All posts by z3u9t.icu

The transfer window swung open almost two weeks ago now, and while Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a number of players in that time, not much has changed.

However, in good news for Ange Postecoglou and the fans, for that matter, it looks like that could be about to change.

Based on recent reports, the club are making progress in negotiations for a player who could add some real attacking impetus to the Australian's side, which could help them qualify for the Champions League next season and help club captain Son Hueng-min become even more effective.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Turkish outlet Aslinda, Tottenham have maintained their interest in Fenerbahçe star Sebastian Szymanski and have agreed to personal terms.

The report claims that the attacking midfielder has 'no problems' with the Lilywhites and has agreed to a four-year deal.

The only issue is that the report has revealed that Daniel Levy has already had a €17.5m – £14m offer rejected, and a story via TEAMtalk in January claimed that it would cost the North Londoners around £30m to get their man.

It won't be the cheapest deal to complete, but Postecoglou and the club seem keen to get it done, and considering his campaign last season, it's not hard to see why.

Why Szymanski woud be a great teammate for Son

So, the primary reason Szymanski would be a brilliant teammate for Son is rather simple: his output.

Last season, the Polish international scored 13 goals and provided 19 assists in 55 games for the Turkish giants, a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games across that significant number of matches.

It would also make him the second most productive player at Spurs, behind the South Korean and ahead of stars like Richarlison, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Appearances

55

31

39

38

Goals

13

12

8

5

Assists

19

4

3

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.51

0.28

0.39

Alongside his impressive output, the "exceptional playmaker," as U23 scout Antonio Mango dubbed him, has a relatively clean bill of health regarding injuries and missed games.

For example, since the start of the 2019/20 season, he has only missed 15 matches, which works out to three games per campaign. In contrast, the player he'd likely be competing with for a place in midfield, Maddison, has missed a whopping 51 games in the same period, which works out to just over ten a year.

Lastly, the 25-year-old's underlying numbers from his time in the Eredivisie were genuinely impressive.

For example, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across the next best 14 competitions, the "underrated" ace, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, remains in the top 1% of midfielders for non-penalty expected goals and assists, the top 3% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, the top 4% for expected assists, and the top 9% for total shots and progressive passes received, all per 90.

Essentially, the Fenerbahçe star would bring a level of consistent output to the Lilywhites' midfield, which would, in turn, provide Son with more chances to score and more opportunities to assist.

Ultimately, Szymanski might not be a particularly well-known name to Premier League fans, but based on his form last season and the relatively modest price, he could be a brilliant addition to Postecoglou's progressive Tottenham side.

Crucial hours: Spurs close in on signing £42m star who Maddison will love

The incredible goal “machine” could be the player to fire the Lilywhites back into the top four.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2024

Manchester United’s frustrating managerial situation has continued into the third week since their famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. Despite the Red Devils lifting the famous trophy for the 13th time in their history, it has not guaranteed the future of Erik ten Hag, and he could still be sacked after a poor season.

United finished eigth in the Premier League and, as they did not qualify for Europe through their finish in the league, had to rely on their FA Cup victory. It was thanks to their Wembley triumph that Ten Hag’s side secured continental qualification for the 2024/25 season.

The search for a potential replacement for Ten Hag goes on, although one high-profile name was ruled out over the weekend. As per reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Thomas Tuchel will not be taking over at Old Trafford and will take an extended break from management instead.

Frustratingly, the lack of clarity on next season’s manager has led to some slow summer transfer business for United. They have yet to make a signing and seem to be losing ground in some deals, including one to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace. However, one transfer where United could have the upper hand is to sign one of Olise’s teammates at the Eagles.

Man Utd target Premier League midfielder

The player in question here is Palace and England international midfielder Eberechi Eze. It has been another impressive season for the former QPR man, with a potential transfer on the cards this summer and some big clubs considering lodging a bid.

Indeed, that is according to a report from Dan King of The Sun. The story suggests that sources believe the Red Devils hope to make Eze a “marquee signing” at Old Trafford this summer, although they would have to sell players to make it happen.

This is to ensure they can hit the £60m value that the Eagles have placed on the England international. Palace are said to be steadfast in their desire not to lose either Eze or Olise, but at least one could depart the club if the £60m value is matched.

However, United will not be the only Premier League side looking to sign the 25-year-old during the 2024 summer window. Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur are rumoured to be interested in bringing him to North London and could lead the race to sign the midfielder. With that being said, Postecoglou “might be reluctant” to spend so much on Eze, and prefers to strengthen elsewhere in the squad first.

Why Eze would be a good signing

There is no doubt that Eze was one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League last season. He scored 11 goals and registered four assists in just 27 top-flight games, as well as notching up two Carabao Cup assists. It was the most productive campaign of his career so far, having played far fewer games.

2020/21

34

4

6

2021/22

13

1

1

2022/23

38

10

4

2023/24

27

11

4

If Eze joined United over the summer, he could ignite a wonderful partnership with England teammate Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old has become a key player at Old Trafford and is virtually undroppable for the Red Devils now.

Should both midfielders operate in the centre of the park for United next season, it could see Mainoo sit deeper and allow Eze to foray forward and contribute to attacks, alongside Bruno Fernandes.

Eze is a wonderful ball carrier, able to slalom easily between defenders. This is shown by his Fbref stats, where he averages 6.13 take-ons per 90 minutes, completing 3.02 of those per 90. This ranks him in the top 10% and 9% of attacking midfielders in Europe respectively. However, he will also help out defensively, with his 5.91 ball recoveries per 90 placing him among the best 5%.

Mainoo is also an impressive ball-carrier, but should he be given the responsibility of sitting deeper, his line-breaking passes could really come to fruition. As per Fbref, the teen averages 0.37 through balls per 90, which places him in the top 12%. However, his out-of-possession work is also good enough to allow him to play deeper. Mainoo averages 3.25 tackles and interceptions per 90 and makes 4.53 ball recoveries on average per 90.

Having Mainoo sit deeper, and Eze get forward and look to contribute in the final third could provide a great balance for United in midfield. Whilst it could retract from Mainoo’s obvious attacking quality, it could allow the Palace sensation to explode, as the youngster focuses on those impressive line-breaking passes to help start attacks.

The 25-year-old is clearly well thought of in the media, too. Former Palace manager Alan Smith explained that Eze is “just different”, before pointing out that “he’s exciting” when in full flow. This high praise came after England’s 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last Monday, where Smith also claimed Eze has an “Ian Wright-expectation level” on his shoulders.

Should United manage to bring Eze to Old Trafford this summer, it would represent an impressive piece of business to kick-start what has been a slow summer so far. Despite a lack of clarity over Ten Hag’s future, United fans would be delighted to bring a player of Eze’s quality to the club.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

Tottenham have lined up a £30 million replacement for one player this summer, coming after Brentford once targeted his signing for manager Thomas Frank.

Ange pleads for change with Spurs set for busy window

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou has suggested that it will take multiple transfer windows to transform the north Londoners into genuine Premier League contenders, and that is apparently set to commence over the next few weeks.

Fabrizio Romano – Tottenham now in advanced talks to sell £20 million star

It could be Spurs’ first summer exit deal out of the way early.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 8, 2024

Tottenham are apparently open to offers for over a dozen players (Paul O'Keefe), with the Lilywhites also looking to back Postecoglou with new additions across many areas of the pitch – including at centre-back, in midfield and further forward (Tom Allnutt).

They've already sealed a deal to extend Timo Werner's loan by a further year, which apparently includes an £8.5 million option to buy the German outright next summer. Postecoglou's side are by no means finished there, however, with Fabrizio Romano claiming Spurs are set for a busy summer window.

"We've got a lot of work to do still on the squad and I don't think we're anywhere near where we want to be. It probably will take a little bit more than three windows to get there, for sure," said Postecoglou on his current Spurs team.

"I certainly don't think we're one or two players away from getting to where I want us to be, nowhere near it. Some of that will be natural evolution. Some of it hopefully means we continue to get the improvement we've had this year from some of our players. If that happens over the next 12 months, then we'll be in a great position.

Son Heung-min

7.30

James Maddison

7.17

Pedro Porro

7.04

Cristian Romero

7.03

Dejan Kulusevski

6.96

"But you've got to remember, a lot of our group are in their first year of the Premier League. A good chunk of them have been ever-presents, we need them to keep improving at the rate they are. We've still got a lot of work to do with the squad. I think we're a long way away from having one or two players away from getting where we want to be."

Tottenham are also looking at new full-back signings this summer. The club have already announced that Ryan Sessegnon will be leaving this summer, upon the expiry of his contract, after deciding not to activate the one-year extension option in his deal.

Tottenham line up Vanderson to replace Emerson Royal

Emerson Royal is also being heavily linked with an exit in the coming weeks, after falling way behind Pedro Porro in Postecoglou's pecking order.

The 25-year-old is currently attracting serious reported interest from AC Milan, so this could well be his final summer at N17, three years after joining from Barcelona. According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham have lined up Monaco defender Vanderson as a replacement for Emerson, and it is believed he'd cost around £30 million.

The 22-year-old bagged three goals and an assist over 20 Ligue 1 starts for Monaco last term, with GMS relaying that Vanderson was in Brentford's sights around three years ago as well.

Manchester United are now preparing a huge bid for a “sensational” midfielder, who is now their priority target, with Ruben Amorim personally keen.

Man Utd readying move for midfielder after Scholes' Mainoo comments

Paul Scholes has recently made it clear he believes Kobbie Mainoo needs to leave his boyhood club, given a lack of game time this season, saying: “For his football career he has to leave Man United. He has lost 18 months of development.

“I hope he goes abroad, it is embarrassing if he goes to Chelsea. They might go and get him, as they are putting together a very good young squad. They keep buying young players and the right good young players.”

Mainoo is still yet to start a Premier League game, although he did impress after coming on as a second-half substitute in the 4-1 rout of Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

The Englishman’s most recent display may give Amorim something to think about, but with his future up in the air, the Red Devils have now set their sights on a new central midfielder.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Man United are now preparing a €100m (£87m) bid for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who has been identified as their ‘absolute priority’ target in the middle of the park.

Amorim is personally keen on signing the England international, with bringing in a new central midfielder deemed essential, given that Casemiro is likely to leave upon the expiration of his contract next summer.

Crystal Palace are reluctant to sell one of their prized assets, but there is now growing interest, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also keen.

Signing "sensational" Wharton would soften blow of Mainoo leaving

It is always bitterly disappointing when an academy graduate leaves, especially one as talented as Mainoo, with the 20-year-old playing a major role in United winning the 2024 FA Cup, scoring against Manchester City in the final.

That said, it would be understandable if the youngster wanted to leave, amid interest from reigning Serie A champions Napoli, given that his development is being stifled by a lack of game time, featuring for just 183 minutes in the Premier League this season.

Amorim's priority target: Man Utd step up interest in "special" Madrid star

Man United are now in the race for a “special” player

ByDominic Lund 3 days ago

Signing Wharton could soften the blow of losing Mainoo, however, with the Palace star a similar age to the Stockport-born midfielder at 21, and he has put in some top-quality performances this season.

Most recently, the Englishman chipped in with an assist as Palace won 2-1 away at Fulham, while he has also impressed at international level, making three key passes and maintaining a 91% pass-completion rate in the Three Lions’ 2-0 win against Albania last month.

Having proven himself for club and country, Wharton could be an excellent addition for Man United, and it is exciting news that a bid is being prepared.

Crystal Palace are now in ‘direct talks’ about signing a Bayern Munich star ahead of the looming January transfer window, according to a new report.

Crystal Palace prepare for Man United after excellent start to the season

Palace welcome Man United to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon with Oliver Glasner’s side sitting just outside the top four, while the Red Devils languish nearer mid-table following Monday’s shocking home defeat to ten-man Everton.

Glasner’s impressive Palace project continues gathering momentum despite recent bumps.

Positioned just three points behind second-placed Chelsea, the South London club have managed 20 points from their opening 12 Premier League games — their strongest start to a top flight campaign since 1991-92 — all while conceding just nine goals.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding Glasner’s long-term future, not to mention Marc Guehi’s, and the fact they lost star playmaker Eberechi Eze in the summer, Palace’s start comes as a shock to everyone.

They’ve also coped extremely well with the added Conference League fixtures, and responded in excellent fashion after being denied what many perceived as their rightful place in the Europa League.

Allardyce names "arrogant" Crystal Palace man over Arsenal star in Team of the Season

The former Crystal Palace boss has named his Premier League Team of the Season so far.

ByDominic Lund Nov 26, 2025

Following the departures of Eze and another quality forward, Michael Olise, in the last two years — Palace have relied on new stars like in-form striker Jean Philippe-Mateta to deliver the goods instead.

Palace’s unprecedented 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions, which was eventually ended by Everton in October, is also testament to the fine job Glasner has done with limited resources.

Palace 0-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)

Arsenal 2-2 Palace (Premier League)

Palace 3-0 Aston Villa (FA Cup)

Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

Tottenham 0-2 Palace (Premier League)

Palace 1-0 Man City (FA Cup)

Palace 4-2 Wolves (Premier League)

Liverpool 1-1 Palace (Premier League)

Crystal Palace (3) 2-2 (2) Liverpool (Community Shield)

Chelsea 0-0 Palace (Premier League)

Palace 1-0 Fredrikstad (Conference League)

Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

Fredrikstad 0-0 Palace (Conference League)

Aston Villa 0-3 Palace (Premier League)

Palace 0-0 Sunderland (Premier League)

Palace (4) 1-1 (2) Millwall (Carabao Cup)

West Ham 1-2 Palace (Premier League)

Palace 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)

Dynamo Kyiv 0-2 Palace (Conference League)

However, if Palace are to convince the Austrian to remain at Selhust Park, chairman Steve Parish will need to showcase ambition.

According to reports, Palace could be active in the January transfer window, and it is believed that Bayern right-back Sacha Boey is a player of real interest.

Crystal Palace hold talks over signing Bayern Munich's Sacha Boey

The former Galatasaray star, who was once a rumoured target for Arsenal, hasn’t found life easy since swapping Turkey for Bavaria in 2024.

Boey has been in and out of Vincent Kompany’s starting elevens, and a January transfer for the 25-year-old is now growing increasingly possible.

That is according to Bayern Insider, who also report that Glasner is in ‘direct talks’ with sporting director Christoph Freund about a potential move for Boey.

Palace are also said to have made a ‘concrete offer’ for the Frenchman, who’s potentially looking to battle his way into Didier Deschamps plans for the 2026 World Cup next year amid stiff competition.

Even though the Bundesliga champions signed him for around £26 million, Bayern are now prepared to sell for half the price at around £13 million — opening the door for Palace to strike a bargain move.

Links to Boey will intensify reports that in-form Eagles right-back Daniel Munoz could leave in the near future, with Chelsea among those considering a swoop for the Colombian who’s arguably been one of Glasner’s top players this season.

Middlesbrough’s search for their new manager looks set to be over, with a significant update emerging regarding the club’s process to replace Rob Edwards.

The exit of Edwards to Wolves has hurt Boro at a key point in the season where they are sitting second in the Championship table and pushing for promotion. He sent a message to the supporters upon leaving for Molineux, wishing the club well.

“This has been one of the toughest decisions of my career. In truth, I wouldn’t have considered leaving Middlesbrough for any other club. Wolves is a special club for me. It’s where I grew as both a player and a coach, it’s still where my family calls home. It has always been my dream to come back and these opportunities do not come around too often.

“Middlesbrough is an incredible club, with a fantastic owner, staff and passionate supporters. I want to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity to lead this squad, it is a great group of players that I genuinely hope and believe will deliver success this season. I could not be prouder of the environment we built together and how it all gelled together so quickly – the players, the staff, and the fans, who drive it all. I sincerely wish everyone at Middlesbrough all the very best for the rest of the season and beyond. Rob.”

It’s now a case of Boro nailing Edwards’ successor at the Riverside Stadium, and it looks as though their new boss may have been found, following a big new claim.

Middlesbrough reach verbal agreement with Kim Hellberg

According to Fotboll Skanalen, Middlesbrough have now reached a verbal agreement with Kim Hellberg over a move to the club, seeing him as the right man to come in for Edwards.

Boro look set to swoop in from under the noses of Championship rivals Swansea City, with the club having a meeting with Hellberg’s representatives in London.

Hellberg may be something of an unknown to some Boro supporters, considering he is only 37 and hasn’t managed in Europe’s top leagues yet, but he looks like an exciting young choice.

IFK Varnamo sporting director Enes Ahmetovic, who worked with the Swede in the past, has said of him: “An incredibly skilled football coach. He spends a huge amount of time on every detail. I’m completely convinced that Hellberg will coach much bigger clubs than IFK Varnamo.”

"Impressive" manager now interested in taking Middlesbrough job after talks

Would he be the right man to replace Rob Edwards?

ByHenry Jackson Nov 16, 2025

The 4-2-3-1-playing Hellberg is something of a gamble, at a time when promotion has to be the aim for Boro, but assuming he is the choice to come in, it will be fascinating to see how he fares.

How Middlesbrough feel about Raphael Wicky as Swiss manager holds Riverside talks

Sandro Tonali maintained an interesting stance about a move away from Newcastle United earlier this week and now Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a move worth over £40m.

It’s an all too familiar feeling for Newcastle, who were forced to bid farewell to Alexander Isak for a Premier League record in the summer as they scrambled to find his replacement. Now, they potentially face the prospect of losing more key men amid reported interest from around English football in Sven Botman and, of course, Tonali.

It’s the last thing that Eddie Howe needs in the middle of the Magpies’ current domestic form. In the Champions League, his side have been close to perfect, but that couldn’t be further from the case in the Premier League with just three wins in their opening 10 games.

The Newcastle boss admitted in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Brentford that his side must rise up the ranks in the Premier League after a disappointing run.

Missing out on Champions League qualification would only make Newcastle’s attempts to keep hold of key men even tougher, especially if Real Madrid do come calling for Tonali.

Tonali shares exit stance as Real Madrid prepare move

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are now preparing a move to sign Tonali from Newcastle worth €50m (£44m) in 2026. Now, whilst the Magpies are unlikely to accept such a low offer for a player that cost them £55m, Madrid’s attempts would certainly spark some interesting questions about the midfielder’s future.

Newcastle have "one of the best teen prospects" & he can surpass Woltemade

Newcastle’s youthful underbelly is as talented as it’s ever been right now.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 8, 2025

Despite recent reports revealing that the Italian has already signed a new deal which could keep him at St James’ Park until 2029, Tonali refused to rule out an exit away from the club when questioned about his Newcastle future earlier this week.

Described as “excellent” by Howe, Tonali’s admission will undoubtedly concern those on Tyneside, who saw Isak force his way out of the club in the summer. The last thing they need is another summer-long transfer saga.

PIF's "massive overpay" is quickly becoming Howe's new Almiron

Tottenham Hotspur will look to kick on once the January transfer window opens and could be willing to put their money where their mouth is to sign Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, but circumstances will need to align.

The Lilywhites have become a thorn in the side of many Premier League outfits this campaign due to their physicality and new-found ability to convert from set-pieces, making them a dangerous opposition to come up against on any given day.

Mohammed Kudus has shone in the forward areas and Spurs have earned a new lease of life after their domestic form last term, with Thomas Frank deserving of credit for managing to solidify the Lilywhites in all areas.

Despite his mixed start to life in North London, the Dane made clear before his side took on Chelsea that Xavi Simons is another figure he expects to come to life in the heart of his side.

He said: “Yes. No doubt about that. I’m not in doubt that Xavi will perform very well for us. That is down to him, to me, to the team, to everyone to get it done. The one thing you don’t have in football is time, but it will take time.

“It’s completely natural. Sometimes we can’t talk about processes and time and all that, but the reality is you need it, everyone needs it. I’m confident. I’m sure it will happen.”

Frank’s outfit appear to be solid from middle to front, that much is true, but there is always room for improvement when you are eyeing a slot in the Champions League places.

With that in mind, Spurs are now plotting a January bid for a star who they may be set to put their large transfer kitty towards.

Tottenham line up Scott McTominay amid huge Napoli demands

According to Football Insider, Tottenham will look to put their sizeable transfer kitty towards signing Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who could be at the centre of an intriguing saga involving both parties.

Fabio Paratici has set his sights on the Scotland international and the money on offer could be a lure for the former Manchester United man to return to the Premier League. However, Pete O’Rourke believes it would take a ‘huge’ statement of intent from Spurs to push a deal over the line.

Scott McTominay’s time at Napoli

Appearances

47

Goals

17

Assists

7

He said: “Napoli won’t want to weaken their squad by losing such an important player like Scott McTominay. He’s under contract until 2028, so, to even consider selling him would be a huge fee as well.”

Intriguingly, the same report has floated the idea of Kobbie Mainoo joining Napoli, which could pave the way for movement to take place elsewhere, albeit that remains unlikely for now.

Tottenham are also eyeing another Serie A goalscorer

Still, McTominay has been a titan since joining the reigning Serie A champions in 2024 and has continued that form into this term, placing seven of his 16 shots taken on target, per Fotmob, hence why Frank is keen to do a deal.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca sold a player who’s been “absolutely transformed” since leaving Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea take on Sunderland after Ajax demolition

The Blues are back in fantastic form with four straight wins in all competitions, despite missing a host of key players, and they’ll be going into tomorrow’s clash against Sunderland with renewed confidence.

Maresca’s side were given a rude wake-up call when they lost 3-1 to Brighton at home this time last month, but that dire showing at Stamford Bridge appears to have lit a fire under Chelsea’s players.

Despite missing both summer signing Liam Delap and star forward Cole Palmer, who remain out through injury, Chelsea have managed to cope very well without the pair — scoring 10 in their last three matches.

Goals from Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Estevao and Tyrique George sealed an impressive win over Ajax in the Champions League last time out, with Maresca’s men also doing a solid job defensively considering they’re minus Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill.

Newly-promoted Sunderland, who’ve started the campaign very well, travel to London and present another tough test this weekend, but based off Chelsea’s recent run, the Black Cats could be in for a tough afternoon.

That being said, Maresca definitely isn’t underestimating them.

Chelsea’s squad, which lifted both the Conference League and Club World Cup earlier this year, is coming together, and once they have a more fully fit roster, the west Londoners will be firm favourites for a top four finish at the very least.

Marc Cucurella has been an ever-present at left-back and key cog in their system, leaving little room for ex-Chelsea left-back Diego Moreira, who was permanently sold to Strasbourg in 2024, to battle his way into the team.

Diego Moreira "transformed" after leaving Chelsea

Of course, given Chelsea’s connection with their sister club, there is always a chance for BlueCo to re-sign the Belgian.

However, Liam Rosenior appears to have worked wonders with Moreira since his Chelsea exit, and the tactician won’t be keen on losing his versatile defender who’s now become “one of the best” full-backs in Ligue 1.

Strasbourg are surprise contenders for the French title after a stunning start to 2025/2026, and they very nearly beat European champions PSG last week in a stunning 3-3 draw at the Parc des Princes.

They were two goals up at one point, and Moreira was at the heart of it all with a goal and an assist in the capital.

His performances have been nothing short of exceptional, and judging by his own admission last year, Moreira may not be clamoring to return to Chelsea any time soon.

There have been some outstanding clashes between Liverpool and Manchester City down the years in the Premier League and Champions League, but what are the best?

Arguably the greatest rivalry in English football over the past decade or so, the Reds and the Citizens have locked horns in several title races, as well as meeting in big European and FA Cup games.

In Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, Liverpool and City had two of the world’s best managers for years, and at their peak, the standard of football in clashes between the pair was unmatched.

The best grudge matches in English football

These teams don’t need to share a postcode to hate each other…

ByBarney Lane Nov 27, 2024

Here are our choices for the seven greatest Liverpool and City meetings – forgive us if you think recency bias has played a part, but there have been some classics in the last few years.

7 Liverpool 3-0 Man City, April 2018 Klopp's Reds stun Pep's City in Europe

When City and Liverpool were pitted against one another in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2017/18, it was a tie that made the rest of Europe sit up and take notice.

Guardiola’s side were cruising in the league, but the Reds had shown that they could hurt them earlier in the campaign, and they stunned their opponents here.

In one of the greatest first-half performances seen at Anfield, Mohamed Salah opened the scoring from close range, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted from distance and Sadio Mane headed home, all in front of a delirious Kop.

City looked for a vital away goal in the second half, but Liverpool produced a resolute defensive performance, securing a victory of major intent.

Liverpool's 9 best European nights – ranked

Liverpool have had plenty of wonderful European nights over the years.

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 27, 2024 6 Man City 1-2 Liverpool, April 2018 Liverpool progress in nervy Champions League thriller

In that first leg, Klopp’s men produced a stunning performance, but they knew they still had a lot of work to do in the return fixture.

When Gabriel Jesus fired City in front in the second minute, the Etihad erupted, and Liverpool found themselves on the back foot for the entire first half following a blistering display from the hosts.

The Reds managed to keep the score at 1-0, and as the hosts desperately searched for more goals in the second half, Salah sent the travelling fans wild with a dinked finish on the counter-attack.

Roberto Firmino then put the icing on the cake to seal a memorable 5-1 aggregate triumph.

5 Liverpool 3-2 Man City, April 2014 Coutinho scores memorable winner in pulsating title clash

The oldest game in this list has arguably become a forgotten classic due to there being so many special meetings in the years since.

City’s visit to Liverpool in April 2014 was one of the Reds’ biggest games in their Premier League history as they lay on the cusp of title glory. A victory would be huge – and Brendan Rodgers’ side duly delivered.

When Raheem Sterling (then still a Red) and Martin Skrtel scored first-half goals, Anfield was rocking and truly believing the title was finally heading their way again, but a David Silva strike and a Glen Johnson own goal stunned the home crowd.

There was still time for another twist, with Philippe Coutinho firing home his most important Liverpool goal, and while Jordan Henderson was sent off late on, Liverpool clung to their slender lead.

It was City who would have the last laugh, though, as they won their second Premier League title on the final day of the season.

4 Man City 2-2 Liverpool, April 2022 Nothing separates rivals in relentless Premier League clash

City hosted Liverpool in a massive Premier League encounter in April 2022, taking a one-point lead at the top of the table into the match.

Both knew the importance of victory at the Etihad and how damaging defeat would be, and in the end, both Guardiola and Klopp would have been content with a point apiece.

Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring with a deflected effort to seemingly set City on their way to victory, but Diogo Jota responded before half-time to restore parity. Gabriel Jesus fired the hosts back in front, undoing Liverpool’s hard work.

Mane, playing in his final season at Anfield, stole in behind Kyle Walker to make it 2-2 in clinical fashion, and while both sides huffed and puffed for a winner, the scoreline remained the same. City eventually sealed title glory on the final day following a dramatic comeback at home to Aston Villa.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 2, 2024 3 Liverpool 2-2 Man City, October 2021 Salah genius lights up Anfield

While the aforementioned 2-2 draw in Manchester in 2021/22 was a great game, this one from six months earlier was even better. In truth, the first half wasn’t exactly the most memorable 45 minutes, but the match came alive after the interval, with the two rivals trading blows spectacularly.

Mane opened the scoring, burying a finish past Ederson after superb work by Salah, but Phil Foden equalised with a ruthless strike of his own.

Salah then scored one of the best goals of his career, weaving past several City challenges before netting from a tight angle with his weaker right foot.

Liverpool desperately tried to cling on for a precious three points, but De Bruyne had other ideas, copying Salah and scoring with his weaker left peg. Rodri superbly denied Fabinho a winner with a crucial block with the Brazilian just about to tap into an empty net, and the scores remained level.

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Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring with a long-range Kop strike, but a thunderous finish from Leroy Sane ensured that the visitors went in level at the break.

In an unbelievable eight-minute spell in the second half, Liverpool scored three times, with Firmino, Mane and Salah all getting on the scoresheet. The latter was from all of 40 yards out following a poor clearance by Ederson.

In true City fashion, though, they didn’t accept that they were beaten, and late goals from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan made for a nervy finale. There was even time for Sergio Aguero to hit the side-netting in the dying seconds.

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ByRoss Kilvington Nov 27, 2024 1 Man City 2-1 Liverpool, January 2019 The most high-quality game in Premier League history?

This may surprise some as a pick for No.1, but it gets the nod because there arguably hasn’t been a Premier League game in history played at a higher level.

This meeting at the Etihad in January 2019 saw both City and Liverpool somewhere close to the absolute peak of their powers.

The Reds went into the match seven points ahead of their adversaries, and in hindsight, their failure to avoid defeat ultimately proved costly in this tense title battle with Guardiola’s side.

Liverpool somehow hadn’t taken the lead in the first half when Mane hit the post and John Stones cleared off the line to deny the on-rushing Salah. Aguero then opened the scoring with a brilliant effort, but Firmino finished off an incredible team move to equalise in the second half.

It was left to Sane to separate the two teams, with the German beating Alisson with a shot that went in off the post. The game would be the only one Liverpool lost in the league.

City won the title on the final day, but the Reds had the consolation of sealing Champions League glory.

This was a match that perfectly summed up the level of football these two great sides can produce against each other.