Barcelona legend Lionel Messi could reportedly returned to play for the club one final time in a one-off appearance for a Legends match against a World XI.

Messi, currently of MLS side Inter Miami, spent the bulk of his career at Barca before a surprise exit at the end of his contract in 2021, when he made the move to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

According to a report from Football Transfers, Messi could now line up at the Nou Camp one more time in 2024, giving him the chance to say a proper goodbye to the club.

The report names other all-time greats who could feature in this match, with former Barcelona players like Rivaldo, David Villa and Cesc Fabregas possibly set to be involved, while others like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale could feature for the World XI.

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This would be quite a spectacular event, and it would be intriguing to see so many great former players linking up together, even if it’s not a competitive game.

Messi surely deserves this chance to say a proper farewell to Barcelona fans after the sudden nature of his departure in 2021.

The post Lionel Messi set for Barcelona return in one-off game as part of star-studded line up appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It’s almost time for the North London Derby as Arsenal host Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

This is one of the Premier League’s most anticipated fixtures as there always seem to be fireworks when these two meet, while many of the best players of the modern era in English football have represented these clubs.

Of course, it won’t be easy to get fans to agree on a best XI, but here’s our effort below – let us know what you think in the comments!

David Seaman

One of the finest goalkeepers in Premier League history, David Seaman was a great servant for both Arsenal and England for many years, making over 800 appearances in his career as a whole, and winning three league titles and four FA Cups with the Gunners.

Kyle Walker

One of the best right-backs we’ve had in English football, Kyle Walker started out at Tottenham and established himself as a star player there before continuing to shine as a Manchester City player.

Ashley Cole

Although he soured his reputation with Arsenal fans for joining rivals Chelsea, Ashley Cole is undoubtedly still one of the Gunners’ best-ever players, forming a key part of that famous Invincibles side before continuing to enjoy a great career in the Premier League when he moved to Stamford Bridge.

Sol Campbell

One of the few players to represent both north London clubs, Sol Campbell stunned the footballing world when he left Spurs at the end of his contract and made the short move to Highbury. He went on to become another member of that legendary Invincibles side, and remains one of the very finest centre-backs of the modern era.

Ledley King

Arguably one of the most underrated players in Premier League history, Ledley King could have been an even greater servant to Tottenham and England had he not suffered with so many injury problems.

Patrick Vieira

Still regarded alongside Roy Keane as one of the top midfield destroyers we’ve seen in the Premier League, Patrick Vieira always seemed to come alive in these games and seems an obvious pick for this XI.

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Cesc Fabregas

Another Arsenal great and one of the finest playmakers of his generation, Cesc Fabregas enjoyed some great moments in this derby, including a superb long-range strike in a win at White Hart Lane in 2007, and that solo run straight from Spurs’ kick-off at the Emirates Stadium in a game in 2009.

Luka Modric

Although his peak ended up being away from Tottenham, Luka Modric first showed the world what he could do with some superb performances in that famous white shirt before cementing his legendary status in the white of Real Madrid, where he remains a key player to this day.

Gareth Bale

While he didn’t have the longevity of players like Robert Pires and Son Heung-min at this level, Gareth Bale’s peak was arguably more explosive. The Welshman was absolutely unplayable in that 2012/13 campaign which ended up earning him what was, at the time, a world-record transfer to Real Madrid. He won a few Champions League titles there before returning to Tottenham on loan in 2020/21.

Thierry Henry

Widely regarded as the best ever to play in the Premier League, Thierry Henry is an easy pick for this front three. The Frenchman surprisingly only scored five times in North London derbies, but that includes one of this fixture’s all-time great goals as he dribbled from inside his own half, taking on pretty much the entire Tottenham team before slotting home in a 3-0 win for Arsenal in 2002.

Harry Kane

With 14 NLD goals, Harry Kane is this fixture’s all-time leading scorer, and undoubtedly one of the greats of the Premier League. Having joined Bayern Munich this summer, the England international won’t be able to add to this record today, but he’s still made his mark in this rivalry and his record will take some beating.

The post Best Premier League era North London XI, featuring Arsenal legends, Tottenham goal machine & controversial figure appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Gareth Bale will forever be attached to the history of Real Madrid despite having a turbulent relationship with the fans of the Spanish giants and when speaking about Jude Bellingham, the former Wales star has revealed how to keep the fans on his side at the La Liga outfit.

The former winger was speaking to Sky Sports whilst on a golf course and was asked about Bellingham following another impressive performance for England against Scotland on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old has made a fast start to life at the Bernabeu, scoring five goals and assisting another across his opening four league matches and the youngster is a big topic of conversation at the moment.

Speaking about Bellingham, Bale said: “He has had a great start at Madrid. Obviously, he is scoring goals, which is important; especially at a club like that and to get off to a good start to life in Madrid is always important.”

The Welshman says that will keep the fans of Real Madrid on his side and when it was put to Bale if that is an important thing a player needs to do, the former Madrid star said whilst smiling: ” For sure, you do.”

The 34-year-old continued by saying: “He is doing well and he will keep doing Britain proud I guess.

“The sky is his limit, I think if he keeps working hard and doing what he is doing then the sky is the limit for him.”

?? “The sky is the limit for him.”

Gareth Bale on Jude Bellingham. ? pic.twitter.com/d1O0n5QRYk

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 13, 2023

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The post Video: “The sky is the limit” – Gareth Bale tells Jude Bellingham how to keep fans on side at Real Madrid appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After seeing out his football career at MLS side Los Angeles FC, Gareth Bale would appear to be enjoying himself away from the glare of the cameras at present.

The Welshman has retired from all forms of the game, both internationally and at club level, and even if he could go on for at least another year or two, given that he’s still only 33, it doesn’t appear that he wants to – despite the best efforts of Wrexham duo, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Hey @GarethBale11 let’s play golf, where I totally won’t spend 4 hours trying to convince you to un-retire for one last magical season ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ?? pic.twitter.com/FZgXZbM4zx

— Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) April 25, 2023

Back in April, Bale’s congratulations prompted McElhenney to cheekily suggest a round of golf so he could persuade the multiple Champions League winner to come out of retirement.

Given how well Wrexham have done under the stewardship of the two American film stars, it wouldn’t be the worst decision Bale will have ever made.

However, Jonathan Barnett has finally put paid to that notion, but has made a preposterous claim in the process.

“He’s flattered by the offers, but they’re all tongue-in-cheek. He’s having a great life at the moment and [it is] well-deserved,” he said to Sky Sports, quotes obtained by football.london.

“He’s been the best British footballer probably ever.

“He’s now having a well-deserved rest. They [Reynolds and McElhenney] haven’t actually spoken to me, they may have spoken to Gareth but Gareth doesn’t want to play football anymore. He’s had a great career and he’s enjoyed himself, but he’s having a great life now.

“He’s with his family which is the most important thing. He’s spending a lot of time with his children and that’s what he wants to do.”

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Whilst there’s no doubting that, alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale was part of one of the most incredible front threes that football has seen at Real Madrid, to suggest that he’s better than George Best or Jimmy Greaves et al is an astonishing faux pas from Barnett.

With friends like that, who needs enemies?!

The post Agent of former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale makes preposterous claim appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Gareth Bale has announced his next step after recently retiring from football.

Bale recently announced his retirement from football after his beloved Wales were knocked out of the World Cup.

Bale will go down as one of the greatest ever players to have come out of Great Britain, and he’s now announced his next steps following his retirement.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gareth Bale (@garethbale11)

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Bale will be playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am next month. Bale’s love for Golf is well documented and it could be a path he goes down on a permanent basis.

The post Gareth Bale makes announcement regarding next step after retiring from football appeared first on CaughtOffside.

January’s biggest transfer saga came after Mykhailo Mudryk snubbed a move to Arsenal in favour of London rivals Chelsea.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk winger was a long-term target for Mikel Arteta but after failing to get a deal across the line, the Gunners lost out to Todd Boehly’s Blues, who signed the Ukraine international on an eight-and-a-half-year deal for a whopping €100m.

Mykhaylo Mudryk to Chelsea, here we go! Documents are being exchanged between Chelsea and Shakhtar. Deal will cost €100m package as Ukrainian club always wanted. ?? #CFC

Mudryk, arriving in London tonight.

Medical tests booked on Sunday then he will sign contract until 2030. pic.twitter.com/mVxODeLYqn

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 14, 2023

Speaking about Mudryk’s sky-high potential, former Aston Villa and Liverpool attacker Stan Collymore has revealed how several clubs are expecting the 22-year-old to one day win the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy.

“As for Mudryk’s potential, teams, not just Chelsea, have high expectations for the lad,” Collymore said in an exclusive interview.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano on why Arsenal are now “favourites” to pip Man City to the title

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“There are other clubs who believe he is a future Ballon d’Or winner so he’s clearly very, very highly rated.

“I’m not going to predict Mudryk’s future and say he’s going to win the Ballon d’Or, it’s way too early for any of that – but he is a good player. He’s direct, he’s got outrageous pace, very confident, he can weigh in with goals and he can beat defenders before putting in good crosses.”

Going on to suggest the talented wide-attacker has the potential to develop in a similar way that five-time Champions League-winner Gareth Bale did at Spurs, Collymore drew comparisons between Mudryk and Wales’ recently retired footballing legend.

“I think he’ll get physically bigger and stronger as he develops at Chelsea similar to how Gareth Bale developed at Spurs,” he added.

“Both left-wingers, both have that ability to blast past opposition players so if there was a comparison to be made, I think Mudryk could replicate the type of player Bale was.”

Prior to joining Chelsea last weekend, Mudryk, who already has eight senior international caps to his name, featured in 44 matches, in all competitions, for Shakhtar’s first team, and directly contributed to an impressive 29 goals.

The post “Outrageous pace” – Collymore compares Mudryk to five-time UCL winner appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, who recently retired is considering the possibility of becoming a full-time professional golfer.

According to The Sun, the organisers of the Legends Tour – the European Tour’s over-50s circuit – are interested in recruiting Gareth Bale, and they also run a very successful Celebrity Series alongside their main tournaments.

The elite golf circuit for celebrities in Europe would gladly accept Gareth Bale, giving him the opportunity to play against other famous athletes such as Gianfranco Zola, Robbie Fowler, Andrew Strauss, and Damon Hill.

Bale will also be given the opportunity to play golf with well-known professional golfers like Colin Montgomerie, Paul McGinley, Ian Woosnam, and Thomas Bjorn, who are all Ryder Cup captains, in order to test his skills and see if he has what it takes to become a professional golfer.

The Celebrity Series comprises of four events, where the top ten players then proceed to the final round, which is held either in Mauritius or the Seychelles, where they compete for a share of £100,000 which is to be donated to the charity of their choice.

Speaking on recruiting Gareth Bale, Keith Mitchell, the Legends Tour’s chief marketing officer said:

“Everyone is aware of Gareth’s incredible passion for golf, and if he wanted to be involved in the Celebrity Series we would welcome him with open arms.

“He has hosted the Wales Open for the past two years so he is well known to us, and obviously there has been a fair amount of speculation that he is keen to see how far he could go in the game.

“This could prove a great starting point. As well as regular competition against other sports and showbusiness personalities he could also get involved in our Alliance Series events, where amateurs play three rounds with our professionals.

“We have seen footballers like Julian Dicks and Andriy Shevchenko attempt to forge new careers in golf, only to discover just how difficult it is.

“I know he has played in various pro-ams, but playing alongside golfers like Thomas Bjorn and Paul McGinley in tournament conditions could be a real eye-opener for Gareth, if he is thinking along the same lines.

“We have a list of about 50-60 celebrities that we send invitations to, and we will certainly be making enquiries to see if Gareth is interested in taking part this year.”

The Celebrity Series was launched two years ago, and the inaugural event was won by former Westlife singer Keith Duffy, who beat Robbie Fowler by one shot.

But in 2022, Pat Bonner, a former Celtic and Ireland goalkeeper, represented the football community by winning the tournament by edging out Formula One star Damon Hill.

Other famous football players such as Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Di Matteo, Gordon Strachan, Teddy Sheringham, and Lee Sharpe have all participated in this event, If Gareth Bale joins, he will be in good company.

The post Former Premier League star Gareth Bale considering Pro Golf career with invitation to join Legends Tour on the table appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hello everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing – my exclusive CaughtOffside column on Substack. If you like this post and want it in your inbox five mornings a week, completely ad-free, then click here to subscribe!

AC Milan

AC Milan will focus on new deals for Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud after Ismael Bennacer. Talks are already ongoing with both of them. Bennacer will sign within the next 48h new long term deal until 2027 – release clause for €50m will only be valid in 2024.

Arsenal

Arsenal were offered the chance to sign Joao Felix, but the priority has always been Mykhaylo Mudryk. A deal is not yet at the final stages as the two clubs still need to agree a fee.

Mikel Arteta on signings: “The problem is that we have only one striker and to cope for that many months until Gabriel Jesus is back isn’t easy. We have to get the most out of the players that we have at the moment. If we can have some reinforcements, great.”

Aston Villa

Aston Villa are now closing in on Alex Moreno deal. Agreement around €14m fee, expected to be signed in the next hours, documents being checked. Personal terms agreed with hope to get the medical tests done within this week. Here we go soon!

Atalanta

Teun Koopmeiners: “I saw the links and stories about Liverpool — nice to see that but I’m 100% focused on Atalanta, I’m so happy to play here.”

Atalanta have received no approach or bid from Liverpool for Koopmeiners as of now.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich will complete all details of the Konrad Laimer deal in the next few days, following a full verbal agreement being reached in December. Laimer will join as a free agent in June on a long-term contract. Talks with English clubs never advanced, he has been a top target for Julian Nagelsmann since 2021.

Benfica

Benfica coach Roger Schmidt on Enzo Fernandez: “The Enzo story is closed, there’s nothing left. He’s our player. He’s in a good position, Enzo is happy, training well, he’s part of the team. He’s a key player. That’s all.”

Besiktas

Besiktas statement on Wout Weghorst: “Claims that there’s exit clause in Weghorst contract for €2.5m fee from Premier League clubs are completely fake. The decisions on Weghorst are only up to Besiktas. We will inform on more developments.”

Borussia Dortmund

Jayden Braaf could be allowed to leave Borussia Dortmund on loan in the coming days. Serie A side Hellas Verona are among the clubs interested in signing him. Braaf is considered an important talent as Dortmund want him to play more in the second part of the season.

Celtic

Giorgos Giakoumakis could now leave Celtic as many clubs are approaching the Greek striker.

MLS clubs, Japanese clubs, and also Sampdoria have asked for the conditions of the deal.

Chelsea

Here we go! There is a full agreement in place for Joao Felix to join Chelsea on loan. The Blues will pay 100% of his wages and a €11m fee to Atletico Madrid. Felix will be in London today for medical tests, and also signed a new contract with Atletico before leaving.

Chelsea’s move for Felix won’t affect their pursuit of Marcus Thuram, they are different kinds of player so there could be room for both in the Chelsea attack.

Chelsea could send David Datro Fofana out on loan, with a decision to come later in January. It will take some time to make sure it’s the best option. Graham Potter will decide together with the Chelsea board, with Fofana getting the chance to impress to his coach now.

Chelsea are considering Noni Madueke from PSV as another potential January signing (Times)

Flamengo

Official, confirmed. Flamengo have signed Argentinian goalkeeper Agustin Rossi on a free transfer from Boca Juniors, as expected. The deal will be valid from July 1 until December 2027.

France

Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris announces his international retirement. The 36-year-old French goalkeeper steps down from Les Bleus after another great World Cup in Qatar.

Germany

Thomas Muller has decided not to retire from international duty – he will continue to make himself available for Germany. After 121 caps and 44 goals, the 33-year-old’s story with the national team continues.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan have denied stories about replacing Romelu Lukaku with Gianluca Scamacca. They are waiting for Lukaku to be in good condition for the second part of the season and the decision will be made at the end of the season. Nothing has been decided yet, and no talks are taking place for Scamacca.

Leeds United

Leeds United are closing in on deal to sign Georginio Rutter, confirmed. Final details being sorted between clubs, personal terms fully agreed days ago. Medical tests to be scheduled if all goes to plan. More than €30m to Hoffenheim.

Liverpool

Honestly, Atalanta have never received any approaches for Teun Koopmeiners in January. It’s a quiet situation and I don’t see them selling another midfielder after Ruslan Malinovskyi to Marseille. Rumours are there because Liverpool sent their scouts to monitor him multiple times in the last year, but things are quiet on the Koopmeiners deal, as of now.

Manchester United

For sure Man United are focused on summer more than January, in the summer they have to go for an important striker.

It’s impossible to make names now also because depends on the club sale situation, but they always told Ten Hag about plan to invest on new striker in summer 2023.

In terms of specific targets, it depends on too many factors. Victor Osimhen is involved in Serie A race with Napoli, Benjamin Sesko has already signed as Leipzig player, Harry Kane will be in talks with Spurs to decide his future and Antonio Conte’s future will be important too.

Diogo Dalot confirms talks with Man United over new long term deal: “We are taking, negotiating, we are seeing how much parties will benefit. It’s no secret that I’m happy to be here, I love Manchester United.”

Marseille

Official, confirmed. Ruslan Malinovskyi joins Olympique Marseille on loan with obligation to buy from Atalanta. €10m fee plus €3m add ons. It’s a done deal.

Newcastle United

A full agreement is now in place for young talent Garang Kuol to join Hearts on loan. Reading were also interested, but he accepted the offer from Hearts and it’s now done.

Nice

Official. OGC Nice confirmed they have sacked the manager Lucien Favre, it’s over as club statement reports.

PAOK

PAOK have completed an agreement to sign the Brazilian winger Taison. The player will travel to Greece this week for medical tests. Taison is set to sign a contract valid until June 2024.

Portugal

Official, confirmed. Roberto Martinez has been appointed as new Portugal head coach after Fernando Santos, as expected.

“Cristiano Ronaldo deserves respect after 19 years as part of the national team, we’re gonna speak about that together soon,” Martinez said.

Southampton

Southampton are set to sign top talent Carlos Alcaraz from Racing. He wasn’t close to Benfica and Saints are now set to complete €14m deal.

Racing will have 15% on future sale, and medical tests will take place this week, one more here we go after Mislav Orsic.

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Tottenham

Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim on Pedro Porro being the top target for Spurs as RB: “Porro and Edwards will only leave for the clause. We know the amount of attacks that go through Porro and Edwards, nobody is blind here. But the market is what it is.”

Wales

Gareth Bale has retired from football, announcing yesterday: “Thanks to all my former clubs, it’s time for the next stage of my life.”

His career was excellent, so people close to Gareth are not surprised with this decision. He didn’t feel any more temptation to continue after winning also in MLS, now it’s time to focus on different projects as Bale already had some ideas in mind before joining Los Angeles.

I think he’s been a fantastic, amazing player. Personally, to see him at White Hart Lane vs Inter in that famous game was unbelievable!

West Ham

Inter are not in talks over signing Gianluca Scamacca, they are still waiting for Romelu Lukaku to reach full fitness and form, and a decision will be made on his long-term future in the summer.

The post Exclusive: Joao Felix to Chelsea – here we go! Plus Arsenal’s transfer priority + midfielder scouted by LFC – Fabrizio Romano appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Five-time Champions League winner Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33.

Bale has enjoyed an astonishingly successful career. When moving to Real Madrid from Tottenham, not even Bale would have expected to have won five Champions League trophies.

There are very few players who can boast this achievement, and after slowing down over the last few years, it’s easy to forget how good he once was.

Now, Bale has officially announced his retirement from both club and international football, as seen in his tweet below.

pic.twitter.com/QF7AogJXHE

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023

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Despite struggling for form over the last few years, Bale always stepped up for his country. Not many players in world football have the passion and drive to play for their country like Bale, so he’s understandably considered a hero in Wales.

It’ll be interesting to see what Bale goes on to do, with it being publicly known his love for golf. Bale has been accused of prioritising golf over football in the last few years, so maybe he’ll be seen on the PGA tour in the near future…

The post Five-time Champions League winner announces his retirement from football aged 33 appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to make a massive double signing for Manchester United just weeks before announcing his retirement.

Fergie called it quits at Old Trafford in 2013, after winning his 13th Premier League title, reclaiming it from Manchester City.

However, it’s been revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson tried to make a massive double signing for Manchester United just a couple of weeks before retirement but failed.

According to former United player Patrice Evra, the Scotsman was planning to stay at United for a while longer and was trying to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale to build on the success of 2013.

Evra discussed Ferguson’s plans in depth with the club’s official podcast:

“He then said: ‘My target is I’m 99 per cent sure we will have Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. I just need these two players to win the Champions League again. Ninety-nine per cent.’

“And to be fair, when I speak with Cristiano, I ask him and he said yes to the boss, and was coming to join United. He told me this.”

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Nov 24 2023, 12:19

The extraordinary revelation from Evra means that had Sir Alex Ferguson been successful in signing Bale and Ronaldo, and stayed on as the manager, things would have been very different for Manchester United.

But unfortunately for them, not only did they fail to sign the two superstars at that time, but Ferguson also retired and they have never been the same again.

The post Alex Ferguson tried to make a massive double signing just a couple of weeks before retiring appeared first on CaughtOffside.