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What Manchester United fans can expect from Sir Jim Ratcliffe

We’re seeing Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS move closer to purchasing a 25% stake in Manchester United, but as much as fans of the Red Devils might not want to read this, their ownership of Nice hasn’t been a huge success.

We have to recognise that when INEOS came in they had a very ambitious project to challenge PSG at the top of Ligue 1 and they haven’t done that. They haven’t really made any kind of progress domestically or in Europe, so it’s been a very frustrating period for the club’s fans.

Ratcliffe’s continual flirtation with clubs in England has also been a source of frustration to the Nice fan-base, as it’s not just Manchester United he’s shown an interest in, but also Chelsea and Liverpool in the past. Had it just been Man United, given his childhood support of the club, then I think fans might have been a bit more understanding, but given that there’s clearly been a long-running interest in buying a Premier League club, I think the Nice fans have tired of it.

More recently, Nice have made some encouraging changes – they’re the only team unbeaten in Ligue 1 and they’re going very well under highly-rated new manager Francesco Farioli. They’ve got a couple of real gems in their ranks as well, but overall you can’t paint a picture of Ratcliffe’s reign and make it look like a success. It’s been largely a tale of frustration and wasted potential.

It looks like we could see Paul Mitchell brought in as sporting director at United if the INEOS deal goes through, and it’s no surprise to see him being linked with a big Premier League job after leaving Monaco.

Even if things didn’t go quite as well for him at Monaco as he perhaps would’ve hoped, I do rate Mitchell. He did a very good job of streamlining a very bloated squad, and also did well to strengthen that connection with their Belgian feeder club Cercle Brugge.

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In terms of form and achievement on the pitch, Mitchell probably didn’t quite deliver what was hoped for, with the club being out of the Champions League undoubtedly a failure. They’re doing better this season, so it could be argued that that’s some redemption for Monaco after the foundations laid by Mitchell.

Mitchell’s time at Monaco isn’t everything though, as he has other work he can look back on proudly, particularly with RB Leipzig, and I’m not surprised he seems set to return to the Premier League. He’s been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle in the past and he remains one of the top names in that line of work.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Mitchell took on an even bigger role than just sporting director, perhaps in a multi-club environment with a role at Nice as well as United. Let’s see how that works out, but overall his appointment is a bit of a no-brainer for United, who have room to improve in terms of their recruitment and the overall structure of the club – I think that’s the kind of challenge he’s been looking for for a while.

Eduardo Camavinga close to well-earned Real Madrid deal

Eduardo Camavinga is close to signing a new contract with Real Madrid in a deal which should be officially announced quite soon. He’s certainly had an interesting development at the club since his move from Rennes in 2021.

He joined at such a young age, but Camavinga hasn’t just been there to make up the numbers – he’s proven himself more than adept when trusted in his preferred midfield position, and he’s also developing as a left-back, which has been really intriguing. He’s been used there for Real Madrid and increasingly for France as well, because that’s an area which, within the French talent pool, there actually isn’t as much quality in the two full-back areas as there is in midfield or indeed any other position on the pitch.

I think Camavinga has developed well in both roles, so I think it clearly points to a big future in the national team, wherever he ends up playing in the long-term.

Camavinga’s new contract has been in the works for some time, with further details here from Fabrizio Romano, and it’s well deserved. He wasn’t a proven player yet when he joined, but he’s got a couple of titles under his belt and I think has earned himself a new deal to reflect his growing importance to the team.

He looks completely at ease in the environment he’s in, so hopefully once this new deal is signed he can continue to focus on developing, as it seems he’s in the best place for that at this moment in time.

The post Exclusive Jonathan Johnson column: What Man Utd can expect from Sir Jim, new Real Madrid deal imminent & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Erik ten Hag is likely to have been delighted with his incoming transfers over the summer at Man United, but perhaps not so with his outgoings given that the likes of Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho and Harry Maguire all still remain in situ.

Though the Dutchman isn’t believed to have come out and explicitly told any of the trio that they have to move, actions speak louder than words in this case.

It’s a perfect man-management ploy because he is still dangling a carrot, however small, to suggest that there is a way back into the first team if there are injuries and if the preparation and desire are correct.

The reality is that all three arguably don’t have a future at the club and the sooner that there’s an acceptable offer for the players, the better.

For van de Beek, it was thought he was on the verge of a switch to Real Sociedad, but that never materialised.

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Now it has come to light that he was offered a deal by French Ligue Un side, Lorient, but his arrogance and general attitude towards a move scuppered any hopes according to L’Equipe (subscription required).

It’s believed that the player’s representatives the contacted Lorient on deadline day to discuss a move, however, the club weren’t interested because of how dismissive he was over the switch – which had been agreed with Man United – earlier in the window.

The post The reason why Donny van de Beek failed to secure a summer switch away from Man United has emerged appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United have reached an agreement with French club Lorient for the sale of Donny van de Beek as the Red Devils continue to try and ship the Dutch star out of Old Trafford. 

That is according to Foot Mercato‘s Santi Aouna, who has reported on the agreement being reached between the two clubs but Lorient still need to agree personal terms with the player.

This is a big deal for the Manchester club has they have been trying to find a home for Van de Beek all summer and a deal with Real Sociedad was taking a long time.

? Lorient have reached an agreement with Manchester United to sign Donny van de Beek on loan.

All that is missing is the player's agreement.

(Source: @Santi_J_FM) pic.twitter.com/d1yI2OvogE

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 30, 2023

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The reason for this being an important deal is the fact that Man United need to sell players before bringing anyone else through the doors of Old Trafford.

David Ornstein has also reported that Man United are now working on a deal to sign Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, which could hint at a near exit for Van de Beek; but with Deadline Day so close, it remains to be seen if all this can get done.

The post Man United have found a club for Donny van de Beek with Deadline Day approaching appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy has signed for Ligue 1 club Lorient on a free transfer, according to BBC Sport.

The 29-year-old’s contract at City recently expired and his future had looked in major doubt after a long-running trial for rape allegations made against him.

Mendy was recently found not guilty and is now free to resume his playing career, though he won’t be returning to the Etihad Stadium.

Lorient have snapped Mendy up, with the former France international signing a two-year deal with the club.

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Mendy had been a key player for City prior to this saga, so it will be interesting to see if he can get back to his best and revive his career back in his native France.

The post Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has signed for a new club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Lorient’s want-away midfielder Enzo Le Fee is attracting interest from Liverpool as the Reds prepare for changes to their engine room.

Le Fee revealed in an interview with French outlet Telegramme yesterday his desire to move on from Lorient, whom he has been with since the age of eight, saying: “Yes, it’s time for me to leave. I have a special link with this club and that’s why I still wanted to extend at the start of the season. 

“I waited for a contract proposal from FC Lorient until December, but it never came. I hope to leave this summer so that my transfer brings money to FC Lorient. Otherwise, I’ll be free to sign up anywhere next winter.”

Liverpool’s interest in Le Fee comes from FootballTransfers, with the Reds likely to see a major midfield shake-up this summer.

Le Fee has operated primarily as a central midfielder for Lorient, but he can also play in a more attacking role or closer to the defence.

Current Liverpool midfielders Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all expected to move on from Anfield at the end of this season, and with Thiago and Jordan Henderson both on the wrong side of 30 and Fabinho 29 years of age, Le Fee could be the man Liverpool need to give the centre of their team a much needed youthful refresh.

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With the 23-year old Frenchman expressing his transfer desires to the media, this may be an avenue that Liverpool could certainly venture into, with Lorient unlikely to stand in their player’s way.

The post Liverpool interested in Lorient midfielder who wants to leave club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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AC Milan

There’s been a lot written about Brahim Diaz’s future, so here’s my current understanding of the situation: Real Madrid are in talks with Brahim Diaz to offer him a new long term contract, while AC Milan would love to keep him. But decisions will be made in May. I’m not aware of Chelsea interest, they already have many players in that position.

Almeria

Almeria’s talented striker Marciano, born in 2004, is expected to debut in La Liga soon. He is already training with the first-team and has admirers in the form of Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Brighton. He also has a €40m release clause in his contract.

Arsenal

Emile Smith Rowe: “I’m desperate to be playing, the team are doing really well and it’s something I want to be a part of. I’ve got to stay fit now for when the manager needs me. I’m trying to work as hard as I can so I’m ready to perform.”

Barcelona

Barcelona have been interested in Dani Olmo for years, since summer 2020; but their priorities this summer are in different positions or for different players, like Brazilian talent Vitor Roque. For sure Olmo situation in general is one to follow for this summer, but I wouldn’t get too excited about links with Barca as things stand.

There have been no changes on the Sergino Dest situation since December. AC Milan are not planning to trigger the buy option clause in June. The USMNT right-back will return to Barcelona and then discuss his future at the end of the season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly keen to return to Barca – click here to read more.

Bayern Munich

Hasan Salihamidzic further explains the decision to change coaches during the international break: “We have to win every game and have big goals. The circle of coaches is small — so due to the fact there was Thomas Tuchel available on the market now, we dared to take this step. Coach has to have a certain consistent attitude, a leadership style.”

Borussia Monchengladbach

This looks like being an important summer for Manu Kone. He’s a superb talent – good vision and quality on the ball, very fast, and I can see him being a good option for many top clubs. My current understanding is that three clubs are leading the race – one of those is Chelsea, who have many players on their list, including Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia. Still, they really appreciate Kone, they will be there. Manchester United also like him, and PSG always follow top young French players. With PSG, they still have to decide who will be their coach next season, and what the project will look like, but these are the clubs in the race at the moment.

Bournemouth

Official: Bournemouth confirm the club captain Neto has signed a three-year contract extension. Former Barcelona goalkeeper loves the club and he decided to commit for the future on deal valid until 2026.

Chelsea

I think it’s not new that Chelsea are looking for a striker, this was very clear and remains a priority. The arrival of Christopher Nkunku has not changed Chelsea’s plans to add another signing up front.

As for Victor Osimhen, all the top clubs are interested in him after his outstanding season with Napoli. Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea…they are all following the situation.

Chelsea are one of the clubs leading the race for Manu Kone, but they also still have players like Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia on their list for this summer.

Official: Marcus Bettinelli signs new long term deal with Chelsea. He said: “It is a privilege to be at Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world — it is amazing to be a part of and I am buzzing to be here for an extra couple of years.”

Liverpool

Some Liverpool fans have been asking me to clarify some rumours on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with reports linking him with Newcastle, Aston Villa and Brighton.

From what I’ve been told, there are two clubs in England and two clubs abroad looking at him at the moment. There is interest but is very early and not advanced, at this stage. Newcastle, for example, have different priorities in that position, so I wouldn’t read too much into that particular story.

Lorient

Enzo Le Fee announces: “It’s time for me to leave Lorient. I will no longer extend the contract, I waited for new proposal in December but then it didn’t arrive. It’s time to go. I hope to leave this summer so my transfer brings money to Lorient.”

Manchester City

Josko Gvardiol admits he’s spoken with Pep Guardiola, but has distanced himself from leaving RB Leipzig in the summer: “I congratulated Pep Guardiola — he threw a few words at me. But I will keep them to myself. My future? RB Leipzig is not interested in selling me this summer, there is no point in talking about anything else.”

Manchester United

All the top clubs are interested in Victor Osimhen after his outstanding season with Napoli. Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea…they are all following the situation.

Napoli

I’ve had a lot of questions about Kim Min-jae after his fantastic season with Napoli. It’s true that he has a release clause, and it’s a bit less than €50m, but only valid for a few days in July. So, there will be an opportunity there, but also Napoli want to offer him a new deal. Manchester United are monitoring the situation, but Napoli will push to keep him, and offer him a new contract to change this clause. As for the player, he’s been very clear that he wants to focus on the rest of the season in Serie A and the Champions League, and then we will see.

PSG

Manu Kone: “Interest of PSG? You know that I am Parisien, I was born and trained here. There is a logical link. But whether it’s Paris or another club doesn’t matter to me. I just want to play. If I have to leave, I’ll think about playing as priority.”

Julian Draxler and Leandro Paredes are both expected to return to PSG at the end of the season, waiting for possible new solutions. Juventus are not planning to activate the buy option clause for Paredes at this stage; Draxler, injured and expected to leave Benfica.

Real Madrid

There’s been a lot written about Brahim Diaz’s future, so here’s my current understanding of the situation: Real Madrid are in talks with Brahim Diaz to offer him a new long term contract, while AC Milan would love to keep him. But decisions will be made in May. I’m not aware of Chelsea interest, they already have many players in that position.

Those Carlo Ancelotti links with the Brazil job don’t seem to be going away, with Brazilian FA president Ednaldo fuelling the speculation by saying: “I really admire Ancelotti. He’s not only players’ favourite but fans’ too. Everywhere I go in Brazil, Ancelotti is the first name the supporters ask me about. Let’s wait for the appropriate time, we’ll see if we can make it happen.”

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Tottenham

Antonio Conte has spoken for the first time since leaving Tottenham, saying: “Football is passion. I thank everyone at Spurs who appreciated and shared my passion. Special thought to the Fans who always showed me support and appreciation, unforgettable to hear them singing my name. I wish you all the best for the future.”

It’s too early to know what will come next for Conte. It will take some weeks to assess his options and pick the best next step. I’m sure Italy will be his priority due to the family and personal reasons, so personally I’d say Italy as the best destination for Antonio.

Emerson Royal is set to miss next six weeks with a knee injury — and it also requires surgery. Operation will take place in the next days — one more blow for Spurs and Stellini.

Watford

There’s a chance for Ismaila Sarr to leave Watford this summer, regardless of whether or not they win promotion. But at the end, interested clubs will have to offer what Watford want; every summer or January we have Sarr’s name around and deals are not completed because of Watford’s position. An important bid will be needed.

The post Exclusive: Chelsea eyeing another striker transfer, Liverpool star’s suitors, Conte future & more – Fabrizio Romano appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham United have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Lorient striker Terem Moffi this month. 

According to journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter, the forward is also in talks with both Marseille and Nice.

Dans l’esprit de Lorient: soit Moffi reste, soit il va à l’OM… soit il va a West Ham avec qui Lorient a un accord.

Nice s’accroche & Marseille observe le spectacle.

Dieng est à la clinique… confirmation que la visite est tjrs en cours.

— Mohamed TOUBACHE-TER (@MohamedTERParis) January 25, 2023

The deal has been ongoing for several weeks, with the latest update providing a glimmer of hope for Irons fans. The tweet suggests that only West Ham have an agreement in place with Moffi’s club, despite the interest from two other teams.

The coming hours could be pivotal in the deal, especially with the transfer deadline looming.

Moffi’s form would improve Irons’ attack

Moffi has overseen a prolific start to the season in Ligue 1; he has scored 12 goals in 18 appearances.

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The 23-year-old could further develop his game in England’s top division whilst playing a key role in the Hammers’ survival hopes. However, David Moyes and the board must be efficient in negotiations as Moffi may opt to stay in France and see out the season.

The post West Ham United have an agreement in place for prolific 23-year-old striker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Neymar is very much in the conversation for the world’s best player this season and was in sublime form again during PSG’s match with Lorient today. 

The Paris club were 2-1 winners over Lorient with Neymar contributing to both goals by scoring a goal and producing an assist for the other, which makes it 15 goals and 12 assists in 19 matches for the Brazilian this campaign.

Aside from that, Neymar produced a sublime moment of skill within the match as he skipped past two Lorient players with the second timed perfectly, which can be seen below.

Stop that Neymar. pic.twitter.com/6QLW6i0B0l

— Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) November 6, 2022

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The post Video: Neymar sends two Lorient players to the shops with insane piece of skill appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar is arguably the world’s best player at present and his incredible form has continued today against Lorient. 

The Brazilian superstar is heading into a very important World Cup for him and his country in the best shape possible, with his goal today making it 15 goals and 11 assists across 19 matches for the forward.

Neymar’s opener in today’s clash came after he pressurised the goalkeeper into a mistake. The loose ball fell to Hugo Ekitike who played it back to the Brazilian before he stayed calm and produced a composed finish.

#Neymar goal vs Lorient
THE BRASILIAN KING ???#PSG #PSGLORIENT #Goal #Goat pic.twitter.com/x71MkOtl1o

— MimoDZ (@MIMODZ03) November 6, 2022

Footage courtesy of beIN Sports

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The post Video: Neymar scores 15th goal of the season after terrible goalkeeper mistake appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sergio Ramos is off the mark as a PSG player!

He collected the 27th red card of his career on Wednesday night – his first since swapping Madrid for Paris.

Ramos replaced Nuno Mendes as a half-time sub in PSG’s Ligue 1 game at Lorient, but failed to stay on the pitch until the end.

He was shown two yellow cards in quick succession – the second coming on 85 minutes, at which point PSG were 1-0 down.

The second yellow card was awarded after Ramos fouled Terem Moffi in the middle of the pitch.

Moffi and Ramos both hit the floor but referee Jeremie Pignard deemed that the Spaniard had committed a bookable offence.

Needless to say that Ramos disagreed and he did not leave the field quietly.

Ramos fumed at Pignard and was seen pointing and shouting before trudging off the pitch while still muttering.

With Ramos out of the game, 10-man PSG rallied and stole a point at the death when Mauro Icardi struck to cancel out Thomas Monconduit’s first-half opener.

In such uncertain times there’s something really reassuring about seeing Sergio Ramos getting a silly red card ? pic.twitter.com/RXjdRuSubC

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 22, 2021

Sergio Ramos y otra roja más. Expulsado en su tercer partido con el PSG.
?: ESPN pic.twitter.com/IsyQvPHwIu

— Faed (@faedtastic) December 22, 2021

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The post (Video) Angry Sergio Ramos rants at ref after first PSG red card appeared first on CaughtOffside.