The Kickoff: Can Lionel Messi's Inter Miami bounce back from CONCACAF Champions Cup exit?

GOAL takes a look at some key storylines heading into Matchday 11 of MLS action in 2025

Matchday 11 is upon us, and some tasty storylines – and matches – are on the cards.

Perhaps the most shocking storyline in North American soccer this year, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Wednesday evening, falling to the Vancouver Whitecaps across two legs in the semifinals of the competition. Now, the and their Argentine talisman have a quick turnaround before hosting 2024 MLS Cup runners-up New York Red Bulls Saturday evening. With their stars in Messi and Luis Suarez not particularly at their best at the moment, can Javier Mascherano and his squad find a result against a talented RBNY side? Or will their unexpected early-season skid continue?
Meanwhile, two of the Eastern Conference's finest teams to begin 2025 clash this weekend, too, in Charlotte FC vs. Columbus Crew. With a bit of touchline unrest from Wilfried Zaha, though, will Dean Smith's men be distracted ahead of the match? For the Crew, can their terrific start to 2025 remain in tact – or will CLT unlock their stout defense?
Then, in the Western Conference, it's up to Diego "Moon Boy" Luna to figure out how to defeat the Whitecaps – MLS's team best to start 2025. Can the in-form U.S. international lead RSL to an unexpected victory?

GOAL dives into all that and more in The Kickoff, a weekly preview of each MLS Matchday.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportCan Miami bounce back from Champions Cup exit?

Inter Miami have, unexpectedly, lost three-straight games across all competitions. Bounced from the Champions Cup, and in a bit of a rut in domestic league play, they've got a lot to play for this weekend against the New York Red Bulls.

The host the 2024 MLS Cup runners-up and will be in search of a big three points, while needing their stars to step up.

Suarez has scored just one goal this season, though he has contributed five assists. Miami is in desperate need of help in front of the net if it wants to get back to its best. Messi himself, meanwhile, is on a four-game skid across all competitions without a goal contribution. In league play, the Argentine's last goal came on a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on April 6, and his last assist in league play came on the opening day of the season on Feb. 22.

RBNY, meanwhile, have lost just three matches on the season, and are coming into the match off a 1-0 win on Matchday 10 over CF Montreal. With the likes of former Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the mix alongside Emil Forsberg, the have a tall task ahead of them to try and churn out an important victory amid an unexpected skid in form.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWill Charlotte and Zaha be able to overcome Nancy and Columbus?

After a social media outrage postgame from Wilfried Zaha highlighted Charlotte FC's loss to the New England Revolution last weekend, the club will be looking to bounce back and return to winning ways on Matchday 11 – but it will be no easy task on the road against the Columbus Crew at Lower.Com Field.

The hosts, meanwhile, are looking to maintain their fine form. With just one loss under their belt this season, a one-goal defeat to Inter Miami, they're looking to keep their record against conference opponents as tight as possible, too.

Columbus, who sits second in the East, and Charlotte, fourth in the same conference, are separated by just two total points. On paper, the two teams are matched up brilliantly, with Zaha and U.S. international Patrick Agyemang in the attack alongside shock 2025 MLS MVP candidate Pep Biel – who has nine goal contributions in 10 appearances this season.

The Crew, meanwhile, will look to get new $4.5 million forward Daniel Gazdag – who they acquired from the Philadelphia Union ahead of the transfer deadline – going in the attack as he's goalless in three appearances so far this season.

A matchup between two of the league's best, it's a highly-anticipated Eastern Conference affair.

Can Diego Luna heroics lift RSL past Vancouver?

Vancouver's top-tier form at the moment is officially no fluke – the club is a CONCACAF Champions Cup finalist. It is, at the moment, the team in MLS nobody wants to play – home or away.

RSL, though, have an ace up their sleeve in Luna – and amid match congestion due to continental competition – the U.S. international could be the difference maker for them on Matchday 11 when they clash with the Whitecaps.

Coming off a brace last weekend, including a brilliant individual goal, the 21-year-old is in fine form and has become "the guy," for the Western Conference side.

With new striker Willy Agada in the mix, a deadline day acquisition from Sporting Kansas City, Luna has a new option to play within the attack, and that will only bolster RSL's odds of making something happen against a talented Vancouver side.

With a bit of positivity in their ranks after their performance against San Diego FC last weekend, there's a chance Pablo Mastroeni's men could take advantage of the moment and capitalize on some potential rotation within Vancouver's team, or tired legs from the past 10 days. If that happens? Surely Luna will play a role in some manner.

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Getty Images SportMLS Predictions

Match

Selection

Odds

Toronto FC vs New England Revolution 

New England Revolution 

+220

CF Montreal vs Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union

+175

San Jose Earthquakes vs Portland Timbers

Portland Timbers

+270

New York City FC vs FC Cincinnati 

FC Cincinnati 

+220

Sporting Kansas City vs LA Galaxy

Sporting Kansa City

+100

Henry Tomkins provides MLS League predictions for the weekend: New England’s recent tight-knit defense should make it even harder for Toronto to find the back of the net, which is something they've struggled to do lately. Montreal and LA Galaxy still haven’t won across this MLS campaign. There’s a high likelihood that this may continue against Philadelphia and Sporting KC, respectively.

San Jose vs Portland are tied for the most goals scored in the league, with 20 each. Therefore, their match could feature plenty of goals. Cincinnati could create some distance at the top of the Eastern Conference if they continue their winning streak and earn another three points.

Boost for Emery: "Fantastic" Aston Villa star "close" to return from injury

A “fantastic” Aston Villa player is now “close” to returning from an injury setback, in what could be a boost for manager Unai Emery.

Villa's injury struggles

Speaking ahead of tonight’s fixture against Liverpool in the Premier League, Emery has admitted he doesn’t know the reason behind Villa’s injury problems this season, having been forced to substitute a player in the first half of each of his side’s last five matches.

Emery said: “It’s difficult to know exactly the reason for the injured players. Normally, a lot of teams have a lot of injuries. Maybe some teams do not, like tomorrow in Liverpool.

“We are playing a lot of matches, which adds more risk to players. Kamara was ready to play (against Ipswich) but had some problems in his back.

“But the injury is not coming from his back, it is in his hamstrings. We are meeting with doctors, physios to see how we can get better at anticipating the circumstances like we had. But exactly why is difficult to have this information.”

"Deal there to be had" as Aston Villa target "world-class" £62.5m striker

Reliable reporter Ben Jacobs believes Villa could sign a top striker in the summer.

ByDominic Lund Feb 18, 2025

A number of key players have been sidelined in recent weeks, with Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Leon Bailey and Ezri Konsa all spending time on the treatment table.

However, Emery has now revealed Bailey is “close” to overcoming a calf injury and being available for selection, with the manager hinting he could be involved tonight against Liverpool.

The winger is said to be a “doubt”, alongside Cash and Konsa, who also returned to training yesterday morning, but the manager was coy on whether the trio would have any involvement against the league leaders.

Aston Villa'sLeonBaileyin action with Celtic's Greg Taylor

"Fantastic" Bailey returning to form

The Jamaica international was a vital player for Villa last season, being lauded as “fantastic” by Emery, while also amassing ten goals and nine assists in the Premier League en-route to his side achieving qualification for the Champions League.

This season, the 27-year-old hasn’t quite had the same impact, but he had started to show some more promising signs prior to his recent injury setback, scoring in the 2-1 victory against Leicester City and creating two big chances against Celtic.

After just one win in their last five Premier League games, it could be a difficult task for the Villans to qualify for Europe once again, and there are some tricky games on the horizon.

Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Liverpool (h)

February 19th

Chelsea (h)

February 22nd

Crystal Palace (a)

February 25th

Brentford (a)

March 8th

Brighton & Hove Albion (a)

April 1st

As such, Emery will need his best players available if his side are going to mount a European push and remain competitive in the Champions League, so it is good news some key players are set to return, but Bailey needs to start chiming in with some more goals and assists.

WBBL round-up: Laura Harris' 18-ball fifty powers Heat to victory

Laura Harris celebrated her 100th WBBL appearance with an unforgettable maiden half-century to hoist the Brisbane Heat to a four-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena. Chasing 165, Brisbane were struggling at 4-65 in the 12th over, but Harris blasted nine fours and three sixes in a spectacular unbeaten 68 off 29 balls.Harris, who had scored just 42 from her seven previous innings this season, and New Zealand international allrounder Amelia Kerr, pounded 87 in six-and-a-half overs of mayhem. Kerr was dismissed with 13 runs needed off as many balls and though Brisbane lost a wicket with the scores level, Harris swept the winning boundary with two balls to spare.Harris reached her 50 off just 18 balls, the second quickest half-century in WBBL history. Heat went almost nine overs without a boundary before Harris smashed 14 off the last three balls of the 12th over to break the shackles. Nicola Carey spilled a tough chance at deep midwicket when Harris was on 16 and the powerful batter made Hurricanes pay.It was a devastating loss for fifth-placed Hurricanes, who remained three points off fourth spot, though they have played less games than the teams above them.The two innings followed a similar pattern with both struggling in the first half and cutting loose in the second. Hurricanes took 13 off the first over, but lost three wickets in as many overs to crash to 3-20 in the fourth. They hit just two fours and a six in the first 14 overs, but blasted 79 runs off the last six. South African batter Mignon du Preez paced the recovery perfectly, running hard early in her innings and clouting several boundaries in the closing overs. She added 61 off seven overs with Nicola Carey.Sophie Molineux was in the runs•Getty Images

Melbourne Renegades captain Sophie Molineux produced her best innings of the WBBL season to guide her side to a five-wicket win over fellow stragglers Sydney Thunder in Hobart.Chasing 122 at Blundstone Arena, Renegades were struggling at 3 for 30 in the fifth over. A third-wicket partnership of 52 between Molineux and Courtney Webb (29 off 27) got them back on track. Molineux, who had scored just 60 runs from her seven previous innings, with a high of 32, notched an unbeaten 55 off 45 balls. Molineux’s first two scoring strokes were cover-driven boundaries and with victory in sight in the 18th over, she struck three successive fours off Belinda Vakawera, who had conceded just six runs off her first 19 balls. The win broke a six-match losing streak and lifted Renegades off the bottom of the table and relegated the Thunder to last, having played two more games.Both batting lineups struggled for fluency, with the Thunder lacking urgency throughout their innings. England’s Amy Jones also scored a season-best 53 off 48 balls but she lacked support, scoring five of the Thunder’s nine boundaries. A second-wicket stand of 58 between Jones and Sammy-Jo Johnson (19 off 24) set up a decent platform for the Thunder, but they couldn’t push on and finished at 6-121. South African quick Shabnim Ismail (2-26) and spinners Ella Hayward, Molineux and Hayley Matthews kept a tight grip on the Thunder batters.Thunder’s hopes of defending their modest total rose when Renegades imports Chamari Athapaththu and Matthews fell in the first four overs. When Josie Dooley.was adjudged lbw to a ball that replays showed bounced over the top of the stumps without being reviewed, Melbourne were 3-30 but Molineux then took over.Deandra Dottin found her touch at the top of the order•Getty Images

Megan Schutt, who was standing in as captain for injured allrounder Tahlia McGrath, reached the 100-wicket mark In the WBBL and had a catch dropped, as Adelaide Strikers secured a comfortable win over the defending champions.West Indian Deandra Dottin scored her WBBL high of 68 off 51 balls to set up a seven-wicket win with four overs to spare to lift Strikers to 12 points, second behind the Sixers on net run rate. Noted power hitter Dottin scored just 21 off her first 26 balls but cut loose with three fours off spinner Lilly Mills just before the mid-innings break and then smashed 18 in the first of the power surge overs, as Strikers reached their target with four overs to spare.Scorchers lost two quick wickets on three occasions with Beth Mooney following her 99 not out in Saturday’s win over the Sixers with a golden duck. Jemma Barsby struck twice in the first over and Scorchers managed just a modest total despite 37 and 36 respectively from New Zealanders Sophie Devine and Maddy Green.

Williamson: Guptill will be missed but he has not retired

NZ captain opens up about the way forward with more players choosing to go the franchise T20 way

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2022

Kane Williamson on Martin Guptill: ‘He has been one of our best white-ball players ever’•Getty Images

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has admitted that the team will miss Martin Guptill, who has chosen not to take up a central contract and has subsequently been released by NZC. The 36-year old opener has joined a growing group of New Zealand players looking to explore career opportunities outside the country.The proliferation of franchise cricket is such that there is a T20 league for virtually every month of the year now, presenting an attractive package for many cricketers. Trent Boult, James Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme have all opted to pursue that line of work leaving New Zealand with a bit of a juggling act.Related

Guptill joins Renegades in BBL following release from NZ contract

Neesham declines NZ contract

De Grandhomme retires from international cricket

NZC agrees to release Boult from central contract

Guptill released from New Zealand central contract

“Obviously, he has made a decision to explore a few other options,” Williamson said, “But as a player and as an experienced member of the group, he has added so much value over the years and been one of our best white-ball players ever.”With over 10,000 white-ball runs, Guptill has been a crucial part of New Zealand’s success but they appear to have moved on from him. He didn’t play any of their games at the T20 World Cup and was dropped from the squad altogether for the ongoing India series.Williamson was appreciative of Guptill taking those calls in stride. “Without getting a playing opportunity, he was outstanding and offering to all the players in the group. So, he’s been fantastic in so many areas of the environment. Absolutely, he will be missed, but like I say he’s not retired. So there’s a lot to keep working through over the next period to get a real feel for how the picture looks.”It is learnt that Guptill may be in line for a BBL deal with the new season starting in December. Boult already has one with the Melbourne Stars, following which he will be in the UAE playing for MI Emirates. De Grandhomme is retired, the announcement coming soon after his name unexpectedly popped up at the BBL draft earlier this year. Neesham is the only one of the four currently in the team preparing to face India on Friday.While NZC have stressed that they’d like to give preference to players who are under contract when picking their squads, Williamson understood that the situation has changed and that they have to figure out a way forward that benefits both the team and the individual.”It’s just trying to strike that balance, like we’ve seen with a few other players who have also sort of looked at some of those other opportunities. It’s a bit of a moving landscape. So it’s trying to weigh that up and look at how it can all work moving forward.

Watch India tour of New Zealand live on Prime Video from Nov 18 to 30.

“Guptill hasn’t retired. He is looking at playing some other tournaments while still being available, but like I say, it’s balancing that moving forward. He’s still very motivated to keep playing and getting better. And I think that’s important for all players, even though he has played such a long, amazing career. As a mate and a team-mate over a long period of time, we had a few good chats. And it’s managing that time. As a player, you always go through different periods and you get to different stages, and you’re trying to basically manage that as best you can.”Williamson himself is facing similar questions, playing and captaining New Zealand in all three formats, but last week he reiterated his desire to keep doing so.

Igor Gomes, meia do São Paulo, é absolvido pelo STJD

MatériaMais Notícias

Igor Gomes, meia do São Paulo,foi absolvido pelo Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) nesta quarta-feira (15), por conta da expulsão em empate com o Ceará. O jogador poderia pegar até seis jogos como gancho.

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O atleta foi denunciadono artigo 258do Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva. Este, em específico, enquadra como conduta contrária à disciplina esportiva. A expulsão foi registrada em súmula pelo árbitro da partida,Bruno Arleu de Araújo.

-Aos 44 minutos do segundo tempo, expulsei em razão do segundo cartão amarelo o atleta de nº26, sr. Igor Silveira Gomes por ter calçado de forma temerária, na disputa de bola, o seu adversário de nº10, da equipe Ceará Sporting Club, sr. Jonh Steven Mendoza Valencia. O atleta atingido não necessitou de atendimento médico. O fato ocorreu na intermediária do campo de defesa da equipe do Ceará – registrou o árbitro na ocasião.

Agora, Igor Gomes fica livre para enfrentar o Botafogo, na próxima quinta-feira (16). O jogo será às 16h, no Estádio Nilton Santos, em partida válida pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

أحمد رضا يكشف حديث أفشة له بعد هدفه أمام بيراميدز

أعرب أحمد رضا، لاعب وسط الأهلي، عن فخره بالانضمام إلى صفوف القلعة الحمراء، مؤكدًا أن الأجواء داخل الفريق تسودها المحبة والتنظيم، وأن جميع اللاعبين دعموه منذ لحظة انضمامه، وهو ما ساعده على التأقلم سريعًا مع أجواء النادي الأكبر في إفريقيا.

وتحدث رضا في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت” عن هدفه في شباك بيراميدز، مشيرًا إلى أنه يحمل طابعًا خاصًا بالنسبة له ولزملائه في الفريق، وقال: “ليس طبيعيًا أن يتعادل الأهلي، لكن بعد الهدف أكثر من شخص قال لي إنه سيكون هدف الدوري، من بينهم محمد مجدي أفشة”.

موقف المعارين من العودة إلى الأهلي قبل كأس العالم للأندية.. وفرصة السولية ومعلول

وأضاف: “كل اللاعبين وقفوا بجانبي منذ انضمامي، وهذا يعكس الروح الحقيقية داخل النادي”.

وعن قدوته في الأهلي، أوضح أحمد رضا: “كنت أتمنى أن أكون مثل الكابتن حسام غالي، فهو من اللاعبين الذين ألهموني كثيرًا”، مشيرًا إلى أن غرفة الملابس حاليًا تتسم بالترابط والتناغم، واصفًا العلاقة بين اللاعبين بأنها مليئة بالحب والاحترام.

واستكمل أحمد رضا: “طموحنا في كأس العالم للأندية أن نحقق إنجازًا يليق بجماهيرنا، والمنافسة في وسط الملعب ستصب في مصلحة الفريق”.

كما تطرق إلى مسألة انضمامه لـ منتخب مصر قائلًا: “لا يوجد تواصل معي حتى الآن من الجهاز الفني للفريق القومي”.

واختتم: “أحمد سيد زيزو لاعب كبير وسيكون إضافة لأي فريق، وناديا السابق بتروجيت يضم لاعبين قادرين على اللعب في أندية القمة، دون أن أذكر أسماء بعينها”.

Chelsea now make £50m offer to sign "exceptional" in-demand centre-back

Chelsea have now made a £50m offer for an “exceptional” Premier League player who is set to be in high demand this summer, according to a report.

Blues eyeing summer signings in several areas

At one stage this season, the Blues were looking like potential Premier League title contenders, but their form has been on a downward spiral since the end of 2024, falling down to sixth place as a result of Friday’s 3-0 defeat against Brighton.

Although the west Londoners have spent big on several big-name signings over the past few years, Enzo Maresca may be starting to feel like some more additions are necessary this summer, and the manager is set to strengthen in multiple areas.

A new winger is of interest to Maresca, with the Italian looking to replace Mykhaylo Mudryk, and a £75m move for Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma is being considered, while the likes of Yeremay Hernandez and Alejandro Garnacho also remain options.

Chelsea approach £83m Barcelona player to see if he'd join Maresca

The Blues could look to raid Hansi Flick’s side.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 16, 2025

A new centre-back could also arrive at Stamford Bridge, with Levi Colwill looking poor in recent weeks, and Chelsea have been looking at options from within the Premier League, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite emerging as one of the names on the shortlist.

According to a report from Spain, however, the Blues have already made a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, submitting a €60m (£50m) bid for the defender, who is attracting attention from a number of top Premier League clubs.

Everton's Tim Iroegbunam in action with Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have allegedly also made £50m offers ahead of the summer transfer window, at which point Guehi is widely expected to exit Selhurst Park.

Chelsea are showing a strong interest in signing their former player, but it remains to be seen whether they are able to tempt him back to Stamford Bridge, given the level of interest.

"Exceptional" Guehi has earned big move

The 24-year-old is likely to have a number of clubs to choose from this summer, having earned a move to a top club with some impressive performances for Palace and England.

Although the Three Lions were ultimately unsuccessful in their bid to win the Euros last summer, the Palace star received praise from members of the media for his performances throughout the tournament.

The England international has also been indispensable for Palace this season, making 24 appearances in the Premier League, showcasing his leadership qualities by captaining his side.

As things stand, a move to Arsenal could appeal to Guehi the most, given that they are near-certain to have Champions League football on offer, but Chelsea could put themselves in a strong position to win the race if they also secure a top-four finish.

'He went crazy' – Antonio Rudiger told to expect 'double-digit ban' after furious Copa del Rey final rampage following defeat to Barcelona

Antonio Rudiger has been told to expect a "double-digit" ban for his "crazy" outburst following Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final defeat.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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  • Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in final
  • Rudiger threw ice at the referee
  • Lothar Matthaus slams countryman
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Rudiger was sent off after Real's defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, as he protested a decision right at the end of the game. Such was his rage, he attempted to throw ice at the referee, and had to be forcibly restrained by his team-mates.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Now, Lothar Matthaus, Rudiger's countryman, has urged La Liga to hand the defender a lengthy ban. He believes that Rudiger should be grateful if he receives anything close to a four-week suspension, but is anticipating "double-digits".

  • WHAT MATTHAUS SAID

    Matthaus said on Sky90: "He went crazy, he was no longer in control. He's a German international, he should be a role model. Yesterday he forgot all about that."

    He added: "If he walks away with a four-week suspension, he can be satisfied. I'm more thinking of a double-digit ban. I expect a massive ban. Besides, he was on probation."

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Real play Celta Vigo on Sunday before they renew hostilities with Barcelona on May 11. Los Blancos are four points behind their eternal rivals with five games to go.

Sky Sports: Tottenham in talks to sign £21m "monster" as Tel deal collapses

Tottenham Hotspur have held “concrete talks” to sign a £20m+ attacking “monster”, according to a Sky Sports journalist.

Tottenham qualify for Europa League last 16 with win over Elfsborg

Ange Postecoglou’s side got back to winning ways on Thursday evening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with youngsters Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore all scoring in a 3-0 Europa League win over Elfsborg to book their place in the last 16.

Talking after the win, Postecoglou said: “It was “Made in Tottenham” tonight. It’s brilliant for the club and I’m sure there are academy coaches and players who won’t sleep because they are pretty excited. We’ve got a big week coming up and we’ve got to try to manage the load of our players and try to protect them.

“We kind of knew we would have to rely on some young players tonight and all the way through this campaign to be honest. I thought they stood up really well. The whole group played well but we were going to need some young boys to make an impact and not just the three goalscorers.

“We had a couple of 18-year-olds in there as well who continue to drive us on. So it’s a great night for the club and something the whole academy should be proud of.”

Attention now turns back to the Premier League and the transfer market, with Monday evening’s deadline fast approaching.

So far, Spurs have only brought in one new player in goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, although Postecoglou admitted he could do with more due to the sheer number of injuries in the squad.

Tottenham reach out to agents over signing "remarkably quick" £25m defender

Spurs could still get a centre-back over the line.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 31, 2025

Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel has been heavily linked with a permanent big-money move to north London, with a verbal €60m agreement being reached and Levy travelling for talks. Since then, it has been claimed that Tel will not join Spurs and has informed them of their decision, as per Fabrizio Romano, but another attacker is of interest to Spurs, albeit for the summer window.

Tottenham hold “concrete talks” to sign Tzimas – Sky Sports

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg in the last 48 hours, Tottenham have held “concrete talks” to sign Stefanos Tzimas, currently playing at 1. FC Nurnberg.

Any transfer would cost around €25m (£21m) in the summer, with top-flight rivals Aston Villa also in discussions with the attacker. However, it is Brighton & Hove Albion who are leading the race for Tzimas at this moment in time.

Tzimas, described as a “monster”, is currently on loan at Nurnberg from PAOK but the German side plan to activate a permanent transfer for €18m before potentially selling the teenager on straightaway.

The Greek forward has been in impressive form during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 10 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions. That has resulted in praise from German football expert Tobias Kroger, who compared Tzimas to Benjamin Sesko.

“He reminds me a lot of Benjamin Sesko. He has a really interesting all around package for a striker: He’s good in the air but also quick for his height. He is good at making runs into open spaces but is also clinical in one-vs-one situations with the keeper. His link-up play is also very good. His technique is also very good but not elite.”

What £120,000-per-week Tottenham player has now done as he seeks new club

Tottenham Hotspur could see a few notable exits in the summer transfer window, with one player in particular appearing destined to leave north London and taking action behind-the-scenes in his mission to find another club.

Players who could leave Spurs this summer

Ange Postecoglou faces a crucial next few weeks as the Australian attempts to guide his injury-ridden team to a solid 2024/2025 finish.

Real Madrid set sights on Tottenham star in potential £99 million move

The Galacticos are real admirers.

6 ByEmilio Galantini Feb 19, 2025

The 59-year-old was boosted by the returns of James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario, Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert from injury in their much-needed 1-0 victory over Man United last weekend, with Destiny Udogie also making the bench after weeks out.

Ipswich Town (away)

February 22nd

Man City (home)

February 26th

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Chelsea (away)

April 2nd

With other absentees set to return sooner rather than later, all eyes are on whether Postecoglou can lift spirits around N17 and show supporters why he should be in the Tottenham dugout long-term.

However, there are certain squad members who may not be in it for the long haul.

Timo Werner appears unlikely to stay beyond this season, with the RB Leizpig loanee set to return to his parent club as things stand, while there are also suggestions that Tottenham are open to selling Richarlison this summer.

Richarlison injured for Tottenham

Even big-name Lilywhites star Son Heung-min, who’s been a revelation and key standout since his move from Bayer Leverkusen nearly 10 years ago, isn’t safe from chairman Daniel Levy’s chopping block.

As per GiveMeSport, Tottenham are considering a summer sale for Son this year, despite recently activating the one-year extension clause in his contract to keep hold of him for another campaign, with the South Korean icon’s form taking a downturn.

Tottenham are set to trigger Ben Davies’ one-year extension clause, keeping the veteran defender at N17 for another season, but his fellow left-back Sergio Reguilon will leave for free as things stand – with his contract expiring in June.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2020/21

27

0

3

2021/22

31

2

3

2022/23

0

0

0

2023/24

0

0

0

2024/25

5

0

0

Reguilon has multiple offers from the Turkish Süper Lig already heading into the summer, notably from Besiktas and Galatasaray, but a return to his native Spain also hasn’t been ruled out.

What Reguilon has done to find new club after Tottenham

According to news outlet Orgullo Biri, it is believed that a return to his former side Sevilla is gaining traction, as the La Liga side look to reinforce their left-back options.

sergio-reguilon-real-madrid-tottenham-hotspur-emerson-transfer

Reguilon has just hired new agents in his mission to find another club as well, which indicates his real desire to sort out his future heading into this summer window. While Sevilla are firmly in the mix, Orgullo Biri reiterates other reports that major sides in Turkey are indeed interested.

In any case, wherever the 28-year-old ends up, it will be a relief for Spurs to get Reguilon’s rumoured £120,000-per-week wages off the books, even if he has proved useful when Spurs’ injury crisis was at its peak.

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