When Andrea Cambiaso received his first Italy call-up in 2023, it was a moment that stunned even the most optimistic football betting sites. Just a few years ago, he was playing in Italy’s fourth tier, and now he’s a vital part of Juventus’ starting XI and a regular pick in today’s soccer predictions.
With his name regularly appearing in football tips for today and soccer picks today, Cambiaso has quickly become a favorite among fans looking for top football tips and sure football prediction picks. His versatility makes him a key player not only for Juventus but also for those exploring football prediction sites and seeking free football betting tips.
Cambiaso’s likely summer transfer is expected to impact both team dynamics and football betting odds, especially if he joins a Premier League side like Manchester City. If you’re searching for today’s football prediction tips, soccer best bets today, or free soccer predictions for today, this transfer saga could be a key storyline to watch. It’s no surprise that football tips tonight and tomorrow football prediction blogs are buzzing with speculation.
For fans and punters alike, understanding how Cambiaso’s playing style fits into various tactical systems could be the edge needed in betting tips football and free soccer betting tips. His performances are already influencing football matches correctly bet, and those following sure soccer picks know just how valuable that insight can be.
Vinicius Jr Rejects New Real Madrid Contract Amid Saudi Arabia Interest
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has reportedly turned down a new contract offer from the club, amid increasing interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. Despite having a deal that runs until 2027 with a staggering €1 billion (£830 million) release clause, Madrid are keen to secure his long-term future.
Key Player for Real Madrid’s Treble Win
Vinicius Jr was instrumental in Real Madrid’s incredible 2023/24 season, where they clinched the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga title, and the Spanish Super Cup. Across all competitions, the 24-year-old Brazilian made 37 goal contributions in 40 matches, further cementing his reputation as one of the best wingers in world football.
He was awarded The Best FIFA Men’s Player for his outstanding season, although he finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Manchester City’s Rodri.
Contract Talks Stall
According to The Athletic, talks between Real Madrid and Vinicius’ camp regarding a contract extension have stalled. The player’s representatives believe he deserves a salary increase that reflects his status as one of the world’s top footballers.
While Madrid have expressed their intent to keep Vinicius at the Santiago Bernabéu, their initial offer has been rebuffed. The forward is reportedly being courted by Saudi Arabian clubs, who had early discussions about a possible move during the 2024 summer transfer window.
Despite the transfer rumors, Vinicius Jr has consistently expressed his desire to remain with the club. After helping Madrid defeat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final in October 2024, he told the media:
“I’m still only 24. I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as possible to this team, which has given me everything since I arrived.”
He echoed those sentiments again last month after netting his 100th goal for the club in a 5-1 thrashing of RB Salzburg:
“It’s very important for me to reach 100 goals and be a part of this club’s history,” he told Real Madrid TV.
What’s Next for Vinicius?
With interest from the Saudi Pro League heating up and Madrid eager to keep their star man, fans will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds. Will Vinicius Jr continue to make history with Los Blancos, or could a blockbuster move to the Middle East be on the cards?
Vinicius Jr has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia/Angel Martinez/Getty Images
“At 24 years old, and after seven seasons, to be making history is something very important for me and my entire family. Let’s hope I can carry on here for many more years.”
Vinicius Jr is one of just 23 players to have reached the landmark for Madrid and now sits just two goals behind legendary striker Ronaldo’s tally. “Only 23 players have scored 100 goals and among them is one of my idols, Ronaldo Nazario, who has always given me a lot of advice on how to improve in front of goal, how to shoot better,” he continued.
“Cristiano [Ronaldo] too. They’re players who I’ve seen, and who have defined an era at this club. Let’s hope I can follow in their footsteps. Cristiano scored 451 goals for Real Madrid. More goals than games! And I’ve seen almost all of them. He’s an icon, who’s been with me since I was a boy. Being one of those who has reached the benchmark of 100 [goals] is a huge source of pride.”
Tottenham are aiming to avoid two domestic cup exits in the space of four days when they face Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday evening.
Expectations were relatively low for the Lilywhites as Ange Postecoglou took his battered and bruised squad to Anfield on Thursday night with a 1-0 lead to cling onto. They sought to retain their advantage via some sound penalty-box defending early on, but quickly collapsed after Cody Gakpo restored parity in the tie. They failed to lay a glove on Liverpool in an eventual 4-0 defeat; exiting the Carabao Cup with a whimper.
Given the role cup competitions have played in ensuring supporters just about stayed onside with the manager, Sunday is a huge game for Postecoglou.
Villa overcame Premier League opposition in the form of West Ham to advance into the fourth round, and they enjoyed a rare midweek of respite after losing at Wolves last weekend.
Unai Emery’s side have endured an indifferent domestic season but were one of the busiest operators in the January transfer window and are aiming to set up a productive end to the campaign.
Aston Villa team news
Marcus Rashford is in contention to make his Aston Villa debut / Carl Recine/GettyImages
Emery has several new toys at his disposal and it’ll be interesting to see how many he crams into Sunday’s starting XI. While he can no longer call upon Jhon Duran, he does have Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio as options to fill the void left by Ollie Watkins, who is out injured.
Donyell Malen is another January addition to consider.
Villa’s defensive absences – Emery is currently without Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres – have been hampered further by Axel Disasi ineligibility after appearing in the FA Cup for Chelsea earlier this season. Ross Barkley is also sidelined.
Tottenham team news
Mathys Tel on his Tottenham bow / Carl Recine/GettyImages
Richarlison is poised for another spell on the sidelines after he picked up a calf injury at Anfield on Thursday night. Deadline Day arrival Mathys Tel replaced him on the night and the young Frenchman should make his first start for the club on Sunday with Dominic Solanke likely to be absent again.
While Postecoglou was hopeful that several of his currently injured stars would be available in the coming weeks, no injured stars are expected to be back for this fixture.
Cristian Romero’s recovery is progressing at a snail’s pace, and Spurs fans will have to wait a little while longer to see Micky van de Ven back in action. Radu Dragusin is a long-term absentee.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham score prediction
Two of Tottenham’s finest performances and results under Postecoglou have arrived against the Villans, but they have their work cut out if they’re to repeat such brilliance on Sunday.
You’ve got to expect the Lilywhites to be flat after Thursday’s pounding, with their main man this season, Dejan Kulusevski, running on fumes. Their midfield is struggling and Solanke is sidelined, it’s no wonder Spurs are finding it mightily tough to merely get up the pitch. Villa’s compact mid-block will likely cause them a few issues.
Ange should turn to youth in a bid to galvanise his squad, while Villa will hope their new arrivals hit the ground running on home soil. There should be goals in this FA Cup tie, with the hosts’ week off handing them the advantage against a beleaguered Spurs outfit.
The history books will say Leyton Orient led their thrilling FA Cup fourth-round tie with Premier League champions Manchester City for 40 minutes because of a Stefan Ortega own goal.
Forget that.
To anyone lucky enough to be there to witness it – a tie Man City recovered to win 2-1 – Leyton Orient scored thanks to a wonder strike from Jamie Donley.
It was the Tottenham loanee who seized on the loose ball after City midfielder Nico Gonzalez had the ball taken off him just inside the visitors’ half. It was Donley who spotted Ortega off his line and executed a quite brilliant 50-yard chip that sailed over the City goalkeeper.
Yes, the ball struck the bar and only crossed the line because it hit Ortega as the German failed to regain his balance after trying to make the initial save. It was Donley’s goal.
“It is a shame it has gone down as an own goal,” said Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens. “It is not deserved and I am sure Ortega doesn’t want it. It is one thing seeing it, it is another executing.”
Despite the result, the goal belongs in FA Cup folklore.
A series of experienced former top-level professionals certainly spoke about the effort as if Donley has scored it.
“It’s an absolutely remarkable goal,” said ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown on Match of the Day. “It’s the strike of a lifetime. To even think about shooting from there – wow.”
“What a spot,” enthused Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live. “What a story. It’s absolutely sensational.
“It will go down as an own goal but it is one of the greatest FA Cup goals.”
But what did it feel like to actually do it?
“I know I hit the goal well,” said Donley. “I knew it fell for me nicely.
“I saw him off his line and luckily it went in. It would have been a lot nicer if we won but it was a good moment.”
Donley had previously scored five goals this season. In status or artistic impression, none can compare to this one.
Even City boss Pep Guardiola, while seething at what he believed was a clear foul on his £50m debutant Gonzalez – whose status as the replacement for injured Ballon d’Or winner Rodri makes him such a key figure, and who, as a result of the perceived infringement, now has his participation in Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first-leg in doubt, was full of admiration.
“What a goal,” he said. “What a fantastic shot – the quality, the technique, the speed, the flight of the ball.
“When you concede this goal, you just congratulate Donley. He’s an incredible left-footed player and he made a fantastic goal.”
‘Spurs have loaned us one of their best young players’
A youth international for both England and Northern Ireland, this tie was not the first time Donley had faced City.
The 20-year-old made his senior Tottenham debut at Etihad Stadium in December 2024, coming on as a last-minute substitute just before Dejan Kulusevski scored in a memorable 3-3 draw.
That was one of four substitute appearances totalling 10 minutes for the Antrim-born midfielder.
Tottenham felt he needed to go away to continue his development.
On the evidence of his performance against City, it was not just his Ronnie Radford-esque strike but his all-round industrious performance that made Donley stand out.
It was easy to suggest to Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens the goal might have wrecked any chance of luring him back to Brisbane Road next season.
However, as Wellens made clear, that would require his side to secure promotion from League One, where they currently sit ninth.
“Spurs have loaned us one of their best young players,” he said.
“We think we have developed him really well over the last six months. If he carries on with same attitude, intensity and work ethic, he might be playing against them [City] week in week out.
“Unless we are in the Championship there is no way we get him back next year. That is the nature of my job and the club we are at. We have to take first loans. If we wait until they have had a loan, they bypass us.
“The plan with Jamie was one of two things, he comes to us, develops and turns into a man, then he either goes back to Tottenham and gets into their first team or he goes to the Championship. There is a clear development plan for him and, going forward, the Championship is the minimum for him.”
Pep laughs off ‘sacked in the morning’ jibes
Guardiola seemed to enjoy his day in east London.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has not lost to a lower-league team since City were beaten by Wigan at the DW Stadium in 2018.
Yet he spoke enthusiastically afterwards about difficult FA Cup days in the past he had encountered at places like Newport and Cheltenham.
The City boss was even able to make light of the taunting he received from the home fans as his side tried to come to terms with being a goal behind.
“The atmosphere was fantastic,” he said. “Even when they say ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’.
“It’s routine in all the stadiums right now. With this result, I think my chairman is not going to sack me but it [the atmosphere] was really good.
Chelsea make the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday evening as they aim to pile more misery on the Seagulls.
Having been beaten on home soil by Everton previously, Brighton were stunned last weekend as they lost 7-0 against high-flying Nottingham Forest. Fabian Hurzeler’s side proved no match for Chris Wood and Anthony Elanga, who condemned them to a humiliating defeat.
Chelsea will be looking to take advantage of any nervousness or deflation on the south coast this weekend having returned to winning ways on Monday evening. The Blues beat London foes West Ham United 2-1 courtesy of Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s unfortunate own goal.
Brighton team news
Carlos Baleba is among a host of absentees / Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImages
Brighton have a mountain of injuries at present and are guaranteed to be without Mats Wieffer, James Milner, Jason Steele, Ferdi Kadioglu, Solly March and Igor against Chelsea.
The trio of Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari and Pervis Estupinan are all major doubts for the weekend, although Hurzeler suggested that two of the three could be involved without revealing any further details.
Winter recruit Eiran Cashin is available and is not cup-tied as he didn’t represent Derby County in the competition this season. He could make his debut in some capacity.
Chelsea team news
Nicolas Jackson could miss out this weekend / Visionhaus/GettyImages
Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are both doubtful to feature at the weekend after sustaining injuries in the victory over West Ham. They could join Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and David Datro Fofana – who the Blues recalled early from his loan at Goztepe – on the sidelines.
Chelsea were busy on deadline day and allowed four players to leave the club on temporary loan deals. Joao Felix, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi all departed, several of whom might have started against Brighton.
Enzo Maresca could make changes for the FA Cup but is likely to field a strong side given Chelsea don’t play again until they meet Brighton once more at the Amex Stadium next Friday in the Premier League.
Brighton vs Chelsea score prediction
There were six goals in the duel between the teams at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, with Cole Palmer scoring four during the first half in a dazzling display on that day. Similar excitement could arise on the south coast this time around, with both teams scoring in seven of the last eight meetings.
Brighton’s injuries certainly leave them in an awkward position ahead of Chelsea’s visit but they still have an abundance of attacking quality, with the likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Joao Pedro and Yankuba Minteh all likely to cause the Blues’ shaky defence issues.
However, Chelsea’s immense squad depth and growing confidence should help them secure a hard-fought triumph, even if they need extra-time to reach the fifth round.
The biggest fixture in the European calendar this weekend takes place in the Spanish capital as Real and Atletico Madrid do battle in a pivotal clash in the context of the La Liga title race.
Diego Simeone’s ever-evolving Atleti took command of the division before they were stunned at Leganes last month, but they recovered swiftly and rediscovered their imperious groove ahead of the derby.
The visitors boast La Liga’s meanest defence but are also mightily exciting going forward. They’ve scored 11 times in their most recent three outings and are hunting their first win at the Bernabeu since 2016. Victory for Atleti would see them leapfrog their Madrid rivals at the summit and blow the race wide open.
Real’s advantage at the top is a mere point after they were beaten by Espanyol last weekend. Far more questions surround Carlo Ancelotti’s side than Simeone’s heading into the derby, and the league leaders were hardly convincing in midweek as they edged past Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. Atletico put Getafe to the sword the night before to also advance into the semi-finals.
While Saturday’s bout won’t decide the La Liga title, it will have a huge bearing on the dynamic at the division’s summit.
Real Madrid team news
Madrid are without their three senior defenders on Saturday night / GettyImages
Madrid have availability issues in defence and Ancelotti may have to wheel out a back four he never would’ve considered using for a fixture of this magnitude. With Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Eder Militao all out, Aurelien Tchouameni is likely to partner Raul Asencio at centre-back.
Lucas Vazquez will continue to fill in for Dani Carvajal down the right, while Ancelotti will choose between Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia on the opposite flank.
The Italian could opt for extra beef in the middle of the park in a bid to supply balance against an Atleti team that counter-attacks superbly. Jude Bellingham may have to perform a more restricted role and operate closer to the midfield pivot.
Eduardo Camavinga should be back in action.
Atletico Madrid team news
Robin Le Normand is suspended for the derby /GettyImages
The visitors are in much better shape on the injury front, although summer arrival Robin Le Normand is suspended for the derby. Clement Lenglet featured heavily while Le Normand was out with a significant head injury, and the Frenchman is expected to deputise this weekend.
Thomas Lemar and Rodrigo Riquelme are Atleti’s only other expected absentees.
Englishman Conor Gallagher has enjoyed a run in the team and should start on Saturday, while Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann are blossoming into a majestic double-team up top.
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid score prediction
It’s been a while since Simeone oversaw a victory on this ground, but Atletico are primed to prevail this weekend.
Madrid’s talent cannot be denied, and they will be in this title race until the last. However, good teams are finding ways of ruthlessly exposing their distinct flaws, and Atletico are built to thrive against sides of Madrid’s imbalance.
The league’s best defence could keep a star-studded frontline at bay just enough to facilitate a dominant performance from the visitors in transition against an injury-hit backline without a sound enough structure ahead of them.
Everton are aiming to continue their resurgence in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday afternoon when they host in-form Bournemouth.
The Toffees have been in fine form since the return of David Moyes to the dugout and have now won their last three Premier League matches. Victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City have seen them move nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Bournemouth have been in similarly impressive form of late and tasted their first defeat since November during last weekend’s 2-0 home loss to league leaders Liverpool. Despite a stream of injuries, the Cherries have managed to maintain their lofty standards under January’s Manager of the Month Andoni Iraola.
Everton have lost both their meetings with Bournemouth this season and will be seeking revenge for their Goodison Park humiliation back in August. Having been two goals to the good, the Merseysiders proceeded to concede three in the 87th minute and beyond as they suffered a devastating comeback defeat.
Everton team news
Beto will lead the line in place of the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin /GettyImages
Everton are without a host of first-teamers for the visit of Bournemouth, including leading number nine Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Beto replaced the England international last weekend and scored twice against Leicester.
Striker Armando Broja is also sidelined in the forward line alongside Dwight McNeil and Youssef Chermiti, while Seamus Coleman is a doubt in defence and Orel Mangala is out for the season with an ACL tear.
January signing Carlos Alcaraz could make his debut after joining on loan from Flamengo.
Bournemouth team news
Andoni Iraola has had rotten luck with injuries /GettyImages
Bournemouth didn’t make many additions to their squad in January and prioritised signing young talent despite their extensive injury list.
They are still without the injured right-back trio of Adam Smith, Julian Araujo and James Hill, while fellow defender Marcos Senesi is missing, too. Alex Scott is the only absentee in the engine room.
The attacking duo of Evanilson and Enes Unal are both in the treatment room for the long-term and Dango Ouattara will lead the line again on Saturday. Luis Sinisterra is also a major doubt despite edging closer to a return.
Everton vs Bournemouth score prediction
Everton and Bournemouth both enter this game in impressive form and it could well be a coin toss between the sides as they vie for a fifth round berth. The pair should play first-choice teams, although the Toffees may have one eye on the upcoming Merseyside derby next Wednesday.
Bournemouth have won their last three battles with Everton and seven of the last nine meetings, with Iraola’s men boasting the superior attacking talent that could decide such a tight fixture.
Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy took aim at the FA Cup officials after his side were beaten by a controversial stoppage-time winner from Manchester United’s Harry Maguire on Friday night.
Man Utd earned a dramatic 2-1 win over Leicester City on Friday
Harry Maguire’s late winner was offside but allowed to stand
Ruud van Nistelrooy took a swipe at the history of his former employers
Van Nistelrooy’s United counterpart Ruben Amorim could do little more than agree with the furious Dutchman.
The Foxes took a first-half lead in their fourth-round tie at Old Trafford. Joshua Zirkzee equalised after the break and the score was level at 1-1 as the game ticked into the third and final minute of added time. Maguire thumped Bruno Fernandes’ swerving free kick into the bottom corner to snatch a late – and not entirely deserved – victory for the hosts, but replays showed that the centre-back had strayed offside.
As VAR will not be introduced into the world’s oldest cup competition until the fifth round, the incorrect on-field decision stood – much to the fury of Van Nistelrooy.
“We were not defeated in Fergie time,” the former United striker huffed to ITV Sport, referring to the last few minutes of a match which produced so many late winners under Sir Alex Ferguson. “We were defeated in ‘offside time’. This wasn’t necessary.
“VAR you have for [an offside that is] a couple of centimetres, inches. This was half a metre, clear and in line. It’s a hard one to take because the team deserved the draw.
“With extra time, if you stay in the game, you never know what happens. It was a really good team performance. We started really well, pressing United, on the ball very stable. We deserved to go 1-0 up at half-time.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was enraged by the refereeing decision on Friday night /GettyImages
“Of course, we knew that there would be some pressure on us in the second half and some chances, but not even that much. So we deserved to go into extra time and go into the battle for extra time and maybe penalties. So decisions like this, at our level, are hard to swallow.”
Unprompted by the BBC interviewer in his own post-match media duties, Amorim admitted: “The goal was offside. We should have VAR. VAR should be here to overturn the decision. This is hard on the opponent, this is hard on Ruud.”
United failed to attempt a single shot on target in a toothless first half. The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho during the interval sparked some form of fightback but Amorim conceded that his side was “poor” and “need to improve”.
The ex-PSG star has a huge decision to make on his future, with Al-Hilal set to let the injury-ravaged forward leave the club this summer
“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it,” Neymar said in an interview with CNNearlier this month. Brazil have certainly missed the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star in their latest CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, slipping to fifth in the standings, seven points behind arch-rivals Argentina.
Neymar played in Brazil’s first four games, recording five goal contributions, but tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee during a shock 2-0 defeat against Uruguay on October 17, 2023, and was stretchered off the pitch in floods of tears. He hasn’t featured in the iconic yellow for his country since.
Al-Hilal finally welcomed Neymar back to the pitch in October last year, but his return lasted for just 42 minutes across two games, as he was left with a tear in his hamstring after overstretching for the ball. Neymar is now nearing the end of his recovery from that particular blow, but according to The Athletic, there is practically zero chance that he will be offered a contract extension by the Saudi Pro League champions, who have seen no return on their initial €90 million (£77m/$98m) investment in the Brazilian over the last two seasons.
Neymar will leave the Middle East when his contract expires this summer, and despite his persistent physical struggles, there is no shortage of potential suitors lining up for his signature. The question is: where is the best place for Neymar to rebuild his fitness and confidence in order to force his way back into the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup? GOAL runs through the six transfer options available to the 32-year-old below…
Inter Miami
“Playing again with [Lionel] Messi and [Luis] Suarez would be incredible,” Neymar told CNN when quizzed on the possibility of a move to Inter Miami. “They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.”
Neymar, Messi and Suarez famously formed the deadly ‘MSN’ triumvirate at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, delivering 253 goals and seven trophies while wowing audiences across Europe. And Neymar is right, it would be “incredible” to see them reunite in Florida; he would complete Miami’s contingent of ex-Barcelona superstars, which also includes Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and new head coach Javier Mascherano, and perhaps be the final piece in the puzzle towards the club’s ultimate goal of MLS Cup glory.
The potential move was described as “impossible” by Mascherano last week due to MLS salary cap rules, but the league has since announced a new mechanism that clubs can use to raise extra money through domestic transfers, which means Miami could get some big wage packets off their books to pursue new targets.
This doesn’t feel like a farfetched deal anymore. Indeed, Miami’s managing owner Jorge Mas said to GiveMeSport last month: “We are aspirational. If there is ever a chance to bring the calibre of a player like Neymar, we will not hesitate.” The chance is there now, and maybe a reunion with old friends is exactly what Neymar needs to get back to his best.
Chicago Fire
MLS does indeed look like the most realistic option for Neymar at the moment, but Miami might not be his final landing spot. According to ESPN, three other U.S. clubs have already opened preliminary transfer talks with the Brazil international, including the Chicago Fire.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna was first to report the Fire’s interest, adding that Neymar has been offered a two-year contract at Soldier Field. That would guarantee his future at club level through to the end of the 2026, and if a preferred move to Miami never materialises, heading to Chicago could be the next best thing.
Neymar could build some invaluable soccer experience in the U.S. ahead of the next World Cup, which is primarily being staged in North America, while working under the tutelage of former USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter. The Fire have only appeared in the MLS playoffs once since 2012, but expectations are growing with Berhalter now at the helm, and signing Brazil’s all-time top goal-scorer would be a major statement of intent.
Santos
Next up: the most romantic destination. Neymar initially established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the game at Santos, making his pro debut for the Brazilian club at just 17 years old. He quickly became a hero at Santos, most notably inspiring their run to Copa Libertadores glory in 2011, with some even going so far as to label him Pele’s heir – and Barcelona eventually bought into his immense potential.
The second coming of Neymar would be monumental for Santos, who are still recovering from the blow of suffering relegation for the first time in their 112-year history in 2023. Club president Marcelo Teixeira has said they are ready to offer Neymar a “concrete project”, while executive director Marcio Calves has expressed his belief that there is a “60 percent chance” the beloved academy graduate will retrace his steps this summer.
Neymar last visited the club as a fan in April 2023, and vowed: “One day I’ll be back.” That day appears to be edging closer, with Santos now in a better position to match his wage demands as a result of the financial boost that came with their immediate promotion back into Brazil’s top flight last season.
Flamengo
Santos are not the only club in Brazil that Neymar could join, though. Back in 2016, after a charity game organised by Brazil icon Zico, Neymar said: “It would be a great honour for me to play for Flamengo, at the Maracana. It’s a club I’d love to play for.”
Neymar even posed for a photo on social media wearing a Flamengo jersey last summer, and it has been reported that he could be bought in to replace Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa, who left the club in December before signing for Cruzeiro. Flamengo have more financial power than Santos right now, and they are serious contenders for all the biggest trophies on offer in South America.
Former club president Rodolfo Landim has also leaned into the speculation, telling ESPN back in July: “It doesn’t hurt to dream, right? I think Neymar is a completely extraordinary player, the best in the world.” This one could have some legs, though it remains to be seen if Neymar would pick Flamengo over Santos if both clubs launched formal bids.
Arsenal?!
We know what you’re thinking: Neymar to Arsenal is a completely ludicrous notion. Why would the Gunners ever break their wage structure to sign a man who turns 33 in February and hasn’t been able to stay fit for more than a few successive games in the past five years?
It would certainly be a massive risk, but former Arsenal ‘Invincible’ Gilberto Silva believes it could pay off tenfold. “I’d love to see Neymar in the Premier League with Arsenal, it would be interesting that’s for sure,” the Brazilian World Cup winner said in an interview courtesy of Bet365’s Copa Americacoverage. “It would bring a lot of joy to fans and make the competition even more special. Let’s see. It’s not impossible that he could join Arsenal, why not?”
Boxing promoter Frank Warren then did his best to fuel that talk when meeting Neymar ringside for the light heavyweight unification bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh in October, saying: “This is the man. He’s coming to England. He’s going to come and play for Arsenal.” Neymar looked more than a little bit perplexed, and laughed awkwardly, but stranger things have happened.
Arsenal are most definitely in need of more firepower upfront, and if they fail to land their main targets, Neymar might well come into their thoughts as a free transfer option who would generate a huge buzz at the Emirates Stadium.
The winger scored his first ever hat-trick to make amends for another terrible collective display from Ruben Amorim’s side
Where would Manchester United be without Amad Diallo? In the relegation zone, quite possibly.
The Red Devils were on their way to their most humiliating defeat yet as they trailed 1-0 at home to Premier League basement club Southampton after a Manuel Ugarte own goal in the first half. But Amad took matters into his own hands, equalising in the 82nd minute and completing a hat-trick within the final 10 minutes to give United a 3-1 win they barely deserved but which they badly needed, taking them 10 points clear of the drop zone.
Southampton turned up at Old Trafford bottom of the table with six points and having just taken two points from all their away games this season, the lowest amount of any team in the four top divisions in English football. The Saints also had the lowest points total after 20 games in Premier League history and in their last league outing they had been humiliated 5-0 by Brentford. But it did not take long for Ivan Juric’s side to start playing as if they were Real Madrid
Kamaldeen Sulemana bullied Leny Yoro while Tyler Dibling was also too hot to handle for a United side which looked nothing like the team that had held Liverpool to draw at Anfield and knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup. The Saints scored from a corner, their first such goal all season but the latest demonstration that United cannot cope when defending from set pieces.
Amorim took swift action from the bench, hooking Kobbie Mainoo at half-time and Rasmus Hojlund and Manuel Ugarte early in the second half. But Antony, who had replaced Mainoo, made things even more embarrassing for the hosts by missing an absolute sitter. United fans were tearing their hair out, as was Amorim, but Amad kept believing and equalised almost on his own, cutting through down the right wing and then lashing inside the near post.
He struck what looked to be the winner in the 90th minute before making sure with another goal in added time to complete his first ever hat-trick.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Made an outstanding double save to thwart Dibling and Fernandes but needed a stronger arm to prevent the goal.
Leny Yoro (3/10):
Got repeatedly destroyed by Kamaldeen Sulemana as United really suffered without the security Harry Maguire gives them.
Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):
The best of a bad bunch in defence, making several important blocks.
Lisandro Martinez (4/10):
Struggled against Dibbling and was targeted from the corner leading to the goal due to his height, being out-jumped by Dibling. Forced into a couple of tactical fouls, getting booked for taking out Ugochukwu.
Midfield
Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):
Had some joy down his flank in United’s best spell of the first half but couldn’t keep it up.
Kobbie Mainoo (4/10):
Had one promising foray into the area only to bungle the pass. Otherwise he couldn’t get a grip on the game. Hauled off at half-time.
Manuel Ugarte (4/10):
Cumbersome in possession and powerless to stop Southampton’s quick advances. Taken off, looking furious, in the 53rd minute.
Amad Diallo (10/10):
The one player who kept believing, almost single-handedly turning a wreckage into a masterpiece.
Attack
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Got off to a bad start when he missed a glaring chance but at least he kept going and kept playing with positivity.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
Put chance on a plate for Garnacho but that was his only positive contribution and he could not argue with being substituted early, even tough he did.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Looked like he and Amad were carrying the team for large parts of the game.
Subs & Manager
Antony (3/10):
Created a chance within moments of coming on but gets a dire rating for his dire miss.
Joshua Zirkzee (7/10):
Gave United an outlet and his passing created lots of attacking moves.
Toby Collyer (7/10):.
His energy made a big difference.
Christian Eriksen (N/A):
Threaded through the pass for the winner.
Harry Maguire (N/A):
A late addition and the performance showed he has to start all the time.
Ruben Amorim (7/10):
His proactive and ruthless substitutions saved the game.
