Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developmen...

<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 25 of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>What's behind rise in goalkeeper assists?</h3><p>Ederson became the goalkeeper with the most assists in Premier League history (six) and broke the record for the most in a single campaign (three) when his searching ball culminated with the first of Omar Marmoush's three goals in Manchester City's 4-0 win over Newcastle United. Brighton &amp; Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen got an assist Friday when his whack upfield was excellently tamed by Kaoru Mitoma and then steered into the bottom corner of Chelsea's net.</p><p>Brentford's Mark Flekken, Fulham's Bernd Leno, and Everton's Jordan Pickford have also supplied assists this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Taking such a direct route to goal appears to be a trend rather than an anomaly. The current number of assists by a goalkeeper this season is seven, which is the most since eight were tallied over the full 2007-08 campaign. The season average was just two over the 10 years preceding this term.</p><p>It's not hit-and-hope, ugly, mid-1900s English hoofball, though. Goalkeepers playing it short rose in popularity after Pep Guardiola dumped Joe Hart for the ill-fated Claudio Bravo at City in 2016, and that tactic remains popular in the Premier League. However, modern goalkeepers now have the ability and vision to pick their moments to send raking, and often accurate, passes toward their attackers.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/cropped_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ball-playing 'keepers aren't the only factor behind the rise in route-one assists. Long balls would be aimed at physical, but not necessarily quick, target men in the more traditional form of English football; now, teams are trying to catch out the high defensive lines regularly deployed in the top flight with deliveries over the top that pacey and technically gifted forwards can race onto and control.</p><p>Perhaps this trend is also a byproduct of the congested schedule: There's less time on the training ground to compose intricate playing patterns. As a result, more balls are simply being pinged from goalkeeper to attacker, quickly toward the wingers (like at Nottingham Forest), or, at the other end of the scale, straight to the other team or out of play (Crystal Palace). And, obviously, direct passing can be an effective way to prey on the mental and physical fatigue of opponents.</p><p>The rise of goalkeeper assists is a modern take on an English classic. Somewhere, Sam Allardyce is patting himself on the back.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks 📝</h3><p><strong>Arsenal holding it together</strong></p><p>The "how" doesn't matter right now for Mikel Arteta. Injury-ravaged Arsenal need wins any way they can secure them to keep pace with Liverpool. Some days that'll mean getting a late brace off the bench from makeshift striker Mikel Merino to beat one of the league's worst teams. Three points is three points. It's fair to question and critique Arsenal's decision not to sign another No. 9 in January, but any team would struggle to score with all four of its best forwards sidelined simultaneously with long-term ailments. That the Gunners labored in their 2-0 win over Leicester City wasn't a surprise. At this point in the season, and with a title on the line as Liverpool start to show the first signs of vulnerability, the process is largely irrelevant. Just win, baby.</p><p><strong>... but Liverpool pulled off the same trick</strong></p><p>Wolverhampton Wanderers were much better than Liverpool after the interval Sunday. The visitors pulled a goal back through Matheus Cunha's beautiful curler from the edge of the area and had nine more shots in the second half as they tried to level. Liverpool didn't record a single shot after the break - the first time that's happened to the Reds in a Premier League fixture since Opta started tracking efforts on goal in the 2006-07 campaign. But aside from the morale boost that a positive display can give Wolves for the rest of their survival mission, nothing else matters aside from a 2-1 win that maintained Liverpool's seven-point lead at the summit. "It says a lot (that) we kept fighting and kept going and got the three points," captain Virgil van Dijk told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c78w071g71gt?post=asset%3Aec82f650-fe31-48d5-b31b-3b44925ed00a#post">BBC Sport</a> post-match.</p><p><strong>'Light at the end of the tunnel'</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/cropped_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w220xh124_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w320xh180_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w640xh360_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w768xh432_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Yui Mok - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After three wins in 19 matches, Everton were sitting just one point clear of the relegation zone when David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in January. What a turnaround he's engineered upon returning to the club. Saturday's win over Crystal Palace gave the Toffees 13 points since "The Moyesiah" took over. No team in the Premier League has more in that time. Moyes' tally of four wins is <em>already</em> more than Dyche managed to procure this season. Previously braced for a nervous race to avoid the drop, Everton supporters can instead look ahead to next season and the promise of greener pastures in their new stadium. The outlook has flipped entirely. "Everton have had a difficult period, but I certainly think there's light at the end of the tunnel now," Moyes said.</p><p><strong>Traore revives Fulham's European bid</strong></p><p>Fulham used Nottingham Forest's specialty against them to reignite their bid for European football. Entering the weekend as the lowest-scoring Premier League side from set-piece situations, the Cottagers nodded in one sublime delivery and another corner kick to earn back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since November. The 2-1 result also gave them their first home win in six league matches. Fulham are now four points behind the European places and could close the gap if Adama Traore continues to energize their attack. Traore whipped in the cross for Emile Smith Rowe's opener, and his runs down the right flank put defenders in danger. He accounted for nine of Fulham's 33 crosses, and it's that kind of direct game that's won Fulham points this season.</p><p><strong>Spurs must kick on from here</strong></p><p>Ange Postecoglou promised over and over that Tottenham would turn a corner once their best players returned from injury. While they didn't always look their best during Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United - allowing the kind of chances a more polished opponent would've put away - Spurs were able to get a result thanks in part to the performances of fit-again Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison. Vicario made six saves, including a couple of difficult diving efforts, to keep Tottenham's first clean sheet at home in the Premier League since August. Maddison, of course, scored the winner off a rebound, but most importantly, he gave Spurs a level of confidence and creativity on the ball that they'd missed in the five games he sat out. Tottenham still have six key players out injured but have enough back to make it three Premier League wins in a row when they face Ipswich Town next Saturday. They haven't put three league wins together since December 2023.</p><h3>Star performer 🌟</h3><p><strong>Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)</strong></p><p>Marmoush joined Manchester City at the most difficult period of Guardiola's reign - and that dour spell still isn't over - so it was no surprise that the Egyptian's first goal (and second, and third) didn't come until his fifth appearance.</p><p>There were glimpses of how dangerous Marmoush could be before Saturday's visit from Newcastle. He had some promising link-ups with Erling Haaland in his debut against Chelsea and provided a team-high three key passes in the otherwise disastrous 5-1 defeat at Arsenal.</p><p>But a hat-trick crammed into 14 first-half minutes truly announces Marmoush's arrival. He opened the scoring with a sumptuous lob after latching onto Ederson's missile and shrugging off Kieran Trippier, followed that goal with a deflected finish, and tapped home Savinho's cutback to complete his treble. Marmoush should take a lot of the scoring burden off Haaland's shoulders; he'll explore areas all around the attacking third, but his positioning on the penalty spot for his third goal clearly showed he's comfortable taking up spaces usually occupied by No. 9s.</p><h3>Best XI 😎</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Source: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>Stat of the weekend 🔢</h3><p>Ay, caramba! Brighton goalkeeper Verbruggen's assist strengthened Barts' creativity superiority over footballing Simpsons like Danny, Fitzroy, and Paul.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">players with Bart in their name now have four times as many PL assists as those with Simpson in theirs</p>— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) <a href="https://twitter.com/oilysailor/status/1890520645001216445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment 📱</h3><p>No matter where they are, Evertonians continue to savor the thrilling midweek result in the Merseyside derby.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Went the ice cream museum in New York earlier… couldn’t resist 🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/EEdCtKJXo3">pic.twitter.com/EEdCtKJXo3</a></p>— Neilo (@Neilo_m) <a href="https://twitter.com/Neilo_m/status/1890551542433886468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand 👀</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+36</td>
<td>60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+29</td>
<td>53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+17</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+15</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+14</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Newcastle</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+9</td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+5</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+13</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>West Ham</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-18</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-19</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-27</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Leicester City</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-30</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-38</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

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EPL Review: Goalkeeper assists, winning ugly, and Bart Simpson

Manchester United's scouting network is expected to be targeted in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's next round...

<p>Manchester United's scouting network is expected to be targeted in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's next round of up to 200 redundancies, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/feb/15/manchester-united-likely-to-slash-scouting-network-next-redundancies-jim-ratcliffe">The Guardian's Jamie Jackson</a>.</p><p>British billionaire Ratcliffe has tried to cut costs at United since he became co-owner in February 2024. The club has lost £313 million over the past three years and Ratcliffe has tried to plug the financial drain via means as varied as raising ticket prices and calling an end to free cereal bars for matchday stewards. There have been around 250 redundancies so far.</p><p>United employ 30 full-time scouts globally and 50 on a part-time or casual basis. A significant number of them are likely to be axed, which could impact United's recruitment at the senior and youth levels, reports Jackson.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>United's recruitment to the senior squad has been widely criticized in recent years, with moves for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/166123" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/166123">Antony</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17430" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17430">Casemiro</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/94369" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/94369">Jadon Sancho</a>, and many others representing huge hits to the club's finances for very little on-pitch reward. However, United have a proud tradition of spotting young talent, which continues today as academy graduate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/190670" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/190670">Kobbie Mainoo</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/163335" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/163335">Amad Diallo</a>, signed from Atalanta at 18 years old, are fixtures in the first team and the likes of Chido Obi-Martin and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/206276" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/206276">Ayden Heaven</a> put pressure on Ruben Amorim to include them in his squad.</p><p>Amorim is aware of the financial restrictions as he tries to address Manchester United's underperformance. His team is 14th - 15 points below the Premier League's top four - before it faces Tottenham Hotspur in north London on Sunday.</p><p>"Here is simple - to do something we need to sell players," Amorim <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3218289" href="https://thescore.com/news/3218289">said</a> of the club's recruitment challenges Friday.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: General View of Manchester United kit in the away dressing room prior to the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester United FC at Craven Cottage on January 26, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.

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Report: Man United to cut back scouting network

Kaoru Mitoma put Brighton & Hove Albion ahead in Friday's Premier League visit from Chelsea in se...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/185551" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/185551">Kaoru Mitoma</a> put Brighton &amp; Hove Albion ahead in Friday's Premier League visit from Chelsea in sensational fashion.</p><p>The Japanese winger settled goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/193628" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/193628">Bart Verbruggen</a>'s long hoof upfield with a sumptuous and scarcely believable first touch before evading his marker and steering the ball into the bottom corner.</p><p><em>(Available to view in U.S. only)</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KAORU MITOMA THAT IS BRILLIANT. 🔥<br><br>Brighton strike first and lead Chelsea 1-0!<br><br>📺 USA Network | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHACHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BHACHE</a> <a href="https://t.co/K0Xyp9OrgW">pic.twitter.com/K0Xyp9OrgW</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1890499193820578006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>(Available to view in Canada only)</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kaoru Mitoma SCORES!!<br><br>⚽ 1-0 Brighton vs Chelsea FC<br><br>WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 <a href="https://t.co/2w98QqADfX">https://t.co/2w98QqADfX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PremierLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PremierLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/05jY0FkrqF">pic.twitter.com/05jY0FkrqF</a></p>— FuboCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) <a href="https://twitter.com/fuboTVCanada/status/1890498824004616584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/101870" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/101870">Georginio Rutter</a> summed up the mood of many viewers as he pursued Mitoma in celebration:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Georgi is all of us right now! 😆 <a href="https://t.co/cvnxqzTbhV">pic.twitter.com/cvnxqzTbhV</a></p>— Brighton &amp; Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1890499026199405022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

Brighton's Japanese midfielder #22 Kaoru Mitoma (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on February 14, 2025.

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Watch: Mitoma gives Brighton lead over Chelsea after jaw-dropping 1st touch

Plymouth Argyle were rewarded with an FA Cup fifth-round trip to Manchester City following their ...

<p>Plymouth Argyle were rewarded with an FA Cup fifth-round trip to Manchester City following their <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3214376" href="https://thescore.com/news/3214376">shock elimination</a> of Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.</p><p>Manchester United were also handed a home fixture against Fulham in Monday's draw. League Cup finalists Newcastle United will face Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.</p><p>League One's Exeter City must beat high-flying Nottingham Forest in Tuesday's final fourth-round fixture to earn a home clash with Ipswich Town.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Draw in full</h3><ul>
<li>Preston North End vs. Burnley</li>
<li>Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City</li>
<li>Crystal Palace vs. Millwall</li>
<li>Manchester United vs. Fulham</li>
<li>Newcastle United vs. Brighton &amp; Hove Albion</li>
<li>Bournemouth vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers</li>
<li>Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle</li>
<li>Exeter City or Nottingham Forest vs. Ipswich Town</li>
</ul><p>The matches are scheduled to take place on the weekend of March 1-2.</p>

PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Plymouth Argyle players and staff celebrate post patch during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool at Home Park on February 09, 2025 in Plymouth, England.

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FA Cup draw: Plymouth visit Man City in 5th round after beating Liverpool

With the January transfer window officially shut, theScore ranks the 10 best moves made across th...

<p><em>With the January transfer window officially shut, theScore ranks the 10 best moves made across the game's top leagues.</em></p><h3>10. Neymar ➡️ Santos</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768912/cropped_GettyImages-2196376675.jpg?ts=1738694765" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768912/w220xh124_GettyImages-2196376675.jpg?ts=1738694765 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768912/w320xh180_GettyImages-2196376675.jpg?ts=1738694765 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768912/w640xh360_GettyImages-2196376675.jpg?ts=1738694765 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768912/w768xh432_GettyImages-2196376675.jpg?ts=1738694765 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768912/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2196376675.jpg?ts=1738694765 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sports Press Photo / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Details:</strong> Signed as free agent following release from Al-Hilal</em></p><p>Neymar was one-third of arguably the greatest strike force in club football history at Barcelona, remains the most expensive player of all time, and is the leading scorer of Brazil's men's team. But you probably knew that stuff already. So let's look at this from Santos' perspective: The once proud club isn't the power it once was, suffering a relegation in 2023 that added to the city's gloom following Pele's death the previous year. But now the club has recovered from the misery of its only spell outside the top flight, and Neymar has miraculously returned to provide hope of better times ahead.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>9. Cesare Casadei ➡️ Torino</h3><p><em><strong>Details:</strong> Signed from Chelsea for reported €15M fee</em></p><p>One of the most intriguing deals of the window. Casadei, 22, was a genuine phenom at various youth levels, but his career totally stalled out after moving to Chelsea - not an uncommon sentiment in recent years. For just €15 million, Torino are getting a midfielder who still has enormous potential, and a familiar environment might just be the key to unlocking it. It also represents shrewd planning by sporting director Davide Vagnati, who now has an in-house replacement should budding star Samuele Ricci depart in the summer.</p><h3>8. Enzo Le Fee ➡️ Sunderland</h3><p><em><strong>Details:</strong> Loan from Roma until end of season</em></p><p>Le Fee's virtuoso performance in Monday's 3-2 Championship win at Middlesbrough shouldn't be too surprising. He created two goals, glided past players, and conducted play from the left flank in a manner you should expect from a playmaker who cost €23 million only last summer. His connection with Wilson Isidor, a former teammate in France's youth ranks, promises to be extremely fruitful. Well, perhaps there was one surprise about Le Fee's Teesside outing: Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris' ominous claim that the loanee is only 70% fit.</p><h3>7. Randal Kolo Muani ➡️ Juventus</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768911/cropped_GettyImages-2197069441.jpg?ts=1738694691" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768911/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197069441.jpg?ts=1738694691 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768911/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197069441.jpg?ts=1738694691 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768911/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197069441.jpg?ts=1738694691 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768911/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197069441.jpg?ts=1738694691 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768911/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197069441.jpg?ts=1738694691 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Marco Canoniero / LightRocket / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Details: </strong>Loan from Paris Saint-Germain until end of season</em></p><p>January isn't the time for total squad overhauls. The winter window is all about being wise to market opportunities. Juventus' business in recent years has been patchy overall, but plucking Kolo Muani off PSG's bench was a savvy move for a team that struggles to score goals and relies too heavily on streaky striker Dusan Vlahovic. Kolo Muani, who already has three goals in his first two Juve appearances, is an established French international with a proven track record of production when given the opportunity to play.</p><h3>6. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ➡️ Paris Saint-Germain</h3><p><em><strong>Details: </strong>Signed from Napoli for reported €70M fee</em></p><p>Paris Saint-Germain landed the biggest fish available in the pond, and they did it for a very reasonable fee, especially considering Kvaratskhelia was widely viewed as a €100-million player just six months ago. In a vacuum, this was an excellent deal. The reason it's not higher on the list is simple: PSG are already well-stocked with wide forwards. They didn't really <em>need</em> him. He was a luxury signing, which is what the club seemed to be veering away from.</p><h3>5. Romain Esse ➡️ Crystal Palace</h3><p><em><strong>Details:</strong> Signed from Millwall for reported £12M fee</em></p><p>Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton, and Michael Olise proved Crystal Palace are a good next step for players starring in the Championship. Esse, a rare success story for Millwall's academy, is next in line. The 19-year-old is immense in one-on-one situations but needs to work on his decision-making to truly make the Premier League grade. A goal with the first touch on his debut - and just 25 seconds after being introduced off the bench - ensured a strong start to his Palace career.</p><h3>4. Santiago Gimenez ➡️ AC Milan</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768910/cropped_GettyImages-2195985841.jpg?ts=1738694602" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768910/w220xh124_GettyImages-2195985841.jpg?ts=1738694602 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768910/w320xh180_GettyImages-2195985841.jpg?ts=1738694602 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768910/w640xh360_GettyImages-2195985841.jpg?ts=1738694602 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768910/w768xh432_GettyImages-2195985841.jpg?ts=1738694602 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768910/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2195985841.jpg?ts=1738694602 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">SAMEER AL-DOUMY / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Details:</strong> Signed from Feyenoord for reported €30M initial fee</em></p><p>A prolific Eredivisie striker doesn't necessarily work out in one of Europe's top leagues. For every Luis Suarez or Ruud van Nistelrooy there's a Vincent Janssen or Afonso Alves. But there's a lot to like about Gimenez's move to Italy, especially the affordable fee and how the Mexican's qualities seem to be a neat fit for Milan's lone striker role. "He's as strong as Ibra, on another level," said club adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic, predictably referring to himself in the third person.</p><h3>3. Marcus Rashford ➡️ Aston Villa</h3><p><em><strong>Details: </strong>Loan from Manchester United with reported £40M option</em></p><p>Aston Villa are taking a calculated gamble that Unai Emery can help Rashford rediscover the form that once made him look like a future Manchester United legend. The talent is still there - he scored 17 Premier League goals in 2022-23 - but it needs to be reawakened. Rashford will be supremely motivated to silence his doubters and should fit in well playing together with Ollie Watkins. If it doesn't work out for any reason, Villa can simply send him back to Old Trafford. Low risk, big reward.</p><h3>2. Stefanos Tzimas ➡️ Brighton &amp; Hove Albion</h3><p><strong>Details:</strong> <em>Signed from Nurnberg for reported €25M fee</em></p><p>Brighton have protected themselves from the potential disappointment of Evan Ferguson never realizing his huge potential with the signing of Tzimas. Like Ferguson, the 19-year-old striker is blessed with strength, deceptive pace, and composure in front of goal. He crammed in 10 goals for a distinctly average Nurnberg before his transfer was confirmed and will stay with the German side, learning under head coach and iconic marksman Miroslav Klose, for the rest of the season.</p><h3>1. Mathys Tel ➡️ Tottenham Hotspur</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768909/cropped_GettyImages-2165706083.jpg?ts=1738694506" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768909/w220xh124_GettyImages-2165706083.jpg?ts=1738694506 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768909/w320xh180_GettyImages-2165706083.jpg?ts=1738694506 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768909/w640xh360_GettyImages-2165706083.jpg?ts=1738694506 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768909/w768xh432_GettyImages-2165706083.jpg?ts=1738694506 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768909/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2165706083.jpg?ts=1738694506 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bradley Collyer - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Details: </strong>Loan from Bayern Munich with reported €55M option</em></p><p>This was an exercise in persistence. Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou persevered, working hard to convince Tel that he should join the club after the teenager rejected their initial advances amid interest from other suitors. The Frenchman, 19, can play multiple positions across the front line, a trait that's particularly valuable for a Spurs side ravaged by injuries all year. The option to make the move permanent puts this signing over the top. Tel, Bayern's youngest-ever scorer, was widely coveted, but Spurs won a fierce race.</p>

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Ranking the 10 best transfers of the January window

Alphonso Davies ended speculation about his future by agreeing to a new Bayern Munich contract th...

<p><a href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/69320">Alphonso Davies</a> ended speculation about his future by agreeing to a new Bayern Munich contract that runs until 2030, the club announced Tuesday.</p><p>"Phonzy has been playing for FC Bayern since he was 18 and quickly embraced the club," sporting director Max Eberl said. "We see him as one of the figures in the new generation of our team who are increasingly taking on responsibility. He's grown up here and will continue to grow with the team."</p><p>Real Madrid <a href="https://www.thescore.com/esp_fed/news/2854354">reportedly</a> had a verbal agreement with Davies in February 2024 to bring him aboard, with the major question at the time being whether he would join that summer or the summer of 2025. However, those talks never became anything more despite the Spanish giants' long-term interest. Clubs in the Premier League were also reportedly pursuing the 24-year-old, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6072853/2025/02/04/alphonso-davies-bayern-munich-contract-new/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Davies, the captain of Canada's national team, could be sidelined for a significant spell after tearing his hamstring Jan. 22 in a 3-0 Champions League loss to Feyenoord. He made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring once and assisting three times, before his injury setback.</p><p>The left-back has won five Bundesliga titles, the Champions League, two DFB-Pokals, three DFL-Supercups, the Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup with Bayern. Davies joined the Bavarian outfit from Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps for $13.5 million in January 2019.</p>

20 December 2024, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich - RB Leipzig, Matchday 15, Allianz Arena. Munich's Alphonso Davies (l) celebrates his goal to make it 5:1. IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa

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Davies extends Bayern Munich contract until 2030: 'Here to stay'

Manchester City turned to Nico Gonzalez in an effort to address their vulnerable, Rodri-less midf...

<p>Manchester City turned to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/184019" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/184019">Nico Gonzalez</a> in an effort to address their vulnerable, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/67114" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/67114">Rodri</a>-less midfield.</p><p>The underperforming Premier League champions confirmed the signing of the Spanish midfielder right as the January transfer window closed Monday. Financial terms of the deal were not released, but transfer insider <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1886415955363819810">Fabrizio Romano</a> reports that City triggered the €60-million release clause in his Porto contract.</p><p>Gonzalez signed with Pep Guardiola's side until 2029.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>City were considering a move for Juventus' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/94864" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/94864">Douglas Luiz</a>, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6109138/2025/02/03/man-city-transfers-nico-gonzalez-agreement/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>. Luiz was previously on the club's books but never made an appearance for Guardiola's outfit. However, Gonzalez was identified as the top target in the final days of the window.</p><p>Like Luiz, Gonzalez can operate as both a No. 6 and No. 8 in midfield. The Barcelona academy product has contributed six goals and five assists in all competitions for Porto this season and is an elusive dribbler. </p><p>His physical presence - he stands at over 6-foot-2 and doesn't shy away from an aerial duel - and ball retention are likely to offer immediate relief to Guardiola's ailing midfield.</p><p>Gonzalez is the fourth marquee signing of the January window for Manchester City, who also added Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Omar Marmoush, reportedly spending over €200 million in total on the quartet.</p>

PORTO, PORTUGAL - DECEMBER 16: Nico Gonzalez of FC Porto celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between FC Porto and CF Estrela da Amadora at Estadio do Dragao on December 16, 2024 in Porto, Portugal.

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Man City finally bolster midfield, beat deadline to sign Porto's Gonzalez

Jhon Duran joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in a big-money move from Aston Villa on Friday. ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/187782" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/187782">Jhon Duran</a> joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in a big-money move from Aston Villa on Friday.</p><p>The deal is worth €77 million plus add-ons, according to transfer insider <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1885390431837466919">Fabrizio Romano</a>.</p><p>Duran supplements an attack that already features <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/1310" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/1310">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcaf/players/20486" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcaf/players/20486">Sadio Mane</a>, and former FC Porto playmaker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/54606" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/54606">Otavio</a>. The squad also features <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguefnl/players/49850" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguefnl/players/49850">Aymeric Laporte</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleagued/players/49365" href="https://thescore.com/natleagued/players/49365">Marcelo Brozovic</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///gerdfbp/players/101664" href="https://thescore.com/gerdfbp/players/101664">Mohamed Simakan</a>. Stefano Pioli, who led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022, is the team's head coach.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A number that carries history and glory at AlNassr 🌟<br>The iconic No. 9 is back! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dur%C3%A1nIsYellow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DuránIsYellow</a> <a href="https://t.co/PTyvfllhTS">pic.twitter.com/PTyvfllhTS</a></p>— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/1885388222777139606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Al-Nassr's capture of Duran is expected to end their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/190240" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/190240">Victor Boniface</a>, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6096416/2025/01/29/jhon-duran-transfer-al-nassr-villa/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a> reported Wednesday. Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso said Monday that the Nigerian striker was in talks to leave the club during the January transfer window amid reports of an Al-Nassr bid exceeding €50 million.</p><p>Duran's switch from England to the Middle East could increase Aston Villa's determination to retain fellow striker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/35483" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/35483">Ollie Watkins</a>. The Englishman was the subject of a reported £60-million bid from Arsenal that Villa rejected Tuesday. Villa boss Unai Emery has since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3205790" href="https://thescore.com/news/3205790">insisted</a> that Watkins wants to remain at the club.</p><p>Colombian marksman Duran has 12 goals over 29 Villa appearances in all competitions this season but started only seven of those matches. His overall Premier League record stands at 12 goals over 55 outings.</p><p>He cost the English club up to £17.75 million to sign from Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire in January 2023.</p>

Aston Villa's Jhon Duran celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at The City Ground, Nottingham. Picture date: Saturday December 14, 2024.

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Aston Villa sell Duran to Al-Nassr for reported €77M initial fee

Wednesday's conclusion of the Champions League's opening round had plenty of thrills and spills. ...

<p><em>Wednesday's conclusion of the Champions League's opening round had plenty of thrills and spills. Matchday 8 was no different in the Europa League. theScore covers the major storylines as the league phase in Europe's secondary competition wrapped up with Thursday's 18-game bonanza.</em></p><h3>The best</h3><p>An octet of big clubs secured their progression into the Europa League last 16.</p><p><strong>Lazio</strong> finished atop the 36-team league despite losing 1-0 in their final match at Braga. <strong>Olympiacos</strong> and <strong>Rangers</strong> both rose five positions to squeeze into the top eight. The Greek side hit three unanswered goals past Qarabag and Scottish Premiership side Rangers eked out a 2-1 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Athletic Bilbao</strong>, <strong>Manchester United</strong>, <strong>Tottenham Hotspur</strong>, and <strong>Eintracht Frankfurt</strong> safeguarded their places in the top eight with wins. <strong>Lyon</strong> also stayed among the leading bunch despite their 1-1 home draw with Bulgaria's Ludogorets.</p><h3>The rest</h3><p><strong>Anderlecht</strong> and <strong>FCSB</strong> tumbled out of the top eight and into playoff positions. The former's late comeback fell short in a 4-3 home defeat to underperforming German side Hoffenheim and the latter lost 2-0 to illustrious visitors Manchester United.</p><p><strong>Bodo/Glimt</strong>, <strong>Ajax</strong>, <strong>Real Sociedad</strong>, <strong>Galatasaray</strong>, <strong>Roma</strong>, <strong>Viktoria Plzen</strong>, <strong>Ferencvaros</strong>, <strong>AZ Alkmaar</strong>, <strong>FC Midtjylland</strong>, <strong>Union Saint-Gilloise</strong>, <strong>PAOK Thessaloniki</strong>, and <strong>Fenerbahce</strong> all started and ended the day in the 16 playoff places.</p><p><strong>FC Porto</strong> and <strong>FC Twente</strong> clambered out of the elimination zone. Porto, who competed in the Champions League last 16 in each of the two previous seasons, climbed from 25th to 18th courtesy of a 1-0 success at Maccabi Tel Aviv. Twente stayed alive while simultaneously dumping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Besiktas out of the competition thanks to winger Daan Rots' 76th-minute finish.</p><p>Other notable names booted from Europe include Hoffenheim and Nice. The French side, which currently sits fourth in Ligue 1, recorded a miserable 35th-place finish after a 1-1 draw against Bodo/Glimt on the Mediterranean coast left it with three points from eight matches.</p><h3>What's next?</h3><p>The top eight won't continue their bid for Europa League glory until the last 16 commences on March 6.</p><p>The teams positioned ninth to 24th enter playoffs to determine who gets into the round of 16. The first legs are set for Feb. 13 and the return fixtures are held the following week.</p><p>The playoff-bound teams already know they'll face one of two possible opponents. Their final position in the league phase whittled it down to two possibilities before Friday's draw (7 a.m. ET) locks it in. For example, Fenerbahce, who took the final 24th playoff spot, will take on Bodo/Glimt (who finished ninth) or Anderlecht (10th).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who could face who 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> draw tomorrow 🔜 <a href="https://t.co/TQO1HjhI20">pic.twitter.com/TQO1HjhI20</a></p>— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropaLeague/status/1885101361336832259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The matchups understandably lack the heavyweight clout of the Champions League playoffs. Among the more appealing matchups is Claudio Ranieri's Roma taking on either Robbie Keane's Ferencvaros or Martin Anselmi's Porto.</p><p>In the round of 16, the two who progress out of AZ Alkmaar, Midtjylland, Real Sociedad, and Galatasaray will face Manchester United or Tottenham.</p><h3>The final table</h3><p><strong>Bound for round of 16</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Lazio</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Athletic Bilbao</td>
<td>+8</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>+7</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Tottenham Hotspur</td>
<td>+8</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Eintracht Frankfurt</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Lyon</td>
<td>+8</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Olympiacos</td>
<td>+6</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
<td>+6</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Bound for playoff round</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Bodo/Glimt</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Anderlecht</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>FCSB</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Ajax</td>
<td>+8</td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Real Sociedad</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Galatasaray</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Roma</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Viktoria Plzen</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Ferencvaros</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>FC Porto</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>AZ Alkmaar</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>FC Midtjylland</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>Union SG</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>PAOK</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td>Twente</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>Fenerbahce</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Eliminated</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td>Braga</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26</td>
<td>Elfsborg</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td>Hoffenheim</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28</td>
<td>Besiktas</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td>Maccabi Tel Aviv</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30</td>
<td>Slavia Prague</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td>Malmo</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>32</td>
<td>RFS</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td>Ludogorets</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>34</td>
<td>Dynamo Kyiv</td>
<td>-13</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td>Nice</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>36</td>
<td>Qarabag</td>
<td>-14</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

22 February 2024, Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg im Breisgau: Soccer: Europa League, SC Freiburg - RC Lens, knockout round, intermediate round, second legs, Europa-Park Stadion. Europa League match ball. Photo: Harry Langer/dpa

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30045734/related

Everything you need to know as Europa League heads into knockout rounds

The transfer window is a time of hope and excitement. It's a time to make transformative addition...

<p><em>The transfer window is a time of hope and excitement. It's a time to make transformative additions that can revive a struggling team or put trophy-chasing sides over the top. It's also a time when expensive, crippling mistakes are made. For every brilliant deal and shrewd piece of business, there are dozens of signings that go bust for one reason or another - some in spectacular fashion.</em></p><p><em>This week, while the wheeling and dealing is in full swing, we're ranking the 30 worst signings in soccer history. Compiled by theScore's soccer editors, our list features prototypical high-priced flops and some mystifying moves that ruined careers, damaged reputations, and set clubs back several years. The three-part series concludes below with the 10 most egregious transfers ever.</em></p><p><strong>Review the entire series</strong>:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Part I</th>
<th>Part II</th>
<th>Part III</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161825" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161825">30-21</a></td>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161826" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161826">20-11</a></td>
<td><strong>10-1</strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>10. Paul Pogba (Manchester United)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/cropped_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w220xh124_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w320xh180_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w640xh360_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w768xh432_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/387730/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1190519167.jpg?ts=1577464085 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Martin Rickett - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed from Juventus for €105 million in 2016</strong></em></p><p>Manchester United paid a record fee to re-sign a player they had let go for nothing. That alone was difficult enough to swallow. Pogba left the club in 2012 for Juventus and won four championships in Italy. But he ultimately returned to England, feeling he had unfinished business there. He most certainly failed to accomplish whatever he sought to do. Pogba became a lightning rod for criticism and a scapegoat for United's failures. He was also injured for large stretches of his six seasons there. Pogba rarely hit the pitch for United with the vigor he showed for France. <em>- Anthony Lopopolo</em></p><h3>9. Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal)</h3><p><strong><em>Signed from Lille for €80 million in 2019</em></strong></p><p>"Arsenal spent a lot of money on me, and I paid the price for it," Pepe <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5934816/2024/11/25/nicolas-pepe-interview-arsenal-emery-villarreal/">said</a> in November about how he was harshly judged during his time in English football. Arsenal ripped up Pepe's contract one year early following a four-season spell that featured a few highlight-reel moments and little more. The staggeringly inconsistent winger scored 16 times and provided nine assists over 80 Premier League appearances, and he was rumored to be a disruptive presence in the squad. The transfer would've been more damaging for Arsenal without the timely emergence of academy graduate Bukayo Saka, but it was still an abject failure; Pepe remains the second-most expensive player in Arsenal history. - <em>Daniel</em> <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>8. Kaka (Real Madrid)</h3><p><strong><em>Signed from AC Milan for €67 million in 2009</em></strong></p><p>For a little while, Kaka was the most expensive player in the world before Cristiano Ronaldo joined him at Real Madrid. And rightly so. The Brazilian playmaker was an elite talent for years at AC Milan, becoming the last player to win the Ballon d'Or in 2007 before Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated the award for the next decade. Yet, when he changed allegiances, his best years were clearly behind him, as injuries and inconsistency plagued his Madrid career. After losing his place to Mesut Ozil, Madrid sent Kaka back to Milan four years later for a huge loss on the initial transfer. - <em>Gordon Brunt</em></p><h3>7. Neymar (Al-Hilal)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/cropped_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755040/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182914650.jpg?ts=1731456160 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Yasser Bakhsh / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><em>Signed from Paris Saint-Germain for €90 million in 2023</em></strong></p><p>Al-Hilal are too rich to care about the money they've wasted on Neymar. To the rest of us, it's truly sickening. Not only did the Saudi outfit pay €90 million to break the Brazilian's contract with PSG, but they agreed to pay him an estimated €101 million annually. But the oft-injured forward has only played seven games for Al-Hilal in one-and-a-half seasons and is currently unregistered for the Saudi Pro League. He's yet to score a league goal during his time in Saudi Arabia, which was blighted by a serious knee injury. If reports ring true and Neymar ends up leaving in January and returning to Brazil, he'll have earned €28.8 million per match, or around €472,000 for each minute he's played. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>6. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)</h3><p><strong><em>Signed from Athletic Bilbao for €80 million in 2018</em></strong></p><p>Arrizabalaga remains the most expensive goalkeeper of all time. While he achieved some success at Chelsea and helped them win the Europa League in 2019, he ended up on the bench more often than not and was an unused substitute during the 2021 Champions League final. Arrizabalaga is best remembered for furiously refusing to be substituted during the 2019 League Cup final, which Chelsea eventually lost in a shootout to Manchester City. Now he's on loan at Bournemouth after again failing to convince Chelsea he deserved minutes ahead of No. 1 starter Robert Sanchez. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>5. Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)</h3><p><strong><em>Signed from Inter Milan for €113 million in 2021</em></strong></p><p>Lukaku heralded his return to Chelsea as the endpoint of his "long journey" home. Even though he had just won Serie A with Inter - finishing behind only Cristiano Ronaldo in scoring - Lukaku couldn't pass up the opportunity to rejoin his childhood club. But the honeymoon was over after five months. Thomas Tuchel dropped Lukaku from his squad after hearing his striker wax lyrical about returning to Inter in an unauthorized interview with Italian TV. The Belgian complained about Tuchel's tactics, and while he would play for the Blues again, his relationship with the club didn't recover. A loan move back to Inter didn't kick-start his career. He moved to Roma for one season before reuniting with former Inter coach Antonio Conte at Napoli in the summer. Chelsea spent over €100 million on Lukaku and, in return, got eight league goals and plenty of headaches. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>4. Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/cropped_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w220xh124_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w320xh180_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w640xh360_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w768xh432_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/400807/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1206470184.jpg?ts=1587145288 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Quality Sport Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed from Atletico Madrid for €120 million in 2019</strong></em></p><p>It's not Griezmann's fault that Barcelona's recruiting department was tactically inept. They signed a left-footed playmaker with an appetite for goals despite already having the best player in the world occupying the same role in Messi. Griezmann's scoring output was decent for someone who regularly played on the left wing, away from his preferred central position where he was so lethal for Atletico Madrid. But tactics weren't the only problem. The massive financial commitment it took to sign Griezmann set the club back years, directly contributing to Messi's once unthinkable departure in 2021. Barcelona couldn't afford Messi due to the financial mess caused, in part, by matching Griezmann's release clause. Things didn't get any better after Messi's exit, and Barcelona sold Griezmann for a loss to Atletico. He, of course, has gone on to revive his career back in Madrid. - <em>Brunt</em></p><h3>3. Ali Dia (Southampton)</h3><p><strong><em>Free transfer from Blyth Spartans in 1996</em></strong></p><p>Dia is different from everybody else on this list: He wasn't a professional footballer. Somebody called Southampton's then-manager Graeme Souness and claimed to be 1995 Ballon d'Or winner George Weah, saying his cousin, Dia, would be a good signing. Dia was actually a 31-year-old university student. Then, a miracle happened. The phony footballer was brought in on trial, named on a Premier League bench against Leeds United, and brought on to replace an injured Matt Le Tissier in the 32nd minute of an official match. He lasted 53 minutes before he was hastily subbed off and never seen in the professional game again. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>2. Eden Hazard (Real Madrid)</h3><p><strong><em>Signed from Chelsea for €100 million in 2019</em></strong></p><p>Around 50,000 fans packed the Santiago Bernabeu to celebrate Hazard's unveiling in 2019. He told the crowd he'd been dreaming of this moment since he was a child playing in his "family's garden." Madrid went trophy-less the previous season and were hoping Hazard would lead them out of their post-Ronaldo drought. But he arrived overweight and went a year without scoring for the club. Then came the injuries. Hazard missed a total of 518 days due to injury, according to estimates from transfermarkt.com. Vinicius Junior eventually took his place, and the Belgian terminated his contract with Madrid in June 2023 after scoring just four league goals in four years. Hazard retired from football altogether three months later. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>1. Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/cropped_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w220xh124_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w320xh180_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w640xh360_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w768xh432_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/344537/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1134734947.jpg?ts=1553271684 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Quality Sport Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed from Liverpool for €160 million in 2018</strong></em></p><p>For the second time in less than a year, the search for Neymar's replacement was supposed to be over. Barcelona moved on quickly after Ousmane Dembele flopped, certain that Coutinho was the answer. The expensive January move to the Camp Nou was a no-brainer at the time for Coutinho, who didn't win anything in six seasons with Liverpool. Almost a decade later, the transfer is viewed as a watershed moment that triggered the drastic shift in fortunes for both clubs. While Liverpool went on to enjoy one of the most successful periods in club history, Barca started to go into a tailspin as Coutinho struggled to live up to his huge price tag. They won La Liga in his first full season, but the primary goal to reconquer Europa fell short. Barcelona loaned him to Bayern Munich shortly after, only to have Coutinho play a direct role in eliminating them from the Champions League while he was still on their payroll; he scored twice for Bayern in the infamous 8-2 drubbing in 2020 that remains one of Barca's most humiliating losses of all time. Off the pitch, Coutinho was a huge financial burden who was unsellable due to his gargantuan wages. It was a truly terrible transfer from all angles. - <em>Brunt</em></p><p><em><strong>What are the worst deals your favorite club has ever made? Let us know in the comments below!</strong></em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29961773/related

The 10 worst transfers in soccer history, ranked

The supersized Champions League resumed this week, with all 36 teams back in action over 48 frene...

<p><em>The supersized Champions League resumed this week, with all 36 teams back in action over 48 frenetic hours. Below, theScore's soccer editors reflect on Matchday 7, the penultimate set of games in the opening round of Europe's premier club competition.</em></p><h3>Key takeaway from Matchday 7 📝</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766755/cropped_GettyImages-2195355879.jpg?ts=1737592376" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766755/w220xh124_GettyImages-2195355879.jpg?ts=1737592376 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766755/w320xh180_GettyImages-2195355879.jpg?ts=1737592376 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766755/w640xh360_GettyImages-2195355879.jpg?ts=1737592376 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766755/w768xh432_GettyImages-2195355879.jpg?ts=1737592376 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766755/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2195355879.jpg?ts=1737592376 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Hewitt / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Daniel Rouse</strong>: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia might be wondering why Paris Saint-Germain bought him at all. The €70-million January signing watched from the stands as Bradley Barcola starred in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Manchester City. The 22-year-old stormed down the left flank before setting up Ousmane Dembele's goal, scored himself with a controlled finish into the bottom corner, and completed over 95% of his passes despite his attacking role. Kvaratskhelia and Barcola could give Luis Enrique a similar headache to the one that's troubled Carlo Ancelotti while he's dealt with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid, and most PSG fans will be asking the same question: Why didn't the club invest that money on a striker instead?</p><p><strong>Gordon Brunt</strong>: In classic Real Madrid fashion, they left it late to shine in the Champions League. They're finally playing like the powerhouse that everyone expected them to be before the season. Madrid continued the healing process after their recent loss to Barcelona by beating Red Bull Salzburg 5-1, jumping to 16th in the Champions League table. They've now outscored opponents 14-4 in three straight wins following the heavy defeat in the Super Cup final. But the turnaround started long before with an eight-game unbeaten run at the end of 2024. Even more encouraging now are the performances of Madrid's biggest stars. Kylian Mbappe has overcome an excruciatingly slow start, while Jude Bellingham is back to his best. Vinicius Junior scored a late brace to match Rodrygo, who stayed hot with two of his own in the first half Wednesday. It should go without saying, but all of the top Champions League teams will be desperate to avoid Carlo Ancelotti's "midtable" side in the next round.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Gianluca Nesci</strong>: The new tournament format is really starting to hit its stride, and it'll result in some spectacular matchups in the early knockout stages - including the inaugural playoff round - that wouldn't have arrived until the end of the tournament under the old system. That's an unequivocal win for UEFA. In a scheduling move akin to a major international competition, Matchday 8 will see all 36 teams play their final league phase games at the same time. That has the potential to be pure, unfiltered chaos. With several overachieving teams forcing perennial contenders like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City down the pecking order, this could end up working out even better than the governing body could've possibly expected. Once the dust settles, the bracket for the round of 16 (and beyond) will be fascinating. We don't say this very often - for good reason - but: Well done, UEFA. The Champions League feels alive again.</p><h3>This week's crisis club 😬</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766574/cropped_GettyImages-2194577734.jpg?ts=1737497661" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766574/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194577734.jpg?ts=1737497661 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766574/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194577734.jpg?ts=1737497661 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766574/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194577734.jpg?ts=1737497661 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766574/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194577734.jpg?ts=1737497661 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766574/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194577734.jpg?ts=1737497661 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: Manchester City. It'll take more than signing defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, as well as the anticipated arrival of attacker Omar Marmoush, to fix this mess. The cracks in Manchester City's midfield are still glaring and transfers aren't a natural antidote for the fear and indecision blighting the squad. City are playing more vertically than at any point of Pep Guardiola's reign because trust in the hallmarks of his approach - passing, patience, control - is gone. Even if 25th-placed City somehow emerge from the league phase and playoffs, on this form, it'd only delay an inevitable flop in one of the early knockout rounds.</p><p><strong>Brunt</strong>: Benfica. Manager Bruno Lage's dramatic postgame tirade said it all. Instead of denying Barcelona an automatic last-16 berth, his Benfica squad damaged its own Champions League aspirations in one of the most painful ways imaginable. The team led by two goals at two different times Tuesday. But it still wasn't enough, as the visitors overcame Benfica's strong start and embarked on a memorable comeback after scoring three second-half goals to win 5-4 and qualify for the next round. It was a collapse worthy of the tongue-lashing that Lage delivered after his team failed to win for the fourth time in five games. The task doesn't get any easier for 21st-placed<strong> </strong>Benfica, who visit Juventus in their final game of the opening stage.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Borussia Dortmund. A blown lead and loss to lowly Bologna on Tuesday - Dortmund's fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions - cost Nuri Sahin his job. Worse yet, Erik ten Hag is being touted as a potential replacement. BVB are tumbling down the Champions League table and sit 10th in the Bundesliga, a full 20 points adrift of the top spot. The club has been in steady decline since Jurgen Klopp departed in 2015, with seven different coaches since then. Only one in that time, Lucien Favre, stayed for longer than two years (Edin Terzic had two separate spells on the touchline). Dortmund, once adept at shrewdly restocking after selling superstar talent, have failed to do that in the wake of Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham departing and are now mired in mediocrity.</p><h3>Player of the week 🌟</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766756/cropped_GettyImages-2194622799.jpg?ts=1737592458" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766756/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194622799.jpg?ts=1737592458 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766756/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194622799.jpg?ts=1737592458 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766756/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194622799.jpg?ts=1737592458 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766756/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194622799.jpg?ts=1737592458 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766756/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194622799.jpg?ts=1737592458 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Soccrates Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: Julian Alvarez. The forward is increasingly influential for Atletico Madrid. Alvarez's selflessness and persistence were best demonstrated by a prolonged battle he alone had with three Bayer Leverkusen players as he drove from his own defensive third to near the visitors' 18-yard box. He eventually lost the ball but, undeterred, immediately bit back and won a foul to relieve pressure on his team. That squabble occurred shortly after Atleti were reduced to 10 men, but Alvarez doggedly dragged his depleted side to a 2-1 victory with two clinical finishes. He's the perfect Diego Simeone attacker.</p><p><strong>Brunt</strong>: Vangelis Pavlidis. It took less than an hour for the Greek forward to turn his season around. After a rough start at Benfica, Pavlidis scored a lightning-quick hat-trick in the opening 30 minutes before disaster struck in Tuesday’s defeat to Barcelona. He scored 106 seconds into the game and recorded the third-fastest hat-trick in Champions League history with a penalty less than 10 minutes after Wojciech Szczesny's horrendous blunder left the net wide-open for his second goal. It was by far the most productive game of the campaign for the 26-year-old, who'd failed to impress after scoring just seven goals in his previous 29 games following his arrival from AZ Alkmaar last summer.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Justin Bijlow. Striker Santiago Gimenez made a strong case with a brace in Feyenoord's surprising 3-0 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, but it was the Dutch goalkeeper who shined brightest on a rainy evening inside De Kuip. Bayern unleashed 30 total shots, attacking in a variety of ways, but they couldn't get past the 27-year-old netminder, who made seven saves. His impressive outing included an outstanding stop on Harry Kane, and even when one of his own teammates threatened to score a late own goal, Bijlow's quick reflexes saved the day and maintained the clean sheet.</p><h3>Highlight of the week 🎥</h3><p>This deceptive backheel assist from Bellingham was a work of art. Rodrygo's pinpoint finish wasn't bad, either.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🤯 <a href="https://twitter.com/BellinghamJude?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BellinghamJude</a> did a MADNESS... and so did <a href="https://twitter.com/RodrygoGoes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RodrygoGoes</a> 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/4fu1ZwJt4l">pic.twitter.com/4fu1ZwJt4l</a></p>— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1882397882244104285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the week 🔢</h3><p>Just when you think it can't possibly get any worse for Manchester City right now, it does.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">115 - Tonight was the first time in the last 115 occasions that Man City have lost a game in all competitions where they led by 2+ goals. Shock. <a href="https://t.co/fwadG7iQoh">pic.twitter.com/fwadG7iQoh</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1882190924983464297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29943157/related

Champions League, Matchday 7: Key takeaways, top players, and more 

The transfer window is a time of hope and excitement. A time to make transformative additions tha...

<p><em>The transfer window is a time of hope and excitement. A time to make transformative additions that can revive a struggling team or put trophy-chasing sides over the top. It's also a time where expensive, crippling mistakes are made. For every brilliant deal and shrewd piece of business, there are dozens of signings that, for one reason or another, go bust. Some of them in spectacular fashion.</em></p><p><em>This week, while the wheeling and dealing is in full swing, we're ranking the 30 worst signings in soccer history. Compiled by theScore's soccer editors, our list features prototypical high-priced flops along with some of the more mystifying moves that ruined careers, damaged reputations, and set clubs back several years. The three-part series continues below.</em></p><p><strong>Follow the entire series this week</strong>:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Part I</th>
<th> Part II</th>
<th> Part III</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161825" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161825">30-21</a></td>
<td><strong>20-11</strong></td>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161827" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161827">10-1</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>20. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764835/cropped_GettyImages-92335903.jpg?ts=1736635045" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764835/w220xh124_GettyImages-92335903.jpg?ts=1736635045 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764835/w320xh180_GettyImages-92335903.jpg?ts=1736635045 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764835/w640xh360_GettyImages-92335903.jpg?ts=1736635045 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764835/w768xh432_GettyImages-92335903.jpg?ts=1736635045 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764835/w1080xh607_GettyImages-92335903.jpg?ts=1736635045 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">LLUIS GENE / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><em>Signed from Inter Milan for initial €46 million, plus Samuel Eto'o in 2009</em></strong></p><p>Things got ugly after Ibrahimovic left Inter. He said the Italian club wouldn't win anything without him, only to have his proclamation backfire in spectacular fashion after he joined Barcelona for a huge package. But his ill-fated spell with Barcelona was even more acrimonious. A strained relationship with Pep Guardiola was a major factor why Ibrahimovic's stay lasted only a season. The situation came to a boil when Barca were knocked out of the Champions League in 2010 by none other than Inter. Ibrahimovic, substituted following a dreadful outing, claims he unleashed a furious tirade after the team's semifinal exit, calling Guardiola a "spineless coward." Eto'o, meanwhile, was vital in helping Inter win the treble in 2009-10. - <em>Gordon Brunt</em></p><h3>19. Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC)</h3><p><strong><em>Free transfer from Napoli in 2022</em></strong></p><p>Toronto FC have made many terrible marquee signings over the years, but Insigne tops the lot. Federico Bernardeschi, another Italian who arrived in 2022, has shown occasional glimpses of talent. Insigne is a different story altogether: 14 goals, 11 assists, and general indifference over 54 appearances; a guaranteed annual income of $15.4 million that's trumped by only Lionel Messi in MLS; constant injury problems; and a reputation for causing off-field drama. TFC are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3181113" href="https://thescore.com/news/3181113">reportedly</a> trying to offload him before the 2025 season kicks off, but the financial burden and unrest that Insigne caused will be felt for some time yet. - <em>Daniel Rouse</em></p><h3>18. Luka Jovic (Real Madrid)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for initial €65 million in 2019</strong></em></p><p>Jovic was coming off the best season of his young career when Real Madrid came calling with the offer of a lifetime. Jovic was 21 at the time and saw an opportunity to star in a team that had struggled to move on from Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Zinedine Zidane. But injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for Jovic to make his mark. Karim Benzema took charge of Madrid's attack, leaving Jovic on the sidelines. Madrid eventually cut their losses, sending the Serbian to Fiorentina on a free transfer in 2022 and even agreeing to cover his wages. Jovic finished his Real Madrid career with three league goals. <em>- Anthony Lopopolo</em></p><h3>17. Mykhailo Mudryk (Chelsea)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764836/cropped_GettyImages-2187466475.jpg?ts=1736635135" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764836/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187466475.jpg?ts=1736635135 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764836/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187466475.jpg?ts=1736635135 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764836/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187466475.jpg?ts=1736635135 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764836/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187466475.jpg?ts=1736635135 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764836/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187466475.jpg?ts=1736635135 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">picture alliance / picture alliance / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><em>Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for initial €70 million in 2023</em></strong></p><p>This one's still percolating, but Mudryk's transfer has all the hallmarks of being another expensive dud for Chelsea. Arriving as the possible solution to Chelsea's attacking problems, Mudryk has instead turned into the poster boy for the dysfunctional era under co-owner Todd Boehly. There was enough hype about Mudryk to spark a reported bidding war between the Blues and Arsenal after a breakthrough season at Shakhtar Donetsk. But Mudryk has only ever shown brief glimpses of the star many predicted him to be. Chelsea will hope he can figure it out before his contract expires in six years. With a possible doping suspension looming and the transfer fee potentially reaching €100 million, this move could easily end up being much higher if we revisit this list in a few years. - <em>Brunt</em></p><h3>16. Jack Rodwell (Sunderland)</h3><p><strong><em>Signed from Manchester City for £10 million in 2014</em></strong></p><p>Listing the worst Sunderland transfers from the past two decades would be difficult. There are so many. But the overall outlay on Rodwell was baffling. Sunderland signed the midfielder after two injury-hit and underwhelming seasons with Manchester City. His weekly pay packet of £70,000 was extremely generous, and the contract became an even bigger burden on the struggling club because it didn't include a clause to reduce his wages after relegation. Sunderland then suffered a second consecutive relegation as Rodwell logged only 105 Championship minutes. Rodwell defined an era where many Sunderland players just didn't seem to care. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>15. Gaizka Mendieta (Lazio)</h3><p><strong><em>Signed from Valencia for €48 million in 2001</em></strong></p><p>Mendieta helped Valencia reach back-to-back Champions League finals before joining Lazio in 2001 as the sixth-most expensive player of all time. Mendieta arrived as a kind of savior as Lazio had failed to defend their Serie A title and sold off Pavel Nedved and Juan Sebastian Veron. In reality, the move signaled the beginning of the end of the influential Spanish midfielder's career. Mendieta made just 20 Serie A appearances for Lazio, and subsequent attempts to revive his career at Barcelona and Middlesbrough yielded negative results. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>14. Danny Drinkwater (Chelsea)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764837/cropped_GettyImages-847331666.jpg?ts=1736635206" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764837/w220xh124_GettyImages-847331666.jpg?ts=1736635206 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764837/w320xh180_GettyImages-847331666.jpg?ts=1736635206 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764837/w640xh360_GettyImages-847331666.jpg?ts=1736635206 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764837/w768xh432_GettyImages-847331666.jpg?ts=1736635206 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764837/w1080xh607_GettyImages-847331666.jpg?ts=1736635206 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chelsea Football Club / Chelsea FC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><em>Signed from Leicester City for £35 million in 2017</em></strong></p><p>A year after signing N'Golo Kante, Chelsea went back to the Leicester City well, frantically adding Drinkwater on deadline day hoping for the same results. However, the pity for Leicester didn't last long after losing another one of the stars from their 2016 Premier League-winning team. Chelsea changed coaches after Drinkwater's frustrating debut season in a move that all but ended his Blues career. After failing to establish himself as a first-team player, Drinkwater's downward spiral gained momentum with controversial loan spells at Burnley and Aston Villa, which included a run-in with police and reportedly headbutting a teammate. He retired at 33 after his five-year Chelsea contract ended, ultimately making just five Premier League starts for the west London club. - <em>Brunt</em></p><h3>13. Antony (Manchester United)</h3><p><strong><em>Signed from Ajax for €95 million in 2022</em></strong></p><p>Few could understand why United paid top dollar for Antony. He ranked outside the top 10 in dribbles completed in the Eredivisie and outside the top 20 in goals scored. But Erik ten Hag coached him at Ajax and clearly convinced United he was worth the money. What a gross miscalculation. Antony famously went 31 games without scoring for the Red Devils and failed to make a single Premier League start this season. Now the coach who vouched for him is long gone, and the Brazilian himself is seemingly on his way to Real Betis on a loan deal that doubles as a wicked indictment of United's frivolous transfer policy. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>12. Andriy Shevchenko (Chelsea)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from AC Milan for £31 million in 2006</strong></em></p><p>Shevchenko was one of the world's most feared marksmen over seven years at AC Milan, scoring 173 goals and winning the 2004 Ballon d'Or award. He joined Chelsea seemingly at his peak. Jose Mourinho <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/5035604.stm">said</a> the striker was his "first choice" since he took over at Stamford Bridge. But Shevchenko looked much older than 29 when he arrived in England and was injury prone. He tallied nine goals in 48 Premier League outings and even endured a miserable loan spell back at Milan, where he failed to register a goal in 18 Serie A appearances. He was broken. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>11. Carlos Tevez (Shanghai Shenhua)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764838/cropped_GettyImages-632089098.jpg?ts=1736635303" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764838/w220xh124_GettyImages-632089098.jpg?ts=1736635303 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764838/w320xh180_GettyImages-632089098.jpg?ts=1736635303 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764838/w640xh360_GettyImages-632089098.jpg?ts=1736635303 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764838/w768xh432_GettyImages-632089098.jpg?ts=1736635303 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764838/w1080xh607_GettyImages-632089098.jpg?ts=1736635303 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Feature China / Future Publishing / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><em>Signed from Boca Juniors for €84 million in 2016</em></strong></p><p>There's no better example of how ridiculous Chinese Super League spending became than Tevez's transfer to Shanghai Shenhua. The club made him the richest player in the world with a contract reportedly worth £615,000 a week. But that wasn't enough to motivate the Argentine, who was 32 at the time and struggled with poor form, weight issues, and home sickness. Tevez eventually engineered a return to Boca Juniors and admitted he was "on holiday for seven months" in China. His departure was followed by sweeping reforms that brought an end to the wild spending among Chinese Super League teams. - <em>Brunt</em></p><p><strong><em>The series concludes Friday with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161827" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161827">the top 10</a>.</em></strong></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29935320/related

Ranking the 30 worst transfers in soccer history (Part 2)

<p><em>The transfer window is a time of hope and excitement. A time to make transformative additions that can revive a struggling team or put trophy-chasing sides over the top. It's also a time where expensive, crippling mistakes are made. For every brilliant deal and shrewd piece of business, there are dozens of signings that, for one reason or another, go bust. Some of them in spectacular fashion. </em></p><p><em>This week, while the wheeling and dealing is in full swing, we're ranking the 30 worst signings in soccer history. Compiled by theScore's soccer editors, our list features prototypical high-priced flops along with some of the more mystifying moves that ruined careers, damaged reputations, and set clubs back several years. The three-part series kicks off below.</em></p><p><strong>Follow the entire series this week</strong>:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Part I</th>
<th> Part II</th>
<th> Part III</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>30-21</strong></td>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161826" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161826">20-11</a></td>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161827" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161827">10-1</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>30. Leonardo Bonucci (AC Milan)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/cropped_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w220xh124_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w320xh180_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w640xh360_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w768xh432_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w1080xh607_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Claudio Villa. / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed from Juventus for €42 million in 2017</strong></em></p><p>AC Milan made Bonucci the centerpiece of their rebuilding project in 2017, handing him the captaincy shortly after signing him. Bonucci was a shell of the defender that co-anchored Juventus' defense and admitted he only left Juventus out of anger. It was largely because of his acrimonious exit that he had no problem celebrating a goal against his former team that season, something many Juventus supporters still haven't forgiven or forgotten. But by 2018, the Rossoneri no longer wanted Bonucci and sent him back to Juve for €35 million. The fact they recouped the majority of their initial investment is the only reason he isn't higher on this list. <em>- Anthony Lopopolo</em></p><h3>29. Kevin Davies (Blackburn Rovers)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Southampton for £7.25 million in 1998</strong></em></p><p>Davies reportedly cost 10 times more than Southampton paid for him just one year earlier - and the <a href="https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6152356.rovers-blackburn-get-davies-knockdown-7-25m/">Lancashire Telegraph</a> still described what Blackburn Rovers stumped up as a "knockdown price." It's safe to say they didn't get much of a return on the bustling forward. He lasted one season, scored once in 21 appearances as the club was relegated from the Premier League, and was sent back to Southampton in exchange for Egil Ostenstad. Blackburn's failings with Davies were highlighted years later when he enjoyed a fruitful decade-long spell with Bolton Wanderers. - <em>Daniel Rouse</em></p><h3>28. Malcom (Barcelona)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Bordeaux for initial €41 million in 2018</strong></em></p><p>The hype over Malcom was intense the summer he chose to join Barcelona. He initially had an agreement to play for Roma but ultimately couldn't resist the chance to join Lionel Messi's team. A year later, after a horrific debut season, the Brazilian's exit was a relief for both sides. A lack of trust from then Barca coach Ernesto Valverde saw Malcom end the season with four goals in 24 games. The winger's poor campaign earned him a move to Russia, where he failed to salvage a career that was already in tatters by the time he was 22. - <em>Gordon Brunt</em></p><h3>27. Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/cropped_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w220xh124_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w320xh180_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w640xh360_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w768xh432_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w1080xh607_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Denis Doyle / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed from Newcastle United for £13.4 million in 2004</strong></em></p><p>Woodgate joined fellow Englishmen David Beckham and Michael Owen in the Spanish capital, prompting <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3580578.stm">BBC Sport</a> to run a story with the headline "Real invest in British steel." Woodgate's apparent steeliness was found wanting as he waited over a year for his debut due to fitness issues, and when his introduction finally came, he managed to score an own goal and get sent off. He was back in England a year later. The center-back's disastrous Real Madrid debut defined a playing career that could've been so much better without his persistent injury problems. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>26. Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Leeds United for initial £42 million in 2022</strong></em></p><p>Roque Santa Cruz, Eliaquim Mangala, and Claudio Bravo are among many duds that Manchester City have signed since the 2008 takeover, but the acquisition of Phillips was both terrible business and ruinous for the player. Being in a team that hogged possession didn't suit the former Leeds favorite, and the injury-prone midfielder's confidence plummeted when Pep Guardiola publicly accused him of being overweight. Phillips started two Premier League matches in 18 months for City, had an error-strewn loan stay at West Ham United, and is now trying to rebuild his career on loan at Ipswich Town. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>25. Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United)</h3><p><em><strong>Henrikh Mkhitaryan sent to Arsenal in swap deal in 2018</strong></em></p><p>Sanchez wanted to leave Manchester United after just one training session. He famously asked his people if he could "rip up" his contract and return to Arsenal, and of course, they laughed. Manchester United had already sent Henrikh Mkhitaryan the other way and committed to paying Sanchez an enormous salary worth around £350,000 per week. But his gut was telling him the right thing. The next year and a half was miserable. Sanchez scored just three Premier League goals in 32 appearances for United and ended up leaving for Inter on a free transfer. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>24. Winston Bogarde (Chelsea)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/cropped_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w220xh124_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w320xh180_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w640xh360_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w768xh432_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Clive Brunskill / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed on free transfer from Barcelona in 2000</strong></em></p><p>Bogarde committed career suicide at 29. The English media accused him of kicking back and letting £40,000 per week - a huge wage at the time - roll into his bank account during his final four years as a pro. However, the Dutchman has since <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/27/winston-bogarde-chelsea-interview">blamed</a> his inactivity on Chelsea's insistence that clubs pay his <em>full</em> salary to sign him on loan. No one did, and the Blues' stubbornness was peculiar during a financially unstable period for the club. Bogarde played 11 times in his first campaign and appeared just once as a substitute over the three seasons that followed. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>23. Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Liverpool for £12 million in 2023</strong></em></p><p>In under six months, Henderson destroyed his reputation and harmed Saudi Arabia's expensive mission to make its league respected across the globe. Henderson, previously a vocal advocate of the LGBTQ+ community, was slammed for chasing the money to a Middle East nation where same-sex sexual activity is illegal. England fans jeered the midfielder, believing he didn't merit national team selection while playing in a weaker league. Henderson's miserable 19-game spell in Saudi Arabia also shed light on the oil-rich state having a weak appetite for the sport, with crowds not reaching 1,000 for some Al-Ettifaq games. It was a terrible transfer all around. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>22. Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Borussia Dortmund for €37 million in 2013</strong></em></p><p>Gotze was on top of the world in the summer of 2014. Germany was a World Cup champion again thanks to his dramatic title-winning goal in the final in Brazil. All that was left was to repair his domestic reputation. The summer before, Gotze was one of the most sought-after midfielders, and he eventually decided to take the well-trodden path from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich. However, unlike those before him, Gotze didn't enjoy success. His development stunted under Guardiola's guidance, and he ended up re-joining Dortmund. But the damage was done. Gotze has never been the same. - <em>Brunt</em></p><h3>21. Fernando Torres (Chelsea)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/cropped_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w220xh124_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w320xh180_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w640xh360_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w768xh432_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w1080xh607_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Darren Walsh / Chelsea FC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed from Liverpool for £50 million in 2011</strong></em></p><p>It was awful from the beginning. Months went by before Torres scored his first goal after his shock move from Liverpool to Chelsea. The 14-game drought was initially viewed as a blip on the radar, but the worst was yet to come. Torres suffered long periods without a goal during crucial stretches over the next two seasons while producing some truly bizarre misses along the way. The once-revered forward was broken. He etched his name in Chelsea lore with a dramatic Champions League semifinal goal in 2012, but it wasn't enough to gloss over how much of a letdown he ultimately was at Stamford Bridge. - <em>Brunt</em></p><p><strong><em>The rollout continues Wednesday with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161826" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161826">Nos. 20-11</a>.</em></strong></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29909899/related

Ranking the 30 worst transfers in soccer history (Part 1)

<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 22 of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>Reinforcements won't help Arsenal</h3><p>An Arsenal win seemed like the only possible outcome at the Emirates Stadium at halftime. After they cruised to a 2-0 lead, nobody expected the conversation after the game to focus on Arsenal falling out of the title race again, or their shortcomings in the transfer market last summer. But, hours after leaders Liverpool turned a draw into a win with a last-second goal, Arsenal went the opposite direction.</p><p>The dent Arsenal made in Liverpool's lead after their midweek north London derby win disappeared after a disastrous eight-minute spell cost them two valuable points. After the 2-2 draw, Mikel Arteta spoke enviously of Liverpool's depth after saying Arsenal are actively looking to improve in January. But after failing to keep up with the Premier League leaders this weekend, it's likely too late for reinforcements to impact the title race; Arsenal sit six points back of Liverpool, who have a game in hand.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">How costly will it prove to be for Arsenal in May? 🤔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOTD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOTD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARSAVL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARSAVL</a> <a href="https://t.co/HEbfMoYY4P">pic.twitter.com/HEbfMoYY4P</a></p>— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCMOTD/status/1880751364588114239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Arteta complained about a lack of attacking options off the bench. Unlike Liverpool, he didn't have a Darwin Nunez to turn to late when Arsenal needed a goal. It's been an area of concern most of the season, as Raheem Sterling was the only senior attacking option available after Gabriel Jesus' season-ending injury. But even before things went downhill, it was glaringly obvious Arsenal were paying the price for neglecting other areas that should've been addressed last summer.</p><p>Their depth was tested earlier this season when multiple stars were sidelined with injuries. Suspensions were also an issue, with William Saliba missing a defeat to Newcastle United due to a ban in November. That was around the time Arsenal ruled themselves out of a league title. Liverpool were just too good at the time for the Gunners to slip in such a manner.</p><p>The situation is more dire now. A worrying injury for Saliba makes matters worse.</p><p>Saturday's game offered a glimpse of what life would look like without the French center-back. And it isn't pretty. Thomas Partey was moved from midfield to right-back, while Jurrien Timber assumed center-back responsibilities. There was hardly anything to complain about until Aston Villa's two quick goals put a spotlight on Arsenal's patchwork squad.</p><p>Partey became a liability, losing sight of his marker, Ollie Watkins, whose volley brought Villa level. Arsenal squandered chances to win late - and had an injury-time goal chalked off by VAR - reigniting calls to sign a striker. But even adding a forward, midfielder, and defender at this point wouldn't be enough to reverse Arsenal's fortunes in what's becoming another lost season.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks 📝</h3><p><strong>Don't overlook TAA's part in big Liverpool win</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/cropped_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Nunez's super-sub appearance is the story of the match. He came off the bench to score two stoppage-time goals and double his overall Premier League tally to tighten Liverpool's grip on first place. But at 0-0, when Brentford threatened to seize the initiative in Saturday's entertaining clash, few visiting players showed as much attacking intent as Trent Alexander-Arnold.</p><p>The right-back forced Mark Flekken to scramble for one shot - his fourth of the match - that narrowly missed in the 83rd minute before his one-two with Harvey Elliott preceded Nunez's crucial first strike. Liverpool also failed to capitalize on some of Alexander-Arnold's trademark fizzed deliveries earlier in the match, and his defensive frailties weren't evident as the Bees focused on Bryan Mbeumo's clear superiority over Kostas Tsimikas on the other flank. Nunez will dominate the headlines, but Alexander-Arnold's urgency in Brentford's half was pivotal in the 2-0 victory.</p><p><strong>United's colossal clean-up</strong></p><p>Antony seems to be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3194736" href="https://thescore.com/news/3194736">on his way out</a>, albeit temporarily, but Ruben Amorim will be discarding Erik ten Hag's expensive mistakes for some time. The center-backs are flat-footed, the auditions at the wing-back positions have gone poorly, there's little creativity from the aging midfield, and there are few who can finish in attack. Plus, Sunday's 3-1 home defeat to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion, shed light on a growing concern in goal. Andre Onana's errors happen too often, negating any benefits gained from his ball-playing ability. His latest gaffe, a spilled low cross that eventually fell to the feet of Georginio Rutter, put the game out of United's reach.</p><p><strong>Is Foden fixed?</strong></p><p>Pep Guardiola started his preparation for Wednesday's important Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain after just over an hour had elapsed at Ipswich Town. With the score already 5-0 in Manchester City's favor, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden were withdrawn with three goals and three assists between them. Foden's recent form is a massive bonus; the attacking midfielder battled a virus earlier in the season, and he didn't score his first Premier League goal until Dec. 21, but he has now helped his team leap up to fourth place. Foden is on five goals and an assist over his past three league appearances following his brace and inviting pass for Mateo Kovacic's strike in the 6-0 win at Portman Road. The second half of City's campaign could improve drastically with an on-fire Foden in Guardiola's ranks.</p><p><strong>Everton, Spurs on different trajectories</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/cropped_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Matt McNulty / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ange Postecoglou's stubbornness can be detrimental, and he should take blame for that, but elements outside his control have arguably contributed more to Tottenham's regression. Eleven players are out injured, including several key components of the defensive group, and the recruitment has been inexcusably poor. For example, the drop-off in quality from center-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero is considerable, and it was emphasized when, for Everton's second goal Sunday, Iliman Ndiaye versus Radu Dragusin resembled a speedboat dodging a deflated dinghy. Dragusin, a year into his Spurs stint, looks far below the required standard.</p><p>It was certainly Everton's day, and there were plenty of positives in the first league win of David Moyes' second coming. Aside from Ndiaye's run and finish, Dominic Calvert-Lewin turning Archie Gray inside-out twice before scoring his first goal since September was a huge boost. Everton were genuinely good, and almost adventurous, in the opening half of their 3-2 victory.</p><p><strong>Van Nistelrooy's reign already turning toxic</strong></p><p>Tensions boiled over at Leicester City after their survival hopes were dealt another blow. Less than a week after the Foxes were held goalless in defeat to Crystal Palace after producing 21 shots, coach Ruud van Nistelrooy was subject to chants of, "You don’t know what you're doing," at King Power Stadium while his squad faced an attacking barrage in a 2-0 loss to Fulham.</p><p>The two home performances were vastly different, but the outcomes were exactly the same. Van Nistelrooy's decision to remove Leicester's best player, Bilal El Khannouss, from Saturday's game proved to be the last straw for a fan base that loudly discredited Van Nistelrooy's coaching abilities afterward. At this point, fans are justified in wondering whether Leicester would've been better off if Steve Cooper was still in charge. They've lost seven of their last nine games and sit 18th - two positions lower in the table than they were when Cooper was fired in late November.</p><h3>Star performer 🌟</h3><p><strong>Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)</strong></p><p>England's hottest team was no match for Justin Kluivert. Newcastle United - in search of their 10th straight win - were humbled 4-1 at home against Bournemouth, with Kluivert producing his best performance of the season at his dad's old stomping ground. While Dutch great Patrick Kluivert struggled at St. James' Park during his spell at Newcastle, goals weren't nearly as hard to come by for Saturday's hat-trick hero in the northeast of England.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">8 - Only Mohamed Salah (11) has scored more Premier League goals away from home this season than Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert (8). Travels. <a href="https://t.co/4utMeVfa2A">pic.twitter.com/4utMeVfa2A</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1880607421988827192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Over 20 years after Patrick scored his lone goal at St. James' Park, Justin needed just 44 minutes to surpass his dad's record, netting a first-half brace. His second goal was cleverly taken, as Kluivert opted for precision over power. But <a href="#Highlight">his third was the best of the lot</a>, sealing three points with a blistering shot in injury time before setting up the Cherries' fourth goal. The hat-trick was his second of the season - and, by far, his most impressive after scoring a hat-trick of penalties in a game earlier this campaign. Kluivert's 10 goals put him in the conversation for the Premier League Golden Boot.</p><h3>Best XI 😎</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Source: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>
<a id="Highlight" name="Highlight">Highlight of the weekend</a> 🎥</h3><p>Confidence was pulsing through Kluivert's veins as he shaped to shoot for his superb third goal.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Justin Kluivert became just the seventh player in <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> history to score two hat-tricks away from home in the same season ✅✅✅ <a href="https://t.co/wYpkiBu8Zl">pic.twitter.com/wYpkiBu8Zl</a></p>— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) <a href="https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1880736932843446730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the weekend 🔢</h3><p>Brentford were dangerous on counter-attacks, but Liverpool were persistent at the other end. The match was goalless until Nunez broke the deadlock in the 91st minute; still, there was a total of 48 shots in an engaging end-to-end fixture in west London.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liverpool's 37 shots vs Brentford is the most an away team has had in a Premier League game in recorded history (since 03-04) <a href="https://t.co/DFhKro0FNh">pic.twitter.com/DFhKro0FNh</a></p>— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaAnalyst/status/1880664595972730957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment 📱</h3><p>Match of the Day's iconic Saturday night slot on BBC One is at risk following reports that a Manchester United legend with a miserable managerial record could join the punditry team.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">He’ll get them relegated to BBC 2 <a href="https://t.co/DuE3tDZLMa">https://t.co/DuE3tDZLMa</a></p>— Will🔴⚪️ (@WillThomas96) <a href="https://twitter.com/WillThomas96/status/1880680926646272165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand 👀</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>+30</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+22</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+11</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+15</td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Newcastle United</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>+15</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+10</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+5</td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>West Ham United</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-16</td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+10</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>-17</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-23</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Leicester City</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-25</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-35</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29901462/related

EPL review: Arsenal risk another lost season, moods differ in Manchester

Manchester United winger Antony appears set to attempt to revive his career in Spain as his club ...

<p>Manchester United winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/166123" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/166123">Antony</a> appears set to attempt to revive his career in Spain as his club and Real Betis near a loan agreement until the end of the season, according to transfer insider <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1880887418171412778">Fabrizio Romano</a>.</p><p>The second-most expensive signing in United's history was named on the bench for Sunday's Premier League visit from Brighton &amp; Hove Albion. However, it's expected to be the last time Antony is named in a matchday squad for the club this season before the final details of his La Liga loan are resolved, Romano <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1880976114925076985">reports</a>.</p><p>United are likely to cover a portion of Antony's wages if the temporary move to Betis goes through, a source told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43477351/real-betis-closing-antony-loan-man-united-source">ESPN's Rob Dawson</a>. The Brazilian signed a contract until 2027 with the option of an additional year when he joined United from Ajax for around €95 million in 2022.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/13802" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/13802">Paul Pogba</a> remains United's most expensive recruit from when he returned to Old Trafford from Juventus for at least €105 million in 2016.</p><p>Red Devils ex-manager Erik ten Hag brought Antony to the club after he starred for his former team, Ajax. He's struggled to make an impression in English football, with just five goals and three assists over 61 Premier League outings, and hasn't started a top-flight game since May.</p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Antony of Manchester United reacts after a missed chance during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on January 16, 2025 in Manchester, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29897500/related

Report: Man United flop Antony close to joining Real Betis on loan

Casey Stoney was appointed head coach of the Canada women's national team Monday.  The former Eng...

<p>Casey Stoney was appointed head coach of the Canada women's national team Monday.</p><p>The former England captain collected numerous major honors with Arsenal and Charlton Athletic during her playing career. She more recently collected silverware during stints in charge of Manchester United and the NWSL's San Diego Wave.</p><p>She also served as assistant to Phil Neville in the England women's team setup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Canada has a proud tradition in women's football, and I am excited to work with such a talented group of players," Stoney said.</p><p>"Together with the federation's new leadership, we will strive to build on past successes and continue to grow the sport in Canada on and off the field. I look forward to the journey ahead and to engaging with the incredible passion of Canadian soccer fans."</p><p>Stoney represented England at three Women's World Cup campaigns and earned 130 caps for her country, and she captained Team Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games. She played for Arsenal, Charlton, Chelsea, Lincoln, and Liverpool in a glittering club career that yielded four English league titles, four FA Cups, and other trophies.</p><p>The 42-year-old briefly served as Chelsea player-manager in 2009 before joining England's backroom team following her retirement as a player in 2018. She later led Manchester United to promotion to England's top tier in their inaugural 2018-19 season before establishing them among the top teams in the Super League. At San Diego, Stoney captured the NWSL Shield, NWSL Challenge Cup, and the individual distinction of NWSL Coach of the Year over a three-year spell.</p><p>"Casey's track record of successful leadership, her values and strength of character, and her lifelong dedication to the advancement of women's football make her the right person to lead our national team into its next chapter," said Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue.</p><p>Stoney's tenure begins with February's three-match series at the Pinatar Cup in Spain.</p>

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 19: Casey Stoney Head Coach of San Diego Wave FC claps at the start of the National Women's Soccer League match against the NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena on June 19, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29813814/related

Casey Stoney named Canada women's head coach

Tottenham Hotspur survived two big chances for Tamworth near the end of 90 minutes before eventua...

<p>Tottenham Hotspur survived two big chances for Tamworth near the end of 90 minutes before eventually beating their fifth-tier opponents in extra time in Sunday's FA Cup third-round meeting.</p><p>The hosts finished normal time the stronger of the two teams. However, the superior fitness of their illustrious Premier League visitors seemed to dictate proceedings in the additional 30 minutes, with Spurs scoring three times through a scrappy own goal and finishes from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/100082" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/100082">Dejan Kulusevski</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/161384" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/161384">Brennan Johnson</a> to register a 3-0 win and advance to the fourth round.</p><p>FA Cup replays were scrapped ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. In the previous format, Tamworth would be planning for a money-spinning trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tottenham progressed - barely - but the result is another mark against the regime of Ange Postecoglou. Spurs hold a 1-0 advantage over Liverpool before the second leg of their League Cup semifinal tie at Anfield on Feb. 6, but their Premier League performance has fallen far below expectations while they sit in 12th place. Postecoglou's ambitious attacking tactics are regularly criticized for their naivety and lack of variety in their approach to games.</p><p>Spurs were very close to falling out of the FA Cup to the non-league team, which would've been one of the biggest upsets in the old competition's history. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/190805" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/190805">Tom McGlinchey</a> could've squared the ball to a teammate instead of firing a near-post shot that was blocked in time added to the end of 90 minutes. From the resulting corner, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/97807" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/97807">Jordan Cullinane-Liburd</a> was presented with an extremely inviting opening from 12 yards but scuffed his shot toward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/209878" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/209878">Antonin Kinsky</a>'s goal.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">Antonín Kinský denies <a href="https://twitter.com/tamworthfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tamworthfc</a> with just seconds left on the clock 😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmiratesFACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmiratesFACup</a> <a href="https://t.co/IKnXpmFXDR">pic.twitter.com/IKnXpmFXDR</a></p>— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup/status/1878450503853510946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Tottenham then took control in extra time. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/202989" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/202989">Nathan Tshikuna</a> bundled the ball into his own net when trying to prevent an easy tap-in for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/34985" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/34985">Dominic Solanke</a>, Kulusevski slotted in a tidy far-post shot, and Johnson concluded the scoring when he fired in a loose ball in the 118th minute.</p><p>"We have to be proud, that was the scrappiest goal that's ever been scored," Tamworth goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/97740" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/97740">Jasbir Singh</a> said about Spurs' first goal. "They didn't fancy it as long as the game went on, and had to bring on the big boys (from the substitutes' bench)."</p>

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker #07 Son Heung-Min (R) crosses the ball under pressure from Tamworth's English defender #33 Ben Crompton (L) during the English FA Cup third round football match between Tamworth and Tottenham Hotspur at The Lamb Ground in Tamworth, central England on January 12, 2025.

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Spurs avoid FA Cup disaster with win over 5th-tier Tamworth after ET

Elon Musk's father is claiming his son is interested in buying Premier League club Liverpool, cit...

<p>Elon Musk's father is claiming his son is interested in buying Premier League club Liverpool, citing the family's ties to the city.</p><p>Billionaire Elon Musk tweeted in August 2022 that he was going to buy Manchester United. However, he later said the comment was a joke but added that United would be his choice if he purchased a team because he supported them as a boy.</p><p>Now, the elder Musk has caused a stir by saying his son - whose business interests include space technology, the automotive industry, and social media - would like to take over Manchester United's archrivals instead. Liverpool are owned by John W. Henry's Fenway Sports Group.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"He would like to, yes, obviously," Errol Musk told <a href="https://x.com/TimesRadio/status/1876644526720471230">Times Radio's Kait Borsay</a>. "Anybody would want to - so would I."</p><p>He added: "His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we have relatives in Liverpool, and we were fortunate to know quite a few of the Beatles because they grew up with some of my family. So, we're attached to Liverpool."</p><p>Errol initially seemed reluctant to reveal his son's apparent interest in Liverpool, saying he feared the Fenway Sports Group would "raise the price."</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Elon Musk looks on ring sideduring the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City.

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Elon Musk 'obviously' wants to buy Liverpool, says father

<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 20 of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>Why can't Man United always play with commitment?</h3><p>All Manchester United fans wanted from Sunday's match at Liverpool was a performance full of fight and courage.</p><p>They got both.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>United played for the win against a Liverpool side that has won 82% of its games this season. They made mistakes, of course, with Matthijs de Ligt sliding by Cody Gakpo as the Liverpool forward equalized and later conceding a needless penalty for handball. But United showed enough fight and drive to steer home a 2-2 draw. </p><p>They set the tone early, completing 14 tackles before Liverpool could even win one, and turning Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of Arne Slot's most reliable players, into a liability, sending a barrage of balls over top of him. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte leapt into challenges, showing aggression instead of respect. Though United lost control at times, they were ultimately rewarded for the risks they took.</p><p>The Red Devils approached the Manchester derby with similar grit and stayed in it long enough to snatch a famous victory. They played even better as a collective Sunday at Anfield. It wasn't only a byproduct of an uninterrupted week of training, which head coach Ruben Amorim had been waiting for since November, but a combination of effort and passion. United simply turned up and showed they can play ball.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763753/cropped_GettyImages-2192521928.jpg?ts=1736105502" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763753/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192521928.jpg?ts=1736105502 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763753/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192521928.jpg?ts=1736105502 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763753/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192521928.jpg?ts=1736105502 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763753/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192521928.jpg?ts=1736105502 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763753/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192521928.jpg?ts=1736105502 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Carl Recine / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>But they seem to pick and choose when to show up and play hard. Amorim couldn't coax the same fighting spirit out of his players in recent losses to Bournemouth, Wolverhampton, and Newcastle United. It may well be that United perform best as the underdog, when they have less of the ball and the chance to play more open games. Possession seems like more of a burden for this team, which often struggles to break down opponents who challenge them to do so.</p><p>As big of a statement a win over Liverpool would've made, it wouldn't have magically saved United's season. What's important is that Amorim now knows his players have the belief to stand up to the kind of opponents the club hopes to one day match. They have to bottle that confidence and energy and unleash it in the coming games against Southampton, Brighton &amp; Hove Albion, and Fulham. Or else the whole exercise lacks purpose.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks 📝</h3><p><strong>No City turnaround yet, but one huge positive</strong></p><p>Let's get the biggest caveat out of the way: Manchester City won 4-1 against Julen Lopetegui's deeply uninspiring West Ham United. There was no Jarrod Bowen, who could be sidelined until the end of February, and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola seems to get steadily worse. Vladimir Coufal was laggard and lost. Edson Alvarez, the bull terrier with no bite in the visitors' midfield, ducked out of a header before City's first goal.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763583/cropped_GettyImages-2191800401.jpg?ts=1736012924" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763583/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191800401.jpg?ts=1736012924 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763583/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191800401.jpg?ts=1736012924 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763583/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191800401.jpg?ts=1736012924 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763583/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191800401.jpg?ts=1736012924 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763583/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191800401.jpg?ts=1736012924 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">OLI SCARFF / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>And Pep Guardiola's side was still vulnerable at the back and would've conceded more than once with better decision-making by Mohammed Kudus and others. This was far from vintage City, but at least there's one massive plus from recent outings: Savinho and Erling Haaland's connection. Savinho started to turn things around in the 1-1 home draw with Everton, and he's netted a fine strike and assisted three Haaland goals in the two wins that followed. The second goal Saturday was the most pleasing as Haaland touched the ball once - a deft pass to Phil Foden - and then a second time to head it home after Savinho tore past Coufal and whipped in an unstoppable cross.</p><p><strong>Chelsea aren't the finished article</strong></p><p>Saturday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace provided further evidence that Chelsea aren't ready to compete for the title. Enzo Maresca's side isn't responsible enough or clinical enough to finish off winnable games like the one at Selhurst Park. Until his players cut down on the giveaways they gift to opponents, they'll be in for a fight just to qualify for the Champions League next season.</p><p>Chelsea controlled play in the first half but lost their composure in the second and seemed likeliest to concede as the minutes ticked by. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez rolled a ball straight to an opponent, Jadon Sancho dribbled his way into trouble in his own end, and Cole Palmer's turnover led to Jean-Philippe Mateta's 82nd-minute equalizer. Chelsea also missed a number of chances to build on their initial 1-0 lead, with mercurial striker Nicolas Jackson once again sending several shots wide and the team landing just one of 15 on target. While the Blues are making long-awaited progress, they're far from the finished article.</p><p><strong>Too many draws for Arsenal to win title</strong></p><p>Even if Arsenal didn't deserve much more than a point from Saturday's 1-1 draw at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion, they could've come away with a win. They started well enough, limited Brighton's chances and only conceded when referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty for an unusual clash of heads on the edge of the area. But the Gunners have struggled to manage Premier League games and overcome the injuries and illnesses knocking star players out of action. They've now thrown away 10 points from winning positions, far too many for a team that could trail pacesetters Liverpool by as many as nine if they win their game in hand.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763754/cropped_GettyImages-2191845693.jpg?ts=1736105610" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763754/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191845693.jpg?ts=1736105610 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763754/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191845693.jpg?ts=1736105610 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763754/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191845693.jpg?ts=1736105610 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763754/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191845693.jpg?ts=1736105610 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763754/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191845693.jpg?ts=1736105610 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Shaun Brooks - CameraSport / CameraSport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said many times that margins are small and every missed detail could prove costly. He unleashed pickpockets on his players as part of a preseason strategy to keep them sharp. But mistakes like the one that conceded the penalty keep happening. They're momentary lapses that add up. Arsenal also can't afford to flail on any more of Declan Rice's phenomenal deliveries, which are virtual get-out-of-jail-free cards on difficult days like Saturday. Lacking the finish they've previously shown on set pieces, Arteta and Co. will have no choice but to go back to the drawing board if Liverpool take care of business.</p><p><strong>Yes, Southampton might be that bad</strong></p><p>It's already been asked, and it'll be explored in greater depth with each passing defeat: Are Southampton worse than Derby County? The Rams, who have the all-time worst points tally of 11 from the 2007-08 Premier League season, somehow had a more pitiful attack than the 2024-25 Saints. Their defense, however, didn't have the same catastrophic pairing of anxiety and over-ambition. The Derby disasterclass alarmingly had more points at this stage of the season (seven after 20 matches) than Southampton have (six) after Saturday's 5-0 humiliation at home to Brentford.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Southampton this PL season:<br><br>13 — Errors leading to goal<br>12 — Goals <a href="https://t.co/d3kQzWcgVW">pic.twitter.com/d3kQzWcgVW</a></p>— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) <a href="https://twitter.com/statmusefc/status/1875591436273643672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The reasons that Southampton are bottom of the table are clear to see. They've fired the fewest shots on target while allowing the most attempts on their own goal. Errors drained the team's confidence; the diminishing belief led to more mistakes. And Ivan Juric, who succeeded the ruinously stubborn Russell Martin at the helm, may have the reputation of a disciplinarian from his time working in Italy, but he currently looks little more than a fall guy for a club that's headed for a historically bad Premier League campaign.</p><h3>Star performer 🌟</h3><p><strong>Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)</strong></p><p>Mbeumo put together a complete performance for Brentford on Saturday. While the two goals stood out - particularly his left-footed rocket from close range - he was central to Brentford's overall attacking play. Mbeumo whipped in crosses and corner kicks, released passes into the 18-yard box, and created five chances for his teammates. He made 81 touches - more than any other Brentford player - showing how much he relishes the responsibility of building their attack.</p><p>The obvious temptation is to play down his efforts. Southampton are, after all, the league's worst team with the worst goal differential. But Mbeumo has played with ambition against teams big and small in the Premier League, dominating in wins over Newcastle and Ipswich Town while scoring goals against Chelsea and Arsenal. He's the real deal.</p><h3>Best XI 😎</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=303919:Pickford,729731:Cash,847983:Martinez,188058:Burn,1010426:Lewis-Potter,923312:Mbeumo,215384:Barkley,1035614:Ugarte,1174337:Savinho,666857:Wissa,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-4-2" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=303919:Pickford,729731:Cash,847983:Martinez,188058:Burn,1010426:Lewis-Potter,923312:Mbeumo,215384:Barkley,1035614:Ugarte,1174337:Savinho,666857:Wissa,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-4-2 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=303919:Pickford,729731:Cash,847983:Martinez,188058:Burn,1010426:Lewis-Potter,923312:Mbeumo,215384:Barkley,1035614:Ugarte,1174337:Savinho,666857:Wissa,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-4-2 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=303919:Pickford,729731:Cash,847983:Martinez,188058:Burn,1010426:Lewis-Potter,923312:Mbeumo,215384:Barkley,1035614:Ugarte,1174337:Savinho,666857:Wissa,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-4-2 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=303919:Pickford,729731:Cash,847983:Martinez,188058:Burn,1010426:Lewis-Potter,923312:Mbeumo,215384:Barkley,1035614:Ugarte,1174337:Savinho,666857:Wissa,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-4-2 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=303919:Pickford,729731:Cash,847983:Martinez,188058:Burn,1010426:Lewis-Potter,923312:Mbeumo,215384:Barkley,1035614:Ugarte,1174337:Savinho,666857:Wissa,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-4-2 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Source: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>Highlight of the weekend 🎥</h3><p>Sancho is already closing in on the number of league minutes he amassed at Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund over the whole of last season, and the Chelsea winger has shown glimpses of what he's capable of during those appearances. His dummy, dribble, and subtle prod toward Cole Palmer at Crystal Palace was magnificent.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A well-worked team goal. 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CRYCHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CRYCHE</a> <a href="https://t.co/XPUBVMrzWE">pic.twitter.com/XPUBVMrzWE</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1875663500804043149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the weekend 🔢</h3><p>Everton need to find goals from somewhere soon - especially when Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Craig Dawson can't add to his Toffees tally until March.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Goals scored by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EFC</a> in their last 10 games:<br><br>0-0-0-0-4-0-0-1-0-0<br><br>Goalscorers in those 10 games:<br><br>Craig Dawson (own goal) - 2<br>Ashley Young - 1<br>Orel Mangala - 1<br>Iliman Ndiaye - 1</p>— EFC Statto (@EFC_Statto) <a href="https://twitter.com/EFC_Statto/status/1875586856936743022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment 📱</h3><p>Maybe this guy's mother knows more about football than he thinks - and at least she helped Southampton fans enjoy some gallows humor during another awful day for the club.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Went to the St Mary’s for first time in a while. My mum, who knows nothing about football, predicted the 0-5 loss then got booed when collecting her prize from Adam Armstrong in the Saints hospitality 😂 <a href="https://t.co/aRJ5bxpX9r">pic.twitter.com/aRJ5bxpX9r</a></p>— Hugo Scheckter (@HugoScheckter) <a href="https://twitter.com/HugoScheckter/status/1875613672359522817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand 👀</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>+28</td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>+21</td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>+7</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>+15</td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Newcastle United</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>+9</td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>+7</td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>West Ham</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>-15</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>-15</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Leicester City</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>-21</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>-32</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

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EPL Review: Man United must keep fighting spirit; Mbeumo's the real deal

Over the next 12 months, a fresh crop of footballers will establish themselves atop the men's gam...