After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, it was vital that Tottenham Hotspur bounced back and rose up the table in the ongoing campaign.

Thomas Frank was handed the responsibility of leading the charge, after Ange Postecoglou was handed his marching orders despite winning the Europa League.

The Dane was appointed on a three-year deal in North London, but it was crucial that the supporters gave him time to make the changes he desired to the first-team squad.

He’s now 11 games into the 2025/26 campaign, with the Lilywhites currently occupying fifth place going into the third international break of the current season.

However, there are still improvements to be made across the squad, that’s despite Frank massively changing the fortunes of the squad in one area during his opening months at the helm.

Spurs’ biggest improvement since the 2024/25 campaign

During the 2024/25 Premier League campaign under Postecoglou, Spurs certainly had a year to forget, as they finished just one place above the relegation zone.

The Lilywhites conceded a staggering 65 goals in their 38 league outings, an average of 1.7 per 90, subsequently resulting in a total of 22 league defeats.

Such a tally was the highest of any side who have survived in England’s top-flight, with the club lucky not to have dropped into the Championship under Postecoglou.

However, Frank’s arrival has stemmed the flow of goals at the back, with his men only conceding 10 goals in the first 11 outings – the fourth best record of any side in the division.

They have also kept a total of four clean sheets in the process, with the likes of Micky van de Ven certainly deserving credit for his part in the defensive solidity.

The Dutch international has started every league game to date, registering a total of 1.2 tackles won per 90, along with 1.1 interceptions per 90 – with the latter ranking him in the top 20% of all players in the league.

He’s also thrived in playing out from the back, as seen by his tally of 92% passes completed, arguably being one of the best centre-backs in the division at present.

Van de Ven has been joined at the heart of the backline by Cristian Romero, with the Argentine international striking up an excellent partnership with the Dutchman.

The pair have operated together in eight of the 11 outings – but have only suffered defeat once in that time, with the loss coming against Bournemouth back in August.

The 27-year-old has ranked in the top 4% of all players in England’s top-flight for tackles won, whilst also placing in the top 15% for duels won per 90.

Given their partnership together, they are undoubtedly one of the best duos in Europe’s top-five leagues, with the defensive improvement under Frank certainly down to their performances.

The Spurs player who’s now becoming one of the best in the world

Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, Spurs have had numerous players who have managed to catch the eye and contribute to their impressive start to 2025/26.

Central midfielder Lucas Bergvall has shown qualities way beyond his tender teenage years, even cementing his place at the heart of Frank’s side in recent months.

The Swedish international has featured in nine league outings this season, even registering his first Premier League goal in the 3-0 victory over West Ham United.

He’s ranked in the 97th percentile for successful dribbles to date, whilst also winning 2.8 tackles per 90 – showcasing his ability to operate in a box-to-box role in North London.

However, he’s not the only player to have cemented his place within the starting eleven, with full-back Djed Spence resurrecting his career with the Lilywhites.

He joined the club in a £20m deal from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2022, but had to massively bide his time in making an impact in the first team.

The 25-year-old endured three unsuccessful loan spells at Leeds United, Rennes and Genoa, with many supporters undoubtedly expecting a cut-price transfer away from North London last summer.

However, the injury crisis within the squad last campaign handed the Englishman a rare opportunity to stake his claim for a regular spot in the first-team ranks.

He racked up a total of 35 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, even scoring his first Premier League goal against Ipswich Town – ending the year on a total of five goal contributions.

A little over a year on, it’s evident that Spence has taken full advantage of the chance pushed in his direction, with the full-back now one of Frank’s most important players.

He’s featured in all but one league outing in 2025/26, with his underlying stats highlighting how pivotal he’s been to the Lilywhites’ impressive defensive numbers.

Games played

10

Minutes played

761

Pass accuracy

82%

Tackles made

1.5

Duels won

3.8

Aerials won

47%

Recoveries made

3.4

Dribbles completed

1.8

Spence has made an average of 1.5 tackles per 90 this season, whilst also coming out on top of 3.8 duels per 90 – often posing as a real solid defensive full-back.

The 25-year-old has also come out on top in 47% of the aerial battles he’s entered, whilst also making 3.4 recoveries per 90 – with his pace allowing him to get back and prevent the opposition from creating clear-cut opportunities.

In possession, the defender has been just as impressive, subsequently ranking in the top 20% of all defenders for dribbles completed – with one analyst labelling him as one of the “best in the world”.

As a result, he’s now a full England international, with Thomas Tuchel trusting him to be a key member of the squad ahead of the World Cup in the USA next summer.

His rise in North London over the last 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable, with the player deserving huge credit for his ability to get himself off the canvas.

Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, he certainly is part of one of the division’s best back fours, with the fans needing to enjoy every moment the trio spend together in North London.

Forget Simons: Spurs have an academy sensation who could be Dele 2.0

Tottenham Hotspur already have a sensation who could replace Xavi Simons in North London.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 13, 2025

There's a time and a place to ask for somebody's phone number—on camera during an MLB broadcast is not one of them.

Atlanta Braves reporter Wiley Ballard is going viral for the wrong reasons after his cringe encounter with two female fans during the Braves' 8–4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night. Ballard approached the two women for a live interview in the fifth inning, and things quickly took a turn for the awkward.

During the segment, Ballard joked that he was going to "get to work" and persuade one of the women to become a Braves fan. Braves play-by-play commentator Brandon Gaudin responded that Ballard had four innings left to "get the numbers."

Ballard then pulled out his phone—while on camera and with Gaudin and the rest of the booth still in his ear—and told the woman that the Braves broadcast wanted him to get her digits. She seemed to oblige.

At the end of the interview, Ballard said, "I got the number. We're good," and all the Braves broadcasters had a laugh about it.

Just so awkward.

MLB fans, including some who work in sports media, had a few other adjectives to describe the situation like unprofessional, inappropriate and just downright creepy. It's hard not to ignore the unbalanced power dynamics at play here, with many pointing out the obvious double standard had the genders been reversed. One can only hope Ballard learned his lesson (though it doesn't seem like he did).

Davidson-Richards continues fine form as Durham are outplayed in DLS loss

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Sep-2025

Alice Davidson-Richards continued her fine form with an unbeaten 65•Philip Brown/Getty Images

Surrey 290 for 7 (Spence 68, Davidson-Richards 65*, Jones 47, Monaghan 45) beat Durham 138 (Gregory 3-24) by 86 runs (DLS)A fine career-best 68 off 63 balls from teenager Jemima Spence in only her second senior innings of 2025 featured in a rainy Surrey win as they confirmed their Metro Bank One-Day Cup semi-final place at the expense of Durham at the Banks Homes Riverside.Surrey sealed a fourth-placed finish – a position they held at the start of the day with a three-point advantage – and prevented either Durham or fellow chasers Somerset from leapfrogging them, winning by 86 runs on DLS.Nineteen-year-old Spence, batting at No.6, shared a 112 partnership for the fifth wicket with England’s Alice Davidson-Richards, who also contributed an unbeaten 65 off 61 to Surrey’s commanding 290 for seven from 48 overs.The third rain delay came with Durham 14 for one in the third over chasing a revised 276 in 41. The target was further revised to an overall 225 in 29, and the hosts were bowled out for 138 inside 23 overs. Davidson-Richards added two wickets with her seam.Vitality Blast champions Surrey will travel to face table-toppers Hampshire in the semis on Wednesday.A Surrey win would guarantee qualification, while a defeat would have eliminated them. In the end, a No Result would have also been enough. But a sixth win did it.A Durham win would have given them a good chance, though a big Somerset success over the Bears left them needing a bonus point win at the start of their chase. They finished sixth in the table.Having been inserted, Surrey started impressively as Alice Monaghan shared in first and second-wicket partnerships of 55 and 69 with Bryony Smith and Emma Jones.Monaghan and Jones both played nicely for 45 and 47 – the latter particularly so as she latched onto anything short and hit a couple of eye-catching boundaries down the ground.At 121 for one in the 22nd over, Surrey looked set to dominate. But Durham took three cheap wickets, reducing the score to 149 for four in the 27th.Scotland off-spinner Katherine Fraser had Monaghan caught at long-on with a full toss and a pulling Jones bowled off her thigh.Rain briefly interrupted play at 180 for four in the 33rd over, with Spence and Davidson-Richards now set. And upon the resumption, they kicked on superbly, sharing their century stand in 18 overs.While Davidson-Richards was classy, Spence mixed power with invention and was first to her fifty off 56 balls. Her more experienced partner followed her there off 55.Durham were disrupted by having to change wicketkeepers because of a finger problem for Bess Heath. Mia Rogers took over. They also lost key seamer Phoebe Turner to a groin injury having only bowled three overs. She slipped in the outfield.Rain returned to cut short the Surrey innings at 1.55pm.When play resumed at 3.15pm, chasing that 276 in 41 overs, Durham would have been aware that Somerset had won with a bonus point. So they had to do the same given the counties started the day level on points.But that never looked realistic.Rogers pulled Phoebe Franklin’s seam to midwicket in the first over before rain intervened again at 14 for one in the third.Durham had approximately 20 overs in which to achieve their target for the bonus point, and they started in solid fashion when needing to be spectacular.Captain Emma Marlow and Hollie Armitage shared 53 for the second wicket.But when both fell inside three overs for 27 and 31 – bowled by Kalea Moore’s off-spin and caught behind off Alexa Stonehouse’s seam – Durham were 85 for three in the 14th over and out of contention.Stonehouse struck again as the end came quickly, with Davidson-Richards bowling Bess Heath and Trudy Johnson. Leg-spinner Dani Gregory struck three times. Injured Phoebe Turner didn’t bat.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be chewing on his pencil over the November international break as he works toward solutions that are so badly needed.

Fortunes have gone somewhat askew at St. James’ Park this season, with the club’s away form laying waste to Howe’s hopes of progress after a testing summer transfer window.

But it may be that the ramifications of that Alexander Isak-dominated summer are still being felt. However, tactically, things aren’t right, and the wider struggle of the summer market has led to the current issues which must be overcome if the Magpies hope to make it another positive campaign.

Where PIF have gone wrong in the transfer window

Newcastle have fallen by the wayside, but it’s hardly too late for them to pick themselves back up. But there’s no question that PIF have to learn from their recent transfer struggles, with those brilliant windows of Howe’s early reign something of a distant memory.

In 2024, Newcastle failed to sign a right-sided forward, a glaring gap in the squad. That has now been amended through the £55m addition of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, but Elanga has blanked across 16 matches for the club, and with concerns over his form, questions must be raised over the extensive scouting that led to his signature being obtained.

Interestingly, Nick Woltemade’s fine form at centre-forward has eased the Isak blow, and before the season, that would have been viewed as the biggest issue. Newcastle’s attacking problems stretch more toward the creative side, with Anthony Gordon joining Elanga in having failed to register a goal contribution in the Premier League this season.

For a team whose 97 big chances created were bettered only by Liverpool in 2023/24, this is a real concern. This year, United have only created 14 from 11 matches, placing them 12th for that statistic. Gordon and Elanga must be doing a lot more, with the recruitment having felt they had hit the jackpot when shaping this wide duo.

While Newcastle have added exciting talents to their ranks this summer, Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey among those with plenty of scope for growth, this is frankly an ageing squad and one whose freshen-up needs to go a lot further.

Tactical issues this season have been suggestive of this, and considering the company Newcastle are keeping in regard to the average age of their starting 11, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that younger profiles are needed for balance and continuity.

Premier League 25/26 – Oldest Average Starting XIs
Team	Position	Av. Age
Everton	13th	28.0
Aston Villa	6th	27.9
Newcastle	14th	27.6
Fulham	15th	27.6
Burnley	17th	27.1
Data via Transfermarkt

The need for depth and quality on the defensive flanks is alarming. Kieran Trippier at right-back is 35 years old and out of contract at the end of the season, and Tino Livramento has been unfit at times and deployed as a makeshift left-back at others.

This is largely because of Lewis Hall’s own unavailability this season. But with the 22-year-old drawing strength and fitness once again, we are turned toward the situation of one of Howe’s mainstays.

The Newcastle star now on borrowed time

Newcastle comprise players of myriads shapes and sizes and skills. Some are renowned as being among the best in the world, but some are of a shrewder nature, like Dan Burn, who returned home from Brighton for around £12m at the start of the manager’s reign and has since become one of his mainstays.

After all, it is only the skipper, Bruno Guimaraes, who has featured more prominently for Howe’s Newcastle than him.

Howe’s Most-used Players at Newcastle
Rank	Player	Apps
1	Bruno Guimaraes	170
2	Dan Burn	165
3	Fabian Schar	163
4	Jacob Murphy	150
5	Joelinton	145
Data via Transfermarkt

The 32-year-old has done more than endear himself to the Toon fanbase since arriving, but he’s getting on a bit and has been guilty of some suspect performances at left-back this season.

Naturally a central defender, Burn ranks against Premier League full-backs this term among the bottom 6% for shot-creating actions, the bottom 29% for progressive passes and the bottom 4% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

In the first five matches of the season, he was in the centre. Six appearances since have seen the England international deployed as a left-back, and this is inhibiting Newcastle’s flow and overarching connectivity.

Quite simply, Burn is not a natural left-back, even though he has played ample football in the moonlit role. He is a centre-back. 6 foot 6 and cool and composed.

Hall is far more dynamic and energetic in his role, and this will not only widen and add a dimension to Newcastle’s backline, but it could revive the likes of Gordon up ahead.

The boy from Blyth has been a revelation at Newcastle, and, pound for pound, “one of Newcastle’s best signings” since Howe arrived, as has been said by reporter Andy Sixsmith. A small fee and an immortalising contribution at Wembley last season have made sure of that.

But Howe will be putting a spoke in his own wheel if he continues to persist with Burn on the flank, limiting his side’s progression and mobility and dynamism at the back.

With this in mind, the modern legend might find himself slipping into his obscurity over the coming months, and perhaps that will lead to a departure to make way for this new chapter on Tyneside.

Newcastle must regret signing £100k-per-week flop who's cost £3.2m per game

Newcastle United must already rue signing this expensive flop, who is draining them dry.

By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 13, 2025

Bangladesh started their Asia Cup campaign with a seven-wicket win

Sreshth Shah11-Sep-20251:38

Should Bangladesh have finished it earlier?

Bangladesh collected the points they came for, but not without a proper workout against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opening campaign in Abu Dhabi.Litton Das led their chase of 144 with 59 off 39 while Towhid Hridoy contributed with an unbeaten 35 off 36. Boundaries dried up through the middle overs, but Bangladesh found a way to get over the line with 14 balls to spare. Once Hong Kong’s intensity waned, Litton broke free, going from 26 off 24 to his fifty off 33 balls.Hong Kong’s second game in the Asia Cup, though, was far more productive than their first. After being held to 94 for 9 by Afghanistan, they posted a more competitive 143 for 7 thanks to Zeeshan Ali’s 30, Nizakat Khan’s 42, and a brisk 28 from captain Yasim Murtaza. But the 95-run third-wicket stand between Litton and Hridoy ruined Hong Kong’s chances of an upset.Bangladesh’s win was their first T20I victory in Abu Dhabi. Hong Kong remain winless in Asia Cup matches.Litton, Hridoy put on a showBangladesh’s chase began with a glimpse of their new hitting intent. Parvez Hossain Emon raced to 19 off 13 before miscuing a slower delivery from Ayush Shukla to deep midwicket in the third over. Tanzid Hasan then fell in the sixth over, when he edged Ateeq Iqbal with Nizakat completing a sharp catch while running back from mid-off.Hong Kong, guilty of four dropped chances in their opener against Afghanistan, held on to their catches on Thursday. But the damage came elsewhere: the extras conceded – 11 at the time and 17 in all – allowed Bangladesh to motor to 51 for 2 in the powerplay.From there, Litton and Hridoy settled into accumulation. They failed to clear the boundary against spin and medium-pace from overs eight to 12, yet their urgency between the wickets meant the asking rate never touched eight an over. The pair ran 11 twos, while Bangladesh’s total of 16 twos was their second-highest in a T20I.The constant sprinting drained them in the heat, but it also squeezed Hong Kong out of the contest. Litton shifted gears in the 13th over with two fours against Shukla, lifting his strike rate from the low 100s to finish at 151.28. With only two runs needed, he was bowled trying for a big finish, but his job was already done.Tanzim leads the bowling effortTanzim Hasan Sakib set the tone after Bangladesh opted to bowl. Bowling in the early 140kmph range, he first produced a late-swinging delivery that snuck past Babar Hayat’s defensive push and hit the stumps, before dismissing Zeeshan with a rising ball that caught the splice and looped to cover. He finished with 2 for 21 in four overs. Taskin Ahmed, though more expensive, provided timely support by removing Anshy Rath in the powerplay and Aizaz Khan at the death.The spinners had their moments too. Rishad Hossain was initially not allowed to settle with sweeps and reverse-sweeps, but he hit back strongly in his final over – the 19th over of the first innings – by dismissing Nizakat and trapping Kinchit Shah lbw off successive balls.1:36

Jaffer: Bangladesh need to show consistency in selection

HK find stability, but no momentumHong Kong started slowly, with a combination of early wickets and a sluggish start for Zeeshan and Nizakat keeping Bangladesh in control of proceedings. But as the Zeeshan-Nizakat partnership grew, so did their range of strokes, and their 41-run stand for the third wicket ensured their batting didn’t collapse like in their first game.Murtaza looked briefly like the man who could change the momentum as he blazed to a 19-ball 28, but he was run-out after a miscommunication with Nizakat. Since the start of 2023, this was their 47th run-out in T20Is, and after Murtaza’s dismissal, Hong Kong couldn’t bring out too many big hits. Mustafizur Rahman was tough to put away at the death and Rishad’s brave bowling meant there was a carousel of incoming new batters. Still, they scored 54 off the last six overs to post a respectable 143 for 7 which was not good enough on the day.

MatériaMais Notícias

O meio-campista Cazares assinou com o Santos para a disputa da Série B em 2024. O equatoriano firmou um pré-acordo com o clube nesta terça-feira (26). A informação foi publicada inicialmente pelo jornalista Ademir Quintino e confirmada pelo Lance!.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Peixe agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Santos

O jogador estava no América-MG, mas chega livre no mercado após deixar o vínculo com o Coelho terminar. Para fechar de vez com o Peixe, o atleta precisará passar nos exames físicos.

➡️ Santos negocia empréstimo de titular para o futebol japonês

O esquema do presidente do Santos de assinar compromissos com os jogadores para a próxima temporada já possui outros três nomes: os laterais Jorge e Aderlan, e o meio-campista Giuliano. 

Confirmado para a temporada 2024, Diego Pituca possui o salário readequado com a realidade do Peixe e está com tudo pronto para ajudar o time na Série B.

O Peixe ainda considera como certos outros dois jogadores: o meio-campista Otero e o atacante Willian Bigode.

Os novos reforços do Santos devem ser anunciados no mês janeiro, quando tudo puder ser formalizado oficialmente.

Despite dropped points at the Stadium of Light, Arsenal supporters are rightly feeling generally pretty good about things.

On Saturday night, goals from Bukayo Saka and then Leandro Trossard turned the game around and had the Gunners on course for a precious three points on Wearside, only for Sunderland to snatch a 94th minute equaliser.

Prior to this, Mikel Arteta’s team had won ten successive matches across all competitions, keeping eight consecutive clean sheets too, equaling the club record set in 1903, so go into a huge week in which they’ll take on Tottenham, Bayern Munich and then Chelsea four points clear of a rather ominous-looking Manchester City.

Nevertheless, in hindsight, it was remarkable that Arsenal managed to string together so many victories considering they currently have six attackers sidelined.

Four of those sidelined forwards are forecast to be back in time for the North London derby, but which member of this sextet will be hoping to dislodge the Gunners’ most productive attacker?

Where Leandro Trossard ranks at Arsenal this season

During the summer, if reports are to be believed, numerous clubs were interested in signing Trossard, Aston Villa, Brentford and Fenerbahçe to name just a few, and many Gooners were of the opinion that an upgrade was required and now was the time to cash in on the 30-year-old.

Well, Arteta certainly did not agree, even rewarding the Belgian with a pay rise, and this decision has been vindicated, given that Trossard currently leads the way at Arsenal this season for combined goals and assists, as the table below documents.

Viktor Gyökeres

6

0

Bukayo Saka

6

0

Leandro Trossard

4

4

Gabriel Martinelli

4

1

Mikel Merino

3

1

Declan Rice

2

5

Jurriën Timber

2

2

Gabriel

2

3

Martín Zubimendi

2

1

Eberechi Eze

2

3

Riccardo Calafiori

1

2

Ethan Nwaneri

1

0

Myles Lewis-Skelly

0

3

Martin Ødegaard

0

2

William Saliba

0

1

Max Dowman

0

1

As the table documents, Trossard ranks first at Arsenal in terms of combined goals and assists with eight.

To date, all four of his goals have come away from home, netting at Athletic Club, Port Vale and Fulham, (bet those three clubs have never been in a list together before!), before this rocket that fired his team in front at the Stadium of Light on Saturday night.

Thus, Trossard remains a key figure in this team, almost certainly set to start against Spurs after the international break, but, as the season progresses, he could once again find himself beginning matches as a substitute.

Equally, in the long-term, while he did receive a bumper wage increase, his contract length was not actually extended, ensuring his current deal will still expire in the summer of 2027 – placing doubt on whether he will still be on the books beyond next summer.

Set to turn 31 next month, the former Brighton star is almost certainly nearer the end than the start of his Emirates journey, with a potential replacement already in the building.

The Arsenal attacker aiming to take Trossard's spot

As already alluded to, the Gunners currently have six attackers sidelined, hence why Arteta has had to return to the well that is Mikel Merino up front in Prague and on Wearside last week.

There is optimism that Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke could all be involved in the North London derby, with the returns of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus likely to be another few weeks away.

However, it is Madueke who the majority of supporters are most looking forward to seeing in action once again.

The 22-year-old’s £52m move from Chelsea in the summer was controversial, albeit this was nothing to do with him personally, with a certain section of, how shall we put this diplomatically, vocal online supporters simply tired of signing Chelsea’s cast-offs.

Nevertheless, Madueke, who reportedly earns £150k-per-week, quickly proved his worth, starting the second Premier League game of the season against Leeds on the left-hand-side.

During that match however, Saka suffered an injury, meaning Madueke deputised on the right for the next four matches, before himself suffering a knee injury against Manchester City, the day Saka made a timely return.

Of course, with Man City leading 1-0 at half time, everyone was pleased to see Saka introduced, but there was general bewilderment that Madueke was the man replaced, given how sharp he had been both in the first 45 minutes but in general, fans in the stadium not yet aware that this was an enforced change due to injury.

In total, Madueke has only played 396 minutes for Arsenal, about the same as the flight time from London to Lagos, which is not very much at all, leading to the feeling that what we’ve seen so far is merely an amuse-bouche of what is to come.

When he arrived, Arteta asserted that the “exciting and powerful” 23-year-old is “one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League”, showing glimpses of this potential before his injury.

Meantime, back in September, former Manchester United defender Paul Parker exclaimed, “I actually think he’s better than Bukayo Saka”, after Madueke, also deputising for his club team mate at international level, scored his first goal for England during their 5-0 demolition of Serbia at Stadion Rajko Mitić.

That is obviously an bold assertion and, if there is one thing we’ve learned during Arteta’s six-year reign, it is that if Saka is fit and available, he is going to play.

Thus, it is unrealistic to suggest that Madueke can dislodge the Gunners’ joint-top scorer on the right, but the left flank is very much up for grabs.

Martinelli and Eberechi Eze have both started there at various points this season, with Trossard the current tenant, further underlining that the position is up for grabs.

With games against Spurs, Bayern Munich and then his former side Chelsea next on the agenda, Madueke’s electric dribbling and explosive pace will add an extra dimension to the Gunners attack and will prove invaluable assets, suggesting he could make the left-wing spot his own, permanently demoting Trossard to the role of super sub.

Arsenal "warrior" is being given the Smith Rowe treatment by Arteta

Another Emile Smith Rowe situation could be playing out at Arsenal.

ByMatt Dawson Nov 11, 2025

Veteran Thomas Muller, who joined Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps just months ago, has given a clear indication of where his future lies, with his contract expiring at the end of this year. The legendary former Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has made a great start to life in North America and is determined to bring unprecedented success at the BC Place.

Muller enjoying sensational start to life with Vancouver Whitecaps

After his contract with Bayern Munich expired following their quarter-final exit at the Club World Cup, Muller decided to join Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Vancouver Whitecaps on a deal until December 31, 2025. The contract includes an option to extend for the entirety of 2026.

Less than two months after arriving from Bavaria, Muller landed his hands on the Canadian Championship, with the Whitecaps beating local rivals Vancouver FC 4-2 in the final. In the process, he became the most decorated German footballer of all-time with 35 trophies to his name, overtaking former Bayern team-mate and Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos.

Muller has been in pristine form as far as his individual performances are concerned; in 10 games, the 2014 World Cup winner has scored nine goals and delivered four assists.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMuller set to extend Vancouver Whitecaps stay

"Yes – full attack", the German enthusiastically replied when asked him if he'd be staying in Vancouver beyond 2025.

The Whitecaps will be facing rivals Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup Playoffs, Eastern Conference semi-finals this weekend. "In the current context, it would mean a great deal; it's my here and now," Muller conceded when asked about the importance of winning more titles. "Above all, I've moved to a new league and a new country and would then have experienced an extraordinary team performance within a short period of time.

"Consequently, I can say that I am very happy here and am having a lot of fun. But it is of course much more relaxed than in Munich or the rest of Germany."

He also noted that he didn't join the Whitecaps for "vacation", asserting that he is not taking his stint in the MLS for granted. "It was very easy to jump in, they put me in good positions,” he said. “They won a penalty for me in every game. For sure you have to be ready for the competition but I was not coming here for vacation, I wanted to do a serious job and that was always my goal when I came here that I wanted to perform.

“But you never know in a different country, a new league and a new team how long this process will last till you’re a real part of the team. In the end I’ve always been able to adapt to a situation really quickly, I've adjusted my playing style in tiny ways so often. It’s nothing special.”

Bayern president wants Muller to return in operation role

Earlier this month, Bayern president Herbert Hainer confirmed that he held talks with Muller regarding a potential operational role at the club in the future after his exit was finalised. "After his departure was confirmed, Thomas Muller came to my office. I advised him in a personal conversation that if he later wanted a job in sports, he should move to MLS," he told

"He can work operationally for us. He can become a brand ambassador. He could even succeed me one day. It is the wish of the fans and the club that former players take on a leadership role at Bayern Munich."

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Getty Images SportMuller confident of beating LAFC in MLS Conference Semi-Finals

This Sunday, Vancouver Whitecaps will lock horns against Son Heung-min's LAFC in the Conference semi-finals. However, Muller was quick to remind fans that Son has never been able to get the better of him.

"The problem is Sonny was a very good player in Hamburg and Leverkusen, but the teams weren't on the same level," he jokingly explained. "It’s maybe not really fair to judge or compare the situation now. We’re in two very good teams and he’s a big player there and I’m a big player there so it’s a little bit different.

“When he was in Hamburg, whenever we came with Bayern at that time we crushed them every time, I think we had 8-2s or 9-1s, but he was still a very good, talented young player at this time, so it’s not the right discussion to look too far back.

“If you go into the details for sure we know how good this team can be. But if you look back at the last few weeks they’re very reliant on [Denis] Bouanga and Son so if they’re not scoring they don’t score. It’s very tough to keep these two quiet, but if we get it done we have a good chance. For me, it's just my first conference semi-final. We’re gonna beat them – that's what I think about this game."

Manchester United are now very keen on signing Ajax midfielder Jorthy Mokio, amid a new update on his future at the Eredivisie club.

With Man United looking to sign a new midfielder, the likes of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba have been identified as potential targets, but it could be difficult to compete for their signatures, having already established themselves as Premier League stars.

As such, it may be a savvy move to bring in a lesser-known midfielder, with talks to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit recently advancing, as speculation over Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford continues to build.

Ruben Amorim has suggested Mainoo’s lack of game time is due to United simply not playing in enough matches to make full use of the entire squad, saying: “Imagine for me to have Mainoo with that (many) minutes that he’s playing, he needs more games for me to make a rotation because, with one game (a week), it’s really hard.”

However, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes making themselves undroppable in recent weeks, a Mainoo departure could be on the cards, and the Red Devils have now joined the race for a potential replacement.

Man Utd now very keen on signing Jorthy Mokio

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, in a report for Sky Sports, Man United have now emerged as one of the clubs most interested in signing Ajax midfielder Mokio, who has decided he wants to leave the Eredivisie club.

Ajax are looking to tie the midfielder down to a new contract, but he could seemingly have his head turned, with a number of clubs from across Europe now in the race for his signature.

The 17-year-old is being followed very closely by United, having been identified as the perfect target, but there could be competition for his signature, with Newcastle United and Eintracht Frankfurt also emerging as potential suitors.

The Belgian has been likened to N’Golo Kante, given that he flourishes from a defensive point of view, placing in the 99th percentile for blocks per 90 over the past year, and the 84th percentile for clearances, when compared to other midfielders.

Not only that, but the youngster has also established himself as a first-team regular for Ajax at a very young age, being lauded as an “amazing” player by scout Jacek Kulig.

With Mainoo’s future up in the air, it would make sense to bring in another young midfielder, but Man United may also need to sign another central midfielder alongside Mokio, given that Casemiro’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

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ByJoe Nuttall Nov 19, 2025

أعلن الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، قائمة الحكام المكلفين بإدارة مباريات بطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية 2025، المقرر إقامتها في المغرب خلال الفترة من 21 ديسمبر الجاري وحتى 18 يناير المقبل.

وشهدت القائمة الرسمية تواجدًا مميزًا للتحكيم المصري بعدما اختار “كاف” ستة حكام مصريين للمشاركة في إدارة مباريات النسخة المقبلة من البطولة.

طالع.. رسميًا | محمود البنا يعلن اعتزاله التحكيم.. ويؤكد: المنظومة يقودها فكر شاذ

وظهر في القائمة الحكام المصريين محمد معروف وأمين عمر كحكام ساحة، ومحمود عاشور وحسام عزب حجاج في تقنية الفيديو.

وأكد الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم اعتزازه بالثقة الكبيرة التي يمنحها الاتحاد الإفريقي لحكام مصر، بما يعكس كفاءة ومكانة التحكيم المصري على المستويين القاري والدولي. قائمة الحكام المصريين في كأس الأمم الإفريقيةحكام الساحة:

محمد معروف

أمين عمر حكام تقنية الفيديو (VAR):

محمود عاشور

حسام عزب حجاج المساعدون:

أحمد حسام طه

محمود أبو الرجال