The Herons have completed the first step toward MLS Cup glory, but now need to continue their momentum into the playoffs
Lionel Messi, a man of notoriously few words, said it best himself.
"First goal accomplished," the Inter Miami superstar said on Instagram. "We move forward with the desire to achieve more things together."
Those 14 words are perhaps the perfect encapsulation of Inter Miami's season. It was never going to be as easy as those with a cursory understanding of their star-studded roster might think. But truth be told, they were sort of expected to win at least MLS trophies this year. They secured one Wednesday night, bringing home the Supporters' Shield with a 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew – their presumptive biggest rivals for MLS Cup glory.
And that's all very nice. Messi gets to say he won trophy no. 46, extending his record. Miami establishes itself as mathematically the best team in the league. But that acknowledgment – handed out to the side with the best record in MLS – is the first part of a far bigger goal. The real work, the proper pursuit of a first MLS Cup in franchise history, starts now.
Inter Miami CF
What the Supporters' Shield means
To be clear, ror Miami, this was no small feat. Just look at the locker room celebrations: the standard slew of smiling faces and "campeones" chants. Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Messi – winners of Champions Leagues and domestic trophies alike, and for some World Cups – looked as delighted as ever. Perhaps this is because serial winners never get tired of winning things.
But for Miami, it feels like the start of something bigger. David Beckham's franchise has struggled for years. Since its first season in MLS in 2020, Miami has a losing record. They haven't advanced past the first round of the playoffs.
In Messi's first campaign – albeit one in which the Argentine played just more than 400 minutes of football – they finished 14th in the Eastern Conference. Say what you will about success for individuals, but there hasn't been much to shout about in the Pink of this South Beach team.
So, for those grinning in the dressing room, this trophy – which for some is a minor acknowledgment in the scope of a larger goal – might just mean a little bit more.
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Messi's impact
It starts and ends with Messi, of course. Miami, for all of its star power in some positions, and smart signings to fill out others, still needed the Argentine to galvanize its rise to prominence. That started last year.
Lost somewhere in the excitement of the Argentine's signing in July 2023 was that the Herons were never really going to make the playoffs. They were dead last in the Eastern Conference – and needed a half-fit Messi to carry them to an undefeated slate to even stand a chance of playing the postseason. It turned out, in the rough and tumble of the MLS season, that he was human after all.
But he did bring silverware to South Beach. Messi's first game, played on July 21 last year, was marked by a match-winning free kick in stoppage time in the Leagues Cup. Four weeks later, they beat Nashville in the final on penalties. Messi was also instrumental in a U.S. Open Cup run, but the Herons lost in the final with a calf injury ruling the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner out.
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Relying on everyone else – when they have to
Fast-forward 12 months, and the Herons aren't quite as reliant on their superstar anymore. Their hand was forced by the admittedly hectic world football calendar, when MLS continued through the Copa America – forcing a number of sides to make do without their best players. But during that period, the Herons thrived.
With both Suarez and Messi absent, they won five of six – with the likes of Leo Campana and Robert Taylor stepping in to offer attacking quality. Meanwhile, the constant presence of Busquets and Alba – who had both retired from Spain international duty before Euro 2024 – brought the necessary veteran experience and steadiness that Miami had previously lacked.
Suddenly, the squad that was nowhere without the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had figured out how to pick up points without Messi. This is a far deeper side – and more dangerous as a result. It was, in fact, in those summer months when this thing was truly won. Miami was supposed to collapse during Copa America, and in the weeks that Messi missed due to an ankle injury. Instead, Tata Martino's side only opened their lead atop the East.
"There were very few times when we were all on the field together," Messi said after the Columbus win. "But the group managed to get through some very tough games… the results were very positive."
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Playoff preview
Of course, little of that matters now. The Supporters' Shield has proved to be largely inconsequential in predicting who might win the whole thing, with only eight teams going on to take home MLS Cup after finishing the regular season with the best record in the league.
As with many American sports, the best team over the course of the season isn't necessarily the one that lifts the final trophy at the end.
"Achieving a goal like this comes with moments of good play and moments of suffering," Martino said. "It happens to everyone who is on the verge of accomplishing something."
The good news for Miami is that the path to playoff success looks relatively kind. If results go their way, a first-round matchup with Montreal awaits. Next would likely be NYCFC or Orlando. Miami-Columbus would certainly be a scintillating conference championship matchup, but the Herons showed Wednesday that they're more than capable of beating their biggest rivals – especially when they're on song.
That showing, one in which Messi scored twice and pulled the strings throughout, is perhaps the biggest reason why the Herons are MLS Cup favorites. When the MVP candidate is on, they're almost impossible to stop.
In second-half stoppage time, the 32-year-old was stretchered off with a knee injury – something that reduced him to tears. The Spain international then posted on Instagram from an ambulance that he will have surgery and would be out for a "few months".
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WHAT DANI CARVAJAL SAID
The post reads: "Serious cruciate ligament injury confirmed, I'm going to have to go through surgery and be off the field for a few months. Already looking forward to starting recovery and coming back like a beast. Thank you all so much for your messages, I feel very loved. 🤍."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Cruciate ligament injuries can rule a player out for a matter of months to a year, depending on the severity of the problem. Carvajal is a serial winner, is Madrid's first-choice right-back, and will be a huge loss going forward for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
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WHAT NEXT?
While Carvajal prepares for surgery and then a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Los Blancos – who sit second in La Liga behind rivals Barcelona – are next in action on October 19 away to mid-table Celta Vigo.
Leicester City are currently on the hunt for a new manager ahead of the 2024/25 campaign after Enzo Maresca departed the club earlier this month.
The Italian head coach opted to leave the King Power to join Premier League rivals Chelsea, which has left the board scrambling to find a replacement before the new season.
Trying to find a manager to lead the team to top-flight survival whilst also identifying and pursuing targets to bolster the squad to compete in the league is not an easy task and those in power behind the scenes have a huge task on their hands over the weeks and months to come.
The Foxes are reportedly eyeing up a manager who was in the Premier League as recently as the 2023/24 campaign to lead them into a new era, and he could be perfect for current star Stephy Mavididi.
Leicester City hold talks with former Premier League boss
According to talkSPORT, Steve Cooper has emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Maresca in the dugout at the King Power this summer.
The report claims that the club have already held initial talks with the Welsh tactician over a possible deal to join the Foxes and end his time out of work.
He has been without a job since his departure from Nottingham Forest in December 2023 and this means that Leicester do not have to negotiate with a club to swoop for him, which possibly makes him a more attractive option than others who they would need to pay compensation for.
The outlet does not reveal how open Cooper is to taking on the job, though, and it remains to be seen how viable a deal for the ex-Swansea man is at this point.
Why Steve Cooper would be a dream for Stephy Mavididi
If Leicester do agree a deal for the 44-year-old boss then he could be a dream for winger Mavididi, due to his formation and style of play with Forest.
Cooper, whose work with Forest was dubbed "incredible" by Sam Allardyce, typically deploys an attacking 4-3-3 formation and his management helped to bring the best out of wide man Brennan Johnson.
Brennan Johnson
2021/22 (Championship)
2022/23 (Premier League)
Appearances
46
38
Goals
16
8
Assists
10
3
Big chances created
15
4
Key passes per game
1.3
0.8
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Wales international thrived under the manager at Championship and Premier League level in one of his two winger roles.
This earned him a move worth in excess of £45m to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023 and Mavidid could hope that Cooper can do similar for his career prospects.
The 26-year-old racked up 12 goals, six assists, and 11 'big chances' created, to go along with 1.6 key passes per game, in 46 Championship outings for the Foxes this season.
Like Johnson, Mavididi is an electric winger who likes to score and create goals on a regular basis, as shown by their similar statistics, and that is why Cooper could be a dream manager for him.
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The Welsh boss got the best out of his compatriot at Forest and could use his attacking 4-3-3 system to do the same for the English wizard, which could then put him in the shop window for a mega-money move like Johnson to Spurs.
It's been several days since the summer transfer window but all is (comparatively) quiet at Anfield, with Arne Slot still settling in as Liverpool head coach and FSG working out the best strategy to strengthen the squad effectively.
Jurgen Klopp left his successor with a highly talented crop of players to work with but there are several areas of pressing concern: Joel Matip's exit has left the defence looking decidedly thin, while Liverpool will move for a holding midfielder if the right option emerges.
While Mohamed Salah – who is out of contract in one year – is expected to remain on Merseyside next season, the 32-year-old wide forward needs competition and indeed a player who could potentially replace him conclusively down the line.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah
Michael Edwards and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes will likely address this concern soon, with interest already shown in one of Europe's most talented wide forwards.
Liverpool lining up Euro 2024
International tournaments invariably send the market up into a frenzy. Players perform well on the major stage and clubs take note, scrambling with hunger-glazed eyes to grab the pie. Liverpool's £35m signing of Cody Gakpo was no doubt influenced by his excellent three-goal campaign at the 2022 World Cup with the Netherlands.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo
Liverpool have held an interest in Federico Chiesa for a long time but Edwards and Co's interest will have been piqued by his excellent performance for Italy in their Euro 2024 opener against Albania.
As per GIVEMESPORT, the Reds are indeed among the interested parties for the Juventus star, who spent the 2023/24 principally playing off the central striker but has typically been known to play off the right, as he did for the Azzurri.
Juve are open to selling Chiesa given he's about to enter the final year of his contract in Turin, with Arsenal and Newcastle United also registering an interest and willing to pay €45m (£38m) for his services.
How Chiesa has performed at Euro 2024 so far
It hasn't been the smoothest of roads for the Old Lady star in recent years; Chiesa ruptured his ACL in 2022 and missed 66 matches on his road to recovery, though he featured 37 times for Juventus last season, scoring ten goals and adding three assists.
Having been called "world-class" by ex-footballer Alessandro Pierini, the £153k-per-week talent is clearly in the upper echelon when fit and firing, and he showcased as much against Albania during Italy's hard-fought 2-1 victory at Euro 2024.
Federico Chiesa: Stats vs Albania
Stat
#
Minutes played
77'
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots taken
3
Accurate passes
24/31 (77%)
Key passes
2
Crosses
3/6
Dribble attempts
4/6
Duels won
4/7
Interceptions
2
Stats via Sofascore
He was slick and stylish against a regimented Albania side that sucker-punched the Italians with a shock opener on Saturday evening – Nedim Bajrami's rifled finish after 23 seconds was the fastest goal in Euros history.
But Chiesa – who has been dubbed a "wizard" in the past by journalist Roger Bennett – inspired his nation, the defending champions, to a dominant comeback, with his all-encompassing display from the right helping take control and overpower the spirited underdogs.
His technical quality and ability to drive the ball into promising positions before whipping in perfect deliveries showcases the kind of player Liverpool would get their hands on. The multi-faceted Chiesa, simply, has the tools to make a real impact on Merseyside.
He could even be the perfect future partner for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose passing prowess from deep would find a vibrant outlet in the Serie A star.
Imagine Chiesa & Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold is one of the finest players in the Premier League and he has enjoyed a deadly partnership with Salah down Klopp's right flank over the past seven years or so, but Salah will not play at Anfield forever and Chiesa could be the dream replacement.
He wouldn't be the goalscoring star of Liverpool's side but Chiesa's creativity could see him serve as the conduit between Alexander-Arnold and, say, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota or Gakpo in the focal front role.
Federico Chiesa: Stats vs Europe's Forwards
Statistic
Per 90
Percentile
Assists
0.08
Top 67%
Expected assists
0.25
Top 6%
Shot-creating actions
4.79
Top 1%
Progressive passes
2.87
Top 16%
Progressive carries
4.55
Top 3%
Successful take-ons
1.43
Top 16%
Stats via FBref (23/24 campaign)
The disparity between Chiesa's assist ranking and his expected assist (xA) ranking speaks volumes: he has been supplying his peers with everything they need to bypass opposing goalkeepers but he and Juventus have been continually let down by profligate finishing.
Secondly, the versatile forward's supreme shot-creating rate and progressive skill in both passing and ball-carrying furthers the argument that he would be a brilliant addition to a Liverpool side that, while not averse to wastefulness, is one of the meanest attacking machines in European football.
Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.
Alexander-Arnold would lick his lips at such a partnership. The Three Lions star, whether he ends up in the middle of the field or remains at right back under Slot, possesses a superlative range of passing and is regularly lauded for his defence-splitting balls and fabulous assists.
But adding Chiesa would enhance his build-up play significantly, not least because Salah's supplementary playmaking ability is second to none – no Premier League player created more big chances than the Egyptian's 22 last season.
Liverpool's vice-captain took on a more important and centralised role in regard to Liverpool's ball-playing dictation last season, averaging 84.5 touches in the top flight, and thus Chiesa would find a constant flow of support stemming from one of football's most jaw-dropping distributors.
Liverpool would perhaps be wise to put in as much groundwork as possible in the next few days. Not only could rival suitors steal ahead in the race, but if Chiesa continues to perform well on the international stage, his price tag could skyrocket in the weeks and months to come.
Diaz sold, ÂŁ216m spent: What Arne Slot's dream Liverpool XI could be
Anfield could boast quite the team come the end of the transfer window.
Maika Hamano, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Sandy Baltimore were all on the scoresheet as the champions of England kept up their fine form
Chelsea continued their perfect start to the new Women's Super League season on Sunday with an eventful 5-2 win over London rivals Tottenham. It wasn't a game without obstacle for the Blues, who were without Lauren James due to injury and were also left dismayed by Spurs' first half equaliser, which Hannah Hampton was convinced she had kept out. But the champions of England persevered and emerged with all three points ahead of the international break.
The incident that will be talked about most from this game came midway through the first half, after Maika Hamano had already given Chelsea the lead. Spurs full-back Amanda Nilden spotted Hampton drifting to her left for the anticipated cross and went for goal, and the assistant flagged to signal that her effort had crossed the line despite the goalkeeper's best efforts. It was to the dismay of Hampton, who was booked for her protestations, and suddenly the visitors were back in the game.
Even when Nilden got on the scoresheet at the other end, inadvertently flicking Guro Reiten's corner into her own net, things were tight and competitive – until a late flurry from the champions. Rytting Kaneryd's volley in the 70th minute will be a goal of the season contender, summer signing Sandy Baltimore was there to convert when Reiten's penalty hit the post a few minutes later and then – after Eveliina Summanen pulled another back for Spurs with a great free-kick – Rytting Kaneryd put the gloss on it all, adding a late fifth with an emphatic finish.
It's a result that sends the Blues into the break on a high, with four wins from their first four WSL games as they pursue a sixth successive league title and a first under new head coach Sonia Bompastor.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Hannah Hampton (6/10):
Hard to be too harsh on her positioning for the equaliser as was totally normal for her to veer left for the cross. Made up for it with a couple of strong saves anyway.
Lucy Bronze (6/10):
Solid in possession and brought plenty of energy without being caught out too much in behind.
Millie Bright (7/10):
Strong on the ball and commanding in her duels. Delivered a perfect ball for Rytting Kaneryd's strike.
Kadeisha Buchanan (7/10):
Dominant in the air and near-perfect in possession, after completing all 29 of her first half passes.
Sandy Baltimore (7/10):
Needless booking was a reminder that she's not a defender and yet, this was another good display. Showed great composure for her goal, too.
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Midfield
Sjoeke Nusken (7/10):
Good on the ball, created a few chances and battled well in midfield.
Erin Cuthbert (6/10):
A solid 45-minute display on her return to the starting XI.
Maika Hamano (8/10):
Another really lively and exciting display from a young player who seems to get better with each game.
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Attack
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (9/10):
A dangerous display which returned an assist and two goals, one of which will be a goal of the season contender.
Mayra Ramirez (7/10):
Was really positive in driving at the Spurs defence whenever she got the chance, putting them on the back foot regularly.
Guro Reiten (6/10):
Missed a penalty but worked hard, always offered an outlet and delivered the corner that led to Chelsea's second goal.
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Subs & Manager
Wieke Kaptein (6/10):
On at the break and settled in nicely. Sprayed the ball around well and worked hard.
Ashley Lawrence (N/A):
Came on in the latter stages to help Chelsea see the game out.
Aggie Beever-Jones (N/A):
Added energy late on and gave Ramirez a deserved rest.
Maelys Mpome (N/A):
Only on for the final few minutes.
Oriane Jean-Francois (N/A):
Another late substitution.
Sonia Bompastor (7/10):
Handed Hamano her first start of the WSL season after a lively Champions League performance in midweek and the young Japan star showed why, with another superb display. Used her bench well to see the game out, too.
AS Roma manager Ivan Juric and defender Gianluca Mancini were involved in a physical altercation during the club's Serie A clash against Fiorentina.
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Juric and Mancini fought in the dressing room
Fiorentina thrashed Roma 5-1
Juric likely to lose his job
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Giallorossi's miseries in the 2024-25 campaign continued as they suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of Fiorentina in a Serie A clash on Sunday. Things turned worse for the Italian side during the half-time break as manager Juric and Mancini got involved in a dressing room bust-up which involved a physical altercation, according to .
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The report also claims that Juric could now lose his job after being appointed as the club's head coach just 40 days back. The Croatian had replaced club legend Daniele De Rossi at the helm after they got off to a poor start in the new season. However, not much has changed since he took charge of the team as they struggle at the 11th position on the league table with just two wins from their first nine outings.
DID YOU KNOW?
A bunch of Roma fans reportedly waited for the players outside the Rome Termini train station at 2 AM in the night to confront them. Four players, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, Mancini, and Lorenzo Pellegrini approached the angry supporters and tried to pacify them.
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WHAT NEXT FOR AS ROMA?
Per Repubblica, Roma director Florent Ghisolfi has cancelled a trip to Paris to hold an emergency meeting on Monday amid tension in the club's dressing room. It remains to be seen if Juric will sit on the Roma dugout in their upcoming Serie A fixture against Torino on Thursday.
Scotland ensured their Euro 2024 campaign is still alive after securing a draw against Switzerland in their second group match of the competition.
Truth be told, they should have gone for the jugular during the final 20 minutes, rather than play it safe and take the point which keeps them alive.
Steve Clarke for Scotland.
Now, Steve Clarke’s men have to beat Hungary on Sunday evening to finish on four points, which should be enough to be one of the four best third-place nations.
The performance was like night and day compared to the 5-1 hammering against Germany on the opening night, as Clarke brought the likes of Billy Gilmour into the starting XI.
Grant Hanley struck the post towards the end of the game on Wednesday in Cologne and now all eyes turn to Sunday.
The manager could make a few changes ahead of the must-win clash, and here's how they could line up…
1
GK – Angus Gunn
After conceding five against the Germans last Friday, Gunn retained his place in the starting visit for the midweek clash and delivered a more confident display.
He may have conceded again, yet you doubt anyone would have saved Xherdan Shaqiri’s wonder strike which gave the Swiss a point.
The Norwich City goalkeeper made two tremendous saves to keep the country in with a chance of reaching the last 16, and he could be crucial against the Hungarians.
2
RB – Ross McCrorie
Ross McCrorie
Anthony Ralston was deployed as a right-wing back on Wednesday evening and his misplaced pass enabled Shaqiri to score the leveller on the night.
Throughout the game, the Celtic defender completed just 57% of his attempted passes, delivered only two accurate crosses and lost possession a staggering 17 times, which means he should be dropped from the starting XI.
Kieran Tierney was stretched off and will miss the final group game, which could give Clarke a licence to unleash McCrorie from the start.
He played his entire club season at right-back for Bristol City last term, and it is clear a change is needed in the problematic position.
3
CB – Scott McKenna
Scotland defender Scott McKenna in action.
The defender came on for the injured Tierney midway through the first half against the Swiss, but he should be starting the match tonight.
The 6 foot 2 titan looked composed when he came on and could offer Clarke something different at the heart of the defence, especially as Ryan Porteous is still suspended.
Keeping a clean sheet will make Scotland’s job all that much easier against Hungary.
4
CB – Grant Hanley
Grant Hanley
Hanley is the most experienced centre-back in the squad with 51 caps for his country since 2011 and this will be required in the must-win clash this evening.
The centre-back came so close to securing a much-needed win when his header rattled off the post during the final quarter of the game on Wednesday, a mere two inches from glory.
A defensive duo consisting of him and McKenna should be what Clarke goes for against the Hungarians.
5
LB – Andy Robertson
calum-scanlon-andy-robertson-liverpool-opinion
The captain enjoyed a better game in midweek. Not only did he make three key passes, but the Liverpool star also delivered four accurate crosses, won three of his five duels and created a big chance.
More of the same against Hungary, please skipper.
6
CM – Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor
The Celtic captain also enjoyed a greater display compared to the Germany match. Indeed, operating in the centre of the midfield, McGregor not only assisted Scott McTominay’s opener, but he also finished the match with a 94% pass success rate and made two key passes.
Goals will be needed against Hungary. Can McGregor help set up another one or two more efforts which could see Scotland through to the knockout stage?
7
CM – Billy Gilmour
A surprise omission from the starting XI against Germany last week, Gilmour showed exactly what he can offer Clarke during the draw against Switzerland.
The midfielder won three of his four contested duels, lost possession only eight times, took 51 touches and completed 33 of his 39 passes during the match before being replaced by Kenny McLean.
He could give Scotland that something extra tonight if slotted into the heart of the midfield, and he must take inspiration from his recent impressive showing.
8
CM – Ryan Christie
While he may have started in a more advanced role earlier in the tournament, Christie featured slightly deeper for Bournemouth during the 2023/24 campaign, which saw him score once and register five assists in all competitions.
Dropping the former Aberdeen gem into a withdrawn role could allow Clarke the licence to unleash both McTominay and John McGinn as attacking midfielders.
9
AM – John McGinn
The Aston Villa star has scored 18 goals in 68 international matches for Scotland, just 12 shy of the all-time record held by Denis Law and Kenny Dalgleish.
A goal against Hungary would be the ideal chance to move to 19 efforts for his country.
10
AM – Scott McTominay
In 14 appearances for his country since the start of 2023, McTominay has scored eight goals, a sublime return for a midfielder.
His seven goals in the Euro 2024 qualifiers meant he finished joint-fourth in the standings, just three goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
His goal against Switzerland means Clarke must push him into a more advanced role just behind the striker, especially as his confidence will be high after becoming just the second male player to score for Scotland in a major international tournament this century.
Should he find the back of the net again this evening, McTominay’s standing among the tartan army will reach unprecedented levels, no doubt about it.
Leeds United have been named as one of the sides chasing a man who gave them nightmares last season as they look to bolster their ranks this summer.
Summerville could leave Leeds
After Daniel Farke's side fell to a 1-0 Championship play-off final defeat to Southampton last month, it seems as though the writing is on the wall for winger Crysencio Summerville.
The Championship's player of the season last campaign, he has received plenty of attention from the Premier League and, with Leeds needing to sell, is almost certain to leave this summer in a bid to bolster his club's finances, and move on in his fledgling career.
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He would be a huge loss to the Whites’ side.
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Meanwhile, there is concern over the future of fellow wide man Wilfried Gnonto, who has also been linked with a departure and could leave the Elland Road side facing a major overhaul in wide areas. They could already have found one solution though.
Leeds want new winger
Now, Leeds are one of the sides reportedly keen on bringing Liam Millar back to the Championship next season. Signed on loan, Millar spent the season with Preston North End.
After making his debut for the club at the beginning of the season, he was hailed as a "machine" by teammate Milutin Osmajic, while his impact has been talked up by other teammates too. He enjoyed his games against Leeds, scoring in the home fixture at Deepdale, which prompted captain Archie Brown to dub him an "unbelievable" player.
“We just give him the ball and let him do the work. When he’s on it, he’s unbelievable and he showed his class today and I don’t think they could live with him for 90 minutes,” he explained.
In the reverse fixture at Elland Road, Millar grabbed an early assist and moved to taunt the home fans in celebration, though he ended the day on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat.
Leeds were by far the only side to suffer at his hand though, with the 24-year-old returning five goals and five assists in his debut Championship season.
Liam Millar by numbers 2023/24
Starts
27
Goals
5
Assists
5
Key passes per 90
1.17
Shots on target per 90
0.71
But Millar is down to the final year of his £5.5k per week deal in Basel, and The Athletic, relayed by Leeds All Over, have claimed that the forward has a release clause in his contract with the Swiss giants, though they do not reveal how much said clause is worth.
However, due to its existence and his contract situation, they add that it is almost a 'sure’ thing that he leaves the club this summer in search of pastures new, and Leeds are one of the sides credited with an interest in the attacker.
The Canadian is unlikely to move before the end of the Copa America, and is currently with former Whites coach Jesse Marsch at the tournament. However, having already impressed in the Championship once, he could prove an excellent signing were Leeds able to snap him up.
Gabriel Jesus has tipped Ethan Nwaneri to reach the level of Phil Foden or Cole Palmer following his impressive performance for Arsenal.
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Jesus praises Nwaneri
Compares him to Foden and Palmer
Youngster impressed for Gunners
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Opening up about his experiences playing with the likes of Palmer and Foden at Manchester City, the Gunners forward predicted big things for Arsenal's youngest star, saying he looked forward to watching him "grow". Jesus placed Nwaneri in the same category as some of the most "special youngsters" he's observed in training over the years.
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WHAT JESUS SAID
Nwaneri said: "I have been with some very special youngsters, like Phil and Cole — and also James McAtee at City, he is also very good. So to see Ethan in training and in the game is good, because I am a fan of football… when I see someone young with this quality, I am happy and then obviously I want him to grow, grow, grow. Then if he needs something from me personally, I am here to help him because I am 27.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Nwaneri was Arsenal's star man against Preston in the Carabao Cup in midweek, grabbing the Gunners' second goal in an easy 3-0 victory. More broadly, the teenage midfielder has taken big strides this season, stunning Mikel Arteta with his performance in the middle of the park. In total, he's made four Premier League appearances and notched up several impressive cup displays.
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WHAT NEXT FOR NWANERI?
The Premier League's youngest-ever player — who made his league debut aged just 15 years and 181 days old — smashed another record recently as he became the youngest player to score in his first two starts for Arsenal. The 17-year-old will be hoping that over the course of the 2024-25 campaign, his influence on the Gunners' first team can continue to grow.
West Ham United and technical director Tim Steidten are close to sealing another new summer signing for new manager Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham promise busy summer transfer window
The Irons have already been productive in the market with deals to sign Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras for a fee worth around £25m and Wes Foderingham on a free transfer. Lopetegui was officially unveiled to the press as the new Hammers boss earlier this week and was quizzed on further incomings, to which he said:
“Of course we are working to improve (the squad). The first thing to highlight is that we’re happy with the players, but of course we’re going to try to improve. We have to work very hard to be ready for the Premier League, and we would like players as soon as possible, but it’s not easy.”
Steidten also promised a busy summer window, adding: “I can’t tell you specifics, but it will be a busy summer for us for sure. The owner and the board have done a really good job over recent years, so we’re in good shape financially. We’re trying to build up the squad. We’re not limiting ourselves to one position – we’re looking at all areas.”
Another target in recent weeks alongside Guilherme and Foderingham has been Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, who worked under Lopetegui at Molineux. The Irons saw an opening bid turned down but were working on an improved package for the 27-year-old, and it looks as if they are closing in on their man.
West Ham agree Max Kilman deal
Taking to X on Thursday afternoon, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that there is now a £40m deal in place between West Ham and Wolves for Kilman, who was viewed as a “key target” for Lopetegui.
Insider ExWHUEmployee provided further details on a transfer, claiming personal terms have been agreed upon, a medical went to plan and an announcement is possible on Friday or Saturday.
“Kilman was at West Ham today for his medical and all has gone to plan. Personal terms for the player have been agreed as has the fee which was said to be a straight £40m. The only negotiations that were still going on was agent fees as they often are but the player is expected to either sign on Friday or Saturday at the latest.”
Max Kilman West Ham graphic
Kilman, who former Wolves captain Conor Coady lauded as “outstanding” in the past, now looks likely to rival Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma and Konstantinos Mavropanos at centre-back at the London Stadium.
Interestingly, reports earlier this week even claimed that Lopetegui could make Kilman the West Ham captain straightaway ahead of the forthcoming campaign, so that will be one to watch with a move set to go through.