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It’s a rivalry that has dominated football for almost two decades now, with the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo story looking likely to come to a close at next year’s World Cup.

Now well into veteran, yet not necessarily diminished, status, the two men defined a generation during their pomp at Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, with the beautiful game arguably having never seen – and might never again – the two best players in the world going head to head on a weekly basis.

While Messi’s contract situation at Inter Miami had sparked speculation regarding a potential switch to Saudi Arabian side, Al Ahli – throwing up the prospect of a renewed battle with Al Nassr’s number seven – it looks unlikely that their paths will cross again on the club scene.

With previous reports of Ronaldo moving to Miami to partner the Argentine having also been shut down by his recent bumper extension in the Middle East, the greatest ‘what if’ question of the modern era is likely to go unanswered.

Just what would have happened if the two men had ever played together in the same side?

Well, with the help of AI tool ChatGPT, we may well have the answers, having taken a deep dive into what Messi’s career, in particular, would have looked like had he ended up partnering the Portuguese sensation:

1

A change in role

The sight of the 38-year-old strolling round the park has become a familiar one for both club and country these days, with Messi, as to be expected considering his age, no longer the balletic, lightning forward who tore defences to shreds in his pomp.

Who can forget the left-footer’s majestic 2012, in which he scored 91 goals in total during a simply staggering calendar year, having made a sublime transition from life on the flanks to a false nine berth. In all for Barcelona, the 5 foot 7 star registered 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games, as per Transfermarkt.

In the view of ChatGPT, a link up with Ronaldo at the Bernabeu might well have led to a different positional path, with it predicted that Messi would have dropped into a deeper role sooner, described as “more orchestrator than finisher”.

That tweak to operate more as a number ten – in a similar vein to Mesut Ozil’s role behind ‘CR7’ for Los Blancos – would perhaps have seen Messi emerge as more of a provider than a clinical goalscorer.

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Charlie Smith

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Indeed, ChatGPT thinks that he would have more likely chipped in with 35-45 goals per season, in contrast to his 50+ average at his pomp, albeit with that counterbalanced by an increase in assists. As the AI tool states, a “season with 30+ assists wouldn’t be impossible.”

2

Increased success at club level

As was seen during Messi’s time at Paris Saint-Germain, alongside both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, putting the world’s best together doesn’t always prove particularly fruitful, with the Ligue 1 side unable to even get close to securing Champions League glory with that trio onboard.

Would the same have happened with a forward line containing Messi and Ronaldo? Well, ChatGPT doesn’t think so, having predicted that Madrid – with that duo in tow – could have won “seven or eight La Liga titles in a decade”.

In the real world, Messi already boasts ten LaLiga titles, although he could have eclipsed his record on the European stage, having won four Champions League titles during his time in Catalonia.

According to ChatGPT, that return could be enhanced with a haul of six to eight Champions League triumphs, alongside Ronaldo, mirroring the club’s success during the golden period in the 1950s.

Such glittering success both in Spain and on the continent would, in the view of ChatGPT, have led that Madrid side to become recognised as “the greatest in club football history”.

3

The GOAT debate

Everyone has their favoured pick, although it is hard to argue against Messi being the greatest of his generation – if not of all-time – having claimed eight Ballon d’Or awards to date, eclipsing Ronaldo’s return of five.

Would that domination over his long-time foe have continued with the two playing together? Well, ChatGPT thinks not, suggesting that the pair might have claimed six apiece.

They add that their “votes would cannibalise each other’s dominance”, thus potentially opening the door for a player like Neymar or Robert Lewandowski to claim the award themselves.

Equally, a seemingly prosperous joint Ballon d’Or is even floated for the great duo, with the debate predicted to shift away from Messi vs Ronaldo, and instead focus on the pair “versus everyone else”.

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Matt Dawson

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There is the claim that there would be far less of a debate over who is the better of the two, with there a more wider acceptance of just how great they are together.

That said, even in a parallel universe, tribalism exists, with ChatGPT noting that contention would remain over who is the one “carrying the team”.

4

A different legacy?

As a man who has won everything in the game – including the World Cup – the diminutive wizard could hardly have built a greater legacy, with even his recent mixed adventures in Paris and Miami unable to tarnish a truly staggering individual career.

Sharing the limelight with Ronaldo may well have impacted his standing somewhat, however, with ChatGPT suggesting that Messi would have been more widely admired as the “ultimate team player”, rather than simply an individual genius.

With his role as a supplier or a provider, ChatGPT claims that the Argentine would be “seen as the creative force behind an unbeatable duo”, leading to him being “even more respected by coaches and purists” but “less by stat-driven fans”.

Is that a world we would have liked to see? Two figures working in tandem to terrorise the rest of Europe, rather than going head to head with each other?

Much of what has made the 21st Century great in a footballing context has centred on that Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, but were we denied something even more intriguing by not seeing them play together?

Alas, it was not to be. But if ChatGPT is anything to go by, both men would have achieved greatness either way.

AI predicts when every Premier League manager could be sacked

AI tool ChatGPT has predicted when every 2025/26 top-flight manager is at risk of being sacked

By
Robbie Walls

Jul 5, 2025

Leeds United continued their pre-season preparations over the weekend as they held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw in their latest friendly ahead of the Premier League season.

Daniel Farke’s side boasted new signings Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Sean Longstaff, whilst the Whites are also set for another new face.

As you can see in the post from Graham Smyth above, Hoffenheim central midfielder Anton Stach is closing in on a permanent move to Elland Road from the Bundesliga outfit.

One player who is not going to be a part of the squad for next season, though, is experienced striker Patrick Bamford, who has been told that he is not in Farke’s plans.

The German head coach has confirmed that he has spoken with the English forward to tell him that he will be training with the U21 team until he can find a new club.

It is now down to Leeds and Bamford to find an ideal solution for him before the end of the summer transfer window, with one year remaining on his contract.

Why Patrick Bamford is not in Daniel Farke's plans

Farke explained his thought process behind his decision on the long-serving Whites number nine, saying: “Patrick is a player who needs right now, at this stage, to be the main man right. He needs the backing, the arm around the shoulder, after difficult years to be there was confidence. And then if Patrick gets this he will score goals.

“He will score on each every level because he’s a top player. But after the last two seasons, I was not willing to say come on you are right now our main man on a permanent level.”

This suggests that the decision has been made with both the club’s and Bamford’s best interests at heart, as it will allow the player to go and pursue a move that would see him play regularly, whilst potentially creating space for Leeds to bring in another forward to improve their team.

As you can see in the table above, the veteran striker is not the same player he was when he took the Premier League by storm under Marcelo Bielsa in the 2020/21 campaign.

His form in the last three seasons does not suggest that he is likely to make enough of an impact at the top level to be a genuine starting-calibre option, which is why it is the right call to allow him to move on.

Leeds plotting bid for new striker

Leeds, who have already signed Lukas Nmecha, are in the market to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, the Championship champions remain interested in a deal to sign Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz.

The reporter claims that the West Yorkshire outfit are hoping to bank some cash from a sale of Mateo Joseph, whom they value at £10m, to fund a new bid to tempt the Cottagers into cashing in on the Brazilian striker.

He states that Celta Vigo, who have money to spend after selling Fer Lopez to Wolves, and Real Betis are both eyeing up a potential swoop for Joseph this summer.

Muniz has reportedly been valued at £50m by Fulham, though, and it remains to be seen how much Leeds will be able to spend on him, even if they bank £10m for the Spanish youngster.

Why Muniz would be a huge upgrade on Bamford

Bamford being moved on because Farke cannot guarantee that he will be the main man in the Premier League makes even more sense when you consider the club’s ongoing pursuit of Muniz.

The Brazilian centre-forward would arrive at Elland Road as a huge upgrade on the former Chelsea and Middlesbrough man, as a star who has showcased his quality in the Premier League in the last two seasons.

As you can see in the graphic above, Muniz is already an experienced forward in the top-flight, with 17 goals to his name for the Cottagers to date.

The 24-year-old marksman, who was hailed as “seriously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has performed even better at Premier League level than Bamford has in the Championship in the last two seasons, hence why he would be a huge upgrade for Leeds in the number nine position.

As you can see in the table above, Muniz has scored nine more goals and provided one more assist than the Whites attacker in the last two years, whilst playing at a higher level.

These statistics show that the Brazilian striker is an efficient and clinical centre-forward who can make the most of the chances that are created for him, outperforming his xG by more than two goals.

Whereas Bamford’s finishing let the team down far too often, underperforming his xG by almost four goals in the Championship in that time, which suggests that he may have been a liability in front of goal in the Premier League next season.

This further explains why Farke’s decision to leave the striker out of his squad for the 2025/26 campaign makes a lot of sense, as the club are looking to bring in a forward who would be a huge upgrade on him in the top-flight.

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However, it is now down to Leeds to find Bamford a new club and to secure a deal with Fulham to bring Muniz to West Yorkshire before the end of the window.

Everton are now reportedly leading the race to sign a Champions League-level winger who will be allowed to leave his current club this summer.

What Everton could do next after signing Travers

After confirming the arrival of Mark Travers from Bournemouth, Everton still have unfinished business in the summer transfer window. Ahead of their first season at The Hill Dickinson Stadium, the current transfer window reflects an opportunity for The Friedkin Group to make an impressive statement and set David Moyes up with a squad capable of more than just survival.

After Travers, Thierno Barry and the permanent arrival of Carlos Alcaraz, the Toffees still have plenty of work to do and that work could be done to reinforce their midfield.

Having lost Abdoulaye Doucoure following the end of his contract at the end of last season, Moyes is arguably lacking a physical presence at the heart of his midfield. But that’s where a familiar face in Tomas Soucek could arrive. The Czech Republic ace thrived under Moyes at West Ham and is now reportedly set to be the subject of an imminent £12m bid from Everton.

It should come as no surprise that Soucek is now keen to reunite with Moyes after such a successful spell together the first time around. And for just £12m, Everton wouldn’t exactly be breaking the bank.

That said, Soucek isn’t their only reported target in midfield. The likes of Jacob Ramsey have also been mentioned in recent headlines, as Aston Villa continue to struggle on the PSR front. Like Soucek, the England midfielder would be an excellent addition.

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By
Angus Sinclair

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The same can be said for a La Liga winger, as the Toffees aim to send a transfer statement.

Everton now in pole position to Samuel Lino

According to reports in Spain, Everton are now leading the race to sign Samuel Lino from Atletico Madrid this summer. The winger is reportedly free to leave the Champions League side and several sides have enquired about his availability as a result. Whether Everton are among those sides remains to be seen, however.

Previously described as “interesting” by scout Jacek Kulig, Lino would be an instant upgrade on Jack Harrison, who has been linked with a permanent move to Everton this summer.

The Atletico Madrid man was involved in more goals in fewer games last season, whilst also enjoying more take-on success. In every key department, Lino should be preferred over the Leeds United man.

At 25 years old, Lino should be at the peak of his powers if he discovers his most clinical form. Reportedly in pole position, Everton should kick on and sign a player who has Champions League experience and outperformed other targets last season.

Arsenal star Chloe Kelly has suffered an injury setback early in the campaign after making a permanent switch from Manchester City in the summer. The winger kicked off the Women’s Super League season in electric fashion with a goal in the Gunners’ 4-1 demolition of London Lionesses. But hopes of seeing her build on that momentum were halted when she was left out of the squad to face West Ham.

• Kelly suffers injury frustration after bright start

  has now revealed that Kelly’s absence was down to a “knock” rather than anything more sinister. But the news will still spark concern among Arsenal fans eager to see their new star shine regularly this term.

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  Kelly’s Arsenal homecoming after City struggles

  Kelly’s career has come full circle with her return to Arsenal, the club where she first developed as a youth player. After several years at City, her influence began to wane as she slipped out of the regular starting XI and even lost her place in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad.

• European glory reignited Kelly’s career

  The highlight of Kelly’s temporary spell came in Europe, where she delivered decisive performances that underpinned Arsenal’s continental triumph. Her resurgence in form also coincided with a remarkable international summer, as she helped England clinch a second successive Euros crown. Those achievements made Arsenal’s move to secure her permanently after her City contract expired a no-brainer. The Gunners believe that they have landed a player with both pedigree and unfinished business in red and white.

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  Kelly eyes return ahead of blockbuster clash with Manchester United

  Arsenal are cautiously optimistic that Kelly’s injury won’t rule her out of the high-stakes clash with Manchester United on September 21, with hopes pinned on her recovery progressing swiftly. Having someone with Kelly’s pace, power, and direct running on the flank could be vital against the Red Devils.

It’s not been a year to remember for West Ham United supporters, and there are few signs of encouragement so far this summer.

The Hammers finished 14th in the Premier League last season, sacking Julen Lopetegui in January, having picked up 1.15 points-per-game under the Spaniard, before this actually dropped to 1.11 points-per-game following Graham Potter’s appointment.

As they look to improve ahead of next season, star attacker Mohammed Kudus has been sold to fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while full-backs Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf have arrived.

Now though, with another one of the Hammers’ most high-profile players potentially on his way out, should they replace him with an “exquisite” talent?

West Ham target Lucas Paquetá's replacement

On Friday, it was reported by Martyn Ziegler and Matt Lawton of the Times that Lucas Paquetá is ‘set to be cleared’ of spot-fixing.

As documented by Mario Cortegana and Roshane Thomas of the Athletic, the Brazilian was alleged to have intentionally collected yellow cards in four Premier League matches, thereby ‘affecting or profiting from the betting market’, which, if found guilty, would have seen him handed a lifetime ban by the FA, but this will now not come to pass.

These allegations scuppered Paquetá’s proposed move to Manchester City two years ago, but it is now forecast that the Brazilian will push for a transfer this summer, reportedly valued at around £80m by West Ham.

Should he depart, the Hammers would need to sign a replacement, hence why journalist Ben Jacobs is reporting that they are interested in signing Fábio Vieira from Arsenal, adding the Irons are ‘planning to add multiple midfielders’ to their squad.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Vieira was not included in the Gunners’ squad that is currently in Hong Kong, but that’s due to his exploits at the Club World Cup, starting all three of Porto’s fixtures in the United States last month, providing an assist during their bonkers 4-4 draw with Al Ahly.

So, could he become the latest player to go directly from Arsenal to West Ham, following in the footsteps of Jack Wilshere, Manuel Almunia, Jérémie Aliadière, Marouane Chamakh, Carl Jenkinson, John Hartson, Freddie Ljungberg, Lucas Pérez, Davor Šuker, Nigel Winterburn, Ian Wright, and many others? We could go on!

What Fábio Vieira would bring to West Ham

Vieira joined Arsenal from Porto three summers ago for a reported fee of £34m, and has shown glimpses of why they paid that money, but has never produced on a consistent basis.

The table below illustrates Vieira’s statistics for the Gunners, as well as what he produced last season, having been loaned back to Porto.

As the table notes, Vieira never managed to establish himself as a first-choice figure in the Arsenal team, starting just three times during his most recent campaign with the club, his only goal an 88th-minute penalty during a 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United.

Despite this, his talent is obvious, with presenter Adam Keys impressed by his “incredibly clean ball-striking” ability, labelling him “exquisite”, while Lorihanna Balabanova of Total Football Analysis outlines how he is at his best as a ‘creative attacking midfielder’ who likes to ‘occupy the right half-space’.

Well, similarly, Karim Shahine of Total Football analysis notes that Paquetá thrives as a ‘right-sided half-space’ number ten, praising his ‘creativity’ and ‘tactical flexibility’.

Based on that, it would appear as though Vieira would be the ideal replacement for his fellow left footer, so let’s take a look at how the duo compared last season.

As the table outlines, in 300 fewer minutes, Vieira’s statistics were, almost across the board, more impressive than Paquetá’s, notably when it came to chances created, shooting and dribbling.

Of course, the caveat is that he was doing so at a lower level, with the Primeira Liga ranked by Global Football Rankings as the seventh-strongest league in the world.

Nevertheless, Vieira is certainly available this summer, no longer in Mikel Arteta’s plans, so the Gunners may well sanction another loan deal, making his signing a low-risk, high-upside move for West Ham.

West Ham now making final checks on £15m "star" GK who's open to the move

The Hammers are lining up a move for a new goalkeeper.

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 29, 2025

An “unbelievable” Liverpool star has now reached an agreement over a big money move to a new club.

Players who could leave Liverpool this summer

It has been a huge summer of change at Anfield, with new signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong adding a huge amount of quality to Arne Slot’s squad.

That said, the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and Jarell Quansah have left the club, and there could be more current Liverpool players who follow them out of the exit door before the new Premier League season gets underway.

Darwin Nunez appears to be the most likely next person to leave Liverpool in the coming days and weeks, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal the favourites to snap him up. There are also doubts surrounding the future of Kostas Tsmikas, while Tyler Morton is set to join Lyon.

Meanwhile, there is no guarantee that Harvey Elliott will still be a Reds player come the end of the summer transfer window, as he looks for more playing time at a new club.

"Unbelievable" Liverpool ace close to exit

Now, according to Rudy Galetti on X, Liverpool striker Nunez has reached an agreement to join Al-Hilal, and the Uruguayan has “given the green light” to the move for a “significant” amount of money. The deal is edging closer, but there is still the small matter of agreeing a fee, with talks between the clubs ongoing.

This feels like a good outcome for Liverpool, with the £140,000-a-week Nunez not at the level required to be a genuinely strong option for them moving forward. The 26-year-old has now been a Reds player for three years, but there have only been sporadic moments of quality, such as Ally McCoist hailing his assist for Elliott against Paris Saint-Germain last season.

“Unbelievable football from Darwin Nunez, because nine times out of ten he hits this. He doesn’t, he takes the right option. Watch Nunez, usually he pulls the trigger there, it looks a simple pass and it is but it’s there to hit first time, that’s the secret of it.”

If Liverpool can get a deal over the line for Alexander Isak, and have Ekitike as another great option, Nunez’s exit is unlikely to affect them much, with all due respect to a popular player Anfield.

His finishing is as unpredictable as it was when he joined Liverpool, and his link-up play can also flatter to deceive – he will depart as a likeable player who ultimately didn’t come close to living up to the hype.

After knocking Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup last month, Grimsby Town have pulled off another major upset to reach the fourth round for the first time in 24 years. The League Two club stunned Championship side Sheffield Wednesday as they clinched their third-round clash 1-0 courtesy of Jaze Kabia's 49th-minute goal.

• Grimsby edge out youthful Sheffield Wednesday

  Sheffield Wednesday heavily rotated their squad for the cup competition as they fielded eight academy players in their starting lineup. Around 6000 travelling Grimsby fans turned up at Hillsborough and were jubilant after the full-time whistle. They heavily outnumbered the home fans as the Owls supporters continued with their boycott plans in protest against owner Dejphon Chansiri.

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  Sheffield Wednesday's nightmare continues

  Sheffield Wednesday have got off to a nightmare start to their 2025-26 Championship campaign, collecting just one point from their opening five games. Their only win of the new season came against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup second round as they beat the Premier League outfit on penalties. 

• Palace also progress but Villa sent packing

  Elsewhere, Crystal Palace survived a scare to beat Millwall 4-2 on penalties, while Brentford also won a shootout to knock Aston Villa out of the tournament. In Villa's clash, Manchester United flop Jadon Sancho finally got to make his debut for the club as he featured in the starting lineup, alongside Harvey Elliott.

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  When will Grimsby play next?

  Grimsby will return to action this Saturday as they take on Barnet in a League Two clash away from home. They will learn their opponents in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup when the draw is made on Wednesday night.

Newcastle United have made a habit of spotting Premier League talent before it reaches its full peak, and they may be about to do it again.

Two years ago, they moved decisively for a 21-year-old winger who, while already a Premier League regular, had yet to hit his top level.

His arrival was met with scepticism, but now he is one of their most valuable assets and an England international.

That player was Anthony Gordon, signed from Everton for around £45m in January 2023.

The deal was framed as an investment in a player whose best football was ahead of him.

Newcastle’s patience has been rewarded.

Gordon’s pace, directness, and work rate have been crucial in Eddie Howe’s high-tempo system, and his trajectory has vindicated the club’s willingness to back promise over proven elite output.

Fast-forward to this summer, and the club appear poised to repeat the formula.

Another move is in the works for another young, attack-minded Premier League player. One who has endured an injury-disrupted couple of years but retains a reputation as a difference-maker when fit.

Newcastle set to sign a new midfield spark

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are set to complete the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with a full agreement for around £40m close.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Toon reporter Craig Hope revealed on Wednesday morning that Ramsey “wants to join” and there is confidence he will be a Newcastle player “before the weekend”.

The 24-year-old, described by journalist Charles Watts as “special,” looks set to bolster a midfield currently light on numbers.

Howe admitted to the Evening Chronicle that he was concerned about the depth in midfield after Sean Longstaff’s sale to Leeds United and Joe Willock’s injury in pre-season against the K-League XI.

“We want six – and now we are down to four,” he said.

The lack of cover has been so noticeable that Harrison Ashby, traditionally a right-back, was deployed in midfield during the Sela Cup match against Atlético Madrid.

Ramsey would offer a blend of forward thrust, ball-carrying, and defensive industry, making him a natural fit for Howe’s style.

The timing is intriguing too. Newcastle’s opening fixture of the new season is away at Villa Park, the ground where they suffered a bruising 4-1 defeat last season.

Shades of Gordon in the numbers

Injuries have undoubtedly slowed Ramsey’s progress.

He missed 36 games during the 2023/24 season through various setbacks, followed by ten more in 2024/25.

Still, when available, he has shown he can influence matches at the highest level.

His Premier League debut came as a 19-year-old in September 2020 in a 3-0 win over Fulham, and he netted his first league goal just over a year later against Arsenal.

The parallels between Gordon’s rise at Newcastle and Ramsey’s potential are clear, particularly when looking at each player’s best season at their respective clubs – Gordon’s 2023/24 at Newcastle and Ramsey’s 2022/23 at Villa.

According to FBref, Gordon leads in some attacking metrics, reflecting his role as a wide forward: he averaged 4.30 progressive carries per 90 compared to Ramsey’s 3.12, and produced 4.45 shot-creating actions per 90 to Ramsey’s 2.76.

His touches in the attacking third were also higher (22.8 per 90 to Ramsey’s 14.4), underlining his advanced positioning.

Yet Ramsey edges Gordon in other areas. He attempts slightly more progressive passes (3.35 to Gordon’s 3.15) and has a higher pass completion rate (81.9% to Gordon’s 76.1%).

His defensive contributions are also more prominent – 2.35 tackles and 1.64 blocks per 90, compared to Gordon’s 1.71 tackles and 0.84 blocks.

These figures point to a player who can both break up play and transition his team into attack efficiently.

There’s also the market reality. Gordon’s current value sits at £56m via Transfermarkt after his growth under Howe; Ramsey’s is £28m

Should Ramsey adapt quickly, Newcastle could again find themselves with a player whose price doubles within a couple of seasons.

Gordon himself has spoken recently about feeling “refreshed” and having “got [his] appetite back for football” – words that could just as easily be Ramsey’s in a year’s time if things go to plan.

Gordon thrived when placed into a high-intensity, attacking side with clear tactical demands. Ramsey could benefit from the same clarity after two injury-hit campaigns in the Midlands.

The first test of Ramsey’s potential impact could come almost immediately.

Facing his former club on the opening weekend, in front of a raucous Villa Park crowd, would be a trial by fire, but also an opportunity to show exactly why Newcastle have spent big to secure his signature.

Much like Gordon before him, Ramsey arrives with a mixture of promise and unanswered questions.

Can he stay fit? Can he adapt to a slightly different role? And can he take the leap from a talented Premier League player to one capable of shaping Newcastle’s biggest matches?

If history is any guide, Howe and Newcastle’s recruitment team will back themselves to get it right.

Shades of Ben Arfa: Newcastle to accelerate interest in £30m "genius"

As Newcastle seek to bolster their attacking options, could they sign a “genius” talent reminiscent of Geordie hero from yesteryear Hatem Ben Arfa?

By
Ben Gray

Aug 12, 2025

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson looks set to extend his stay in Germany after Bayern Munich reportedly reached an informal agreement with the Senegal international over a permanent deal. Jackson only joined on loan in the summer following Chelsea’s busy attacking rebuild, but strong early impressions have convinced the Bundesliga champions to plan beyond this season.

• Jackson's camp agree five-year deal with Bayern?

  Jackson completed a loan move to Bayern Munich on deadline day despite several complications due to Chelsea looking to cover Liam Delap's injury. The 24-year-old has made three appearances so far, including his first start in a 4-1 win over Hoffenheim. Reports from German outlet now suggest Bayern have already thrashed out the terms of a five-year contract with Jackson's camp.

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  Bayern are keen on signing Jackson

  While Jackson's loan deal contains a €65 million (£54m/$71m) purchase clause triggered by 40 starts with the Bavarians, Bayern officials are expected to renegotiate with Chelsea as per the report. Uli Hoeness previously dismissed the possibility of a permanent switch, but Der Rekordmeister's growing confidence in Jackson's development has shifted their stance. For Chelsea, this could present a chance to cash in on a player surplus to requirements.

• Bayern yet to approach Chelsea for Jackson move

  According to , Bayern have moved quickly to secure Jackson's personal commitment, preventing rival clubs from entering the race. But, although Chelsea are yet to be formally approached, the groundwork has already been laid for talks next summer. Jackson's current contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2033, meaning negotiations could hinge on Chelsea's valuation.

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  Jackson hoping to start against Werder Bremen

  Jackson will be hoping to retain his spot in Vincent Kompany's starting XI when Bayern face Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Saturday, September 27. Bayern, meanwhile, must balance squad rotation with long-term planning as they push on multiple fronts. Chelsea's response to Bayern's pursuit will likely define whether Jackson's stay in Munich becomes permanent.

Jose Mourinho claims that five of his Benfica players were suffering a “self-esteem crisis” ahead of a crunch clash with Porto, leading to the ‘Special One’ adopting a pragmatic mindset against his former employers. Mourinho makes no apologies for setting his side up to frustrate table-topping opposition, with an important point being taken from an uneventful goalless draw.

• Man-management skills: Special One put to the test

  That stalemate could prove crucial in the long run, with Benfica ensuring that they did not lose any ground on Porto – who are currently perched four points above them at the Liga summit. Mourinho has returned to familiar surroundings in a bid to restore domestic dominance at Estadio da Luz.

  His glittering coaching career started in Lisbon, before going on to make his name as a Champions League winner with Porto. Mourinho has mastered the art of grinding out results and delivering tangible success, with major honours having been won in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain. At 62 years of age, he still prides himself on being one of the best tactical brains in the business.

  Mourinho got what he was looking for from a trip to Estadio do Dragao, with all of his man-management skills required when it came to setting up a team that was ready to battle bravely against Porto. Benfica ultimately fared admirably in that task as they headed home with a clean sheet and share of the spoils.

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  Mourinho tactics: Benfica set up to frustrate rivals

  Mourinho told reporters of his approach: “I think Benfica has its characteristics. FC Porto has players with a lot of horsepower, with the ability to attack space. We don't have that type of player. We had to create danger and not let the game go. Right now, the team is suffering from low confidence. I found three, four, five players with a self-esteem crisis. It's one thing to need tactical concentration, another to need inspiration for something more. I told the players that on the bench I felt what they felt on the field: we want to win, but we can't lose.

  “When you're in a game with this kind of pressure on you, it's not easy to manage, think, and make decisions. FC Porto didn't have that pressure, and yet they didn't take any risks. They changed player by player and could only go from four to seven positive points, while we could go from four to seven negative points compared to FC Porto. This is a huge handicap from an emotional standpoint.

  “As a coach, I fulfilled – if I'm not mistaken, I fulfilled the official 1,200th game, and even a coach with 1,200 games is analysing and thinking that if you lose, you're going home with a seven-point gap. It was a limitation. We couldn't leave here with seven points. It's not the result we wanted, but it's a good situation. It's just a shame I won't see the players for 15 days.”

• Friend to foe: Porto fans now want Mourinho to fail

  Mourinho took in 127 games as Porto boss between January 2002 and June 2004, becoming a club legend in the process. He is now a direct rival for fans that once adored him and accepts that he has morphed from friend to foe in the eyes of those that now want him to fail – and will happily make him aware of that fact.

  He added on not receiving the warmest of receptions when returning to familiar surroundings: “History doesn't change, my gratitude to FC Porto doesn't change. I had a completely relaxed game, focused on my work, on helping my team. I'd already played here against Chelsea, so I can't say I had any special feelings. What the President [André Villas-Boas] said before the game is normal. How should I be received? As a Benfica coach. After the game, I ran into him in the hallway as friends, a hug, and life goes on.”

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  Another return to England: Next up for Mourinho

  With another international break being reached, as Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team turn their attention to 2026 World Cup qualifying duty, Benfica will not be in action again until facing Chaves in a cup clash on October 17. Mourinho, who has already returned to Chelsea this season, will then head back to England again for a Champions League meeting with Newcastle at St James’ Park.