Author: Joe Soriano

The four center backs Real Madrid want to sign in January 2025 window
3Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
LaLiga

The four center backs Real Madrid want to sign in January 2025 window

Real Madrid have been hurting at the center back position since last season when both David Alaba and Eder Militao went down with ACL tears, and even though Alaba will be joining Militao back on the pitch soon, there's no guarantee the Austrian veteran will be as good as he was before the injury at the age of 32. Furthermore, Real Madrid were only able to weather the center back injury storm in 2023/24 because of the play of emergency replacements at other positions like Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Dani Carvajal. Tchouameni and Mendy have documented injury histories, and Carvajal himself is out with an ACL tear, leaving the right back position just as thin as the center back position behind nailed-on starters Antonio Rudiger and Militao. With the center back position d...
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Rafael Leao is a step closer to a Barcelona transfer next summer
3Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
LaLiga

Rafael Leao is a step closer to a Barcelona transfer next summer

AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao has looked anything like a superstar this season, as his uneven performances have caused him to ride the pine on the Rossoneri bench, with controversial manager Paulo Fonseca seemingly singling out the Portuguese international as the scapegoat to shroud his own failings as coach. Fonseca's days in Milan are surely numbered, but the damage may already be done. Although Leao's stock has fallen as a result of Milan's play this season, elite clubs like Barcelona and even Chelsea could circle back to the left winger in the summer 2025 transfer window. Leao was the MVP of Serie A in the 2021/22 season when Milan last won the Scudetto, and he led the team to a Champions League semifinal berth in the following season. Although Barcelona have one of the best ...
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Real Madrid learn the absurd transfer fee for Trent Alexander-Arnold
3Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
LaLiga, Premier League

Real Madrid learn the absurd transfer fee for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool star right back Trent Alexander-Arnold will be arguably the most coveted name on the free agent waters next summer if the Reds aren't able to tie him down to a new contract before then, and while it is difficult to envision TAA playing anywhere else, Real Madrid are hot on the fullback's heels. If anything, Madrid's interest in the England international has only risen since the torn ACL suffered by club legend Dani Carvajal, who was, once again, the best player in that position last season as a La Liga, European Championship, and Champions League winner. Alexander-Arnold has been one of Florentino Perez's obsessions on the transfer market, and after securing his No. 1 dream target for free last summer in Kylian Mbappe, he's love nothing more than to repeat the trick with Li...
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Fabrizio Romano reveals who clubs expect will become the next Real Madrid manager
2Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
LaLiga

Fabrizio Romano reveals who clubs expect will become the next Real Madrid manager

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has landed himself in some hot water again after shoddy decisions and an overall lack of defensive structure led to another 4-0 implosion to arch rivals Barcelona in El Clasico. Unlike the 2021/22 season, Carletto doesn't have a commanding lead in the Spanish top flight and is now a clear second best to Barcelona in La Liga, leading to some urgency from Florentino Perez and the club to get things right. Young stars like Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Endrick are the future of world football, but these standouts have not been used optimally in a 2024/25 Real Madrid side that seems a little too catered to the star power of forwards Vinicius Junior and the struggling Kylian Mbappe. Everyone knew that when Carlo Ancelotti was hired as Real Madrid ...
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Real Madrid legend at key position of need is now available for a free transfer
2Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
LaLiga

Real Madrid legend at key position of need is now available for a free transfer

Real Madrid are reeling after a 4-0 loss to Barcelona in El Clasico, reminiscent of their defeat to the Blaugrana in 2022, after which the Merengues went on to win three of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history before claiming both major titles. Right now, Real Madrid are clearly not in the driver's seat in La Liga, and after losing 1-0 to Lille a couple of weeks ago, they certainly aren't invulnerable in the Champions League either. But better days should be ahead for the Kylian Mbappe-added Real Madrid once Carlo Ancelotti figures his you-know-what out, given they were clearly the best team in European football last season. There are a few weaknesses in the Real Madrid lineup, and while the center back position will finally be addressed this winter, if you believe t...
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Unai Emery reveals Aston Villa’s only significant injury before Tottenham match
2Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
Premier League

Unai Emery reveals Aston Villa’s only significant injury before Tottenham match

Aston Villa will face Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday in a battle between two well-coached sides hoping to qualify for the top four. The Lions already did so last season under Unai Emery, pipping Spurs for a second straight season in a European race. With how well they have continued this season after a strong summer that included signings like Amadou Onana, Aston Villa will be the favorites despite being on the road in London. For the most part, they are the healthier side, as Tottenham won't have Micky van de Ven available after his hamstring strain vs. Manchester City. However, Aston Villa will have one key player in the rotation out. Summer signing Ross Barkley won't be available, according to manager Unai Emery, who spoke to reporters before the match on Sunday. Eme...
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Raphinha takes shot at one of Xavi’s most brainless habits as Barcelona manager
2Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
LaLiga

Raphinha takes shot at one of Xavi’s most brainless habits as Barcelona manager

Barcelona winger Raphinha has been one of the biggest breakout superstars of the 2024/25 season in world football, outshining more hyped Real Madrid counterparts Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe to become a legitimate Ballon d'Or candidate thus far. Raphinha has to share the spotlight with Robert Lewandowski and right wing phenom Lamine Yamal, but the Brazilian is in the prime of his career and has been, in the eyes of many pundits, the best player on Barcelona this season under Hansi Flick. In truth, Raphinha was pretty good under Xavi, too, playing a key role in the team upon his immediate arrival from Leeds as Barcelona won the 2022/23 La Liga title. Despite losing his starting job to the best prospect in world football, Yamal, Raphinha still did well in the 2023/24 season, to...
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Russell Martin provides Adam Lallana injury news after Southampton’s win over Everton
2Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
Premier League

Russell Martin provides Adam Lallana injury news after Southampton’s win over Everton

Southampton avenged two heartbreaking losses against Leicester City and Manchester City by taking down Stoke 3-2 in a hard-fought League Cup victory before smothering Everton this weekend for their most impressive win of the season since they last beat the Toffees in the League Cup. Russell Martin has been feeling the heat with the Saints battling in the relegation spots again upon their return to the Premier League, and this clean sheet victory over Everton feels like a massive gorilla off their back; it's literally their first win of the 2024/25 league campaign. The Saints, whose only other point this season was a tie against another newly-promoted side in Ipswich Town, won the game in the 85th courtesy of a goal from veteran forward Adam Armstrong. Southampton will be riding hi...
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Tottenham get relieving injury news on one of their most important players
2Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
Premier League

Tottenham get relieving injury news on one of their most important players

Tottenham are headed for a massive Premier League clash this weekend against Aston Villa, as they have come second to the Lions in the last Conference League and Champions League races. Sunday's battle will be a great test for Tottenham, who are coming off a morale-boosting win over Manchester City at mid-week in the League Cup, bouncing back from a shutout defeat to strugglers Crystal Palace. However, Tottenham will be without star center back Micky van de Ven, one of the best in the league in his position, after he suffered an injury in the quarterfinal win over Man City. At the time, Van de Ven's injury appeared to be serious, as the young defender had to leave the pitch in tears. Although he will not be back in time for the Aston Villa match, Tottenham will be happy that Van d...
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This Ange Postecoglou quote exemplifies the difference he’s made for Tottenham
2Nov By Joe SorianoNo Comments
Premier League

This Ange Postecoglou quote exemplifies the difference he’s made for Tottenham

Since stepping foot at Tottenham, manager Ange Postecoglou immediately changed the vibe in the building and got results, getting Spurs into fifth without Harry Kane after they squandered a great season from the striker in 2022/23 by failing to qualify for European football for the first time since 2010. With Aston Villa and Brighton breaking out as nearly perennial contenders in the top seven, the Premier League has gotten more competitive, and Spurs' London rivals Chelsea have also bounced back forcefully under new coach Enzo Maresca. With Postecoglou in charge, Tottenham are driving for the Champions League and aim to be one of the top clubs in England again, though there have been doubts already placed on the manager by some sections of the fanbase. Before Spurs' massive matchu...
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