Manchester United Reinvents Leadership Team
Manchester United is restructuring its executive team following the shock departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth. Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada, empowered by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is leading efforts to finalise a streamlined leadership setup that reinforces efficiency at the club.
Jason Wilcox, who retains the title of technical director, will see his responsibilities expand, working closely alongside Berrada in the club’s daily operations. Additionally, Ineos Director of Sport Sir Dave Brailsford will serve as the ownership’s representative, completing United’s new three-man football leadership team.
The decision not to replace Dan Ashworth’s role of sporting director with a new hire signifies a shift in United’s approach. Instead, the operational load will be redistributed, with Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche assuming enhanced responsibilities at the Carrington training centre. This will allow Wilcox to focus purely on performance-based tasks vital to the team.
Meanwhile, Christopher Vivell, who has been serving as interim director of recruitment, is reportedly in talks to take up a permanent role. Negotiations seem optimistic, with an agreement expected to be reached in the coming weeks.
Arsenal's Sporting Director Search Heats Up
At Arsenal, Jason Ayto is emerging as the leading candidate to fill the sporting director vacancy created by Edu’s departure in November. Ayto, currently acting as interim sporting director, has gained growing support from Arsenal’s ownership thanks to his impactful contributions behind the scenes.
The highly sought-after position has attracted attention from notable figures across Europe, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Simon Rolfe and Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe. Industry veterans such as Dan Ashworth and Tomas Rosicky have also been linked to the role. However, Ayto’s performance in his interim capacity has boosted his chances for a permanent position as Arsenal continues its impressive project under Mikel Arteta.
Edu, now on a six-month gardening leave, is expected to take up a role with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, overseeing a global portfolio of clubs.
Manchester City Closing in On Abdukodir Khusanov
Manchester City is making significant progress in its pursuit of 20-year-old Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov. The Uzbekistan international, valued at £35 million, is in high demand, with City optimistic about concluding a deal this month. Negotiations are ongoing, but both parties appear aligned for a positive outcome.
City is also exploring a potential deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush as they seek to bolster their attacking and defensive options ahead of a critical stretch in the Premier League campaign.
Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur on the Road to Recovery
Concern spread across the Tottenham fan base following Rodrigo Bentancur’s distressing on-pitch collapse during Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool. The incident, which occurred in the first half, saw Bentancur falling to the ground unchallenged, sparking fears over his health.
The midfielder has since undergone medical evaluations and was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment. Tottenham staff will perform regular home checks to monitor his recovery, and Bentancur has shared a reassuring update on social media, thanking fans for their support while celebrating the team’s victory.
Chelsea's Transfer Dilemma with Chalobah-Guehi Swap
Chelsea’s attempt to use Trevoh Chalobah in a swap deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is facing hurdles. While Chelsea is keen to address the defensive gap left by Wesley Fofana’s injury, Crystal Palace remains cautious about agreeing to such terms.
Palace is reportedly open to signing Chalobah permanently, but would prefer a cash-only deal for Guehi, who holds significant value even with just 18 months left on his contract. Questions over Chalobah’s wages, currently around £80,000 per week, further complicate negotiations.
Thomas Tuchel Impressed by Tottenham's Enfield Training HQ
New England head coach Thomas Tuchel expressed admiration for Tottenham’s Enfield training facilities following a tour last Saturday. Tuchel, accompanied by England’s technical director John McDermott, explored the centre’s high-tech amenities and the on-site hotel, which will occasionally host England players during international breaks.
Tuchel’s visit coincided with his inaugural scouting mission as England’s manager, observing Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League.
Sportsbank in Race to Finalise Crystal Palace Deal
Sportsbank executives are heading to the Middle East this week to secure financial backing for their planned £230 million investment into John Textor’s Eagle Holdings Limited, which owns 45% of Crystal Palace. While exclusivity agreements are in place, competition has emerged from a Saudi-based consortium interested in directly purchasing Textor’s stake. The situation adds an element of urgency to Sportsbank’s efforts to finalise their partnership.
West Ham Considered Big Names Before Appointing Graham Potter
West Ham United recently appointed Graham Potter as their head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal. However, internal sources reveal that Christophe Galtier and Paulo Fonseca were also in the mix. While Potter was West Ham’s top choice, agreements with Galtier and Fonseca were reportedly discussed as contingencies.