Kolo Muani’s PSG Future in Doubt: Limited Playing Time Sparks Exit Talks, Dortmund and Juve Previously Interested

 

Randal Kolo Muani, aged 25, is reportedly at a crossroads with Paris Saint-Germain, as reported by L’Équipe. The French forward, who joined PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 for a hefty €90m, has not met expectations and the club is now considering letting him go at a significantly reduced fee.


 Kolo Muani allowed to leave PSG for as little as €40m, Arsenal as destination

 

Despite a challenging debut season at PSG, hopes were high for Kolo Muani's performance in the current season. However, the player's struggle continues, and even though national team coach Luis Enrique has publicly supported him, his limited playing time at PSG tells a different story. Kolo Muani has only been首发 in two matches this season, and in one of those, he was substituted at halftime. His benching during the recent win against Olympique de Marseille, with Luis Enrique opting for Ousmane Dembélé as the striker, is indicative of his diminished role in the team. Discussions have been held with Kolo Muani's representatives, and PSG is open to the idea of his departure, valuing him at €40-50m. Interest from Borussia Dortmund and Juventus was noted in the previous transfer window, but the high asking price deterred them. L’Équipe speculates that Manchester United and Arsenal might be interested in acquiring Kolo Muani, depending on the managerial decisions at Manchester United. GFFN | Luke Entwistle



Emi Martinez and Partner Face Hostility at Ballon d'Or Gala

Emi Martinez and his spouse were subjected to relentless heckling upon their entrance at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Despite this, the 32-year-old Argentine goalkeeper triumphed by retaining the Yashin Trophy. His actions during the 2022 World Cup final have made him a figure of scorn among French supporters. Emi Martinez and his spouse were subjected to relentless heckling upon their entrance at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. However, the Argentine, aged 32, had the final word as he successfully defended the Yashin Trophy. His antagonistic behavior during the 2022 World Cup final has made him a figure of scorn among French supporters. Martinez not only delivered an exceptional performance and played his psychological games during the penalty shootout but also incited French fans with his provocative celebration with the Golden Glove trophy. Nevertheless, Martinez was awarded the Yashin Trophy in 2023 for his World Cup achievements. Upon his return to Paris on Monday evening, he faced another hostile reception. Dressed in a black tuxedo, the Aston Villa goalkeeper walked the red carpet hand-in-hand with his elegant partner Mandinha, who wore a flowing red dress. The boos from the crowd were unmistakable, and neither seemed amused by the situation. Martinez briefly gave a thumbs-up, but it was unclear whether this was a genuine gesture or a sarcastic reply to someone not visible in the frame. The couple then posed for photographs before entering the Theatre du Chatelet for the prestigious awards ceremony. Inside, Martinez was recognized as the world's best goalkeeper for the second consecutive year, following his contributions to Aston Villa's Champions League campaign and Argentina's Copa America victory. He outperformed the likes of Spain's Unai Simon, Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, becoming the first goalkeeper to retain the title. In the overall Ballon d'Or rankings, Martinez placed 18th in the voting, surpassing Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Antonio Rudiger, Cole Palmer, and others. Rodri claimed the top men's award for his performances with Manchester City and Spain's victory at Euro 2024. Rodri defeated Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Erling Haaland, and local favorite Kylian Mbappe in the voting. His fellow Spaniard Lamine Yamal finished eighth but secured the Kopa Trophy for the best young player under 21. The 17-year-old's standout performance at the Euros made him the third Spaniard in four years to receive the honor, following

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Amorim’s 3-4-3 vs Klopp’s Legacy: Why Liverpool Passed, Paving Way for Manchester United Move

 Liverpool's decision not to hire Ruben Amorim, due to tactical differences, has paved the way for him to become a top contender for Manchester United's managerial position. Following Erik ten Hag's dismissal after a string of poor performances, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the temporary manager while the club searches for a permanent replacement.    Ruben Amorim, who currently leads Sporting CP with an unbeaten league record this season, is now being considered by Manchester United following Liverpool's earlier rejection based on tactical disagreements. Erik ten Hag was let go from his position at Old Trafford, and while Ruud van Nistelrooy takes the helm temporarily, the club is actively pursuing Ruben Amorim as their top target for the managerial role. Liverpool had shown interest in Amorim after Jurgen Klopp's departure, but discussions fell through due to financial and tactical disagreements, leading them to choose Arne Slot instead. Amorim's flexible 3-4-3 formation, capable of transforming into various other setups, is central to his coaching philosophy and aligns with some of Europe's top teams, including Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen. While Amorim's tactics can adapt to opponents, as seen in matches against Tottenham and Arsenal, Liverpool valued their established style under Klopp and opted not to change it. Klopp's 4-3-3 formation was deeply ingrained at Anfield, and with Amorim unwilling to shift from his possession-based, wide-play style, a change did not seem feasible. ESPN reported that Amorim was not chosen not only for his tactical stance but also due to the release clause and the early reporting of his interest by The Athletic, which upset Liverpool. Slot, with a formation more akin to Liverpool's style, was the preferred choice, and it has proven successful so far, with the team performing well in both domestic and European competitions. As Amorim is now Manchester United's top candidate, his appointment would signify a significant shift in playing style compared to Ten Hag's approach. Ten Hag's 4-2-3-1 formation, often shifting to a 4-4-2 diamond, is markedly different from what Amorim might introduce, and United should take heed of Liverpool's experience in their managerial search. Liverpool chose a manager who would continue their proven system, whereas Amorim's philosophy is a departure from what United has known recently, potentially leading to initial challenges. The Red Devils need to make the right choice, and the outcome of Liverpool's decision to pass on Amorim will reveal whether his strategy could succeed at Old Trafford.

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Newcastle's Gordon in Contention for Chelsea EFL Cup Tie: Scans Show No Severe Groin Damage, Says Howe

Newcastle United's manager Eddie Howe has indicated that Anthony Gordon might participate in their upcoming EFL Cup match against Chelsea on Wednesday. Gordon was absent from the recent match at Stamford Bridge due to a groin injury sustained prior to the game, but subsequent scans have shown no severe damage. Eddie Howe has confirmed the possibility of Anthony Gordon's involvement in the EFL Cup match against Chelsea on Wednesday. Gordon was unable to join the team at Stamford Bridge on Sunday due to a groin injury sustained before the match, but scans have shown that there is no significant injury. Howe expressed optimism that Gordon's injury will not have a long-term impact, but emphasized the importance of making the correct decision regarding his participation in the midweek game, considering Arsenal is their next Premier League opponent. Gordon's absence was felt in the match against Chelsea, where Newcastle United suffered a 2-1 loss with goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer, sandwiching Alexander Isak's equalizer. "We need to make the correct decision for tomorrow's Chelsea match. Arsenal is coming up quickly on Saturday, and we must ensure we do not cause any harm," Howe stated. The English international Gordon has been a key figure for the Magpies this season, creating more chances (18) than any other player in the Premier League, with only Bruno Guimaraes (14) completing more dribbles than Gordon (13). Howe also commended Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who was instrumental in Enzo Maresca's side's victory on Sunday. Palmer has maintained his goal-scoring form following his impressive debut season with the Blues, contributing to a league-high 12 goal involvements (seven goals, five assists) this season, including his goal against the Magpies. The 22-year-old has scored two goals and provided one assist against Newcastle in five matches across all competitions, and Howe highlighted the need to contain Palmer when they face Chelsea again in the midweek game. "It's a tough question to answer, but I thought he played exceptionally well. His performance was evident," Howe added. "We didn't manage to stop him during transitions. He set up the first goal and scored the second in similar fashion. We've learned from this experience. "We will convey this to the players and aim for improvement. As a team, we will strive to perform better collectively. "In the last 60 minutes, our defense was much more secure, even though we conceded a second goal."

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Manchester United's veteran players reportedly believed that Erik ten Hag's disciplinary measures against Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho were excessive. Ten Hag was dismissed by the club on Monday, following a poor start to the season and a tenure marred by conflicts with players, notably Ronaldo.

<Ten Hag's tenure at Old Trafford was characterized by several disputes with players, including a notable disagreement with Ronaldo shortly after his arrival. In October 2022, tensions escalated when Ronaldo declined to come on as a substitute in a match against Tottenham, leading to his exclusion from first-team training, a decision that initially had the backing of the squad. However, the situation soured when Ronaldo was denied access to the dressing room to collect his training shoes, an act that some senior players viewed as an 'unnecessary humiliation,' as ESPN reported. In the wake of this incident, Ronaldo gave a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, in which he accused Ten Hag of disrespecting him. This led to the termination of Ronaldo's contract by mutual consent, and he subsequently joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Ten Hag's time at United was not without other public disputes. The following season, he clashed with Sancho after the winger was left out of a match against Arsenal due to his training performance. Sancho responded on social media, accusing Ten Hag of making him a 'scapegoat,' leading to his exclusion from the squad. Despite encouragement from teammates to apologize, Sancho refused, and the standoff resulted in him being loaned to Borussia Dortmund in January 2024. Sancho's return to Germany was successful, as he helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final. However, United representatives reportedly asked pundits to stop speaking positively about Sancho, as it would reflect poorly on the club. Upon his return to Carrington in the summer, Sancho was reintegrated into the first team after reaching an understanding with Ten Hag. Nevertheless, Ten Hag's discomfort with Sancho's return led to his loan to Chelsea in August, with Chelsea obligated to buy Sancho for £23m next summer, a significant loss for United who had purchased him for £73m in 2021. Sancho has begun his time at Chelsea positively, contributing three assists in his first five league games, while Ten Hag has returned to the Netherlands following his departure from United.

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Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. Misses Out on Ballon d'Or to Rodri, With Madrid Votes Diluted by Teammates

&nbsp;The 2024 Ballon d'Or accolade eluded Brazil's Vinicius Jr., with Manchester City's Rodri claiming the prestigious title. Rodri's exceptional midfield contributions have been pivotal in Manchester City's remarkable achievements, both on home turf and on the global stage, setting a new benchmark in English football. &nbsp; &nbsp;Despite being a frontrunner, Vinicius Jr. was not awarded the 'best in the world' title, which went to Manchester City's Rodri. Rodri's commanding presence in the midfield has been instrumental in Manchester City's unprecedented domestic and international triumphs, elevating the team to unprecedented heights in English football. While some view this as an injustice, the reality is that there is an abundance of talent in football, with Rodri being a prime example. At Real Madrid, where the team claimed the summit of LaLiga and the Champions League last season, the vote was dispersed among standout players such as Vini Jr., Toni Kroos, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal. The distribution of accolades among these players has diluted the votes for Vini Jr., with the English newcomer making a dream start at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, scoring goals and providing assists throughout the season. Dani Carvajal further enhanced his reputation at Real Madrid, winning the Euros with Spain and dominating both attack and defense from the right wing. Meanwhile, Toni Kroos continued to dominate the midfield, likely finishing the season with an impeccable pass completion rate. Given the widespread team success, it's unlikely that all journalists would unanimously select Vini Jr. as the standout star of Real Madrid, regardless of whether one believes he was the 'best in the world' or not. Vinicius Jr. scored 24 goals, while Bellingham netted 23. However, Bellingham outscored Vinicius in domestic competitions (19 vs 15) and provided more assists (6 vs 5). Carvajal's 7 goal contributions from right-back also warrant consideration. The debate from last night is a complex one. The truth is that playing at the highest level of football is challenging, and there are many who excel at it. Vini will have another opportunity; perhaps he will seize it next time.

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The Rise and Disbandment of 2019 Ajax: A Golden Generation That Captivated Europe

&nbsp;Recalling the 2019 Ajax squad, they were heralded as the finest since Louis van Gaal's side that secured the Champions League in the mid-90s. That legendary team boasted the likes of the de Boer brothers, Kluivert, Overmars, Seedorf, and Davids, among others. &nbsp; &nbsp;The echoes of those legendary players seemed to inspire the new generation, including de Jong, de Ligt, van de Beek, Ziyech, and Onana. Under the guidance of the rising star Erik ten Hag, Ajax's football was among the most impressive in Europe during the 2018-19 campaign. Nationally, they achieved a domestic double, triumphing in both the league and cup competitions. In Europe, their Champions League performances were remarkable, highlighted by a 4-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu and a win against Juventus in Turin. Their campaign concluded in the semi-finals with a narrow loss to Tottenham on away goals. As is customary, Europe's elite clubs sought out Ajax's standout players, paying substantial fees to secure their services. De Jong moved to Barcelona for £65m, de Ligt joined Juventus for £75m, and ten Hag was later recruited to reinvigorate Manchester United. However, the disbandment of that team marked the beginning of a challenging period for the young talents and their coach. So, what led to their fortunes taking a turn for the worse? The Young Stars Contrary to the adage that 'you can't win with kids,' this Ajax team defied expectations, sweeping aside most opposition. Supported by Daley Blind in defense, who had struggled in the Premier League, the team had a youthful exuberance. De Ligt, winner of the 2018 Golden Boy award, became the first defender to claim the honor. De Jong, with his confidence on the ball, controlled the midfield and dictated the team's pace. Staggering statistics from that period showed De Jong completing 354 of 390 passes and making 53 recoveries. This led former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart to label De Jong the best player in Europe in possession of the ball. Goalkeeper Onana, a product of Ajax's academy, emulated Edwin van der Sar with his goalkeeping skills and distribution. Van de Beek, in the playmaker role, drew comparisons to Dennis Bergkamp for his performances. Moroccan Ziyech provided a threat on the wing, scoring 22 goals across all competitions during his breakout season. Together with Dusan Tadic, they scored a prolific 119 goals in 34 league games, including the four that rocked the Bernabeu. The Manager Ten Hag, influenced by Johan Cruyff's Ajax and Barcelona, and having studied under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, led the team with a deep respect for the game's history.

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Rodri Celebrates Ballon d'Or Win at Restaurant with Man City Teammates, Despite Season-Ending Injury Premier League's First Ballon d'Or Winner Since 2008: Rodri Revels in Victory with Dias, Addresses Injury Napkins in the Air: Rodri's Joyful Celebration of Ballon d'Or Triumph, Joined by Man City Allies

Manchester City's Rodri was spotted reveling in his Ballon d'Or victory at an eatery on Monday evening. Despite being sidelined for the season due to a serious knee injury, the Spanish footballer made history as the first Premier League player to claim the prestigious award since Cristiano Ronaldo did so in 2008. Rodri, a key figure in Manchester City's fourth consecutive league title and Spain's European Championship triumph, was captured enjoying his Ballon d'Or win at a restaurant on Monday night. At 28 years old, Rodri has been a pillar of consistency, having lost only a single club match in the past 18 months. The celebration was somewhat marred by controversy as Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr boycotted the event following his exclusion from the nominations, but this did not affect Rodri's high spirits. Following his win, a clip surfaced on social media depicting Rodri's ecstatic reaction to receiving the award in a dining establishment. The video, shared on Manchester City's social media, featured Rodri joined by teammate Ruben Dias, joyfully singing a chant in his honor. Joined by a group of companions, the pair enthusiastically sang and tossed their napkins in the air in a show of jubilation. The festivities continued throughout the night with Rodri and his entourage singing and waving napkins overhead in celebration of his win. Basking in the accolades on Monday night, an emotional Rodri expressed, "Tonight has been incredible for me. If you allow me, I would like to speak in my native tongue." Switching to Spanish, he continued: "I always strive to better myself each day." He elaborated on his evolution from a traditional midfielder to one who contributes more in terms of assists and goals, stating, "You must embody the role of a forward because we often operate in advanced positions. That's the key to daily improvement." Describing himself as an ordinary individual, Rodri said, "I simply aim to enjoy my profession, be a good person, a leader, and learn from the best every day." He also shared a message for the youth, advising, "I am calm until provoked. I am just a regular person, and I tell my children that you don't need to be extreme; just do your best." Regarding his injury, Rodri remained optimistic, saying, "I am feeling much better. Such a significant injury is part of life and sport. I try to focus on the positive aspects."

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Sergio Aguero Criticizes Real Madrid's 'Entitlement' Over Vinicius Jr's Ballon d'Or Snub

Sergio Aguero has taken a swipe at Real Madrid, calling them 'entitled,' following the club's response to Vinicius Jr's omission from the Ballon d'Or award. The Brazilian forward and his team were incensed by the decision to honor Manchester City and Spain's Rodri with the accolade, leading to a boycott of the Paris ceremony on Tuesday evening. Sergio Aguero has taken a swipe at Real Madrid, calling them 'entitled,' following the club's response to Vinicius Jr's omission from the Ballon d'Or award. The Brazilian forward and his team were incensed by the decision to honor Manchester City and Spain's Rodri with the accolade, leading to a boycott of the Paris ceremony on Tuesday evening. In a statement, Real Madrid claimed that the prize not going to either Rodri or Dani Carvajal demonstrated a lack of respect from UEFA towards the club. This was followed by a statement from Vinicius' camp on Wednesday, in which the 24-year-old suggested that his vocal stance against racism was the reason for his exclusion. Aguero, who played alongside Rodri for two seasons at the Etihad, believes his former teammate deserved the award and criticized Madrid's reaction to the outcome. 'Well deserved. Rodri is the best player in the world.' He said on his streaming channel. 'Football is for everyone, not just Real Madrid – they are so entitled.' https://img.allfootballapp.com/www/M00/59/93/720x-/-/-/CgAGVWchBoyAKVDGAAF7mi_AcDQ912.jpg Vinicius was a top contender for the 2024 Ballon d'Or after his significant contributions to Madrid's LaLiga-UEFA Champions League double. He scored six goals and provided four assists in ten Champions League appearances and had 20 goal involvements in 26 La Liga matches. He broke his silence shortly after an emotional Rodri received the award on Tuesday night, acknowledging his roles in Spain's Euro 2024 victory and his club's fourth consecutive Premier League title. 'I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready,' he posted on X, implying future achievements. Reuters later reported that this comment was related to his fight against racism in recent years.&nbsp;'The football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.' A member of the Brazilian forward's management staff is quoted by the outlet as saying. Madrid's statement to AFP said: 'If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. 'As this was not the case, it is clear that

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Pep Guardiola Respects Real Madrid's Absence from Ballon d'Or Gala

Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, respects Real Madrid's choice to abstain from the Ballon d'Or event, stating that it's their prerogative. Rodri was honored with the prestigious award in Paris, acknowledging his contributions to Manchester City's historic fourth consecutive Premier League triumph and his role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024. Pep Guardiola acknowledges Real Madrid's decision not to attend the Ballon d'Or event, asserting that it's their right to do so. Rodri claimed the prestigious award in Paris, recognized for his instrumental role in Manchester City's record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title and his part in Spain's Euro 2024 win. The midfielder's significance is underscored by Manchester City's unbeaten streak in the 34 Premier League matches he played in this year. Rodri narrowly edged out Vinicius Junior for the honor, with the player and his club causing a stir by not showing up after learning he wouldn't be the winner. Last season, the Madrid winger scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists, contributing to the team's double win in LaLiga and the Champions League. Guardiola expresses sympathy for Vinicius, whom he believes also merited the award, and points out other close calls in past years where the outcome could have swung either way. "It's their decision," Manchester City's boss remarked. "If they choose to congratulate, that's acceptable. If not, that's fine too. We at Manchester City don't judge other clubs on their choices." "Last year, Erling [Haaland] achieved the Treble and scored over 50 goals. I told him: 'Just being nominated is a joy.' I conveyed the same sentiment to Rodri. Being among the top contenders is remarkable. You should be very proud." "Last season, could Erling have won? Certainly. Could Messi have won? Absolutely. It's not about who wins. It signifies that you and your teammates have achieved something special that season." "Should Vinicius have won? Possibly. It's [decided by] journalists worldwide, not a select group. It reflects a global consensus, not just one country's opinion. The diversity of views is what makes football great, isn't it?" "Of course, if [Vinicius] had won, it would have been well-deserved. The same goes for Erling [Haaland] last year. The competition is truly open. There are more opportunities to win." Guardiola also commended Rodri, who became only the third Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or after Alfredo di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez (1960). The midfielder was also the first Spaniard in the top three since Andres Iniesta in 2012, and Guardiola recognized the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the years. "Rodri gave an incredible speech," Guardiola added. "He spoke about his family, Manchester City, and Spanish football." "In the last decade, Spanish football has made a significant impact - they've won a World Cup, a Euros - yet Spain had never won this award before. Their contribution over the past 10 to

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