🚨 EXCL: John Murtough has stepped down as Man Utd football director. 50yo to depart this week - set to be confirmed. Duties will be shared until Jason Wilcox starts as TD ( #MUFC hope in coming weeks) + Dan Ashworth as SD. W/ Laurie Whitwell The Athletic | Football theathletic.com/5285674/2024/0…

🚨 EXCL: Everton given 2-point deduction for breach of PL PSR rules. Penalty for 3yr cycle to 22-23. Follows 6-point deduction for previous cycle. #EFC drop 1 spot to 16th, 2 points above relegation zone. 7 days to notify if intend to appeal The Athletic | Football theathletic.com/5379096/2024/0…

🚨 Kai Havertz hits best goal tally since moving to PL. Arteta drove signing & despite #RMFC / #FCBayern interest, 24yo only wanted Arsenal. #AFC delighted with him all season + feel he is crucial to their hopes - as explained on The Athletic | Football pod in Nov👇pod.fo/e/205ec0

🚨 Time for another live Q&A - if you want to get involved send over your questions via the link below and I’ll be in position from 3pm UK for about an hour to answer as many of them as possible. Make sure you’re an The Athletic | Football subscriber and fire away👇theathletic.com/5390692/2024/0…

🔺 De Zerbi move unlikely
🔺 No standout candidate
🔺 Data playing key role in search

David Ornstein and Oliver Kay joined Ayo Akinwolere to discuss where Liverpool go now after Xabi Alonso opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen...

🎙️ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗙𝗖 𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧

🚨 Pedro Marques appointment to key role in new FSG set-up close to being confirmed. Benfica technical director another recruit by Liverpool owners after Michael Edwards (CEO of football). 41yo has strong reputation + seen as big coup

theathletic.com/5385022/2024/0…

The Athletic | Football #LFC

What happened with Xabi Alonso & #LFC — and what do they do now?

▪️ Contact made after Klopp exit revealed
▪️ No direct talks
▪️ Anfield execs unsurprised Alonso chose to stay at Bayer Leverkusen
▪️ Spaniard only wants to move when ready
▪️ Amorim admired but not clear favourite

🚨 Liverpool & Bayern Munich expect Xabi Alonso to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. #LFC under that impression for some time so no shock + plans being refined to appoint Klopp successor focus on other candidates The Athletic | Football after paul joyce #Bayer04 #FCBayern theathletic.com/5235774/2024/0…

🚨 Another live Q&A coming up shortly. Make sure you’re an The Athletic | Football subscriber + submit your questions using the page in the link below. I’ll be there from 1330 GMT for around an hour to answer as many of them as possible. Feel free to get involved ⬇️theathletic.com/5374877/2024/0…

▪️ $16m private jet paid for with others' money
▪️ Never spoke to ex- #DCFC owner Mel Morris or sent cash
▪️ Golf sponsorship bought credibility
▪️ Now convicted of wire fraud & money laundering

How Chris Kirchner almost bought an English football club

Philip Buckingham Daniel Taylor

🚨 EXCL: Los Angeles FC in talks to sign Olivier Giroud this summer. AC Milan contract ends in June + #LAFC working on deal to bring 37yo to #MLS . Not done or imminent + France striker has many options, including #ACMilan stay. W/ Tom Bogert The Athletic | Football theathletic.com/5352142/2024/0…

🚨 Ben White new deal another major boost to Arsenal & deserved reward for crucial squad member. Latest footballer to use analytics in talks, showing 26yo as good fit for some of Europe’s elite clubs - but he only wanted #AFC . W/ gunnerblog The Athletic | Football theathletic.com/5344142/2024/0…

🚨 EXCL: Liverpool owners FSG working on move for Benfica technical director Pedro Marques as part of new set-up. Would be employed by FSG rather than #LFC & focus on 2nd club operation. Former Man City + highly regarded. W/ James Horncastle The Athletic | Football theathletic.com/5344269/2024/0…

🚨 Man City set to agree deal for Cardiff talent Timeo Whisker. 15yo pursued by host of PL clubs but #MCFC offer (~£250,000) accepted by #CardiffCity . If all goes to plan, winger will undergo medical + complete move on schoolboy registration The Athletic | Football theathletic.com/5342531/2024/0…

🚨 Another live Q&A gets under way shortly. Make sure you’re an The Athletic | Football subscriber + use the page in the link below to send over your questions. I’ll be in position from 1500GMT for around an hour to answer as many of them as possible. Get involved👇theathletic.com/5341130/2024/0…

🚨 Cole Palmer makes England squad for friendlies vs Brazil & Belgium. 21yo Chelsea attacking midfielder retains place after 1st senior call-up in November. Expected to be joined by Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins The Athletic | Football #ENG #EURO2024 #CFC #AVFC theathletic.com/live-blogs/eng…

🚨 Jarrad Branthwaite expected to earn first call-up to England senior squad for Brazil + Belgium games. Selection would reward 21yo Everton left-sided centre-back for excellent progress in key position. W/ Patrick Boyland The Athletic | Football #ENG #EURO2024 #EFC theathletic.com/live-blogs/eng…