He suffered a side strain while batting during the game against England and was forced to retire hurt
Matt Roller20-Jun-2024Brandon King is a doubt for the rest of the T20 World Cup after suffering a side strain in West Indies’ match against England in St Lucia on Wednesday night.King raced to 23 off 12 balls to get West Indies off to a flying start, including a towering 101-metre six off Reece Topley which flew with the wind over the midwicket boundary and necessitated a replacement ball.But he was injured while facing his 13th ball, having charged down the pitch attempting to hit Sam Curran through cover. King took one further step then crumpled over and was forced to retire hurt after receiving treatment from a member of West Indies’ medical staff.He did not field in England’s run chase, with Shimron Hetmyer replacing him as a substitute fielder, and Cricket West Indies confirmed he had been diagnosed with a side strain. “Brandon King has suffered a side strain and will not return to the field of play in this evening’s match,” CWI said.He has travelled to Barbados for West Indies’ Super Eight game against USA on Friday, but they are still awaiting the results of the MRI scans from the CWI medical team.Side strains tend to take several weeks to heal fully, making King a major doubt for the rest of the World Cup with only 10 days remaining before the end of the tournament. Captain Rovman Powell admitted that King’s injury was a “worrying” sign for his side.”Yes, a little bit worrying but hopefully he can pull through for the next game,” Powell said after England cruised past West Indies. “We know how important a player he is for us.”While King has not been at his best so far, with a top score of 34, it would be a significant blow to lose a senior player who stepped in as captain against South Africa last month while Powell was at the IPL.West Indies have five players on standby for the World Cup: Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Matthew Forde. Mayers is the most likely replacement, having been widely considered unfortunate to miss the initial cut, though Fletcher is another contender as a top-order batter.
With Champions League qualification edging ever closer, alongside next week’s Conference League final, the future certainly looks bright for those at Chelsea under the Todd Boehly regime.
Indeed, there is growing excitement amid the imminent arrival of exciting South American duo, Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez, with the teenage pair set to make their belated moves to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.
With a deal having also been struck to sign Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP in 2026, the Blues will once again bolster their attacking ranks with another high-potential addition, despite Enzo Maresca already being blessed with the likes of Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke and, of course, Cole Palmer.
Where does all this leave Jadon Sancho, however? The man signed on loan from Manchester United last summer, with a £20m-£25m obligation to buy included, could still move on at the end of 2024/25, having registered just eight goal involvements in the Premier League this season.
Conflicting reports have emerged over his future, with GIVEMESPORT outlining that the west Londoners could make that deal permanent, only to then swiftly sell him on. Alternatively, the Mirror reported last week that Boehly and co could pay the £5m cancellation fee to send him back to Old Trafford, amid interest from the Bundesliga.
Whatever the case, it would appear that the 25-year-old is not the solution for Maresca’s side, with a marquee upgrade needed this summer.
Latest on Chelsea's search for a winger
Sancho – who has 14 goals and assists to his name for Chelsea in 39 games – has also been the subject of interest from both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in Turkey, with a fresh start seemingly on the cards next season for the struggling star.
With Mykhailo Mudryk still sidelined, there does appear a need to strengthen on the left flank, in particular, with recent reports indicating that the club are stepping up their interest in a statement solution.
As per GOAL, Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid, with the report indicating that the Blues are even plotting a bid for the Brazilian when the transfer window opens next month.
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The piece notes that while ‘formal talks’ have not yet begun regarding that potential move, there have been discussions held with the 24-year-old’s representatives, with the player having become unsettled at the Bernabeu.
The suggestion is that Rodrygo is waiting to see what the future holds for him under incoming Madrid boss, Xabi Alonso, before deciding whether to depart, having seen his role limited amid the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
If Chelsea are able to pounce on that uncertainty, it would represent an almighty coup for those at Stamford Bridge, while also ensuring that Sancho can be firmly shown the door.
How Rodrygo compares to Jadon Sancho
There was a time in which Sancho looked like the next big thing in the European game, not least considering his record of 120 goals and assists in 158 games across his two spells at Borussia Dortmund.
Jadon Sancho for Chelsea
Unfortunately for the England international, his stock has plummeted following that £73m switch to Man United in 2021, having registered just 18 goals and assists in 83 games for the Red Devils.
Despite flashes of quality while on loan in west London, including his stunner against Tottenham Hotspur back in December, the winger has failed to truly revive his career under Maresca’s watch, hence the need to look elsewhere this summer.
Rodrygo – who is the same age as Sancho – would surely be the perfect successor, with the former Santos sensation arguably among the “best players in the world”, according to departing coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
As noted below, the relatively young talent has repeatedly delivered the goods on the Champions League stage for Los Blancos, while racking up 118 goal involvements in 267 appearances in total.
Even despite enduring a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, Rodrygo has still easily surpassed Sancho’s return of 14 goal involvements, chalking up 23 goals and assists across all fronts.
It is worth noting that such a return has come despite the Brazil star largely having to operate on the right flank, due to the presence of Mbappe and Vinicius, despite his best work actually coming on the opposite side.
Rodrygo vs Sancho – 24/25 League stats
Stats (*per game)
Rodrygo
Sancho
Games (starts)
30 (22)
30 (18)
Goals
6
3
Goal frequency
323min
570min
Big chances missed
1
3
Assists
5
4
Big chances created
5
6
Key passes*
1.6
1.2
Pass accuracy*
91%
85%
Successful dribbles*
1.6
1.5
Stats via Sofascore
Indeed, in 12 appearances on the left this season, he boasts 12 goals and assists, thus indicating why he could simply soar if handed that role on a regular basis under Maresca next term.
In the case of Sancho, the Blues were taking a chance on a player who was in desperate need of a career revival. With Rodrygo, however, they would be plucking a super-talented and highly-rated asset from one of Europe’s elite clubs.
What a mouthwatering prospect that would be.
He's even better than Liam Delap: £100m star wants to join Chelsea
Chelsea are in the market for a new centre forward.
Newcastle United are now showing strong interest in signing a Premier League player who Eddie Howe called “magnificent”, according to a report.
Magpies pushing for the Champions League
Newcastle are in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League, while also ending their 70-year trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup earlier this season, which should make St. James’ Park an attractive destination for new signings this summer.
Howe’s side have performed very well, but the manager is looking to upgrade his squad in several areas this summer, including in midfield, having now joined the race for Manchester City’s James McAtee, who could be available for a fee of just £26m.
There is also a desire to strengthen in forward areas, with Ademola Lookman on the shortlist, while Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi could be brought in to bolster Howe’s centre-back options, having been keen on the Englishman for quite some time.
In-demand player would rather join Newcastle despite offer from Barcelona
The Magpies could land his signature…
1 BySean Markus Clifford May 4, 2025
Another area in which Newcastle could look to strengthen is between the sticks, with Nick Pope now arguably in the twilight years of his career at 33-years-old, and they have their eye on an option from within the Premier League.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Newcastle are showing strong interest in signing Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is in line to leave the Saints after their relegation to the Championship.
Ramsdale will be able to leave for just £25m following his side’s relegation to the second tier, and the goalkeeper is eager to remain in the Premier League, with West Ham United believed to be leading the race for his signature.
Pope’s injury setbacks mean the Magpies are looking to bring in a goalkeeper capable of competing for a starting spot, and the Southampton shot-stopper fits the bill, although the requirement to abide by financial fair play rules could hinder their chances of getting a deal over the line.
Newcastle United’s final Premier League fixtures
Date
Chelsea (h)
May 11th
Arsenal (a)
May 18th
Everton (h)
May 25th
Ramsdale could be "magnificent" signing for Newcastle
The Saints have endured a torrid campaign in the Premier League, collecting just 11 points all season, but it is difficult to be too critical of their goalkeeper, given that he is ranked as the best-performing player in the squad.
Howe has also been left seriously impressed by the Englishman in the past, describing him as “magnificent” during their time working together at AFC Bournemouth.
Southampton's AaronRamsdalelooks dejected after the match
Not only that, but the 26-year-old caught the eye during his time with Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta singling him out for praise after an impressive performance at Anfield, describing his goalkeeper as “fantastic”.
Pope has been a fantastic servant to Newcastle, but with the Englishman now in the latter stages of his career and out of contract in 2026, a long-term replacement could be required, and there are plenty of signs that Ramsdale may well be a solid option.
PSG have reached out for talks with an Arsenal transfer target’s representatives, which also follows a mammoth bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for the player.
Arsenal riding high off Real Madrid win as transfer plans made
Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Brentford that the Gunners’ sensational 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night will be remembered for many years.
Arsenal hold "high-level talks" to sign "bargain" attacker "in recent days"
Negotiations have apparently taken place this week.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025
Two stunning Declan Rice free-kicks, followed by a brilliant Mikel Merino finish, downed the 15-time European champions and put Arsenal in cruise control heading into their second leg at the Bernabeu next week.
Brentford (home)
Today
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
It was truly a statement performance by Arsenal, who will still be coming down off what was one of the best Champions League nights in their history.
“Nights like we had the other day are going to be remembered for many, many years, and that’s the kind of night that gives you belief,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real.
“It gives purpose to the competition. It brings joy, and then it prepares you for the next one because you are waiting to experience a feeling like this again. That’s the most important thing, in my opinion, that people are looking forward to, to expend this kind of emotion with us.”
After that outstanding victory at the Emirates against Europe’s arguably most feared side, Arsenal fans have been handed real hope that they could even go on to win their first Champions League title.
Such a feat would also allow Berta to attract the continent’s most elite players, with Arsenal on the hunt for a star winger as one of their many reported items on the agenda this summer.
Berta has held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to multiple reports, and the Spaniard is seen as a top target with his £48 million release clause.
However, Williams isn’t Arsenal’s only wide target, and they’ve expressed an interest in West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus.
PSG open talks with Arsenal target Mohammed Kudus after £87m Al-Nassr bid
Arsenal were weighing up a January move for Kudus, according to talkSPORT, but reports at the time claimed that West Ham wanted around £100 million to let him depart mid-season.
As per Africafoot this week, Kudus remains on Arsenal’s agenda, but they face a looming threat from PSG and Al-Nassr, with the latter having already made an £87 million bid to sign the Ghanaian for this summer.
As well as the Saudis, it is believed that PSG have now made contact with Kudus’ representatives, so Arsenal may have to make their move quickly amid this growing battle from abroad for the forward’s signature.
Interestingly, despite West Ham setting a reported asking price of £74 million to sell in the next window, Al-Nassr appear to have gone above and beyond. It will be intriguing to see whether Arsenal decide to do battle with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side and PSG, but it is unlikely considering there are much cheaper, quality alternatives like Williams on the market.
Nevertheless, whoever ends up striking a deal for Kudus will be getting a player of real quality, with Michail Antonio calling his teammate “unbelievable” and a “starboy”.
Tottenham Hotspur have levels still to reach under Thomas Frank’s management, but with such an exciting academy underbelly, there’s every reason for fans to be excited about the club’s long-term success.
There has been a real wave of youth investment in recent years, with Lucas Bergvall and Luka Vuskovic among the formative additions landed after showing signs of prodigious potential. However, the next superstar has yet to present himself.
Harry Kane is the most notable alumnus kicking a ball today, with the Three Lions captain in devastating form for club and country this season. Kane is one of the Londoners’ greatest players of all time, for sure.
Harry Kane
435
280
Jimmy Greaves
376
266
Bobby Smith
316
211
Heung-min Son
454
173
Martin Chivers
350
167
How Frank must long for the 32-year-old’s qualities. He would be the icing on the cake down N17 this season. However, Kane isn’t the only one-time Spurs striker making headway at the moment, with Troy Parrott in the form of his life.
Parrott's record since leaving Spurs
Parrott left Tottenham for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie in July 2024, completing a transfer worth around £7m. He had only featured four times for Spurs’ senior side and had completed five separate loan spells away, the last of which was a prolific year in Holland with Excelsior.
However, his 2024/25 campaign stood as the opus of his young career. The 23-year-old has been thriving with Alkmaar, and he has used that platform as a springboard toward new heights with the Irish national team too.
Indeed, after scoring 13 goals and supplying two assists across 14 matches in all competitions for his club this season, Parrott has headed out with his nation and dragged them to the World Cup qualifiers, scoring a brace in last week’s surprise victory over Portugal.
But it was the sublime hat-trick over Hungary on Sunday evening that consolidated Parrott’s new reputation as a hero in his homeland and one of the most talented up-and-coming strikers out there.
How Spurs must regret letting him leave, especially considering the current conundrum Frank is dealing with at number nine. That said, they do have a potential replacement in the wings who could be seen as the club’s new version of Kane.
Spurs' new version of Harry Kane
Dane Scarlett may have envisaged a bigger role at this stage of his career, but the 21-year-old Tottenham talent is undoubtedly still in with a shot of making it at the club.
Having been praised by former coach Jose Mourinho in the past for being a “diamond” of a prospect, Scarlett found a way back into the reckoning after a series of loan spells last season, and in this, he could emulate Kane and take a step forward where Parrott was unable to.
Curiously, Kane completed a series of loan spells away from Tottenham before establishing himself as one of the finest strikers of his generation. He was 21 when it all came together in London.
Scarlett must not be written off, not yet. The “fantastic finisher”, as he has been called by Frank, scored his first goal for the club in the Europa League last season, and while Frank has not yet unleashed him in the Premier League, the 5 foot 11 striker has made the bench five times across the club’s past seven matches.
TNT Sports pundit Peter Crouch said after that win over Elfborg last season that Scarlett reminded him of Kane back in his younger days, having displayed such resilience to kick on after a series of loan spells and become one of Tottenham’s greatest players.
While Parrott might have seen the chance for such success pass him by, it’s certainly not too late for Scarlett, and given the current attacking issues at the club, one golden chance may bloom into a prosperous future down N17.
However, given his record at senior level to date, it would not be a huge surprise if things ended in the same way it did for Parrott; a move elsewhere.
Keown called Spurs star "embarrassing" in 2024, now they must "double" his wages
This Tottenham Hotspur star has turned his fortunes around after being called “embarrassing” last year.
Scotland are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean all scored incredible goals to inspire the Tartan Army to a 4-2 victory over Denmark in Tuesday's do-or-die qualifier. The hosts needed all three points, whereas the Danes would have qualified with a draw. And in a frantic see-saw battle until stoppage time, Scotland emerged triumphant.
Tartan Army heading to first World Cup since 1998
Scotland’s meeting with Denmark had barely begun when one of the most extraordinary goals ever scored at Hampden Park sent the crowd into delirium. It came from McTominay, a player long admired for his engine and commitment but not typically spoken about in the same breath as audacious acrobats. Yet here he was, suspended in mid-air, executing a bicycle kick so clean that even Cristiano Ronaldo would have be proud of it.
The move began with Ben Gannon-Doak reading an attempted Danish clearance. He stepped in with confidence and turned away from his marker with elegance. He then floated a left-footed cross into the penalty area, a delivery that looked harmless enough until McTominay scored the wonder goal.
However, only minutes after his decisive combination of anticipation and artistry had helped conjure McTominay’s wonder strike, Gannon-Doak collapsed to the turf clutching his hamstring. He buried his head in his hands as the medics rushed on, a stretcher in tow. He had been electric from the opening whistle, and his withdrawal sucked much of the early electricity out of Scotland’s performance. McLean, steady and experienced, came on in his place. But the shift in dynamic was undeniable as Scotland had lost their spark.
A tense and absorbing night at Hampden took a dramatic turn early in the second half when Denmark were awarded a VAR-assisted penalty, sparking the first major twist of a frantic 45 minutes. In the 53rd minute, Gustav Isaksen burst toward the edge of the Scotland box, spinning away from Andy Robertson before tumbling under a late challenge. The on-field referee waved play on, but the replays triggered an immediate VAR review.
After several minutes of deliberation, the verdict arrived, and it was a penalty for Denmark. Scotland’s frustrations grew as Craig Gordon dived left while Rasmus Hojlund calmly curled the ball into the opposite corner. Just as Denmark seemed poised to tilt the match in their favour, the game flipped again. With 61 minutes on the clock, John McGinn spun past Rasmus Kristensen. The defender dangled a leg, and McGinn hit the deck theatrically. The referee, convinced by the tumble, produced a second yellow card and Denmark were down to ten.
Three minutes after the red card, Clarke rolled the dice. Off came Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes; on came two out-and-out strikers, Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland. It was a declaration of intent that Scotland were going for the win. And the gamble paid off. In the 78th minute, Scotland won a corner on the left. Lewis Ferguson whipped in a devilish delivery that skimmed off Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at the near post. Shankland reacted instinctively, nudging the ball in from point-blank range.
But the joy lasted less than three minutes. Down to ten men but refusing to wilt, Denmark pieced together a wonderfully composed move. Hojlund held the ball brilliantly, Isaksen’s cross caused panic, and after Scotland failed to clear, Mattias Kristensen teed up Patrick Dorgu on the edge of the area. He opened his body and stroked the ball past Gordon to complete a finish full of class.
But Scotland clawed their way back again when Tierney scored from 25 yards out in stoppage time. It was an extraordinary strike as he curled the ball into the top corner to send Hampden Park into a frenzy. However, the icing on the cake was McLean's strike from the halfway line as he chipped Kasper Schmeichel, who was way off his line.
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The MVP
McTominay produced a moment of individual brilliance to put Scotland in front. It is a goal that would have gone straight into his career highlight reel, and he would be thankful to Tierney that his sublime strike went in for a winning cause.
The big loser
Kristensen took his first yellow card to stop McGinn after he was pick-pocketed in a dangerous area in the first half. And just after the hour mark, he emerged second best in a duel once again, and the referee flashed a second yellow. A 10-man Denmark gave their all but ultimately laid down their weapons in stoppage time as Tierney and McLean took centre stage.
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Let’s lead off with a spoiler alert. The documentary—not unflawed, but quite a good one, on balance—is titled, provocatively, But the demise of Canada’s beloved National League team was not a murder (who) so much as it was a death from natural causes (what).
The film depicts a cast of heroes, including the universally beloved Felipe Alou, a very cool Pedro Martínez, Canadian star Larry Walker and an assortment of beleaguered fans whose loyalty wasn’t reciprocated. And there are villains—cloying David Samson and his former stepdad, owner Jeffrey Loria, and, to a lesser degree, the hapless Claude Brochu.
But above all, there were immutable, unsentimental forces at play. That is, the usual suspects: An unfavorable exchange rate meant that the Expos took in revenue in Canadian dollars, but paid players their ever-escalating salaries in stronger American dollars. A provincial government that—agree or disagree—took a stand that other cities did not, and refused to commit public money to funding a new sports venue. There were the revenues lost and revenues spent maintaining the old venue—Olympic Stadium, a charmless white elephant on the wrong side of town, built to host a few events for the 1976 Summer Games, not 80-plus baseball games a year in a flourishing pro sports sector decades later.
Rule of thumb: When you play in a domed stadium and still face rain delays because the roof springs leaks, you know you’re in trouble. The Expos’ death? Olympic Stadium wasn’t the scene of the crime so much as it was the proximate of the crime.
Nevertheless, the Netflix documentary, which premieres Oct. 21, offers both a poignant, locally flavored love letter and an earnest post-mortem for a franchise that deserves better. The Montreal Expos’ last game was held in 2004 after a strange sort of three-way trade that brought MLB franchises to Miami and Washington, D.C., and eliminated one from Quebec. And more than 20 years later, countless fans have yet to work through their grief. Now here comes the film—explicitly geared to the French-speaking locals—that will provide a bit of balm for what remains an open wound.
The timing for the doc’s release works as well. Never mind that the lone remaining Canadian team, the Blue Jays, of course, are amid a deep postseason run. At a time of tariffs, rhetoric over a 51st state and “American betrayal” chilling neighborly relations, the story of a foreign baseball team, brash Americans and the winners-take-all realities of capitalism add resonance.
recently spoke to Montreal-based director Jean-François Poisson and producer Marie-Christine Pouliot.
Felipe Alou was the manager for the Expos from 1992 to 2001. / RVR Photos-Imagn Images
Sports Illustrated: What’s your history with this baseball club?
Jean-François Poisson: I was young when the Expos were here. So mostly it was through my father. He was a big baseball fan, so I was able to watch games on TV.
Marie-Christine Pouliot: Everybody in Quebec, either parents or grandparents, brought them to a baseball game. But for me, actually, my first day [working] in television was at the Montreal Expos. So that’s how I started my career. So I did the four years there, and I was very fortunate to be there on the last game also, and that’s when I saw the impact of when they left, and also with the people with whom I was working. Some of them have worked for the Expos for 30 years. So it was truly, truly heartbreaking.
The Yankees finished off a two-game sweep of the Rays in style on Wednesday as they blasted two home runs in the top of the 10th and then were able to hold on for a 6-4 win.
They also tied some impressive MLB history in the series as they hit an astounding 14 home runs in the two games. The last team to do that was the Cincinnati Reds back in 1999, which included a home run by current Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
New York hit nine home runs on Tuesday night and then hit five more in the finale. All 19 of their runs in the series came on home runs.
They Yankees have now won four games in a row heading into a key series against the Red Sox, who they lead by 1.5 games in the wild-card race. They are 4.5 games behind the AL East-leading Blue Jays, who lost to the Pirates on Wednesday.
Giancarlo Stanton had a pinch-hit two-run home run in the top of 10th on Wednesday night, after blasting two homers in the series opener. Later in the inning Austin Wells hit his second dinger of the night to give the Yankees a three-run lead.
Antoine Griezmann has opened up about the "mental" toll of Atletico Madrid's collapse in La Liga and the Champions League last season, admitting his "spirits plummeted" during the difficult month of March. However, following his contract renewal until 2027, the French forward is determined to achieve more with the club, targeting major trophies and aiming to finally exorcise the demons of his 2016 Champions League final penalty miss.
Griezmann reveals mental struggle after Atletico's collapse
Atletico Madrid's all-time leading scorer, Griezmann, has candidly discussed the psychological impact of his team's slump during the crucial final months of last season. Speaking to , the 34-year-old forward admitted that Atletico's fading challenge in both La Liga and the Champions League in March affected him deeply. Diego Simeone's team entered the month top of the Spanish league table with a two-point lead over Barcelona and Real Madrid. They were also gearing up for a round of 16 tie against their city rivals in the Champions League. Unfortunately for the Rojiblancos, their season capitulated in just over two weeks. They lost 2-1 to Madrid in the first-leg before suffering a league blow by going down to Getafe by the same scoreline. Despite a strong second-leg against Real, they were defeated in a controversial penalty shootout. Four days later, they lost to Barcelona and then drew with Espanyol. By the end of March, they were out of the Champions League and nine points behind eventual La Liga champions Barcelona.
"It was very tough for me mentally," Griezmann revealed. "Because I had so much hope, so many dreams, and March wasn't a good month for anyone; we lost La Liga and the Champions League. And my spirits plummeted, it hurt me a lot mentally, and that affected my game later on."
Griezmann confessed that this "mental pain" distracted him from his individual pursuit of his 200th goal for the club, a milestone he eventually achieved. "I wasn't overwhelmed, but it's true that it felt like a long process. Especially last year at the end of the season, when I wasn't focused on pursuing it," he explained. "When the 200th goal arrived and I got closer, in the end the goals just came."
AdvertisementAFPFrench forward aims for 'more' after contract renewal
Despite already cementing his legacy at Atletico with 203 goals in 461 matches and surpassing club legend Luis Aragones, Griezmann has no intention of resting on his laurels. Having recently renewed his contract until 2027, he is driven by a desire to achieve even "more" with the club he considers home.
"I want more: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League with Atletico," he added. Explaining his decision to extend his deal early, Griezmann stated: "Because I want more. I still have many minutes left to play, plenty of legs and mental strength to play with and be someone important at the club. And I know I have to prove that to everyone, and I still want to be even more important."
Griezmann also acknowledged his changing role within Simeone's side this season, where he has been rotated more frequently. "Ultimately, you always want to play. But I understand that I have to be professional, that I have to set an example for all my teammates and then show the manager that I'm still ready to play, that I have everything I need to play and earn a place in the starting eleven," he said.
So far in the 2025-26 La Liga season, he has made 12 appearances, scoring four goals.
Champions League redemption and persuading Julian Alvarez
A significant part of Griezmann's motivation stems from a desire to finally win the Champions League with Atletico and atone for his penalty miss in the 2016 final against Real Madrid in Milan. Losing 1-0 at San Siro, Griezmann had the chance to pull his side level shortly after the restart but saw his effort smack the bar. The game went on to end 1-1, but Atletico lost on penalties, with Griezmann netting his that time around.
"Yes, you always think about it," he admitted regarding the miss. "The thorn of the penalty in Milan will remain until I win the Champions League with Atletico."
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Getty Images SportWhat next for Griezmann and Atletico Madrid?
Griezmann will aim to translate his renewed determination into performances on the pitch as Atletico Madrid chase success in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Despite ongoing speculation linking him with a future move to MLS, which he acknowledges as a "dream" and "goal," his immediate focus remains firmly on Atletico. With his contract now running until 2027, the French forward has committed his short-to-medium-term future to the club, aiming to add more silverware to his collection and further solidify his legendary status at the Metropolitano.
Elite central midfielders cost a pretty penny in the transfer market in the modern day, but Manchester United are trying to find their next top talent in such an area.
Over the years, the Red Devils have previously been home to numerous incredible talents, with Paul Scholes one of the best midfielders to ever play for the club.
The Englishman made a staggering total of 718 appearances for the club over a 19-year period, subsequently winning every major honour available in the 1990s and 2000s.
He was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad that often dominated England’s top-flight, subsequently being a part of the squad that managed to win 11 Premier League titles.
However, in the present day, boss Ruben Amorim is yet to taste glory in the division, with the potential moves for numerous players potentially aiding his quest for success.
Man Utd ready big-money bid for new midfielder
Over the last couple of weeks, United have once again been labelled as one of the sides interested in a potential winter deal to land Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.
It’s been reported that Amorim’s men could look to revisit such a move in the months ahead, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side once again expected to demand a fee in the region of £100m.
However, the Red Devils are likely unwilling to fork out such a fee, especially after rejecting a move for the Cameroonian in the summer after a similar price tag was mooted.
He’s not the only midfielder currently in INEOS’ sights, as Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has once again appeared on their radar over the last couple of days.
According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men are set to make a €100m (£87m) offer to sign the 21-year-old when the winter window opens on January 1st.
It also states that the Eagles don’t want to part ways with their young talent, but could be forced to cash in if a bid of such a nature is to be made in the near future.
How Wharton compares to Caicedo
As previously mentioned, big money is currently being spent in the transfer market on midfield talent – with Moises Caicedo the best example of such a scenario in 2023.
The Ecuadorian international joined Chelsea for a reported £115m two years ago – a then English record – but it has since been broken by striker Alexander Isak.
However, such a deal now appears to be an excellent one despite the mammoth sum forked out for his signature, with the 24-year-old currently one of the best midfielders in Europe.
He was named as the Blues’ Player and Supporters Player of the Season for 2024/25, with clubs like United no doubt wishing they had their own version of the midfielder.
Whilst landing such a player would also cost a pretty penny, the Red Devils fans could get their wish of getting a similar calibre of player if they complete a move for Wharton.
The Englishman has been labelled as a similar player to Caicedo by FBref, with the Palace star even managing to outperform the Blues sensation in numerous key areas.
Wharton has registered more key passes and more passes into the final third per 90 to date, arguably making him a better ball-playing option at the base of the midfield.
Games played
13
12
Goals & assists
2
4
Progressive passes
5.9
5.7
Key passes
1.7
0.5
Clearances made
1.6
1.1
Tackles won
1.2
1.1
Take-on success
43%
31%
Recoveries made
5.8
5.6
Whilst being composed with the ball is key in Amorim’s system, the manager is desperately craving a dominant ball-winner who can sit and conduct the play in front of the backline.
The Palace star has demonstrated just that, even bettering the Chelsea star in that aspect, as seen by his higher tally of tackles won in the middle third of the pitch this campaign.
Wharton’s all-round dominance over the former English record addition is highlighted in his better take-on success rate and higher tally of recoveries made per 90 – which has led to one coach dubbing him the “best English midfielder since Scholes”. It sounds a stretch but given the numbers and clamour from many Three Lions supporters to see him alongside Declan Rice at next summer’s World Cup, it’s easy to see why that assessment has been made.
£87m may seem a mammoth sum for such a young talent, but it’s evident that the Englishman has bags of ability, but not to mention the potential to improve further in the years ahead.
If he can replicate such numbers at Old Trafford, he would certainly become a fan-favourite, potentially emulating Scholes in helping the club create new history in the Premier League.
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