Journalist Gabriele Marcotti has questioned why Barcelona would want to bring Lionel Messi back to the club in their current financial situation.
What's going on with Messi and Barcelona?
The Argentine superstar is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, and reports have emerged that the 35-year-old wants to return to the Camp Nou.
Messi has 18 goals and 17 assists this season, but has been blamed in some quarters for PSG's disappointing Champions League exit.
Barcelona are currently in a tricky financial situation, as they have to lower their wage bill significantly to even register midfielder Gavi, meaning new signings may have to wait until the problems can be resolved.
Speaking on ESPN FC (1.10), Marcotti questioned why Barcelona would choose to sign Messi, who currently earns £1.1m-per-week, given their financial troubles.
"In terms of having Messi back on anything like the salary that he has now, that wouldn't be just be one step backwards, that would be 10 steps backwards," he stated.
"Given Barcelona's financial reality, given the investment that they've made in the position that Messi plays, in terms of the wingers that they have there from Dembele to Raphinha to Ferran Torres to Ansu Fati, it simply makes zero sense,"
Do Barcelona need another attacker?
Barcelona are well stocked on the wings, with two natural wingers on both sides, and midfielders Pedri and Gavi both able to play out wide.
Upfront they have veteran Robert Lewandowski, with Fati and Torres both capable of filling in through the middle. Overall, they area well stocked in attack, and given their financial situation, unless there are outgoings in this position, a return for Messi seems counter-productive.
Although Messi's output this season has been higher than any current Barcelona attacker, given his age, it may not be a viable long-term solution to tear up the squad to be able to fit him in.
An emotional return for the Barcelona legend would excite both Messi and the club's fans, but it would be a deal which could harm the club further down the line given the finances involved.
If the club decide to move one of the current attackers on, such as Raphinha, to make room for Messi, it may be a move which they regret further down the line. Xavi has so far managed to build a team which has shown a lot of promise for the future, with his side 12 points clear at the top of the table, and an expensive return for Messi could jeopardise this.
Crystal Palace are interested in signing Feyenoord attacker Santiago Gimenez during the summer transfer window, according to a new report.
How is Jimenez playing this season?
The 21-year-old is enjoying a season to remember for the Eredivisie side, standing out as arguably one of the most dangerous players in the division. He has scored nine league goals in just 14 starts over 2022/23, while in the Europa League, he has found the net five times.
Gimenez only moved to Europe last year after impressing for Cruz Azul back in his homeland of Mexico, but he has hit the ground running and looks like an exciting young talent. For that reason, Feyenoord could find it difficult to keep hold of one of their most prized assets at the end of the season, even though his current deal there doesn't expire until the summer of 2026.
With Palace in need of bolstering their attacking options ahead of next season, it looks as though they see the Mexican as a potential transfer target.
Could attacker be off to Crystal Palace?
Speaking to FR12.nl [via Sport Witness], Arne Slot has tried to persuade Gimenez to remain with Feyenoord, even though Palace's interest is noted in the report, along with rivals Brighton, and they could both battle it out for the player this summer.
Slot said this on Gimenez amid both Palace and Brighton's interest.:
"I would very much like to see Santiago stay with Feyenoord even longer. It would be very good for him to stay an extra year and I will give him that advice, but it is difficult for me to assess what his will is and what opportunities he can get.
"Gimenez can do much better. He is 21 years old and has only been with us for six months in another competition and in another continent. It would be special if a player of 21 years old were already at his peak, I don’t think that is likely.
"We are working on making him as complete as possible. We first tried to get him fitter, which worked out quite well. He is getting better and better. He already had the qualities he had in the beginning. Now we are not only trying to make him an all-rounder, but also to use him better."
Gimenez could be exactly what Palace are looking for in the summer window, with the Eagles profligate in front of goal this season and scoring just 24 goals in 29 Premier League outings.
He could lead the line impressively at Selhurst Park, with his goalscoring record in 2022/23 so superior to the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who have netted just five league goals between them.
West Ham could look to bring in Brendan Rodgers as David Moyes' eventual replacement, according to an update from journalist Paul Brown.
Is Moyes getting sacked by West Ham?
There is no doubt that this has been a disappointing season for the Hammers to date, having qualified for Europe last year. This time around, they have found themselves in a Premier League relegation battle, and while safety looks likely, they are not out of the water yet.
Sunday's 2-2 draw at home to current league leaders Arsenal certainly helped, with West Ham showing strong resolve to come from 2-0 down early to earn what could be such a precious point. While the east Londoners are still in the UEFA Europa Conference League, pressure is clearly growing on Moyes, with the Scot not at his best this season, getting too many poor results and performances out of his team.
There is certainly a chance that the Hammers could be looking for a new manager at the end of the campaign, and a key update has emerged regarding the situation.
brendan-rodgers-championship-leeds-united
Could Rodgers be next Hammers boss?
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown talked up the idea of Rodgers being Moyes' successor at the London Stadium:
"I still think that the plan really for West Ham is to try and stick it out with David Moyes and see if he can turn things around next season. But I just feel like Brendan Rodgers is the one name who's now out there that might turn their heads a bit and might change things for the owners."
It does feel as though this summer could be the right time for West Ham to make a change in the dugout, with Moyes seemingly not the force he was, having guided the Hammers to back-to-back sixth and seventh-place finishes in 2020/21 and 2021/22 respectively.
Some managerial reigns simply run their course and Rodgers could be the ideal man to bring in as Moyes' replacement, having recently parted ways with Leicester City. While his time at the King Power grew stagant, too, he is a talented coach who could get West Ham playing more eye-catching attacking football than Moyes, having famously come close to winning the Premier League title with Liverpool back in 2013/14, not to mention clinching two Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic and tasting FA Cup glory at Leicester.
The Northern Irishman would surely jump at the chance to manage the Hammers, so it is one to keep an eye on, although it would be a surprise if it happened before the end of this season.
Tottenham Hotspur chiefs hold 'reservations' over the possible appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, even if he could 'take the job immediately'.
What's the latest on Pochettino to Spurs?
The Argentine's prospective sensational return to Spurs, the club where he arguably made his reputation as an elite coach, has been a much discussed topic in north London.
Pochettino's name has been repeatedly mentioned both in the press and in the stands, with supporters heard chanting for his comeback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 51-year-old lead them to a Champions League final in 2019, their first ever as a football club, and earned praise for his work on a shoe-string budget.
Pochettino's exit from PSG last year, having signed off with a Ligue 1 title, makes him a readily-available free agent for hire with it being zero surprise he has been linked to Spurs.
MauricioPochettino.
He is even thought to be open to returning as Antonio Conte's replacement, yet according to recent reports, it appears the only thing standing in Tottenham's way is, in fact, Tottenham. There have been suggestions that chairman Daniel Levy favours a move for Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, even if members of the Spurs squad are yearning for Pochettino's return.
Now, a report from The Evening Standard claims that it isn't just Levy – with other members of the hierarchy holding 'reservations' over his return. This is apparently down to how the final five months of his tenure played out.
Indeed, even though Pochettino 'could potentially take the job immediately', as explained in the report, it appears there are those within the Tottenham boardroom who are opposed.
Should Spurs move for Pochettino?
We believe the South American is both a very safe and exciting choice – possibly standing out as their most attainable and obvious managerial candidate. Pochettino encourages the 4-3-3 attack formation, and for Spurs supporters who want to see the return of open, expansive football, this could be a real attraction.
Called a 'ruthless' tactician by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, it perhaps speaks volumes that Tottenham players reportedly want him back at Hotspur Way.
Pochettino's experiences winning silverware in France, not to mention managing players of Lionel Messi's ilk, will have only strengthened the coach's credentials whilst making him an even more tantalising option for Levy.
He is currently ripe for the taking with zero obstacles standing in the way of Spurs, surely this is a no-brainer?
Aston Villa have five fixtures remaining of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign as they look to secure as high a finish as possible in a bid to nail down a place in Europe ahead of the new term that is set to get underway in August.
The Midlands outfit have experienced nothing short of a remarkable turnaround since the arrival of Unai Emery who has won 13 of his 22 games in charge, the most recent being the 1-0 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night. The Spaniard has also become the first manager in English top-flight history to have seen his team score in all of their first 20 games under a new boss, further highlighting the incredible impression he's made since taking to the dugout.
The Villa Park side absolutely have the right to get excited about what next season could look like under the stewardship of the 51-year-old, but even in the immediate short-term, they are currently in contention to seal qualification to the Europa League which is surely something that supporters would never have expected to be competing for if you would have asked them at the start of the term, so with that being said, here’s how we think their remaining handful of games will pan out.
Aston Villa fixtures
• 30 April: Man United (a)
• 6 May: Wolves (a)
• 13 May: Tottenham (h)
• 20 May: Liverpool (a)
• 28 May: Brighton (h)
Man United v Aston Villa
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag.
Following the 1-0 win over Fulham last night, the Villans will be pumped up, ready and raring to go when they make the trip to Old Trafford to take on Erik Ten Hag’s side on Sunday, with another three points for the visitors potentially definitive in the race for European football.
Emery has to ensure that his outfit maintain their confidence and positive run of form that they produced in midweek, and whilst they will be hoping to replicate their 3-1 victory from the reverse fixture in November, it won’t be an easy task to do the same in front of the United crowd.
But with this being an important match to Champions League-chasing Man United, they will not be able to take an in-form Villa lightly, and with an FA Cup final on the horizon, Villa may yet be able to land a psychological blow.
Prediction: Man United 1-1 Aston Villa
Wolves v Aston Villa
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui.
The Premier League fixtures are coming thick and fast for Aston Villa, whose next away game after United is versus Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Old Gold were in a vulnerable position and in danger of relegation but have since secured a much-needed victory over Crystal Palace, creating distance between themselves and the drop zone.
From a Villa perspective, this is likely to be considered a very winnable match against an inconsistent side, and another three points would allow them to continue their momentum and gain ground on their competitors around them in the table – which is what we expect on Saturday week.
Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Aston Villa
Aston Villa v Tottenham
Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings.
On paper, Aston Villa facing Wolves, you’d expect to result in a comfortable victory, but the difficult tests return when they host Tottenham Hotspur in their next game back at home. Ryan Mason’s side will be desperate to change their fortunes after the heavy 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United as they compete to secure a top-four finish, so they could come out fighting – and with a completely different mentality.
The Midlands crowd are sure to be in great voice and prepared to get behind their team as ever, but this could prove to be the possible banana skin of the remaining fixtures during the run-in.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Following what is sure to be an exciting and fast-paced contest against Spurs, Aston Villa hit the road once again, this time travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool who could still potentially qualify for some kind of European competition should they start picking up results.
Back in the reverse fixture in December, the Reds secured a 3-1 win, so Emery will be hoping that his side can head to Merseyside and gain revenge by turning the tables and picking up all three points, which on their day they are more than capable of doing.
And given the Reds' inconsistent form and that Villa may well have more to lose as they seek a first European berth in over a decade, Emery's men may yet spring a surprise.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-3 Aston Villa
Aston Villa v Brighton
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa’s final home game, and indeed the last fixture of the 2022/23 season, sees them come up against Brighton and Hove Albion who will also be hoping to secure a qualification spot in the Europa League, therefore making them one of their biggest rivals.
The Seagulls, however, could experience a lack of confidence during the run-in after crashing out of the FA Cup semi-final on penalties against Manchester United, so this is something that the Midlands outfit need to capitalise on, with the result likely to prove definitive when it comes to final standings for Emery.
Leeds United's bid for Premier League survival continues on Sunday afternoon, with the Yorkshire side set to take on AFC Bournemouth with the aim of ending their recent four-game run without a win.
While the Elland Road outfit did stop the rot with a draw against Leicester City in midweek after suffering three successive defeats prior to that, Javi Gracia's men are currently in a perilous position, with a return to the second tier a very real possibility.
In need of a positive result this time around, the Whites are faced with a Cherries side who look to be edging ever closer to securing their own top-flight status, with the south coast outfit now seven points clear of the drop following their win over bottom-side Southampton just a few days ago.
Leeds go into that mouthwatering meeting having come out on top when the two sides previously met back in November, with then-boss Jesse Marsch steering his team to a thrilling, 4-3 victory on home soil, despite having been 3-1 down on the day.
One man who was integral to that second-half comeback was peripheral figure, Sam Greenwood, with it perhaps time for the promising Englishman to be handed the chance to yet again run riot against Gary O'Neil's men.
Will Greenwood start against Bournemouth?
With Patrick Bamford having suffered a 'dreadful miss' last time out – as per Yorkshire Evening Post's Graham Smyth – it may be wise to push leading scorer Rodrigo into a centre-forward berth, leaving a space available to be filled in the number ten berth.
Although the obvious candidate for that role would be summer signing Brenden Aaronson, the United States international has "failed to make the step up from the Austrian Bundesliga to the Premier League", according to writer Zach Lowy, having scored just once and provided only three assists in the league this term.
As such, rather than looking to the 22-year-old to offer a creative spark in a playmaking role, Gracia could instead turn to young Greenwood from the start against the Cherries, despite the 21-year-old having started just two league games this season.
While the former Arsenal man has only recorded three goal involvements in the top flight this term, the £30k-per-week man registered two of those in the reverse fixture against tomorrow's opponents, scoring once and providing one assist in that 4-3 triumph.
Leeds' Sam Greenwood
The Sunderland-born ace was notably hailed as "phenomenal" by BBC pundit James McFadden for his goal to help spark the comeback on the day, whipping the ball into the roof of the net from range in exquisite fashion.
It was also Greenwood's corner that was subsequently headed home by captain Liam Cooper to draw the home side level, with the playmaker able to provide three key passes in total after replacing Aaronson just after the break.
That stunning cameo earned the 5 foot 11 ace a standout 8.2 match rating, as per Sofascore – the highest of any player for either side – having been lauded for his 'huge quality' in helping to drag his side to victory, as per Leeds Live's Beren Cross.
The hope will be that the young gem can replicate those feats at the Vitality Stadium, with Greenwood potentially representing something of a secret weapon for Gracia and co.
It’s been a difficult season in the Premier League for Wolverhampton Wanderers, who sit 14th in the table and seven points above the drop zone.Before Julen Lopetegui took charge, Wolves were near the relegation zone however, taking 10 points from a possible 18 in April the Midlands side will almost certainly remain in the top division next season.This campaign has been one of change for the encouraging squad, who have adapted to new players, changing managers and the ups and downs of the Premier League.It has however been a successful year for the academy, who at U-23 level have managed to remain in the Premier League 2 first division following their promotion in 2021/22.Wolves’ academy boast some real potential for the future, whether it be in the PL2 or away from the club and through loan experiences.One player has had a season to remember in his budding career, gaining promotion to the Championship with League One champions Plymouth Argyle.
Who is Nigel Lonwijk?
Although yet to feature for Wolves’ senior team, Dutch centre-back Nigel Lonwijk has shown glimmers of a potential future star throughout the season in the English third division.The 20-year-old was captured by the Midlanders in 2020, leaving his home club of PSV for a new challenge in England to develop as a player. The defender followed in the footsteps of his older brother Justin Lonwijk, who too left PSV’s academy in the search of career progression in Europe, the 23-year-old is a midfielder for Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kyiv.Despite not playing any senior minutes for Wolves, the defender was trusted to feature 22 times in the Eredivise for Fortuna Sittard, where he spent a season on loan last year. The centre-back has racked up 41 appearances for Argyle this campaign, where he gained promotion to the Championship with the club and impressed his fans and colleagues.The 6 foot 4 defender has had a lot asked of him during the testing laborious schedule of League One, playing as a centre-back and as a fullback in Argyle’s favoured back three system. Speaking to the Plymouth Herald on his need for versatility when called upon, the Dutchman explained that the loan has seen him “growing through the whole season”.
Soccer Football – FA Cup – Fourth Round – Chelsea v Plymouth Argyle – Stamford Bridge, London, Britain – February 5, 2022 Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher acknowledges fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Despite not being a consistent starter for the Devonshire club, the 20-year-old has been praised for his “calm” nature in defence by Argyle manager Steven Schumacher.Speaking earlier in the season to PlymouthLive, his manager applauded him for his introduction to the side and league: “He hasn’t really put a foot wrong. He’s so calm for someone so young. He’s 19-years-old and nothing fazes him.”It’s praise indeed for his first senior season in English football when taking into consideration the demands of the demanding schedule of the Football League. Wolves snapped up the talent before his loan move, extending his contract in Wolverhampton to the summer of 2025, with the option of an additional year.At just 20-years-old with over 60 senior appearances under his belt both in England and the Netherlands, he will certainly be one to watch in the future.
Arsenal may have been handed a potential transfer boost in their reported interest in the Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Do Arsenal want to sign another midfielder?
The Gunners are still fighting at the top end of the table with just a handful of games remaining as they eye up the Premier League title.
However, they could potentially fall short to Manchester City following a run of disappointing results over the course of last month.
Despite the club being locked in on the title race as they look to end their drought having last won the English crown almost two decades ago, transfer reports are beginning to emerge.
It is believed the north London club are eyeing up some midfield upgrades with links to the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.
However, it is also reported the Gunners hold an interest in the Southampton youngster, Lavia, amid their expected relegation over the coming weeks.
The Belgian is believed to have a clause in his deal which could see Manchester City bring him back to the Etihad Stadium.
But speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that clause will not be active until next summer which will improve the chances for Arsenal if they are to pursue him:
(1:35) "But there is a crucial point guys on Romeo Lavia. The clause, the buy-back clause and option for Manchester City is only valid in summer 2024. So this is why many clubs will try to attack the situation this summer and to sign the player this summer. Otherwise, City could be back in the race next summer with that very good clause for them."
"But also Arsenal are following him so the race is absolutely open for Romeo Lavia. It's one to watch in the summer."
Could Arsenal land Lavia?
The reports would suggest a new midfielder will be high on the agenda for the Gunners going into the summer, however, who could make way?
It has recently been suggested that Granit Xhaka could be headed for the exit doors with a possible return to Germany on the cards.
Indeed, according to Sky Germany, Bayer Leverkusen remain interested in potentially bringing the Switzerland international back to the Bundesliga.
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka celebrating at the Emirates Stadium.
But it is caveated by the suggestion that the midfielder's possible exit is more likely to go through in next year's summer window.
The young Belgian has been hailed as an "absolute monster" by reporter Benjy Nurick and it is clear to see why when he ranks inside the top ninth percentile for blocks made (via FBref).
Although Xhaka has outperformed the 19-year-old in an attacking sense, Lavia has shone defensively having offered more than double the number of tackles per 90 minutes (via FBref).
In addition, the Southampton man has also offered his side considerably more take-ons over the course of the season compared to the Arsenal midfielder.
It seems as if Arsenal have a number of options on their list of potential midfield targets, but could this transfer insight from Romano prove too attractive to turn down for Edu Gaspar?
Charles Watts was left baffled by the officiating in the Arsenal defeat this weekend as the linesman flagged for offside after a throw-in.
What's the latest on the referees and Arsenal?
It was a dismal Sunday for the Gunners as they fell to defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, leaving their Premier League title ambitions in tatters.
They'd already seen Manchester City beat Everton only hours before kick-off but put the nail in their own coffin as they conceded three goals at the Emirates.
Indeed, after a tight first half, Arsenal ran out of steam in the latter stages of the game as goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav, and Pervis Estupinan saw the Seagulls win 3-0.
It certainly was a day to forget but one bizarre piece of officiating may well live in the memory for all the wrong reasons.
Watts noted the incident on Twitter, writing: "Linesman just put his flag up to signal offside from a throw-in. My word.
"He quickly put it down again and apologised."
Did VAR get things wrong against Arsenal?
This was, of course, an obvious mistake as you can't be offside from a throw-in. Fortunately, the official put his flag down swiftly enough and play was allowed to go on with Arsenal in a promising position – though it ultimately lead to nothing.
Referee Andy Madley and VAR assistant Peter Bankes were also at the centre of attention throughout the encounter.
For instance, they failed to give Gabriel Martinelli a red card for a terrible foul on Kaoru Mitoma which left journalist Sam Pilger furious as he said: "More inexplicable and spineless decisions from referees and VAR."
Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal
While there were some doubts over Brighton's first goal as it could be argued that Jakub Kiwior was possibly fouled in the build-up to Enciso's finish.
Journalist Matthew Key also took to Twitter to question the overall level of officiating, writing:
"You will struggle to find a worse half of officiating from Andy Madley and co. Bizarre decisions given/not given throughout for both teams. Really affected how both sides have played. Topped off by a lino giving offside from a throw-in. Not good enough at this level."
In the end, though, as much as some of they key decisions were questionable, Arsenal only have themselves to blame as they failed to really show up for this Premier League match.
And with that, it feels as though they have finally bowed out of the title race.
The future of Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui is in doubt, with journalist Guillem Balague adding that talk are scheduled to take place this week.
What’s the latest news on Julen Lopetegui’s Wolves future?
Lopetegui worked wonders at Molineux after arriving back in November, with the Old Gold bottom of the Premier League table on Christmas Day. However, they climbed the table in recent months and now find themselves sitting comfortably in 13th place on 41 points.
The Spaniard will be preparing his side for the final top-flight encounter of the season against Arsenal on Sunday, however, it appears as if it could be his final game in charge.
Reports in recent days suggested that the head coach could quit Wolves this summer, despite signing a contract until 2025. He has fears over funds ahead of his first full season in charge, and Balague has provided further information.
The reliable reporter took to Twitter in the last 24 hours, saying that talks will take place this week, describing it as a “sad turn of events”.
“What a sad turn of events with Lopetegui and Wolves.
“With the club unable to get the signings/investment they promised him and instead having to sell to keep up with FFP, his future is in doubt even though he is under contract.
“Talks this week between club and him will get us a clearer picture.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui after the Old Gold's defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Who could Wolves sell this summer?
Wolves managed to back Lopetegui in January with six winter window additions, something which has helped the club to remain in the Premier League.
However, there now appears to be concerns by the manager, with the club needing to sell this summer due to financial fair play. One player who could leave for big money is Ruben Neves, with the midfielder outlining his desire to play Champions League football.
Defender Max Kilman is another to be linked with a move away, but losing some key players and being unable to reinvest those funds could be tricky for the head coach to handle, especially if promises were made following his arrival. It looks as if this situation will be one to monitor over the coming days, and hopefully, the Spaniard will remain in the Midlands.