Football
Manchester United Face Stiff Competition for Ederson Amid €50m Price Tag

Manchester United will have to put up “no less than €50m” if they hope to secure Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer, and they won’t be the only club in the race.
According to journalist Filippo Maggi who is said to be “very close” to Atalanta—the Brazilian midfielder has caught the attention of several clubs, including Juventus, making a potential transfer highly competitive.
Maggi shared his insights during Calciomercato.it’s TiAmCalciomercato show, stating, “Ederson is very popular.”
The 24-year-old has been a key figure for Atalanta, particularly during last season’s Europa League-winning campaign, and has continued to impress in Serie A.
His performances have drawn admiration from top clubs across Europe, with multiple Premier League teams monitoring him for over a year.
Manchester United, who are planning another major summer overhaul under new boss Ruben Amorim, have been linked to Ederson for months.
Reports dating back to December suggested the Red Devils had “increased their interest” in the player, and more recently, both United and Manchester City were said to have “tested the waters” ahead of a possible move.
However, Juventus could also be a serious contender for the midfielder’s signature.
Despite some “coldness” in negotiations between Atalanta and Juve over Teun Koopmeiners, Maggi insists that “the relationship between Atalanta and Juventus is not difficult” and that if the Turin club makes a move, “I see no obstacles.”
With Ederson’s valuation set at “no less than €50-55m,” it remains to be seen which club will step up to meet Atalanta’s demands in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United will have to put up “no less than €50m” if they hope to secure Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer, and they won’t be the only club in the race.
According to journalist Filippo Maggi—who is said to be “very close” to Atalanta the Brazilian midfielder has caught the attention of several clubs, including Juventus, making a potential transfer highly competitive.
Maggi shared his insights during Calciomercato.it’s TiAmCalciomercato show, stating, “Ederson is very popular.”
The 24-year-old has been a key figure for Atalanta, particularly during last season’s Europa League-winning campaign, and has continued to impress in Serie A.
His performances have drawn admiration from top clubs across Europe, with multiple Premier League teams monitoring him for over a year.
Manchester United, who are planning another major summer overhaul under new boss Ruben Amorim, have been linked to Ederson for months.
Reports dating back to December suggested the Red Devils had “increased their interest” in the player, and more recently, both United and Manchester City were said to have “tested the waters” ahead of a possible move.
However, Juventus could also be a serious contender for the midfielder’s signature. Despite some “coldness” in negotiations between Atalanta and Juve over Teun Koopmeiners, Maggi insists that “the relationship between Atalanta and Juventus is not difficult” and that if the Turin club makes a move, “I see no obstacles.”
With Ederson’s valuation set at “no less than €50-55m,” it remains to be seen which club will step up to meet Atalanta’s demands in the summer transfer window.
Casemiro Advises Ruben Amorim on How to Maximize Joshua Zirkzee’s Potential
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro believes that playing Joshua Zirkzee as a striker is a mistake, arguing that his true potential is best unlocked in the number 10 role.
The Dutch forward had a challenging start to life at Old Trafford following his summer move from Bologna but has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. With United struggling with injuries, manager Ruben Amorim has opted to deploy Zirkzee as one of his two attacking midfielders a tactical shift that appears to be paying off.

Zirkzee played a crucial role in United’s 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, scoring the team’s only goal with a well-taken finish after linking up with Alejandro Garnacho.
Following the match, Amorim expressed his satisfaction with the 23-year-old’s performance and steady development.
Casemiro, too, was full of praise for Zirkzee and emphasized the importance of utilizing him in the right way.
Speaking to The Mirror, he explained, “It’s a waste to have him” in a traditional striker role and stressed that playing him as a number 10 allows him to thrive.
The Brazilian midfielder further added, “I’m very happy for him and I hope he continues to score goals, which is important for us.”
With Zirkzee finding his rhythm in a deeper role, Amorim may have discovered the best way to fully unlock his attacking potential as United push forward in their campaign.
“He’s a very good player. He’s not a number nine who stays in the middle. He’s a nine who goes out more to the wings, which is why he plays as a bit of a No.10, which is what this coach likes.”
“He’s very good, he’s got a lot of quality, he likes to control the ball, to spin. He’s a player who has more quality. It’s a waste to have him standing up front alone.”
“He’s not a player who always wants to be up there, leading the attack and scoring goals that way. He’s more of a player who wants to play and create.”
Casemiro also opened up on his uncertain transfer situation, indicating it is “too soon” to discuss whether or not he’ll stay at United beyond the upcoming window.
“Of course I want to play, but I always say, and these are my values, that I respect the coach a lot, I respect the club. Every day I go to Carrington or Old Trafford, I try to do my best. If a player is on the bench and is happy, that player is not worth anything for any team.”
“Of course I want to play, I want to have more minutes, but the coach is the one who makes the decisions and I have a lot of respect for him and for the club.”
He added, “It’s too soon to talk about next season, but of course I have another year of contract and then an option. We have important games and on Sunday we have Arsenal.”
“I’m here, I’m available, with total happiness, and I’m ready for the coach and the club. As everyone knows, I’m a big character for the club.”
Casemiro’s contract at Old Trafford expires in 2026.
Football
Man Utd star set to exit Old Trafford this summer snubs two transfer options

Christian Eriksen’s time at Manchester United is winding down, and the Danish midfielder’s already crossing off a couple of destinations for his next chapter.
With his contract up this summer, he’s confirmed he’s leaving Old Trafford and Major League Soccer or a Danish homecoming aren’t in the cards.
The United brass, under Ruben Amorim’s new vision, won’t extend Eriksen’s deal. At 33, he’s still got fire in his legs and isn’t ready to slow down overseas or coast back home.
So, what’s next? “I don’t know yet. I haven’t made any firm decisions,” Eriksen told Danish outlet Tipsbladet.dk. “Before my cardiac arrest, I played in England for years, moved to Inter, and thought I’d never return. Two years later, I was back in England, and now I’ve been here for almost four years.”
He’s learned plans can flip fast. “Careers don’t always follow a set plan. I don’t have a checklist of things I need to do—I’ll see what comes and what’s best for me and my family,” he said.
Eriksen’s Next Stop: Not MLS or Denmark
One thing’s clear: no stateside stint or Danish Superliga swan song. “We won’t travel that far,” he said of MLS. “Not yet. It’s too early. I still feel like I have good years left abroad. In Denmark, players often return to focus on family and end their careers that way, but I don’t feel like I’m there yet.”

He’s keeping it about the game. “It’s purely about football and where my career stands now. Honestly, I’ve spent more time abroad than in Denmark during my career, so moving home would almost feel like moving to a new country. But we’re not there yet.”
What about old haunts like Ajax, who sniffed around last summer, or Brentford? “I’m not closing the door on anything. I’ll see what opportunities arise and whether they fit,” he said of Amsterdam. “That was last summer we’ll see where they stand this summer. It’s not just up to me; there has to be interest from their side too.”
Brentford’s a maybe too. “Whether it’s Brentford or not, I can’t say. But my intention isn’t to stay in England,” he noted. This isn’t like post-cardiac arrest days, proving he could still play. “Now, it’s just about waiting for the right opportunity and not making hasty decisions. If something feels right, I’ll take it.”
The ex-Spurs and Inter star’s got options and he’s playing it cool ‘til summer hits.
Football
Lionel Messi Sidelined for Argentina’s World Cup Qualifiers: What’s Going On?

Argentina’s football squad is gearing up to face Uruguay and Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but they’ll be missing their iconic captain, Lionel Messi.
The superstar’s fitness woes have struck again, keeping him out of the lineup for these crucial matches.
Messi’s latest setback came after Inter Miami’s clash with Atlanta United on Sunday. He played the full 90 minutes and even scored, but reports from Argentina say he felt muscle discomfort afterward.
That’s enough to rule him out for the qualifiers, adding to a season already peppered with absences.
This year alone, Messi sat out three Inter Miami games in early March due to a pulled muscle.
He only returned last Thursday, coming off the bench to score in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win. Now, this fresh injury has Argentina playing it safe.
Why Argentina’s Rolling Without Messi
Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina’s not sweating it too much. They’re topping the South American qualifying group with 25 points from 12 games five ahead of second-placed Uruguay.
The top six from CONMEBOL punch their ticket straight to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and the 2022 champs could lock it up in these next two.
They’ll take on Uruguay in Montevideo this Friday, then host Brazil in Buenos Aires on March 25.
Messi’s six goals make him the qualifying round’s leading scorer, so his boots will be missed but Argentina’s depth has them covered.
Elsewhere, Argentina’s also without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate’s Paulo Montiel. Brazil, sitting fifth with 18 points, won’t have Neymar either—he’s nursing a thigh injury.
The squad still looks stacked, though Emiliano Martinez in goal, Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi anchoring the back, and firepower up top with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Messi might be out, but Argentina’s still gunning for that World Cup spot.
Football
Dougie Freedman quits role as Crystal Palace sporting director

Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is leaving the club after seven years in the role and is expected to take up a position in Saudi Arabia.
The 50-year-old, who previously played for and managed the Eagles, has been instrumental in shaping the club’s recruitment strategy and building a sustainable scouting structure.
Freedman’s Legacy at Crystal Palace
During his tenure, Freedman played a key role in identifying and signing talented players such as Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze.
His work has helped establish a strong foundation for the club’s future success. While his next destination hasn’t been officially confirmed, reports suggest he has been offered a role with the Diriyah Company, which owns Saudi second-tier side Al-Diriyah.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish praised Freedman’s contributions, stating, “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player. I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future.”
Freedman’s Farewell Message
In a heartfelt statement, Freedman expressed his gratitude to the club and its supporters. “I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners, and to all the staff, managers, and players who have been at the club during my time here. It’s been an honour to represent the club, and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done in growing the football club into its current position.”
He also highlighted the promising future of the squad, saying, “To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.” Freedman thanked the fans for their unwavering support, adding, “Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart.”
Freedman is expected to stay with Crystal Palace on a short-term basis to assist with the transition and succession planning.
Long-term consultant Iain Moody may see his responsibilities expanded as the club looks to maintain the momentum built under Freedman’s leadership.
Freedman’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Crystal Palace, but his legacy of talent identification and squad development ensures the club is well-positioned for continued growth.
-
Football4 weeks ago
Arsenal prepare offer to deprive Real Madrid of ‘one of most promising players’ in the world
-
FORMULA 11 week ago
Ferrari’s other big Mercedes signing – and how he’s helped Hamilton
-
Football1 month ago
Ruben Amorim makes his intentions clear as Man Utd set to unleash beast vs Leicester
-
FORMULA 11 week ago
Kimi Antonelli Stuns in Bahrain Testing, Raises Hopes for Mercedes Ahead of Australian Grand Prix
-
Football1 month ago
Mikel Arteta Set to Overhaul Arsenal Squad in Summer Shake-Up
-
Golf2 weeks ago
PGA Tour Releases Statement After Rules Confusion At Arnold Palmer Invitational
-
Basketball1 month ago
6 buyout candidates Warriors must pursue after 2025 NBA trade deadline
-
Football2 months ago
Arsenal struck gold on “sensational” star worth millions more than Watkins