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West Bromwich Albion just didn't have enough in the tank in the end to overcome Southampton in the Championship play-offs, but losing 3-1 over two legs to the eventual promotion winners wasn't an outrageous disgrace by any means.

Carlos Corberan's men now potentially face somewhat of a summer of upheaval in the West Midlands, with a number of contract decisions involving first-team personnel remaining up-in-the-air, alongside the fact Corberan may well walk away for a different job with Birmingham City and Burnley eyeing up the Spaniard.

It doesn't have to be an unsettling off-season, however, with some continuity potentially comforting West Brom fans, if a permanent deal can be struck for this golden loanee to stay put, who remains unwanted by his parent club.

West Brom must consider "very special" star

With Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers declaring that this summer could see an overhaul occur, Scottish outlet Daily Record are predicting that Mikey Johnson could be one casualty from the Hoops squad on his return from England.

West Brom would, no doubt, be straight at the front of the queue for Johnston if this was the case, with former Leeds United player turned football agent Ian Harte predicting with Football League World that he will be sold on to "recoup some money" after a frustrating time at Celtic Park.

Johnston's valuation, according to Football Transfers, stands at only £1.4m currently, meaning the Baggies could win themselves a bargain, especially after his blistering loan spell helped West Brom dream about a Premier League return momentarily and even saw him be described as being "very special" by Corberan.

He could also breathe life back into Brandon Thomas-Asante over a full campaign if re-signed, with the ex-Salford City centre-forward anonymous for large portions of the season towards the crunch few months he was needed to step up in.

Why Thomas-Asante will love Mikey Johnston

The 5 foot 9 winger wasn't exactly the most charitable when it came to his assist count during his short half-season stint at the Hawthorns, only amassing two assists from 20 games, with his mazey darts forward often resulting in a sumptuous shot being fired.

Johnston's eight goals from 20 games could well inspire Thomas-Asante to get back to his lethal best, however, who managed just three more strikes from 23 more matches, but still reigned supreme as the overall top scorer for the Baggies come the conclusion of the gruelling campaign.

His Celtic numbers, however, indicate that he can be a creative force bombing forward as much as a goalscoring menace, collecting 12 assists from 93 contests with his goal tally only coming in at one more with 13.

Combining these assist numbers, with his electric goalscoring wearing a Baggies strip, could make Johnston an even harder winger to contain next season in the Championship, with Thomas-Asante feeding off his gung-ho teammate's energy.

Never really being a prolific goalscorer throughout his career to date, even when emerging onto the scene back at Salford before his major West Brom move, Thomas-Asante could well just need a teammate who can put chances on a plate for him to awaken a poacher-like finisher in him in the form of Johnston.

With the likes of Grady Diangana and Tom Fellows also wanting to tee up Thomas-Asante when venturing forward as tricky attackers, the Baggies could be a far more easy-on-the-eye team next season to watch, particularly if Johnston signs on the dotted line permanently and picks up from where he left off instantly.

West Brom must cut losses on "unbelievable" star now worth £8m less

West Bromwich Albion could look to cut ties with this unbelievable star now.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 2, 2024

West Ham United have reportedly made a big bid to sign a club’s “special” captain as they look to make a number of quick captures this summer.

Lopetegui to put his mark on West Ham

The Hammers, now under the leadership of new manager Julen Lopetegui, could well be busy in this summer’s transfer market, especially after Lopetegui said that he will try to put his own stamp on things at the London Stadium.

“I feel very happy, first of all, to be able to be part of the future of this big Club. We will try to put our stamp on the Club. I feel that we have a fantastic platform. I think the last few years have been very good years to have this base, of course, but my ambition as a coach is always to be better and better, to achieve more and bigger aims and to encourage and improve the players, the team, and to compete because football is about this – to compete. We are very ambitious about this.

“I am where I want to be. I am here because I want to be here and for us it was a fantastic day when we closed our agreement here because our commitment is 100 per cent to be here. We had other opportunities but I am very happy that West Ham chose me because I chose West Ham too, so we are really happy about this."

West Ham make first move to sign "world-class" player for just £10m

The ex-Premier League star could be available for a relatively low sum.

By
Josh Barker

Jun 2, 2024

We appear to be seeing signs of this already, with Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme, recently dubbed “the next Kylian Mbappe”, in talks over a move to the London Stadium. In fact, it is believed that a £25m+ deal to sign the attacking midfielder from Palmeiras is close, and Guilherme may be the first of many arrivals ahead of the 2024/25 season, with a bid made for a new target.

West Ham make Aleix Garcia transfer offer

According to reports from Spain, relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham have made a big bid to sign Girona captain Aleix Garcia. The Hammers are believed to have placed an offer worth more than Bayer Leverkusen’s bid in the region of €16m, although it doesn’t say the exact figure.

Garcia is keen on a move to the Bundesliga champions, so personal terms with West Ham are said to be ‘very important’.

The 26-year-old, who can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder, began his career on the books of Villarreal before joining Manchester City as a teenager in 2016. During his time at the Etihad, he made just nine senior appearances but did come in for praise from Pep Guardiola, who said:

"Aleix played really well tonight. He was a little bit shy at the beginning, but he's a player with something special. I'm really pleased with his performance.”

Garcia has since found a home at Girona where he is now captain and has made 172 appearances for the La Liga side, scoring eight times and providing 21 assists.

He’s caught the eye of former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, who said late last year after hearing Garcia would be keen on a move to the Catalan giants:

“Aleix? He’s a footballer that I like, he’s having a huge season. He has a lot of technical ability and the level to play here, to play for Barcelona. If he wants to play here? Who wouldn’t want to play for a big team like Barca?”

A move to West Ham could be one to watch, though, with the Hammers seemingly battling Bayer Leverkusen currently.

Berhalter, who coached the national team for six years, will take over for the MLS side starting at the end of the season

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• Berhalter to oversee all first team operations for the Fire
• Relieved of USMNT duties after Copa America exit
• Previously coached Crew, made MLS Cup Final in 2015

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After extensive speculation, Gregg Berhalter finally has a new job.

  The former U.S. men's national team boss has accepted an offer to take over as the Chicago Fire's head coach and sporting director at the end of the season, the club announced Tuesday.

  Current head coach Frank Klopas will leave the position as head coach and assume the role as Vice President of Football following the conclusion of the season. Berhalter had also been linked with multiple vacancies in MLS following his firing as U.S. head coach this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Berhalter will now undergo his second stint in MLS as a manager. He coached the Crew from 2013-2018, leading them to the playoffs in four of his five years at the helm. The manager achieved a 74-49-70 record during his time there.

  His reputation with the USMNT was admittedly mixed. He achieved success at the World Cup, and won the Nations League twice. But his failure to get out of the group at Copa America cost him his job in July.

• WHAT BERHALTER SAID

  Berlater expressed his excitement to take on the role in an official statement: “I’m honored to be named Director of Football and Head Coach of the Chicago Fire, and I would like to thank Joe Mansueto for his trust," said Berhalter. “Chicago is an incredible city, built on communities of hard-working and passionate people who truly love soccer. I look forward to working alongside our staff and players to transform the Fire into a world-class organization that all our fans and the city can be proud of and will support.”

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• WHAT THE FIRE OWNER JOE MANSUETO SAID

  “His previous success in MLS, where he thrived in a dual role, and his experience leading the U.S. Men’s National Team over the last six years make him an ideal fit for our vision for the Club moving forward.”

  “I’m confident that under his guidance, we will build on the foundation that has been laid over the past five years and be an organization that Chicago will be proud of and reflects the values of our city. I expect that Gregg will create a competitive culture and return our Club to its winning ways,” added Mansueto. “I also want to sincerely thank Frank Klopas for all his hard work this season. His love for this Club and city is unparalleled, and he played a key role in helping to recruit Gregg to become our new Director of Football and Head Coach.”

Leeds United missed out on promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking as they lost the play-off final to Southampton at Wembley last month.

The Whites could now lose some of their key players as teams from across Europe start to eye up their stars ahead of possible moves during the summer transfer window.

One player who has already been linked with an exit from Elland Road is left-back Junior Firpo, who was Daniel Farke's first-choice left-back during the second half of the season.

Last month, Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, reported that Spanish side Real Betis are one of the teams interested in a deal for the former Barcelona man, but that a deal could be too expensive for them at this moment in time.

Leeds United's interest in young full-back

According to Dutch outlet VI, Leeds are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Anselmo MacNulty from PEC Zwolle this summer.

The report claims that Leicester City, who were successful in their efforts to earn promotion out of the Championship, are also keen on the versatile star, who can play at centre-back or left-back.

It adds that Real Betis have been linked with a move for the player in the past but that Zwolle are not keen to cash in on the 21-year-old battler.

It, therefore, remains to be seen whether or not a deal is viable for the Whites at this moment in time as there is no price tag mentioned or whether or not the English side are prepared to make an official offer for his services.

If they do manage to secure a transfer for the left-footed titan, though, then they could land a strong replacement for Firpo, should he depart before the end of the window.

Why Anselmo MacNulty could be a good Junior Firpo replacement

Firstly, the Spanish-born star is almost seven years younger than the Dominican Republic international, who is 28 in August, and has plenty of time left to develop and improve over the years to come, which could make him a better long-term option for Farke.

His potential was highlighted by a list of 'future champions' that was curated by CIES Football Observatory, via The Irish Mirror, which included the Irish colossus alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, who is now a star for Real Madrid and England, Jamal Musiala, and Rico Lewis, and others.

It included the young players who had played the most minutes at first-team, and youth international, level during the 2023 calendar year, which the Leeds target qualified for through his time on the pitch in the Eredivisie and Bellingham qualified for through his performances for Borussia Dortmund, England, and Real.

MacNulty was once hailed as "physically strong" by former Zwolle director Marcel Boudesteyn and his defensive work is why he could arrive as an excellent replacement for Firpo.

As you can see in the table above, the Ireland U21 international has the edge over the Leeds man in a host of key defensive metrics, albeit slightly.

The 21-year-old ace also produced two goals and two assists but that was not as impressive as Firpo's zero goals and seven assists from left-back in the Championship.

These statistics suggest that MacNulty could be a 'strong' replacement for the current Whites full-back from a defensive perspective but could need to add more to his game as a creator to make up for the attacking threat that the club would lose should they decide to sell the ex-Barcelona man.

Leeds could sign a Struijk partner who's a lot like "Busquets"

The Whites have been touted with an interest in the impressive central defender.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 10, 2024

Overall, though, the young Zwolle star appears to be an impressive prospect who could potentially improve Farke's defence, with his superior defensive numbers in comparison to Firpo, and that is why they should swoop to sign him this summer.

Romeo Beckham happens to be a huge Arsenal fan despite his father, David, being a Manchester United legend.

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• Romeo is a Gooner at heart
• Is a frequent visitor to the Emirates
• Wenger played a key role in his fandom

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  David remains one of Manchester United's most celebrated players, having made 394 senior appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson. During his time at Old Trafford, Beckham amassed an impressive collection of trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League victory. His successful career cemented his status as a club legend, and he continues to be seen supporting United from the stands, both at Old Trafford and at away matches.

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  Despite his father's deep ties to Manchester United, Romeo has a strong loyalty to Arsenal. Now David has shared how former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger played a pivotal role in fostering Romeo’s affinity for the North London club instead of supporting the Red Devils.

• WHAT BECKHAM SAID

  In an interview with , David revealed how Wenger wielded his magic on a young Romeo by taking him on a memorable stadium tour and gifting him a signed shirt along with a cashmere Arsenal scarf.

  “He was really young and we were in London one Friday and he was like, ‘Dad let’s go to a game this weekend’," David narrated. "So I started to look at the fixtures and I was like ‘uh, Arsenal are at home’. So I thought, do you know what, they’re always really nice to me when I go down to watch United and Arsenal, and I thought okay, they’ll look after us, there won’t be any hassle getting in.

  "No hassle, sat there. So we walked in, amazing seats. Sat in the director’s box. Lunch was unbelievable before the game – it was like wagyu, full on, everything. So we walk in, I’m sat there and then Arsene walks in the room and he comes straight over to the table, introduces himself to Romeo, and he says ‘come with me son’. So he takes him down to the changing room, meets all the players, gives him a shirt, signed, takes him onto the pitch, walks him back up to the table and then gives him an Arsenal cashmere scarf, and that was it. It was done. I’ve tried to change his mind since but impossible.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Romeo initially followed in his father's footsteps by pursuing a career in football. He spent time training at Arsenal's academy before joining Inter Miami CF in 2021, the club co-owned by his father. After two years playing for Inter Miami's B team, Romeo returned to the UK, where he joined Brentford’s reserve squad. However, the 22-year-old recently shifted his focus away from football and has decided to embark on a new path in the fashion industry, inspired by his mother, Victoria Beckham.

Barcelona were dominant as they beat Real Madrid 4-0, however, Vinicius Jr was quick to remind rival Gavi that he is all set to win the Ballon d'Or.

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• Gavi taunts Vinicius Junior after 4-0 win
• Vinicius claps back with Ballon d'Or taunt
• Brazilian set to win 2024 Ballon d'Or

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hansi Flick's Barcelona travelled to Santiago Bernabeu looking to build upon their lead in the La Liga standings, and they did exactly that in emphatic fashion as they won 4-0 thanks to a brace from Robert Lewandowski, and a goal each from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Towards the closing stages of the match, Gavi came onto the field and was quick to get into a scuffle with Vinicius Jr. Following the scuffle, the Spain midfielder reminded the Brazilian of the score, which prompted his rival to brag about his current status in world football.

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  WHAT VINICIUS SAID

  After Gavi reminded the Brazilian of the 4-0 scoreline that Real Madrid had suffered, Vinicius pointed out that he is expected to win his first Ballon d'Or on Monday. As per El Chiringuito, Vinicius said when quizzed on Gavi's taunts: "Yes, yes, but on Monday I'm going for the Ballon d'Or."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vinicius has been labelled as the bookmakers' favourite to be handed the 2024 Ballon d'Or for his performances throughout the 2023-24 season, after helping Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double. While the Brazilian faces tough competition from Manchester City's Rodri, he is the likeliest candidate to be awarded the prestigious award by France Football next week.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?

  The Brazilian is set to make his way to Paris on Monday, October 28 for the Ballon d'Or ceremony, and will likely be handed his first Ballon d'Or. He will then return to action with Real Madrid when they take on Valencia at the Mestalla on November 2.

Tottenham have now opened talks with a Euro 2024 star, via his reps, and could hijack a major European club's move for him as a result.

Spurs targeting new defender after Postecoglou's admission

The north Londoners also completed a deal for Romania international Radu Dragusin for around £25 million in January, but there is a real belief that Ange Postecoglou remains on the hunt for new centre-backs.

£113,000-per-week World Cup winner holds talks to join Ange at Tottenham

He’s a pretty big name.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 18, 2024

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were indomitable at times over 2023/2024, forming a crucial partnership at the heart of Postecoglou's backline, and the former's searing pace is a crucial component of the Australian's high line.

However, when either of the defenders are absent or injured, Spurs can seriously struggle. Dragusin's arrival worked wonders to provide Postecoglou with an alternative option, with the 22-year-old's presence even allowing van de Ven to cover for Destiny Udogie at left-back towards the end of last season.

Despite the signing of Dragusin, though, it is believed Tottenham are still looking at bringing in another centre-half this summer. The Lilywhites head coach, speaking back in March, even admitted that it is one of their transfer aims.

“If you’re saying, ‘Is it an area we can strengthen?’, yes it’s an area we will probably look at”, said Postecoglou on signing another centre-back.

“With all these things, it’s about trying to strengthen the group as much as anything else. If you think about when I first arrived, we had maybe six or seven centre-backs at the club. So it’s not just numbers. It’s more about the ability of those players to play the football we want and to fit in to what we’re trying to build here.

“I think it is an area of the park we will look to strengthen, but I think we’ll look to strengthen all areas of the park come the end of the season. That is planning that’s already underway, and other people are in charge of it at the moment.”

Tottenham have displayed a keen interest in Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori as one potential target, with DAZN (via Il Bianconero) sharing an update on their pursuit of the Euro 2024 ace.

Tottenham open talks for Calafiori and could hijack Juventus

The broadcaster claims Tottenham have spoken with Calafiori's reps and contact has been made with Bologna, as they look to beat Juventus in the race for his signature.

The Italy international, who was praised for his performance against Albania in their opening group game of the tournament, is rumoured to command a price tag as high as £42 million following his excellent Serie A campaign.

It looks as if Calafiori could be at the centre of a tug-of-war between Juve and Spurs, especially if he continues to impress at the Euros.

“He played an extraordinary game, like the whole team in the first 60 minutes," said Italian World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta on Calafiori's outing against Albania.

"He played with personality, without fear, perhaps the only flaw was on the long ball where we took a risk with Donnarumma’s exit. But he showed some beautiful things yesterday.”

Enzo Fernandez could be on his way out of Chelsea with Barcelona and Inter potential options for the midfielder.

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• Fernandez not favoured under Maresca
• Used in cup competitions
• Could seek early exit with European giants interested

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fernandez is constantly under pressure at Chelsea and may seek a way out of Stamford Bridge to reignite his career. The £107 million ($132m) midfielder has taken a backseat role since Enzo Maresca arrived in the summer, with the former Leicester boss preferring Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in the middle of the park. And with his future uncertain, a move to either Barcelona or Inter could be on the cards, according to .

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  The 23-year-old has appeared in all but one of Chelsea's Premier League matches this season, starting six of the first seven before he was dropped to the bench for the recent matches against Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United. He was also given the armband in Reece James' absence but will be more worried about winning back his starting XI spot rather than the captaincy.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Fernandez holds the record as the most expensive midfielder in the world. Behind him is Declan Rice after he moved from West Ham to Arsenal, while Fernandez's Chelsea team-mate Caicedo comes in at third.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDEZ?

  Chelsea would prefer to get back some of the colossal funds that they parted with to sign Fernandez, but Barca and Inter are known for spending big in recent years. For now, it seems the World Cup winner will have to get his head down and do his part to help his team under the new manager.

Barcelona and president Joan Laporta have made a decision on pursuing one £200,000-per-week forward, which may actually benefit Tottenham as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to make more attacking additions after Timo Werner.

Spurs expected to make further forward signings after Werner

The Germany international penned an extension on his loan deal at Spurs, which now runs until the end of next season.

Tottenham weighing up move for £60 million forward who Postecoglou loves

The Australian is a real fan of him.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 3, 2024

Werner came as Spurs' first signing of the summer window, and it was an astute deal, with chairman Daniel Levy re-negotiating the buy-option clause in his contract to just £8.5 million as well as keeping the winger for another full campaign.

The former Chelsea man's two goals and three assists in the Premier League told just half the story, as Werner's lightening fast pace and ability to crop up in dangerous positions was a real asset for Postecoglou – even if there are concerns surrounding his finishing ability at times.

However, despite keeping Werner for the entirety of 2024/2025, technical director Johan Lange and the wider recruitment team are still expected to provide Postecoglou with further attacking additions.

Tottenham want to sign a prolific striker to finally replace Harry Kane, according to various reports, and it is believed that another wide player could join Spurs before summer deadline day.

Wolves star Pedro Neto is back under consideration at Tottenham, but worries lie with the Portuguese's extensive injury record rather than his ability to contribute. There are alternatives to the 24-year-old, and the north Londoners have been heavily linked with a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze recently.

The Englishman, who was rewarded for his 2023/2024 form with a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Euros, will command a price tag of around £60 million – which is the full value of his release clause.

Any proven attacking midfielder is likely to come at a premium, and none more so than Spain star Nico Williams. The 21-year-old, who racked up a pretty impressive 19 assists in all competitions for Athletic Bilbao last season, has also really impressed at Euro 2024 so far.

There is a growing clamour for the winger's services, amid claims there is a £49 million release clause in his contract, but Williams could also command extortionate wages given he already earns £200,000-per-week at Bilbao.

Barcelona decision opens door for Tottenham to move for Williams

According to Football Insider, Barcelona have decided to pull out of the race for Williams due to his salary demands, which has made the Premier League his most likely destination as things stand.

Laporta appears to have inadvertently handed Spurs a potential opportunity, as it was reported that Williams favoured a move to Barcelona, but the Camp Nou is now off the table.

Tottenham are targeting Williams ahead of a potential swoop ahead of Barca, as per FI, and it is believed those within the club see the La Liga starlet as a "star in the making".

Real Madrid are set to play the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final on December 18 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

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• Intercontinental Cup to become FIFA's annual club competition
• Champions League winners Real Madrid directly qualify for final
• Will be hosted at Lusail Stadium in Doha

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 2024 edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, evolving from the previously-annual FIFA Club World Cup format, will see the final stages held in Qatar with a unique setup, offering three different titles across three games. While the Lusail Stadium will host the final, the other two matches will be played at Stadium 974.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  By virtue of winning the 2023-24 Champions League, Real Madrid will compete directly in the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at the Lusail Stadium, scheduled for December 18. The Derby of the Americas winner – between CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Pachuca and this year's victors in the Copa Libertadores – will go on to compete against Al Ahly SC of Egypt, the current CAF Champions League holders, in the FIFA Challenger Cup. This match will determine which team progresses to the Intercontinental Cup final to lock horns with Carlo Ancelotti's men.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kylian Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer, returns to Qatar with poignant memories. The French star had an unforgettable performance in the 2022 World Cup final in the Lusail Stadium, where he scored a stunning hat-trick against Argentina, keeping France in contention and leading the game into a penalty shootout. Despite his heroics, France lost the shootout 4-2, and Argentina claimed the World Cup.

  The Intercontinental Cup final on December 18 coincides with the anniversary of that World Cup loss and now Mbappe will be looking to convert the memory of that heart-wrenching loss into a triumphant comeback at the same venue by leading his team to victory.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Real Madrid have had a challenging start to their season. In the Champions League group stage, they have suffered two defeats in their first four games, putting them in a precarious position as they push to progress in the competition. Furthermore, in La Liga, they trail arch-rivals Barcelona by six points, though they have a game in hand that could help narrow the gap. Carlo Ancelotti hopes Real Madrid's recent 4-0 victory over Osasuna will serve as a turning point. Following the international break, Los Blancos will resume play with a visit to Leganes on November 24, a crucial opportunity for Ancelotti’s squad to gain momentum ahead of the Intercontinental Cup final.