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Tom Brady has been saluted for bringing “razzmatazz” to English soccer alongside Ryan Reynolds and Co, but the “only concern” has also been raised.

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• NFL legend an investor at St Andrew's
• Putting winning experience to good use
• Rivalry struck up with the Red Dragons

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  NFL legend Brady became a minority investor at St Andrew’s in August 2023, with an advisory role being taken up in the West Midlands. He has attended the odd game since then, with David Beckham joining him in the stands for a so-called ‘Hollywood Derby’ date with Wrexham in September 2024.

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• WHAT HESKEY SAID

  Brady is a proven winner, with seven Super Bowl rings to his name, but questions have been asked of what he brings to the party at Birmingham. When Emile Heskey was asked for his take on that debate, the former Blues striker – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “It’s exposure, know-how business-wise when it comes to owning clubs. It’s American football and a completely different thing, but they know the razzmatazz.

  “The stuff they are talking about bringing to Birmingham – the stadium, entertainment and making it a hub for the Midlands – I think that has been needed for a long time. Being from the Midlands, it’s something that has been needed. Everything goes down to London and you’re like ‘give us something here’. Or it goes to Manchester, so give us something in the Midlands. Having that hub where you can say there is a top quality stadium, top quality place to have concerts etc, that’s the main thing. It’s not just about the football, it’s about everything else that they bring as well.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Heskey added on the rivalry that has been struck up between Birmingham and Wrexham, with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney calling the shots in North Wales: “It’s really nice to see. When you think about it, no-one would have thought that Wrexham would have been in that at all. Now they are looking to have another kick on and go again. It’s nice. You like to see these things where it’s not just the top clubs that can have that razzmatazz and have all the news about them.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  There have been plenty of rumours to suggest that more celebrity funding could be pumped into British football, with Heskey saying of that trend – which is expected to steer clear of the Premier League billionaire’s playground: “I think it’s going to be more with the League One and League Two clubs. It’s going to be more with the smaller teams and see where they can get them. When you look at the attention that Wrexham get, there is going to be more and more of it.

  “They are going to be looking at smaller clubs. ASAP Rocky has been connected to a team [Tranmere]. You are going to get more and more because they look at it as a business venture and with the connections that they have, they can really have a go at getting into the Premier League – or just climbing those divisions and having fun!”

Now in the final few weeks of the summer transfer window, Everton could reportedly be offered the chance to sign a 2023 target in a swap deal for struggling forward Beto.

Everton transfer news

It's been a mixed summer at Goodison Park – perhaps even one some will deem a success in the circumstances – but the transfer window is far from over. The future of Jarrad Branthwaite could still change and the Toffees may yet add further reinforcements, despite their ongoing ownership issues. So far, the Merseyside club have welcomed Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Iroegbunam, Jesper Lindstrom and, most recently, Jake O'Brien.

The young central defender expressed his delight after completing a move to Goodison Park, telling Everton's official website: “I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton. I've been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It's a very exciting move for me.

“Everton is a huge club with a lot of history behind it and there's a big future as well. When the transfer window opened there were other clubs in for me but there was only one club I wanted to go to – it was Everton. They’ve shown the faith in me so now it's my turn to show why on the pitch.”

Agent talks: Everton want "magnificent" CB who'd be perfect for Branthwaite

He is available on a free transfer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 6, 2024

Now, the Toffees could follow the arrival of a defender with the arrival of an attacking reinforcement. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, with talks open, Everton could be offered the chance to sign El Bilal Toure in a swap deal for Beto, as Atalanta look to replace Gianluca Scamacca following his ACL injury, in a swap deal which may soon "take off".

Toure, of course, was reportedly the subject of Everton's £34m bid last summer, before a move failed to materialise. A year on from that bid, they may finally get their man.

"Lethal" Toure's injury record is a concern

Given their lack of new owners, Everton are not in a position to get things wrong in the transfer market and signing a player who has had injury concerns in the last year or so represents a risk they may be better off avoiding.

Toure, though still just 22 years old, missed 32 games courtesy of a hamstring injury last season, 13 games for an unknown muscle injury in the season prior for UD Almeria, and 11 games in the 2021/22 campaign through another hamstring injury at Stade Reims. No matter how "lethal" the forward's finishing is, as described by Atalanta BC News, he can't prove that clinical nature when sidelined.

It's worth noting too, that Dominic Calvert-Lewin's own injury record is far from ideal, so sacrificing Beto in exchange for another unreliable option on the fitness front would be quite the risk from Everton at this stage.

The talented right-back recently led a masterclass in defending back in his home city to mark an exciting new partnership

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At the Terrain de sport Edouard-Pailleron, tucked neatly away in Paris' 19th arrondissement, Sacha Boey returned home on a mission. Having just been signed as Under Armour's newest athlete, he made the journey back to the French capital to help lead a defensive masterclass.

This was an initiative that tied Boey and Under Armour together. On the streets of Paris did Boey learn the art of defending, and the American sportswear giant are making a splash in football with a select choice of stars.

Now featuring more regularly for Bayern Munich, he could soon become a staple in Didier Deschamps' regimented Les Bleus setup too, with the 24-year-old surely on the verge of winning his first senior cap.

GOAL went down to Boey's showcase to discover what all the fuss was about.

• Under Armour
  

  Under Armour's pledge

  Boey is the latest name to sign up to Under Armour, whose recruitment drive has almost entirely focused on defenders. The star attraction is Real Madrid centre-back and two-time Champions League winner Antonio Rudiger, whose face is plastered across nearly every piece of football-related marketing for them.

  Beyond the German giant, Tottenham Hotspur's Pedro Porro, now a regular for Euro 2024 champions Spain, and Newcastle United's new England international Lewis Hall are the names on Under Armour's books most recognisable to Premier League fans. AC Milan's Malick Thiaw, who was heavily linked with joining Hall up on Tyneside, is too endorsed.

  Under Armour have also taken a step into the women's game, already signing off deals with Arsenal's Emily Fox and Aston Villa's Anna Patten. They are here to stay in football.

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• Under Armour
  

  'Protect this house'

  Wherever there is Under Armour, there is their mantra – 'protect this house'. It reverberates across all of their campaigns, all of their shoots. Largely an American colloquialism to refer to defending home field or court, it has now busted through the doors of football.

  It also lends itself nicely to Under Armour's focus on defence, building a siege mentality from back to front rather than the other way around like so many of their competitors in this space.

  Defenders don't normally get the same adulation or adoration as attackers. Under Armour seemingly want to change that culture.

• Under Armour
  

  Core values

  Boey's own decision to sign for Under Armour was one made in heaven given his own playing style – an aggressive, front-foot defender who can get stuck in. These were the qualities that convinced Bayern it was worth their time to spend €30 million (£25m/$32m) to pry him away from Galatasaray back in January.

  "Joining Under Armour means joining a brand that's serious about making athletes better," Boey said. "It's great to be back in Paris, working with young defenders and representing a brand that values hard work. Under Armour is making big moves in football and it's exciting to be part of that."

  Winter in Paris is particularly unforgiving at the best of times. You need about three layers just to stave off the shivers. It was therefore an opportune time for Boey to help promote Under Armour's new ColdGear, which was adorned by every player at his masterclass across a four-hour period to help keep them at the optimal temperature.

  Boey added: "I used to struggle playing in the cold growing up. I found it unbearable and it definitely affected my performance. Having the right kit changes everything. Under Armour’s ColdGear makes a massive difference, keeping me focused on the game and distraction free."

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• Under Armour
  

  Defensive drills

  Boey, only recently back to fitness from tearing his meniscus at the start of the season, watched on from the sidelines as young players from the Parisian suburbs were put through their paces by three local coaches, teaching defensive techniques such as body positioning, tackling, and aerial duels. These were put to the test in a range of three-v-three and three-v-two drills.

  GOAL too were given the chance to join in. And, well, let's just say there's a reason why some people make it as footballers and some are forced into reporting on them in the media instead. This was a humbling experience. You don't know how ungifted and untalented you are at football until you face off against those who are the complete opposite.

  Life is easier as an attacker. At worst, just cut inside and pass back. Ignore the instructions being shouted at you in a foreign language. Just keep possession. No risk. If you take risk, you will be bamboozled.

  That approach doesn't quite work the same when defending. A fellow media member, standing at about 6'4", was rainbow-flicked on his first try. It's a cruel world out there, people.

  Later in the evening, Boey got a close-up view and brought extra encouragement as these French youngsters had the chance to show off their defensive nous against attackers from Under Armour's UA Next Academy in London.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius has revealed he is pondering retirement at the age of 31 after failing to find a new club.

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• Karius without a club since Newcastle exit
• German keeper considering retirement aged 31
• Opens up about 2018 Champions League final errors

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Six years after the aftermath of the ill-fated 2018 Champions League final, Karius has had a wild and downward ride, playing in just 74 club games since May 2018. Karius' two-season stint with Newcastle ended over the summer, leaving him without a club. As he continues to look for a new destination for his services, Karius has now revealed that he is 'considering retirement' from the game if he fails to find a club soon.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT KARIUS SAID

  Speaking to SPORTbible, Karius said: “If you've been out for as long as I have then you obviously have to consider retirement. I haven’t made a decision yet because there's no need to. I'm still fit. I still have all the potential and the ability.

  “But if a door doesn't open then I have to be honest and say to myself, ‘Listen, I've got many other things that I can pursue that excite me, that I enjoy and put effort into.’ I don't think it would hit me that hard because I've already been going through this process over the last few years.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 2018 Champions League final saw Karius make two grave errors to hand Real Madrid a walk in the park against Liverpool. After the game, it was revealed that the goalkeeper had suffered a concussion after an off-the-ball incident with Sergio Ramos. However, the German was never absolved of his errors and decided not to stay at Liverpool to get away from the critics, which he mentions was possibly a mistake.

  He said: "I was trying not to pay any interest but you couldn't get away from it all. You still notice. People are telling you. I was getting confronted all the time. And that's why I wanted a fresh start rather than staying at Liverpool, where I could have been behind Alisson, and still getting game time.

  “Maybe in the end that would have been the better step but it's difficult to say at that stage. The experience made me stronger as a person. It's part of my story. It's part of my history. At the end of the day, I was a Liverpool player.

  “I reached the Champions League final. It didn't play out how I wanted but less than one percent of professional footballers play in a Champions League final. We did great things. You can't deny that.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR KARIUS?

  The former Liverpool goalkeeper remains optimistic but realistic about the future as he continues to look for a new club.

Arsenal chiefs are believed to be insisting on a move to sign a £60 million centre-forward for manager Mikel Arteta, with the north Londoners looking to potentially end their long search for a classic number nine.

Edu and Arteta scouring market for new Arsenal striker

A prolific frontman has long been viewed by some as the final missing piece of Arsenal's jigsaw, and Arteta's interest in signing a new striker dates all the way back to the summer of 2023.

Arsenal ready to pay £25m to sign "creative" player over Barcelona

The Gunners are going toe-to-toe with Hansi Flick’s side.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 25, 2024

This time last year, Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, and continued to be in the build-up to January. However, a lack of reports since then suggests that the England star is no longer a top target for Edu Gaspar and the wider recruitment team.

The search still goes on to find the perfect forward for Arteta, though, and a few high-profile names are rumoured to be on Edu's radar after a deal for defender Riccardo Calafiori was secured, making him the first new arrival of the summer.

Sky Sports transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claimed earlier this week that Arsenal could table a bid for Napoli star Victor Osimhen, but it remains to be seen if their president Aurelio De Laurentiis will entertain bids lower than the Nigerian's £110 million release clause.

Arteta managed to cope extremely well without the presence of a star 25-plus goals per season striker over 2023/2024, with Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz bagging 51 goals between them in all competitions.

However, it remains the belief that Arteta is keen on a striking partner for Havertz, with Ajax star Brian Brobbey also attracting interest from Arsenal as a potentially cheaper Osimhen alternative.

There have also been constant links to Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres this window, coming after the Sweden international's incredible 43-goal haul across all competitions during his debut season in Portugal.

Gyokeres' deal includes an £84 million release clause, but some reports claim that Ruben Amorim's Sporting could be willing to sell for a lower fee. The Boot Room, via TEAMtalk, believe that the former Coventry City forward could depart for around £60 million.

Arsenal pushing to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, via Standard Sport [Thursday, 08:00], serious interest from the Gunners remains.

It is believed Arsenal are insisting on a move to sign Gyokeres from Sporting, with Edu and co seemingly pushing for the 26-year-old in their search for a new goalscorer. They may even face competition from north London rivals Tottenham, who also reportedly have Gyokeres on their list of striker targets for Ange Postecoglou.

“Gyokeres at Sporting Lisbon is a very interesting link,” said pundit John Wenham to Tottenham News.

“He had the experience in England with Coventry City, where he was very impressive. His overall game is good. He is big and strong, he can play on the ball and his finishing is ridiculously good.

“That would be an exciting signing."

West Ham United may have found a new target in their hunt for a fresh face in attack this summer, it has been revealed.

Lopetegui takes charge

West Ham's summer has already been a busy one under new boss Julen Lopetegui. They have shelled out £30m to sign Luis Guilherme from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, with the teenager penning a five year deal in East London.

Lopetegui must swiftly axe West Ham flop who earns over 4x more than Duran

He’s been a colossal failure of a signing.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 14, 2024

The Hammers have also plundered Lopetegui's former side and Premier League rivals Wolves for club captain Max Kilman, who joined the club in a £40m deal and signed a seven year contract, a deal keeping him at West Ham until he turns 34.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be a West Ham United player,” said Kilman. “As soon as I was aware of the interest from the Club, it was an opportunity I was keen to pursue, so I couldn’t be more delighted to be here."

But their frontline still requires attention, and it looks as though that is Tim Steidten's next transfer mission.

West Ham want Premier League striker

Now, one report has claimed that West Ham are eyeing up a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of the new Premier League season.

As per Football Insider, the Hammers have 'made an enquiry' about the Everton man, with the forward having been 'shortlisted' as a potential option to lead the line at the London Stadium next summer.

Though Everton don't want to sell the striker, he is down to the final 12 months of his £100,000 a week deal at Goodison Park and has "failed to agree terms on a new deal" so far. That may force Sean Dyche's side to cash in on their centre-forward, even though they have cooled their fears over PSR with the imminent sale of Amadou Onana.

And that has "alerted interested clubs" including West Ham and Newcastle United, though the Magpies ended their interest at the end of June.

Ex-Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira was full of praise for the Englishman during one appearance on Sky Sports back in 2023, dubbing him "one of the complete players" in the Premier League. And the striker showed signs of getting back to his best last season under Dyche after an injury plagued spell, finding the net seven times in the Premier League to steer the Toffees clear of relegation.

In the West Ham squad, only Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus managed more, with Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse both grabbing seven goals. Meanwhile, veteran striker Michail Antonio only managed six in a disappointing campaign for the Jamaica international.

Should Lopetegui wish to implement a similar style to predecessor David Moyes at the London Stadium, Calvert-Lewin would be an astute addition given his ability to hold the ball up and bring the likes of Kudus and new signing Guilherme into the game from either flank.

Questions continue to be asked of Neymar’s short-term future, but long-term he may be based in Dubai after snapping up a €50m (£42m/$53m) penthouse.

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• Brazilian plying his trade in Saudi Arabia
• Has splashed out on luxury apartment
• Will now boast a base in the Middle East

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil international is currently based in the Middle East with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. An early termination of his contract is being speculated on there after enduring a wretched run on the injury front. Neymar is back on the sidelines at present, having only recently returned to action after 12 months out with knee ligament damage.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There has been talk of Neymar reuniting with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami, while a return to his roots at Santos is also being discussed. For now, he continues to work on his fitness in Riyadh.

• THE GOSSIP

  Neymar is looking to put down roots in that region, with it revealed that he has splashed out on a lavish apartment in Dubai. The property in question forms part of the Residences by Binghatti project – with iconic car manufacturers Bugatti branching out into the world of luxury residences.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Neymar’s new abode is said to boast a private elevator, a lift for his fleet of cars, a private swimming pool and panoramic views of the city – with the cost of apartments in the stunning new construction ranging from €246,000 to well above €50m.

So, Dan Ashworth is, at long last, an official employee of Manchester United. It took a while but the Red Devils can finally now start getting to work in the transfer market.

Together with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and, of course, Erik ten Hag, United need to be a lot smarter with their recruitment during the new regime.

One order of business simply has to be on improving the defence. Due to injuries to both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez last term, there were moments where Ten Hag had to rely on the likes of Jonny Evans and Casemiro to fill in.

Now, while Evans shone, notably hailed for being "Man Utd’s best centre-back this season [2023/24]" by content creator Liam Canning, his Brazilian colleague had a far worse campaign.

Lacking the athleticism and pace to thrive in the Premier League, he was swarmed by opponents on an all too regular basis. One error saw him lazily fail to step up with the rest of the defence in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, a decision that subsequently led to the only goal of the game.

Lambasted by many, it was a pretty awful year for a player who has achieved so much throughout his career. So, where do the Red Devils go from here?

Man Utd's centre-back targets

One of the main contenders to take a spot in United's backline is Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The Dutchman has been the subject of fierce speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford with recent reports suggesting talks have happened over a prospective deal this summer.

However, there is another option and it's not Jean-Clair Todibo after his potential move from Nice was blocked.

Indeed, according to reports in Spain, Barcelona sensation Ronald Araujo is on their list of targets and an attempt has even been made to prise him away from Catalonia.

The report suggests that United will have to battle Chelsea and Bayern for his services, with all three sides having made a bid. That said, it will take a seismic offer to secure him. It's stated that Barca expects a larger fee than Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo (£115m).

So, while a deal would seem unlikely, is he a better option than De Ligt?

How Ronald Araujo compares to De Ligt

The Dutch colossus has always been thought of as one of the best centre-backs on the planet. After all, there is a reason he appears twice on the list of the most expensive players ever in his position.

Does he live up to that billing? Well, after starring for Ajax during their run to the Champions League semi-finals a few years ago, even captaining the side as a teenager, it's clear to see why he has always attracted interest from the biggest sides in Europe.

That said, he has struggled to truly catch the eye at Bayern since moving to Munich. A mix of injury and form meant he wasn't the irremovable object he once was at Ajax. The fact he's also failed to play a single minute at Euro 2024 for the Netherlands substantiates that viewpoint too.

Still, he ranks inside the best 10% of centre-backs on the continent for progressive passing and the top 4% for pass completion. This is a typical modern defender, one who plays with confidence and assurance out from the back and between the lines. But how do his numbers compare to the aforementioned Araujo?

On the evidence of the above, it's easy to see why Barca boss Xavi described Araujo as "one of the best centre-backs in the world".

While he doesn't quite possess the same level of passing ability as a player like De Ligt, when it comes to the defensive side of the game he looks a more complete profile, notably winning a much higher percentage of aerial battles he competes in.

He also makes more successful take-ons, which should come as no surprise given the Uruguayan also played at right-back on six occasions last term. That adds another string to his bow; versatility.

So, although he'd cost a rather pretty penny, if Ratcliffe and Co can prise Araujo away from Spain, he would be a mighty fine addition.

Man Utd in talks to sign 51m "monster" who'd star with De Ligt

Manchester United are starting to make moves in the summer transfer window.

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By
Matt Dawson

Jul 1, 2024

Manchester United staff is reportedly "perplexed" as the club is holding back 18-year-old wonderkid, James Scanlon, who is "ready to be unleashed".

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• Scanlon shining brightly at the U-18 level
• Has 10 goals and four assists this campaign
• The coaching staff wants him promoted to U-21 setup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The young midfielder has been on fire this season, racking up a hat-trick in United’s 8-0 victory over Leeds, which pushed his season tally to 10 goals and four assists as of early November. His remarkable performance against Leeds isn’t an isolated case. Earlier this season, he grabbed the spotlight with a four-goal display during a 9-0 win over Blackburn on his 18th birthday.

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  According to some staff members have expressed concern that Scanlon’s lack of promotion could hinder his growth, potentially impacting his chances of becoming a first-team player. The academy faces the complex challenge of distributing playtime among numerous talented players while ensuring each prospect receives the exposure and development opportunities needed to succeed at elite levels. However, many feel that Scanlon has outgrown his current setting and could benefit from more advanced competition.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Adding to his accolades, Scanlon has already made his mark on the international stage as a full-fledged player for Gibraltar. Additionally, his recent recognition as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at a youth tournament in the Netherlands this season highlighted his skills and maturity on the field. His contributions in training also secured him a spot on Erik ten Hag’s pre-season squad, a move that hinted at a bright future within Manchester United’s ranks.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The young midfielder has proven his readiness for more challenging responsibilities, and his integration into the Under-21s and subsequently into the senior team should be the next natural step. With Ruben Amorim set to take charge, his fortunes could change and receive the the platform he deserves to show his mettle.

Fabio Capello has urged Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to consider retirement after Barcelona's 4-1 win over the Bavarians.

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• Neuer told to retire by Fabio Capello
• Bayern captain struggling for form
• Neuer a no-show in Barcelona loss

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neuer is considered one of the best goalkeepers of this generation, if not all time, thanks to his exploits over the last two decades. However, since a skiing incident which saw him sustain a serious leg injury, the German has seemed unable to reach his previous peaks with age also becoming an issue for the 38-year-old.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Neuer's goalkeeping standards have been declining over the last year, Bayern Munich's 4-1 loss to Barcelona may have been his lowest point this season. The German faced four shots on target and conceded four times, and was also the reason for a number of mistakes in the backline. Capello has now advised Neuer to consider retirement.

• WHAT CAPELLO SAID

  Speaking on Sky Sports, Capello said: "When some goalkeepers reach a certain age, they should have the courage to retire."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Former Germany star Lothar Mattaus also urged Neuer to consider hanging up his boots before he hurts his legacy as a Bayern Munich legend. He told BILD: "I don’t mean Manuel any harm, but he is not the support for the team at the moment that he was in the past.

  "Manuel Neuer is not Manuel Neuer at the moment. Because he doesn’t save the unstoppable balls, his goalkeeping has changed.

  "He used to anticipate every situation, he had a 360-degree view, and he could initiate attacks with a build-up pass. At the moment he can’t give the defense any security.

  "This is also demonstrated by the rate of just over 40 per cent of balls saved in the Bundesliga. I hope that he will soon find his way back to his old game and confidence."