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Manchester United are now ready to trigger the £44m release clause required to sign another striker, who could be in line to follow Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford in the summer, according to a report.

Cunha set to complete move to Man Utd

Cunha will no doubt have been hoping Man United were victorious in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur last week, but the defeat doesn’t appear to have dissuaded the Brazilian from making the move to Old Trafford this summer.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now taken to X to confirm the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is set to sign for the Red Devils, with an agreement being struck between all parties, but he will not come cheap.

At £62.5m, the deal is on the expensive side, and United missing out on Champions League football could hamper their ability to splash the cash in the upcoming transfer window, but a report has revealed they are also now prepared to spend big on a striker.

Indeed, according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Man United are now ‘ready’ to trigger the €52m (£44m) release clause in Moise Kean’s Fiorentina contract, which remains active until July.

The Red Devils are said to have moved onto cheaper targets than Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, perhaps in light of losing the Europa League final against Spurs, and they are now willing to sign Kean, fresh off the back of one of the best seasons of the striker’s career.

Kean fulfilling his potential since move to Italy

The Italian’s previous stint in the Premier League didn’t go exactly to plan, scoring just four goals in 39 games across all competitions for Everton, but there are signs he could now deserve a second chance to prove himself in England.

The 25-year-old finished the 2024-25 campaign as the second-highest scorer in the Serie A behind Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, scoring 19 goals in 32 outings, and if he were able to record similar numbers at Man United, a £44m outlay would be justified.

Romano: £120,000-a-week Man Utd player to leave Old Trafford with Garnacho

The Red Devils are set to make changes…

BySean Markus Clifford May 25, 2025

It is clear that Ruben Amorim will need to bring in a new striker this summer, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring just four Premier League goals across the entire 2024-25 campaign, while Joshua Zirkzee fared even worse, finding the back of the net on just three occasions.

Having been lauded as the “king of kings” by pundit Mina Rzouki, Kean could be an upgrade on both Hojlund and Zirkzee, but his previous struggles in the Premier League mean it would be a real gamble for Man United to sign the striker based on one impressive season.

Fast bowler to miss tours to Pakistan, New Zealand after problem picked up on routine scan

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Sep-2024

Mark Wood, England’s fastest bowler, will miss the forthcoming Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand, after being ruled out for the rest of the year due to a bone-stress injury to his right elbow.Wood was withdrawn from the ongoing Sri Lanka series as a precaution, after suffering a right thigh strain while bowling during the first Test at Old Trafford. However, he subsequently underwent what he had hoped was a routine elbow scan, after feeling discomfort in the joint, and admitted in an Instagram post that he had received some “pretty rubbish news”.”During what I thought was routine check on a previously troublesome elbow, I was shocked to learn I’ve got some bone stress in my right elbow,” Wood wrote.As a result, he will miss England’s final six Tests of the year, three each against Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December.He will continue to work closely with the ECB medical team in the meantime, with the aim of returning to full fitness by early 2025, in time for England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin in February 2025.Wood’s surprise at his diagnosis comes in the wake of some of the fastest bowling of his international career. During the Trent Bridge Test against West Indies in July, he hit a top speed of 97.1mph in an electrifying performance that culminated in a broken forearm for Kevin Sinclair, and had his captain, Ben Stokes, predicting he would break the 100mph before his career is done.Though he went relatively under-rewarded in that performance, he closed out the series with 5 for 40 at Edgbaston, his first five-wicket haul in a home Test. However, he bowled just 18.2 overs across two innings against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, before he was withdrawn from the action.”After the minor groin injury at Emirates Old Trafford, me and the medical team felt it was a good time to get my elbow looked at as it was a bit irritated,” Wood added in his Instagram post. “I’d put that down to the normal niggles every fast bowler gets and which I was playing through.”I’m especially surprised because I’ve been playing Test cricket and kept my speeds up.”I work incredibly hard on my fitness, putting in extra work with coaches and physios making this even more disappointing. However, I guess this is, ‘part of being a fast bowler’, like Stokesy says.”I will miss the rest of the year needing time to rest and build up, fully expecting to be back and firing in early 2025. I have been down this path before and will put in all the hard yards behind the scenes. I am very proud to represent my country and there is no better feeling. See you for some rockets in 2025!”In Wood’s absence, Olly Stone was recalled for last week’s Lord’s Test, his first Test since undergoing back surgery three years ago, with Josh Hull, the 20-year-old left-arm seamer, making his debut in the ongoing third Test at The Oval.

MatériaMais Notícias

da bet7： O São Paulo venceu o Palmeiras por 1 a 0 na noite desta quinta-feira (5), no Morumbi, pelas quartas de final da Copa do Brasil. Em entrevista coletiva após o Choque-Rei, o técnico Dorival Júnior se mostrou preocupado com a situação do zagueiro Alan Franco. O argentino deixou o campo chorando no segundo tempo após sentir o tornozelo. O treinador afirmando que só nesta quinta será possível saber a gravidade da lesão, mas que foi uma ‘torcida muito forte’.

RelacionadasFora de CampoGandula rouba a cena em São Paulo x Palmeiras e leva Cléber Machado a risadasFora de Campo05/07/2023São PauloATUAÇÕES: São Paulo se organiza, e Rafinha garante vantagem contra o Palmeiras na Copa do BrasilSão Paulo05/07/2023Fora de CampoNova audiência de corintiano que matou esposa palmeirense a facadas ocorre nesta quarta-feira, em São PauloFora de Campo05/07/2023

da jogodeouro： + Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil-2023 clicando aqui

– Beraldo eu acho cedo, dificilmente o teremos nessas próximas uma ou duas semanas. O pé até hoje tá bem inchado, só pra vocês terem uma noção. O Alan só amanhã nós teremos uma posição mais segura, mas sentiu alguma coisa, deu uma torcida muito forte quando ele desceu, foi mais ou menos a mesma lesão do Beraldo. Naturalmente, nós não sabemos o grau, cada lesão é uma, mas ele saltou e quando ele desceu, ele desceu em cima de alguma coisa e deve ter torcido o pé nesse momento – disse Dorival Júnior.

Dorival ironizou dizendo que a equipe está precisando de um ‘benzimento’ devido às recorrentes lesões. Ainda, o técnico reiterou que ainda não teve a oportunidade de treinar alguns atletas que ainda se recuperam e lamentou a frequência com que o Tricolor perde jogadores por esse ‘terrível’ problema.

– O São Paulo precisa de um ‘benzimento’ forte (risos) porque as coisas não estão legais não. Toda partida um ou dois jogadores de fora, e isso é terrível. O que vem acontecendo e da forma que vem acontecendo, porque são todas as lesão muito sérias. Dificilmente nós temos uma lesão que leve uma rapidez para que atletas retornem. Tem atletas que desde a minha chegada, eu ainda não pude tê-los, como o Erison, Thales, está voltando agora, Moreira, voltando agora. Naturalmente eram lesões um pouco mais sérias, nós temos que reconhecer, mas até agora eu não os tive em campo.

– Então até isso tem acontecido, estamos na torcida para que recuperemos rapidamente todos eles. O Departamento Médico tem feito um ótimo trabalho nesse sentido – concluiu o treinador do São Paulo.

+ ATUAÇÕES: São Paulo se organiza, e Rafinha garante vantagem contra o Palmeiras na Copa do Brasil

Com o resultado, o São Paulo fica com uma vantagem de 1 a 0 no agregado e pode até empatar por qualquer resultado no Allianz Parque, na quinta-feira (13), às 20h, que ainda assim levará a vaga para a semifinal. Antes disso, pelo Brasileirão, o Tricolor vai até Bragança para enfrentar o Bragantino, no domingo (9), às 16h.

In a major boost for those at the City Ground, one Nottingham Forest target is now reportedly keen to complete a move this summer with Evangelos Marinakis also pushing to get a deal done.

Nottingham Forest's UCL run-in

Whilst one win in their last five Premier League games should ignite plenty of concern around the City Ground, Forest’s fate is still in their own hands with three big fixtures left to play. After drawing against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit sixth and two points adrift of Chelsea in the final Champions League place, who they face on the final day.

Nuno recently had his say on his side’s performance against Crystal Palace whilst instantly looking ahead to the Leicester City game.

The Forest boss said: “It was very important to react, it was a big blow to go behind because we were in a tough position when we conceded the penalty but the reaction of the boys was amazing and we should be proud of that. We are delighted to be in the fight. Let’s go game by game now starting with Leicester at The City Ground.”

Nottingham Forest now want to sign £29m forward with 14 goals in 24/25

Nottingham Forest are among the Premier League teams chasing a forward from Spain.

ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025

The impact that Champions League qualification would have both on and off the pitch cannot be overstated, especially as those at the City Ground go in pursuit of one particular target.

Yilmaz now keen on Nottingham Forest move

According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Baris Alper Yilmaz is now keen on a move to Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis is pushing to complete a deal ahead of this summer. The winger was at the centre of Forest’s interest in January but failed to swap Galatasaray for the City Ground. Now, six months on, Forest could match his price-tag reportedly worth over €30m (£26m).

Forest’s interest should come as no surprise either. The Turkey international has enjoyed an excellent campaign at Galatasaray – scoring 12 goals and assisting a further 10 in all competitions. The difference that another outlet would offer Forest must be noted amid Chris Wood’s recent struggles too. Without the New Zealand forward’s clinical form to turn towards, the Reds have struggled in the decisive moments.

What’s more, Yilmaz has already earned an impressive fan in the Premier League in the form of Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool captain praised the winger after the Netherlands squared off against Turkey at the Euros last summer, telling reporters: “Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. He was running elusive.

“It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”

Now reportedly keen on a move to Forest, Yilmaz could finally be on his way to the Premier League and the City Ground in the coming months.

MatériaMais Notícias

da betsul： A maneira como o Fluminense atuou no empate em 2 a 2 diante do Goiás no último domingo (11), no Estádio da Serrinha, deixou nítido o quanto a pausa da Data Fifa se tornou urgente para os comandados de Fernando Diniz. Por mais que os tricolores tenham engrenado em campo, o forte cansaço, aliado à sucessão de desfalques voltaram a ficar evidentes nos pés dos jogadores.

da supremo： O confronto válido pela décima rodada do Brasileirão deu a Diniz um panorama do potencial do Tricolor das Laranjeiras e do que precisará ajustar neste período de descanso.

FIM DE SECA E MOMENTOS DE PODERIO OFENSIVO

Depois de um mês de idas e vindas, o setor ofensivo trouxe momentos promissores. Germán Cano voltou a marcar, encerrando um jejum de sete jogos. Lançado como titular, Lelê não se omitiu do jogo, ao tentar jogadas com Arias ou apostar em investidas com Cano.

A dupla entre Arias e Lelê também teve bons momentos em investidas por via aérea, em especial no primeiro tempo. O colombiano também mostrou abnegação em momentos desafiadores dos tricolores no segundo tempo.

IMPROVISOS E SACRIFÍCIOS

Dos seis desfalques que o Fluminense teve no Serrinha, ficou mais nítido o problema da lateral esquerda. Além dos laterais de ofício Marcelo e Jorge, o técnico Fernando Diniz teve a baixa de Alexsander, meia deslocado com frequência para o setor.

Outro jogador deslocado para este lado, Guga teve de retornar à sua posição de origem, pois o lateral-direito Samuel Xavier estava improvisado. O meia Gabriel Pirani atuou improvisado e, por mais que tenha se empenhado para ir à frente, sofreu com as investidas do Goiás na reta final de cada tempo. A trapalhada de Martinelli no fim da etapa inicial deu margem para a finalização de Morelli e, na sobra da defesa de Fábio, Pirani cometeu pênalti sobre Apodi. Matheus Peixoto converteu a cobrança.

No segundo tempo, o meia-atacante Alexandre Jesus também ocupou o setor e teve de se desdobrar. Além do jovem Esquerdinha ser opção, o Fluminense tem Diogo Barbosa na mira para a sequência do ano.

BONS MOMENTOS SE ESVAEM

Os tricolores se mostraram aguerridos ao tentarem propor o jogo e viram a dedicação da equipe culminar no gol de Lima no início do segundo tempo. O camisa 45 assumiu bem o desafio de substituir Paulo Henrique Ganso e ainda deixou o seu no dia do seu aniversário.

No entanto, a série de desfalques do Tricolor das Laranjeiras foi pesando à medida que o jogo transcorreu. Com as substituições, o Fluminense não manteve sua força e viu o Goiás ganhar força principalmente na reta final. Sinal de que o elenco curto começa a causar problemas para a equipe.

NOVA DOR DE CABEÇA?

Outro reflexo da sequência de jogos do Tricolor das Laranjeiras aconteceu aos 21 minutos do segundo tempo. Nino caiu no gramado chorando e se queixando de dores no músculo adutor da coxa direita. O zagueiro deixou o campo, foi substituído e sua situação pode custar a convocação para os amistosos da Seleção Brasileira.

Enquanto isso, na Serrinha, a equipe de Fernando Diniz se ressentia ainda mais de entrosamento. Por mais que David Braz lutasse, seu entrosamento com Manoel não funcionava e a equipe corria riscos.

PERDA DE FÔLEGO DIANTE DO GOIÁS

Nos dois tempos, o Tricolor das Laranjeiras viu o desgaste acarretar em gols sofridos. A situação ficou ainda mais nítida nos últimos minutos do confronto. O Goiás avançou com perigo com frequência em contra-ataques, obrigando os defensores a correrem além da conta para evitarem investidas.

Além disso, não faltaram chances em jogadas aéreas, nas quais Fábio se desdobrou para evitar. Até que Alesson aproveitou um momento de hesitação e definiu o empate na Serrinha. O momento não é só de se recuperar na classificação do Brasileiro e da Libertadores, mas de repor as forças de seus jogadores e comprovar que o grupo tem forças para se impor.

أنهى ليفربول في اليوم الأخير من سوق الانتقالات الصيفية، صفقة التعاقد مع المهاجم السويدي الدولي ألكسندر إيزاك والتي تبلغ قيمتها 125 مليون جنيه إسترليني من نيوكاسل يونايتد، حيث وقع على عقد لمدة ست سنوات.

وعلى الرغم من نجاح ليفربول في إنهاء هذه الصفقة إلا أنه قد فشلت محاولات النادي للتعاقد مع مارك جويهي من صفوف كريستال بالاس في اللحظات الأخيرة من سوق الانتقالات، ويعود ذلك لفشل بالاس في تأمين التعزيزات الدفاعية الكافية.

وكان ليفربول قد اتفق مع كريستال بالاس على ضم جويهي مقابل 35 مليون جنيه إسترليني وقد سافر إلى لندن لإجراء الفحص الطبي وكان يستعد لتوقيع عقده الجديد لخمس سنوات.

وقد رفض رئيس كريستال بالاس ستيف باريش الموافقة على رحيل اللاعب بعد أن اختار إيجور جوليو ومانويل أكانجي الانتقال لأندية أخرى مما جعل جلاسنر يصر على ضرورة التعاقد مع مدافعين جدد قبل رحيل جويهي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. يويفا يستعد لتحقيق جديد في واقعة مباراة ليفربول وأتلتيكو مدريد المثيرة للجدل

وتحدث توم فيرنر رئيس نادي ليفربول في تصريحات عن ضم إيزاك وصفقة جويهي ونشرها الصحفي البريطاني “ديفيد أوكوب”: “في حالة نيوكاسل كان على ناديهم إيجاد بديل”.

وأضاف: “لقد ظننا أننا نمتلك عرضًا ماليًا رائعًا لكنه كان مرتبط بعقد لثلاث سنوات، كنا نشعر أننا تعاقدنا مع إيكتيكي ليكون مهاجماً وشعرنا أنه إذا نجح الأمر سيكون رائعاً وإذا لم ينجح سيظهر خيار آخر في النهاية، لم أكن أعرف شيئاً أكثر من وسائل الإعلام”.

وحول مارك جويهي كشف فيرنر: “ظننا أننا سنتعاقد معه من بالاس، بدأ ناديهم بشكل جيد جداً في المفاوضات، ولم يكن رئيسهم مستعد لخسارته مهما حدث”.

وحول تحقيق الانتصارات في ليفربول أتم تصريحاته: “الفوز يتطلب جهدا كبيرا وليس بفضل موهبة لاعب واحد، إيزاك سيكون رائعاً لكنه ليس المهاجم الوحيد في العالم”.

وحول الفارق بين آرني سلوت ويورجن كلوب كشف فيرنر: “أحترم في سلوت أنه يتطور أكثر في الشوط الثاني دون تقليل من كلوب”.

وعن ذكرى ديوجو جوتا رد فيرنر: “العائلة تحظى برعاية مالية جيدة، لقد كان جوتا شخص استثنائي محبوب ليس لأنه كان هداف بل لأنه كان طيب القلب، أجده فضولياً للغاية وعندما أتحدث معه كنا نتحدث كثيراً عن الألعاب وكان لديه فريق رياضات إلكترونية، كانت لديه روح فضولية مميزة جذبت الناس له وكان يتمتع بشعبية كبيرة بين زملائه في غرفة الملابس”.

وختم فيرنر: “لقد تعرض العام الماضي لبعض الإصابات الخطيرة لكنه لم يستسلم وركز على مساعدة النادي وكان يعلم أنه قادر على ترك بصمة إيجابية حتى لو لم يبدأ أساسياً في المباريات، لقد تواصلنا مع أرملته وإعلام عائلته أننا في ليفربول عائلة واحدة ونريد التأكد من حصولهما على رعاية مالية جيدة”.

Manchester City have dominated the Premier League for the best part of a decade, securing six titles in the last ten seasons, including a phenomenal four consecutive titles, from 2020-2024.

One area the Citizens have struggled in this season, however, is in the defensive department, conceding 40 goals already this term in their 29 games played, which is the same number of goals conceded as rivals Manchester United, who sit 13th in the league.

Rodri being out injured has played a huge factor in this, losing their protection in front of the defensive line, but the decline of Kyle Walker mixed with injuries to the likes of John Stones and Nathan Ake has left City light at the back at points this campaign.

Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up – Arsenal – have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season, after also conceding the fewest in the league last term, showing their defensive quality over the past few years.

Arsenal's centre-back pairing

The Gunners had the best defensive record in the Premier League in the 2023/24 campaign, conceding just 29 goals in their 38 games played, averaging 8.5 shots conceded per game (2nd in the division) and finishing as the league runners-up.

So far this season, Arsenal have conceded 24 times in 29 games, again making them the most resolute defensive side in the league.

Much of this comes down to their rock-solid base in defence, with William Saliba and Gabriel, the French international making 27 appearances in the league this season, whilst the Brazilian international has also made 27 appearances in the league.

Comparing the two defenders’ underlying metrics this term, you can see how well they balance each other out, Gabriel offering more aerial prowess and box-defending traits to make blocks, whilst Saliba has a better recovery pace to make tackles and be progressive via carrying.

Manchester City spent a good deal of money in the January transfer window, and Pep could now have his very own answer to the Saliba and Gabriel partnership, with his new £63.4m duo.

Manchester City's own Gabriel & Saliba

In the January 2025 transfer window, Manchester City spent £33.8m on Lens starlet, Abdukodir Khusanov, whilst also paying around £29.6m for Palmeiras defender, Vitor Reis.

The former being 21 years old and the latter being 19 years old, gives City a new defensive foundation that could last a decade.

Much like Gabriel and Saliba too, Reis and Khusanov have traits to balance each other out, with Khusanov being more aggressive, having much more recovery speed and therefore being more involved in duels.

Indeed, the ex-Lens man has won 64% of his aerial duels in the Premier League so far, while averaging 4.5 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

Whereas, Reis provides more aerial ability and calmness on the ball, aiding Manchester City in their possession-based approach, with the South American starlet ranking in the top 15% of his peers for pass completion, across the last 365 days, as per FBref.

Khusanov has been given a quicker platform into Guardiola’s side, already making eight appearances for the club and scoring one goal. His blistering speed and tenacity to engage in duels has earned the 21-year-old high praise from Julien Laurens, labelling the young defender as “outstanding”.

Reis has only made two appearances for the first team since his arrival, but due to the teenager coming from the Brazilian League, Guardiola is likely looking to integrate Reis in a slower, more methodical manner, with the view of forming his very own Gabriel and Saliba in the years to come.

Their best signing since Haaland: Man City eyeing up "flawless" £100m star

Man City are looking to overhaul their midfield

By
Joe Nuttall

Mar 19, 2025

We at are proceeding as planned like the 2022 MLB season will begin more or less on time. I’ve attached the top 200 starters and 100 relievers by SIscore and included my stat projections for each player. This should help fantasy manager get a feel for each player's value for the 2022 draft season.

2022 Fantasy Baseball Rankings

Pitchers by SIscore

Updated: April 5, 2022
DOWNLOAD: EXCEL | VIEW AS WEB PAGE

MORE: Hitters by Position (Updated 4/5)

Top 200 starting pitchers

Manchester City have endured somewhat of a disappointing campaign in 2024/25, with any hopes of retaining their Premier League title out of the window with just eight games remaining.

Pep Guardiola’s side only remain in the FA Cup, but will face an in-form Nottingham Forest side, who have recently beaten them, to have any chance of ending the season on a high.

A rebuild is desperately needed at the Etihad this summer, with groundwork being done in January after the arrivals of Abdukodir Khusanov, Victor Reis, Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez.

However, if it is to continue this summer, the Spaniard will have to brutally part ways with numerous fan-favourites who have helped the club achieve the heights they have in recent years.

One of which could be set for a switch in the coming months, potentially cashing in at the right time and ending his eight-year stint in the Citizens’ first-team.

Real Madrid plot summer move for Manchester City star

According to Spanish outlet DefensaCentral, Real Madrid are keen on a summer move for City midfielder Bernardo Silva – a move that could kickstart any rebuild in Manchester.

The Portuguese international has been a regular in Guardiola’s side since his transfer from Monaco back in the summer of 2017, often being a dependable figure in their success.

However, with Bernardo turning 31 this summer and his deal expiring in 2026, it could provide the right time to part ways and allow for fresh blood at the Etihad.

The report states that the LaLiga giants are huge admirers of Silva and keen to make a move this window, but won’t pay over the odds given his age and contract scenario.

Whilst on the face of things, offloading a player who’s made 40 appearances this season may seem like a big call, the time has ultimately come for the next generation to stake their claim in the first-team.

Why City should look to sell Bernardo to Real Madrid this summer

There’s no denying that Silva has been a modern-day icon for City, racking up just shy of 400 appearances, and winning a total of 14 major trophies during his stint at the club.

However, despite his huge tally of outings this season, the midfielder, who’s valued at £46m by Football Transfers, has ultimately failed to match his usual high standards, with Guardiola needing to inject more energy into the heart of the side.

This summer could prove the last chance for the hierarchy to gain any money back on their investment, risking losing the “world-class” star, as labelled by Statman Dave, for nothing next January – with other clubs able to agree a pre-contract for his signature.

Games played

33

26

Goals & assists

15

6

Pass accuracy

90%

87%

Chances created

2.3

1.8

Dribble success

65%

52%

Duel success rate

50%

47%

Touches per 90

81

68

Gonzalez has already shown glimpses early on in his City career that he’s capable of being a key member for years to come, with a plethora of other young talent waiting in the wings.

Nico O’Reilly has demonstrated in recent weeks that he’s capable of stepping up to the plate, staking his claim for a regular starting role after notching two assists against Bournemouth – helping the club reach the next stage of the FA Cup.

Whilst the 20-year-old operated at left-back against the Cherries, he’s primarily a central midfielder, with Silva’s potential departure opening the door for him to thrive in his natural position.

As for James McAtee, he’s also waiting to get a consistent run in Guardiola’s side, only being restricted to substitute appearances within the Premier League this season.

However, the 22-year-old has still managed to notch two goals to date, showcasing he has the talent to become a regular should the Portuguese international depart in the coming months.

Whilst losing Silva would be a huge call, it’s one that is needed if the side are to return to the top of the English top division, needing new blood to take the side back to where they belong.

Investment from the hierarchy could help soften the blow, but it’s important that the manager hands the likes of O’Reilly and McAtee the opportunity to fulfil their potential at their boyhood outfit.

Pep may have just unearthed his new Raheem Sterling at Man City

Manchester City swatted a generally hopeless Leicester team aside 2-0 on Wednesday, but did Pep Guardiola find his new Raheem Sterling?

ByBen Gray Apr 3, 2025

The former USMNT star has pointed to the lack of quality coaches as the main reason why the U.S. struggles to develop world-class players

Gomez identifies coaching quality as the fundamental issue in U.S. player developmentAmerican soccer infrastructure and facilities exceed many countries producing elite talentCultural development gaps from early stages prevent technical and tactical growthGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Former USMNT striker and current ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez addressed the persistent question of why the United States fails to produce world-class football players. Despite billions invested in facilities, youth academies, and professional infrastructure, Gomez argued that the coaching methodology at youth levels remains insufficient. He specifically highlighted that while the U.S. has built impressive stadiums and training facilities, the quality of coaching instruction at formative ages is preventing young players from maximizing their potential.

“You look at the U.S., you don’t have great coaches,” Gomez said on . “So you could have all the resources, all the material in the world you need but if you don’t have the methodology to mold these players, you’re not going to have a player like Lamine Yamal who at 15 is debuting at Barca, 16 playing his first Euros, 17 is probably the front-runner for the Ballon d’Or.

He added, “You’re not going to have that because here at 15, you’re maybe getting approached to go to Europe. At 16, you can finally be in Europe; that’s when you can legally be there. At 16, 17, you’re stepping out into the first team [like Pulisic] and that’s the most accelerated examples I can go with. You don’t have that [in the U.S.], so it goes back to coaching, that’s why you don’t have and never had a world-class player, or probably are going to lack for world-class players because you don’t develop them."

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Gomez further touched on the fact that part of the reason is also cultural because a lot of world-class talent starts young and is mostly started by their family because football is part of their lives. He admits that that isn’t the case in America and it needs to change for the U.S. to produce a world-class star.

“That’s not per se what happens here. So if it’s not cultural and you don’t have the methodology, your behind in that resource which is the greatest resource of all, who gives a sh*t what the stadium looks like? Or the grass is like, or what kind of gear you have, or what kind of sensors they put on your chest that measures how much you run?! But that’s what I’m saying, you don’t have that [culture and methodology] and if you don’t have that, it’s very, very difficult to be put with the rest of the world.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The United States has made significant strides in football over the past two decades, with MLS academies, youth development programs, and improved professional pathways. However, Gomez's critique points to a deeper issue that resources alone cannot fix: the cultural understanding of the game that informs coaching philosophy. South American and European countries have produced generation after generation of elite players through consistent teaching methodologies that emphasize technical skill and tactical awareness from the earliest ages.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

The U.S. Soccer Federation has recently expanded its coaching education programs and invested in bringing international expertise to influence American coaching methods. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, there will likely be increased scrutiny on these efforts to improve coaching quality at youth levels.