It was a mixed slate of fixtures, and GOAL looks at key takeaways from Americans Abroad.
Getty Images
Where is the Pepi magic?
So much for the renaissance of Ricardo Pepi continuing. All the signs pointed toward a start for the American against Utrecht. He has, for a few weeks now, been the main man for PSV. There was a brace against, a late winner in the Champions League, as well as two goals for the USMNT in the most recent international break. There's a footballer here, and he has been unlocked.
But on Sunday, he was relegated to the bench, while veteran Luuk de Jong started in front of him. It was a choice that offered important insight into manager Peter Bosz's thinking. This was a matchup between first and second in the Eredivisie. "Title deciders" aren't a thing in December. Sunday's fixture was as close as it gets. In the biggest game of the season to date, Pepi watched from the bench.
He did, eventually, emerge, completing just one pass in 15 minutes of play. But by that time, the game was won – a convincing 5-2 result. Should Pepi have started here, on form? Certainly. But the manager went with experience. If nothing else, it shows that Pepi has a bit to go.
Advertisement
Getty
Another Gio Reyna appearance
He lives! Reyna's career to date always seems to be one of caution, brief glimpses of a player as he works his way back to not-quite-full-fitness. It is, genuinely, hard to remember the last time the American playmaker was entirely healthy. In some ways, it's a frustrating story, an immense talent whose body is constantly letting him down. The key here is to not get hopes up, but take the victories as they come.
And so it proved for Reyna again, the midfielder making a brief appearance against Bayern Munich in Der Klassiker. He did not touch the ball as Dortmund pretty much willingly settled for a draw. Perhaps the best thing that can be said about his showing is that there literally wasn't time for him to pick up an injury.
But that's just fine. This was Bayern, and with Dortmund's attacking three set in stone, Reyna was never likely to play a big role. The challenge now becomes building up those minutes in the coming weeks.
Getty Images Sport
Pulisic assists in the fog
Milan's fixture with Empoli really could have been suspended. A thick fog descended over San Siro, and it was, at times, hard to see what exactly was happening. But there was some football to be played. For Milan, it was good stuff, too. ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against the visitors, and kept their name in the European conversation as a result.
Christian Pulisic as is policy these days, played his part. The American didn't have a massive impact over the course of 90 minutes, but still grabbed himself an assist with a tidy flick on into the path of Tijjani Reijnders, who volleyed home the Milan second just before half time.
And that is Pulisic's thing these days. He can be dominant, and run games all by himself. Even when he doesn't, he still finds ways to step up in big moments and make things happen for his team.
A word, too, on USMNT's Yunus Musah, who was given a look in his preferred right midfield position, and turned in a solid showing.
Getty Images
Tim Weah as a No. 9
What to make of Tim Weah this season? Well, first of all, some continuity would be nice. Whether it be through injury or manager's decision, the winger has seen inconsistent minutes for club and country. It has been particularly difficult for Juventus, where Weah has been regularly called into action, but never at one specific position.
Right wing, we are told, is his best spot. And he has impressed there in short bursts for in recent months, scoring a few goals and getting involved in play. On Sunday, though, Thiago Motta deployed Weah as a No. 9. The results were about as fruitless as expected, the wide man looking incredibly uncomfortable at a position that clearly doesn't suit him.
He managed just 20 touches, registered one shot, and completed seven passes. Weah is not a striker. On Sunday, it showed. Is Motta just Max Allegri 2.0? Perhaps. If he keeps playing this football – and using people so brutally out of position – then it looks increasingly like he might be.
Plays of the day from the Group A match between India and England in Colombo
David Hopps in Colombo23-Sep-2012Misinformation of the day (1) All suggestions that England’s frailties against spin have been exaggerated were exposed by a calamitous batting display against Harbhajan Singh and Piyush Chawla. It is difficult to decide which shot was the most awful. Eoin Morgan, bowled when he tried to cut a quicker one, felt like déjà vu; Jonny Bairstow’s slog at Chawla when he misread a googly; Jos Buttler’s back away… but as unfair as it seems to plump for the top-scorer, Craig Kieswetter’s guide off Chawla’s leg-break to slip takes some beating.Misinformation of the day (2) MS Dhoni’s media briefing about the possible make-up of India’s side turned out to be entirely false. Although he did not state it explicitly, any sensible interpretation was that India were leaning towards playing Zaheer Khan in a four-strong attack. The upshot was that Zaheer was omitted from a five-strong attack. Make of that what you will.Comeback of the day Harbhajan Singh last played for India at Trent Bridge in July last year. His rehabilitation since has even included a spell with Essex in the County Championship – and few Indian players in demand are given the licence to do that. His analysis of 4 for 12 was quite a return. England’s deficiencies have to be taken into account but as the pitches wear it is possible that he and R Ashwin could become the combination India need.Double act of the day Alex Hales went down on the scorecard as the catcher of Dhoni at deep midwicket, but it was merely the finishing touch to an ice-cool piece of athleticism from Buttler, who caught a skier at long-on and, realising he was heading over the boundary, coolly tossed the ball into the air for Hales to jog up and complete the catch. It was Buttler’s nonchalance under pressure that made it so exceptional.Oddity of the day Even in the frantic world of Twenty20, there is still time for humour. When Stuart Broad rushed down the pitch to prevent Dhoni from taking a leg-bye, he found that the ball was lodged in Dhoni’s pad. It was a dead ball, but Broad was acting on instinct not the MCC Laws. Quick as a flash he grabbed the ball from Dhoni’s pad and swung round to try to throw out Rohit Sharma at the non-striker’s end, but missed. Cue much laughter all round at the absurdity of it all.
West Ham United have had a very busy summer transfer window so far in 2024. The Hammers have made an impressive eight signings as they look to give new manager Julen Lopetegui the perfect platform to launch off ahead of his first season as manager at the London Stadium.
The East London outfit have strengthened all areas of their squad, with the marquee signing arguably being Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville. The Dutchman joined the Hammers for a reported fee of £25m. The Hammers also strengthened in attacking areas by purchasing Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund for a fee in the region of £27m.
niclas-fullkrug
There has also been a major overhaul of their defence this summer for the Hammers, who have signed three new additions at the back. Two of those have been at centre-back, with Jean-Clair Todibo signing on a loan-to-buy deal from Nice, and Max KIlman swapping Wolverhampton Wanderers for West Ham for £40m. They also added Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka to their squad, for a fee of just £15m.
It has certainly been a heavy summer of spending for the Hammers so far, but they are perhaps not done yet, with journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing that contact has been made regarding a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Carlos Soler, who has spent the last two seasons at the Parc des Princes.
The playmaking Spaniard – who chalked up 67 goals and assists in 226 games for former club Valencia – would be yet another statement signing for Tim Steidten and co for the new season, although further activity could well lie in store…
West Ham targeting Championship winger
The player in question here is Sunderland’s exciting young English winger Jack Clarke. The 23-year-old has been very impressive for Sunderland during his time at the Stadium of Light and has constantly been linked with a move away from the club.
According to a report from The Sun's print edition (20 August, page 48), the former Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur winger is thought to be of interest to the Hammers, who could make a move for the enterprising talent before the deadline on the 30th of August.
Sunderland winger Jack Clarke
However, Lopeteugui’s side are not thought to be the only side interested in acquiring the 23-year-old’s services before the window is over. Newly promoted side Southampton are also chasing a deal for Clarke. The Saints have already bought two players from the EFL this summer, young centre-back pair Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood, and there is no reason to suggest they would not make a move to sign Clarke, either.
A recent report from TEAMtalk suggests that the Black Cats want a fee of around £25m for Clarke. Given the fact West Ham have spent so much money this summer, it remains to be seen if they still have enough left to pay their asking price.
How Clarke can replicate Bowen
The 23-year-old former Spurs winger has certainly impressed for the Black Cats over the last few seasons. Last term, Clarke scored 15 goals and grabbed four assists in 40 appearances in the second tier of England, and already has one goal and one assist in two Championship games this season.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2022/23
45
9
12
2023/24
40
15
4
2024/25
2
1
1
Total
87
25
17
Should the Hammers bring Clarke to the London Stadium this summer, it could be the second coming of new club captain Jarrod Bowen. Like the Sunderland number 20, the England international received part of his footballing education in the EFL, playing for Hull City before his move to East London.
Bowen was very impressive in the second tier for the Tigers. He played 131 games in all competitions for the Nothern club, including seven in the Premier League without a goal involvement. However, he scored 54 times and grabbed 14 assists in orange and black, leading West Ham to sign him for around £20m.
jarrod-bowen-hull-city
The winger has since gone on to become a modern-day great for the Hammers. He has scored 60 goals and has registered 39 assists in 203 games in all competitions, and is now the club captain. One of those goals is one of the most famous strikes in the Hammers’ history, the winner in the 90th minute against Fiorentina in the 2022/23 Europa Conference League final.
Clarke, who was described as a “diamond” by former manager Tony Mowbray, could certainly have a similar impact as Bowen on the London Stadium, and follow in his footsteps. Like the Hammers skipper, he is a winger who has received vital education in the Championship and has impressed consistently.
For just £25m, this could be a shrewd signing for West Ham as they look to bolster their squad further, amid the parallel interest in the aforementioned Soler.
West Ham could bag dream signing for Fullkrug in "complete" £17m star
Incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly reached out to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford about his plans for him with the Three Lions.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Tuchel England's next manager
German reaches out to Rashford
Reveals plans for Man Utd man
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , Tuchel told Rashford that he wants him in his Three Lions squad as long as he keeps his form up. The German is said to be a huge admirer of the 27-year-old and believes a big part of England's failure to win Euro 2024 was not having Rashford as an option.
Advertisement
Getty
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Tuchel will take up his England manager role in January 2025, with the goal of leading the Three Lions to World Cup glory in 2026. One of his many tasks will be getting the best out of Rashford, so long as the United man delivers on the pitch for the Red Devils. After not being selected for the Euros, Rashford will be determined to right the wrongs of 2024 when 2025 rolls around.
DID YOU KNOW?
Rashford has scored four goals and bagged three assists in 17 games for United this season, meaning he is half way to the goal contributions tally he chalked up over 43 appearances last term. He may need to do better than that to get into the England squad under Tuchel.
Getty Images
WHAT NEXT?
Before Rashford can think about getting back into the England squad and potentially playing under Tuchel, he will be focused on Sunday's Premier League clash with Leicester City at Old Trafford.
Oh England, how you tease us, how you bring us joy, how you bring us comfort, how you bring us stress and how you bring us heartbreak. The country has lived and breathed the last four weeks, roaring their nation on in the hope that finally, at long last, they bring football home.
Alas, they have come up short, so desperately short in their bid to end nearly 60 years of hurt on the international stage.
Not since that day in 1966 have the men's senior team tasted glory and we will have to wait another two years for another go at it.
The Three Lions have now tasted defeat in back-to-back European Championship finals. It's gut-wrenching, not just for the players but for Gareth Southgate and the supporters too.
Though, in truth, England were probably fortunate to get as far as they did at Euro 2024. They were beaten in the final by Spain, a remarkable side who had certainly been the best team in Germany this summer.
We know the best team doesn't always win but on this occasion it did. Not even Cole Palmer's sumptuous strike could rescue Southgate and Co, with Mikel Oyarzabal prodding home late on to break England's hearts.
So, where do we all go from here? Who will be there in 2026? Will Southgate throw in the towel? We've had a go at answering those questions.
1 What happens to Gareth Southgate?
No English figure in football history has more experience at international tournaments than Southgate does. He went to three as a player and has now been to four as a manager. He has been there and seen it all with the Three Lions. For his service, we certainly thank him.
He arrived in 2016 and has overseen a tremendous amount of growth within this England side. He has taken them to the World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals, yet without tasting success.
It's safe to say he's done his hardest to make up for that penalty miss at Euro 96.
Though, have this group of players now outgrown him? Southgate's tactics left plenty to be desired this summer. He faced wave after wave of criticism. Why did it take until England went behind for them to wake up? Why did they always sit back after taking the lead? We will never quite know.
This squad had so much potential. They had the Bundesliga's leading scorer in Harry Kane, a Champions League winner in Jude Bellingham and the PFA Player of the Season in Phil Foden. Yet, the attack was disjointed, it lacked pace and it lacked urgency. Southgate will surely have regrets that he couldn't get a bigger tune from his attacking personnel.
So, where does this leave him? Well, it felt that prior to the tournament regardless of the outcome Southgate would leave his post. He may still do that.
Yet, some reports suggest the FA want him to stay. Perhaps there may well be one last dance at the World Cup in 2026.
Next England manager: Who could replace Gareth Southgate?
Here’s who could replace Southgate after Euro 2024.
ByStephan Georgiou Jul 16, 2024 2 Who should be fearing for their futures?
Despite reaching the final, England certainly didn't play to their full potential over the last month of football.
Many of the squad came into this tournament with high expectations but simply didn't meet them. Foden left without a goal or assist to his name, Kane – despite finishing as joint top scorer on three – was sluggish and looked bereft of fitness, hauled off in every knock-out stage game for Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins.
Then there's Bellingham. A potential Ballon d'Or winner so they said, but he did not live up to the dizzy heights he achieved during a remarkable debut campaign in Madrid. There may have been that stunning overhead kick against Slovakia but he ultimately didn't produce the goods on a regular enough basis.
That said, it's incredibly likely we'll see Kane, Foden and Bellingham back in America in two years time. They're too good not to have another bite of the cherry.
So, who could be gone? Well, Kyle Walker – who left Nico Williams in acres of space for Spain's opening goal on Sunday night – may well have played his last tournament match. Aged 34, the Manchester City star is certainly getting on and wasn't at his best right throughout the tournament.
With the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Ben White breathing over his shoulder, England aren't short of options at right-back either.
It's also likely that Kieran Trippier – despite his service as a left-back this summer – will be out of the team by the time the 2026 World Cup comes around while fellow defenders Lewis Dunk and Joe Gomez could be hard-pressed to make another squad.
3 Who will benefit from Euro 2024?
England may not have come out on top but this was still a valuable experience for the entire squad.
Bukayo Saka made up for his penalty miss three years ago by finding the net from the spot against Switzerland while Marc Guehi – arguably England's Player of the Tournament – has surely all but ended Harry Maguire's England career.
It was also a fabulous summer for Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo who was named in FFC's Team of the Tournament. He looks nailed on to partner Declan Rice for a number of years at the heart of England's midfield now.
Ollie Watkins also did himself no favours, scoring that memorable goal in Dortmund against the Dutch.
Football FanCast's Team of the Tournament.
For those who didn't really play, you'd think the likes of Anthony Gordon and Adam Wharton will be more prominent parts of future squads, as too will Cole Palmer who really should have featured more regularly.
Palmer, who left Manchester City last summer, was a revelation for Chelsea and proved as much for England too, popping up with an assist in the semi-final and scoring the equaliser in the final.
It may all feel rather doom and gloom now, but this squad is still young enough and promising enough to challenge over the next couple of tournaments.
Ranking the 10 best English football players ever
We have ranked the top 10 football players to play for the Three Lions.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has revealed Arsenal's rivalry with Manchester City spilled into the off-season after a curt text exchange with Bernardo Silva.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Arsenal have growing rivalry with Man City
Zinchenko says that spilled into off-season
Reveals curt text exchange with Silva
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
In the Ukraine international's new book 'Believe', he revealed a string of text messages he received from former City team-mate Silva when they were both in France for their respective summer holidays. After asking where he could train, the Portuguese sent a frosty reply saying he should "stay at home."
Advertisement
Getty
WHAT OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO SAID
The Arsenal left-back revealed: “We need to learn from their [City's] consistency and their attitude, even on our holidays. In the off-season, I went to the south of France. I saw on Instagram that Bernardo Silva was there as well. I texted him, asking if he knew a pitch to do some exercises.
“He wrote back saying, ‘For what, do you need a pitch?’ I replied, ‘I need to run’. He wrote back, ‘Run? For what? You’re going to try to win the Premier League again? Forget about it. Stay at home.' I bumped into their Belgian winger, Jeremy Doku, a few days later and showed him the chat. He was laughing his head off. We’ve been pushing each other for two seasons already. That experience will make us stronger.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal have twice been pipped to the Premier League title by City in the last two seasons, despite being in, seemingly, winnable positions. The two teams played out a heated 2-2 draw at the Etihad in September and even managers Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta may not be as close as they once were as a result of this competition. And this battle will rage on this season, too.
Getty/GOAL
WHAT NEXT?
Zinchenko's Arsenal, who sit third in the Premier League table, host early pacesetters Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday, whereas second-placed City entertain lowly Southampton a day prior.
European heavyweights Real Madrid are said to be targeting another "special" Tottenham prodigy after their reported interest in star defender Cristian Romero.
Real Madrid show interest in signing Romero from Spurs
Last month, Real started to become heavily linked with a move to sign Romero, as they seek to bolster Carlo Ancelotti's central defensive options ahead of defending their Champions League and La Liga titles.
Postecoglou really wants £35 million star at Tottenham with talks ongoing
The Australian is personally eyeing a move.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 9, 2024
Reputable media sources like American broadcaster ESPN, via The Daily Mail, claimed Real made an enquiry to Tottenham over Romero – coming after another impressive season in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old was a mainstay under Ange Postecoglou when fit and available, starting 33 league games and forming the backbone of Spurs' team through his partnership with Micky van de Ven.
Romero stood out as one of Tottenham's best-performing players by average match rating, according to statistical football website WhoScored, and sits in good company alongside the likes of Son Heung-min and Pedro Porro.
Son Heung-min
7.30
James Maddison
7.17
Pedro Porro
7.04
Cristian Romero
7.03
Dejan Kulusevski
6.96
Interestingly, this isn't the first time his name has been mentioned in tandem with the Spainish football giants, as Real were reportedly eyeing a move for Romero in 2023 as well.
When a prestigious club like Real Madrid comes knocking for a star player, there is usually cause for concern, but Tottenham have responded with gusto – making clear that Romero is not for sale this summer (Pete O'Rourke).
“If we’re talking about Real Madrid, I’m sure he’ll want to speak to them,” said pundit Alan Hutton on Romero's links to the Bernabeu (Football Insider).
“But for Daniel Levy to sell somebody who’s a main player in the team, it would have to be for huge money to allow him to go. They still need more options to come in.
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero
“They can’t allow Romero to leave and not have a top-level centre-back ready to come in for the start of the season. I wouldn’t want to see him leave. I think him and Van de Ven are a very solid partnership and Van de Ven makes him better as well.”
Reports surrounding Romero and a potential move to Real have died down in recent weeks, but that hasn't stopped Ancelotti's side from setting their sights on another Spurs gem.
Real Madrid eyeing Tottenham starlet Mikey Moore
According to HITC, Real Madrid are interested in signing Tottenham starlet Mikey Moore, alongside the likes of Paris-Saint Germain.
The wonderkid is fast gaining a reputation as one of England's brightest young forwards, racking up 16 goals and registering nine assists in 14 appearances at academy level last season.
Moore was given the nod by Postecoglou on two occasions at senior level last season, making his debut at home to Man City. Amidst this interest from Real and PSG, HITC state that Spurs are confident they can keep hold of the 16-year-old, despite contact from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
“He is a special talent,” said an unnamed former Spurs youth-team coach to The Athletic. “He has great technique. It’s hard (to compare him). He’s like a throwback player. In terms of his skill and ability, he is a bit like (former Tottenham and Morocco forward) Adel Taarabt.”