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After a debut season that went surprisingly well under Erik ten Hag in 2022/23, last season was the total opposite for Manchester United.

The Dutch manager led his side to a disappointing eighth-placed finish, but with a mountain of injuries throughout the campaign and an FA Cup triumph to round it off, the club opted to give him another chance to prove he's the man for the job.

However, the club has to back him in the coming months to make it worthwhile.

While they have yet to make a permanent signing, there have been incredibly strong links to Bayern Munich's Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt in recent weeks. Now, another defensive ace has been touted for a move to Old Trafford, and he could be the perfect player to replace Luke Shaw.

Manchester United transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, United are keen on Fenerbahçe left-back Ferdi Kadioglu and have sent scouts to watch him play at the Euro 2024 for Turkey.

However, the Red Devils are set to have some competition if they want to sign the 24-year-old, as Key also revealed that Arsenal had scouts in attendance at the same games to watch the full-back play.

According to a separate story from Turkish publication Ajansspor last month, the Istanbul outfit value their exciting gem at €40m, which converts to around £34m.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but with Ten Hag reportedly keen to sort out the team's left-back position this summer, it looks like one UInited cannot miss out on, especially as he could be great alongside De Ligt as well.

Why Kadioglu would be a great signing and teammate for De Ligt

So, if Ten Hag can bring Kadioglu to Old Trafford this summer, his primary barrier to playing regular first-team football would be Shaw – when fit, of course – so how do the pair compare?

When it comes to pure output, the Turkish international scored three goals and provided five assists in 51 appearances last season, equating to a goal involvement on average every 6.37 games.

In comparison, in 2022/23, the last season in which he managed to play an entire campaign, the former Southampton prospect scored one goal and provided six assists in 47 appearances, which equates to a goal involvement every 6.71 games on average.

So, the "electric" Fenerbahçe star, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, just about comes out on top there, but an area in which he comfortably comes out on top is positional versatility.

In his career to date, the Arnhem-born dynamo has started 66 games at left-back, 56 in attacking midfield, 44 at right wing, 37 at right-back, 23 at left wing, 19 in left and right midfield, 15 in central midfield, and even one as a second striker and defensive midfielder.

In contrast, the Englishman has started 305 matches at left-back, 21 at centre-back and 14 in left midfield, so while he could argue he's more experienced in the role the two players will be fighting over, his overall usefulness to Ten Hag will be significantly less in comparison.

This ability to play all over the pitch could help the 24-year-old form a great partnership with De Ligt, as he might start one game to the left of him, the next to his right and the one after that ahead of him.

Moreover, the fact that he's that bit more effective going forward could see him make the most of the fact that FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, ranks the Dutchman in the top 4% of centre-backs for completed passes, the 10% for progressive passes and the top 15% for attempted passes.

Ultimately, Shaw is an undeniably talented left-back, but so is Kadioglu, and if the Englishman cannot be relied upon to stay fit, then bringing in the Turkish international to replace him makes sense, especially if he can also be used as a utility player across the pitch and form an understanding with De Ligt.

Man Utd line up move for "monster" Ugarte alternative

United are still hunting for the perfect Mainoo partner.

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By
Connor Holden

Jul 2, 2024

Fede Valverde's wife, Mina Bonino, slammed Carlo Ancelotti on social media during Real Madrid's loss to AC Milan, prompting a strong reply.

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• Valverde substituted in Milan defeat
• Bonino furious with Ancelotti
• Real Madrid coach explains decision

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bonino was upset after her husband was taken off at half-time in Real Madrid's 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League. In a season that is proving to be a tactical headache for Ancelotti, the Uruguayan midfielder started on the right of a four-man midfield, a decision that also irritated Bonino as she took to social media to vent her frustration.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ancelotti has a number of concerns after suffering back-to-back defeats. Kylian Mbappe is struggling as a No.9, Jude Bellingham isn't nearly as effective this season, and the defence has allowed nine goals in three games, causing the Italian to admit that he's "worried" about his side. The media and fans are already piling on and now Bonino has added to the list of critics.

• WHAT VALVERDE'S WIFE SAID

  Bonino wrote on X: “I have to close this (X) down, it’s better because I’ll be arrested."

  Someone suggested to Bonino that it might have been a tactical decision, to which she replied: "Brother, where Fede plays best is as a pivot. What are you talking about? Hahaha when will they f*cking understand for once and for all that Fede is not a winger?”

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• ANCELOTTI EXPLAINS VALVERDE SUBSTITUTION

  In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti said he decided to replace the Uruguay international as he was struggling with a back injury.

  “Opining on what people think on social media is very complicated," he said. "I removed him because he was not at 100%, he had a problem with his back. It seemed like he had recovered because yesterday he trained well, but it seemed to me that he was not in his best physical condition; that’s why I changed him."

  Bonino later deleted her post.

Cristiano Ronaldo set a timeline for retirement after scoring a brace in Portugal's 5-1 thrashing of Poland on Friday.

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• Ronaldo opened up on retirement
• Scored a brace against Poland
• Portugal clinched a 5-1 win

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ronaldo is still going strong at 39 as he scored a brace, including an incredible bicycle kick, in the Nations League on Friday as Portugal recorded a 5-1 win over Poland. This was Ronaldo's 132nd career win in international football as he went past Sergio Ramos' tally and is now the player with the most victories with the national team in men's football.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After the game, the Al-Nassr star, who turns 40 in February 2025, hinted that he is considering slowing down and could hang up his iconic boots in the next couple of years. However, the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star clearly stated that he won't go into football management in future.

• WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the superstar said, "I just want to enjoy. Plan for retirement… if it has to happen, in one or two years… I don't know. I'm turning 40 soon… I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don't feel motivated, I will retire. When I decide to leave the national team, I'll do it spontaneously but thoughtfully. There won't be any advance announcements. I don't see myself managing a team; that's not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

  Ronaldo will be next seen in action on Monday as the Selecao take on Croatia in their final Nations League group-stage match before heading back to Saudi Arabia where Al-Nassr face Al-Qadisiyah in a Saudi Pro League clash on November 22.

After failing to secure promotion from the Championship last season, Norwich City are poised to bring in a player with experience of getting out of England's second tier.

Norwich make first move of the summer

After losing out in the playoff semi-finals last season, Norwich wasted no time parting company with David Wagner and installing a new coach in the form of former Nordsjælland manager Johannes Hoff Thorup. With a new man in the dugout, the Canaries are now looking to refresh the playing squad.

The "outstanding" young Norwich star who could be Jonny Rowe 2.0

The Canaries youngster must be unleashed by Johannes Hoff Thorup next season.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 15, 2024

The first man through the door at Carrow Road was José Córdoba, who joined the East Anglian outfit from Levski Sofia. The Panamanian defender arrived for a rumored €3.65million (£3million) fee, making him Thorup's first signing as the Canaries' boss.

With their first deal of the summer complete, Norwich have started to look at other targets including Palmeiras youngster Vanderlan. Whilst this move has not progressed beyond an initial interest, it appears that the Canaries are now about to close in on a deal to sign a highly-rated young player set to leave his club this summer.

Canaries close in on deal for Doyle

As first reported by Football Insider's Wayne Veysey, Norwich are closing in on a deal to sign Callum Doyle after the defender was given the green light to leave Man City this summer. The outlet claims that the 20-year-old is valued by his parent club at around the £15 million mark.

This development is backed up by a report from BBC Sport which states that the deal in question is a one-year loan that will see Doyle spend the duration of next season at the East Anglian outfit, although it is not clear if there is an option or requirement to sign him for £15m next summer.

Despite spending his youth career with Man City, the defender is yet to make a senior appearance for the club, instead being shipped out on loan to various Championship clubs.

The last campaign saw Doyle play for Leicester City, featuring 23 times in all competitions as the Foxes returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Over the course of last season, Doyle stood out as a modern central defender who was comfortable on the ball and even able to fill in as a left back when required.

From the table above it is clear that Doyle is a defender who is just as comfortable starting attacks as he is stopping them. The 20-year-old's quality was noted by former England youth coach Ian Foster who described the player as "excellent".

Even if he is a Norwich City player for just one season, there is no doubt that Doyle will be a vital part of the Canaries' side next season as they look to go one better and achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola is already thinking about adding "more trophies" to the Manchester City cabinet after signing a fresh contract.

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• Guardiola extends his stay at Etihad
• Has signed a new two-year deal
• Geared up to win more trophies with City

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guardiola has reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester City by signing a new two-year contract, which will extend his tenure at the club to an impressive 11 seasons. The Spanish manager, who joined City in 2016, has overseen a period of unprecedented success, capturing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and a Champions League trophy. With the new deal in place, Guardiola has expressed his desire to keep building on this legacy and bring even more silverware to the Etihad Stadium.

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  WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  In an announcement video he said: "So honestly I think myself, my staff and friends, I think we deserve to be here. I am sorry to say. I am not arrogant to say, but it’s the truth. I think we deserve after four defeats in a row to bounce back and try to turn the situation. In that moment, in the period, I had the feeling you have to take the right decisions for the future and I want to take it. Since the beginning of the season I’ve been thinking a lot. I want to be honest, I thought this [season] should be the last one. But the problems we had in the last month, I felt now was not the right time to leave. I didn’t want to let the club down. I felt I could not leave now, simple as that. Don’t ask me the reason why. Maybe the four defeats was the reason why I felt I cannot leave. Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here – we have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While the announcement of the new contract brings optimism, Guardiola finds himself navigating one of the most challenging periods of his City career. For the first time under his leadership, the club have suffered four consecutive defeats, a streak the club hasn’t experienced since August 2006, during Stuart Pearce’s tenure.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GUARDIOLA?

  As the club looks to end its current losing streak, Guardiola’s renewed contract serves as a reminder of the management's enduring belief in the manager and his potential. He will next lead his troops against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Every four years, football’s Olympic gold is up for grabs as teams from around the world battle to become Olympic champions. But Great Britain’s history in the competition is limited, and certainly not befitting for the home of modern football.

Indeed, there will be no Team GB footballers – men or women – competing in Paris this summer. For the men, this is very much the norm, as Great Britain has not qualified for an Olympic Games on foreign soil since the Rome Olympics of 1960.

So why are Team GB footballers absent from the Games? There are reasons both sporting and political meaning there are no players of the national sport at the Olympics once again.

Team GB at London 2012: Where are they now?

Who were the 18 footballers to represent Great Britain’s men’s Olympic team at London 2012?

By
Stephan Georgiou

Jul 23, 2024

2012's Team GB was a one-off

London 2012 saw first GB teams to enter Olympics since 1972

The main reason Team GB has not featured at the Olympic Games is they simply choose not to enter a team. Representing Great Britain brings with it constitutional issues, as while other nations can call players up, merging the four countries that make up Great Britain has proved complex and divisive.

Of course, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland typically compete separately in FIFA competitions, so when Team GB fielded football teams at the London Olympics in 2012, it was the first time they had entered an Olympic competition since 1972, where they failed to qualify after losing 5-1 on aggregate to Bulgaria in a play-off qualifier.

At that time, the Olympic tournament was only open to non-professional players – even now, the men’s tournament is primarily for under-23 players (with three allowed exemptions). The FA stopped recognising amateur players in the 1970s, and bar 2012, a GB football team has not been entered since.

In contrast, the women’s tournament (which was only added to the roster in 1996) has no participating restrictions, meaning all the top players can be expected to feature, though 2012 was the first time a GB team was entered. Unlike in the men’s game, the women represented GB in Tokyo last time out, before failing to qualify earlier this year.

In 2012, the non-English nations had initially indicated they would not take part in a men’s GB team, mainly over concerns it would diminish their respective standings and threaten their futures as independent football nations under FIFA (which later allayed these concerns). In the end, a handful of Welsh players were selected, while Scottish and Welsh players have been included in the women’s team for the 2012 and 2020 Games.

As for 2024, the only team to enter the competition was the women’s team. Complexities inevitably arose with qualification, with GB’s fate resting with England.

The Lionesses needed to win their Nations League group to qualify for the finals, and were put in the interesting position of needing to overhaul Netherlands’ goal difference on the last matchday – while playing a Scotland team whose players would stand a chance of Olympic football if they lost by a big enough margin.

Despite a 6-0 win over the Scots – who had to vehemently deny accusations of going easy on England – two stoppage-time goals from the Netherlands against Belgium sent the Oranje to the final round, where they missed out on an Olympics spot to Germany.

In short, we can expect Team GB to go for Olympic glory at the LA Games in 2028, but the prospects of a men’s team making a return seem pretty thin on the ground.

For European nations, qualification for the men's tournament is decided through performance at the Under-21 European Championship. Having won the tournament last year, England would ordinarily have qualified for the Olympics, though without prior arrangement over how qualifying the Great Britain side would work, the other semi-finalists were granted the three European berths, with France qualifying automatically as hosts.

Therefore, despite all the controversy a GB team brings to the home nations, the matter essentially lies with the FA’s lack of desire to make arrangements with FIFA and enter a men’s team.

Football at the 2024 Olympic Games

Henry’s France and Emma Hayes’ US among favourites to win gold

Men’s football

16 teams will take part in the men’s tournament, featuring four groups of four teams. The top two sides in each group qualify for the quarter-finals. Each team has 18 players, three of whom are allowed to be aged over 23 (as of the beginning of 2024).

Argentina will be going for a record-equalling third Olympic gold, having won in 2004 and 2008. Spain were runners-up in 2021 after an extra-time defeat to Brazil, who won’t be defending their title – ensuring new gold medallists for the first time since 2012.

Hosts France – managed by Thierry Henry – last won gold in 1984 and had only qualified twice since then, reaching the quarter-finals in 1996 and exiting the group stage in Tokyo.

Fixtures:

Group stage – 24th-30th July

Quarter-finals – 2nd August

Semi-finals – 5th August

Bronze medal match – 8th August

Gold medal match – 9th August

Women’s football

With no age restrictions on playing squads, women’s football is considered a top-level tournament at the Olympics. 12 teams are competing in three groups of four, with the top two in each group and the two best third-placed teams making the quarter-finals.

France have been drawn with reigning champions Canada in the group stage, while Emma Hayes’ United States will face stern tests from Germany and Australia. Meanwhile, Group C features world champions Spain as well as heavyweights Japan and Brazil, all of whom will be searching for a first Olympic gold.

Fixtures:

Group stage – 25th-31st July

Quarter-finals – 3rd August

Semi-finals – 6th August

Bronze medal match – 9th August

Gold medal match – 10th August

Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini has sided with Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate over Lionel Messi.

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• Chillieni played alongside Ronaldo at Juventus
• Also played against the Portuguese on six occasions
• Picked the 39-year-old over Messi in the GOAT debate

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  During his tenure at Juventus, Chiellini was no stranger to the challenge of stopping Ronaldo. The two clashed six times during Ronaldo’s Real Madrid days, and the Portuguese ace scored in every encounter, netting an astonishing nine goals against Chiellini. The Italian veteran openly admitted the difficulty of facing a player with such precision and power, making Ronaldo’s eventual move to Juventus in 2018 a relief.

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  WHAT CHIELLINI SAID

  When faced with the eternal Messi versus Ronaldo question, Chiellini carefully navigated his response.

  "We cannot say for me, who is better, Messi or Cristiano," Chiellini said on The Overlap on Tour.

  "But if I have to pick one, for a final, Cristiano."

  Chiellini added: "I love to play with Cristiano. And I saw when the game is more difficult, he raises his level of performance."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  When Ronaldo joined Juventus for a record-breaking £105 million transfer in 2018, the dynamic between the two shifted dramatically. Over three years, they played 55 matches together, securing five titles, including consecutive Serie A championships. For Chiellini, sharing the pitch with Ronaldo provided a unique perspective on the Portuguese star’s unmatched work ethic and mental fortitude.

  "Well, Ronaldo, when you are losing, he had the balls, no matter what, to try to win," Chiellini said.

  "Shoot from everywhere in order to lead the team to win. And it is not easy to do for a lot of players. I loved to play with him because working with him and looking at him every day, with little details, is very nice. I was 35 and he was 34, and we weren't obviously in our prime. But it was very funny to play with him. And look how big is his personality."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Chiellini’s insights offer a glimpse into why Ronaldo is celebrated as one of the most clutch performers in football history. Now playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo continues to demonstrate his enduring brilliance. He is expected to return to Stefano Pioli’s starting lineup for Al-Nassr’s crucial clash against league leaders Al-Ittihad on Friday, December 6.

Sunderland supporters might well be happier currently with the players they've managed to keep around the building this summer, as opposed to any new additions to have walked through the door.

The likes of Trai Hume, Jack Clarke, Pierre Ekwah and Jobe Bellingham are all still fixed in their Wearside location – despite rampant transfer speculation suggesting they could pack their bags very soon for pastures new – and Black Cats fans will be looking forward to seeing them play again this coming weekend when Championship football kicks off once more.

The number of incomings could, however, be potentially underwhelming for the Stadium of Light masses at this moment in time, with the four summer signings sealed to date all free transfers.

Alexandre Mendy was meant to be a statement capture of sorts, but his deal to join from SM Caen remains up in the air, with another striker target now eyed up in his place.

Sunderland attempting deal for "great" attacker

As per football journalist Alex Miller last week, Sunderland now have the upper hand in the race to sign ex-Cardiff City man Ike Ugbo this summer, ahead of his former loan employers Sheffield Wednesday.

A £2.5m deal is on the table for Ugbo to return to Hillsborough, as per Miller, but payment structure details haven't yet been ironed out, which could lead to Sunderland swooping in at the last minute to hijack the switch.

Ugbo would no doubt see a move to the Black Cats as one that could further enhance his reputation as a potent striker at Championship level, having bagged seven Wednesday strikes last campaign, with his brief time in Wales also resulting in Cardiff boss Erol Bulut describing the Canada international as "great."

What Ugbo could offer Sunderland

The former Chelsea youth player would also link back up with ex-Owls teammate Ian Poveda if a move to Wearside gets off the ground, with the pair potentially striking up a sumptuous partnership if everything clicks into place.

As well as firing in strikes on a consistent basis for Danny Rohl's men to help in their quest to beat the drop, Ugbo also powered home four goals from 22 games for the Bluebirds, including a dramatic, last-gasp winner against Preston North End.

Sunderland would very much welcome a striker who knows how to find the back of the net up against the tough demands of the Championship, therefore, having found a potent forward hard to come by last season, with the likes of Nazariy Rusyn only celebrating two league goals all last campaign amongst other misfiring faces.

The above table makes for grim reading for the woeful Sunderland attackers who struggled last campaign, mustering up a pitiful three goals between them, compared to Ugbo's impressive 11.

The current Troyes man could become even more of a reliable finisher of chances at the Stadium of Light lining up next to a familiar comrade in Poveda, who showed flashes of his excellence on loan at the Owls last season, even if he managed just one assist from ten outings.

That one assist would, however, tee up Ugbo for a goal against Birmingham City, with the ex-Leeds United maverick amassing eight goal contributions in total across his topsy-turvy professional career to date in the second tier, having once played for Manchester City at youth level.

Poveda might well make that right wing spot his own next season for the Black Cats, with Patrick Roberts in need of revitalising his own fading career from down this flank, as Regis Le Bris tries to put together a side that can rise up the division and not settle for another lacklustre lower half finish.

Sunderland have struck gold on gem who's worth even more than Mendy

Sunderland will hope this gem can perform well next season on the way to a more positive finish in the Championship.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 4, 2024

The two clubs are set to meet in MLS Cup for the first time, continuing an east-west rivalry that has been brewing since the early days of the league

LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls have been here before.

But not in the way you might expect.

Back in 2011, MLS's playoff system was a confusing thing, a wildcard set up leading to all sorts of geographical confusion for one off games. And that is how New York – yes, New York – ended up hosting a [italics for emphasis]Conference playoff leg between the Red Bulls and Galaxy. It was proper knockout football. The Galaxy won 1-0, and after full time, Red Bulls midfielder and Mexican legend Rafa Marquez threw the ball at Landon Donovan. an innocent toss became a mass brawl, and two red cards were swiftly flashed. The Galaxy won the return leg with relative ease, and would go on to lift MLS Cup.

And the two sides haven't met in MLS playoffs since then. It's unfortunate, really, the two biggest sports markets in America, in nearly 30 years of MLS's existence, haven't met for a trophy. On Sunday, though, that will all change, a rivalry in the broader landscape of American sports rekindled with a trophy on the line.

"The New York-LA rivalry is always there, and we just haven't had those big moments that have driven this rivalry," current LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said.

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  The early days

  MLS, remember, was a small league at first. There were only 10 founding clubs. Markets were targeted appropriately, with Los Angeles and New York both making the original cut (although the Red Bulls were dubbed the far cooler "MetroStars" before being rebranded by the soft drink conglomerate.)

  "In the original days it was the MetroStars, with the anticipation of being a big franchise with some big names, and the Galaxy similarly," Vanney said.

  At first, this rivalry was an LA thing. Although D.C. United won the first MLS Cup, the Galaxy made three of the first six finals (and lost in the final every time). The MetroStars, meanwhile, toiled. And in the clash between the two sides, LA had the upper hand. The Galaxy won 10 of the first 15 matchups, including five straight from March 1998-April 2000.

  The playoffs were equally unkind to the New York side. Despite battering the Galaxy, 4-1, in the second of a best-of-three series in the 2001 postseason, they went on to lose in the third leg thanks to a Mauricio Cienfuegos Golden Goal.

  Over the following years, the two sides went back and forth. A 5-0 New York home win in 2002 suggested that there could be room for revenge. But the Galaxy delivered when it matters, winning MLS Cup in 2002 and 2005. Still, regular season matchups favored New York, with the Galaxy winning just two of 12 from 2002-2007.

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  Galaxy go global

  The first two games between the teams drew impressive crowds – but those were buoyant off the excitement of a new league. But after that, peer over the attendance numbers of the next 26 iterations of the contest, and the highest mark tallies a tepid 22,274. A playoff game only brought in 12,000. These games, remember, were played in NFL Stadiums. There were a lot of empty seats under the searing summer sun. And then, the Galaxy changed everything.

  Flash forward to 2007 and a remarkable 66,237 showed up for a midseason slog contest, with league leading, rebranded Red Bulls hosting the Galaxy at Giants Stadium on Aug. 18, 2007. The occasion? David Beckham's first MLS start. Time has forgotten, largely, that it was perhaps one of the more gripping games in MLS regular season history. The Red Bulls won it 5-4, a young Jozy Altidore bagging a brace. Beckham, for his part, assisted twice. And so this fixture proved to be the first forum for the new-found global relevance of MLS.

  The Galaxy were at the forefront of it all. Beckham may have been the major addition, but they also had Landon Donovan, the most recognizable face in the USMNT setup. Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Giovani Dos Santos and Zlatan Ibrahimovic would all follow. The formula brought about immense success in the early 2010s, LA winning three MLS Cups in four years from 2011-2014.

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  The Red Bulls get money

  The Galaxy may have changed things for good, and kicked off a new era of the league. But the Red Bulls also emerged, thanks to a takeover in 2006 which rebranded the team from the MetroStars. It started with a massive injection of cash from the soft drink conglomerate. After all, who wouldn't want to play in New York?

  The changes were swift, the franchise eager to return to its glory days. The first to arrive was Juan Pablo Angel. The Colombian striker was solid for seven years for Aston Villa, but saw his tenure tail off over the course of the 2006-07 campaign. At 32, he still had enough in his legs to make an impact at the top level. And he did just that, bagging 20 goals for the Red Bulls in their inaugural season under new ownership. They finished third in the Eastern Conference. The year after, they made MLS Cup.

  And of course, the big stars would soon arrive. Thierry Henry was the headliner, but Rafa Marquez, Tim Cahill and Juninho all added some real credibility here. What started was a 15-year MLS playoff streak – the longest such run in league history. The Red Bulls arrival was a sign of intent from the soft drink maker, who would soon expand the Red Bull sporting network – which now includes five teams on three continents.

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  Two styles meet

  But perhaps a more consistent theme here – across eras, geographical differences and star power – is the two contrasting styles of play. The Galaxy have shifted numerous times over the past 10 years, as coaches have come and gone. The Red Bulls, though, have found an identity and stuck to it – and now it might pay dividends.

  "I would say that we played the whole regular season in a very good spot, and that we played with very good quality, that we showed our principles as well… So and now, when you start the playoffs, then the first game came against Columbus, and then you get the result, it meant something to the team to get the confidence, and have that self confidence," Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz said.

  This was all brought about by Jesse Marsch, who took over the club in 2015. The former USMNT manager was a graduate of the German school of gegenpressing, having learned under Ralf Rangnick and implemented a real intensity to the side. It's something that the Galaxy are weary of, even today.

  "The vision that they have and the version of the Red Bulls, which is a really aggressive and dynamic way of doing things," Vanney said. "And having faced them many times in Toronto, you know, they're a team that is very disruptive, and they work hard, they sprint hard, they compete, and they get in your face."

  The network has also facilitated transfers around the world. Marsch, who remodeled the club, earned a move to RB Salzburg, a rare move for Americans, and he would eventually be promoted to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga as manager. New York stars such as Tyler Adams and Caden Clark followed. The big names have somewhat dried up in the past decade, though the team appears to be bringing back some of its old approach with the arrival of Forsberg – the Bundesliga's assist leader in 2017.

Carlos Corberan has plenty of promotion near misses on his managerial resume to date in the Championship, having guided both Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion into the play-offs, with the Terriers even getting to Wembley under his reign only for Nottingham Forest to spoil their potential promotion winning party.

The popular Spaniard will hope he can successfully steer the Baggies to promotion this time around, albeit he will have to try and pull off this almighty feat without Brandon Thomas-Asante up top.

Thomas-Asante was seemingly on his way to Hull City, but has since sealed a move to Coventry City following a late hijack, raking in a reported fee of around £2m-£3m.

This will be a blow, but not one that will completely derail the Baggies going forward, knowing that they have plenty of firepower in attack away from the former Salford City man, with the likes of Jed Wallace staying put.

Jed Wallace's time at West Brom

Wallace has been a consistent presence in and around the first team ever since he joined the building back in 2022, only missing four regular Championship games in the process.

The former Millwall man relocating to the Hawthorns will be seen as a masterstroke from the powers that be at the West Midlands club, therefore, with the experienced attacker also joining the club as a free agent, before going on to be a reliable creative force and goalscorer.

Last campaign, the “unbelievable” Baggies captain – as he was once described by ex-Sheffield United defender Jack O’Connell – would pick up six goals and five assists as Corberan’s side eyed an opportunity to break back into the Premier League, with the West Brom boss playing him all over the attacking ranks dependent on the clash ahead.

Wallace would line up in six different positions in the forward ranks come the end of the league schedule, with the ex-Millwall attacker even drafted in to play in Thomas-Asante’s lone striker spot on occasion, with six of his goal contributions for the season coming about when playing as this makeshift centre-forward.

Therefore, if the Championship promotion hopefuls do end up losing Thomas-Asante shortly, they could rely on their versatile 30-year-old to lead the line and do a competent job.

Moreover, Wallace is more valuable to Corberan and Co when you consider his transfer value up against the departing star’s own increased price tag, with the seasoned EFL figure the most valuable asset in the Baggies camp currently, according to Football Transfers.

Wallace's transfer value in 2024

According to the site, the adaptable 5 foot 10 forward is worth in the region of £3.9m, with his value steadily rising and rising ever since entering the building for nothing only two years ago.

That makes him the most worthwhile asset to Corberan at this moment in time, with Thomas-Asante leaving for £3m also seen as West Brom advancing another player’s career, but this time smartly cashing in, with the 25-year-old once worth just £300k when signed from League Two.

Glancing at their respective numbers from the 2023/24 campaign, West Brom will also believe they can attract a more clinical finisher to the club over Thomas-Asante, especially with this added injection of £3m in the bank, with the ex-Salford man underperforming when it comes to his xG and missing a whole host of big chances at a hefty 18.

Whoever does become West Brom’s next leading man in attack will know he will have chances galore put on a plate for him with Wallace next to him, as the Baggies aim to win promotion this season to come, and not just settle for being nearly men again.

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