Tag: future

Justin Kluivert drops transfer bombshell on Liverpool-linked star

Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert has dropped a bombshell on teammate Dean Huijsen’s future that no Cherries fan will want to hear.

Andoni Iraola’s side have been one of the biggest surprise packages of the Premier League this season as the club sits just five points off the Champions League places.

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Kluivert suggested knows one of his key teammates won’t be at the Vitality next seasonCredit: @RadioMARCA on X

The Cherries are also just one win away from an FA Cup semi-final berth as they host Manchester City in the quarter-finals on Sunday, live on talkSPORT.

Kluivert has been one of the brightest spots for Bournemouth this season with 13 goals and seven assists across all competitions.

Full-back Milos Kerkez has also shot to prominence with his barnstorming displays up and down the left flank along with his whipped crosses that cause plenty of havoc for opposition back lines.

But it is teenage centre-back Dean Huijsen who has arguably garnered the most attention from rival clubs.

The 19-year-old arrived on the south coast last summer from Juventus for a fee just shy of £13million.

However, his assured displays at the back and a recent maiden call-up for Spain have seen his value skyrocket.

The Cherries need no reminding they face a serious battle to keep Huijsen in the summer, especially given he has a £50m release clause in his contract.

But according to Kluivert, it appears Bournemouth’s players are already resigned to losing the teen as he made the worrying admission in an interview with MARCA on Sunday.

“I know that next year he won’t be with us,” Kluivert said.

There will be no shortage of clubs keen to snap up Huijsen in the summer.

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Huijsen has quickly become one of the most wanted defenders on the planetCredit: Getty

talkSPORT understands Liverpool are one of the interested parties, especially since defensive pillar Virgil van Dijk is yet to commit to the Reds beyond this season.

Another European giant understood to be keeping close tabs on Huijsen is Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side has been hampered by injuries to key defensive players including David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal throughout the campaign.

The depths of Los Blancos’ defensive woes were laid bare when midfielder Federico Valverde had to deputise at right-back during the second leg of their Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

A move to Liverpool or Real Madrid would represent a major step up in difficulty for Huijsen.

However, Iraola believes the 19-year-old will be more than capable of handling himself at that level.

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The 19-year-old looks right at home in the Premier League and has the stats to show it

When asked about Huijsen’s best attributes, Iraola said: “I think his mentality, his head.

“I think he’s confident. He is not afraid of marking any forward and I think he’s calm on the ball.

“He knows what he’s doing, he’s under control. Sometimes he will make mistakes like all the others, but there is always a reason for the things he does.

“And for someone that is 19, it’s really strange to find this at this level.”

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley reveals they are trying to persuade Andoni Iraola to stay amid Tottenham and Real Madrid interest

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March 24, 2025
The new-look Liverpool XI to rival strengthened Arsenal and Man City next term

Liverpool could be set for a summer of upheaval as three of their key players’ futures remain up in the air.

The Reds are in pole position to lift the Premier League title, but they may well have to start planning for life without Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold heading into next season.

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Liverpool could be without their three most influential players next termCredit: Getty

There have been growing fears that all three stars could leave Anfield in the summer, when their current contracts set to expire.

As yet, little progress appears to have been made on new deals for the trio, and club legend Robbie Fowler believes it is highly unlikely that each of the iconic figures will stay at Liverpool.

Appearing on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan the day after the Reds’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle, the former striker hinted at a busy summer ahead on Merseyside.

“From a Liverpool fan point of view, you’re mega disappointed if any of them don’t sign,” Fowler said.

“I don’t think the three of them will, if I’m being totally honest. But it’s going to be one of those things with Liverpool now.

“Certainly after the performance yesterday from some of the players when they’d see him, I think Arne Slot knows that he’s maybe going to have a big summer planned because he’ll probably want to bring his own players in.

“So regardless of those players staying or going, you know that there’s going to be a few incomings anyway. So if it’s those players, so be it.”

With some huge departures potentially on the cards in the coming months, here is how Liverpool could line up next campaign without Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.

Goalkeeper Alisson is almost certain to remain first choice between the sticks, having established himself as one of the world’s best in his position.

This is despite the imminent arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, with a deal already agreed for the Georgian keeper to join the Reds from Valencia in the summer.

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Milos Kerkez has started all of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this seasonCredit: Getty

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Marc Guehi’s form at Crystal Palace has seen him become a regular in the England squadCredit: Getty

Left-back is the first position where fans could see movement, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez heavily linked with a move to Anfield.

talkSPORT previously confirmed the Hungarian is on Liverpool’s radar, with a transfer meaning that mainstay full-back Andy Robertson would have to make way for him.

With captain Van Dijk’s future hanging in the balance, having admitted he has ‘no idea‘ if he will be staying or leaving, discussions will surely be taking place over who will partner Ibrahima Konate at centre-back next term.

One player who could fill the Dutchman’s shoes is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

According to the Mirror, the Reds are leading the race to sign the England international, who would prefer a move to the north west ahead of other potential suitors Newcastle and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, should Alexander-Arnold decide on pastures new, with Real Madrid the likely destination, head coach Slot will have to plan for life without the playmaking right-back.

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Alexander-Arnold may have played his last game for Liverpool, with injury potentially ruling him out until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty

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Conor Bradley has made 50 appearances in all competitions for LiverpoolCredit: Getty

But he may already have a ready-made successor here, with Conor Bradley previously proving himself a more than capable replacement.

The Northern Irishman has established himself as an important squad player since his emergence under Jurgen Klopp, including starting in last year’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.

The midfield will likely look familiar, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai all set to retain their spots.

But the league leaders may have to bolster their engine room back-up options, with Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo both being highlighted as players who could move on in the summer.

Moving into the front line, the potential departure of talisman Salah will have a huge impact on how the league leaders shape up.

While the ‘Egyptian King’ has starred from the right hand side, the Reds have no shortage of attacking firepower out wide, namely in the shape of regular starters Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.

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Alexander Isak’s goal against Liverpool sealed Newcastle’s recent League Cup winCredit: Getty

This could prompt the Reds to deploy the pair on either wing, and instead look to replace the loss of Salah’s huge goalscoring threat by signing a new striker.

Darwin Nunez has been inconsistent leading the line, while injuries have prevented Diogo Jota from a consistent run in the role.

And Fowler has urged his old club to fill this gap by making a sensational move for Newcastle goal machine Alexander Isak.

The Swede has ranked among the Premier League’s top scorers since his move to England in 2022, and currently sits third in the goalscoring charts this term, behind Erling Haaland and Salah.

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Here is how Liverpool could line-up at the beginning of next season

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March 18, 2025
Spurs stand by under-fire Postecoglou but here’s what could happen if he’s axed

Tottenham’s stance on Ange Postecoglou hasn’t changed, talkSPORT understands.

It is understood the club’s board remain behind the embattled Australian despite a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on Sunday.

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Postecoglou is safe as Tottenham manager, for nowCredit: AFP

However, should Tottenham change their minds, assistant coach Ryan Mason stepping up as the interim boss remains a strong possibility.

Should that situation transpire, it would mark Mason’s third stint as Tottenham’s caretaker manager.

The 33-year-old first stepped in following Jose Mourinho’s sacking in April 2021.

Mason was thrown into the deep end as he led Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in just his second game in charge.

Unfortunately the Tottenham academy product could not end the club’s trophy drought as City prevailed 1-0.

Mason ultimately finished his first caretaker stint with a record of four wins and three losses.

He stepped in once again after Cristian Stellini had departed following Antonio Conte’s axing in March 2023.

Mason’s record during that spell was less successful as he won twice, drew once and lost three games.

The 33-year-old was also heavily linked with his first full-time managerial role earlier this season at Anderlecht.

However, the Belgian giants and Mason mutually decided not to go ahead with the appointment.

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Mason is in line for a third caretaker stint in charge of Tottenham should Postecoglou be axedCredit: Getty

The calls for Mason come amid Tottenham suffering their 13th loss in the league this term as the result left the north London outfit languishing in 15th, one point and one place ahead of Everton.

What made the loss all the more humiliating was the fact Leicester were winless in their last eight league matches and had lost seven on the bounce.

But goals from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss after Richarlison opened the scoring for the hosts gave the Foxes a much-needed boost to snap their horror streak.

As for Tottenham, the stats behind their recent run are damning.

Since the beginning of December, only Southampton have lost more games (nine) than Postecoglou’s side (eight).

However, a mitigating circumstance amid Tottenham’s dire run is the fact they have been ravaged by injuries.

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Postecoglou is under huge pressureCredit: Getty

Key trio Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain sidelined with injuries while midfielder James Maddison was absent from Sunday’s defeat.

Despite the ever-growing casualty ward, Tottenham picked up a midweek victory in the Europa League away to Hoffenheim to keep the boo boys at bay, at least momentarily.

But Tottenham fans made their displeasure known following the Leicester defeat, with one supporter particularly angry as they shouted at the Australian: “You’re taking us down, we’re going down with you.”

Former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara also voiced his frustrations regarding the state of the team and believes the club is opting to stick with Postecoglou rather than twist because they’re ‘scared of making a change.’

“You can’t keep sticking with a manager when you’ve got relegation form, just because of who’s going to come in,” O’Hara said on talkSPORT Breakfast.

“That’s your job as the chairman to find a manager to come in.

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Tottenham are eight points clear of relegation, but 16 away from European places

“There’s plenty of great young managers out there, plenty of coaches all across Europe that would love to have the opportunity to manage Spurs.

“I feel like we’re just sticking with Ange Postecoglou because we’re scared of making a change.”

Postecoglou is under no illusions he is under the pump either.

“I’m a football manager and I get judged on results, that is the way of the world,” Postecoglou said following the defeat.

Tottenham will be back in front of their own fans on Thursday as they welcome Swedish side IF Elfsborg for a Europa League clash.

Another loss could prove to be one too many for Postecoglou.

Next Tottenham Manager Odds

Andoni Iraola – 11/8

Edin Terzic – 5/1

Mauricio Pochettino – 6/1

Marco Silva – 10/1

Kieran McKenna – 10/1

Thomas Frank – 10/1

Xabi Alonso – 10/1

*odds subject to change

See full list of next Tottenham Manager odds at talkSPORT BET

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January 27, 2025
Liverpool star clarifies reason for celebration amid transfer speculation

Harvey Elliott set social media abuzz with his celebration against Lille and now we know why.

The 21-year-old scored the winner for Liverpool as they overcame Lille 2-1 to all-but secure top spot and guarantee a place in the Champions League last-16.

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Elliott’s winning strike sparked a curious celebrationCredit: Getty

Elliott’s goal came in the 67th minute when he unleashed a shot from outside the box that took a deflection off of Ngal’ayel Mukau’s foot and flew into the net.

However, the 21-year-old generated more headlines for what he did following his goal.

As he wheeled away to celebrate, Elliott made a talking gesture with his hand before he made a cutting movement across his throat.

Some suspected it was transfer-related given Elliott had been linked with a move away from Anfield in recent weeks.

A switch to Brighton and Borussia Dortmund had been mooted in various reports.

However, Elliott confirmed he has no desire to leave Liverpool any time soon and revealed his celebration was intended to demonstrate that.

When asked by Amazon Prime presenter Gabby Logan what his celebration meant, Elliott responded: “I think it’s pretty clear, to be honest.

“I’m not leaving. I said it in an interview the other day, this is my team. This is my club.

“I’m a massive fan and we’re in a great position so far this season.”

Logan suggested Elliott’s gesture was as if to say ‘shut up’, to which he agreed.

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The 21-year-old has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away

Elliott added he ‘didn’t really see’ much of the speculation surrounding his future and had only learned of it through his friends.

“It’s (speculation) always going to happen in January and especially after being out for a long time and not really playing as much as I’d want to,” Elliott said.

“But, you know, that’s football.”

Elliott’s strike, albeit deflected, against Lille was just his second goal in 12 appearances for Liverpool this term.

The 21-year-old has had a disrupted campaign having sustained a broken foot in September.

As a result of the injury, he has missed 14 games for the Reds.

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Elliott will hope to add more goals to his tally as Liverpool continue to fight on multiple fronts

But when he has been available, Elliott has started just twice.

Those came in a third round FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley and a Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Southampton, in which he scored.

Despite the fierce competition for places in Liverpool’s starting line-up, Elliott confirmed he’d spoken with Reds boss Arne Slot regarding his lack of minutes.

However, he remains upbeat and knows he has to take his chance with both hands whenever an opening in Liverpool’s team emerges.

“We’ve had those conversations but it’s not just me,” Elliott told reporters after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford, where his second-half cameo played a key role in spurring the team on to victory.

“There are other lads in the team who maybe haven’t played as much as they want and are probably doing the same thing.

Liverpool are ‘boring’ to watch despite their winning form claims Jason Cundy

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Elliott has held conversations with Slot over his future but remains keen to fight for his place

“I just have to keep working hard, keep trying to help the team out whenever I’m needed and just wait for my opportunity.

“I don’t expect to come in and play straight away. I want to help my team out as much as I can and the club and give everything I can.”

Liverpool need just a point in their final Champions League league phase match, where they face Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, on January 29 to confirm top spot of the standings.

Elliott will hope to continue his run of strong performances when Liverpool host Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town on Saturday.

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Liverpool need just a point in their final clash to be sure of finishing top of the league phase of the Champions League

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January 21, 2025
‘Fear for him’ – Arsenal fan favourite’s time could be up due to Hale End star

Darren Bent believes Kieran Tierney’s time at Arsenal is coming to an end.

Despite a defensive injury crisis, left-back Tierney was an unused substitute for the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday.

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Tierney has been an unused substitute for five straight gamesCredit: Getty

Instead of Tierney, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta handed 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly – a central midfielder by trade – his Champions League debut at left-back.

The decision came as somewhat of a surprise given Arteta spoke glowingly about Tierney and talked up the Scot’s chances of game time during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“He is ready, he’s training really well and he’s going to have an opportunity for sure,” Arteta said.

“The way the team is looking at the moment, he is going to do that for that reason and because he’s earned it. The way he’s behaved, the way he’s been with us because he’s willing to do it and when.”

Unfortunately for Tierney, Wednesday’s clash marked the fifth straight game he had been an unused substitute.

With an 18-year-old midfielder now ahead of him in the pecking order, former Premier League striker Bent believes the writing is on the wall for Tierney at the Emirates Stadium.

“Do you know what, I almost fear a little bit now for Kieran Tierney,” Bent told talkSPORT Breakfast.

“I really like Kieran Tierney, but unfortunately he can’t stay fit. I think the last time he played a competitive game was in June for Scotland.

“Just being out for that amount of time, I think he’s been sitting on the bench for Arsenal for the last five games. The fact that he’s not played a minute would almost indicate that his time at Arsenal is coming to an end.”

Bent also lavished praise on Lewis-Skelly’s performance and believed the teenager could easily cement himself as Arsenal’s left-back going forward.

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Bent holds high hopes for Lewis-Skelly’s future at ArsenalCredit: Getty

“Myles Lewis-Skelly was brilliant,” Bent said.

“He looked composed, he looked comfortable, he didn’t get overawed by the occasion. He is certainly one for the future.

“I think Mikel Arteta said that, if he keeps applying himself correctly, he might be Arsenal’s first choice left-back. And I can see that happening.”

Tierney has not featured for Arsenal since a 14-minute cameo in the Community Shield last year, as the Gunners beat Manchester City on penalties.

He then sealed a loan move to LaLiga side Real Sociedad and started the first three games he was eligible for.

Tierney went on to make 26 appearances across all competitions for the San Sebastian-based club and started 17 of those.

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Tierney’s season at Real Sociedad was disrupted by injuriesCredit: Getty

However, Tierney could not escape his injury woes as he missed a total of 17 games last season through hamstring and adductor issues.

The defender returned to fitness towards the end of the season in time for Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign.

But it ended in tears for Tierney as he was stretchered off with a serious hamstring injury during Scotland’s draw with Switzerland.

Although Tierney may not have featured against Monaco, he may soon get his chance as Arsenal face a run of three games in a week.

The Gunners enjoy two consecutive home games as they welcome Everton to the Emirates on Saturday, followed by a Carabao Cup quarter final tie against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

They face Palace again on December 21, this time in the Premier League and at Selhurst Park.

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December 12, 2024
‘They already had the best coach’ – Ten Hag was in Ibiza when future was decided

Erik ten Hag has revealed Man United reps flew to Ibiza where he was holidaying to tell him his job as manager was safe.

The Dutchman’s future had been the subject of speculation, with many reports suggesting his days as head coach were numbered.

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Ten Hag’s job was at risk despite guiding Man United to FA Cup gloryCredit: Getty

A performance review of the season and broader first-team operations was promptly carried out by the club, led by Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford.

Despite winning the FA Cup, Man United finished eighth in the Premier League, with names such as Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate touted as possible replacements.

But more than two weeks after their FA Cup triumph, the decision was made for Ten Hag to remain in post.

It’s understood Ten Hag winning two trophies in as many seasons as well as his work developing young players like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were seen as real positives and enough reason to put their faith in him.

Ten Hag told Dutch channel NOS: “In the end they came to the conclusion that they already had the best coach.”

Ten Hag went into detail to explain how his future was decided. “The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” he explained.

“They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.”

As well as keeping his job at Old Trafford, Ten Hag will hold talks over a new contract, with the 54-year-old, who joined the club from Ajax in 2022, adding: “We have had good discussions with each other, various topics have been discussed.

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Ten Hag will now stay at Man United and is in talks over a new contractCredit: Getty

“The conclusion is that we will continue together and that they will extend my contract. We still have to reach an agreement on that.”

Discussing the nature of the decision, Ten Hag said: “[new owners] INEOS took their time.

Jamie O’Hara claims Manchester United won’t improve next season and thinks Erik Ten Hag will be sacked by Christmas

“They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.

“Here in the Netherlands this is ‘not done’, in fact, it’s not even allowed here. But in England they have different rules and laws.”

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June 16, 2024