Tag: Crystal Palace

United snap up 13-year-old defender Socrates after London trial setbacks

Socrates
December 2025

Manchester United have signed 13-year-old centre-back Socrates, a London-born prospect who impressed after five years at Elite London Academy, underlining the club’s renewed commitment to aggressive youth recruitment under the INEOS regime. Rejected after trials at Arsenal, Tottenham and Crystal Palace, Socrates rebuilt his game from winger to composed centre-back, convincing United scouts during a trial spell; he will relocate to Manchester, combining a top local school with a long-term development plan inside the academy.

Colombia legend urges Daniel Munoz to pick Liverpool over Barcelona

Daniel Munoz
December 2025

Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz has attracted serious interest from Barcelona and Liverpool after emerging as one of the Premier League’s most aggressive right-sided threats, prompting public advice from Colombian great Camilo Zuniga on his next move. Zuniga argues Munoz’s high-intensity running and vertical style are better suited to England than Spain’s slower, possession-heavy game, urging him to stay in the Premier League, where Liverpool need a Trent Alexander-Arnold successor and Palace already eye Sacha Boey as a possible replacement.

Agent admits Wharton wants Champions League amid Manchester United interest

Adam Wharton
December 2025

Adam Wharton’s agent has admitted the Crystal Palace midfielder ultimately wants Champions League football, acknowledging that a move away from Selhurst Park is likely one day amid growing interest from Manchester United and other elite clubs ahead of the 2026 transfer window. Co-owner Steve Parish stressed Palace will only sell for a huge fee, pointing to Wharton’s long contract, focus on regular minutes and England ambitions, while accepting it is unsurprising major sides admire an “extraordinary talent” who could reach Europe either with Palace or elsewhere.

Mateta stalls on new Palace deal as European interest grows

Jean-Philippe Mateta
December 2025

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract negotiations with Crystal Palace have reportedly stalled, with the in-form striker in no rush to commit beyond 2027 as he enjoys the best spell of his career under Oliver Glasner and cements himself among the Premier League’s most prolific forwards. Having scored 36 goals across two seasons, helped Palace win the 2024-25 FA Cup and earned a France call-up, Mateta is now attracting interest from clubs such as Atalanta, and is expected to review options after the 2026 World Cup before deciding his long-term future.

Fernandes hails “great player” Mount after Palace winner

Mason Mount
December 2025

Bruno Fernandes praised Mason Mount’s quality and mentality after the midfielder scored a low, late winner at Selhurst Park, insisting his team-mates never doubted him despite a difficult start at United marked by injuries, patchy form and limited goals or assists. Trailing to a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty, United’s midfield surged after half-time, with Fernandes creating both second-half goals and combining smartly from a free-kick for Mount’s decisive strike, which he hopes will trigger a sustained revival for a player Ruben Amorim already values for his movement and finishing threat.

Amorim calls out anxious Dorgu and demands calm

Patrick Dorgu
November 2025

Ruben Amorim has publicly challenged Patrick Dorgu, saying the 21 year old looks more composed and decisive for Denmark than at Manchester United and admitting he feels “anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball” as the full back continues to struggle for rhythm in a new role. Signed mid season from Lecce and used as a wing back in a 3 4 3, Dorgu has been blamed for lapses in boxes, with Amorim citing a miss against Everton and insisting he must relax, cope with pressure and will get time to develop alongside Diogo Dalot in a still evolving system.

Liverpool’s Guehi gamble invites Atletico raid

Marc Guehi
November 2025

Liverpool are ready to revive their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but now face strong competition from Atletico Madrid and other European clubs, with the defender having turned down new terms and able to sign a pre contract with foreign sides from 1 January. A £35m transfer collapsed on deadline day when Palace pulled out without a replacement, a call now haunting Liverpool as defensive injuries and missed targets like Martin Zubimendi and Leny Yoro stack up, while Atleti can tempt Guehi with a free move next summer and secure Champions League football.

Lisandro Martinez back in contention for Crystal Palace trip

Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)
November 2025

Martinez is available again after recovering from the ACL injury he suffered against Crystal Palace in February, having returned to the bench versus Everton and now cleared to feature as United try to restart their European push from a congested mid-table. Amorim confirmed that if Martinez is on the bench he is ready to play, though his minutes will be managed after ten months out, with United hoping his aggression and leadership can steady a defence that has failed to win in three league games and has struggled away at Palace.

Ruben Amorim pushes for more wing-backs to mirror Amad Diallo profile

Ruben Amorim
November 2025

Amorim admitted United need additional wing-backs with Amad’s attacking punch, explaining that his 3-4-3 system requires profiles who can both run relentlessly and create, and that current options have struggled to impose themselves in the role consistently. Defending his use of Amad at right wing-back, Amorim highlighted the player’s speed on the ball, technical quality and flexibility to play between the lines, but accepted squad characteristics are not yet ideal and signalled that future recruitment will be aimed at perfecting his preferred structure.

Newcastle join giants’ chase for AZ star Kees Smit as midfield rebuild looms

Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
November 2025

Newcastle United are pushing into the race for Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar), the 19-year-old midfielder whose rise from academy talent to Youth League standout and Under 19 European champion has attracted serious interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. After scoring from halfway against Barcelona and starring at the Under 19 Euros, Smit has passed 50 senior games and drawn praise from Ronald Koeman (Netherlands). Newcastle, led by sporting director Ross Wilson (Newcastle United), hope regular Premier League minutes and a clear midfield role will beat richer rivals.

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