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The new Premier League season is only six games old, although Saturday’s defeat to Brentford felt like a seismic one for Manchester United and for manager Ruben Amorim, with that 3-1 loss the latest indication that the Portuguese is heading for an early exit from Old Trafford.

Let’s face it, we’ve seen this one before, with repeated United managers having all been sent packing before Christmas, be it Erik ten Hag in October 2024 or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021.

There was very much a Ten Hag feel regarding the weekend debacle, with the trip to west London evoking memories of the Dutchman’s final outing in charge, which came away to West Ham United just over a year ago.

That 2-1 defeat was notable for a glaring Diogo Dalot miss, alongside a contentious late penalty for the hosts. This time around, Amorim saw the previously reliable Bruno Fernandes fail to convert his spot-kick attempt, while Nathan Collins controversially escaped a red card for his foul on Bryan Mbeumo. When your luck’s in…

While the word on the street is that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS hierarchy remain behind the ex-Sporting CP boss, a succession plan appears to already be being drawn up…

How United could look with a 4-3-3 after Amorim

When asked about changing his philosophy last month, Amorim responded that the Red Devils will instead have to “change the man” if there is to be a move away from his 3-4-3 system.

Steadfast in his stubborn desire to retain that approach, the 40-year-old is almost forcing Ratcliffe and co into making a decision, rather than attempting to save himself by shaking things up tactically.

Yes, Amorim can’t be solely responsible for the individual failings of the likes of Altay Bayindir, although his specialised system doesn’t appear to be getting the best out of anyone at the club right now.

Should a new appointment be made any time soon, there is a squad – hopefully – who can be revived in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, with such a tweak likely to enhance the midfield unit once again, in particular.

Indeed, a new coach could deploy Kobbie Mainoo in a deep-lying role, having memorably starred on his Premier League debut in that berth against Everton in November 2023, with the Englishman partnered by Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in more advanced midfield positions

In attack, the new-look trio of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and the aforementioned Mbeumo would all be comfortable making the change, while Amorim’s potential successor would surely see the wisdom in ousting the hapless Bayindir for new man Senne Lammens – or even the veteran Tom Heaton.

With ample depth at right-back and centre-back, a new manager could finally settle on a first-choice pairing, rather than the constant chaos of Amorim’s selection, while the problems on the left flank could be solved by the returning Lisandro Martinez in a new-look left-back berth.

While such a transition might not guarantee an improvement, there is seemingly nothing to lose by moving away from a 3-4-3, be it for Amorim or for his potential replacement.

Man Utd targeting the next Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The last time a Portuguese manager – Jose Mourinho – was in situ in the Old Trafford dugout, the serial-winning coach was relieved of his duties in December 2018, before being replaced by treble-winning hero, Solskjaer.

The Norwegian marksman departed Molde to join United on an initial interim basis, although after winning 14 of his first 17 games in charge, while reviving the mood in Manchester, the ‘Baby-faced assassin’ was rewarded with a permanent position in March 2019.

While the merits of that decision can be debated, it’s hard to ignore that Solskjaer steered United to notable third and second-place finishes in his two full seasons in charge, having perhaps been closer than any post-Sir Alex Ferguson manager to bring the club ‘back’ to the top table.

According to journalist Samuel Luckhurst, there is believed to be an appetite among Ratcliffe and co to make a similar short-term appointment again, should Amorim be replaced, with fan favourite Michael Carrick believed to be in the running.

While Luckhurst reports that the Premier League trio of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Fabian Hurzeler are also in the frame, Carrick is among those who could take charge on a caretaker basis, having previously led United for three games following Solskjaer’s exit.

That brief stint saw the Red Devils pick up a point away at Stamford Bridge, either side of wins against Villarreal and Arsenal, with there perhaps a tinge of regret at not handing the Englishman the reins for a longer period, rather than turning to the much-maligned Ralf Rangnick.

In the years since, Carrick – who worked as part of the coaching set-up under both Mourinho and Solskjaer – has enjoyed a promising albeit far from perfect stint at Middlesbrough, overseeing a fourth-place finish in 2022/23, followed by eighth and tenth-place finishes in the subsequent two campaigns.

Dismissed in the summer, the 44-year-old has since had to witness Boro storm to the Championship summit, although his stock doesn’t appear to have taken too great of a hit, having been hailed as an “insanely talented coach” by his former player, Lukas Engel.

Also tipped by Solskjaer in the past to be a future Man United manager, Carrick would certainly be a popular appointment among the Old Trafford faithful, having enjoyed 12 glorious years on the pitch, winning five league titles and making 464 appearances in all competitions.

Like the Norwegian before him, Carrick could be the ideal short-term solution to try and revive United’s fortunes, having experienced a winning team himself during his days under Ferguson.

Some may bristle at a perceived ‘jobs for the boys’ policy, but after trying so many different things on the manager front, why not go back to something that worked – at least initially – with another Solskjaer-style appointment.

He'd revive Mainoo at Man Utd: INEOS eyeing "incredible" Amorim replacement

Manchester United are considering a move to land a manager who could get Kobbie Mainoo firing at Old Trafford.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 30, 2025

Real Madrid are winning on the pitch, but tension is brewing behind the scenes. According to The Athletic, several senior players are struggling with Xabi Alonso’s rigid approach and distant style, with some insiders claiming he "thinks he’s Pep Guardiola". Frustration is growing over the manager’s strict rules and intense methods, despite two big wins recently over Barcelona and Juventus.

• Alonso shakes things up

  Alonso arrived in June and made one thing clear: nothing at the Santiago Bernabeu would be the same as under Carlo Ancelotti. Old habits? Gone. It’s more than just extra gym sessions. Only essential staff are allowed on the training ground. Dressing room access before matches or at half-time is limited. Line-ups are no longer leaked. Even players’ entourages now face restrictions. The idea is focus and privacy. You can tell some players aren’t used to that. And yet, on the pitch, results are positive. But football isn’t just about results. It’s about personalities, habits, and comfort levels. That part is clear. Some players are adjusting. Others, less so. 

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  'He think's he's Pep Guardiola'

  Frustration is continuing to build behind the scenes. Some players feel their freedom on the pitch is curtailed. Some think Alonso is distant. An inside source close to the Madrid dressing room has opened up on the struggles Alonso is currently facing. Speaking to the Athletic, the source said: "Some of them have won so much without doing these things that when these have been imposed on them, they have complained. He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola, but for now he’s just Xabi." 

  That line reportedly keeps coming up in conversations around the squad. Not entirely flattering. Part admiration, part scepticism. Vinicius Junior’s storm-off after being substituted against Barcelona highlighted the tension, but it appears the problems may be deeper than that.

  Some feel Alonso is "unapproachable". Comparisons to Ancelotti’s open, warm style only make the gap feel bigger. Specialists in training, stricter rules, restricted access, changes all designed to improve focus. And yet, it changes the atmosphere. The squad is responding with improved levels on the pitch, but they are not all happy about it.

• Early successes, but growing pains

  Still, the approach is working, at least in part. Madrid top La Liga. Champions League form is solid. Young players are getting chances: Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Franco Mastantuono. Rotations keep the squad involved. Alonso’s staff – assistant Sebastian Parrilla, physical trainer Ismael Camenforte, analysts Alberto Encinas and Benat Labaien – are implementing a plan that clearly takes time and patience.

  "They are aware that they are immersed in a process that requires patience for the team to function as they have planned," the source continued. Some players are adapting well. Others are grumbling. Alonso seems willing to stick to his principles of discipline. The tension is a side effect, not a dealbreaker, at least for now.

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  Looking ahead at the Bernabeu

  Real Madrid are always under scrutiny. Every move is magnified by the media and Alonso’s balance of authority will be crucial to deciding his future. Senior players’ dissatisfaction is something to watch, and certainly something to manage, if the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man wants to keep his job. Los Blancos will look to keep building momentum despite the unrest behind the scenes when they host Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.

Crystal Palace have a wealth of assets of interest to some of the world’s best clubs and they could now be lining up a replacement for one star who is attracting attention.

Crystal Palace look to keep hold of Adam Wharton

When thinking of promising Premier League midfielders, Adam Wharton wouldn’t be too far down the public’s list due to his ability to dictate matches in the Eagles’ engine room.

Recently, the England international has attracted interest from Liverpool, and they are unlikely to be the only club keen on his services as he continues to thrive under Oliver Glasner in South London.

Eventually, the time may come for Wharton to move on. However, Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that he doesn’t believe that will be in the imminent future as he is settled at the club.

He stated: “It doesn’t seem he’s in any real massive rush to leave Palace right now, he’s enjoying his football and playing week in, week out in the Premier League. He has become a key man in Glasner’s side with Palace doing so well at the moment, having won the FA Cup last year and playing in Europe.

“It seems Wharton is happy with life at Selhurst Park, but his form and performances will attract interest from other clubs.”

Talks on: Crystal Palace lead Wolves to sign "finisher" who shocked Chelsea

Negotiations have been opened.

By
Charlie Smith

Oct 1, 2025

Either way, Glasner isn’t hanging around as he looks to strengthen the engine room and Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher could return to Crystal Palace in January, even if he isn’t short on options from elsewhere.

Wheels are already in motion as the Eagles look to take their recruitment to new heights, and they could now be sizing up a move for another midfielder as part of a potential contingency plan.

Crystal Palace want to sign Nicolas Raskin

According to reports in Spain, Crystal Palace are eyeing a move for Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, and they feel his attributes could be suited to their deep-lying midfield role if Wharton were to depart Selhurst Park.

The Belgium international has registered a goal and four assists in 14 appearances this term across all competitions, though he was also frozen out while Russell Martin was in charge and hasn’t been able to help the Scottish Premiership outfit arrest their wretched run of form.

With his contract due to expire in 2027, there is potential for Crystal Palace to land the 24-year-old on a cut-price deal if he opts not to renew his terms at Ibrox.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen how that will play out, but Besiktas are also said to be keen on luring him to Turkey, providing competition for the Premier League high-flyers if they wish to strengthen their midfield.

Labelled “aggressive” by Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, Rangers will push for him to stay, though the Eagles will hope the lure of top-flight exposure will be enough for their target to leave Glasgow.

'The Bundesliga Tax'. It's a phrase that has become more prominent amongst supporters over the past decade or so, used to describe the growing trend of players who have lit up the German top-flight who have been sold to Premier League clubs for big money, only to fail to replicate that same form when arriving in England.

The debate over how well performances in the Bundesliga translate to the Premier League has reared its head again in the early weeks of this season following the struggles of Florian Wirtz and Xavi Simons at Liverpool and Tottenham, respectively. The pair combined for 40 league goals and assists last term, but have mustered just the solitary assist between them in 17 Premier League appearances thus far despite being sold for almost £170 million ($191m).

Former Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Wirtz has struggled to find a suitable role at Anfield, which has led to him being benched on numerous occasions by Arne Slot, while Simons suffered the ignominy of being substituted against Chelsea on Saturday despite having only entered the game off the bench himself earlier in the piece.

There remain question marks, too, over how Benjamin Sesko, Jamie Gittens and Jeremie Frimpong will fare in the Premier League following their summer arrivals from the Bundesliga, and while plenty of players do arrive into England from Germany and thrive – see Erling Haaland, for one shining example – the list of individuals who fail to live up to the hype is in danger of growing to the point that some fanbases will actively call out their clubs for fishing in such an unreliable pond.

GOAL, then, looks back at the most high-profile transfer flops to have arrived into the Premier League from the Bundesliga in recent years:

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  Jadon Sancho

  Borussia Dortmund plucked a 17-year-old Jadon Sancho out of the Manchester City academy back in 2017 and instantly handed him a first-team role. Over the next four years, he became one of the most exciting wingers in Europe, registering 107 goal involvements in just 137 appearances, while also getting his hands on a DFB-Pokal winners' medal alongside fellow young stars Haaland and Jude Bellingham.

  In the summer of 2021, United made Sancho the second-most expensive English player ever when luring him away from Signal Iduna Park, and then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confidently predicted the winger would "bring tremendous pace, flair and creativity to the team". Unfortunately, though, Sancho never made good on those words.

  He has only scored 12 times for United to date, and has made more headlines for fallouts with managers than his exploits on the pitch. Sancho was exiled by both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, and after temporary spells with former club Dortmund and Chelsea, now finds himself on loan at Aston Villa with no guarantee of regular minutes. Despite possessing all the talent in the world, Sancho's attitude and lack of physicality have prevented him from making any meaningful impact in the Premier League, and he's seemingly been stricken by fear in a way he never was in Germany.

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  Christopher Nkunku

  Christopher Nkunku has all the qualities a forward needs to succeed on the elite stage: pace, intelligence, immaculate technique and ruthlessness. RB Leipzig saw all of that between 2019 and 2023, as the Frenchman blasted in 70 goals in all competitions to become their talisman, and when Chelsea snapped him up for £52m ($68m) in June 2023, it was seen as a major coup.

  But the step up in intensity from the Bundesliga to the Premier League proved too much for Nkunku. He was unable to build any sort of rhythm at Stamford Bridge due to a series of injuries, and after the emergence of Cole Palmer, he was restricted to a bit-part role. 

  Nkunku left for AC Milan in the summer of 2025 with a respectable goals tally of 18 from 62 appearances, but few Chelsea fans were sad to see the back of him. Despite flashes of brilliance, the former Leipzig frontman wasn't robust enough for the rigours of English football and too often stood on the fringes of games instead of grabbing them by the scruff of the neck.

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  Kai Havertz

  Kai Havertz was on the radar of almost every top club in Europe after a stunning rise to prominence at Leverkusen, where he recorded a combined total of 77 goals and assists after breaking out of their academy ranks. Chelsea eventually won the race for his signature at the end of the 2020 summer window, and some were even billing the Germany playmaker as the next Mesut Ozil despite it not being immediately clear how he would fit into the Blues' starting XI.

  Leverkusen put Havertz's versatility to good use in No.8 and No.10 roles, but he was deployed predominantly upfront for Chelsea, and looked like a fish out of water. Indeed, his first season at the club yielded just four Premier League goals, and was only salvaged by his winning strike in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.

  Havertz continued to be a fixture in the Chelsea side over the next two seasons, but never properly silenced his doubters, and the Blues jumped at the chance to offload him when Arsenal came in with a £65m ($85m) bid in June 2023. It's been a similar story for Havertz at the Emirates Stadium, with consistency remaining largely elusive, and the 26-year-old's career has essentially been on hiatus in 2025 due to serious injuries.

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  Christian Pulisic

  Chelsea initially signed Christian Pulisic from Dortmund in January 2019, with ex-United States star Taylor Twellman describing the deal as a "watershed moment for the American soccer player". Borussia Dortmund were sad to lose a "characteristically flawless footballer", as their sporting director Michael Zorc put it, but Pulisic closed out his time at the club in disappointing fashion, losing his place to Sancho amid struggles for fitness.

  That led to claim Pulisic, then only 21 years of age, had "stagnated" and insist Chelsea were "mad" to spend so much money on him. Over the next four years, the German outlet was proven right. Although the USMNT star would pick up Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup winners' medals in west London, and deliver some memorable moments (including a hat-trick against Burnley and a brilliant solo goal against Manchester City), he was dogged by physical setbacks and hampered by Chelsea's chaotic transfer policy.

  Pulisic gradually fell down the pecking order as competition for places in attack increased and never recovered. Chelsea eventually accepted a £36m ($47m) loss on the Dortmund academy product when shipping him off to Milan, where Pulisic has since replenished his confidence stocks.

  "I felt pressure that I needed to do more when I did get on the pitch," he admitted to when looking back on his time at Stamford Bridge last December. Bad luck also played a part, but Pulisic buckled under that pressure, and it remains to be seen whether he gets another chance at the very highest level, with standards at Milan no longer as high as in Serie A's golden years.

While the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Yankees, 4–2, in Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday, it did not come without a cost as Shohei Ohtani was forced to exit after suffering a subluxation of his left shoulder sliding into second base at the end of the seventh inning.

But after the game manager Dave Roberts said the team was "encouraged" by what tests revealed about Ohtani's injury and that he still expected the slugger to be able to suit up in the World Series.

On Sunday, Roberts made that official and told ESPN's Karl Ravech that Ohtani was a go for Game 3 in New York on Monday night.

This is great news for the Dodgers, who are loaded with talent but would miss Ohtani's presence at the plate and on the basepaths. It's also great news for everybody watching. Ohtani is a singular talent and the baseball world should hope he's able to play every inning of his first-ever appearance in the World Series. It will be history, no matter what happens.

Game 3 of the World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees will commence on Monday at 8:08 p.m ET.

After a run of six defeats in their last seven games, Liverpool are finally back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

Arne Slot’s side managed to put in their best performance in some time to earn all three points at Anfield ahead of a big week.

Unai Emery’s men had their fair share of chances in the first half. Morgan Rogers came closest, rattling the woodwork. The Reds survived that scare and were pushing for a lead. Hugo Ekitike thought he had put them in front, but his header was ruled out for a clear offside.

It was Mohamed Salah who opened the scoring, bagging his 250th goal in that famous Red shirt. It was surely one of the easiest, too, with Emiliano Martinez gifting him the ball, trying to play out from the back. Salah simply fired into the empty Villa net.

The Reds doubled their lead 13 minutes into the second half. Ryan Gravenberch was able to receive the ball in space, with the Dutchman unleashing an effort from range. Two wicked deflections took it past Martinez and put Liverpool 2-0 up.

There were some standout performers, with Salah and Gravenberch looking at their very best.

How Salah and Gravenberch downed Aston Villa

It must be a relief for Liverpool fans to see Salah put in a performance like he did against the Villans on Saturday night. His 250th goal was a huge milestone, and it capped off his best showing in some time.

Salah was at his very best with the ball at his feet against Emery’s men. He gave Lucas Digne, the Villa left-back, a tough day. Liverpool’s number 11 completed four of his seven dribbles and created one chance, to go with his goal.

As for Gravenberch, he continued to show the excellent form he has been in under fellow Dutchman Slot. The Ajax academy star got on the score sheet with his deflected long-range effort, but also controlled the game at the base of the midfield.

His performance certainly seemed to stand out to Will Rooney, journalist for Liverpool World. He gave Gravenberch a post-match rating of 8/10 and praised him for how well he “displayed composure” in the middle of the park for the Reds.

As well as both Salah and Gravenberch played against Villa, there was another Liverpool player who stood out above the rest.

Liverpool's standout player versus Aston Villa

A performance like that in the Premier League has been a long time coming for Slot and his Liverpool side. Salah’s dominant effort will be pleasing, given how underwhelming he has been of late.

Well, the Egyptian star is not the only player who fits that mould. It was refreshing for Liverpool to have Alexis Mac Allister back to his best in the middle of the park. The 2022 World Cup winner teed up Gravenberch for his goal and showed class on the ball, and worked hard without it.

His numbers from the game show how well he played. Mac Allister was excellent in possession, having 64 touches and completing 48 out of 51 passes, creating three chances. Off the ball, the former Brighton star won five out of eight ground duels.

Well, it is fair to say that the Reds’ number 10 left a good impression on Rooney. He gave Mac Allister a 9/10 for his performance. After a tough start to the season, he said the midfielder “looked much more like his usual self” and “kept on showing his class” throughout.

It is certainly not outlandish to say Mac Allister was better than both Salah and Gravenberch against the Villans. Rooney was certainly of that opinion, given the fact that he gave the Argentine a higher rating than the pair of 8/10s he gave to the other two players.

Mac Allister’s contribution in the middle of the park was vital. He progressed the ball well and worked hard out of possession to help guide Liverpool over the line. There is a strong case to be made that he was the Reds’ standout player in a huge win to get them back on track.

Liverpool's £280k-per-week talent is looking like Slot's own Keita signing

Liverpool looks to have dropped the ball already, splashing the cash on this £280k-per-week star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 31, 2025

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has expressed his desire to work with Erling Haaland again, with the Manchester United legend planning a return to management. He previously coached prolific frontman Haaland at Molde and is hoping to see their paths cross for a second time – potentially in the international arena as Norway close in on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

• Superstar status: Haaland forms part of the global elite

  Haaland has helped to fire his nation towards a first major tournament since 2000, and their first World Cup since 1998. He bagged a brace in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Estonia last time out, with that win leaving them on the brink of booking tickets to FIFA’s flagship event.

  He has reached 30 goals for the season across outings for club and country, with remarkable individual standards also being maintained at Manchester City. Superstardom has been achieved, with Solskjaer helping to nudge Haaland down that path.

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  Where next for Solskjaer? International post appeals

  The ex-Norway international is currently out of work after severing ties with Besiktas in August, but the 52-year-old is eager to get back to the wheel somewhere. Solskjaer has told the podcast: “I’m looking. I’m open. It’s not like I’m desperate to be back in. But yes, in England, I love living here as well. Is it Norway, is it Sweden, is it wherever, it’s about working with people. I love just trying to make the most of them, or make them be the best version of themselves, and help the club.”

  Having spent time with Molde, United and Besiktas, Solskjaer is open to working with a national team next – with his homeland being the most logical choice. He will, however, not look to step on the toes of current head coach Stale Solbakken.

  Solskjaer added: “We’ve got a good coach still; we’re on the way to the World Cup. But if he [Solbakken] one day doesn’t sign a new deal? Of course, who wouldn’t want to work with Erling Haaland again?”

• Man Utd mistake: Haaland transfer advice ignored

  Haaland has previously credited Solskjaer with helping to improve his game, telling : “The first thing I think he said to me was ‘You have no idea how to head the ball. We have to work on that’.

  “This is what we did for two years [practice heading], the whole period I was in Molde. And it was a good thing, because I couldn’t hit the ball, and now I’m scoring goals with my head – thanks to them."

  Solskjaer wanted to be reunited with Haaland when heading back to Old Trafford, but saw his transfer pleas fall on deaf ears. He previously told : “I had him [Haaland] in Molde, for two seasons. The summer before I got here [Manchester United], I rang the club and said, ‘You’ve got to sign this boy – he’ll be top class’. That was June/July 2018, and they said no – they had enough reports on players.

  “Then I became the caretaker manager [of United], and we’d sold Haaland to RB Salzburg. I tell the club straight away to buy him while he has a release clause. We knew that then, and no one else would’ve paid the money – €20 million, it would’ve been a bargain. Even though with his links with Alfie [Haaland], and Manchester City and Leeds.

  “It was the club’s decision to not go for it then. We never made bids or went in for him, until after he started scoring for Salzburg. By then, Borussia Dortmund were there, Juventus were there, everyone was there. His release clause then was still good – €60 million.”

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  Haaland goal record: Incredible numbers for Man City

  Haaland ended up moving to Manchester with City in the summer of 2022. He helped to fire them to a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble during his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

  With United being left to mull over what could have been, fearsome No.9 Haaland – who appears destined to grace the World Cup finals next summer and compete for future Ballon d’Or prizes – has registered 143 goals through 161 appearances for City.

The New York Yankees' 2025 season hasn't gotten off to the best of starts in regards to health. Giancarlo Stanton's status has been up in the air throughout spring training and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil suffered a high-grade lat strain. On Thursday, general manager Brian Cashman offered updates on both players' health and those hoping for optimistic news emerged disappointed.

On Stanton, Cashman revealed the slugger had received injections in both arms as he deals with tennis elbow in both his elbows. And while the GM refused to get specific about a timeline for the 35-year-old's return, Cashman acknowledged it wouldn't be in the near term.

In regards to Gil, Cashman was more concrete about when the team hopes the righty will get back on the mound. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound as though it'll be for a while. Cashman said the Yankees are hopeful Gil can return to the pinstripes in the summertime, and at minimum, Gil is looking at a six-week recovery time until he can start throwing again.

Not great for New York. But the players can grow beards now (pending management approval) so there's that!

Karim Adeyemi has issued a public apology after it was revealed last week that the Borussia Dortmund attacker was found to be possessing illegal weapons. The news surfaced during the international break, which caused Adeyemi to miss the 6-0 thrashing of Slovakia in their final World Cup qualifying game. Taking to social media, Adeyemi expressed regret over his mistake.

• Adeyemi sanctioned with the illegal possession of weapons

  Germany's preparations for their World Cup qualifier against Slovakia were marred by controversy after revealed that Adeyemi had been charged with possession of illegal weapons. Per the report, both the German football federation (DFB) and Borussia Dortmund were caught unawares after learning about the conviction via media leaks, with the former Red Bull Salzburg prodigy preferring to be tight-lipped about the controversy before the disclosure.

  Adeyemi was found to be in possession of two illegal weapons – a knuckleduster and a stun gun – which are strictly forbidden under German law without an official permit. Prosecutors charged the speedy winger with a staggering €450,000 fine. The public prosecutor’s office reported that a penalty order imposing "60 daily fines of €7,500" became legally binding on October 30. The case was adjudicated by the district court in Wetter.

  “BVB always takes criminal allegations seriously and uses them as an opportunity to discuss them with its employees while respecting confidentiality obligations,” Borussia Dortmund stated in their official release following the breaking of the news. 

  Adeyemi, however, was fortunate to come away with a financial penalty. Under German weapons legislation, his actions could have carried a prison sentence of up to three years – or as many as 10 if brass knuckles were involved. In this case, however, the sanction was limited to a fine, calculated on the basis of his income. As a result, he received an entry in the central register but did not incur a formal criminal record.

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  Adeyemi issues public apology on social media

  Taking to Instagram stories, the 23-year-old speedster admitted to making a "huge" mistake by possessing weapons without an official permit. 

  "You have probably seen the headlines about me in the last few days. It is not easy for me to talk about this," he said. "At the beginning of 2024, out of carelessness and without really thinking about what I was doing, I ordered a so-called ‘mystery box’ on the internet. It contained items that are not permitted under weapons legislation. Many months later, the package was delivered and ended up unopened at the police station.

  "Nevertheless, it was a huge mistake. One that I am very sorry about, that cost me dearly and that I deeply regret. I know that I am in the public eye and have a role model function. I did not live up to that. That is precisely why it hurts me all the more that I acted so recklessly. I have learned more from this than I can put into words. And I promise you that I will avoid such mistakes in the future. Thank you to everyone who still trusts and supports me."

• Dortmund chief comes to Adeyemi's defence

  Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken addressed the matter and defended Adeyemi. "We naturally took the matter very seriously and have since been able to speak with Karim Adeyemi at length and clearly about his behavior," Ricken told . "He deeply regrets his mistake. However, it must also be taken into account that he had to pay a hefty fine, no one was harmed, and the player continues to be considered to have no criminal record.

  "Karim Adeyemi has firmly promised us that he will not make such a mistake again. We trust him to keep his word."

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  Adeyemi's national team future will not be affected

  Speaking to , German football federation (DFB) sporting director Rudi Voller acknowledged that Adeyemi committed a mistake, but also admitted that sometimes, some issues are blown out of proportion.

  “Yes, of course we didn't know [about Adeyemi illegally possessing weapons]. The day after the game in Luxembourg, Lars Ricken called me and told me," he revealed. "He didn't know everything either. Then Julian [Nagelsmann] and I grabbed Karim. We wanted to hear his side of the story. He then tried to explain it to us, more or less.

  “We still have the feeling that the lad is developing exceptionally well in the national team. We also live a bit in a time of outrage culture here in Germany… Everyone is always quick to complain, not that I want to sugarcoat it. It's naive or stupid, no matter what you call it.”

  Adeyemi might have missed both the World Cup qualifiers during the recent international break, but he is a player with an X-factor, and Nagelsmann recognises as much. After making his debut in 2021, he didn't feature in a single game for Die Mannschaft in 2022, 2023, or 2024, before returning to the setup earlier this year. 

Will Celtic appoint a new manager during this international break?

Following Sunday’s 4-0 Premiership victory over Kilmarnock, interim manager Martin O’Neill honestly admitted that he does not know whether or not he will still be in charge when the Hoops are next in action against St Mirren in Paisley a week on Saturday.

Reports this week suggest the board are intensifying their search for Brendan Rodgers’ long-term replacement, currently in London holding talks with candidates, with a leading target having now emerged.

Whoever takes charge, considering Celtic will play 11 matches, including a League Cup Final, before the transfer window opens, will need to get the best out of the Hoops’ current squad, so could landing their dream target be good news for the club’s best attacker?

The 'frontrunner' to become Celtic manager

As has been widely reported, Kieran McKenna, Wilfried Nancy, Craig Bellamy and Robbie Keane are among the candidates to become Celtic manager.

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However, their dream candidate all along has been Bodø/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen, who, according to a report by TEAMtalk, ‘remains a frontrunner’.

They claim that a move to Glasgow is viewed as the ‘perfect next step’ for the 57-year-old, who is out of contract in the Arctic Circle later this year, having worked miracles with Bodø/Glimt since being appointed in 2018.

His team demolished Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic 5-1 on aggregate in a Conference League tie back in February 2022, so could he soon be returning to Parkhead, only this time in the home dugout?

And would his arrival help to get the best out of Daizen Maeda?

Why a change of manager could revive Maeda

Earlier this season, Maeda revealed that he had asked to leave Celtic this summer to take the next step in his career, but was not allowed to do so, following the sales of Nicolas Kühn and Adam Idah, while no replacements for them were even brought in until the final hours of the window.

Well, after scoring 33 goals last season, the Japanese forward has not been at his scintillating best this time round, scoring only four goals so far, most notably nodding home the stoppage time winner against Motherwell, also on target against Killie last weekend.

Overall, most of Maeda’s statistics have decreased this season, as the table below highlights.

As the table documents, the majority of Maeda’s numbers have endured a downturn this season, including goals, shooting accuracy and chance creation, missing more big chances on a per-90 basis too.

When the Japanese international is at his best, he is able to ferociously close down defenders and burst into space, as this goal in last season’s League Cup Final highlights, something he has not been allowed to do very often this season, hindered by the Celts’ stodgy style of play.

However, could that all be about to change, allowing Maeda to rediscover his best form?

The reason Knutsen is the outstanding candidate is that he has completely transformed Bodø/Glimt.

When he was appointed manager in 2018, the Yellow Horde were still in the Norwegian second tier, but they have now won four of the last five Eliteserien titles, chasing another with two games to go of this campaign.

Having said that, Bodø/Glimt have really made a name for themselves in Europe, reaching the Conference League quarter-finals in 2022 and last season’s Europa League semi-finals, qualifying for the Champions League group stages for the very first time earlier this year.

Michael Stewart believes Knutsen has done an “incredible” job in the Arctic Circle, while Jan Åge Fjørtoft praised Knutsen’s “clear philosophy” and “attractive” style of play.

Across his 351 matches in charge, Bodø/Glimt have always used a fluid 4-3-3 formation which, as outlined by Total Football Analysis, features attacking full-backs, thereby allowing the wide-attackers to drift inside and score goals.

Meantime, as documented by the Coaches’ Voice, Knutsen’s team consistently rank highly in terms of ‘most dribbles and 1v1 moments’, favouring quick interplay and direct attacks.

Well, all of this sounds like it would suit Maeda’s skillset, whether the Japanese forward was to be deployed centrally or out wide.

Concerningly, Maeda may still harbour hopes of a move away in January, with a World Cup on the horizon, but Knutsen, should he arrive, surely would not sanction the sale of Celtic’s best attacker, while his appointment may represent such a coup that the forward is convinced that the Celts are heading in the right direction once again.

Better than Nancy: Celtic shortlist "attractive" Rodgers replacement

With Wilfried Nancy among the favourites to become the new Celtic manager, should the Hoops instead appoint a 4-3-3 boss with an “attractive” style?

By
Ben Gray

Nov 12, 2025