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Alejandro Grimaldo has admitted he could have joined either Real Madrid or Barcelona in the summer transfer window, only for both moves to fall through. The Bayer Leverkusen star revealed that Los Blancos opted for Alvaro Carreras instead, while discussions with the Catalan giants and Atletico Madrid also failed to materialise.

Grimaldo reflects on missed La Liga switch

Leverkusen left-back Grimaldo was heavily linked with a return to Spain during the summer window, with both Madrid and Barcelona considering the 30-year-old as an option. Known for his dangerous set-pieces and attacking threat, the defender looked close to moving back to La Liga before the deals collapsed. Instead, Los Blancos opted for Carreras, while Barca trusted Gerard Martin.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGrimaldo: Talks with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico went nowhere

The Spaniard explained that talks did take place but ultimately led nowhere, despite the speculation around his future.

"There was always the possibility of going with Xabi, but in the end it didn't happen," Grimaldo said. "They signed Carreras. There was also the possibility of going to Barcelona, which also didn't happen. You have to face the challenge of being here with a lot of motivation. There are always options, things are talked about. But if they don't happen in the end, it's because they weren't meant to be.

The defender also acknowledged Atletico’s interest, but again insisted nothing concrete came of it.

"Atletico is the same; there have been talks, but practically nothing has happened. In the end, in the transfer market, when left-backs are needed, they talk to agents and there may be a possibility, but it hasn't happened."

Leverkusen benefit from failed move

Despite missing out on a move to Spain, the former La Masia product has continued to thrive in Germany. He has already registered four goals and two assists in eight appearances this season, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking full-backs. His form has helped Die Werkself maintain their decent start domestically.

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Getty Images SportFuture transfer to Barcelona or Madrid still possible

Grimaldo’s current deal runs until 2027, but his performances ensure he will remain on the radar of top La Liga clubs. A return to Spain remains a possibility next summer, potentially on a cut-price deal. For now, though, his focus is on Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash with Union Berlin this weekend after their midweek 1-1 Champions League draw against PSV.

After a tense deadline-day stand-off between himself and chairman Steve Parish, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has reportedly been handed an exit route out of the South London club.

Why Crystal Palace blocked Guehi's move

Marc Guehi said his goodbyes, recorded a farewell video and even completed a medical at Liverpool but when the deadline arrived, he remained a Crystal Palace player. It was the biggest twist that took place late on as the Reds missed out on their first top target of the summer and the Eagles, out of nowhere, pulled the plug on their captain’s move.

In a civil war between Glasner and Parish, it was the Crystal Palace manager that came out on top. The Austrian was desperate to keep hold of Guehi. It didn’t make sense – he believed – to sell not only Eberechi Eze, but Guehi too just months after winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Europa Conference League.

There were even talks that Glasner threatened to walk away from his role if Crystal Palace allowed Guehi to complete a move away on deadline day and Parish wasn’t waiting around to find out if his manager was bluffing. As soon as Igor Julio chose West Ham United over Selhurst Park, Guehi’s move was brought to a crashing halt.

It was a tense summer since the very start of the window for Palace for several reasons and deadline day very nearly saw those tensions reach boiling point.

For now, Glasner remains in charge and Guehi remains the club captain, but there will be question marks over whether the damage is already done for the manager.

Bayer Leverkusen want Glasner

As reported by The Sun, Bayer Leverkusen now want to hire Glasner to replace Erik ten Hag, who has been sacked by the German club after just three games in charge. The Crystal Palace manager has just one year left on his current deal, but could leave before he has the chance to walk away for free if Leverkusen officially come calling.

The Austrian has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga and there’s no doubt that he would be an excellent appointment for Leverkusen. It would also be an almighty blow for Palace, of course, who just about managed to satisfy Glasner’s demands by keeping Guehi at the death.

Games

136

Wins

56

Draws

43

Losses

40

Having taken charge of Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt in previous years – even winning the Europa League with the latter – Leverkusen would make perfect sense for Glasner.

It would, however, take Palace back to square one and life before Glasner didn’t feature a single trophy and certainly didn’t feature European football. He should be deemed irreplaceable at Selhurst Park, but it is a task that Parish will still have to complete when his contract comes to an end next summer.

The clock is ticking and Celtic have minutes rather than hours to rescue their summer transfer window by landing the attacking reinforcements that they need.

Adam Idah was allowed to complete a permanent transfer to Swansea City earlier today, leaving Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny as the only ‘senior’ strikers in the building.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana has turned down the chance to join the Hoops in order to sign for English side Charlton Athletic in the Championship on loan.

Celtic make late bid for new striker

The Scottish Premiership champions are still pushing to the wire to bring in a new forward before the deadline passes to improve their options up front.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic have made a last-gasp bid to sign Sevilla centre-forward Kelechi Iheanacho to reunite him with Brendan Rodgers.

The report claims that the Nigeria international has emerged as a deadline-busting transfer target for the Hoops, after they failed to land Kasper Dolberg and Datro Fofana.

It adds that Sevilla will not stand in his way if he wishes to make the move to Scotland before the deadline, but it remains to be seen what the £52k-per-week marksman wants to do.

What Kelechi Iheanacho could bring to Celtic

The left-footed forward is a vastly experienced number nine who could come in as an even better option than Datro Fofana in the number nine position for the Scottish giants.

Datro Fofana has only scored five goals in Europe’s top five leagues in his playing career and has not scored more than four league goals for a club in a season since the 2022 campaign for Molde, per Sofascore.

Kelechi, who was once hailed as “incredible” by Rodgers, scored a respectable 43 goals in 143 matches for the Celtic manager during their time together at Leicester, per Transfermarkt, which shows that the Northern Irish boss can get the best out of him.

Kelechi’s Premier League career

Season (appearances)

Goals

Assists

22/23 (28)

5

5

21/22 (26)

4

5

20/21 (25)

12

2

19/20 (20)

5

5

18/19 (30)

1

3

17/18 (21)

3

3

16/17 (20)

4

3

15/16 (26)

8

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Kelechi has plenty of experience in the Premier League and consistently showed that he could deliver goals and assists, at a decent, if not spectacular, rate.

His best season, with 12 goals in the 2020/21 campaign, also came with Rodgers in the Foxes dugout, which, again, shows that they have a relationship that could bring him success at Parkhead.

Kelechi has significantly more experience and more goals in a major European league than Datro Fofana has and outscored (four) the Chelsea youngster (two) in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore.

This suggests that the 28-year-old marksman, who still has plenty left to give at that age, could be a shrewd addition to the squad when you consider his relationship with Rodgers and his goal return at Premier League level under the current Hoops boss.

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It may not be a glamorous, big-money, signing that supporters may have wanted, but if they can get this deadline-busting move over the line, Celtic will have a potentially lethal striker on their hands.

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James Maddison’s injury in Tottenham Hotspur’s most recent pre-season friendly will undoubtedly provide cause for concern, with the England international suffering yet another setback.

He entered a challenge during the clash against Newcastle United, before hobbling and eventually requiring treatment before being stretchered off the field.

It’s thought that it is the same knee the 28-year-old injured at the back end of last season, leading to Thomas Frank claiming he thinks it may be a serious injury.

Should the worst be confirmed, it would be a lengthy lay-off for the England international, once again disrupting his progress during his spell in North London.

As a result, it would be a surprise to no one that the hierarchy are subsequently targeting added reinforcements in the middle of the park in an area that was already being subject to investment this summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

An attacking midfielder has been firmly on Spurs’ radar over recent weeks, as seen by their attempts to land Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this window.

The likes of Harvey Elliott, James McAtee and Jack Grealish have all been targeted since, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of the English talents this window.

However, moves have been made to land another talent this summer, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher once again in their sights this summer, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Lilywhites are preparing a €50m (£43m) bid for the 25-year-old, who only moved to the LaLiga giants from Chelsea during last summer’s window.

It also states that he could be open to the possibility of a return to the Premier League, with his current employers open to negotiations over a move to offload the central midfielder.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be the perfect Maddison replacement

When he’s been fit, Maddison has often been the go-to choice to operate in a more attacking role within Spurs’ midfield – which usually operates in a three-man system.

The Englishman registered 12 goals and 10 assists across all competitions last season, helping the club win the Europa League, ending their 17-year wait for any form of silverware.

However, his injury record has massively plagued his spell in North London, suffering three separate injuries during his two-year spell at the club after his £40m move from Leicester City in 2023.

Their ambitions of landing other attacking midfielders before his latest setback are understandable, but they could now be on the back burner for the time being.

The hierarchy are evidently planning a move for Gallagher, which could allow for a change in shape within the three-man midfield, which could utilise new signing Joao Palhinha in his deep-lying role in the front of the backline.

The Portuguese international would be able to feature at the base of the side with two central midfielders ahead of him, which could include the Atlético star should he make the move.

He has all the tools to be a perfect box-to-box option, potentially being a key component in Frank’s system, which demands real quality in the middle of the park.

Gallagher, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, starred in LaLiga last season, producing some incredible underlying stats within his 32 league appearances.

He achieved an 85% pass completion rate, whilst completing 2.6 passes into the final third per 90, having the creative ability despite his deep-lying midfield role.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

3.5

Passes into final third

2.6

Tackles made

2.5

Blocks made

1.3

Interceptions made

1.2

Take-ons completed

41%

The former Chelsea star also thrived out of possession, making 2.5 tackles per 90, along with 1.2 interceptions made, offering the Dane the perfect box-to-box option in his quest for success.

At 25, Gallagher is entering the prime years of his professional career, potentially making his £43m transfer fee an excellent piece of business for the Lilywhites hierarchy during this window.

Whilst he’s not a direct replacement for Maddison, he could help a needed transition take place at the heart of the side, which could offer a new dimension for the new boss ahead of 2025/26.

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Essex director of cricket leaves Chelmsford after nine years of success across formats

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2024Yorkshire have announced the acquisition of Anthony McGrath as their new men’s head coach to replace the outgoing Ottis Gibson.McGrath, who joins on a five-year deal, returns to his home county having developed through the age-groups at Headingley as an allrounder, going on to earn 28 England caps, including four Test appearances. The 49-year-old began his coaching career at Yorkshire following his retirement in 2013 before moving to Essex, where he was appointed director of cricket as recently as July.The move south proved particularly fruitful for McGrath. He joined Essex initially as assistant coach to Chris Silverwood, and helped oversee promotion in 2016 followed by a County Championship title the following year.He was promoted to head coach when Silverwood left to take the England job and led Essex to a Championship and T20 Blast double in 2019, followed by the Bob Willis Trophy in 2020. A second-place Division One finish came in the 2023 season, in which they were also beaten finalists in the Blast.This season, McGrath juggled coaching duties at Chelmsford with a director of cricket role as part of a management restructure triggered by the resignation of chief executive John Stephenson in July.He inherits a Yorkshire team that has returned to Division One following relegation in 2022. The club were then docked 48 points in the 2023 season over their handling of the racism scandal that centred around allegations made by former player Azeem Rafiq. McGrath’s remit will be the performance and management of the men’s first team, and starts officially from November 1.”It is a great honour to be appointed Head Coach of Yorkshire Cricket’s Men’s team, and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead,” McGrath said.”I know the history of this great club and the passion of the members and supporters, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.”It was an extremely tough decision to leave Essex, and it’s one that I have taken a great deal of time to think about. I’ve been part of this club for almost nine years, and we’ve achieved so much together and created so many unforgettable memories in that time.”While I obviously spent all of my playing career at Yorkshire, Essex has become a second home to me, and I’d like to thank everyone for the warmth of their support over the last nine seasons.”Tom Westley, Essex’s captain, hailed McGrath as “one of the most influential figures I have come across during my career”, and wished him well in his new role.”Everybody within the club knows of his qualities as a coach and leader, but it’s the person that he is that we will all miss the most. It’s no coincidence that the success we have achieved over the last decade has coincided with [McGrath’s] time here. Although he would never accept it, he has been a huge factor in the trophies we have won in recent years.”Sanjay Patel, Yorkshire’s interim CEO, said: “We’re delighted to appoint Anthony as Head Coach.”During the past nine years with Essex, Anthony has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in English cricket. He is renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking cricket, supporting and developing world-class talent, and commitment to youth.”In the club’s conversations leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Yorkshire Cricket to the level we want to be competing at, and his drive and determination to achieve that.”We look forward to welcoming him to the club this Autumn.”

تحدث أحمد حسن، مدير منتخب مصر الثاني، عن الأزمة التي حدثت مؤخرًا على الساحة الرياضية، بشأن فيديو عصام الحضري معه.

وكان عصام الحضري مدرب حراس منتخب مصر الثاني نشر فيديو عبر صفحته على “فيس بوك”، بصحبة أحمد حسن، واصفًا إياه بـ”العميد الأصلي”، في إشارة فسّرها البعض على أنها مقارنة مع حسام حسن المدير الفني للمنتخب الأول.

وقال حسن خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت” لبرنامج “ملعب أون”: “عصام الحضري من سنة يكرر نفس الكلمة وهذا مزاح، والجميع يعلمه”.

طالع | عصام الحضري يعتذر لـ حسام حسن: لدينا “عميدان”

وأضاف: “نحن في مهمة وطنية ومن وقت أن تولينا مسؤولية المنتخب للمشاركة ببطولة العرب، نتقبل النقد، لكن عندما ياخذ أحد عليك لقطة (ويعيش عليك دور الوطنية) أقول له توقف، ليس أحمد حسن والحضري الذي تقوم بعمل لقطة عليهما، إذا كنت تريد أن تعطي نصيحة تحدث معي، إنما الموضوع يذهب إلي طريق آخر، ويقال إننا نريد الهدم”.

وأردف: “إن شاء الله يمر المعسكر ثم بعد ذلك نرى ماذا سيحدث، في كل من يحاول أن ياخذ لقطة، نحن ليس في معركة”.

واستطرد: “نركز حاليًا مع منتخب مصر المشارك في بطولة كأس العرب، وأشكر اللاعبين على الانضباط والالتزام وهم على قدر المسؤولية، وفي مباراة تونس كانوا جيدين في الشوط الأول والثاني كانت توجد بعض الأخطاء أيضًا”.

وأتم: “اتفاقي مع الكابتن حلمي طولان، إن المنتخب سينافس في بطولة كأس العرب، لكن في النهاية نحن نجهز اللاعبين لـ حسام حسن، الجميع لا بد أن يفهم أن المنتخبين يكملان بعضهما، وإذا حسام حسن طلب أي لاعب فله الأولوية”.

ويستعد منتخب مصر الثاني بقيادة حلمي طولان، للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب المقرر إقامتها في بداية شهر ديسمبر المقبل، في قطر.

Manchester United are ready to make a bid for a “world-class” star, who is now expected to cost €80m (£68m), according to a report.

Man Utd set to spend big despite missing out on Champions League

Man United’s loss against Tottenham Hotspur was disappointing on a number of levels, with suffering a defeat in a European final always tough to take, while the result meant they also missed out on qualification to next season’s Champions League.

Despite missing out on Champions League football, however, the Red Devils have displayed a willingness to splash the cash this summer, and Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth has now explained how they plan to fund their summer transfer business.

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Sheth said: “A lot of people are saying – how can they afford Cunha, who’s already at the club? Mbeumo, who’s going to cost the thick end of £60m as well, and Viktor Gyokeres, who’s going to cost over £60m as well?

“Well, I don’t think Manchester United, despite all their much-publicised financial issues, are going into a transfer window with £0 to spend.

“They will have a certain budget, which we understand to be covered by Cunha and Mbeumo, and then maybe they will have to make sales.”

The interest in Viktor Gyokeres has been stepped up in recent days, with United making an initial approach for the Sporting CP striker, but there has now been a new update which suggests he could be even more expensive than they anticipated.

According to a report from Portugal (via Sport Witness), Man United are now ready to make an offer for Gyokeres, but Sporting are set to hold out for a fee of €80m (£68m), which has left the centre-forward ‘furious’.

Sporting increasing their asking price has unsettled the forward, given that a fee of €60m -€75m (£51m – £64m) had previously been touted, and he has now removed references to the club from his social media accounts.

"World-class" Gyokeres deserves summer move

Having led Sporting to Liga Portugal and Taca de Portugal glory, the Sweden international has earned the chance to prove himself at one of Europe’s top clubs, and it is understandable that he is angry the club could now price him out of a move.

That said, it is also clear to see why the Portuguese side are reluctant to sanction a departure for a fee that does not reflect the 27-year-old’s value, having performed remarkably well across some key attacking metrics over the past year.

Statistic	Average per 90
Non-penalty goals	0.87 (99th percentile)
Assists	0.22 (91st percentile)
Progressive carries	4.27 (99th percentile)
Successful take-ons	1.93 (98th percentile)

Lauded as “world-class” by one analyst, Gyokeres has shown he is more than ready to test himself in the Premier League, and it is exciting news that Man United are now ready to make an offer, although it remains to be seen if they can afford to stump up £68m.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta will personally try to convince Mikel Arteta to green-light a move for one PSG star, who he tried and failed to sign during his 12-year stay at Atletico Madrid.

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One of Berta’s first acts, following his confirmed appointment in late March, was to reach out to the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, and he’s shown little sign of slowing down since then.

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The Italian’s reputation as an astute operator in the transfer market has excited plenty of on-lookers ahead of his debut window at Arsenal, and it is believed the 53-year-old could spearhead a £300 million spend on as many as seven major signings (GiveMeSport).

Arsenal’s final Premier League games	Date
Liverpool (away)	May 11th
Newcastle United (home)	May 18th
Southampton (away)	May 25th

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Berta is also pushing to sign Sporting Cp striker Viktor Gyokeres, in a bid to end Arsenal’s long wait for a prolific centre-forward who can guarantee 25-plus goals-per-season for Arteta.

Arsenal are also in the market for wide players and potentially an alternative to star forward Bukayo Saka, with the England international’s spells out through injury at points this season giving Arteta a major headache.

Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané is still a target for Arsenal in that regard, as the ex-Man City star is yet to pen fresh terms at the Allianz Arena, and his contract is due to expire this summer as things stand.

Sane switched agents at the last minute during negotiations over a new deal at Bayern, as confirmed by club president Herbert Hainer, which has now thrown a spanner in the works.

However, if the Germany international does end up officially putting pen to paper, Arsenal will need to move on to other targets.

Andrea Berta wants Lee Kang-in at Arsenal

According to a report from The Sun and journalist Simon Barlow, versatile £119,000-per-week PSG forward Lee Kang-in is attracting attention from Arsenal, and Berta specifically.

As per their information, Berta will push Arteta to approve an Arsenal swoop for Lee, coming after the 53-year-old attempted to sign him for Atletico during his time with the La Liga side.

Berta was apparently the driving force behind Atletico’s pursuit of the South Korea international when he was at Mallorca, only for him to choose a move to the Parc des Princes instead.

Lee has featured in a variety of attacking roles under Luis Enrique this term, predominantly on the right-wing, but also on the left, as an attacking midfielder, a centre-forward and even back in defence. This could be highly attractive from Arteta’s perspective, as he’s known to seriously value versatility in any new player.

PSG are also eager to sell the 24-year-old, as per this report, so a deal could be completed in quick fashion.

Tottenham Hotspur are now prepared to offload a top-performing regular this summer in a bid to reshape the squad and raise funds, with his replacement already there.

Tottenham make transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Right now, it is being reported that under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou is facing the Spurs axe at the end of this Premier League campaign, which could happen regardless of whether they end up winning the Europa League.

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This news comes courtesy of reliable journalist Matt Law and other credible media sources, with a parting of the ways becoming increasingly likely after Tottenham suffered their eighteenth Premier League defeat of the season against Nottingham Forest on Easter Monday.

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

While the Lilywhites have a major chance to clinch their first piece of silverware in 17 years, that still may not be enough to save Postecoglou after a dismal domestic season, but their problems lie beyond just the manager.

Tottenham’s lack of strength in depth when compared to their elite Premier League rivals was exposed time and time again this season, thanks to the plethora of injuries to key players throughout 2024/2025, so this is an issue which needs addressing in the summer.

“[The top clubs have] been doing it many years. They know exactly what they’re doing,” said winger Dejan Kuluseviski, who criticised Spurs’ transfer policy.

“They’re bringing in a lot of players that are ready to play both competitions. And they are prepared for it.

“This year we cannot say that we’re prepared for it because we had so many injuries, and we did a lot of things wrong from the beginning of the season, and we’re paying for it right now.”

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, in a piece for The Boot Room, Tottenham are planning to strengthen “almost all areas” of the squad in the next transfer window, but they must first raise funds.

Tottenham "ready to sell" Pedro Porro and replace him with Djed Spence

Bailey also writes that star right-back Pedro Porro could be among the players sacrificed, with the emergence of 24-year-old Djed Spence as an impressive full-back option handing Spurs a ready-made replacement for the Spaniard.

Tottenham are apparently “ready to sell” Porro and bolster their transfer kitty, but will demand north of £50 million for the ex-Man City and Sporting Lisbon defender as Levy eyes a small profit on the £40 million they paid for him.

While Porro has impressed, Spurs’ need to reinforce multiple areas of the squad is taking centre stage, and Spence has showcased that he’s more than capable of being entrusted with a regular starting spot on either flank.

The 25-year-old has been called “sensational” for some of his performances since joining Tottenham from Sporting when Antonio Conte was in charge, and he was a target for Real Madrid before Los Blancos eventually turned full attention to Trent Alexander-Arnold.