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Cody Gakpo copied Kaka's iconic Champions League celebration for AC Milan after scoring for Liverpool against Tottenham.

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• Gakpo copied Kaka's celebration
• Scored Liverpool's third goal against Spurs
• Reds to win 20th English top-flight title

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gakpo removed his shirt after scoring Liverpool's third goal against Tottenham in their Premier League clash on Sunday at Anfield. The Dutch forward revealed the words "I belong to Jesus" as he pointed his finger to the sky. Gakpo's gesture had a striking similarity to that of Brazil legend Kaka's iconic celebration in the 2007 Champions League final against the Reds, where the midfielder scored twice to secure his team their seventh European title.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dominic Solanke had put the visitors in front early, within 12 minutes of kick off but Luis Diaz soon brought his team back into the game. Alexis Mac Allister then put the Reds in front before Gakpo added a third goal to the tally right before the break.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Stranger Things actor Millie Bobby Brown, along with British TV series Adolescence's teen star, Owen Cooper, were in attendance at Anfield to witness the Premier League giants win the English top-flight league title for a record equalling 20th time.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  Arne Slot's side will be back in action on May 4 as they are set to visit Stamford Bridge as newly crowned English champions for a Premier League clash.

For the second year in a row, United States women's national team star Lindsey Heaps was recognized at the French Premiere Ligue's annual awards.

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• Heaps leads French league in assists this year
• Superb form led to individual recognition for USWNT star
• Will hope to fire Lyon to another title next month

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  On Monday, the top-flight in French women's soccer handed out its array of end of season accolades, and while Heaps was not up for the Player of the Year award as she was last year, she was still among those rewarded after her excellent performances this season for Lyon.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That's because, for the second season in succession, Heaps was named in the Team of the Season, lining up alongside OL team-mate Damaris Egurrola in the midfield of the league's best XI. The USWNT star was one of seven Lyon players in the line-up, with shot-stopper Christiane Endler also picking up the Goalkeeper of the Year prize.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  No one has registered more assists in the Premiere Ligue this season than Heaps, who has eight in 14 appearances. The 30-year-old has been having a fantastic scoring season as well, netting 11 times. That's a total that puts her joint-fourth in the division as the season nears its end.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HEAPS AND LYON?

  Heaps will hope she is able to add team success to her individual recognition in the coming weeks. Lyon suffered a devastating Champions League exit at the weekend, as Emily Fox's Arsenal instead progressed to the final, but OL is currently top of the French league ahead of the title being decided in the playoffs. The reigning champions face Dijon in the first round in May and then, if victorious, either PSG or Paris FC in the final.

Kalvin Phillips is a player who will forever live long in the memory of all Leeds United supporters after coming through the academy and starring in the first team before being sold for big money.

The 29-year-old made his debut back in the 2014/15 Championship season, ending up notching a total of 234 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 14 goals from a deep-lying midfield role.

However, he would depart ahead of the 2022/23 season, joining Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for a fee in the region of £45m, banking the club a massive profit, but losing one of their star men in the process.

It’s safe to say his career hasn’t hit the heights since, only making 31 appearances for the Premier League champions, enduring a torrid loan spell at West Ham United before joining newly promoted Ipswich Town on a temporary basis in the summer.

Two and a half years after his departure from Elland Road, boss Daniel Farke has the opportunity to land his own version of the England international before the closure of the transfer window next week.

Leeds United plot move for midfield talent

According to The Sun, Leeds are plotting an ambitious move to land Besiktas midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the coming days to bolster the midfield department.

However, they face competition from the likes of Leicester City, Wolves and Sheffield United, who are also in the race to land the 31-year-old former Liverpool star.

He only moved to Turkey in the summer of 2023, but has since struggled for game time, only making six appearances in 2024/25 – with only two of which coming from a starting position.

The report claims that the Whites believe he could add serious quality to the current side to help push them over the line in their quest for a return to the Premier League come the end of May.

Whilst the competition appears to be tough for the former England international’s signature, it’s evident that he would be a stellar addition – having the skill set to aid Farke’s quest.

Why Oxlade-Chamberlain could be Leeds’ new Kalvin Phillips

Given Phillips’ time in Yorkshire, it would take someone very special to replicate the levels produced by the 29-year-old at Elland Road.

Despite his departure, the hierarchy have recruited excellently in the midfield department, softening the blow of his departure with the likes of Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu at the heart of the side.

Their form has contributed to the current league standing, which sees the club sit top of the table with just 17 games remaining, potentially making it difficult for any new addition to break into the side.

However, Oxlade-Chamberlain, who’s previously been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, could be the player to do just that, having the ability to replicate the form of fan-favourite Phillips.

Both started their careers as more attacking options but eventually dropped into deeper roles, a decision that has seen the pair make the most of their potential.

When delving into the former Liverpool ace’s stats from the Süper Lig this season, he’s managed to complete 83% of his attempted long passes, following suit of Phillips, who caught the eye for a similar thing during his time in Yorkshire.

Despite primarily being a more ball-playing option, the 31-year-old has also impressed defensively, winning 4.8 duels per 90, with 1.6 of which being aerials – highlighting his ability to be the perfect box-to-box or deep-lying options given his quality in both areas.

The competition may be fierce for his services, but if the club want to further strengthen their ambitions of ending their two-year stint in England’s second tier, then the former Liverpool star would massively increase their chances.

Injuries have been an issue in the past for the experienced talent, but given any move would likely be a loan, it’s a perfect opportunity to take a risk in their quest for Premier League football once again.

He won 0 duels: Farke must drop Leeds dud who proved he's not PL class

The Leeds United attacker should be dropped back down to the bench next time out.

By
Dan Emery

Jan 28, 2025

Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal plan to splash the cash this summer after vowing to deliver trophies to north London.

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• Arsenal secured UCL with Newcastle win
• Another trophyless season for Arteta
• Head coach vows to spend and deliver silverware

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners stumbled at every opportunity to win silverware this season, most recently exiting the Champions League at the semi-final stage. But after qualifying for the competition again next season with Sunday's win over Newcastle, Arteta has claimed Arsenal will have a "big summer" in an effort to deliver in 2025-26.

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  WHAT ARTETA SAID

  Speaking after the win over Newcastle, Arteta said: "It’s going to be a big summer for everybody. I think it’s time to reflect, reset, and set again the standards even higher, see how we can improve, be very critical with each of us and the things that we can do better, and how we can help this football club to go to another level.

  "What I can promise is that I will do my very best [to win a trophy] and I will give my life, and get every drop of everybody here to squeeze it and get the best out of them."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arteta has been insistent that he is not satisfied with Arsenal's recent success, but his side has now finished (barring a major upset at Southampton on the final day) second in each of the last three seasons. In his tenure, he has spent big on the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, but has always fallen short to teams around the Gunners. It seems there is something missing to get the north London club over the line.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Gunners are poised to make midfielder Martin Zubimendi their first summer signing, but the real talk is around which striker they will bring to the Emirates this summer. Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Liam Delap have all been linked with a move.

Arsenal are believed to be among the “most active” competitors in the race to sign a very in-form forward, and he’s now seriously considering a summer exit in what could be a boost for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal shortlist attacking targets for summer window

If recent injuries are anything to go by, the Gunners could use an extra option or two in the final third of the pitch.

Arsenal now targeting "big-money" £140k-per-week Liverpool forward

The Gunners could look to raid their Premier League title rivals.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 12, 2025

Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending ACL rupture, now combined with Kai Havertz’s own season-ending torn hamstring, which the German sustained during their warm-weather training camp in Dubai, leaves Arteta desperately short of forward options as they bid to catch Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s pending returns will come as a much-needed boost, but neither winger is expected back until next month, forcing Arteta to get creative as Arsenal are plunged into an injury crisis.

In the background, interim sporting director Jason Ayto and the Gunners recruitment team are plotting ways to ensure they’re not left too short in the attacking third next campaign.

Arsenal are expected to have a busy summer, according to reliable journalist Charles Watts, with many high-profile names on their list of targets.

Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle United star Alexander Isak are all attracting serious interest from Arsenal (Charles Watts), but all of these players will be difficult to acquire both financially and due to the intense competition for their signatures.

There have even been claims this week that Arsenal are targeting Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, while Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi has also found his way on to Arteta’s transfer shortlist.

“Arsenal want somebody who can play on the wing as well as through the middle, and he fits that mould,” said former Premier League scout Mick Brown on Arsenal’s interest in Jota.

“But he still scores goals and he’s very effective. He would give Mikel Arteta’s side something they haven’t got at the moment.”

Ademola Lookman considers Atalanta exit after Arsenal express interest

Another attacking player who fits that mould of a versatile forward, who can play a variety of roles, is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

The former Everton and Leicester City ace can be deployed as a second striker, a traditional centre-forward, out wide and as a CAM – making him a very enticing prospect for Arteta.

Journalist Mirko Di Natale reports that Lookman is seriously thinking about leaving Atalanta as Arsenal express a serious interest, alongside both Chelsea and Juventus, with his price tag set at around £50 million.

Lookman has racked up 14 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, and famously ended Bayer Leverkusen’s extensive unbeaten run last season with a hat-trick against Xabi Alonso’s side in the Europa League final.

As concerns over Mohamed Salah’s future continue to increase, Liverpool are reportedly lining up a move to sign a summer replacement in the form of a Bundesliga winger.

Liverpool transfer news

At the end of last season, there were some doubts over Salah’s ability to maintain his incredibly high standards. Just nine months and a fresh look later, however, the Egyptian is looking more complete than ever and is undoubtedly an early favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.

Liverpool, meanwhile, sit top of the Premier League and finished top of the Champions League group phase all whilst booking their place at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final. There remains no question over Salah’s ability. Instead, the power is in his hands, with just a matter of months remaining on his current deal and a new contract yet to be agreed.

To lose arguably the world’s best player this summer would be a true nightmare for the Reds. To lose that same player for free, however, would represent the ultimate failure for all involved at Anfield.

As things stand, the Premier League leaders must prepare for the worst and that has seen ‘one of the summer’s big stories’ come their way. According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now lining up a move to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund this summer in an attempt to replace Salah should they need to do so.

Liverpool now seriously interested in forward Everton let leave for £0

The Reds could get one over on their rivals…

By
Tom Cunningham

Feb 12, 2025

Adeyemi, himself, is reportedly keen to complete a move to the Premier League and has changed his agent in an attempt to make such a move. Whether the Reds come calling in the summer in an attempt to replace Salah remains to be seen though.

"Incredible" Adeyemi doesn't have the output to replace Salah

The reality for Liverpool right now is that a replacement for Salah simply may not exist – or one that is feasible this summer at least. The Egyptian is one of the best goalscorers in the world and one of the best creators. To replace both of those traits, the Reds will arguably need to sign two separate stars, such is the rarity of those two abilities combined at the highest level.

They’re two traits that, in truth, Adeyemi lacks. Whilst the 23-year-old has previously been dubbed “incredible” by former Red Bull Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle, the winger’s output is no match for Salah’s.

In the equivalent of almost seven games, Adeyemi has maintained a respectable goal involvement rate, with five to his name. Compared to Salah, that number is still a world away from the Liverpool star’s incredible numbers.

Not many, if any, have been able to match Salah so far this season and not many, if any, will be able to replace Liverpool’s Egyptian King this summer if he fails to sign a new contract.

Ronald Araujo has claimed responsibility for Barcelona's defeat against Inter but wants to bounce back with a win against rivals Real Madrid.

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• Barcelona lost 7-6 to Inter on aggregate
• Araujo’s mistakes were costly for Catalans
• Hansi Flick's side face huge Madrid test next

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Araujo received some backlash from fans on social media after Barca's Champions League loss in midweek, being blamed for Inter's third and fourth goals at the San Siro. In his latest post on Instagram, the defender backed himself and his team to return to winning ways against rivals Real Madrid in Sunday's Clasico.

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  Thanks to goals from Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo and Raphinha, Barcelona were able to overturn a 2-0 deficit and lead the game and the tie 6-5 on aggregate. However, coming on as a substitute for Inigo Martinez in the 76th minute, Araujo failed to provide adequate defensive cover as Inter progressed to the final in Munich.

  His display angered some supporters, who gave him a barrage of abuse and prompted the defender to limit replies on his social media accounts. Now, he has a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of fans when Barcelona return to the domestic action in a crucial game against Madrid in a potential title-decider.

• WHAT RONALD ARAUJO SAID

  Accepting the criticism, Araujo said: "I accept it and I acknowledge it. I’ve never been one to hide, and I never will be… It hurts to be out, but this doesn’t end here. We worked, we fought, and we gave everything in a very tough series. It wasn’t enough, and that hurts."

  The defender added: "But I also feel proud. Proud of this team. Of my teammates, of the crest we represent, and of every ‘culé’ who stood with us every step of the way. During 2025, we showed, as a team and as a fan base, the winning mentality we have. El Clásico is coming, and we’re going to give it our all. We are Barça, we’ll come back stronger."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Barcelona welcome Carlo Ancelotti's men to the Estadio Olimpic Lluis with a four-point La Liga lead over them, with just four games left to play this season. A win would almost clinch the title for the Catalans, but a defeat could mean they will need to avoid any slip-ups in their remaining three fixtures.

Valencia have slammed Netflix and claimed that the documentary about Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior 'does not reflect reality' as they threaten to sue.

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• Netflix release Vinicius Jr. documentary
• Valencia contest 'falsehood' claims in doc
• Threaten legal action if 'mistake' not amended

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Produced by Brazil's Conspiracao, the Netflix documentary titled "Vini Jr." was released globally last week and provided a detailed examination of Vinicius' personal and professional life, with a focus on recent events. A significant portion of the documentary focused on incidents from Real Madrid's 1-0 loss to Valencia at the Mestalla in 2023, when the Brazilian confronted a group of Valencia fans and alerted referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who halted the game to follow La Liga's racist abuse protocol. Three supporters received jail sentences and stadium bans twelve months later, marking Spain’s first legal ruling of this nature.

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  As part of the footage from that match, the Netflix documentary shows a TikTok video showing Valencia fans yelling at Vinicius Jr, with the transcription 'mono' (monkey) rather than 'tonto' (fool). In a statement released on social media and their club website, Los Che have now contested the transcription as a “falsehood” and have threatened that they “reserve the right to take legal action” should it not be amended by Netflix.

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  WHAT VALENCIA'S STATEMENT SAID

  On Monday afternoon, Valencia released a statement which read: "As a response to injustice and falsehoods made towards the Valencia CF fanbase, the club have made a demand in writing to the producers of the documentary regarding their portrayal of what occurred at Mestalla, which does not correspond with reality.

  "Truth and respect for our fans must prevail. Valencia CF reserve the right to legal action corresponding to the situation. #RESPECT".

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Despite Valencia having been sanctioned by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and fans having been found guilty in court, Los Che continue to back the claim that fans were indeed saying 'tonto' and not 'mono' during the clash. Valencia striker Hugo Duro also commented over the weekend about the documentary and said: "Anybody who’s gone to Mestalla, anybody who’s seen the video, you can see ‘tonto’ is said.

  “I don’t know why we want to subtitle it with something that wasn’t said.

  “Three idiots — I think it was three, I don’t remember anymore, however many there were — were punished in the way they deserved and not for that does the rest deserve to be tarnished as a racist fanbase when it’s a lie and there’s lots of videos that show it.”

This may be the end of the European road for Celtic this season, but there are certainly plenty of positives to take.

On Tuesday night, the Hoops were heartbreakingly dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich, leading 1-0 in Bavaria, thanks to Nicolas Kühn’s coolly taken finish, only to concede in the 94th minute, cruelly crashing out

Plenty of Celtic stars took plaudits, but one in particular was outstanding, underlining why he’s considered to be such a good signing.

Daizen Maeda: Celtic's bargain signing

Having arrived from Yokohama F. Marinos in January 2022 for just £1.6m, Daizen Maeda has to be up there as one of Celtic’s best value-for-money signings of all-time.

The Japanese forward has now scored 51 goals in 144 appearances for the club, following a recent hat-trick over Raith Rovers, before also heading home against Bayern Munich from close range during last Wednesday’s first leg at Parkhead.

Having also found the target against Slovan Bratislava, Borussia Dortmund and Club Brugge during the league phase, Maeda became the first Celtic player since Joe Craig in 1977/78 to score four or more goals in a single European Cup campaign.

In the intervening years, legends such as Mo Johnston, Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, Kenny Miller, Georgios Samaras and Moussa Dembélé, as well as Adam Idah and Kühn this season, all reached three.

Given that Maeda has scored 11 goals across all competitions since Boxing Day, now on 22 goals for the season, right-back Alistair Johnston described him as “one of the most in-form players in Europe”. It’s a fair assessment.

However, one of Maeda’s teammates up the other end of the park, who arrived for free, might just be outperforming him.

Celtic's biggest bargain since Maeda

As Kasper Schmeichel joined Celtic last summer, filling the void left behind by former Manchester City colleague Joe Hart, there were perhaps fears over the wisdom of replacing one veteran goalkeeper with another.

As it has transpired, as noted by Graeme McGarry of the Herald, he has been ‘outstanding’ since arriving in Glasgow, with the 38-year-old looking right at home in the green and white hoops.

In this season’s Champions League, at the time of writing, only one goalkeeper, namely Peter Vindahl Jensen of Sparta Prague, has made more saves than Schmeichel’s 38, only two have faced more than his 54 shots on target, with the Danish international recording a post-shot xG figure of 17.3, a tally only bettered by three keepers.

Equally, he also ranks first in the Premiership for save percentage (85.5%) and clean sheets (19), on course to smash the top division clean sheet record of 25, set by Rangers four seasons ago – a record that had stood for 115 years prior to that.

So, let’s see how his statistics compare to Celtic’s best goalkeepers of the recent past.

As the table outlines, Schmeichel boasts the best clean sheet percentage and highest save percentage of the goalkeepers selected, even if, of course, his sample size is significantly smaller, he’s on course to be better than all of the previous trio.

The Dane – who was recently rewarded with a new contract – was notably at his brilliant best in Bavaria, having been so unfortunate to concede at the death following an initial stunning reaction save.

Speaking on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage, former Man City defender Micah Richards labelled Schmeichel’s display in Munich as “amazing” and “top draw”, with Robbie Hanratty of the Herland noting he made ‘nine impressive saves’, while George O’Neill of BBC Sport believes the goalkeeper ‘performed heroics’.

So, despite his veteran status, by signing Schmeichel on a free transfer from Anderlecht, Celtic absolutely struck gold.

93% passing: Rodgers' "underrated" Celtic star just had his O'Riley moment

One Celtic star has made a mixed start to life in Glasgow, but was certainly impressive against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

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By
Ben Gray

Feb 19, 2025

West Ham star Jarrod Bowen has started off his stag do with a boozy lunch at a beach club in Ibiza but has been warned things could get "messy."

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• Bowen in Ibiza for his stag do with friends
• Spotted enjoying boozy lunch at beach club
• Party expected to heat up

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bowen has jetted out to Ibiza with friends for his stag do before marrying fiancee Dani Dyer this summer. The 28-year-old got things going by splashing out £2,000 on a boozy lunch with 12 friends at the Nassau Beach Club, according to . The meal was described as "low-key" but the trip is expected to become more raucous.

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• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  A source told the tabloid: "Jarrod seemed to be having a great time and looked really relaxed ahead of his big day.
  They kept things respectable and didn’t hit it too hard at the beach club.There’s no doubt the lads have got plenty in store for Jarrod over the next couple of days so it’s bound to get messy.”

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  THE GOSSIP

  Bowen and his friends flew out on a private jet wearing fancy dress, with the West Ham star spotted in a wedding dress. Fiancee Dyer has also been partying ahead of the big day. The former Love Island star was spotted decked out in Bowen's West Ham kit during her hen do after enjoying celebrations in London and Ibiza with friends and family.

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  WHAT NEXT

  Bowen's celebrations are expected to continue for a while longer with Dyer's famous dad and Eastenders actor Danny expected to join the party in Ibiza. The happy couple will then tie the knot on Saturday in Essex.