Newcastle United are reportedly at risk of losing a player who Eddie Howe is “really pleased” with when the January transfer window arrives.
David Hopkinson excited about Newcastle role
The Magpies have made a significant appointment high up at the club, with David Hopkinson confirmed as the new CEO at St James’ Park.
Speaking about his important role, the boyhood Newcastle supporter admitted he couldn’t wait to get started, praising the magnitude of the club in the process.
“This is a magical place. We’re at St. James’ Park, we’re on the pitch where legends have played. We’ve got the stands here that have been filled with fans who are mad about this team, so there’s such an incredible starting place.
“We’re starting from such a high place – but we’ve also got this moment of potential transformation as we get ready to play on the biggest stages imaginable, higher ambitions than maybe we have had at different points in the club’s history.”Being part of this moment is where I think there’s opportunity for even more magic.”
Away from Hopkinson’s appointment, Newcastle-related transfer rumours continue to emerge.
This is even after the summer window deadline last Monday, with an exit claim now coming to light regarding one of Howe’s brightest young talents.
Newcastle ace wanted by European club in January
According to a new update from Bild [via Sport Witness], Eintracht Frankfurt could revisit their interest in Newcastle attacker Will Osula in January.
A move for the 22-year-old failed to materialise in the summer, but doesn’t appear to be deterring the Bundesliga outfit, who had wanted a £4.3m loan fee with a £17.3m obligation to buy him permanently.
William Osula scores for Newcastle
Losing Osula in January would be a shame, considering the Dane is a talented young player who Howe spoke positively about after his goalscoring cameo in the unfortunate 3-2 defeat at home to Liverpool last month.
“Really pleased. It’s a great finish. I thought he did well when he came on – he looked lively, strong and quick. It could have been a big moment for us – a point here would have been incredible from the players – but he can be very pleased with himself.”
That said, Newcastle have now brought in both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, which could limit Osula’s minutes going forward.
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Granted, the Magpies are playing in four different competitions this season, so opportunities could still come his way, but if he sees his chances of featuring more regularly at Frankfurt, he may have a big decision to make when January arrives.
When it comes to Premier League academies, it’s hard to think of many as successful as Chelsea’s Cobham.
The sheer number of top-flight quality prospects that come out of the Blues’ youth set-up is frankly extraordinary, and while they wouldn’t admit it, likely the envy of many of their rivals.
For example, in Enzo Maresca’s current squad, you have the likes of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and even Jamie Gittens, who spent some time in West London as a youngster before moving back to Reading.
Another international-level star who cut their teeth in Chelsea’s youth ranks is Marc Guehi, and while some fans would surely love to have him back, the club’s already got an academy gem who’ll be an even bigger star.
Marc Guehi's failure to make it at Chelsea
Guehi joined Chelsea’s youth ranks at the age of eight and, after 11 years of hard work, was rewarded with his first professional contract in September 2017.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
However, first-team football was still a distant prospect, and even though he was named in a Premier League squad for the first time in May 2019, he wouldn’t make his competitive debut for the Blues until September, two years after signing his first contract.
He started against Grimsby Town in the Third Round of the League Cup and then in a defeat against Manchester United in the Fourth Round, which would be his final appearances for the club.
That January would see him make the first of two loan moves to Swansea City, where, over the following season and a half, the youngster would make 59 appearances before securing a £18m move to Crystal Palace in July 2021.
It might seem like Chelsea made a terrible mistake in selling the Englishman, but it made sense at the time, as he had no Premier League experience and the West Londoners had the likes of Thiago Silva, Antonio Rüdiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and more already in the squad.
Since moving to Selhurst Park, the Abidjan-born titan has made 161 appearances for the Eagles, in which he has scored nine goals, provided four assists, won the FA Cup and forced his way into the England set-up.
In all, leaving Chelsea has worked out for Guehi, and while some fans would understandably want him to return to Stamford Bridge, Maresca already has a player in his squad who could have an even brighter future.
The Chelsea ace who'll be a bigger star than Guehi
One of the significant advantages of Chelsea’s transfer policy in recent years is the number of incredibly talented youngsters they now have on their books.
However, in this instance, we’re talking about a Cobham graduate, someone who would’ve surely had a brilliant season if he hadn’t suffered an unfortunate injury last month: Levi Colwill.
There are a few reasons why we think the Blues gem will eventually surpass the Palace star, and one of them comes down to how they are viewed by the team and those in the know.
For example, while Guehi impressed with Swansea and was looked at as a talented defender, the West Londoners made it abundantly clear that they did not view him as a future superstar when they sold him to the Eagles.
In stark contrast, they made a concrete effort to keep the Southampton-born gem on the books, opting to loan him to Brighton & Hove Albion for the 22/23 season.
Moreover, they even rejected a £30m offer for the “world-class talent,” as described by scout Jacek Kulig, at the end of that campaign, which would’ve been £12m more than they got for Guehi.
Brighton and Hove Albion's loan defender Levi Colwill.
The second reason the 22-year-old could end up being an even bigger star than the Liverpool target is that he already measures up to him very well when we have a look at their underlying numbers.
For example, the “elite” defender, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out on top in certain important metrics such as passing accuracy, interceptions, carries, aerial duels won, shots blocked and more, all per 90.
Passing Accuracy
89.3%
83.5%
Passes into the Final Third
4.23
3.91
Live Passes
69.1
48.9
Tackles
1.34
1.79
Tackles Won
0.97
1.00
Shots Blocked
0.71
0.68
Interceptions
0.94
0.82
Carries
46.3
33.6
Miscontrols
0.40
0.47
Dispossessed
0.23
0.53
Aerial Duels Won
2.34
2.00
Moreover, while he does win fewer tackles per 90 than the Palace star, he attempts significantly fewer, meaning he actually has a higher success rate.
Finally, while Guehi is an exceptional centre-back, that is the only position we’ve seen him play, whereas the Cobham star has proven to be more than qualified to fill in at left-back when required.
Ultimately, while the former Blues star has excelled since his move south of the river, Colwill looks like he will be the bigger star in years to come.
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حرص محمد النني، لاعب فريق الجزيرة الإماراتي، على توجيه رسالة إلى منتخب مصر الأول بعد التأهل إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026.
وخطف منتخب مصر بطاقة التأهل إلى كأس العالم 2026 المقامة في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والمكسيك بعد الفوز على جيبوتي بثلاثية نظيفة أمس.
وكتب النني عبر صفحته الشخصية على موقع “فيس بوك”: “ألف مبروك للشعب المصري تكرار الإنجاز والصعود لكأس العالم 2026”.
طالع.. بدلاء منتخب مصر الثاني أمام المغرب.. محمد شريف يجاور سام مرسي
وتابع: “ألف مبروك رجال منتخب مصر والجهاز الفني”، ومن المقرر أن يقام مونديال 2026 في الولايات المتحدة والمكسيك وكندا بين شهري يونيو ويوليو المقبلين.
ويستعد منتخب مصر في الوقت الحالي لمواجهة غينيا بيساو، الأحد المقبل، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأخيرة من التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم والتي لن تؤثر على مشوار الفراعنة في التصفيات.
ويتصدر منتخب مصر المجموعة برصيد 23 نقطة، بينما يأتي منتخب بوركينا فاسو في المركز الثاني برصيد 18 نقطة بتصفيات كأس العالم.
The left-arm spinner had a recurrence of knee soreness after the India series
AAP14-Dec-2024Australia have a fresh injury concern ahead of the Ashes with Sophie Molineux ruled out of the women’s ODI tour of New Zealand with a knee injury.Already sweating on the fitness of captain Alyssa Healy and her sore knee, Australia suffered more bad news on Saturday in the form of Molineux’s injury.Related
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The finger-spinner has battled knee issues this summer, missing some WBBL games with the Melbourne Renegades to manage pain in the joint.She played in the last two of Australia’s 3-0 series sweep over India, but pulled up sore following the last victory in Perth on Wednesday.It means she will now skip all three ODIs against New Zealand this month, with bowling-allrounder Heather Graham to take her spot four weeks out from the Ashes.The games double as the team’s last before next month’s multi-format Ashes series, where Australia will aim to retain the trophy for a fifth straight time.”Sophie Molineux has been withdrawn from the NZ Series due to knee soreness,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “Heather Graham will join the squad in New Zealand on Tuesday, following Tasmania’s Women’s National Cricket League matches against New South Wales in Hobart.”Georgia Wareham would be the most likely player to come into Australia’s XI for the first ODI against New Zealand on Thursday, after she was left out of the final two games against India.In better news for Australia, Healy is at least a confirmed attendee on the New Zealand trip. Australia’s captain missed the three ODIs against India through her own knee injury, after also missing the end of the T20 World Cup with a foot issue.Healy’s return will create a potential headache for selectors given Georgia Voll’s impressive start to her international career against India.Voll made scores of 46 not out, 101 and 26 while deputising for Healy at the top of the order, after a breakthrough WBBL with the Sydney Thunder.But Voll is at risk of being squeezed out of the ODI side in New Zealand, with Healy expected to slot back into opening alongside Phoebe Litchfield.It means the only way Voll would remain in the first-choice XI is if selectors opt to bat her down the order and make the bold call of leaving out a more established player.
Nottingham Forest have acted swiftly in the 2025 summer transfer market. With European football taking place at the City Ground for the first time this century, Nuno Espirito Santo is eyeing deals for Jair Cunha, Cuiabano, and Igor Jesus from Brazilian side Botafogo.
This certainly appears to be a wonderful piece of business for the club, especially given the success of South American talents such as Murillo and Danilo at the City Ground.
Santo won’t be resting on his laurels, however, especially with the chance to attract high-profile players this summer.
With that in mind, he will be keen to recruit smartly. As such, might the former Wolves boss be looking at someone who shone in the Championship last term?
Nottingham Forest eyeing Championship star
According to Football Insider, Forest are now looking to ramp up their interest in Norwich City winger Borja Sainz during the summer transfer window.
Porto and Athletic Club are also eyeing a move for the 24-year-old sensation, suggesting Santo has plenty of competition, after his performances in the Championship.
While signing players from Brazil and further afield appears to be the club’s philosophy, there is some value to be had from the second tier of English football.
Of course, success in the second tier doesn’t mean a player will explode in the Premier League. Sainz, however, does look like he could be a fine addition to most clubs in the top flight.
Might he even be an upgrade on Callum Hudson-Odoi?
Why Nottingham Forest must sign Borja Sainz
Hudson-Odoi played all but seven Premier League matches for Forest last term, scoring five goals and grabbing three assists in the process.
Solid, if unspectacular, numbers by the former Chelsea sensation. Could these be improved upon next season?
League level
Hudson-Odoi
Sainz
Goals
5
18
Assists
2
4
Big chances created
3
9
Successful dribbles per game
1.2
2.4
Key passes per game
1.5
1.2
Total duels won per game
2.8
6
Last season for Norwich, Sainz netted 19 times and registered four assists across 43 matches for the Canaries in all competitions. This works out as a goal contribution every 1.8 matches.
These sorts of numbers would give Santo a major boost on the left wing, as the aforementioned statistics suggest that he has the potential to deliver even more quality than Hudson-Odoi in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
Borja Sainz for Norwich City.
Sainz also created nine big chances for his teammates last term, along with averaging 1.2 key passes per match and succeeding with an impressive 2.4 dribbles per game for the Canaries.
As such, he was dubbed “ruthless” by pundit Don Goodman, who also said: “You could see there was a really good player in him last season, despite scoring six goals and registering just two assists.
“He’s gone to another level this season, though.”
When compared to his positional peers in the second tier last term, Sainz ranked in the top 3% for both non-penalty goals (0.45) and successful take-ons (2.47), but he also ranked in the top 6% for total shots (2.94) per 90.
Another level indeed. Compare this to Hudson Odoi’s stats, and there is a clear difference. The Englishman fails to rank in the top 30% for any of the statistics listed above.
Of course, Sainz’s were recorded in the Championship, but if given the chance, he can sparkle in the top flight, no doubt about that.
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Manchester United’s business in the transfer market has left a lot to be desired over recent years, with many of their additions failing to make the grade in the Premier League.
Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example in the current squad, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023, but has struggled to make the desired impact.
The Dane has only scored four times in the league throughout 2024/25, leading to rumours over his long-term future at Old Trafford, with a return to Serie A on the cards this summer.
Rasmus Hojlund for Man Utd.
It’s crucial that the hierarchy back Ruben Amorim in the market over the coming months, but more importantly is that they hand him the right players to operate in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Matheus Cunha has been the first addition, but if the club are to have any chance of rising up the table next campaign, added reinforcements are needed to help the Brazilian within the final third.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
A striker has been the priority of United so far this summer, especially after missing out on number one target Liam Delap to fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea.
Since his move to Stamford Bridge, the likes of Victor Osimhen, Dušan Vlahović and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all been touted with a move to join the Red Devils.
Crystal Palace's Jean-PhilippeMatetacelebrates after the match
However, other forwards have also been on their radar, with Lyon winger Malick Fofana the latest player linked with a move to Old Trafford, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
Their report states that Jason Wilcox is considering making a bid for the Belgian youngster, who registered 16 combined goals and assists across all competitions – costing in the region of £38m.
It also claims that Chelsea are firmly in the race for his signature, with Amorim’s side once again facing the prospect of a transfer battle with Enzo Maresca’s side for a player’s signature.
Why United’s £38m target could be Amorim’s next Amad
Despite Hojlund’s failures within the final third this campaign, other players around him have managed to star, including Ivorian forward Amad Diallo.
The 22-year-old was seen as an outcast under former boss Erik ten Hag, but was handed the platform to impress after Amorim’s arrival in late November last year.
He’s since taken his career to the next level at Old Trafford, registering 19 combined goals and assists across all competitions in 2024/25, with his £36m transfer fee now looking somewhat of a bargain.
Amad even scored a hat-trick in the comeback win over Southampton and bagged the winner in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad, a feat that made him an instant hero among the fanbase.
Such a deal needs to be replicated going forward, with new target Fofana providing just that should he make a move to Manchester in the coming months.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
He possesses a similar skillset, with both being nimble left-footed forwards who can operate off either wing, potentially operating in a wing-back role in Amorim’s system if needed.
When comparing his stats to those of Amad from the recent campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.
Games played
29
26
Goals & assists
9
14
Shot-on-target accuracy
48%
36%
Progressive carries
6.3
5.1
Carries into final third
3.2
2.5
Take-on success
47%
46%
Crosses completed
4
1.9
Fouls won
2.1
1.3
Fofana, who’s been labelled “special” by journalist Zach Lowy, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, demonstrating his clinical ability in the final third.
He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries and more carries into the final third per 90, handing the side an added threat given his desire to get forward with the ball at his feet.
The Belgian’s trickery has made him a constant nuisance to opposition defenders, completing 47% of his attempted take-ons and winning more fouls per 90.
£38m in today’s market is a solid price for a 20-year-old star who could improve massively in the years ahead under Amorim’s guidance, offering the side a new star in attacking areas.
If he can replicate Amad’s success in the Premier League in the near future, it would be another bargain and an addition that could take the club back towards their former glory.
An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent
Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.
Tottenham Hotspur have now made an approach to sign a “superb” £34m player, who has already turned down a move to Arsenal this summer, according to a report.
Spurs eyeing new signings amid Frank pursuit
With Daniel Levy controversially dismissing Ange Postecoglou last week, the chairman has wasted no time searching for a replacement for the Australian, and widespread reports are suggesting that Thomas Frank has now agreed to take the job.
However, former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood has admitted he is “worried” about what Levy’s objective for the new manager will be, given that Postecoglou was sacked after winning a trophy, and it must be noted Frank has never won a major honour, despite doing a stellar job at Brentford.
Should the Dane be appointed, he is likely to have a say in the recruitment this summer, but the Lilywhites are continuing to assess potential options without a permanent manager in place.
That is according to a report from RMC Sport, which states Tottenham have now made an approach over a deal for AS Roma’s Evan Ndicka, having submitted an enquiry, with Premier League rivals Manchester United doing the same.
Ndicka, who is valued at €40m (£34m) is in no rush to decide his next move, and will take time to consider the offers he receives, but one thing that is clear is that he will not be heading to the Emirates Stadium, having already turned down a move to Arsenal this summer.
"Superb" Ndicka could be solid Romero replacement
Postecoglou may not be the only key Spurs figure to leave this summer, as there have been doubts over Cristian Romero’s future for quite some time, with it previously being revealed that Levy is open to sanctioning the Argentina international’s departure this summer.
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As such, one of Frank’s most important tasks, should he become the new manager, may be to bring in a new centre-back, and there are some signs the Roma defender could be a solid option, having previously been dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig.
The 6 foot 4 colossus is certainly an imposing presence, which means he is also a threat from set-pieces, as shown when he bagged his first goal for Roma against Tottenham in the Europa League last November.
Ndicka could be a solid signing for Spurs, but it is important they get the green light from Frank or any other potential new manager before pursuing a deal.
The 2024/25 season has seen a number of clubs break long-standing trophy droughts. February saw Newcastle United end decades of waiting for a major trophy as they took home the EFL Cup at the expense of would-be Premier League champions Liverpool.
Their 2-1 win over the Reds brought an end to the longest trophy drought of any 2024/25 Premier League club, with the Toon’s previous triumph coming in 1969 when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the predecessor to the UEFA Cup and Europa League.
Three months later, Crystal Palace created history by securing their first major trophy in the FA Cup final after a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, who failed to win any major silverware in a season for the first time since 2016/17.
They join Premier League champions Liverpool as cup winners, with the Reds now having won a major trophy in five of the last seven seasons.
Meanwhile, Tottenham finally ended their wait for major silverware as they lifted the Europa League in May 2025, defeating Manchester United for their first trophy in 17 years.
Rank
Club
Last trophy
Year
Trophy drought
Southampton
FA Cup
1976
Wolves
League Cup
1980
Ipswich
UEFA Cup
1981
Nottingham Forest
League Cup
1990
Everton
FA Cup
1995
Aston Villa
League Cup
1996
Arsenal
FA Cup
2020
Leicester
FA Cup
2021
Chelsea
Club World Cup
2022
West Ham
Conference League
2023
Man City
Premier League
2024
Man Utd
FA Cup
2024
Newcastle
League Cup
2025
Liverpool
Premier League
2025
Crystal Palace
FA Cup
2025
Tottenham
Europa League
2025
Here, we take a deeper look at the longest trophy droughts among 2024/25 Premier League clubs. To qualify for this list, they must have won at least one major trophy, so no room for Community Shields or Intertoto Cups here.
16 Tottenham Hotspur 2024/25 Europa League winners
You can’t say we weren’t warned. Ange Postecoglou ALWAYS wins in his second season at a club – even Tottenham.
However, if their league form was anything to go by – Spurs went into their 2024/25 Europa League final in 17th place – you’d have thought there was no chance of the Lilywhites going all the way in Europe.
But after 17 years and several false dawns – particularly after the 2019 Champions League final defeat under Mauricio Pochettino – the Australian boss finally delivered a trophy to Spurs. Their long trophy drought is no more.
15 Crystal Palace 2024/25 FA Cup winners
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Crystal Palace headed into the 2025 FA Cup final looking to win a major piece of silverware for the first time. It was their third FA Cup final since their first in 1990, and after successive defeats to Manchester United at the showpiece event, it was neighbours Manchester City who stood in their way this time around.
Despite being heavy underdogs, a brave, accomplished performance from Oliver Glasner’s side saw Eberechi Eze’s first-half strike prove to be the difference, with City culpable of fluffing huge chances, including a missed penalty from Omar Marmoush.
The result means Palace can join most of their Premier League rivals as trophy winners, and go for more glory next season in the 2025/26 Europa League.
14 Liverpool 2024/25 Premier League winners
While they haven’t officially got their hands on the trophy, Liverpool were confirmed as the new kings of England in April 2025 following a dominant campaign they never looked like slipping up in.
The previous few years have been incredibly kind to the Anfield faithful, winning a raft of honours under the leadership of Jürgen Klopp. A sixth European Cup was won in 2019 before the Reds finally ended a 30-year league title drought by claiming the Premier League.
Many felt Slot would have a difficult time of things during his maiden campaign on Merseyside, but the Dutchman has ushered the club into a new era easier than many anticipated.
13 Newcastle United 2024/25 EFL Cup winners
Newcastle United'sAlexanderIsak
Eddie Howe truly earned his hero status on Tyneside by ending almost 60 years of hurt with victory in the 2025 EFL Cup final against Liverpool.
Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak handed glory to the Toon at Wembley, securing European football and potentially setting up a new era of challenging at the top end of the Premier League once again.
Now a force to be reckoned with, it would be a huge surprise if they take another 56 years to win another trophy.
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ByStephan Georgiou Feb 8, 2024 12 Manchester United 1 year (last trophy: 2023/24 FA Cup)
Manchester United may be going through their toughest period since Sir Alex Ferguson’s time in charge, but it hasn’t diminished their ability to win trophies.
The Premier League title has eluded the Red Devils since 2013, but the club have managed to win two League Cups, two FA Cups and a Europa League crown in the previous 11 years – but their defeat in the most recent Europa League final left them trophyless in 2024/25.
11 Manchester City 1 year (last trophy: 2023/24 Premier League)
Until their takeover by Sheikh Mansour in 2008, Manchester City had not won a major trophy since winning the League Cup during the 1975/76 season.
However, since 2008, the Etihad outfit have claimed eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, six League Cups and a coveted Champions League title in 2023 as part of a historic treble.
Pep Guardiola has transformed the side into a winning machine, and despite enduring a poor season by their high standards, City will always be in the hunt for silverware.
However, their 2024/25 campaign came to a disastrous conclusion when they failed to take home any major trophy, with defeat in the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace rather summing up their season.
It marks their first trophyless campaign since Guardiola’s first in 2016/17, when they finished third and only made the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Nobody expects their ‘drought’ to last long, though it does leave the team in an incredibly unfamiliar position.
10 West Ham United 2 years (last trophy: 2023 Conference League)
Due to West Ham United winning the Conference League in 2023, their ‘drought’ is only a single year. David Moyes had led his club to the semi-finals of the Europa League a year prior, but they went one step further in Europe’s third-tier competition.
Can Graham Potter lead them back onto the continental stage? Only time will tell.
9 Chelsea 3 years (last trophy: 2021 Club World Cup)
Chelsea’s two-year trophy drought must feel like a lifetime for the supporters, especially due to the problems they have endured on the pitch since the start of the 2022/23 season.
Their last trophy came in February 2022, with the Blues taking part in a pandemic-delayed edition of the Club World Cup following their 2021 Champions League triumph.
Chelsea are now on their fourth permanent manager since August 2022, but signs do look positive that Enzo Maresca will eventually get the club back in the winner’s circle.
Much will depend on whether he is given the time required to build his team into one that can return to the Champions League. If so, the Stamford Bridge side could prove to be challengers at the top once again.
8 Leicester City 4 years (last trophy: 2021 FA Cup)
Leicester City’s fairytale Premier League title triumph in 2016 was their first major trophy since winning the League Cup in 2000.
Indeed, with the money involved in the game these days, the likelihood of a club like the Foxes claiming the Premier League title is as unrealistic as ever.
Five years after this triumph, the club won the FA Cup courtesy of a 1-0 win over Chelsea, winning the competition for the first time in their history after losing four finals on the spin.
7 Arsenal 5 years (last trophy: 2020 FA Cup)
For all that Mikel Arteta has done since taking over Arsenal at the end of 2019, the FA Cup won in August 2020 remains his only trophy.
The Gunners have made strides in the top flight, finishing second in the previous two seasons – the first time they have managed back-to-back top-two finishes for 20 years.
Liverpool ran away with the title this season, but the club appear to be on the right trajectory having qualified for the Champions League once again and been one match away from the final in 2024/25.
Wrexham are one of the most exciting clubs outside the Premier League as the League One side has plenty of ambition to surge up the English football pyramid.
Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney became the owners of the club back in February 2021, and the club have been on the ascendancy ever since.
The 2022/23 season saw them win the National League to finally escape the division, 15 years after slipping out of the Football League.
Last term, Wrexham made it back-to-back promotions as they finished second in League Two to secure their place in the third tier of the pyramid for the first time since 2004/05.
The onus is now on them to achieve promotion to the second tier – though this is unlikely to be the final aim, especially with the money that Reynolds and McElhenney have injected into the club.
With just a few months left of the campaign, Wrexham will need to be at their very best to secure either a first or second-place finish, thus making the move into the Championship.
Birmingham City have now been confirmed as champions, and Wycombe Wanderers are their main rivals for the final automatic promotion spot.
Will promotion be achieved this year, or will they require another year in League One? Here, we analyse the latest results and fixtures along with delving into whether they can achieve promotion this season.
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Everything you need to know about the home of Wrexham AFC.
ByStephan Georgiou May 7, 2024 How League One works
There are 24 clubs in League One, with all teams playing each other twice for a total of 46 league matches across the campaign.
This is the same number of games as in League Two and the Championship, should they get that far – but there are some notable differences between the bottom two divisions of the EFL.
In League One, there are only two automatic promotion spots, compared to the three on offer in the division below.
Teams who finish between 3rd and 6th will qualify for the play-offs. There are also four relegation spots compared to two in League Two.
Last season, sixth-placed Barnsley earned 76 points to qualify for the play-offs, while Portsmouth and Derby County – who were promoted automatically to the Championship – both accrued over 90 points during the 2023/24 season.
At the other end of the table, Burton Albion survived with 46 points, just two more than relegated Cheltenham Town.
Can Wrexham get promoted from League One?
Wrexham will be making history if they secure promotion to the Championship, as three successive promotions has never happened at this level of English football.
Due to their financial backing, Wrexham were tipped as one of the favourites to secure a third promotion in a row before the season started.
The club started rather well in the third tier, taking 10 points from their first four matches, which included a win over promotion rivals Wycombe.
Now in the thick of the run-in, just a point separates Wrexham from the Chairboys, with automatic promotion in the Welsh side’s hands with four games remaining.
Elsewhere, Wrexham suffered penalty shootout heartbreak in the EFL Trophy, with a late Peterborough United comeback denying the Red Dragons a place in Wembley’s final.
The season is now at the business end, and every point counts. It appears that Wrexham or Wycombe will take the final automatic promotion place, though Charlton Athletic – who have to play both clubs before the end of the campaign – could yet have a say.
Wrexham'sStevenFletcher
There is no doubt that Wrexham have acquitted themselves well in the third tier. The question now is whether they can make one more step on their journey to the Premier League.
Wrexham fixtures, results and standings
Rank
Team
P
GD
PTS
Birmingham City
40
+44
Wrexham
42
+27
Wycombe Wanderers
42
+30
Stockport County
41
+24
Charlton Athletic
41
+19
Reading
41
+8
Bolton Wanderers
41
+4
Huddersfield Town
41
+13
Leyton Orient
41
+16
Blackpool
41
+10
Via BBC Sport (last updated 12th April, 3pm)
As it stands, the table suggests the fight for promotion could go down to the wire – with the final round of matches taking place on Saturday 3rd May.
Birmingham City secured promotion and were confirmed as champions following Wrexham’s goalless draw at Wigan, but the Red Dragons are still in control of their destiny heading into the last four games.
Despite dropping points, Wrexham remain a point ahead of Wycombe, who grabbed a late winner to defeat Stevenage and heap the pressure on Phil Parkinson’s side.
Their final four opponents are mostly mid-table outfits, with their clash on the penultimate weekend against Charlton the trickiest on paper, particularly with the in-form Addicks harbouring promotion hopes of their own.
Date
Competition
Opposition
H/A
Kick-off (GMT)
Fri 18th Apr
League One
Bristol Rovers
H
3pm
Mon 21st Apr
League One
Blackpool
A
3pm
Sat 26th Apr
League One
Charlton
H
5.30pm
Sat 3rd May
League One
Lincoln
A
3pm
Via BBC Sport
Overall, Wrexham have been in solid form, losing just one of their last 10 matches and keeping eight clean sheets in that run. But with Wycombe breathing down their necks, they may need to win all four of their remaining fixtures to secure promotion to the Championship.
However, they may be encouraged by the Chairboys’ fixture list, with all of their remaining opponents inside the top nine ahead of kick-off on Saturday.
Date
Competition
Opposition
Result
Sat 12th Apr
League One
Wigan
D 0-0
Sat 5th Apr
League One
Burton Albion
W 3-0
Tue 1st Apr
League One
Cambridge
D 2-2
Sat 29th Mar
League One
Exeter
W 2-0
Sat 22nd Mar
League One
Stockport
W 1-0
Via BBC Sport
With just four games to go, it is all about getting over the line for Wrexham. With a point advantage, four wins will be enough to secure Championship football for next season, though one slip-up could let Wycombe in, particularly as the Chairboys have a better goal difference as it stands.
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Liverpool are cruising to the Premier League title under Arne Slot and have now sent scouts to watch a clutch of potential summer targets, per reports.
Liverpool's summer activity begins to gain traction
The Reds have managed to put themselves in pole position to claim the Premier League, but what comes next after celebrating their second top-flight triumph of the modern era?
Slot appears on the surface as a man who won’t be keen for any complacency to creep in, though he has serious work to do regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s contract situations.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Taking internal matters to one side, Liverpool have Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman on their radar as experience on the flanks becomes a priority to bolster depth across the Reds’ front four positions.
Vasco Da Gama star Rayan Vitor could also be en route to Anfield. Nevertheless, his prospective arrival is likely to be categorised as a long-term commitment while he develops at his own pace.
Darwin Nunez could make way for a new centre-forward amid his frustrating campaign through the middle. Diogo Jota and Luiz Diaz have been ahead of the Uruguayan in the pecking order at times, which hasn’t exactly helped his case in trying to win over Slot.
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Arne Slot is eyeing a powerful reinforcement at Liverpool this summer.
BySean Markus Clifford Apr 6, 2025
Exploring options to add extra firepower will stand Liverpool in good stead for next season. Salah’s uncertain situation may create a need for someone to fill his goalscoring boots, so it is only fair the champions in waiting do their due diligence on potential targets.
Now, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on a quartet that could be on their way to Anfield after the Merseyside giants carried out a scouting mission.
Liverpool watch four Premier League stars, one scores under their nose
According to The Boot Room, Liverpool sent scouts to watch Liam Delap score for Ipswich Town against Wolverhampton Wanderers as the England Under-21 international netted under their nose in a 2-1 defeat for the Tractor Boys.
Intriguingly, the visiting side had Joao Gomes, Andre and Rayan Ait-Nouri under observation from the Reds. The latter doesn’t have a release clause in his contract at Molineux despite previous suggestions to the contrary.
Liverpool’s next five fixtures – Premier League
West Ham (H)
Anfield
Leicester City (A)
King Power Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur (H)
Anfield
Chelsea (A)
Stamford Bridge
Arsenal (H)
Anfield
Rated at £50 million in some quarters, Ipswich striker Delap has become a standout in the top-flight after putting forward a return of 12 goals and two assists in 30 appearances.
Ait-Nouri is a target who Liverpool have had eyes on for a while, and Andre has been scouted previously as the club weigh up midfield additions to elevate their exciting talent portfolio.
Heading into the window, it is interesting to see where Liverpool feel they can find value for money on the market. The Premier League is a difficult industry to get plates spinning in, though the fact they will head into 2025/26 as reigning champions bodes well for business.