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The final few months of the season are vital for Manchester United. Ruben Amorim’s side are chasing a spot in the Champions League, although not from their finish in the Premier League. The Red Devils’ only hope of returning to Europe’s elite club competition is by winning the Europa League.

They will no doubt be looking to end the campaign on a high, starting with a win over Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. They then face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final, first leg, away from home next Thursday. They are just two ties away from the final.

Getting Champions League football will be key for United, to attract the best players in the world. In fact, they have been linked with someone who certainly fits into that category.

Man Utd's search for a striker

One of the most intriguing transfer sagas in the 2025 window might well be clubs battling it out to sign Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian forward is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Italian giants Napoli but seems set to leave the club in the summer.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from journalist Buchi Laba, United have ‘made it clear’ to the 26-year-old that he is ‘their first option’ this summer when it comes to signing a new centre-forward. Laba reports that an unnamed club from Spain has also informed Osimhen of the same thing.

In terms of a price for Osimhen, United could be looking at a fairly costly deal. The on-loan Galatasaray star reportedly has a release clause of £62.1m.

Last summer, when United signed Joshua Zirkzee, they agreed to pay slightly more than his Bologna release clause but will pay it off in installments, so perhaps there will be scope to structure the deal for Osimhen in a similar way.

Why Osimhen would be a good signing

Make no mistake about it, Osimhen would immediately upgrade the Red Devils’ side. Football statistician Statman Dave described him as “the best number nine on the market” after he scored his 14th goal in ten games for club and country over the weekend.

His form for Turkish giants Galatasaray this term has been extraordinary. In 32 games across the campaign, he has found the back of the net 28 times, as well as chipping in with five assists.

Two of those goals came away from home against United’s Premier League rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, in the Europa League.

The 26-year-old has shown consistent goal-scoring form over the past few seasons. His record for Napoli is excellent, with 76 goals in 133 games for the Italian giants. In each of his four seasons at the club, he scored at least ten Serie A goals, including 26 in 32 games in 2022/23.

As for Osimhen’s underlying numbers on FBref, they are nothing short of elite. For example, he averages 0.78 goals each game, ranking him in the top 10% of strikers across Europe, and averages 3.44 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 8%.

Just imagine how deadly he would be playing with Bruno Fernandes. The United captain has been sensational this term, with an extraordinary 16 goals and 16 assists in 45 games. He has been the key source of creativity for the Red Devils.

In fact, just like Osimhen, his underlying numbers on FBref are some of the best in the world and showcase just how elite he is. Two standout numbers are the 3.05 key passes and 9.49 progressive passes per game, which rank him in the top 1% and 2% of midfielders across Europe, respectively.

That seems like a match made in heaven. An elite goalscorer like Osimhen, combined with one of Europe’s best creators in Fernandes, would surely be a dream combination for the Red Devils.

Although a deal to sign Osimhen could be costly, they surely cannot afford to pass up on the chance to sign one of the deadliest finishers in Europe, especially when they have a star like Fernandes playing behind him. In that sense, this seems like a transfer United have to get over the line.

Amorim wants him out: "Brave" Man Utd star could now leave after £60m+ bid

He’s endured an incredibly frustrating campaign…

11

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 6, 2025

The Frenchman is set to move to the Stade Louis II on a free transfer, while Barcelona's No.10 could arrive on loan with an option to buy

Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro revealed last September that his goal was "to have 50 percent of the first-team squad made up of academy players" within the next three years. It's an ambitious but arguably achievable goal for a club long renowned for developing homegrown talent, such as Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet and Kylian Mbappe.

However, Scuro remains acutely aware of the importance of continuing to scour the market for potential bargains in order to ensure that Monaco maintain the requisite blend of youth and experience to compete at Champions League level.

For that very reason, the Brazilian is willing to take a punt on Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati, two fallen stars desperately hoping to shine again at the Stade Louis II…

• Popularity unaffected by doping ban

  Because of their focus on unearthing hidden gems and polishing rough diamonds, Monaco haven't made many waves in the transfer market since the summer of 2013-14, when club president Dmitry Rybolovlev spent just under €150 million (£128m/$174m) on new players, including Colombian stars Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez.

  One could easily argue, then, that Pogba would represent Les Monegasques' most high-profile signing of the past decade. For example, the former Juventus midfielder has 63 million followers on Instagram – more than 30 times as many as Monaco – and that's in spite of the fact that Pogba hasn't played a competitive game of football since September 3, 2023 because of a doping ban.

  Right from the start, the Frenchman accepted his share of the blame for taking a supplement prescribed by a doctor in Florida that led to elevated levels of testosterone in his system, which was picked up by a drugs test after a Serie A game against Udinese, but Pogba insisted all along that he had never "knowingly or deliberately" ingested a banned substance. As a result, he fought the four-year ban initially imposed upon him by Italy's anti-doping committee (Nado), and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ultimately reduced his suspension to 18 months, ruling that while "Mr Pogba was not without fault, and that, as a professional football player, he should have paid a greater care in the circumstances," the breach "was not intentional".

  "Finally the nightmare is over," Pogba said after his appeal was "partially upheld". "I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again. I play with integrity and, although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's judges who heard my explanation. This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold."

  Now, though, he's free to resume a top-flight career that appeared to be over.

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  The fall of Fati

  At 22, Ansu Fati is 10 years younger than Pogba – and yet there is just as much concern over whether the Spaniard is also finished at the highest level.

  It now feels like an eternity ago but, back in 2019, Fati was the most exciting young player in world football, a 16-year-old striking sensation breaking one record after another at Barcelona and wowing the world in much the same way as Lamine Yamal is now.

  Then came the injury that changed everything. On November 7, 2020, just a fortnight after Fati had become the second-youngest goal-scorer in Clasico history, he tore the meniscus in his left knee. Barca said the teenager would be out of action for four months. He didn't return for nine, though – and even when he did, he wasn't the same player.

  There were flashes of Fati's former self during the 2022-23 campaign, in which he scored 10 goals in all competitions, but the mere fact that Barca loaned him to Brighton the following season showed that the club had lost faith in a forward upon whom they had bestowed the ultimate honour by giving him Lionel Messi's iconic No.10 jersey.

  Unfortunately, Fati failed miserably to impress in the Premier League, meaning there was never any chance of his temporary stay the Amex materialising into a transfer.

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  The Flick factor

  Hansi Flick's appointment as Barca boss last summer hardly improved Fati's fortunes, as the German was charged with making Barca not only better, but fitter. It, thus, came as little surprise to see the injury-plagued Fati afforded just three starts last season – and just 298 minutes of total game time.

  According to , the attacker was deeply affected by the way in which he was treated by the German and has now reluctantly accepted that there is no longer any future for him at Barcelona.

  Of course, the Catalans have been trying to sell Fati for some time now, in order to create some wiggle room on their wage bill and generate some pure profit to alleviate their ongoing financial fair play problems. The problem is that they've been unable to find a buyer for the fragile forward. Monaco, though, are willing to take Fati on loan with a view to permanent move.

  So, what hope do both Fati and Pogba have of kickstarting their careers in the principality?

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  'Inspiring brand of football'

  There are certainly few more privileged places to play football than Monaco. However, the glamorous tax haven is also home to one of Europe's most attractive teams thanks in no small part to the work being done at the Stade Louis II by Adi Hutter.

  After winning domestic titles in his native Austria and Switzerland, with Red Bull Salzburg and Young Boys, respectively, before reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, the 55-year-old coach took charge of Monaco in July 2023 and immediately led the club back into the Champions League via a runners-up finish in Ligue 1.

  Hutter's side immediately announced themselves as a team to watch by beating Barcelona last September, while they also beat Aston Villa on their path to the knockout phase play-offs, where they were beaten 4-3 on aggregate by Benfica after a thrilling 3-3 draw at Estadio da Luz.

  French football followers were utterly unsurprised by the exciting nature of Monaco's campaign, given Hutter's willingness to afford creative talents such as Eliesse Ben Seghir, Maghnes Akliouche and George Ilenikhena the freedom to express themselves.

  "For me, football is entertainment," Hutter told earlier this year. "I hate boring football: 15 passes around the backline and then back to the goalkeeper. I like to play an inspiring brand of football. It doesn't mean you win every game but the spectators expect you to play the ball forward. In the offensive third, I say: 'Guys, you are creative players.' I don't say: 'You have to play this ball and this ball. Guys, you earn money for your creativity.'"

  One would imagine, then, that Fati and Pogba would relish playing under such an offensively-minded coach.

The U.S. international signed a three-year deal with the reigning French champions

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• Albert joins OL Lyonnes from PSG
• Midfielder signs three-year deal
• 21-year-old has played in France entire pro career

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. women's national team midfielder Korbin Albert has signed for OL Lyonnes on a three-year deal from Paris Saint-Germain in France. The 21-year-old has competed in France's top division since signing her first professional contract with PSG in January of 2023 after leaving the University of Notre Dame.

  At PSG, she made 71 appearances, scoring nine goals. Notably, Albert was a regular with the team that made the semifinals of the 2023-24 UEFA Women's Champions League, where they crashed out of the competition to OL Lyonnes by an aggregate score of 5-3 over two legs.

  “I am so excited and beyond thrilled I think just being back here and in the stadium, it fills my heart with joy and I’m just extremely grateful,” Albert said. “I’ve been to Lyon a couple times prior, obviously we played against Lyon but also 2018, and I just fell in love with the city and everything about French culture.

  She added, “The French championships are very competitive and there are a lot of high-level teams and players, it’s amazing.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Albert made her USWNT debut in 2023 and has since accumulated 26 national team appearances. She was a member of the Gold Medal-winning squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

  At Lyonnes, she will join USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps and work under manager Jonatan Giraldez, who departed the Washington Spirit for the French club last month. Fellow U.S. international Lily Yohannes is reportedly set to sign for Lyonnes in the coming weeks, too.

  In addition to Albert and Yohannes, the club has also signed Jule Brand, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Ingrid Engen, and Ashley Lawrence this offseason.

  Internationally, Albert was not named to the senior roster for U.S. friendlies in June and July, instead being selected for the U23s camp.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Albert and her now-fiancé Spencer Shrader announced their engagement Saturday morning on social media. Shrader plays in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts as a place kicker.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ALBERT?

  Albert and Lyonnes are currently in the midst of their offseason. The U.S. midfielder will report for preseason this summer, with their 2025-26 campaign beginning this fall.

Manchester United are 'considering' the prospect of taking Douglas Luiz in exchange for Jadon Sancho in a swap deal with Juventus.

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• Juventus want to sign Sancho
• Has asked to leave the Red Devils
• Luiz seen as expendable at Juve

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per Corriere dello Sport, Juventus want to swap Douglas Luiz for Sancho this summer and they are in negotiations with United over a deal that will do just that. Ruben Amorim's side are said to be 'considering' the proposal, but have yet to progress to concrete negotiations. There is no mention on whether a fee will be involved, too.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Luiz, who endured a tricky season at Juve and was limited to just three starts, is represented by the same agency as Joshua Zirkzee, which may well help United's path into negotiations. That is provided they are interested in signing the defensive midfielder, which has yet to be properly established. They are willing to move Sancho on, though, and confirmed on Friday that he has asked to leave the club.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Sancho spent last season on loan at Chelsea but the Blues rejected the chance to sign the winger permanently. The winger has also been linked with Fenerbahce, although Jose Mourinho is said to have vetoed the deal.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Sancho will hope to complete a move away from United as the summer continues. Whether he ends up at Juventus remains to be seen.

As the club's inability to sell at the right price strikes again, GOAL runs through the players allowed to leave for unforgivably low prices

Manchester United fans have very few things to be cheerful about at the moment. The team have just come off their worst season in 51 years and are now toiling in the transfer market as they struggle to provide Ruben Amorim with the squad he needs to make amends in the coming campaign.

Their long pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo is the latest example of the Red Devils always having to spend more than rival clubs to get their targets. But while paying far too much for players is bad enough, United are also earning an unwanted reputation for undervaluing their own players and selling them for way below their true market price.

Newcastle have just agreed to pay Nottingham Forest £55 million ($74m) to sign former United winger Anthony Elanga, who left Old Trafford for only £15m two years before. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are keen on signing Alvaro Carreras, who spent four years on United's books but never played any senior competitive minutes before eventually thriving at Benfica.

The Elanga and Carreras moves come at the same time that United are struggling to find new homes for Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho and Antony, who have all made it clear that they wish to leave. The latter three cost the club a combined £174m, while the former two were homegrown players who were supposed to be mainstays of the club's future, and a lack of movement thus far suggests United are likely to again be taken for a ride once they eventually negotiate their sales.

With United's inability to sell at the right price becoming a more common theme, GOAL runs through the six players who the Red Devils undervalued over the course of the last 25 years, only to then watch in horror as they went on to great things elsewhere…

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  Anthony Elanga

  Elanga emerged into the United first team at a time of crisis, doing so shortly after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been sacked and Mason Greenwood had been suspended in late 2021. Elanga scored three goals in little more than a month and became the subject of a catchy chant to the theme of 90s smash hit 'Rhythm is a Dancer', which dubbed him 'United's saviour'. The Swede, however, was not the finished article and too much pressure was put on his young shoulders, which contributed to him failing to score again for the remainder of a hugely disappointing season.

  United's transfer activity the following summer, however, was hugely insulting to their homegrown talent as they spent £85m on Antony from Ajax. Elanga thus barely got a look-in under Erik ten Hag, and was subsequently sold to Nottingham Forest for £15m in 2023. It felt like a reasonable deal for a player of his limited experience. but his progress at Forest, where he scored 11 Premier League goals and set up a further 20 over the course of two seasons, came in stark contrast to Antony's woeful form and Rashford's massive decline back at Old Trafford.

  Now, while United scramble to find any serious bidders for their two unwanted wingers, Forest can celebrate more than tripling their investment on Elanga as he heads to Newcastle.

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  Scott McTominay

  "How you can sell Scott is beyond me," was how Solskjaer reacted when discussing United's decision to sell McTominay to Napoli in the summer of 2024. Ten Hag later explained he did not want to part with the Scotland international, who had dug him out of plenty of holes in the past two seasons, but had little choice due to Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) and the fact they could mark the whole transfer fee as 'pure profit'.

  The fact that Ten Hag did sanction McTominay's sale showed that when push came to shove, the Dutchman ultimately saw the homegrown midfielder as a squad player, a super-sub rather than a regular starter. In the end, United sold McTominay for £25m, which was £5m less than West Ham had offered them for the same player in the previous summer, while the financial boost his sale provided was soon wiped out by the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee for £36.6m.

  While Zirkzee was ridiculed by United fans in his first few months with the club, McTominay was an instant hit at the Stadio Diego Maradona and fired Napoli to the Serie A title, while also being named the league's MVP. McTominay has proven to be an utter steal for Antonio Conte's side and another sign that United cannot spot value, even when it has been at the club for a decade.

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  Alvaro Carreras

  United essentially played most of the 2023-24 campaign without any natural left-backs, but in hindsight it seems that they had a future Real Madrid player on their hands and never used him. Carreras was developing well after an impressive season on loan at Preston North End, but despite Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia suffering early injury setbacks, they preferred to sign Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham rather than play Carreras, who was instead sent out for another loan at Granada.

  To tell the truth, Carreras did not exactly thrive at Granada, and when Benfica asked to take him on loan for the second half of the season with an option to buy him permanently, United jumped at the offer. And while United slumped to two consecutive horror seasons without a reliable left-back, Carreras excelled in Portugal, and Benfica now stand to make an astonishing profit on him while United are left cursing the fact that they not only failed to spot his potential in the first place, but that they did not exercise the buy-back option they had inserted into his contract.

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  Gerard Pique

  Gerard Pique has described his time at United, whom he joined from Barcelona as a 17-year-old, as being 'a Master's degree in development as a player and a person', but the Red Devils had no idea that they had a genius among their ranks and instead let him leave for almost nothing.

  Pique got limited opportunities at United due to the impenetrable partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but Sir Alex Ferguson made a big mistake in not seeing the centre-back's future potential and letting him return to Barca for a mere £5m. Indeed, Ferguson seemed to think United would be in safer hands with Jonny Evans.

  The legendary manager showed his human touch by granting Pique's request to return home, but just a year later was made to see the error of his ways when the defender cleared a Ji-sung Park shot off the line in the 2009 Champions League final while Barca outclassed United before doing the same in the 2011 showpiece.

  Pique became one of Barca and Spain's greatest defenders of all time, and his sale for such a low fee must go down as one of Ferguson's greatest mistakes. It showed that not even the best manager of his time was immune from failing to spot potential.

Manchester City have extended their kit deal with Puma for a minimum of another ten years, with the contract worth at least £1 billion.

• City sign largest kit deal in Premier League history
• Extension with Puma sealed until 2035
• Worth record £100m a year

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City have confirmed they have extended their kit partnership with Puma, making it the most lucrative contract in Premier League history. The Cityzens will now take home £100 million (€115.3 million/$133.9 million) each season until 2035 compared to their previous haul of £65 million a year, surpassing the previous kit record which was held by local rivals Manchester United after they signed a ten-year deal with adidas worth around £900 million.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Puma have partnered with City since 2019 and the club have enjoyed great success during that time, most notably becoming the second English team to claim a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble. The new deal also beats rivals Liverpool, who agreed a multi-year contract with adidas thought to be worth around £60 million a season.

• WHAT MAN CITY AND PUMA SAID

  City Football Group chief executive Ferran Soriano said: "We joined forces with Puma with the ambition to challenge ourselves and go beyond the expectations. We have achieved this and more over the last six seasons.

  "Puma have seamlessly integrated into our organisation, and we have enjoyed many historic moments together, engaging fans globally."

  Puma chief executive Arthur Hoeld added: "Puma's partnership with Manchester City has been a great success both on and off the pitch.

  "Trophies, a perfect stage for our performance products and commercial success were exceptional."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  City have already announced their home kit for the 2025-26 season, though their away and third designs for the forthcoming campaign are yet to be confirmed. They could be seen at some point in pre-season, though City only currently have one confirmed friendly against Palermo.

Manchester United fans will not be allowed to print the names of three of the club's biggest legends on back of their shirts, it has been revealed.

• Fans cannot print name of three legends on their shirt
• United do not own player trademarks
• Sign at club shop informs confused fans

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Reported by , the three players in question are legendary No. 7s Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Eric Cantona. United do not own the trademark to any of the trio of former players' names, which means they are not licensed to print them on the back of shirts.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report states that this has been the case for several years and not just at United, as Real Madrid do not have the rights to print the legendary Ronaldo's name either, despite his status as one of the club's greatest-ever players.

  With this in mind, the recent craze around retro football shirts makes sense as it gives fans the chance to sport the names of their favourite players from the past on their backs, on shirts which were printed at a time when the player in question was at the club. In the case of Ronaldo, Beckham and Cantona, these shirts must be very rare to find indeed.

• WHAT FANS HAVE SAID

  United fans expressed their confusion at the licensing rule on social media.

  One fan said on X: "That's really weird." 

  "Modern football just gets weirder," another added.

  A third said: "What if I call my son Beckham and he wants his own name on his shirt?"

  Another stated: "How can you copyright a name lol I'm pretty sure there's more people with those names."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  The Red Devils face Everton and Fiorentina in their final pair of pre-season fixtures before Mikel Arteta's Arsenal visit Old Trafford on August 17. Ruben Amorim's side will be looking for a major improvement on their unprecedented struggles last campaign and may look to complete further transfer business before the campaign gets underway.

GOAL takes a look at the 10 most disappointing Designated Player signings over the past five years in Major League Soccer

Olivier Giroud departed LAFC this summer, becoming the latest high-profile Designated Player to underwhelm in Major League Soccer. The Frenchman had moments, but he never lived up to expectations. The same can be said for a number of high-profile players who have disappointed in that label since its introduction to the league 18 years ago. 

Dubbed the “Beckham Rule,” the DP mechanism was originally created so the LA Galaxy could sign the England icon. It’s since become a cornerstone of MLS roster building, and teams have heavily relied on it to bring superstar talent to the league. Not all have worked. Disastrous DP signings have plagued the league,  with prominent examples such as Rafael Marquez and the New York Red Bulls, Steven Gerrard and the LA Galaxy, and Andrea Pirlo and NYCFC. 

In recent years, though, the hit rate has vastly improved, with fewer "big-time" misses. 

Lionel Messi is the most historic DP signing to date, but the past five years have seen multiple success stories that elevated players, clubs, and coaches alike – from Messi to Denis Bouanga, former Columbus Crew ace Cucho Hernández and the mercurial Emanuel Reynoso.

Of course, not everyone lived up to the hype.

From Inter Miami's disastrous duo of Blaise Matuidi and Rodolfo Pizarro to Insigne and Xherdan Shaqiri in Chicago, GOAL highlights the top 10 most disappointing DP signings since 2020.

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  10Olivier Giroud, LAFC

  It was fun on paper, right? France's all-time leading scorer, a forward who played at elite levels for Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan – a classic No. 9 who excels as a poacher or a target-man in the box. 

  Well, it wasn't fun in real life, and that was unfortunate to watch. Giroud lasted just one year in MLS, joining LAFC as a free agent in 2024 before and and the club mutually terminating his contract this summer. 

  He helped LAFC to the Leagues Cup final in 2024, where he scored his first goal for the club, and he also helped them win the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. However, the Frenchman never found consistency in the final third and was reduced to a bench role more often than not under Steve Cherundolo.

  He made 20 regular-season appearances, scoring three goals and adding four assists. 

  He made an impact at the club, helping them secure silverware in the Open Cup, but he was never a good fit under Cherundolo and never lived up to his DP price tag.

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  9Kamil Jozwiak, Charlotte FC

  Jozwiak joined CLT in 2022 as a high-profile DP signing, transferring from Derby County in England. The Poland international, however, struggled the entire time he was in MLS.

  He appeared in 44 regular-season matches, scoring just two goals while recording 10 assists.

  His production in the final third was nothing short of lackluster, and the return he provided the club was not that of an established winger who plays for a top European nation. He played two seasons in MLS, but never hit his stride.

  CLT managed to avoid using an offseason buy-out on the winger, with La Liga side Granada swooping in to secure his signature in 2024. 

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  8Luiz Araujo, Atlanta United

  Araujo joined Atlanta with high expectations after starring for Ligue 1 heavyweights Lille. He played four seasons in France with the club, helping them to a stunning Ligue 1 title in 2020-2021. Signed at 25, Araujo played two seasons with the , where it became apparent that he was just not a good fit. 

  Heading into the 2023 season, he was a top-10 earner within MLS, and just did not offer a high enough return for the salary he was being paid. In total, he made 59 appearances for Atlanta, scoring 11 goals and recording 10 assists, while earning an additional 10 yellow cards and one red card.

  There were glimpses, and fun moments, but he just never lived up to expectations.

  The lone positive spin is that Atlanta was able to flip Araujo for a reported $10 million fee to Flamengo when he left in May 2023. They originally paid Lille a reported $10M plus $2M in potential add-ons. Small margins, but they didn't lose a substantial amount of money. 

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  7Ake Loba, Nashville SC

  Oh, Ake Loba. So much potential, but so much bad soccer. 

  Loba, an Ivory Coast youth international, starred at youth levels for his nation. After stints around Central America and Mexico as a young player, he joined Nashville in 2021 from CF Monterrey in Liga MX for a reported fee of $6.8 million. They also paid the Portland Timbers $230k for an international roster spot to bring Loba to the club.

  Across 40 regular-season games, the striker scored just two goals and recorded two assists. In January 2023, he was loaned to Liga MX side Mazatlan, before a mutual contract termination arrived in May of that year. 

  So much potential, but he never once looked the part, and looking back, just really poor scouting from Nashville.

After signing several attacking reinforcements this summer, Marseille are preparing to part ways with Neal Maupay to reduce their wage expenditure.

• Weah to join Marseille but Maupay set for exit
• Ex-Everton man surplus after arrivals of Aubameyang and Gouiri
• OM open to loan or sale for to reduce wage bill

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to a report from , Marseille are finalising the signing of Timothy Weah from Juventus. The American international, who has 44 caps for the United States national team, is set to arrive on loan with an obligation to buy for around €15 million (€13m/$17m). This follows the earlier arrival of striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and pushes Maupay further down the pecking order. Maupay, who managed four goals and four assists in 22 appearances last season, has now been earmarked for sale as OM look to trim their bloated wage bill. The club are considering both loan and permanent transfer options due to limited interest from other clubs in a permanent move.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Weah’s imminent arrival adds to a revitalised attack, with Aubameyang recently making his return and Amine Gouiri having already joined in the winter window. This new competition for attacking spots signals an exit for Maupay, who has failed to secure a regular starting place since joining from Everton. Marseille aim to rebalance their squad and finances after heavy recruitment in forward positions.

• TELL ME MORE

  The Marseille management have reportedly identified Maupay as surplus to requirements despite being respected internally by head coach Roberto De Zerbi. The 28-year-old forward’s output has not been enough to cement his place in the side and with no strong bids coming in, the French side may have to settle for a temporary switch.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAUPAY?

  Maupay is expected to depart once Marseille complete Weah’s signing. Marseille, meanwhile, continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new Ligue 1 season, favouring a reduced wage bill and streamlined attack to align with their ambitions.

Marquinhos praised Paris Saint-Germain’s mental strength after their stunning Super Cup comeback against Tottenham.

• PSG overturned 2-0 deficit to win Super Cup
• Marquinhos highlights team’s mental strength in comeback
• Tottenham faltered despite early second-half lead

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  PSG completed a dramatic comeback to win the Super Cup, defeating Tottenham 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation. Spurs had taken a commanding 2-0 lead early in the second half, but late goals from Lee Kang-in in the 85th minute and Goncalo Ramos in stoppage time forced the game into extra time and a penalty shootout, which the French side won 4-3.

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  WHAT MARQUINHOS SAID

  PSG captain Marquinhos highlighted the importance of mental strength in the comeback. He explained to : “I'm proud, we didn't have much preparation, but we see that football isn't just about the physical, it's also about the ball, the mental aspect. They led 2-0, they were behind a lot and invited us to come. It's dangerous to invite PSG to come like that. The coach made changes that we needed. We needed a number nine like Goncalo to put that ball in the back of the net.” 

  Looking ahead to next season, the Brazilian said: "I'm very happy, here to help. No one has a guaranteed place here anyway. You have to be at the highest level, always give your all, and that's what I'm going to do to keep the coach happy and keep my place. "

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  PSG, who lost the Club World Cup final to Chelsea just a month ago, demonstrated mental strength to overturn Tottenham’s lead. Spurs struggled to close out the game and now shift focus to the Premier League opener against Burnley. PSG will begin their Ligue 1 campaign against Nantes on Sunday, carrying momentum from this dramatic win.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  PSG aim to build on this momentum as they start their Ligue 1 season away at Nantes on Sunday, with coach Luis Enrique looking to maintain the club’s winning rhythm. Tottenham must regroup quickly ahead of their Premier League opener at home against Burnley on Saturday, analysing how to avoid similar late-game collapses. Both clubs now turn their attention to their domestic campaigns, with PSG hoping to continue their trophy-laden 2025 and Tottenham seeking a strong start in the Premier League.