Manchester United once had a Zinedine Zidane-esque midfielder, who legendary Red Devils midfielder Paul Scholes compared to Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.
Man Utd looking to sign new midfielder in January
After missing out on a new central midfielder during the 2025 summer transfer window, Man United have set their sights on signing one in January, and a number of potential targets have already been identified.
Target
Current club
Potential cost
Carlos Baleba
Brighton
£115m
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace
£50m+
Conor Gallagher
Atletico Madrid
£45m
Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest
Unknown
There are clear indications that Ruben Amorim needs to bolster his options in the engine room, with Scholes suggesting Bruno Fernandes isn’t cut out to be a central midfielder, while also singling Casemiro out for criticism.
The 50-year-old said: “Fernandes [and Casemiro], they’re the two he’s [Amorim] going with, and Fernandes for me, he’s someone who fills in as a midfielder, he might get away with it for one, two or three games. He’s not got the discipline to be a central midfield player.”
“Bringing two No.10s (Cunha and Mbeumo) was that really necessary? You think you’ve got Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo can do that.”
Man Utd now eyeing January move for "unbelievable" £47m Baleba alternative
The Red Devils are looking to sign a central midfielder, who could be perfect for Ruben Amorim.
1 ByDominic Lund Sep 10, 2025
Having arguably gotten their priorities wrong in the summer, United look poised to make a move for a new central midfielder this winter, and they will be hoping the new signing can eclipse Paul Pogba’s achievements, with the Frenchman leaving on a free back in 2022.
Pogba’s career at United didn’t pan out the way anyone was hoping, but he received extremely high praise not long after returning to Old Trafford, with Gianluigi Buffon saying:
Scholes was also a keen admirer of the central midfielder, saying:
Pogba had the talent to be an all-time great
The 32-year-old’s time at Old Trafford was by no means a complete failure, having won two EFL Cups and the 2016-17 Europa League, but there is no doubt that the midfielder didn’t manage to hit the heights expected of him.
Given how highly the 91-time France international was rated by Scholes and Buffon, he had the ability to become an all-time great for Man United, but things didn’t work out that way, arguably due to his attitude, which Graeme Souness regularly criticised.
Souness said: “Paul Pogba plays for himself, it’s all about how cool he looks, showing us how clever he is. I reckon Pogba’s only in the team to maintain his transfer value until United can sell him, because he doesn’t merit his place for any other reason.”
With Pogba’s doping ban over, the former United man arguably has one last chance to get his career back on track, having now signed for AS Monaco on a two-year deal.
Newcastle United have made some late-window headlines and have put forward a proposal to land a new frontman before the close of play.
Newcastle United keen on acquiring late arrivals
Eddie Howe will realise he has his work cut out for him after a goalless stalemate against Leeds United on Saturday evening, which has put the cat among the pigeons regarding their lack of a goalscorer.
Seeking a clinical edge at the top end of the field, Nick Woltemade has arrived at Newcastle from Stuttgart, but had to make do with a place in the stands at Elland Road while William Osula earned a rare start through the middle.
Delivering an honest assessment of his side’s performance in Yorkshire, Howe admitted their lacklustre nature in the final third left a lot to be desired, even if the Geordies showed resilience to come away with a point.
He told BBC Radio Five Live: “I thought there was a lot of commitment from the players. This is a tough place to come to and I think we stood up to it really well. Defensively it was a very strong performance. I thought we looked organised, put our bodies on the line, blocked shots really well and stopped their main threats.
“We’re disappointed the other way that we didn’t cause them more problems. We had a few moments that you think could’ve led to more. We’re just in that moment where the goals aren’t flowing and that cost us today.”
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Alexander Isak and his proposed move from Newcastle to Liverpool keeps on heating up.
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Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is a late target for Newcastle who could offer a level of dictation in midfield, though it appears that Howe is after a striker, and he may now be moving closer to securing an arrival.
Newcastle United submit verbal offer for Yoane Wissa
Taking to social media platform X, Ben Jacobs confirmed Newcastle have put forward a ‘verbal’ offer of £45 million overall for the Democratic Republic of Congo international, though the Bees delayed giving a response due to not finding a suitable alternative.
Furthermore, Keith Andrews and the Bees are said to want £60 million before being tempted into a sale due to their struggles to bring in a replacement, potentially creating a scenario where the Magpies need to fork out considerable money to acquire his signature.
Labelled “incredible” by Thomas Frank, Wissa scored 20 times and laid on five assists in 39 matches last term and has since been at the centre of vast speculation, which may favour Newcastle at this late stage.
Ultimately, a potent finisher is needed to supplement Woltemade’s arrival, and the former Lorient man would be more than capable of stepping up to the challenge.
Newcastle United are now believed to be planning a huge £69m offer for an attacking star who has been hailed for his “maverick” qualities.
Newcastle draw blank without Isak
The Magpies got their Premier League season started with a 0-0 draw away to Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime, with no sign of Alexander Isak in the matchday squad, as expected.
Newcastle were arguably the better team throughout, but they couldn’t break down Villa’s 10 men late in the day, with Eddie Howe giving his assessment of the Isak situation before kick-off.
“We do [have to forget about Isak] – he’s not here with us. We have to focus on who is here and get the best out of them. The players are aware he’s not here, the focus will be on each player playing to the best of their ability.
“I want him to play. I want him to train. I’ve had those conversations [with Isak] but the details of those will remain private. There is no change to the situation. All my focus has been on the training, Aston Villa and the transfer front in terms of getting players in – that is all-consuming for me. Alex’s situation has been unchanged for a while and that will continue to be the case.”
Newcastle are continuing to look for possible Isak replacements, before potentially selling the Swede to Liverpool, and an exciting player has now been linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Newcastle planning £69m offer for star
According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are now preparing a £69m bid for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo this summer.
The 25-year-old is reportedly seen as the ‘ideal’ option to help fill the potential void left by Isak, following two goals against Liverpool on Friday evening.
Semenyo could be a magnificent signing for Newcastle if they can strike a deal this month, with the Bournemouth ace arguably among the best wide forwards in the Premier League.
The Ghanaian not only displayed his quality against champions Liverpool on Friday, stunning them with two good finishes, but he also showed incredible mental resilience after being subjected to racist abuse from the stands.
Semenyo feels like a sure-fire bet for Newcastle, in terms of being a success for Newcastle from the off, with analyst Ben Mattinson lauding his “maverick” style of attacking play.
The Isak saga is reaching a point of no return, with the striker not training with his teammates and potentially alienating himself from them, so a sale may end up being the sensible decision, even though it would mean losing a world-class player.
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Signing Semenyo could go a long way towards helping make up for the loss of Isak, although he isn’t exactly a like for like replacement due to primarily being a wide forward.
كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تفاصيل تعرضه لحادث سير، اليوم الأحد، مؤكدًا أنه رفض إجراء مداخلات تليفزيونية وشرح ما حدث.
وقال شوبير عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “اليوم صباحاً وقع حادث، وكنت أحب أن أحكي القصة بنفسي هنا دون أن أكتب على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي، واعتذرت لكل من تواصلوا معي لعمل مداخلات وقررت أن أحكي القصة باختصار لأن هناك نقطتين يجب التحدث عنهما”.
طالع| قمة على صفيح ساخن.. الأهلي يتسلح بـ النجوم و”الدوافع” في مواجهة الزمالك المتصدر بـ الدوري
وتابع نجم الأهلي السابق: “كنت عائداً من طريق صلاح سالم ولم أكن بعيداً عن القلعة، وكنت جالساً بجانب السائق، فجأة شاهدت سيارة تخرج دخاناً، فأشرت على السائق أن يتوقف، ثم فاجأنا نار كبيرة جداً في سيارة كانت بجانبنا في منطقة اسمها عرب مسار”.
وأضاف: “الشباب الذين كانوا هناك لم يترددوا، فتحوا السيارة وأنزلوني منها، بدأ الشعب المصري الجميل في التضامن، كان معنا طفاية صغيرة، استخدموها لكنها لم تطفئ النار”.
وأضاف: “الكثير من السيارات توقفت والناس بدأوا باستخدام طفايات الحريق والماء لمحاولة إطفاء الحريق، كانت السيارة تتسرب منها زيت، والنار كانت تزداد، وصاحب الحافلة العامة جاء ومعه طفاية كبيرة لكنه أيضاً لم يستطع إطفاء النار، الدخان كان كثيفاً داخل وخارج السيارة، وأنا كنت داخل السيارة”.
وواصل: “تعرفت على أسماء بعض من ساعدوني، منهم الرائد أحمد فتحي معاون مباحث، النقيب أحمد عبد الحكم، وهم كانوا يتعاملون مع الموقف بدون معرفة مالك السيارة، اتصلوا بالمطافي التي وصلت سريعاً، رغم أن النار كانت تنزل كتل نارية من تحت السيارة، واستغرقت نصف ساعة تقريباً لمحاولة إطفاء الحريق”.
وأردف: “كان العميد إيهاب عمارة أيضاً موجوداً، وكنت قد حفظت الأسماء لشكرهم لاحقاً لأنهم تعاملوا كأنهم مع حالة حريق عادية، بدون أن يعلموا من صاحب السيارة، هذا الموقف يعكس جمال وصدق الشعب المصري، في أقل من عشر دقائق كانت المطافي موجودة وكان الجميع يعملون بضمير”.
وأكمل: “الفاصل بيني وبين النار كان حوالي 20 سم فقط، ولولا التدخل السريع والطفايات والمساعدة لكان الحادث أسوأ، الحمد لله وأنقذنا الله من هذا الحادث، أغلب الناس الذين ساعدوا لم يعرفوا أن السيارة لي، وهذا يعكس أصالة الشعب المصري”.
واختتم: “أشكر كل الناس الذين تواصلوا معي من خلال الرسائل والاتصالات، وأعتذر لمن لم أتمكن من الرد عليهم بسبب تكرر الاتصالات، شكراً جزيلاً لكم، هذا هو ملخص الحادث بالكامل، وبعده عدت إلى بيتي ونمت جيداً ثم استأنفت برامجي، أسأل الله أن يحفظ الجميع”.
Chelsea are set for a very busy final month of the transfer window, as BlueCo set their sights on both strengthening the squad and shipping off a plethora of unwanted players.
Chelsea to bid for £192k-a-week star who Bayern have phoned "several" times
BlueCo remain busy in the market.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 29, 2025
While the Blues are in no danger financially, having made millions through player sales, Champions League qualification and winning the Club World Cup in recent months, there is a looming threat from UEFA.
Chelsea have effectively been ordered to balance out their squad through departures, or risk not being able to register new signings for the Champions League next season (Kaveh Solhekol), coming after they were fined for breaching FFP rules.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
João Félix comes as the latest in a long line of Chelsea casualties after he agreed an initial £26 million move to Al-Nassr, with the Portugal international officially joining Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic and Mathis Amougou out of the door.
Felix could soon be followed by many more, with Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Tosin Adarabioyo, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Alfie Gilchrist and Nicolas Jackson all tipped to potentially leave Chelsea as well.
However, one exit reportedly advancing is that of Raheem Sterling and his potential switch to west London rivals Fulham.
PSV's Walter Benitez saves Raheem Sterling's effort for Arsenal.
The 30-year-old spent 2024/2025 on loan at Arsenal after being frozen out by Enzo Maresca last summer, and according to a new report by TEAMtalk this afternoon, talks over a transfer to Fulham are seriously progressing.
Raheem Sterling close to agreeing Fulham move as Chelsea eye Alejandro Garnacho
As per the news outlet, Sterling is close to agreeing personal terms with Fulham as talks advance, and Chelsea are keen to get the England international’s sky-high £325,000-per-week wages off their books.
Maresca’s side are even prepared to shake hands on an outright sale worth £20 million – a price which Fulham see as a bargain – with Chelsea poised to take a £30m loss on the £50m they paid Man City for Sterling over three years ago.
What’s more, despite Chelsea’s advanced talks for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, the club are planning to replace Sterling with Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho – following previous reports that they could also bid for the Red Devils ace amid their shortage of left-wingers.
The Argentine, called “unplayable” at times by new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, would be an instant upgrade on Sterling, and it appears that Chelsea are maintaining their pursuit of Garnacho after considering a deal for him in January.
Australia put one foot in the semi-finals with a dominant 60-run victory over neighbours New Zealand in Sharjah, and in the process recorded their 13th straight win in T20I World Cups. The result means Australia have two wins from two with a healthy net run-rate of 2.524 – they are also the only unbeaten side in the group. For New Zealand, the margin of defeat has had a hefty impact on their net run-rate, now going below Pakistan’s as they fell to third place.The win was a result of a supreme all-round effort from Australia, and a solid execution of plans. Their top order of Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry contributed heavily, and while Amelia Kerr – who ended with excellent figures of 4 for 26 – did her best to reel New Zealand back into the game, Australia’s total of 148 for 8 on a sluggish surface always felt like too tall a chase.And so it proved as New Zealand’s batters struggled to get going. Suzie Bates hung around for a scratchy 20 off 27, while Kerr’s 29 off 31 was the only other innings of substance. While Megan Schutt, Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland shared eight wickets among them, it was Schutt’s outstanding spell of 3 for 3 that pinned New Zealand down. Schutt took home the Player-of-the-Match award for her efforts.
Healy takes charge
On a surface with a nice layering of grass, Australia might have suspected they had won a good toss when they elected to bat. After Healy’s 26 off 20, that decision was looking more sound than ever, as Australia struck 43 inside the powerplay.It might not have been so though, had Healy not been convinced by partner Mooney to review an lbw call in the third over. That overturned decision seemed to bring clarity, as the very next delivery from Fran Jonas was smoked over mid-off. Two balls later, another one over extra cover. She’d repeat the trick in the next over as well, before carving one over point in the final over of the powerplay.While Healy fell looking for a fifth loft over the offside, Australia had set the ideal platform for their innings.
Mooney and Perry shift through the gears
Once the fielding restrictions were lifted, Perry in particular struggled to turn over the strike. The pressure that was built eventually told when she struck one straight to long-on, only for Maddy Green to spill the chance. New Zealand unsurprisingly came to the rue that missed opportunity as Perry and Mooney stitched together the match’s highest stand of 45 off 38.Amelia Kerr picked up 4 for 26•ICC via Getty Images
What both batters did well from there on was not get bogged down. While boundaries were hard to come by, they were still eager to use their feet and keep ticking over singles. It meant the momentum set up by Healy’s early salvo was never lost. This was highlighted by Mooney’s 40 off 32, which included just the two boundaries.Once Mooney fell, caught trying – and failing – to clear mid-off, Perry took over as aggressor carting Eden Carson for six over long-off, before pummeling her through square leg. Bookending those strikes was a pair of boundaries off two Kerr overs, as Perry threatened to take the game away from New Zealand.
Kerr keeps New Zealand in it
But just as Australia were looking to truly unleash, Kerr struck in consecutive deliveries in the 14th over to take out Perry and Grace Harris, having already removed Mooney earlier. Kerr grabbed one more before signing off, making it three wickets in a five-ball period for the legspinner.These wickets had the effect of snuffing out Australia’s momentum, though their propensity for picking up singles mixed in with the odd boundary meant they still managed 32 runs off the final five overs. Not as much as they would have liked, but enough to push them to a fairly imposing total.
Australia execute to perfection
Knowing that they had a good total on the board, Australia’s goal was to simply make life as difficult as possible for New Zealand’s batters – and that they did. Schutt set the tone with her impeccable lines and lengths, never allowing the batters to swing their arms, while she was ably supported by her team-mates.This meant that while New Zealand lost just one wicket inside the powerplay, they were only able to muster 29 runs. By the 10th over, it was still one wicket down but the scoreboard had just about ticked over to 54.The final 10 overs then brought about the conclusion they’d been planning for throughout as batter after batter got out trying to hit out. In the end, at no point in the chase we New Zealand ever in the game.
Leicestershire still in with a shout of the top three after holding their nerve at Grace Road
ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2024Australian international Peter Handscomb rescued Leicestershire from 59 for five with a superb 103 to set up a winning score against previously unbeaten Group B leaders Glamorgan and keep the defending champions in contention for the knock-out stages of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Chasing 272 after seamer Timm van der Gugten had taken 5 for 49, Glamorgan were all out for 262, with Foxes left-arm spinner Liam Trevaskis their star man with the ball, taking 4 for 54 to go with the 47 he made with the bat in a vital 103-run partnership with Handscomb for Leicestershire’s seventh wicket, although ex-Glamorgan man Roman Walker ran him close, taking the last three wickets for figures of 3 for 40 to seal a nine-run victory.Veteran Colin Ingram top-scored for the Welsh side with 68. His dismissal to Trevaskis with 75 still needed from 55 balls looked to have swung the balance heavily towards the home side, but a List A career-best 61 from Dan Douthwaite took the contest into the penultimate over.The result puts Lewis Hill’s side on 10 points, one behind Glamorgan and Warwickshire – who also surrendered their unbeaten record against Yorkshire – and two ahead of Gloucestershire and Yorkshire.Both Glamorgan, who take on Yorkshire in Cardiff in the final round of group matches on Wednesday, and Warwickshire, who face eliminated Nottinghamshire at Rugby School, are already sure of at least a quarter-final place. Leicestershire, who travel to Bristol to meet Gloucestershire, have the potential to finish in any of the top three places – or be knocked out on net run-rate.The one shadow over their celebrations after this victory was an injury to Handscomb suffered while batting, after which he did not field in Glamorgan’s innings and may make him a doubt for Bristol.Needing to score at 5.44 per over, Glamorgan – missing top scorer Eddie Byrom through injury – lost both openers in first nine overs to all-rounder Ian Holland, Tom Bevan helping a leg-side delivery into the hands of short fine leg before Will Smale’s attempt to clear the leg-side fence only picked out the man at deep square. They were 43 for 2 from 10.Leicestershire’s attack was depleted by injuries and Hundred call-ups, yet by the halfway stage of their innings at 108 for 4, they seemed not so much to be biding their time as making hard going of what was required.They had lost Sam Northeast to a return catch tamely chipped back to Trevaskis for 31, the same score at which Kiran Carlson, showing signs of frustration, had holed out to deep midwicket off Tom Scriven. The rate needed was up to 6.56.Billy Root was caught behind square on the reverse sweep off Trevaskis, Asa Tribe holing out to deep midwicket, a third wicket for the left-arm spinner. Ingram, who hit two sixes and seven fours, reached his fifty from 48 balls and needed to be there at the end if Glamorgan were to win, so little wonder there were loud celebrations among the home players when Trevaskis had him leg before sweeping.Douthwaite’s four fours and four sixes kept Glamorgan in the hunt but after Walker bowled Van der Gugten and had Andy Gorvin caught at backward point in the space of four deliveries, he was the hero again as Sol Budinger patiently waited for the ball to come down at deep midwicket and Douthwaite’s brave effort came to an end.Glamorgan had won the toss and while a frenetic opening powerplay saw them concede 59 runs after opting to bowl first on use on a green-tinged pitch but take four wickets, with a fifth quickly following in the 11th over. Four of them came from Van der Gugten.The pacy Netherlands international dismissed Ian Holland leg before in his first over. Sent back by the lively Sol Budinger, skipper Hill was run out by Asa Tribe’s direct hit from extra cover before the former edged to first slip, having hit six fours in a 23-ball 28.The departure of the Foxes’ leading run-scorer was quickly followed by that of their undoubted star turn, the Indian Test batter Ajinkya Rahane, who was leg before offering no shot, and Louis Kimber, who returned from The Hundred to be bowled through the gate for a four-ball duck.New man Ben Cox hit six boundaries in his 34 but hooked Douthwaite to deep backward square, leaving the Foxes 105 for 6. The combination of Andy Gorvin and the spin of Carlson and Bevan proved restrictive but Handscomb and Trevaskis stayed patient, adding 103 in 23 overs before the latter was bowled by the returning Van der Gugten.Handscomb pulled Gorvin for his only six and dispatched Van der Gugten for his 10th four before completing his second hundred of this year’s competition, never hurried yet taking only 91 balls. He and Scriven added 47 in five overs before the Australian – limping towards the end of his innings – succumbed to a catch at backward point.
Chelsea have started their Club World Cup campaign in topsy-turvy fashion, so Enzo Maresca will undoubtedly be keen on seeing more from his team.
The competition won’t be the only thing he has his eyes on over the coming weeks, especially as the summer transfer window is now in full swing.
Maresca is keen to improve his squad, and with qualification for the Champions League secured, money is available in abundance.
Players such as Jamie Gittens and Mohammed Kudus have been linked with the Blues as of late, but is it the defence that perhaps needs the most work done this summer?
Chelsea transfer news
While links to attacking players seem to pop up most days, Maresca is still chasing a defender or two.
Benfica star Tomas Araujo emerged as a transfer target last week, while Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly on the club’s shortlist.
Benfica defender Tomas Araujo
One player whom Maresca is also keen on is Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, according to football.london.
The report states that nothing has advanced on bringing another defender to Stamford Bridge, but things could change quickly, as they have set their sights on the central defender.
Murillo has been valued at £80m in the past by his club, indicating that if Chelsea are serious, they may need to stump up the cash.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson celebrates scoring their first goal with Nikola Milenkovic andMurillo
If so, he could turn out to be the next Thiago Silva for Chelsea, no doubt about that.
Why Chelsea must sign Murillo
Former Chelsea defender Silva is still going strong back in his homeland with Fluminense. Indeed, he was arguably one of the finest players on the pitch against Borussia Dortmund at the grand old age of 40.
He made over 150 competitive appearances for Chelsea between 2020 and 2024, winning the Champions League in the process, as a terrific Brazilian centre-back for the Blues.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2023/24
38
4
1
2022/23
35
0
5
2021/22
49
3
2
2020/21
34
2
0
Silva commanded the backline superbly and was a born leader. Murillo may only be 22, but he could have the potential to have a career just as good as his compatriot.
He was excellent for Forest last term, and his performances saw him rank highly across a range of metrics when compared to others in Europe’s top five leagues.
Not only did he rank in the top 3% for blocks (1.95) per 90, but the defender also ranked in the top 7% for clearances (7.03) and in the top 2% for successful take-ons (0.76), which proves he is capable of shining both defensively and going forward.
Hailed as “monstrous” by journalist Ryan Taylor earlier this year, the Brazilian defender may not be the finished article just yet, but it won’t be long before he blossoms.
The youngster lived up to that praise by winning an impressive 60% of his total duels last term, while he was dribbled past on just 0.5 occasions per game in the top flight.
If Maresca wishes to improve his defensive options, then signing Murillo could be a wise choice.
The club struggled at times last year from a defensive viewpoint, conceding 59 goals in all competitions.
Signing the Forest man would certainly shore up the backline and provide the club with another sublime Brazilian centre-back to lead the defence once again.
Chelsea open discussions over signing £86m Club World Cup sensation
Glasgow Rangers are currently searching for their next head coach after they ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.
The Light Blues had to watch on as Aberdeen secured silverware by beating Celtic on penalties in the final of the SFA Cup, a competition the club were knocked out of by lower league outfit Queen’s Park in one of Philippe Clement’s last matches in charge.
Rangers opted to relieve the Belgian head coach of his duties shortly after that dismal result in the cup, and Barry Ferguson came in as the interim head coach until the end of the season.
The former Scotland international, who played for Rangers in his playing days, only won six of his 15 matches in charge in all competitions, and ended his tenure with a 2-2 draw away at Hibernian.
It has since been confirmed that Ferguson will not be offered the job on a full-time basis and that he will return to his ambassador role at Ibrox.
This means that the job is still available to a head coach from elsewhere, and Davide Ancelotti is a name that continues to be linked with a switch to Glasgow.
Why Rangers should not appoint Davide Ancelotti
RangersReview reported that claims from Spain that the Italian coach is close to being appointed as the next manager are premature, but that there are further talks planned with the former Real Madrid assistant.
Ancelotti and his father Carlo said their goodbyes to the Real Madrid supporters after their final match against Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Saturday, with his dad set to join the Brazilian national team.
Real Madrid assistant coachDavideAncelotti
It remains to be seen whether or not Davide will join him in Brazil or take up a post elsewhere, but Rangers should opt against a move for him this summer.
The Light Blues need a manager who can bring success back to Ibrox and hiring the former Real assistant would be a massive risk, because he has not managed a team in his senior career to date.
Real Madrid (Assistant manager)
Carlo Ancelotti
233
Everton (Assistant manager)
Carlo Ancelotti
67
Napoli (Assistant manager)
Carlo Ancelotti
73
Bayern Munich (Assistant manager)
Carlo Ancelotti
60
Real Madrid (Fitness coach)
Carlo Ancelotti
119
PSG (Fitness coach)
Carlo Ancelotti
77
As you can see in the table above, Ancelotti has only worked under his father as a fitness coach or as an assistant to date, which means that he is unproven as the main man leading a team.
His vast experience at gigantic European clubs, like PSG, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, is a plus in his column, but there is no guarantee that he can use that as a head coach in his own right.
That is why Rangers should not appoint Ancelotti as their next head coach, particularly when they are reportedly eyeing up a manager who would be a much better option on paper.
Rangers have held talks with 3-4-3 manager
According to the BBC, Danish head coach Brian Priske has emerged as a contender for the vacant managerial position at Ibrox ahead of next season.
The report claims that the manager, who was sacked by Feyenoord earlier this season, has already held talks with the Scottish giants over a possible move to Glasgow.
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It states that the process is ongoing and that Priske is one of a number of candidates they have lined up to permanently replace Clement, following on from Ferguson’s departure at the end of the season.
The BBC adds that Ancelotti and former Southampton head coach Russell Martin have also been named as managers who could be in the frame alongside the Danish tactician.
With this in mind, the 49ers, Patrick Stewart, and Kevin Thelwell must all agree to pursue Priske further, beyond the initial talks that have been held, because he would be miles better than Ancelotti.
Why Rangers should appoint Brian Priske
Rangers should swoop to appoint the 48-year-old tactician because he is a proven winner who has won league titles in the top divisions in multiple other countries.
Priske, who typically deploys a 3-4-3 system, is an experienced manager who has been there and done it. Whereas, Ancelotti has it all to prove and is yet to show that he has what it takes to lead a team to success on his own.
Rangers will want to get back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership to prevent Celtic from winning a fifth title in succession, which is why they should appoint a manager who has a proven track record of success when it comes to winning leagues, or at least coaching a winning team.
Priske won two league titles during his time with Sparta Prague in Czechia and won a league title in his first season in management with Midtjylland in the 2019/20 campaign in his home country.
24/25 (Feyenoord)
21
39
3rd
23/24 (Sparta Prague)
35
87
1st
22/23 (Sparta Prague)
35
78
1st
21/22 (Royal Antwerp)
40
67
4th
20/21 (Midtjylland)
32
50
2nd
19/20 (Midtjylland)
30
65
1st
As you can see in the table above, the Danish boss has never finished below fourth in a league season, although Feyenoord dismissed him earlier this term with his side in third, so it could have gone either way if he had been kept on.
This shows that Priske has won two league titles in the last three seasons, and three in six seasons as a manager, which is why he would be miles better than Ancelotti as an option for the Gers.
Davide Ancelotti
He has the relevant experience and success to suggest that Rangers would be making a brilliant decision to bring him in, whilst Ancelotti would be a huge gamble given his lack of experience as a first-team head coach.
Priske also won the Dutch Super Cup with Feyenoord and the Czech Cup with Sparta Prague, which shows that he can also handle cup competitions and has the potential to deliver success in the League Cup and the SFA Cup.
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Therefore, the Light Blues must swoop to appoint the Danish head coach as their permanent replacement for Philippe Clement because he appears to be the ideal candidate on paper.
Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed another successful season in charge of Celtic, and it could get even better if his side wins the SFA Cup final later this month.
The Hoops travel to Hampden Park to take on Aberdeen at the national stadium with the chance to secure a domestic treble, having already won the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup.
Celticmanager BrendanRodgerscelebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
Rodgers led the team to the SFA Cup trophy and the Premiership title in his first season back at Parkhead in the 2023/24 campaign, as he came in to replace Ange Postecoglou in the summer of 2023.
It has been an incredibly successful return to the club for the Northern Irish head coach, whose team won the title with a 5-0 win over Dundee United at the end of last month, and he has had to make some ruthless decisions along the way.
Rodgers is not afraid to make bold or unpopular decisions if he thinks it is the best for the team, and one example of that has been his use of central defender Maik Nawrocki this season.
Why Maik Nawrocki has not been playing for Celtic
The Polish centre-back did not make a single appearance in the Champions League campaign and has only played two matches in the Premiership to date.
He was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Rangers at Ibrox last time out, which is the 28th time that has happened to the defender in the current term. This shows that he has rarely been used by Rodgers despite being available for the entire season.
Nawrocki could not do much more to earn more minutes in the first-team, though, because he took his chances when they came his way against Rangers and Hearts last month.
Due to injuries to Liam Scales, Dane Murray, and Auston Trusty, the former Legia Warsaw star was named in the starting XI for the first time in the campaign against the Gers, and did enough to keep his place against Hearts in the following Premiership match.
Minutes
90
90
Clearances
7
9
Blocks
0
3
Tackles + interceptions
5
1
Duels won
7/10
8/9
Dribbled past
0x
0x
Pass accuracy
93%
98%
Error led to shot/goal
0
0
As you can see in the table above, Nawrocki put in two outstanding performances at centre-back, as he was incredibly reliable on the ball and dominant defensively, with plenty of defensive actions and impressive duel success rates.
However, the 24-year-old colossus has not played a minute of football in any competition since the full-time whilst went in the 3-0 win over Hearts, and Rodgers has explained why that has been the case.
The Celtic boss explained: “I do always prefer where I can a left-footed centre-half on that side, in all honesty because that allows you to get through the pitch quicker and have more speed playing forward.”
Nawrocki is, of course, right-footed and this has led to Scales and Trusty starting every game since that win over Hearts, as one or both of them have been fit and available since then.
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It now remains to be seen what will happen to the Polish defender in the upcoming summer transfer window, because it seems unlikely that he will be happy with just two league appearances all season.
Whilst Nawrocki is one player who could push to move on from Parkhead of his own volition, there is a player who has played even fewer minutes than the defender who should be moved on by the club – Scott Bain.
Why Celtic should move on from Scott Bain
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been on the bench in recent weeks, with Viljami Sinisalo deputising for Kasper Schmeichel, but has not played a single minute in any competition this season.
Bain reportedly earns £7.6k-per-week at Parkhead, which is more than Hyun-jun Yang (£6k), Liam Scales (£5k), and Sinisalo (£2.5k), yet has played fewer minutes than Nawrocki in all competitions, as he has not played any at all, domestically or in Europe.
Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain.
Herald Scotland recently reported that Aberdeen shot-stopper Ross Doohan, who is out of contract this summer, is being considered as a target for the Hoops, as Bain is entering the final 12 months of his deal and could look to move elsewhere.
The 27-year-old ace is reportedly on a weekly wage of £2.7k, which is less than the current Celtic third-choice currently earns, and that means that this switch in goalkeepers could save the Hoops thousands per week, potentially freeing up wages to be used in other areas of the squad.
Doohan could arrive as a cheaper third-choice option for the Scottish giants than Bain, who is earning more than several first-team stars who play regulars, as aforementioned, whilst he has not made an appearance for the club since last season.
The 33-year-old flop played three times in the 2023/24 campaign and pundit Frank McAvennie criticised the goalkeeper, telling Football Insider that having him as an option is “not good enough” for the Hoops.
24/25
0
0
23/24
3
1
22/23
1
4
21/22
2
2
20/21
18
18
19/20
2
2
As you can see in the table above, Bain has only played five league games since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, conceding seven goals in those five matches, and has not played at all this term.
This does not suggest that he has done enough for the club to justify keeping him at Parkhead on more wages than the likes of Yang, Sinisalo, and Scales, who contribute to the team on the pitch, which is why they should ruthlessly ditch him from the squad this summer.
Selling Bain, if there is enough interest in his services from elsewhere, and replacing him with Doohan, who has played 15 league games this season and earns less money per week, could be a shrewd move by the club.
It is now down to Rodgers to be ruthless once again by brutally ditching the veteran goalkeeper from the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, whilst landing the Aberdeen stopper on a free transfer.
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