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Lamine Yamal is being tipped to become the “best in the world”, but Barcelona icon Rivaldo admits it will be difficult for him to “be a Lionel Messi”.

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• Rewritten history books at 17 years of age
• Has been likened to fellow La Masia graduate
• Expected to form part of the global elite

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  At just 17 years of age, Yamal is already a record-breaking European Championship winner. The history books have been rewritten with Barca and Spain, leading to obvious comparisons with fellow La Masia academy graduate Messi.

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  WHAT RIVALDO SAID

  Following in the footsteps of an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be no easy task and Rivaldo – who has a Golden Ball of his own – has told of Yamal’s ongoing development: “It’s impressive, he’s still a 17-year-old kid and he’s already doing very good things. I don’t know if he’s going to be a Messi, it’s a very difficult comparison because of everything the Argentinian did at the club. Lamine has everything to be the best in the world and win many titles with Barcelona. I like him a lot, he plays with joy and enjoys football. And he makes the fans enjoy it.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rivaldo added on how Yamal needs to be handled from here, with it easy for him to become distracted or start buying into his own hype: “It’s essential to look after him. He’s still a kid, he’s talked about a lot in the press and he knows he’s important. He has to be very intelligent because football changes you a lot. He must have people by his side who talk to him and help him in his career so that he can be the best in the world.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Yamal continues to dazzle audiences around the world and prove that if you are good enough, then you are old enough. Brazilian superstar Rivaldo went on to say: “He looks older. The way he plays, you’d say he’s 25 or 26 years old. He looks like he’s been playing for a long time and already has the experience of an older player. He will go far because he plays very well, both at Barcelona and in the national team where he can do very well in the World Cup.”

Chelsea have submitted a bid to sign a £70 million striker after manager Enzo Maresca personally welcomed the move, and they've received a reply to their approach.

Chelsea targeting new senior attackers despite busy early summer

The west Londoners have officially confirmed a flurry of early deals, spending around £105 million in total on the signings of defender Tosin Adarabioyo, starlet striker Marc Guiu, youngster Omari Kellyman, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Brazilian prodigy Estevao Willian.

£210,000-per-week striker compared to Ronaldo really wants Chelsea move

He thinks a switch to Stamford Bridge is the best possible outcome for him.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 5, 2024

Chelsea helped to fund those moves by shaking hands on exits for Hakim Ziyech, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson and Ian Maatsen, who have been sold for around £84 million in total.

Estevao, who is highly-rated but not set to join until 2025, and Guiu could be seen as ones for the future – rather than immediate upgrades to Maresca's first team attacking options.

Therefore, it is believed co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley remain in the market for new senior attackers. Chelsea missed out on a deal for Michael Olise, despite widely reported talks, with the 22-year-old instead joining Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich.

A new wide player is still possible, though, as Chelsea maintain a rumoured interest in Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams among others. Chelsea are also believed to be in the market for a new striker, with Mauricio Pochettino relying heavily on Cole Palmer for Chelsea's output last term.

Napoli star Victor Osimhen is among Chelsea's striker targets, with the Nigerian said to favour a move to Stamford Bridge as his best possible option. Chelsea chiefs have held internal discussions over Ivan Toney as well, coming after his heroic extra-time assist for Harry Kane against Slovakia in the Last 16 of Euro 2024.

Another striker to be linked quite recently is Atletico Madrid starlet Samu Omorodion. The 20-year-old has just impressed on a season-long loan at Deportivo, scoring nine goals and registering an assist in 36 appearances.

While these numbers don't appear mind-blowing on paper, he is very highly-rated in Spain and viewed as a player with real potential.

"Omorodion is an imposing centre-forward blessed with great physicality, aerial prowess, speed and agility, a combination which has given many experienced defenders nightmares at the start of his career," wrote reporter Tom Olver in The Metro.

"The Spain U21 international has also been praised for his tenacious work ethic and has a reputation for tirelessly pressing his opponents."

Chelsea submit bid for Omorodion after Maresca green light

The Sun have an update on Chelsea's pursuit of the Spaniard, and it is believed Maresca personally welcomes the prospect of him joining the west Londoners as he green-lights a move.

Chelsea have also submitted a £42 million bid for Omorodion, but Atletico have replied by snubbing their approach as the La Liga side hold out for as much as £70 million.

Maresca has made clear he wants another forward to compete with Nicolas Jackson next season, with co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart identifying Omorodion as the ideal profile suited to his style.

Former Real Madrid forward Predrag Mijatovic is not sure Carlo Ancelotti has what it takes to turn things around as the club's woes continue.

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• Mijatovic takes aim at Ancelotti
• Italian under pressure to deliver results
• Lost successive home games to Milan and Barcelona

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mijatovic has taken aim at Ancelotti and believes the Italian doesn't have the ability to turn around what is shaping up to be a dismal campaign for the defending LaLiga and Champions League champions.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pressure has been mounting on Ancelotti to revitalise the squad — one that many expected to become near invincible with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe — and turn things around in what is turning out to be a below par campaign for Los Blancos.

  Successive losses at home to Barcelona (4-0) and AC Milan (3-1) have raised eyebrows and there have been murmurs in the Spanish capital that Ancelotti's time in the Madrid hotseat could be coming to a rather unexpected end, with the team playing well below the level everyone expected them to be at.

  They are already nine points behind Barcelona, albeit with a game in hand, and face the prospect of missing out on automatic progression to the Round of 16 in the brand-new format of the Champions League.

• WHAT PREDRAG MIJATOVIC SAID

  "The feeling I have is that the team has gotten out of hand for Ancelotti. With the changes he has made, he didn't know where to take the team or how to react. In addition to the two to three splendid years they have had, the time has come that the team has relaxed a little. Solutions? Very few. I don't know if he has the capacity to react and restart the situation to motivate the players," Mijatovic said on Cadena SER's El Carrusel program (as quoted by SPORT), following Madrid's 3-1 loss to AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League earlier this week.

  "There are players who are unhappy, who play less than they thought. Then, the press asks for more minutes for [Arda] Guler and Endrick. [Jude] Bellingham started very well and now he is not as fine [Kylian] Mbappe and Vinicius [Jr.] want to play on the same wing… I am worried about the situation. Ancelotti cannot tell his players 'you have to do what I say'. He is listening to too many opinions and does not have a position as he did in other years."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Focus will now turn towards LaLiga, where Real Madrid will take on Osasuna on Saturday, November 9. The reigning Spanish champions will have to start with a win against Los Rojillos, who are one of the in-form teams this season.

After their Scottish Premiership triumph last season, Celtic are looking to solidify their position at the summit of Scottish football by bringing in a number of new players this summer.

Schmeichel just the start of Celtic's summer plans

The big news out of Parkhead is that Brendan Rodgers seems to have finally found the man to replace the retiring Joe Hart this summer. A report on the X account of Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Celtic are close to announcing the signing of Kasper Schmeichel with the free agent set to join the Glasgow outfit on a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

Celtic struck gold with Ange signing who's worth more than Bernardo

The Hoops played a blinder when they brought the talented midfielder to Parkhead.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 14, 2024

At 37 years of age, the veteran keeper brings with him a wealth of both international and domestic experience, in particular his key role in Leicester City's Premier League winning campaign in 2015/16. The Danish shot-stopper will be a familiar face for the Hoops boss who managed the keeper for numerous seasons at Leicester.

Other recent rumours have linked Celtic with a move for Middlesbrough ace Riley McGree. A report this week claimed that Ange Postecoglou attempted to bring the Australian to Parkhead during his tenure at the club and that the Hoops will look to reignite this interest over the course of the summer transfer window.

The interest in McGree has likely come off the back of growing rumours linking Celtic star Matt O'Riley with a move away from the club this summer. Leicester appear to be the current front-runner for the Danish midfielder with a fee in the region of £25 million said to be enough to tempt O'Riley away from Parkhead this summer.

With Celtic showing no signs of slowing down this summer, it now appears that the club have set their sights on their next target with a signing set to be announced next week.

Celtic want backup option before pre-season starts

As first reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Celtic are working on signing a second goalkeeper. The outlet claims that the Hoops are in talks for a second keeper who can act as a backup to new number one Schmeichel.

O'Rourke goes on to state that the club expects this second deal to be completed before Celtic depart for their pre-season tour of the United States next week. It is claimed that the club want the new second-choice shop-stopper to embed himself within the Hopps' squad before the start of the next campaign.

Whilst the name of this new signing is not yet known, the deal could be for one of the players previously linked with the club. Serbia keeper Martin Dubravka is one name that has done the rounds in Celtic circles in recent weeks, however, it is not known whether the 35-year-old would be interested in being a backup option.

Despite the identity of the player in question remaining unknown for the time being, Celtic fans may only have to wait a matter of days to find out who their latest signing is.

Jamal Musiala reveals when he plans to make a decision on his future as Bayern Munich are ready to offer him new contract.

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• Musiala reveals future plans
• Bayern ready to offer new deal
• Will see significant rise in his wages

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The German international's current contract with Bayern expires in June 2026 and in the past, he had hinted that could consider extending his stay in Munich. Musiala has also attracted interest from top European giants like Manchester City, however, the Bavarian side are determined to tie him down with a new deal.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Per , the Bundesliga giants are planning to offer him wages in the region of €20 million (£16m/$21m) to €25m (£20m/$26m) if he pens a new deal, which is a significant rise from the reported €8m (£7m/$8m) is currently making. Amid all the speculation, the 21-year-old himself has now revealed when he plans to make a final call on his future.

• WHAT JAMAL MUSIALA SAID

  Speaking to , the Bayern star said: "It's important for me to stay fit and perform to my potential until I have a bit of time to calm down. Then I can take time to think about everything. I think we'll know more during the winter break."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MUSIALA?

  Musiala will be next seen in action for Germany in their final Nations League group game against Hungary on Tuesday before he returns to club football.

Leeds United are less than a month away from kicking off their 2024/25 Championship season with a game against Portsmouth at Elland Road.

The Whites will have still have a few weeks after that clash to finish off their business during the summer transfer window, which does not slam shut until the end of August, but may want to do the bulk of their work ahead of the season opener.

Daniel Farke will surely want as much time as possible with new signings to ensure that they are ready to slot in and adapt to his system and style of play, rather than trying to bed them in once the campaign has already started.

Central defender Joe Rodon has already been brought in on a permanent deal from Tottenham Hotspur, after his loan spell last term, and goalkeeper Alex Cairns has also been snapped up permanently as a back-up option.

The West Yorkshire side have dipped into the loan market to secure the services of central midfielder Joe Rothwell from Premier League side Bournemouth.

It now remains to be seen what Leeds will be able to do throughout the rest of the window but they have been urged to sign a star from one of their Championship rivals.

Leeds urged to sign Championship star

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has claimed that Leeds would almost guarantee promotion by signing Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers.

Speaking on the Posh Podcast, as relayed by Planet Sport, he stated that bringing the Ireland international to Elland Road would be "pretty much guaranteeing you promotion" because he won the Golden Boot in the second tier last term.

However, it is unclear as to whether or not the Whites hold a genuine interest in the talented goalscorer or if MacAnthony is simply urging them to consider a deal for him.

Szmodics joined Blackburn from Peterborough, where he had produced 27 goals and 14 assists in 96 appearances in all competitions, and this means that the Posh chief has a vested interest in the gem's future.

Brentford and Celtic are among the other teams to have been linked with an interest in the prolific attacker, whilst Ipswich Town have reportedly held talks over a deal for the forward.

Leeds must now act on MacAnthony's recommendation and pursue a deal for the Irish marksman as he could come in as a big upgrade on Farke's current number ten – Joel Piroe – if they can secure his services before the end of the summer transfer window.

Joel Piroe's debut season with Leeds

It was an interesting season for the Dutch striker after his move from Championship rivals Swansea on a permanent deal ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Having predominantly played as a centre-forward for the Welsh side in his first two years in England, Farke opted to deploy him in an attacking midfield or second striker role, behind a number nine, for most of the campaign.

That change in position did not help to get the best out of the left-footed star, though, as his goal return diminished and he offered little out of possession or in build-up play.

Piroe had scored 41 goals across his first two years in the Championship with Swansea, firing in 22 and then 19, but only managed 14 goals in 45 league outings for Leeds.

This suggests that the switch in role took away some of his goalscoring prowess, which meant that the Whites did not see the best version of the Dutchman.

As you can see in the table above, his performances away from his goalscoring left a lot to be desired as he struggled in and out of possession.

Piroe lost the majority of his physical duels, notably in the air, and that shows that opposition defenders found it far too easy to get the better of him last season.

His creative statistics also show that the 24-year-old attacker did not offer much in terms of being able to create high-quality opportunities for his teammates.

Overall, his form in his first season for Leeds suggests that there is room for the club to land an upgrade on him in the transfer window, and that is what Szmodics could be.

Why Sammie Szmodics could be a Joel Piroe upgrade

Firstly, the Ireland international spent the majority of last term playing in an attacking midfield role for Blackburn, appearing 34 times in that role.

This immediately suggests that he would, stylistically, be an ideal signing to come in and replace Piroe as a goalscoring number ten behind Georginio Rutter, Mateo Joseph, or Patrick Bamford.

Whilst, on paper, Szmodics suits the role that the Dutchman is typically deployed in, does his quality on the pitch make him an upgrade on the ex-Swansea star?

The 28-year-old dynamo, who scored 33 goals in all competitions for Rovers, has statistics in the Championship from the 2023/24 campaign that suggest that he does.

Szmodics showcased his quality at the top end of the pitch on a regular basis in the second tier to help Blackburn to avoid relegation from the division.

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed sensation scored more than twice as many goals as Piroe and created more than twice as many 'big chances' for his teammates, despite playing one fewer match.

He ranked within the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the division for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.62) and the top 3% for non-penalty Expected Goals and Expected Assisted Goals combined per 90 (0.62), which shows that not many, if any, players in his position made a greater impact in the final third.

These statistics suggest that the Blackburn attacker, who was hailed as "ridiculous" by journalist Josh Bunting, would come in as a big upgrade on Piroe by offering more to Farke's side in and out of possession, which is why they should take MacAnthony's advice and sign the impressive attacker to hopefully guarantee promotion.

His spectacular goalscoring pedigree in the Championship could help Leeds to win more matches, with over twice as many goals as Piroe, and that could see them make the jump to the automatic places after finishing third last term.

Television bosses are investigating after pundit Roy Keane was involved in an angry clash with a supporter after Manchester United's draw at Ipswich.

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• Keane working as pundit at Portman Road
• Has angry clash with supporter after game
• Sky Sports looking into incident

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Keane has hit the headlines once again after an altercation with a fan at Portman Road. A video circulating on social media shows the Manchester United legend appearing to say "I'll wait for you in the car park," while Ipswich fan Neil Finbow has claimed to be the supporter involved and has claimed Keane offered him out after the game. Sky Sports are now investigating and have asked fellow pundits Jamie Redknapp, Izzy Christensen as well as presenter Kelly Cates for their view of the incident, according to .

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Keane has been involved in a fan confrontation previously during media work. Arsenal supporter Scott Law was handed a three-year footballing ban and a fine after being found guilty of assaulting the former midfielder in the aftermath of a Gunners' win over Manchester United at the Emirates. Sky Sports are not expected to take action against Keane but may boost security for their staff in the wake of the incident.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Finbow has offered a bit more detail on the incident to the Daily Mail: "[Jamie Redknapp] didn't really step in. He was just sort of talking to Roy from behind. I can't remember him coming in and pulling him away. Roy was sort of pointing in this guy's face. There was no security or anything, which I was surprised about. Roy was directing his comments towards the fan who had the big issue because of his kids. There were a few choice words said about that. We were surprised he came over because you've got a lot of ex-players and managers that come down here. They all get stick, but I was as shocked as anybody when Roy came over."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KEANE

  Despite the latest incident, Keane is expected to continue his punditry work, although he has hinted already he is growing tired of the job. The Manchester United legend told The Overlap he "doesn't think" he'll be doing punditry work in 10 years' time and also revealed a desire to move abroad.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has posted a TikTok video showing Manchester United flop Antony's skills with the Red Devils.

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• Romania PM Ciolacu posts Antony edit on TikTok
• Antony struggling for form since move to Man Utd
• Man Utd likely to sell the Brazilian winger in 2025

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ciolacu is a very active figure on social media and TikTok in general, and the Prime Minister of Romania has now shared an edit on his personal TikTok account. In the video, Ciolacu seemed to be asked to identify the names of celebrities from their photos. One photo featured Antony and the 57-year-old was able to identify the Manchester United star correctly, and the video followed a typical Antony edit of his 'skills' in a Red Devils jersey.

  @marcel_ciolacu

  #marcelciolacu #psd #romania #antony #emotii

  ♬ original sound – marcel_ciolacu

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United signed Antony from Ajax for a massive fee of £85 million ($108m) as they looked to begin a footballing dynasty at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag. However, the Brazilian has flopped at United so far and with new boss Ruben Amorim not placing much faith in him, Antony is likely to be sold by the club either in January or in the summer.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Antony has started a total of 89 games for United since his move from Ajax, but the right-winger has only scored 12 goals and provided five assists for the Red Devils.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?

  The Brazilian has played twice under Amorim so far but has not seemed to impress. However, with the newcoach trying out different roles for players, it is possible that Antony may be handed a start when United take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 7.

Despite falling short in the Premier League title race once again, losing out to the indomitable Manchester City for the second successive season, Arsenal are calmly making transfer tweaks to their outfit.

The transfer window is in full swing and there's now less than one month remaining to conclude business, but the Gunners have already strengthened their backline with the £42m signing of Riccardo Calafiori and are working toward landing Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino to add some steel to the engine room.

Goalkeeper David Raya has also seen his initial loan stint completed for £27m, and now, Mikel Arteta can turn his attention to the front of the ship.

Arsenal have one of Europe's highest-quality squads and will be among the favourites in the Premier League and Champions League both this year, but are somewhat lacking at centre-forward.

That could now be changing…

Arsenal targeting new striker

Arsenal are selling some fringe players and replacing them with signings of perceived higher quality, thus improving the overall level of Arteta's squad. Eddie Nketiah is the latest to be worked toward the exit, with Marseille failing with a bid as Edu holds firm on his £30m asking price.

The centre-forward is likely to depart, however, for – as per Football Transfers – Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro is being pursued.

The Brazilian forward, who joined the Seagulls from Watford for roughly a £30m fee one year ago, enjoyed a successful season on the South Coast and has been the subject of recent internal Gunners' discussions.

Sources understand that Brighton would be willing to cash in for around £50m, so much depends on Nketiah's future.

Joao Pedro's exploits at Brighton

Nketiah is a reliable goalscorer but he doesn't boast the complete set of qualities that Arteta demands from his team – in other words, he is expendable.

Pedro could prove to be an intelligent signing and a big upgrade on the 25-year-old, having scored 20 goals and added three assists across all competitions for Brighton last season, hailed as an "absolute superstar" by journalist Charlie Haffenden.

As per FBref, Pedro, aged 22, ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 7% for fouls drawn and the top 2% for percentage of aerial challenges won (62.0%).

Such metrics denote a strong set of rounded skills, with his ball-carrying ability – he's been described as an "insane dribbler" by analyst Ben Mattinson – leading opponents to commit fouls and his robust physique allowing him to outwork others in the duel.

It's exactly what Arteta's after, with positional fluidity mixed with such athletic qualities and a clinical nature to upgrade on Nketiah, who only has 19 goals from 116 appearances in the Premier League.

He would improve Arsenal's frontline, but he'd also be something of a dream for Gunners skipper Martin Odegaard, whose playmaking brilliance would suit his progressive nature to a tee.

Imagine Joao Pedro & Martin Odegaard

Odegaard has been the linchpin over the past several seasons, awarded the club's Player of the Season for 2023/24 and posting 26 goals and 18 assists across the two terms.

His influence and intelligence, technique and tenacity and box-crashing genius have seen him rise from a one-time wonderkid label to very much live up to the hype.

Across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, Odegaard ranks among the top 5% of midfielders for goals, the top 4% for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for progressive passes and the top 11% for progressive carries per 90.

The 25-year-old also created 17 big chances in the Premier League last season, and while his complete quality would be a benefit for any player, his range of passing could unlock the finest football of Pedro.

Brighton's rising star, having completed 1.4 dribbles per game in the English top flight last year and created nine big chances himself, would offer the creative skill of Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal while bringing the kind of growing goalscoring acumen that Odegaard would relish.

The Norway captain's string-pulling presence from the middle of the park has seen him grow into one of Europe's finest players, and Pedro – still only 22 remember – could be the final piece of the puzzle to send the team's dynamism to another level entirely.

Obviously, much hinges on Nketiah's sale, but Arsenal are quite clearly willing to part ways with a player who has been used sparingly under Arteta's wing especially so over the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Indeed, earning just six substitute appearances in the Premier League since February – and being left on the bench for a further ten matches – it would appear to be in the best interests of all parties to cash in swiftly.

Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have both succeeded at centre-forward over the last year, with the German especially so, but now a more prolific focal point is required.

Having fought tooth and nail to overthrow Man City's imperious reign in England, the Londoners are enjoying an impressive transfer window that might just tip the odds. Third time lucky?

Alongside Merino: Arsenal racing for "monster" to rival the Spaniard

The vastly experienced international would be an excellent signing.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 2, 2024

New Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano has revealed he called Lionel Messi to "get his honest opinion" after taking over at the MLS side.

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• Inter Miami appoint Mascherano as boss
• Takes over from Tata Martino
• Mascherano keen to hear Messi's opinion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mascherano has replaced Tata Martino as Inter Miami boss and signed a three-year contract with the MLS side. The appointment is the Argentine's first senior management role, although he has previously enjoyed coaching positions with the Argentina Under-20 and Under 23 teams. The move also sees Mascherano link up with former Barcelona team-mates Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez in Miami.

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  Mascherano may lack managerial experience but he does possess a packed trophy cabinet after an impressive playing career that took in spells with West Ham, Liverpool and Barcelona, as well as the Argentina national team. Inter Miami's new boss spent almost a decade playing alongside Messi with Barcelona and says his relationship with the club's captain will be an advantage when it comes to managing the team.

• WHAT MASCHERANO SAID

  He told : "I had a talk with Leo to get his opinion. I am lucky to have a very fluid relationship with him and that allows me to be sincere and be able to talk to him in depth and for him to be honest with me about what he thought. He is a person who does not usually get involved too much. Obviously, we know the influence and importance that Leo has, and has had throughout his career in all teams and clubs. I am very happy to be here and look forward to starting training.

  "We must remember that it is not that we're making that change [from teammate to coach] right now, a lot of water has passed under the bridge. I left Barcelona in 2018, and a lot has changed. We are grown-up people, we know how to differentiate things. I think life is easier when we do things naturally, and not force situations. I take it as an advantage to be able to know each other, to have had them as teammates and obviously to have great players like them now."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed the club tried to sign Mascherano back in 2019 in a move aimed at seeing him start off as a Designated Player and then head into coaching. "I always thought he would be an amazing mentor. Five years later, he's here. It's fate," he explained to ESPN.