All posts by h716a5.icu

West Bromwich Albion fans would have been anticipating that their team would be participating in the drama of the Championship playoffs, but their team’s 2024/25 campaign didn’t quite go as smoothly as they would have hoped.

In the end, the Baggies would finish four points shy of Bristol City in that final playoff position, with Tony Mowbray actually facing the wrath of the Hawthorns hierarchy by losing his job for not steering the West Midlands side into the long-sought-after top six.

Alongside talk of a new manager coming in to replace the axed Mowbray, there are now murmurs of fresh faces entering the building to boost matters on the pitch, with the rumour mill churning out new potential bosses and players aplenty.

West Brom could sign Premier League youngster

With Albion in need of a new manager, the likes of Marti Cifuentes and Ryan Mason are now being linked to the Baggies vacancy, with Portsmouth manager John Mousinho also reportedly on the West Brom radar after successfully guiding Pompey away from Championship relegation danger.

Moreover, a slightly more left-field shout comes in the form of ex-Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay.

Transfer Focus

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

But, earlier talk suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur coach Mason could be handed the reins hasn’t died down completely, with the 33-year-old perhaps linking up with a Spurs youngster along the way if he does take on the second-tier job post.

Indeed, a report from Birmingham Live has stated that West Brom have lodged an enquiry over the loan signature of 20-year-old Jamie Donley, off the back of the exciting attacker starring on loan in League One this season with Leyton Orient.

Whilst the jump up is significant from League One to the EFL’s elite division, there will be a hope that Orient number 17 can dazzle defences moving up a league in a similar vein to standout Baggies ace Tom Fellows, with the pair constantly want to create openings to put their team on the front foot.

How Donley could be Fellows 2.0

The homegrown Baggies product will know all too well how formative a loan switch can be down to the lower reaches of the EFL, having once donned Crawley Town colours for a singular season.

This campaign so far for Richie Wellens’ promotion chasers, Donley has amassed a mightily impressive eight goals and ten assists from 47 overall contests, with Fellows amazingly finishing his sterling individual 2024/25 season on 18 goal contributions too.

Games played

40

45

Goals scored

8

4

Assists

10

14

Touches*

45.9

27.2

Shots*

1.4

1.0

Accurate passes*

20.5 (70%)

12.5 (87%)

Big chances missed

4

7

Big chances created

17

13

Looking at their numbers in the EFL this term, both the 20-year-old and his Baggies counterpart have been massively influential for their sides this season in attacking areas, with a mammoth 30 big chances accumulated between them, indicating that they certainly love creating for others.

Hailed for his “sensational” form in the third-tier by scout Jacek Kulig, there is no doubt that the Spurs starlet will be able to take to the pressures of the Championship swimmingly.

After all, Fellows never looked frozen by fear when he was first given chances here and there in the senior mix at West Brom.

Therefore, if a loan switch does occur, those at the Hawthorns will pray Donley can also jump up to the standard required of him, with the promising number ten perhaps linking up with the entertaining 22-year-old winger very soon as his new employers hunt promotion once more.

West Brom now considering "unbelievable" 3-4-1-2 manager to replace Mowbray

The Baggies have identified a manager who has never finished outside the play-offs as a replacement for Tony Mowbray.

1 ByDominic Lund May 6, 2025

Newcastle United are now considering a move for a £27m striker, who could be brought in to partner Alexander Isak, according to a report.

Race for Isak heating up

It is no surprise that so many clubs are keen on signing Isak this summer, given just how impressive the Swedish forward has been this season, most notably scoring against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final to help end Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a trophy.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League

33

23

6

EFL Cup

6

3

0

FA Cup

2

1

0

Arsenal are now ramping up their pursuit of the striker, with a jaw-dropping £127m offer now being prepared, while he has also been identified as a dream signing for Liverpool, having left manager Arne Slot impressed at times this season.

That said, the Magpies remain in a strong negotiating position, with the 25-year-old contracted until the summer of 2028, so they may be able to retain his services beyond the end of the campaign.

Newcastle step up move for "fantastic" 28-cap star after scouting mission

The Magpies are competing with one of their rivals for his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

However, according to a report from Spain, Newcastle are now considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth as a potential replacement for Isak, should their talisman move on this summer.

Alternatively, the report adds Sorloth could be brought in as a partner for the Sweden international, should Eddie Howe’s side secure a place in the Champions League, with the Tynesiders weighing up the possibility of forming a top-level attacking duo.

There is a belief that the Atletico forward would be able to adapt to life in the Premier League, and his qualities make him a good fit for Howe, who is looking for a strong and aerially dominant forward.

"Stellar" Sorloth impressing in La Liga

The Norwegian has not been at Atletico for long, arriving in a €32m (£27m) deal last summer, but he has certainly caught the eye during his debut campaign with the Spanish side, netting 21 goals in all competitions, including 17 in La Liga.

The 29-year-old didn’t manage to make the desired impact in the Champions League, with Atletico exiting the competition at the hands of Real Madrid, but the Spanish side should be encouraged by his first season in Spain.

The Norway international ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, when compared to other strikers, while also placing in the 95th percentile for aerials won, showcasing the threat he poses in the air.

Lauded as “stellar” by journalist Zach Lowy, there are signs that Sorloth could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle this summer, but it seems unlikely that Atletico would be willing to cash-in, given his exploits in his first campaign with Atletico.

And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur’s worst season in a generation is just one game away from becoming their most memorable.

Last night, Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to the Arctic Circle to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, and while they were still favourites, all the ingredients for an upset were there.

However, as they have in so many of their European games this season, the North Londoners rose to the occasion and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

While practically the entire team did themselves and the manager proud last night, two players, including Pedro Porro, really stood out.

Porro's performance vs Bodo/Glimt

While Porro has come in for plenty of criticism for his defensive failings this season, much of which has been justified, the Spanish full-back has massively stepped up both legs of this semi-final.

He was instrumental in the home win, providing a perfect pass for James Maddison to score the side’s second goal, and he was arguably even better last night.

Not only was he pretty solid in defence, but he was a complete menace in attack, testing the keeper with a brilliant free-kick in the first half and then getting his just rewards with a cross-come-shot that sailed into the top corner in the second 45.

It was practically the complete performance from the former Sporting CP star, which explains the 9/10 match rating Alasdair Gold gave him at full-time.

It might sound hyperbolic, but we can assure you it’s not, as exemplified by his statistics from the game.

Minutes

95′

Expected Goals

0.11

Goals

1

Expected Assists

0.12

Clearances

3

Interceptions

1

Dribbled Past

0

Ground Duels (Won)

3 (2)

Fouls

0

Key Passes

2

Shots on Target

2

Dribbles (Successful)

1(1)

In 95 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goals plus assists figure of 0.23, made three clearances, won two of three ground duels, made one interception, wasn’t dribbled past, played two key passes, took two shots on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, won one foul and didn’t give any away himself.

Overall, it was a superb display from Porro, but there was another starter who might just have pipped him.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Spurs' best player vs Bodo/Glimt

Now, there are certainly a few players you could pick from for this title, like Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven or even Rodrigo Bentancur.

However, for our money, the player who really stood up and stood out last night was Cristian Romero.

The Argentine international has not had a great season, with constant injuries and the odd mistake defining it thus far, but just like he was in the first leg, he was sensational for Postecoglou last night.

It goes without saying that the World Cup winner is undoubtedly built for big games, and from the first to the last minute, he was incredible in the Arctic Circle.

On top of being a wall at the back and cheering every block or tackle like it was a title-winning goal, he also managed to provide the assist for Solanke’s opener, which all but ended the tie then and there.

Unsurprisingly, Gold was just as impressed, awarding the centre-back a 9/10 match rating at full-time, while Spurs fan and content creator Ben Bowman simply described him as “unreal.”

Such appraisals are more than backed up by his statistics as well, as in 95 minutes of action, he made five clearances, blocked one shot, wasn’t dribbled past even once, made one interception, won three of four ground duels, lost the ball only once, completed 96% of his passes, played one key pass, was accurate in 100% of his long balls and created one big chance.

Minutes

95′

Clearances

5

Shots Blocked

1

Dribbled Past

0

Interceptions

1

Ground Duels (Won)

4 (3)

Lost Possession

1

Passing Accuracy

26/27 (96%)

Key Passes

1

Long Balls (Accurate)

2 (2)

Big Chances Created

1

Ultimately, the entire team played well last night, but Porro and particularly Romero were even better, so much so that the latter may now be the club’s best player.

Dream Son heir: Spurs racing to sign “England’s best winger” for £59m

The tremendously exciting star would be perfect for Spurs.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 8, 2025

Leeds United can somewhat relax across their final two Championship games, knowing their position in the Premier League for next campaign is already set in stone.

Of course, there is still the tantalising prize of the title, but it won’t be the end of the world for Daniel Farke and Co if this isn’t won with the hard work already done.

Farke will hope – regardless of recent rumours popping up surrounding his future – that he is backed in the transfer market ahead of Leeds voyaging up to the big time, with the Whites already being linked with this Premier League regular.

Leeds eyeing up move for top-flight stalwart

As per a report from Football Insider, Leeds are eyeing up a move for West Ham United stalwart Tomas Soucek, with experience added into the building seen as key, who could be signed for a fee of up to £15m.

Indeed, the report states that Soucek is viewed as an ‘ideal’ option in terms of giving Farke some more seasoned Premier League heads, with the long-standing Hammers servant also keen on a move away, having found his game-time as of late limited under Graham Potter.

Soucek has also been linked with a move to Everton to reunite with former West Ham boss David Moyes, but Leeds will pray the Czech enforcer chooses Elland Road over Merseyside, knowing that the 30-year-old could potentially strike up a healthy relationship with Ao Tanaka in the holding midfield positions.

Sealing the £15m signature of the ex-Slavia Prague man could also see Leeds move away from attempting to bring Kalvin Phillips back to West Yorkshire, with Soucek a definite improvement on the hot-and-cold Ipswich Town loanee.

What Soucek would offer Leeds

Gaining a player of Soucek’s calibre would undoubtedly help Leeds navigate the choppy waters of the Premier League, considering the 30-year-old has tallied up 189 top-flight appearances for Potter’s side.

Across 240 games in total, Soucek has also been a constant, reliable, source of goals and assists for the Hammers, with 39 strikes and 13 assists notched up proving his importance to the cause over many seasons.

Therefore, winning such a comfortable performer in the tricky division is a no-brainer move for Farke, with Soucek able to gift Leeds grit and quality in equal measure alongside the likes of Tanaka in the midfield areas.

After all, the Japan international will be beaming at the prospect of challenging himself in England’s elite league having impressed throughout the Whites’ promotion success story, seen in the new fan’s favourite picking up four goals and two assists across 41 Championship encounters.

But, away from his impressive output, Tanaka is also tuned into his dogged game as much as Soucek, with the number 22 winning 4.5 duels per league game this season on average. To add context, his potential new Czech teammate playing in the division above has won 5.1 on average.

With seven goals under his belt too in the Premier League for 2024/25, Soucek is more than proving – despite talk of him exiting the London Stadium – that he is still a composed performer at the level deep into his playing days, with another of Leeds’ targets in Phillips unfortunately not able to boast such glowing numbers donning Ipswich blue.

Games played

30

18

Goals scored

7

0

Assists

1

0

Touches*

37.5

42.7

Accurate passes*

19.9

23.2

Total duels won

5.1

3.6

Playing a background role in Ipswich’s fight against the drop, Phillips is now way off what his previous best once was at Elland Road, with Soucek way more effective and impactful in games compared to the former England international.

Therefore, gambling on him to come good again would be an almighty risk, away from any sentimental reasons for a move being back on the table.

Winning Soucek would show that Leeds are serious about staying put in the top-flight, meaning his signature should be a top priority to obtain.

20 summer transfer window targets Leeds United are linked with (2025)

The 49ers could spend big looking to keep Leeds in the Premier League.

1 ByCharlie Smith Apr 25, 2025

The race to finish inside the coveted Champions League spaces in the Premier League is really starting to heat up with Chelsea staring down the barrel of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Sunday.

Thankfully for the Blues supporters who made the short journey over to Craven Cottage, their side managed to dramatically fight back to pick up a crucial three points.

That was thanks to 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George making himself an instant hero off the bench with the equaliser before Pedro Neto thumped home the last-gasp winner.

Chelsea fans packed into Fulham’s home ground would have been largely impressed with the showing of Cole Palmer too, away from Neto and George stealing the limelight, with the ex-Manchester City attacker guilty of putting in some rather subdued displays prior to this 2-1 victory being clinched.

Chelsea's Palmer problem

Amazingly, the once unplayable 22-year-old is now without a Chelsea goal since netting versus AFC Bournemouth all the way back in January.

But, he was still lively in spurts versus Fulham to show Maresca that he warrants a first team spot, with Palmer involved in the slick passing move that resulted in the 20-year-old forward grabbing his side’s much-needed equaliser.

Moreover, the hot-and-cold number 20 would trudge off the Craven Cottage turf at the close of the dramatic victory with only six misplaced passes, alongside firing two efforts of his own at Bernd Leno’s goal to try and guide his team to a less nervy win.

Of course, Palmer is stil some way off the blistering best that has seen him tally up a stunning 14 goals and eight assists overall this season in league action, but there is enough on show to indicate that other underperformers are costing Enzo Maresca more dearly.

Instead, there is a bigger problem right now at the Bridge…

4/10 Chelsea star is becoming a problem

The Champions League chasers haven’t been the most front foot team in recent matches, considering Maresca’s side have only bagged five Premier League strikes across April to date.

Nicolas Jackson, unfortunately, finds himself deep in a barren spell up top, with the low-on-confidence forward now up to 13 games without a goal after firing even more blanks away at Fulham. Considering they rely on him so much to find the net, one could argue that he’s becoming a bigger problem than the aforementioned Palmer.

Minutes played

78

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

21

Accurate passes

12/16 (75%)

Shots

1

Big chances missed

1

Total duels won

1/4

Jackson just never looked confident leading the line for the Blues against Silva’s tricky hosts, with the Senegalese attacker failing to find the back of the net again by mustering up just one effort all contest.

He was also anonymous in large patches in an attacking capacity when attempting to find openings, with just 12 accurate passes accumulated, alongside weakly winning just one of his four duels.

Amazingly, within five minutes of the number 15 coming off the pitch, the Blues would celebrate hitting the back of the net through the aforementioned George, leaving Maresca with an almighty conundrum as to who he should select here moving forward.

Of course – much like Palmer – Jackson has displayed his class in the not so distant past at Stamford Bridge with nine goals powered home this campaign alone, but the scathing post-match reaction to his shoddy showing says it all, with London Evening Standard journalist Malik Ouzia dishing out a low 4/10 rating to the striker who he labelled as a “shadow” of his former lethal self.

There were jubilant celebrations at the final whistle as Chelsea picked up their 16th league victory of the season, but if they are serious about cementing a spot inside the top five, blindly sticking by a wasteful Jackson might prove to be a costly call.

Worth way more than Huijsen: Chelsea have struck gold on "superb" talent

Chelsea have already hit the jackpot on one player who’s starred at Stamford Bridge.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 20, 2025

Manchester United appear to be advancing in their move to replace Andre Onana with a top goalkeeper target following a new transfer update.

Man Utd regret signing Onana and are looking to sell goalkeeper

The Red Devils decided to replace David de Gea with Onana back in 2023, however, that has been a decision that has arguably been the wrong one with the way things have gone for the Cameroon international at Old Trafford.

The former Inter Milan shot-stopper, who helped the Serie A side to the Champions League final against Manchester City, is thought to be unsettled in Manchester and has been for a long time.

In fact, there have been claims that Man Utd regret signing Onana and he is on course to be sold this summer with interest from Saudi Arabia.

INEOS now receive £65m+ bid to sell Man Utd star who Amorim has called out

The Red Devils are yet to respond to the offer.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 1, 2025

The 29-year-old has still been a regular under Ruben Amorim, however, with Onana looking likely to exit Old Trafford, a replacement will be required.

Again, it looks as if the Red Devils could go shopping in Italy for a number one and in Milan specifically, but this time with AC Milan.

Man Utd progressing in talks to sign £67m Mike Maignan

According to a report from Spain, Man Utd have taken a ‘giant step’ to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan.

It is believed that the Frenchman is the ‘top priority’ to replace Onana and that ‘negotiations’ between the player and the Red Devils have ‘progressed significantly’.

Now, United are planning to make contact with AC Milan to discuss the terms of a transfer, but it looks as if Maignan is keen on swapping Milan for Manchester.

Previous reports have valued Maignan at £67m, although there could be a 50% discount if he refuses to sign a new contract over the coming months, with his current deal set to expire in 2026.

AC Milan signed the ‘keeper back in 2021 from Lille and he has gone on to make more than 150 appearances for the Italian giants.

Maignan is also France’s first-choice goalkeeper and recently starred in a penalty shootout against Croatia to help his country qualify for the Nations League semi-finals.

Kylian Mbappe was quick to praise Maignan, saying: “We know we have a goalkeeper who makes the difference in penalties, so we’re at an advantage.”

Meanwhile, France boss Didier Deschamps added: “The French national team players know very well that Mike is very effective in penalties. He has that quality, the better. It’s a technical skill. He’s a goalkeeper who performed well in this penalty series, we owe him our qualification. It would have been frustrating to lose because we had the opportunity to have a bigger gap earlier.”

Leeds United have fallen into a sticky predicament within their promotion push, but that hasn’t stopped the club in pushing to land a high-profile summer target, per reports.

Leeds United risk failing to claim automatic promotion

Despite claiming a point at Luton Town courtesy of Daniel James’ first-half strike in a 1-1 draw, the Whites have won one of their last six Championship matches under Daniel Farke.

Frustratingly, Burnley now sit at the summit following their narrow victory over Coventry City, while Sheffield United remain in contention even after a shock loss to Oxford United on Saturday lunchtime.

On the eye, a sense of fragility has crept in at the wrong time for Leeds United. The situation is still salvagable as it stands, but they will certainly want to rectify their on-field issues to put forward the best picture possible to potential targets come the summer window.

Providing a marker of their ambitions in the market, the Yorkshire giants have made an opening approach for West Ham star Tomas Soucek in a deal that could see the Czechia international earn £120,000 per week.

Premier League promotion would need to be a certainty for the veteran to entertain the possibility, and the same goes for Leeds United’s pursuit of Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

Leeds in contact to sign 6 ft 4 Farke target as 49ers ready £120k-p/w deal

He’s currently on £90,000-per-week.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 4, 2025

Illan Meslier has been dropped due to a string of erratic performances, so it only makes sense that their recruitment team begin to do their homework on stoppers far and wide that could replace the Frenchman.

Looking to rectify the problem, Farke and company have now cast their eye on a Premier League veteran who could be on the move this summer.

Leeds United eye surprise move for Newcastle United stopper Nick Pope

According to The Sun, Nick Pope is being lined up by Leeds United as a replacement for Meslier following question marks over his form since recovering from injury.

Intriguingly, the Magpies’ pursuit of James Trafford could put the England international under ‘serious pressure’ at St James’ Park. However, the Whites also have Trafford in their sights should promotion occur at Elland Road.

Nick Pope key statistics in 2024/25 – Premier League

Saves

61

Save percentage

69.3%

Goals conceded

27

Error which leads to goal

2

High claim

28

Labelled “brilliant” by Pep Guardiola, there is no doubt Pope has lived up to that billing since arriving in the North East. The former Burnley man has kept 31 clean sheets in 86 appearances, playing his part in a top-four finish and EFL Cup triumph under the stewardship of Eddie Howe.

Nevertheless, the 32-year-old, who is a CAA Stellar client alongside Leeds United pair Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle, may feel his best chance of continuing to receive first-team football could come elsewhere amid Newcastle’s desire to land a younger profile.

Saying that, it does feel unlikely that the £60,000 per week earner would drop down to the second tier, making promotion a necessary development before any serious talk of a move can take place.

The Dodgers took both games in Milwaukee to start the National League Championship Series, getting out to a 2-0 lead on the Brewers.

As Milwaukee faces an uphill battle, their manager Pat Murphy still believes his group can beat the odds and advance to the franchise's first World Series since 1982. After the franchise's 5-1 loss in Game 2 Tuesday, he said his team "has been counted out a lot this year" and thinks they still have some fight left in them.

Murphy's 10-year-old son Austin shares that sentiment, as he perfectly explained why he thinks the Brewers can claw back into the series when asked as he sat with his dad during a press conference Wednesday in a sweet moment.

"Well, the guys respond back really good," Austin said into the microphone via the 's Curt Hogg. "They started the season 0-4, those games were not good, but they responded with the best record in baseball so I believe they can do it."

The Brewers manager smiled wide with a proud head nod, then thanking the reporter for asking the question. Murphy's interviews are always fun, often sitting next to his kids and even breaking out snacks from his pocket to munch on during the discussion.

Dodger Stadium hosts Game 3 of the NLCS Thursday as the Brewers, who owned Major League Baseball's best record over the regular season at 97-65, try to get on the board in the series. Nobody expected the Brewers to put up baseball's best record this season, just like no one expects them to get back from a 2-0 hole. Those who know the team best have seen them bounce back before, though.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is set to make his return after two months out against Leeds in midweek. The Blues star has been absent since the club's defeat to Manchester United on September 20, and while he returned to the bench against Arsenal at the weekend, he did not come on, with the England international being eased back into action.

Palmer's return

Palmer has been absent for Chelsea since their defeat to United but was back on the bench against Arsenal at the weekend. While Moises Caicedo's red card may have scotched any chance of the England international coming on, he is now poised to play against Leeds on Wednesday. The playmaker's return from a groin issue was pencilled in for last week, but he broke his toe in a freak accident at home, and his comeback was subsequently delayed. Now, he is set to play at Elland Road, his manager, Enzo Maresca, has confirmed.

AdvertisementAFPMaresca's confirmation

Maresca told reporters:"He is available. The last game he was on the bench. For sure with the players was more complicated for Cole because now he needs to come back in terms of fitness condition. He is available, he can start the game.

"The idea of the game is to start giving minutes until he can play 90 minutes."

Maresca has also confirmed that he is facing a "complicated" decision over Reece James' selection, adding: "It's complicated. I would like to start him, but we need to do the right thing."

Asked if he can play in midfield, he said: "I think he can play in both positions. He has been full-back all his life. He also has played as a midfielder. But I think he can be good in both positions. When we decide for him as a midfielder, most of the time it's also when we want physicality in terms of midfielders, when we face some teams that are strong in the middle. So it depends a little bit on the game plan. But as you said, he's doing very well in both positions."

Chelsea challenging at the top end

Chelsea and Manchester City are currently running Arsenal the closest in the Premier League and held the leaders to a 1-1 draw at the weekend, despite Caicedo's red card.

And midfielder Enzo Fernandez insists they should be seen as proper title contenders, telling GiveMeSport: “Of course we are [title contenders]. This season, there are many contenders: Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United. All the teams are battling towards the top.

“There are some very strong Premier League sides. Arsenal have also been doing really well for many years. And Liverpool are a great side. I’m not going to choose one because they’re all good.

“And we know the Champions League is very tough. We’ll try to reach the final, which is what we deserve as a club. We’ve been doing well, so we’re capable of being right up there.”

On the lure of moving to west London, he added: "When Chelsea came in for me, I had no doubts. I wanted to make the move up, in sporting terms, to the Premier League.

“I wanted to come to Chelsea at all costs and didn’t want to let the opportunity pass me by. Everyone knows that and thank God it worked out. I’m here now and I’m very happy."

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Maresca's men?

Chelsea face Leeds this week and sit six points behind Arsenal ahead of the week's fixtures. The Blues also face Bournemouth this weekend, as they attempt to close the gap on the Gunners at the top-end of the table. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal face Brentford in midweek in a potential banana skin of a London derby, before then taking on Aston Villa this weekend. The Gunners, of course, also face European obligations, and will play Club Brugge three days after their clash with Villa; Chelsea play Atalanta on Tuesday.

Karim Benzema has admitted he is unsure whether he will stay at Al-Ittihad beyond this season, confirming European offers are on the table while insisting he has no intention of retiring any time soon. As he approaches 38, the 2022 Ballon dOr winner wants clarity over the club's sporting plans before deciding where he will play next, as he remains determined to continue for at least two more years.

Benzema's future uncertain amid Al-Ittihad's struggles

Benzema is entering the final stretch of his current Al-Ittihad contract, and the uncertainty around the club's future plans has left the veteran striker weighing up his next move. Recent speculation has ranged from a contract extension to a possible exit and even retirement, but none of those scenarios has yet been agreed or ruled out officially. His situation has drawn major interest from European clubs keen to bring him back closer to the elite level he dominated for over a decade with Real Madrid.

The Frenchman remains valued highly by Al-Ittihad, who see him as both a sporting leader and a marketing icon, but their early season struggles in the Saudi Pro League have frustrated his competitive ambitions. While he remains settled off the pitch, Benzema has made it clear he does not want to see out his final years without challenging for major silverware. With his deal only running until 2026, any decision will depend on whether the club can fairly urgently present a project that convinces him to stay.

For now, he remains focused on contributing to this season and staying in peak condition as he nears his 38th birthday in December. His message is that he is far from finished physically or mentally, but he wants his final chapters to match his ambitions.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFormer Ballon d'Or winner opens up on future

Benzema opened up about the crossroads he faces in a recent interview with AS, confirming he will not be rushed into a decision. "It's true that my contract here is coming to an end. I can't say yet what I'm going to do, whether I'll stay or leave – it depends on a lot of things. In December, I'll be 38. I still see myself playing football for another two years."

He emphasised that he wants a long-term vision, not a short extension just for the sake of it. "We'll see what happens, what the club thinks. I like to talk face-to-face and then see what they think. The best thing for me would be to continue here, but not just for one or two more years. I don't want to do that."

Benzema also confirmed offers from Europe remain active, though comfort and respect matter as much as the level of competition. "It's true that I have offers from Europe. I need to consider everything, choose wisely, and see where I feel good, not forgetting that I feel comfortable here and receive everyone's affection. In any case, I'm not going to stop playing football or competing in six months."

Benzema has offers from Europe with contract ending in 2026

Benzema has repeatedly stated that he still feels in strong physical condition despite his age and the demands of the Saudi Pro League. He continues to work rigorously in training, confident that his technical ability and football intelligence allow him to remain decisive in key moments. His affection for Al-Ittihad's fans and the respect he receives in Saudi Arabia remain key parts of why staying is still an attractive option.

Yet the pull of Europe, and especially the Champions League, has never left him. He has openly admitted he continues to watch Real Madrid matches and the top European competitions, describing them as "magical" and a constant reminder of the highest stage. Fenerbahce had reportedly placed the former France international on their wishlist for January; however, are going to be unlikely to actually make a move.

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AFPCan Benzema actually return to Europe?

Talks with Al-Ittihad leadership are expected to take place soon, as both sides seek clarity before the second half of the season. If the club can present a convincing project, Benzema could renew his commitment in Saudi Arabia and aim for one last push for titles. Failure to do so, however, would open the door for a dramatic late-career return to European football.

European interest will likely intensify as the summer window approaches, especially with top-level clubs monitoring both his availability and his fitness. Retirement is not being considered in the short term, and Benzema himself has set a clear timeline by projecting his goodbye closer to 2028.