All posts by n8rngtd.top

MLS commissioner Don Garber admitted that without David Beckham joining the league in 2007, Messi wouldn't be at Miami in 2024.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• MLS commissioner does Q&A
• Reveals Beckham influence on Messi transfer
• League learned a lot from 2007 superstar move

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Speaking to ESPN in a Q&A session, Garber revealed how important the 2007 arrival of Beckham was to the league, and how integral it was to bringing in someone like Messi to Inter Miami. After joining the LA Galaxy, the Englishman brought worldwide status to the league, with both Manchester United and Real Madrid fans following his blockbuster move to the USA.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  WHAT MLS COMMISSIONER DON GARBER SAID

  "There's no Messi in MLS if David didn't come into our league in 2007. It really was the first real statement that MLS can be a league of choice for the top, most well-known players in the world. And David's experience, albeit a little challenging in the beginning, was just fantastic for him, for the Galaxy, for the league, and really morphed into him becoming an owner in MLS. I can't imagine what MLS would be like if David didn't make that decision. If he didn't make that decision, I'm not sure what MLS would look like today."

  Garber followed it up by admitting the league did indeed learn some big lessons from Beckham's transfer, while adding what attributes a player of that caliber needs to be successful on and off the pitch in MLS.

  "I think some of the lessons are that you can't just take a big-name player and put them on the field and expect that everything is going to work perfectly. That player needs to really believe in the league, you need to manage around him and ensure that his family is well positioned and ensure, again, that it's the right fit for the club. And that's worked so well in so many cases, but it hasn't worked well in others. So I think it's not just about the experience with David, it really is the experience with all of the well-known, big-name players from overseas who've come into MLS. Some of them have worked really well, and some of them haven't. And by the way, that's OK."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After Messi signed for Inter Miami last summer, he instantly connected and linked-up with Beckham, who played a key role in orchestrating the move for the Herons. In his first season in MLS, Messi was a finalist for MLS Newcomer of the Year, won the Inaugural Leagues Cup – while being named tournament MVP and claiming the Golden Boot – and also won his eighth Ballon d'Or over Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

  Now, 2024 awaits, and it's an exciting time for both MLS and Inter Miami fans.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI AND MLS?

  The Herons are back in action Wednesday evening, opening up their 2024 campaign against Real Salt Lake. Then, it's a Sunday clash against the LA Galaxy in a big match for Beckham, as the Inter Miami co-owner will visit his former club.

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has invited ‘ridiculous’ offers for former Newcastle United striker Adam Armstrong this summer.

The lowdown

The 24-year-old finished the season with two hat-tricks in three games to post a tally of 28 league goals for the campaign. That left him second in the Championship scoring charts, just three adrift of another former Newcastle player in Ivan Toney.

Armstrong made the permanent switch to Ewood Park in 2018, having racked up 21 appearances in black and white without getting on the scoresheet.

However, Newcastle inserted a 40% sell-on clause into their agreement with Rovers, and Armstrong is now valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, even though he is about to enter the final year of his contract.

Intriguingly, it has also been reported that the Magpies are considering an attempt to bring him back to St James’ Park.

The latest

After Blackburn’s 5-2 victory over Birmingham City on Saturday, Mowbray sent a message to Armstrong’s suitors.

“They’re not doing their job if they’re not looking at Adam Armstrong,” he told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“That’s out of my control. For Adam’s sake, let’s hope the phone rings and someone offers us a ridiculous amount of money, we shake him by the hand and we say go bang in loads of goals in the Premier League.

“We’ll use some of that money in the team and can find another striker who can bang loads of goals in.”

The verdict

According to The Athletic, Newcastle have discussed the possibility of signing Tammy Abraham this summer but have been put off to Chelsea’s £40m price tag.

If that’s an indication that they’re after a striker, Armstrong would be a far cheaper, but still prolific, option.

You could argue that it’s a win-win situation anyway. If they don’t pursue the move, they could still net somewhere around £5.76m (40% of £14.4m) from a sale to another Premier League club due to the aforementioned sell-on clause.

In hindsight, it was a clever piece of business they struck with Blackburn three years ago.

In other news, this Newcastle youngster has reportedly been offered to Premier League rivals.

The prodigiously gifted left-winger is already making history and megaclubs across the pond are taking notice

Looking back at the moment itself just a few months later, Julian Hall admits he wasn't nervous. Even he is surprised by that fact. How in the world did he not feel a tidal wave of anxiety the moment he stepped onto the field?

You see, the moment in question came on September 30, 2023. With the New York Red Bulls down a goal, the club turned to Hall in the 80th minute. Nothing unusual, clubs turn to attacking players late in games all the time. The difference is that Hall is 15 years old. 15. The number bears repeating.

Too young to go get a driver's license, but old enough to play meaningful minutes in an MLS game for a club in a playoff race. By making his appearance, Hall became the second-youngest player in MLS history. The only one younger? Freddy Adu.

"I wouldn't say there were nerves," Hall told GOAL, "which is pretty surprising. I definitely just couldn't believe that I was on the field. It was really surreal to me. It took me a while to even feel like I was playing in the game. It was definitely one of the best feelings I've ever experienced and hopefully, I can continue with that."

The world is watching now. Clubs all over Europe have been linked, and they're big ones. Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich.. all have been linked with the rising 15-year-old starlet.

It's still wild to Hall, whose life has totally changed over the last year in ways he still can't quite fathom.

"I think it's all changed a lot after last year," he said. "I never really got the high school experience. I never really attended high school before, but there was a pretty big chunk of teenage life that got away a bit, but it's all been taken out for a good reason now: my development and for me to have a career in this sport."

What's next for the rising 15-year-old star? GOAL spoke to Hall to discuss his career so far and, of course, his hopes for the future…

• Insta: julianhall_
  

  Where it all began

  He doesn't remember the exact moment it happened, nor the real reason why. There was no wake-up moment for Hall when he was younger. At some point early on, he just really fell in love with soccer.

  Hall played other sports, but, at one point, soccer became the one. And it didn't take him long to realize that he was actually pretty damn good at it.

  "I wouldn't say I was ever the best player, that came at a later time," Hall said. "I started training from age or three years up, and that made me realize that maybe I had a chance to pursue this as a career. When I look at where I am right now, it makes me feel like I have a chance to go somewhere with soccer."

  Growing up, Hall was inspired by those around him. He had the usual European influences, although those were only heightened by his Polish ancestry. He loved watching Manchester United, although he initially chose them as a kid mostly for the colors. The player he idolized most, though, was Robert Lewandowski, as anyone with a connection to Poland would.

  Born in Manhattan, Hall embraced the uniqueness of the New York soccer scene, one that has always been a big melting pot of cultures. He came from a Polish background through his mother's side, but a quick walk around any New York City game will introduce you to any number of players from any number of different backgrounds.

  "There were all sorts of cultures and people," Hall said. "Especially when I played on my local team, people were coming from all over the city. It's definitely thriving where I'm from."

  By the time he was 12, though, Hall was ready to make the leap from New York to New Jersey. He joined the Red Bulls in 2020, and it didn't take long for him to prove himself at one of the best academies in MLS.

Advertisement

• The big break

  Hall's early years with the Red Bulls youth teams? In a word: dominant.

  In 39 matches, the forward scored 28 goals for the academy team, working his way up the ranks. His most notable achievement came with the Red Bulls U-15s at the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup, where he scored five goals to earn an MVP award and, more importantly, the tournament trophy for the Red Bulls team. He also won the Golden Boot award at the 2023 Generation adidas Cup, scoring five more goals, including two in a win over Chelsea.

  Ahead of the 2023 MLS Next Pro season, Hall signed his first professional deal. He went on to make 10 appearances, scoring twice despite being among the younger players in the league. By September, those in charge had seen enough to offer him a three-year contract with the first team. And then, just 23 days later, he was on the field for that debut just over halfway into his 15th year on this planet.

  "In terms of training with them and getting opportunities with the first team, because of that, [the debut] wasn't a surprise," he said. "I try to stay ready for anything. Anything can happen. But, with that, that was something that I couldn't believe happened in that moment"

  He added: "Of course I see certain things going on. Of course, the accolades for the players that came before me, they were all important in making the history of the league. For me now, I think it's incredibly important to just stay focused, especially on myself."

  In just a few years, Hall had basically speed-run the Red Bulls system. He made leap after leap after leap relatively quickly, going from academy to second team to first before his 16th birthday.

• How it's going

  The expectation is that Hall will be eased into the Red Bulls' first team. He's just 15, after all. There's so much maturing he needs to do, on and off the field, before he's ready to be a regular contributor at a top, top level.

  If this preseason is anything to go by, though, Hall might not be too far away from his second MLS appearance.

  "Julian is one of those players that, no matter what we put in front of him, he managed to have an impact and he managed to adapt," said Red Bulls academy director Sean McCafferty. "We'd be lying, though, if we said we'd expected him to adapt to first-team training as quickly as he has."

  He added:" The best compliment I can give him is that every time you put him into an environment where you think he's going to struggle, he finds a way to make it work."

  Hall got plenty of minutes during the Red Bulls' preseason run and, against St. Louis, he came off the bench to win a penalty for his team. He provided an assist against the Chicago Fire, too, teeing up Elias Manoel. It's the type of impact he can make, even at his age.

  Still, the Red Bulls won't rush him. Hall will be given all the time he needs.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Biggest strengths

  Able to play across the attacking line, Hall is primarily a left-winger, one with the ability to beat a defender and, when the time comes, make things happen in the final third.

  His goalscoring record on the youth level speaks for itself, as do his preseason contributions. Despite his age, Hall is confident and dynamic, a player who has an eye for goal at every level he's played at so far in his young career.

  "I think being an attacking threat is a huge part of being an attacker, but I have so much to learn. I have great role models at the club to help me to keep improving every day. Nothing is final yet, of course, but there are always things that I can improve on."

  At 5'10", Hall already has size, and he could still grow a bit considering his age. He has the pace and skill to beat defenders, helping him create the moments needed to contribute in the attacking third. In terms of physical gifts, they're all there, which is why he can play with players twice his age.

  Hall has already found one heck of a role model with the Red Bulls: club legend Bradley Wright-Phillips. One of the most prolific strikers MLS has ever seen, Wright-Phillips has helped Hall adjust to life at this new level.

  "I came into the team last year at a young age and it was a new environment for me," he said. "Bradley Wright-Phillips is someone with a great history in the league. The fact that he's still around the team and at the facility, he's available all the time to ask questions and get information from him."

  "I think the things that he showed when he was in the league, there's that potential for myself, but I have a long way to go, but having him there is definitely a key aspect of my development."

  Wright-Phillips said of hall: "I think he needs a lot more games at the MLS NEXT Pro level but I will say this – the way he’s matured, his body, everything… he’s ready to get minutes for the first-team — and if he does, don’t be surprised if he comes on and has an impact in some games.

  "But I think with the young players, we don’t wanna go too fast. There are steps you have to take to adjust your game and I think Julian should take those steps and if he continues to do well at the NEXT Pro level… then he will get his chance."

Paris Saint-Germain are considering a summer transfer bid for Barcelona midfielder Gavi, according to a report.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• PSG want to sign Gavi in summer
• Move would reunite him with Luis Enrique
• Barca do not want to sell prized asset

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The French champions have long been admirers of the 19-year-old and claims they have named him on their shortlist of targets for the summer transfer window. A move would see him reunite with coach Luis Enrique, who gave him his senior debut at Barca at the age of 17.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barcelona have no intention of selling their prized academy graduate, who is currently out with an anterior cruciate ligament tear, but the club's dire financial situation may force them to let him go should a good enough offer come their way. It is unclear if the 27-time Spain international would be open to a summer departure.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Gavi is not the only big name that PSG have their eye on. They are in the market to bring more star power into the team now that Kylian Mbappe has reportedly informed president Nasser Al-Khelaifi that he will leave the club for free in the summer transfer window. They are also expected to table an offer for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to take the France star's place up front.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PSG?

  The capital club will look to defend their Ligue 1 title and secure the Champions League crown for the first time before Mbappe departs at the end of the season. They will then look to replace their talisman and strengthen in other areas of the squad.

Wolves’ shambolic showing at Turf Moor on Sunday lunchtime provided Nuno Santo with plenty to think about.

First of all, it showed that their defence still leaves plenty to be desired and secondly, it summed up why they need more potency in attack. Losing 4-0 on the road to a relegation-threatened team wasn’t very impressive at all.

What’s the word?

This will be a pivotal summer for Wolves after they ultimately splashed the cash unsuccessfully last year.

The Old Gold have an option to buy Willian Jose in a few months time but after scoring just once, it feels unlikely they’ll do so.

Instead, Wolves could find themselves turning their eyes to Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

Nuno’s men were linked with a move for the young forward in January but they ultimately settled on Jose.

However, it looks as though the Gunners are keen to shift Nketiah again this summer.

A fresh report from The Sun over the weekend states that Arsenal are looking for £20m in order to part company with the 21-year-old. With that, Wolves should revive their interest.

Goals galore

Back in January, Wolves needed a proven experienced striker in order to replace Raul Jimenez whilst he was injured. The arrival of Jose looked an astute one on paper as he signed on loan but after netting one goal in the space of a few months, it’s not gone according to plan.

It’s unlikely Jimenez will be back before the end of the campaign but hopefully, he’ll be fit and raring to go before the new season rolls around.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-news-and-views-lingard-leao-jimenez-mir” title= “Read the latest Wolves news and views!”]

With that in mind, signing another experienced forward might not make as much sense.

Fortunately, this is where Nketiah comes in. Not quite as young as Fabio Silva, the Englishman has had a habit of troubling opposition defences up and down the country for years.

He has only scored six times for Mikel Arteta’s side this term but he is the definition of a penalty box poacher. You only need to look at his late goal against Fulham last week where he stole in at the back post before poking the ball home.

Dubbed a “powerful” player by the Arsenal manager, he possesses the ability to get in behind and run the channels; something Wolves don’t really have with Jimenez.

The Mexican will work hard but despite being a fox in the box, he isn’t blessed with enormous pace.

Nketiah, on the other hand, has speed and acceleration in abundance. If you don’t get stuck into him early in the game, he can run you ragged.

The youngster scored 28 times in only 39 games for the club’s U23 side and at international level, he has thrived.

Described as a “goal machine” by Michael Owen, no one has scored more goals for England U21s than Nketiah; he has 16 in 17.

The attacker now has a few years of experience under his belt which is more than Silva can offer at the moment. He is proven in England and also has plenty of leadership skills; he was the U21s captain during the recent European Championships.

Like a lot of Jeff Shi’s signings down the years, this would be one where Wolves can develop and craft a player for the future.

AND in other news, Worse than Boly: Nuno surely fuming with Wolves gem who lost possession 24x…

Harry Kane made a sensational move from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich and has now revealed which teammate has helped him through the move.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Kane talks about move to Bayern
• Talks about how Muller helped him settle
• Has had an exceptional start to season

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kane finally moved to Munich over one of the longest summer transfer sagas, with the Bavarians agreeing to pay Spurs €100 million (£86 million/$110 million) for his services. With 17 goals in 11 Bundesliga games and 21 goals overall across all competitions, Kane has made an immediate impact in Germany. He has also gotten accustomed to the country with the help of teammate Thomas Muller.

Advertisement

• WHAT KANE SAID

  Speaking to FourFourTwo, Kane said [via @iMiaSanMia on X]: "Thomas [Muller] took me out for a round of golf with some of his pals after I arrived, which was really kind of him. It’s tough coming to live in a new country and trying to make some friends, so I appreciated it. We had loads of fun."

• (C)GettyImages
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per BILD, Kane's €480,000-per-week deal includes a "scorer-points" provision that is expected to yield him an additional substantial payment. It's been reported that Kane will receive a €25,000 bonus if he scores 40 goals across all competitions.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

  Kane is expected to feature for the Three Lions in their Euro 2024 qualifying matches on November 17 and 20, respectively against Malta and North Macedonia. On November 24, after completing his international obligations, he will return to Germany to play for Bayern against Koln.

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Graham Roberts does not expect Danny Rose to have any way back into the first-team even with Jose Mourinho’s sacking, telling Football FanCast that the developments have “gone too far”.

Rose was not included in the Premier League squad at the start of the season and was not given a squad number.

This season, he has made a total of two appearances in the Premier League 2 for the U23s.

Reports claimed that he actually appeared at Spurs’ training ground on the day of Mourinho’s sacking, jumping out the back of a van and asking journalists why they had shown up to the Enfield complex.

Ryan Mason has been placed in charge of the team on an interim basis until the end of the season and it remains to be seen if an olive branch will be extended to the former England left-back.

Roberts, though, believes that such a development is unlikely after the way that he has conducted himself in recent years.

Indeed, he believes that the argument arose from the player’s desire to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires, despite being offered a number of routes out of the club, as laid bare in the Amazon Spurs documentary.

He told FFC: “I’m not sure about Danny Rose, I think that one’s gone too far. That wasn’t Mourinho, that was to do with the club, his contract’s up, he’s said he wants to leave when his contract’s up, on a free.

“I think that one’s gone too far.”

Rolling Stones icons Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood were in attendance as Barcelona faced Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Rolling Stones stars at El Clasico
• Barca wearing special jersey
• Shirt has Stones' famous symbol on it

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The two sides went head-to-head in the Estadio Olímpico for the first time this season and the famous rock band heroes were in attendance.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The and artists watched on as Barcelona faced their rivals in a jersey with the band's famous lips and tongue symbol on it. The gesture coincides with the release of the Rolling Stones' new album, "Hackney Diamonds".

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Barcelona took the lead within six minutes through an Ilkay Gundogan goal. The midfielder's goal was the fastest to have been scored in a match between Barcelona and Real Madrid since Neymar's strike just three minutes and two seconds into a Clasico in 2014.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Barca's next match is against Real Sociedad in La Liga, while take on Rayo Vallecano.

Celta midfielder Luca de la Torre was sent off during his side's 1-1 draw with Deportivo Alaves on Thursday after receiving two yellow cards.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• De la Torre sent off
• Alaves equalised after
• Celta off to slow start

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 25-year-old was booked just 15 minutes into the match for hauling down an opponent, though his side soon took the lead through a Rafa Mira own goal.

  The United States international was given a second yellow card midway through the second half for a harsh tackle and it came back to haunt his side as Alaves netted the equaliser just five minutes later.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  De la Torre's sending off played a big role in his side's slip up as Deportivo went on to dominate for the final 20 minutes. Celta then played a more defensive style as the game wore on as they focused on preventing the visitors from netting the winning goal.

  Celta sit 17th in La Liga with five points from seven matches, leaving them outside of the relegation zone on goal difference alone.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ex-Fulham and Heracles player De la Torre joined the Spanish side in 2022 and played an important role in his first season in Spain, starting 16 of his 28 La Liga appearances. This season, he has started six of the seven matches in which he has featured.

  The San Diego native is fighting for a regular place in the United States national team. After being left out of the squad for the Gold Cup this year, he started in the 3-0 friendly win against Uzbekistan but went off injured in the first half and was not called upon to play in their most recent match against Oman.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  De la Torre will serve a suspension when his team line up for Monday's crucial La Liga match against Las Palmas, who are level on points with them in the Spanish top-flight.

The Frenchman's taste is second to none when it comes to cars.

Karim Benzema has not only dazzled the world with his exceptional skills on the football field but has also captivated enthusiasts with his exquisite taste in automobiles.

From his early days at Lyon, his legendary stint at Real Madrid, to his current tenure in the Middle East with Al-Ittihad, Benzema's journey in professional football is nothing short of extraordinary.

The first-ever car that Benzema had was a Mini Cooper S, which he bought from his friend. When he was at Lyon, the first car he bought was a BMW M6. Benzema met with BMW's boss and personally requested for the car. The Frenchman is an ardent car enthusiast and has been passionate about sports cars ever since he was a child, since he used to play with car toys.

The former French international owns a car collection that is estimated to be worth over $10 million.

GOAL takes a look at the stunning cars that find home in Benzema's garage.

• Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 | $180,000 / €171,000 / £147,600

  One of the least expensive cars in Benzema's garage is the Mercedes AMG G 63, which is one of the best SUVs in the world. The 35-year-old added it to his collection in 2017. A 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque powers the Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV. It has a top speed of 240 kmph (149 mph) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.9 seconds.

Advertisement

• Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | $914,364 / €868,902 / £750,000

  Benzema's Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is the special Stirling Moss edition, which came with a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine with 617 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. It has a top speed of 333 kmph (207 mph), and it can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.6 seconds.

• Lamborghini Urus | $229,495 / €218.020 / £188,186

  The next super SUV in Benzema's garage, the Lamborghini Urus, has a retail price of about $230,000 before taxes and other fees. A 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 657 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque powers the vehicle. It has a top speed of 306 kmph (190 mph) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 2.8 seconds.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Lamborghini Aventador | $425,000 / €403,750 / £348,500

  Benzema just loves Lamborghinis and his second Lamborghini is a stunning red Aventador. It has a V12 engine with a displacement of 6.5 liters that generates 509 lb-ft of torque and 730 horsepower. It has a top speed of 349 kmph (217 mph) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 2.9 seconds.