One Philadelphia Phillie definitely showed up to his team's playoff opener against the New York Mets Saturday afternoon: pitcher Zack Wheeler.
Wheeler was superb for seven innings, allowing one hit and zero earned runs while striking out nine and walking four. When he left Game 1 of the NLDS, however, the Phillies' lead was just 1–0.
Fortunes reversed spectacularly in the eighth inning, when the Mets put up five runs on their way to a 6–2 victory. After the game, Philadelphia's lack of production left first baseman Bryce Harper fuming.
"What can you say, man? (Wheeler) threw the crap out of it again," Harper said. "Every time he goes out there, he gives us a very good chance to win."
Wheeler made his second All-Star team in 2024 on the heels of a sixth-place finish in the National League Cy Young voting in 2023. He went 16-7 with 224 strikeouts and a 2.57 ERA this seaosn.
"I feel like as an offense we wasted that start," Harper continued. "It's the same thing, man. Chasing balls in the dirt… didn't work deep into counts like we should have. We've got to understand what they're trying to do to us and flip the switch as an offense."
The Phillies will attempt to right the ship Sunday with Cristopher Sanchez toeing the rubber, while righty Luis Severino will go for New York.
The Tampa Bay Rays won't play at their home ballpark, Tropicana Field, for a long while due to the excessive damage brought by Hurricane Milton. Repairs to the roof and other key parts of the stadium won't be finished until 2026 and will cost as much as $55.7 million.
On Monday, the Rays released photos from inside the stadium that showed the utter devastation which took place under the Trop's roof in early October.
Tropicana Field was set to be a shelter for first responders and other storm workers before the roof was damaged. In the new photos, you can see the emergency beds that were set up in the outfield and throughout the field's foul territory. Those bunks are still sitting there, amongst the mess. A truly sad sight.
Pieces of the shredded roof are scattered everywhere throughout the stadium. From where major leaguers stepped up to the plate to the dugouts and all the areas where fans enjoyed their hot dogs and popcorn.
Hurricane Milton landed about 70 miles south of Tampa with 100-plus MPH winds on Oct. 10 as it ripped the roof off of Tropicana Field and devastated all that's inside.
With a horrible scene left behind, the Rays will go elsewhere for their home games in 2025. The team will play the next season at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., the 11,000-seat ballpark and spring training home field for the New York Yankees.
Virgil van Dijk has slammed the “ridiculous” criticism Liverpool faced before they ended their Premier League losing streak against Aston Villa. The Netherlands defender has hit out at the negative “outside noise” which greeted a run of form which saw the Reds lose successive league games against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford.
Salah and Gravenberch help Liverpool end losing streak
Liverpool returned to winning ways as they defeated Unai Emery’s Villa 2-0 on Saturday evening. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch helped Arne Slot’s side breathe a sigh of relief after a testing eight-game stretch in which they also suffered defeats against Galatasaray and Palace in the Champions League and Carabao Cup respectively.
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Van Dijk hits back at coverage of Reds' loss of form
Such was Liverpool’s worrying run of form that Van Dijk revealed earlier this month that he called a players’ meeting following the 2-1 reverse against United. However, the Dutchman has since criticised the reaction to what was a difficult period for the club, saying the coverage was akin to a side fighting relegation.
Speaking to after his side’s win over Villa, Van Dijk said: "What I have noticed over the last couple of weeks especially is that there is a lot of noise that you have no control over and that we have to deal with as a team.
"Some of those takes are absolutely ridiculous. But you have to deal with that. It's outside noise that can reach certain players, the group. It's about sticking together.
"We're not going out there on the pitch to lose games, we're not going out there to be disappointed after games or leave fans disappointed going home, we want to work our socks off and win games. But there's no guarantee. You play in the Premier League, the highest level, in the biggest league in the world, and it's difficult to stay calm but you have to do if you want to get back to where we want to be. That's up there. But that's something for later in the season to look at.
"Now it's time to keep working, never get too high, never get too low.
"We live in a world now, for footballers at least, because that's the only thing I can speak about, where everyone can have their opinion on so many platforms and everyone knows it better. We have to try to stay away from that and focus on the hard work we've been doing.
"Last season we didn't hear much negative stuff. Everything was sunshine and rainbows everywhere. Now it sounded like, by the outside world, we're going to be in the relegation battle, so that's how it works in the world.”
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Liverpool boss Slot hails supporters for sticking with team
Acknowledging that both he and his players had been rocked by their recent wobble, Liverpool boss Slot was keen to pay tribute to the Anfield faithful for getting behind the team when they really needed them against Villa.
Asked how much the supporters helped against Villa, Slot said: "A lot, of course. Especially because it happened at 0-0, so not when you are leading and not when you are top of the league but when you are in a difficult situation as a club, as a team and because I'm definitely a part of that, it's also a difficult situation for me.
"And then to get the support the players got but also I got, that is something that makes this club special, I think. They don't forget if you've been part of something special and they help you especially if things are difficult.
"And that's what it was the last few weeks, things were difficult, we were not winning, by the way, we were losing. And so they felt the players, maybe even me, needed a bit of support and that's what you get from these fans.”
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Alexander-Arnold and Alonso return to Anfield on Tuesday
Liverpool are looking to build on their victory over Villa when they entertain Real Madrid in a mouth-watering Champions League tie on Tuesday. The match will see former defender Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Merseyside for the first time after switching to the Spanish giants in the summer. Real boss Xabi Alonso – who represented the Reds as a player between 2004 and 2009 – also faces a reunion with his former club.
Wayne Rooney’s son Kai is nearing a return to action after suffering a “life can’t get any worse” injury blow. The talented youngster, who continues to catch the eye in the Red Devils’ academy system, has been nursing a foot problem since September. His recovery is almost complete, with Rooney junior back in boots and stepping out onto the training field.
Another Rooney to lead the line for Man Utd?
Kai celebrated turning 16 on November 2, but has spent several weeks stuck on the sidelines unable to do what he loves most. The highly-rated teenager is held in high regard at Old Trafford, with there every chance that he will follow in the illustrious footsteps of his famous father.
Wayne remains United’s all-time leading scorer, having registered 253 goals for the Red Devils, but could see his eldest son begin to chase down that record at some point in the not too distant future.
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Has Kai Rooney recovered from injury?
Kai has been stepping up the age groups in United’s youth ranks, earning a call-up to their U19 side prior to being laid low with an untimely knock. He has already savoured success in tournaments around Europe, with trophy wins being added to his CV.
It was, however, revealed in September 2025 that a blow to his right foot had been suffered – leaving Rooney sporting a protective boot. He posted an image on social media alongside the caption: “Life can’t get worse.”
More pictures from behind the scenes have now been shared, with Kai revealing how close he is to earning a recall at United. He is back on the grass, with boots being laced up again as he works on rebuilding match fitness and sharpness.
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Man Utd urged to appoint Rooney as a coach
The Rooneys have been lapping up some sunshine of late, with Kai joining dad Wayne on a trip to Dubai. The ex-England captain was in the Middle East during the October half-term break as he continues to deliver coaching sessions in that region with Football Escapes. He was joined on this occasion at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel by former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham defender Michael Dawson.
Having enjoyed a relaxing break, Kai is now ready to resume his football career. It has been suggested that his ongoing development could be aided by a return to Old Trafford for his father – who has struggled as a manager across stints with Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham and Plymouth.
Former team-mate Danny Simpson recently told GOAL when asked if United should add Rooney to their coaching team – allowing him to work with Kai in the academy ranks: “Kai, I’ve seen him play a few times and he looks fantastic – looks just like his dad but obviously left-footed! Any time that you get a chance to bring these ex-players back in, I think you have to. Whether he would want to do that, I don’t know.”
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Disney documentary: What next for the Rooneys?
Kai has not always wanted his father to be that close, with mother Coleen telling of how Wayne can be an unwelcome distraction: “I’ve got to make them aware that with social media, things can come back around again. My eldest is 15, he’s at a football academy [in Manchester] where they have social media workshops. They’re told if they put anything online now and you’re in the public eye, it can affect you later on.
“But I think our kids grew up with it. There’s certain things that it does affect – there were times when the kids have said, when Wayne was playing, ‘Can Dad stay at home?’ because we didn’t get around the theme park. Or, ‘He’s not watching me play football because he’s being asked for selfies.’
“He’s grateful for fans too, so it’s a hard situation. We’ve obviously made them aware of things as they’ve got older and started to understand things.”
Wayne is free to watch Kai in action at present, having opted against another return to management, with the 40-year-old enjoying punditry work with Match of the Day and TNT Sports. He is also set to star in an upcoming Disney+ documentary alongside Coleen and their four sons.
It is a testament to Everton’s growth under David Moyes that their recent 1-1 draw with West Ham United in the Premier League was met with frustration.
This is because Everton were expected to win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and that belief was strengthened when Michael Keane powered home a first-half header to open the scoring.
But the Toffees ended up labouring to a draw against Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers, with the point gained lifting them into ninth place in the standings.
Expectations have indeed been raised, with newbie Jack Grealish leading the charge.
Jack Grealish at Everton
Grealish will be disappointed with his performance against West Ham. Everton’s positive play flowed through the 30-year-old playmaker, who wasn’t at his best but still looked a constant threat, with Sofascore recording that he created four chances and won seven duels.
With four assists to his name in August, Grealish was awarded the Premier League Player of the Month award, and though he and Everton have not since claimed three points, drawing twice and losing a close game at Anfield, his level of performance remains impressive.
Grealish, perhaps excitingly, hasn’t reached his optimum level yet. There is more to come. However, as Everton grow and improve under Moyes’ wing, so too does the spotlight increase on certain stars.
And there are a few who might be holding Grealish back.
Moyes must drop £55m duo
Grealish has yet to score in an Everton shirt, but that’s not the end of the world. The Three Lions star has never been the most prolific of attacking midfielders, and he adds much to the build-up patterns and creative flow. That is his bread and butter.
The problem, though, is that Grealish is supported by a full-back in Vitalii Mykolenko, who leaves much to be desired from an attacking standpoint, and is surmounted by Beto at number nine, who has endured a tough, luckless start to the season.
Mykolenko was chased by Napoli this summer, who were willing to pay around £26m for his services. Everton turned it down, but may come to regret that decision if his fitness and form do not improve.
Undoubtedly, Beto has improved since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, but the Bissau Guinean striker enjoyed a bright purple patch shortly after the Scotsman’s arrival, bagging five in four, and has since plateaued, with only one strike to his name this term and a litany of missed opportunities.
Beto in the Premier League
Stats
Pre-Moyes
Under Moyes
Games
42
23
Starts
10
20
Goals
4
8
Assists
0
0
Data via Transfermarkt
Everton writer Ell Bretland even remarked that “Beto’s lack of hold-up play and Mylolenko not getting forward” has been stifling the esteemed loanee, who is not being supported effectively from behind and who is struggling to get a tune out of Everton’s misfiring centre-forward, who was signed from Udinese for up to £30m in 2023.
This may require a left-field solution. Iliman Ndiaye, for example, has played up front during his career before, and no Everton player has scored more than his 13 goals since joining the club from Marseille in 2024.
Iliman Ndiaye for Everton
It would change the dynamic of Everton’s team, but with Tyler Dibling looking to nail down a starting berth of his own, this may be an outlook that would bear dividends for Moyes down the line.
James Garner provided a sumptuous assist for Keane at the weekend, too, and has played three times as a stand-in left-back in the Premier League this season, averaging 1.2 chances per game.
There is much for Moyes to ponder, but if Mykolenko and Beto fail to find form, they must be dropped to raise the level of the collective, and that not only includes Grealish but is shaped and charged by him.
Bowen 2.0: Everton must regret selling "one of the best players in the PL"
Everton must now rue selling this gifted star before he hit his full potential.
After a frustrating start to the season, one ex-chairman has taken aim at Newcastle United and PIF for what they did for one of their big-money players in the summer.
Howe: Newcastle looked "jaded" in Arsenal defeat
If any 10-minute period could sum up Newcastle’s season so far, it was against Arsenal as the Gunners turned the game on its head with two late goals. The Magpies thought they had done enough.
They had their lead courtesy of Nick Woltemade, who rose highest to head home in the first-half. For the most part, it looked as though they had stifled any Arsenal threat, too. But then Mikel Merino and a last-gasp Gabriel arrived on the scene. With one win in six games, Eddie Howe was forced to reflect on another disappointing evening at St James’ Park.
The Magpies’ poor start follows a difficult summer, in which Alexander Isak finally got his move after a lengthy saga. They’ll be desperate for a change in fortune in Tyneside, but they’re receiving no sympathy from one former chairman.
Rummenigge slams "idiot" Newcastle after Woltemade saga
Despite the fact that he’s now scored twice in three Premier League games, former Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has slammed Newcastle and PIF for their decision to spend a club-record fee on Woltemade in the summer.
He told reporters in a brutally honest assessment:
Of course, this comes just months after Newcastle hijacked Bayern’s deal to sign the towering forward in impressive fashion. Whether Rummenigge’s criticism is fair or simply as a result of the sour taste left behind by that saga is certainly something to ponder.
PIF have signed Newcastle their own Gabriel in "outstanding" £30m warrior
Newcastle’s summer signing shone vs Arsenal, drawing Gabriel comparisons.
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Will Miller
Sep 30, 2025
So far, Woltemade looks likely to pay back the £69m fee that the Magpies paid out in the form of goals and prove that they were right to pay his £132,500-a-week salary demands.
Liverpool slumped to another damaging, dismal defeat as Arne Slot’s side were dumped out of the Carabao Cup, beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace while finishing the match with 10 players on a dire night at Anfield. Slot made sweeping changes to the team which was defeated by Brentford, with one eye on the clash with Aston Villa this weekend, but the fringe players and academy hopefuls were thoroughly outclassed by Oliver Glasner's side.
The loss heaps pressure on struggling Dutch boss Slot, who has watched his team lose six of their last seven matches, with their only win coming in the Champions League away at Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Reds were the better of the two sides in the early exchanges, with Federico Chiesa, recalled to the starting line-up, squandering two gilt-edged opportunities. But Palace grew into the game and thoroughly deserved to take the lead in the 40th minute.
The Eagles put together a neat interchange of passes on the edge of the Liverpool box, and though the ball fell to Joe Gomez, he scuffed his clearance to Ismaila Sarr, who in turn fired confidently past debutant Freddie Woodman. Palace doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time as they cut through the hosts’ porous defence and Gomez was at fault again as Sarr swept the ball home to send the small pocket of travelling fans delirious.
The Anfield faithful were stunned into near silence for the majority of the match and Glasner could even afford to remove Sarr, who was on a hat-trick, as the hosts laboured to create chances in the second half.
The diabolical night for Liverpool was made even worse after Amara Nallo was shown a straight red for a pull on Yeremie Pino, who was through on goal. And it was Pino who slalomed into the box to thrash the ball home into the far corner to complete the rout. With minutes left the heavens opened, the torrential rain providing the perfect backdrop to Liverpool’s performance – a complete washout.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Freddie Woodman (4/10):
Had to wait until the 30th minute to make a stop, a decent drive from Hughes which he gathered comfortably, but there was nothing he could do about Sarr's opener. Was left woefully exposed for the second and similarly the third.
Calvin Ramsay (5/10):
Started his first senior game in three years after returning from injury, but endured a difficult evening.
Joe Gomez (3/10):
The experienced defender featured in an unfamiliar centre-back pairing, but flapped at the ball when he should have cleared for Palace's opener, and went AWOL for the second, chasing Nketiah around the box, instead of standing firm in front of Sarr. Ended the match wearing the captain's armband.
Andrew Robertson (5/10):
Deployed out of position at centre-back, but was unable to stem the tide in a makeshift back-line. Was clearly frustrated at his side's performance and was booked for a crude lunge in the 54th minute. Subbed off in the 67th minute.
Milos Kerkez (4/10): The left-back was the only player to retain his starting place from the previous Premier League defeat, but it was another innocuous performance and his starting position for the clash with Villa must be in serious doubt.
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Midfield
Trey Nyoni (4/10):
The academy prospect was handed a senior start in midfield as part of the significant line-up rotation, was asked to do a lot of the running, but failed to make a hugely positive impact.
Wataru Endo (5/10):
Started in midfield to provide a solid base, but spent the entire match chasing the ball to very little effect. Was most effective when attempting to break play up, but will be keen to forget this one as quickly as possible.
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):
Was included to provided much-needed experience in a youthful midfield line-up, but looked lost for the vast majority of his 67 minutes on the pitch, and was taken off without having made a significant contribution.
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Attack
Kieran Morrison (5/10):
The 18-year-old academy forward made his senior debut, lining up on the right side of the attack. Showed plenty of willing running, but not to blame for Liverpool's toothless display and was subbed off in the 67th minute.
Federico Chiesa (4/10):
The Italian forward led the attack, and squandered a brilliant opportunity to open the scoring in the 23rd minute when he fired over from the edge of the box. Will be disappointed with his efforts and seemed anxious, snapping at chances.
Rio Ngumoha (5/10):
The 17-year-old winger showcased his skills on the left side of the attack and did brilliantly to set-up a chance for Chiesa in the 28th minute. Was one of the few players who can claim to have put in a decent shift. Threat diminished in the second half, taken off with four minutes remaining.
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Subs & Manager
Kaide Gordon (4/10):
Would have been pleased to come on, but didn't make a telling pass.
Amara Nallo (2/10):
His second red card for Liverpool in two senior appearances, sent off just 12 minutes after coming on for a desperate last-man challenge.
Wellity Lucky (4/10):
Mixed emotions making his debut on such a poor night for Liverpool.
Trent Kone-Doherty (N/A):
Only appeared with four minutes remaining, not long enough to make an impact.
Arne Slot (3/10):
Another woeful night for the beleaguered Reds boss. He'll point to the 10 changes he made with the massive match coming up against Aston Villa, but his side are devoid of confidence and another damaging defeat just makes the situation worse.
“Complicated” is the best word to describe this FIFA window for Javier Aguirre and the Mexican national team. El Tri wrapped the October break with a 4-0 loss to Colombia and a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. As Mexico looks ahead to November’s friendlies against Uruguay and Paraguay, Aguirre is expected to present a clearer idea of his World Cup squad.
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Better than Colombia performance
Mexico showed better attitude and clear improvement against Ecuador following the painful 4-0 loss to Colombia over the weekend. El Tri started strong at Estadio Akron, taking the lead in the third minute through Germán Berterame, who capitalized on a defensive mistake by Ecuador.
However, the advantage didn’t last long – Raúl Rangel conceded a penalty that Jordy Alcívar converted in the 20th minute to make it 1-1, a score that would remain until the final whistle.
The match offered few real chances afterward, though Mexico looked more organized and disciplined. They even came close to winning it late, but the team still left the field to boos from fans hoping to see a victory – and a more convincing version of a squad that will host a World Cup for the third time next year.
Looking ahead, Javier Aguirre is expected to have a clearer picture of his potential World Cup lineup when Mexico faces Uruguay and Paraguay in November.
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The MVP
In September’s international window, Germán Berterame seemed to have run out of chances with Aguirre ahead of the World Cup, following underwhelming performances against Japan and South Korea.
However, the “Vasco” gave him another shot in October, and Berterame responded.
The Monterrey striker opened the scoring early against Ecuador, capitalizing on a defensive mistake to net his first goal for El Tri in five appearances. The goal comes as a much-needed boost for Berterame, who now has renewed hope of remaining in contention for future call-ups – and perhaps even making the World Cup roster.
Another standout performer was Julián Quiñones, who wasn’t part of the September squad but impressed with his energy and involvement. The América forward outshined both Hirving Lozano and César Huerta, putting himself back into the mix as Aguirre continues to evaluate his attacking options.
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The big loser
Luis Ángel Malagón clearly struggled in this window. The Club América goalkeeper conceded all four goals in the heavy defeat to Colombia, and while he didn’t feature on Tuesday, his stock took a hit.
Raúl Rangel, who started against Ecuador, didn’t help the goalkeeping situation – his foul inside the box led to the penalty that sealed the 1-1 draw. It’s difficult to say who came out worse from this FIFA window, but what’s certain is that Aguirre won’t be pleased with either of his goalkeepers – both supposedly locked for the final World Cup roster.
Also underperforming was César Huerta. The Anderlecht winger came on as a substitute and failed to make an impact. Meanwhile, César Montes and Erik Lira also struggled to find their rhythm, rounding off a disappointing night for several El Tri players hoping to secure their spot ahead of 2026.
Meanwhile, Ramón Juárez, Carlos Acevedo, and Kevin Álvarez didn’t see any minutes in this international window.
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Celtic are back from the international break and find themselves preparing for a tough run of fixtures, including the start of their Europa League campaign under Brendan Rodgers.
The Irishman has spoken in frank fashion about the frustration he faced during the summer transfer window, claiming his side ‘weren’t ready’ for their Champions League playoff match against Kairat Almaty after the Parkhead hierarchy failed to push critical deals over the line.
Not Nygren: Rodgers must bench Celtic flop to hand new signing a debut
Brendan Rodgers must drop this Celtic lightweight to unleash one of his new signings.
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Nevertheless, the Bhoys brought in ten new players by the end of the market period before Kelechi Iheanacho was released from his Sevilla contract to sign as a free agent.
However, the lack of synergy between the Celtic board and Rodgers has been on show for all to see, and one of his lesser-spotted summer signings has now sent an intriguing social media message that may explain his own situation in a little more detail.
Taking to Instagram, Celtic summer signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey changed his profile picture on the platform to reflect a message that said ‘Delays teach patience, which prepares you for blessings’ after failing to make a first-team appearance since arriving on loan from Manchester City.
Becoming the Hoops’ eighth addition of the window, the 19-year-old has also been left out of the Bhoys’ Europa League squad by Rodgers alongside Callum Osmand, Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura, causing some to question why he was acquired in the first place.
For now, Lennoxtown product Dane Murray appears to be ahead of Simpson-Pusey in the pecking order and is usually first in line to come off the bench when Rodgers decides to shuffle his backline around.
Regardless, there is a long season ahead for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, and there is every chance that the England youth international could have a part to play as his loan club pursue another domestic treble.
What has Brendan Rodgers said about Jahmai Simpson-Pusey?
Shortly after his arrival in Glasgow was confirmed, Rodgers admitted to the press before his side defeated Aberdeen in August that Simpson-Pusey may be some way off featuring regularly due to his lack of a full-intensity pre-season.
He stated via Sky Sports: “He’s a little bit away in fairness to Jahmai. He’s been training with the small group at Manchester City and isn’t quite up to speed yet. You can see his quality straightaway and it’s just going to take a bit of time in terms of his fitness and the intensity.”
Clearly, Simpson-Pusey is a man with plenty of talent, given he claimed the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last term and also made six appearances in the first-team under Pep Guardiola.
Now, he faces the challenge of nailing down a regular slot in Celtic’s backline, which may require persistence as the Manchester-born man looks to unseat the likes of Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty over the coming months.
Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a £60m opening bid for a “sensational” English star, who could now be open to a move to N17.
Tottenham looking to bolster attacking options despite Simons capture
Tottenham managed to get a deal for Xavi Simons over the line in the final stages of the summer transfer window, with Thomas Frank eager to bring in a new playmaker, given that James Maddison has been ruled out with an ACL injury.
However, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has since suggested there are some doubts over the signing of Simons, given that he was not always consistent enough in an RB Leipzig shirt due to concerns about his attitude.
Tottenham confirm takeover "interest" after Levy exit, several parties keen
There have been suggestions that ENIC could look to sell Tottenham Hotspur…
By
Dominic Lund
Sep 8, 2025
It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman can adapt to life in the Premier League, but it appears as though ENIC are pressing ahead with a move for a different attacker regardless.
According to a report from The Boy Hotspur, Tottenham are now plotting a £60m opening bid for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle.
Spurs are said to be implementing a more aggressive transfer strategy following the departure of Levy, and they are now planning to test Villa’s resolve, although Unai Emery’s side are probably not inclined to accept £60m, given that they value Rogers at £100m.
The English attacker could now be open to a move to north London, with Frank’s side taking more concrete action towards securing his signature than Chelsea, who have also been named as potential suitors.
"Sensational" Rogers could kickstart new era at Tottenham
While ENIC have made it clear they have no plans to sell, Levy’s departure marks the start of a new era for Tottenham, who are now expected to be more willing to spend big in the transfer market.
As such, Spurs may be able to compete for Rogers’ signature, and there is every indication he could be a fantastic acquisition, having once again performed very well for Villa last season, picking up 19 goal contributions in 37 Premier League games.
Journalist Eduardo Hagn lauded the England international as “sensational” back in April, and he also proved himself in the Champions League, picking up four goals and three assists in 12 outings.
Rogers is clearly ready to take the next big step in his career, and with Tottenham planning to be more ambitious following Levy’s exit, a move to N17 could be ideal.