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Celtic find themselves in the hunt for another domestic clean sweep under Brendan Rodgers, but the club already have one eye on what will be a potentially busy summer that could see movement in both directions.

Celtic's hunger for silverware won't slow summer transfer plans

Planting their flag in the sand, Celtic are firmly in front of everyone else in the Scottish Premiership table and require three more wins to mathematically secure a fourth successive league title following last weekend’s events.

While the Bhoys dismantled St Mirren in Paisley, struggling Rangers lost out at home to Motherwell, widening the gap at the summit to 16 points.

Brendan Rodgers has already claimed the Premier Sports Cup and could secure a treble if his side can successfully defend their Scottish Cup, so there is no surprise supporters already have one eye on the summer transfer window.

Previewing potential activity in Glasgow’s east end, Michael Stewart believes Celtic will look to strike a permanent deal for Jeffrey Schlupp following his excellent form since joining on loan from Crystal Palace.

Celtic hit gold with "incredible" ace who's being compared to an £83m star

Celtic have struck gold by signing this impressive attacker on a permanent deal.

ByDan Emery Mar 4, 2025

The Ghana international is set to be a free agent at the end of the season and may be a viable competitor to push Kieran Tierney, who will arrive on a pre-contract from Arsenal.

Greg Taylor hasn’t renewed terms at Parkhead and would be the obvious asset to make way. However, there is still plenty of on-field work to be done before addressing the left-hand side of defence.

Nonetheless, the situation in question does serve as a reminder that squad cycles do come to an end at some point. With that in mind, Celtic could also be set for alterations in the engine room.

Celtic could sign Lennon Miller if Reo Hatate departs Parkhead

According to The Daily Record, Celtic are confident they will strike a deal for Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller and believe the off-season may be the perfect time to strike for the talent, who is one of Scotland’s hottest properties on the market.

The outlet claim that Reo Hatate may be the most likely departure to create room for the 18-year-old to claim a spot in the Hoops’ starting line-up. Having spent three and a half years in Glasgow, the Suzuka-born man could depart for a new challenge once the campaign comes to a close.

Reo Hatate’s season in numbers – Scottish Premiership

Goals

6

Assists

3

Chances created

30

Pass accuracy

81.9%

Duels won

76

Lennon Miller’s season in numbers – Scottish Premiership

Goals

2

Assists

6

Chances created

42

Pass accuracy

72.3%

Duels won

128

Last summer, Celtic knocked back a £10 million bid for the Japan international from France, and any exit would likely see a sum surpassing that mark make its way into the Parkhead coffers.

Labelled a “standout” by Barry Ferguson, Miller is three off the 70-appearance mark for the Steelmen despite only turning 18 last August. The Scotland Under-21 international may also be a contender to earn senior honours for his country ahead of their Nations League playoff double-header against Greece later in the month.

Celtic always have one eye on the future, and they won’t want to miss out on a rising star who is gaining considerable recognition for his all-action displays in the engine room.

GOAL looks at early frontrunners for the 2025 MLS MVP, including reigning award winner Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi's brilliant 2024 deservedly resulted in his winning Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. The Argentine led Inter Miami to the Supporters' Shield title, with the club setting a regular season points record. It was a remarkable display capped off by earning the most coveted individual award in MLS.

Things haven't quite followed suit in 2025. Inter Miami have fallen seven points back from first in the Eastern Conference, and are winless in six of their last seven across all competitions. And as a result, it's allowed other teams around the league to fill the void – and other individuals to find the spotlight.

Tai Baribo and the Philadelphia Union are flying, with the Israel international being the breakout star of 2025. Evander's $12M move to FC Cincinnati is working wonders, too, as the Brazilian continues to shine with his new team. And then, there's the Columbus Crew, who remain one of the elite sides in MLS – with Diego Rossi emerging as potential superstar.

Who sits atop the throne at this point in the season? GOAL presents the latest edition of MLS MVP Rankings.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now1Tai Baribo: Philadelphia Union

What a brilliant start to the 2025 campaign for Baribo and the Union. This is a performance that has come out of nowhere, and one that is starting to turn heads around the league – and potentially – abroad.

Leading the league in scoring, Baribo has 11 goals this season, and is coming off a matchweek where he scored not one, but two game-winners in the span of four days. He's led the Union to the top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters' Shield, and is MLS' most electric forward at the moment.

The Israel international has already surpassed his goal tally from 2024, with the 27-year-old bagging nine times last season. Of his 11 goals, just one has been a penalty kick, while he''s surpassed his xG by a large margin.

His expected goals tally is just 7.82, and with 11, he's proven to be one of the most clinical finishers in the league, scoring from incredibly tight angles that have razor-thin margins.

If he keeps scoring at this pace, there's no telling what heights he could reach in 2025.

AdvertisementImagn2Evander: FC Cincinnati

Evander could have won the trophy last year. His numbers were emphatic, and across the of the regular season, he was the most consistent performer in the league.

Maybe it was because he played for a team, Portland Timbers, that had a tragic defense last season. Maybe it was because it's just not possible to escape the shadow of Messi. Regardless, Evander is now on FC Cincinnati, and he's playing at an even higher level.

Cincy are tied for first in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters' Shield standings with the Union, and only trail by criteria points. A big reason for that has been the Brazilian attacking midfielder, who has replaced Lucho Acosta with ease, while offering an upgrade centrally and in the final-third.

The 26-year-old has seven goals, along with three assists, in just 11 starts and 12 appearances. He missed a brief stretch due to injury, but is nearly averaging a goal-contribution per game. He's consistently produced in the midfield as well, boasting an 81 percent passing completion percentage rate. His goals have come from brilliant moments, too, with the seven strikes coming off an xG of just 2.89.

Trailing only Messi in that category, Evander is a set-piece genius, and has become one of the most deadly free-kick takers in the league. He's shining right now, and this could be his year.

MLS Media3Diego Rossi: Columbus Crew

Rossi has become the centerpiece for Wilfried Nancy's side to begin 2025, taking a huge role in the attack following the offseason departure of star forward Cucho Hernandez. The Uruguayan winger has become their biggest threat in and around the box, with seven goals and two assists in 13 starts.

The 27-year-old has been one of the most clinical forwards in the league, garnering an xG of 7.29 that he's lived up to with his seven strikes. Across the 13 appearances, he's registered 19 shots on target. Of his 42 total attempts, 32 have come off his right foot, primarily when he cuts inside off the wing, or when he's fed in the box while playing as a center-forward.

He's developed a ruthlessness in the final-third that we did not see in 2024 and he's already on track to nearly double his goalscoring tally from last season. In 2024, he had 12 goals and 11 assists, and through Matchday 14, he's just five short of his marke from last year.

The Crew, meanwhile, are third in the Eastern Conference, just two points out from first place Philadelphia.

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Getty Images Sport4Lionel Messi: Inter Miami

It's safe to say his 2025 season has not gone to plan. He's appeared in just 10 of Miami's 13 games, dealing with an injury early on, with only nine starts in MLS play. During that stretch, he's scored just five goals and recorded two assists – and although those are relatively good numbers, they're beneath the Messi standard.

The reigning league MVP, Messi is a magician on the pitch – there is no denying that he is the most talented player in the league and that on his best day, he is miles ahead of the individual behind him. However, he's slumped to begin the season. He's growing increasingly frustrated with what's happening around him on the pitch.

Messi will be in MVP contention all season, of course. He won eight Ballon d'Or trophies for a reason. At this point, though, he's not leading the race, and not where he'd expect to be nearly halfway into the 2025 season.

The allrounder will bring his superb career to an end at the conclusion of the current BBL

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jan-2023Dan Christian, one of the most decorated T20 cricketers in history, has announced he will retire at the conclusion of the ongoing BBL with Sydney Sixers.Currently Christian, 39, has played 405 T20s amassing 5809 runs and taking 280 wickets. Selection permitting, he will have at least four more matches with Sixers guaranteed two shots at reaching the BBL final having finished in the top two of the regular season.”Yesterday at training I told my Sydney Sixers team-mates that I’ll be retiring from playing at the end of the BBL season,” Christian posted on Twitter on Saturday morning. “Sydney Smash tonight, followed by our last round game against the Hurricanes, and then the finals.”Hopefully we can go all the way again this season, but regardless, it’s been a great run. I’ve achieved things and made some memories that I could only have dreamt of as a kid.”

Some news pic.twitter.com/5xxxkYNQGt

— Dan Christian (@danchristian54) January 20, 2023

Christian has enjoyed success all around the world over the last decade as his career became increasingly focused on T20. Since 2010, he has won nine domestic T20 titles, most recently the 2020-21 BBL with Sixers, two years after he helped Melbourne Renegades to the prize.Those two BBL campaigns showed the impact Christian can have: in 2018-19 for Renegades he made 254 runs and claimed 15 wickets (including being player of the match in the low-scoring final) then in 2020-21 hit 272 runs with a strike-rate of 182.55 and claimed 15 wickets.His last first-class match came in 2018 although there was a surprise return to Australia’s ODI side in 2021 when he played against West Indies in the Caribbean with the side missing several first-choice players due to Covid restrictions.Dan Christian’s T20 titles•ESPNcricinfo LtdHe returned to T20I cricket at the same time, after a gap of four years, featuring against West Indies and Bangladesh before being named as a reserve for Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup campaign.”What I didn’t expect to learn as a kid though, is how many people I was going to come in contract with that have had an influence on my career and ended up becoming lifelong friends,” he added. “I’m looking forward to now having the time to catch up with you all and not having to use the excuse: “Sorry, I’ve got cricket.”Christian is a chance to head into coaching. He worked as a coaching consultant for the Netherlands at the recent T20 World Cup in Australia.

The start date for the second edition of the UAE-based T20 league was announced less than a week after Gulf Giants were named inaugural champions

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Feb-2023The second season of the International League T20 (ILT20) will begin on January 13, 2024.The UAE-based T20 league announced the starting date for the second edition on Saturday, less than a week after Gulf Giants were crowned inaugural champions in Dubai.”Following the huge success of the DP World ILT20 2023, work has begun on Season 2 which is set to commence from Saturday, 13 January 2024,” an ILT20 statement read. “Season 2 will be played on the same 34-match format with four playoffs including the final. The tournament schedule will be announced in due course.”The early announcement of the date is unusual by itself for a T20 league circuit where launch dates and fixture lists are revealed closer to the time the league starts. It also means that there will likely be the same schedule crunch with the SA20, the Big Bash League and most likely the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as there was this year.The ILT20 was one of two new men’s franchise leagues added to the calendar this season, along with the SA20. With a crossover of team owners in both leagues – and the IPL – there was plenty of jostling for players and calendar space this year, with the likes of England’s Moeen Ali entering into agreements with both leagues.Eventually, both leagues played out concurrently almost to the day, a scenario likely to be replicated next season: though SA20’s dates have not been announced yet, it will begin after the New Year’s Test so a clash is almost inevitable. There had been talk in the run-up to the ILT20 this year that they may work with other boards to minimise clashes – including the prospect of staging the ILT20 before January.Ultimately, Moeen became a prime illustration of both the schedule crunch and ever-growing opportunities for players, turning out for Sharjah Warriors at the ILT20 around international duty in South Africa, before heading to Bangladesh for a couple of BPL games. The BBL had significant overlap with these leagues, and the Pakistan Super League began immediately after.

The Scot has taken Italian football by storm since arriving from Old Trafford and was a most worthy winner of the league's MVP award

'The Special One' always said that Scott McTominay was a "special character". Jose Mourinho was so enamoured with the multi-talented midfielder, in fact, that he made up a prize to give to McTominay at Manchester United's end-of-season awards ceremony in 2018. It was such an impromptu decision that there wasn't even a proper trophy prepared for the Scot, so he ended up being presented with a candlestick holder!

It's an amusing anecdote, but it also rather sums up McTominay's time at Old Trafford – because not everyone was as appreciative of his ability as Mourinho. Indeed, an awful lot of supporters welcomed his sale to Napoli last summer, as they felt that McTominay, for all his drive and determination, simply wasn't good enough to play in midfield for a team with title-winning aspirations.

They couldn't have been more wrong, though, as Napoli have just won Serie A – and McTominay has been named the league's MVP for the starring role he's played in their shock Scudetto success.

Sliding-doors moment

It's incredible to think about it now, but had Atalanta not hijacked Napoli's deal for Marco Brescianini last August, the Partenopei may not have signed McTominay.

The failure to bring in a midfielder before the start of the Serie A season was a contributing factor to Antonio Conte's meltdown after the dismal opening-day defeat at Verona, with the infamously combustible coach carrying out an even-earlier-than-usual attack on his employers for their perceived failings in the transfer market.

However, sporting director Giovanni Manna kept working right up until deadline day and, on August 30, he managed to sign not one but two Scottish midfielders.

Advertisement'Beautiful thing'

Billy Gilmour, a €14 million (£12m/$16m) signing from Brighton, has proven a useful addition to the squad, particularly during the final few months of the season. McTominay, though, has become an idol at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, a player so popular that he can no longer walk the streets of Naples without being mobbed.

On one particular occasion, he entered a shop in the city centre and re-emerged minutes later to find more than 500 people waiting outside for him, desperate to get a glimpse of their team’s new talisman.

"It had never happened to me before in my career," McTominay told the t. "Both my girlfriend and I couldn't believe it. Every time people see me they are extraordinary, they want a photo and I want to repay them for their incredible love. It's a beautiful thing."

'Couldn't believe our eyes'

Manna had told McTominay about the fervour and warmth of Neapolitans when he travelled to the Scotland international's home in Manchester last summer to convince him to move to the Maradona. However, McTominay still wasn't prepared for the reception he received when he actually touched down in Naples after completing his €30m (£25m/$34m) transfer from United.

"When I got off the plane, my mother who was behind me had no idea that the fans were so passionate and affectionate," he told the . "We knew of their connection to the shirt, but we couldn't believe our eyes. It's a moment that I will remember for the rest of my days."

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'Wanted to come to Napoli so much'

Another unforgettable moment would arrive in his very first appearance at the Maradona, when McTominay scored with his first touch of the ball just seconds after coming off the bench in a Coppa Italia clash with Palermo last September.

"It was very significant for me because I wanted to come to Napoli so much," he explained. "There were high expectations because a lot of money was spent and I wanted to give my best right away. I want to be a player who gives everything in every circumstance."

Unsurprisingly, that level of commitment immediately endeared him to the supporters, but it's also what made him such an ideal signing for Conte, who has always enjoyed great success with teams containing powerful, hard-running midfielders.

He transformed Juventus into a winning machine thanks in no small part to Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, Chelsea's 2016-17 title triumph was fuelled by the work done in the engine room by Nenmajic Matic and N'Golo Kante, while Nicolo Barella's box-to-box brilliance played a pivotal role in Inter's Serie A win four years ago.

McTominay has been just as integral to Conte's success in Naples.

After relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 season, Leeds United dropped into the Championship, with Daniel Farke taking over as manager at Elland Road.

Countless players departed the club during the German’s first summer at the helm, giving him a tricky task to assemble a side that was good enough to challenge for promotion.

However, the Whites excelled throughout last season, producing numerous superb performances, including the 2-1 win against fellow title challengers Leicester City.

Ultimately, Farke’s side would fall at the final hurdle, losing 1-0 in the play-off final against Southampton at Wembley, with the boss once again losing key players after their failure to secure an immediate top-flight return.

One of those players caught the eye massively during the 2023/24 campaign, thriving with added minutes in the Championship and playing a huge role in their ability to get so close to promotion.

Crysencio Summerville’s stats for Leeds in 2023/24

Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville joined Leeds way back in 2021 but would have to bide his time to make a first-team impact, subsequently joining up with the academy side in Yorkshire.

The 2022/23 season would be his breakthrough year, featuring 33 times across all competitions but notching just four goals and being unable to prevent the club from dropping into the second tier.

However, relegation would be a blessing for his career, finally stepping up to the plate and registering 20 goals and nine assists in 46 league outings last campaign – subsequently claiming the Championship Player of the Year award.

Such form, coupled with the club’s failure to secure promotion, would see the 23-year-old leave Elland Road in a £25m deal to join West Ham United over the summer, banking the hierarchy a huge profit but also losing one of their star performers.

He’s since been unable to match such high levels of performance during his time in the capital, currently being outscored by one player who failed to deliver during his own stint in Yorkshire.

The former Leeds flop who’s outscored Summerville in 2024/25

Striker Eddie Nketiah joined Leeds on loan from Arsenal back in the promotion-winning campaign of 2019/20 but was ultimately unable to dislodge Patrick Bamford from the number nine role at Elland Road.

Marcelo Bielsa opted for the former fan-favourite over the loanee, restricting the young star to minutes off the bench or even cup minutes for his game time – starting just two Championship outings.

The now 25-year-old would score five times in his 19 appearances before having his move cut short and returning to the Emirates halfway through his season-long loan.

He’s since enjoyed multiple impressive seasons for the Gunners, notching four times in the same season as he was recalled, offering a key option in forward areas for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Nketiah continued in such vein for numerous years, scoring 31 times over the following four years, playing a key role in their attempts to end their own drought for a league triumph.

Arguably, his most impressive display came in the demolition of Sheffield United last season, scoring a hat-trick as he looked to become the Gunners’ main man at the top end of the pitch.

2019/20

17

4

0

2020/21

29

6

1

2021/22

27

10

1

2022/23

39

9

1

2023/24

37

6

3

2024/25

24

4

1

Total:

173

39

7

However, he was unable to do so, leaving in a £30m deal to join Crystal Palace last summer, but has once again struggled for starts, but has still managed to post a higher goalscoring tally than Summerville.

The former Leeds loanee has only started nine times for the Eagles across 2024/25, but has registered four goals in all competitions – a figure higher than that of the Dutchman, who’s only managed to find the net on one occasion.

There’s no denying both players are huge talents, possessing the skillset to make them top talents in the Premier League – showcasing their development after their respective periods in Yorkshire.

As for Nketiah, he’s demonstrated that football is a game of opinions, certainly proving numerous doubters wrong and putting his career in the right direction after his stop-start loan spell under Bielsa.

He's now more prolific than Piroe: Leeds must rue selling magnificent star

The former Leeds United star is now a free-scoring £8.3m-rated centre-forward.

ByDan Emery Mar 3, 2025

AC Milan have confirmed that they have parted ways with Sergio Conceicao — set to agree deal with Massimiliano Allegri to takeover this summer.

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Conceicao parts ways with AC MilanAllegri set to join the RossoneriWill miss AC Milan's first game of the seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

AC Milan had a disappointing 2024-25 season, finishing trophyless and eighth in the Serie A standings, which meant missing out on European football for the upcoming season. As such, the Rossoneri had reportedly been considering sacking head coach Conceicao after just six months in charge. The seven-time European champions have now confirmed the 50-year-old's departure from San Siro.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Allegri has been on a hiatus since the summer of 2024, when Juventus sacked him after their disappointing 2023-24 season. The legendary Italian manager was expected to make a move to Napoli this summer with Antonio Conte having been said to be on his way out; however, it appeared that Allegri could stay out of the football scene once more as the former Chelsea manager changed his mind. However, according to Gianluca di Marzio, Allegri is now expected to sign with AC Milan, with the 57-year-old reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal with the Rossoneri.

DID YOU KNOW?

AC Milan are set to begin their 2025-26 season earlier than their rivals, as they will be in action against Serie B side Bari in the Coppa Italia. However, Allegri will not be on the touchline for his first game in charge of the Rossoneri because of the 57-year-old having been sent off in his last game with Juventus against Atalanta in the 2024 Coppa Italia final.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ALLEGRI?

The situation that AC Milan find themselves in could not be any worse as they have failed to win any trophies this season and have also managed to find themselves out of European football, all the while their bitter rivals Inter Milan could very well become European champions this summer, if they manage to beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final this weekend. Allegri will have a massive rebuild job on his hands as he looks to ressurect a fallen giant.

Sanjay Manjrekar joins the ESPNcricinfo crew to look back at the first week of the 2023 IPL

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Apr-2023The IPL feels as loud as it’s ever been! In the latest episode of Stump Mic, Sanjay Manjrekar, Matt Roller, Vishal Dikshit and Kaustubh Kumar look back at the first week of the 2023 season, with focus on the new rules, numerous injuries, and more.