Category: Premier League

Celtic are preparing to renew their pursuit of Lithuanian midfielder Ernestas Gineitis, according to BBC Sport’s latest transfer gossip. The Hoops, fresh off a summer of significant squad overhaul, are understood to be dissatisfied with their current midfield depth and see the 22-year-old as a targeted reinforcement. With the January window approaching, the move signals Celtic’s intent to address a position that has lacked consistent quality since the exits of key players such as Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor’s advancing age, and the departure of David Turnbull last season.

Why Gineitis fits the bill now

Gineitis has emerged as a priority target due to his profile as a technically gifted, progressive midfielder capable of dictating tempo in tight spaces. His performances for Žalgiris Vilnius in the Europa Conference League—where he featured in all six qualifying and group-stage matches—have drawn attention, particularly in matches where he has operated as a deep-lying playmaker. While Celtic have not publicly commented on the bid, sources close to the club indicate that the player’s contract situation—reported by club insiders to expire in June 2025—makes him a realistic option for negotiation rather than a long-term gamble. This timeline aligns with Celtic’s need to secure a midfielder who can contribute immediately while offering resale value should his development plateau.

The timing is critical. Celtic’s midfield has been reshaped this summer, with several players departing and new signings yet to bed in. The club’s hierarchy appears unwilling to rely solely on unproven recruits, especially with European fixtures resuming in September. Gineitis, who has started all four of Žalgiris’s league games this season—including their 2-1 win over FK Riteriai on 6 August—offers a blend of control and athleticism that could stabilise a unit currently lacking cohesion. His ability to progress the ball under pressure, as demonstrated in Žalgiris’s 3-1 Europa Conference League victory over Flora Tallinn on 14 July, makes him a compelling fit for a Celtic side that has struggled to transition from defence to attack in recent months.

What comes next in the chase

Celtic’s approach is expected to be structured around a two-tier bid: an initial offer in the region of £2.5m to gauge Žalgiris’s valuation, followed by a stronger proposal—potentially rising to £3.5m—to reflect Gineitis’s Champions League pathway experience if the first is rejected. The Lithuanian club’s recent transfer activity—including the sale of first-choice centre-back Dominykas Barauskas to a Polish Ekstraklasa side—suggests they may be open to parting with Gineitis if the price is right. However, the player’s importance to their domestic campaign, which includes a title race with FK Panevėžys, complicates matters. Žalgiris currently sit second in the A Lyga, just two points behind leaders Panevėžys, with Gineitis contributing two assists in his four league starts.

If Celtic’s bid is rebuffed, their next step could involve targeting an alternative in the same mould, potentially from a league with a lower transfer ceiling. The club’s recruitment team, led by Ross Wilson, has shown a preference for players with Champions League experience, and Gineitis’s Europa Conference League involvement ticks that box. A failed move for the Lithuanian would not close the door on midfield reinforcements entirely, but it would force Celtic to reassess their timeline—potentially accelerating interest in players such as Ryan Kent, whose contract at Rangers expires next summer.

Tactical fit and squad context

Gineitis’s role would likely slot into a system where Celtic need to transition from defence to attack more efficiently. His ability to receive under pressure and progress the ball vertically aligns with the club’s recent attempts to play out from the back. Under Ange Postecoglou’s successor, Celtic have retained a high-pressing style, but midfield transitions have often been disjointed—most notably in their 2-1 Champions League qualifier defeat to Ferencváros in August, where they struggled to retain possession in midfield for more than six seconds at a time. A player of Gineitis’s profile could provide the link between defence and attack that has been missing.

The midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Paulo Bernardo has struggled to replicate the dynamism of last season’s setup. McGregor, now 31, remains a metronome but lacks the legs to cover ground in both boxes. Hatate’s form has fluctuated—his penalty miss against Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final a stark example—while Bernardo’s injury record raises questions about his durability. Gineitis, if signed, would not immediately solve all issues, but he would offer competition and a fresh option for a position that has become a weak link. His willingness to press from deep, as seen in Žalgiris’s 4-1 win over Džiugas on 12 August, could also alleviate pressure on Celtic’s full-backs, who have been exposed in high-pressing systems this season.

Celtic’s transfer strategy this summer has prioritised experience over youth in key areas, but the midfield remains an outlier. The club’s reluctance to gamble on untested teenagers suggests they will pursue a proven quantity—even if it means paying a premium. Gineitis’s contract situation gives Celtic leverage, but Žalgiris will demand a fee that reflects his potential resale value. With the January window looming, Celtic’s focus is clear: strengthen the spine before the winter rush. Gineitis represents a calculated risk—one that could either shore up a fragile midfield or become another cautionary tale in a transfer window that has already seen mixed returns. The next fortnight will determine whether the Hoops can turn gossip into reality.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s attempt to secure a £22.2million pay package—including bonuses—through a controversial commercial scheme has collapsed amid a storm of opposition from football’s governing bodies. The proposal, part of FIFA’s Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, would have allowed private investors to buy stakes in the World Cup, the Club World Cup, and other marquee competitions. But the plan unraveled after UEFA and the English FA condemned it as a secretive, self-serving maneuver that threatened the integrity of the game, with CONCACAF joining the chorus of criticism by branding the move “egregious” and symptomatic of leadership failures.

How the scheme unraveled

FIFA’s Forward Enterprise was designed to generate fresh revenue by selling commercial stakes in the World Cup, the Club World Cup, and other flagship tournaments. According to The Times, Infantino stood to pocket tens of millions through the arrangement, which was fast-tracked without broader consultation and involved minimal transparency. The proposal sparked immediate backlash when details emerged in early March, with UEFA branding it a “secret scheme” cooked up by “faceless individuals” with “dubious benefit to the game” in a strongly worded statement released on March 12. The English FA echoed UEFA’s stance within 48 hours, calling for a “full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance” to ensure transparency and long-term stewardship of the sport.

CONCACAF added that the move was “a symptom of leadership that has stopped putting football first,” pointing to a pattern of missteps under Infantino’s presidency, including the controversial 2026 World Cup scheduling and human rights concerns surrounding the tournament. The unified opposition from Europe’s most influential federations and CONCACAF left the FFE proposal politically untenable, forcing FIFA to shelve it before a vote could even take place. The swift and coordinated backlash—uniting European and North American bodies in rare unity—exposed the fragility of Infantino’s authority and the depth of institutional distrust in FIFA’s current leadership.

Why this matters now

The collapse of the FFE plan is the latest chapter in a turbulent period for FIFA under Infantino, whose leadership has drawn criticism over both governance and on-field decisions. The 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico has already faced scrutiny over its three-match group stage format, which compresses rest days and increases injury risks, as well as human rights concerns linked to host venues and labor practices. These issues resurfaced with the FFE controversy, amplifying concerns about FIFA’s commercial priorities overshadowing the sport’s long-term health. UEFA’s statement made clear it has “lost confidence” in Infantino, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power within world football’s hierarchy and raising questions about his ability to govern effectively.

For Infantino, the episode underscores the fragility of his authority at a time when FIFA’s credibility is increasingly at stake. The backlash was not only swift but also unusually coordinated, uniting European and North American federations in a rare display of unity against FIFA’s top leadership. The episode also raises pressing questions about FIFA’s financial priorities, with critics arguing that selling stakes in the World Cup to private investors risks prioritizing short-term profit over the sport’s sustainability and the integrity of its flagship competitions.

The fallout and what comes next

With the FFE proposal dead, FIFA must now navigate a governance crisis that threatens to overshadow preparations for the 2026 tournament. UEFA has vowed to work with its member associations and other confederations to “devise a plan to make sure that it cannot occur again,” hinting at structural reforms or even a push for new leadership. The European body’s statement explicitly called for “a thorough and fundamental review,” leaving “no option off the table,” while CONCACAF’s demand for a “comprehensive reckoning” of Infantino’s presidency suggests the pressure will not ease, particularly if further controversial decisions emerge in the coming months.

The episode also exposes deep divisions within FIFA’s membership. While European bodies have led the opposition, the episode may embolden critics in Africa, Asia, and South America to demand greater accountability, particularly if they perceive the FFE plan as part of a broader pattern of top-down decision-making that sidelines their interests. Infantino’s ability to govern effectively hinges on restoring trust—a task that grows harder with each misstep, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches and scrutiny intensifies. For now, the World Cup remains the ultimate prize, but FIFA’s credibility is increasingly at stake, and the next move belongs to the organization’s leadership.

One thing is certain: the FFE plan’s collapse has exposed the limits of Infantino’s influence. Football’s governing bodies have drawn a line, and the next move belongs to FIFA. Whether that means reform—or a reckoning—will define the institution’s future, particularly as the 2026 tournament looms large over the global game.

Sunday’s racing calendar delivers a compelling clash of titans at Deauville alongside competitive action at Chester and Yarmouth, all live on Sky Sports Racing. The headline attraction is the rematch between Blue Bolt and Precise in the Prix Rothschild, a Group One showdown that promises to settle their rivalry once more. With three tracks offering contrasting challenges, the day shapes up as a test of class, consistency, and tactical nous.

Blue Bolt and Precise lock horns in Group One showdown

The Prix Rothschild at Deauville stages a rematch between Blue Bolt and Precise, fresh from their meeting in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket. Blue Bolt emerged victorious on that occasion, underlining her status as the market’s leading fancy for a repeat triumph. Andrew Balding, her trainer, insists she remains in peak condition and could secure a fourth consecutive win if she reproduces her Newmarket performance. The only question mark remains her ability to handle the journey to Deauville, a trip she has never attempted before.

Precise, trained by Aidan O’Brien, arrives with an impressive CV of four Group One victories, including the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Her defeat by Blue Bolt at Newmarket, where she started odds-on, will weigh heavily on her prospects. O’Brien has identified a slight delay at the start as a key factor, suggesting that a cleaner break could swing the contest in her favour. The field also includes Moon Target, who finished two lengths behind Precise at Royal Ascot, and Green Spirit, who may benefit from the mile trip after her recent efforts.

Chester and Yarmouth deliver contrasting challenges

While Deauville hosts the marquee event, Chester and Yarmouth offer their own narratives. Chester’s card features an unbeaten contender bidding to extend a flawless record, while Yarmouth’s programme includes a competitive race that could throw up an outsider. The diversity of tracks—from the undulating contours of Chester to the sharp, straight mile at Yarmouth—ensures that trainers will need to tailor their tactics carefully.

The Chester race, scheduled for 3.20pm, presents a test of stamina and early pace, ideal for horses with front-running tendencies. Yarmouth’s fixture, meanwhile, favours those who can adapt to a more tactical environment, where position at the break often dictates the outcome. With Sky Sports Racing capturing every stride, punters will have the chance to dissect performances in real time, comparing form across different terrains.

Tactical chessboard: pace, ground, and experience

The Prix Rothschild’s outcome may hinge on how the pace unfolds. Blue Bolt’s dominant display at Newmarket came when she dictated terms from the front, while Precise’s defeat suggests she struggled to recover ground after a tardy start. If the pace is steady, Precise’s class could prevail; if it’s slow, Blue Bolt’s front-running style may again prove decisive.

Ground conditions will also play a role. Deauville’s turf can vary, and a softer surface might suit Precise’s turn of foot, whereas Blue Bolt’s Newmarket win came on good-to-firm ground. The mile trip suits both fillies, but the tactical nous of their jockeys—Colin Keane on Blue Bolt and Ryan Moore on Precise—will be crucial in navigating the race’s ebb and flow.

Evolutionist, runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas, adds depth to the field with each-way claims, offering a hedge against the two favourites. For those seeking value, the race’s breadth of form lines makes it a compelling betting heat.

Sunday’s racing delivers more than just a headline act. The Prix Rothschild rematch is more than a contest between two fillies; it’s a test of adaptability, tactical acumen, and the ability to handle pressure. With Chester and Yarmouth providing supporting acts, Sky Sports Racing offers a front-row seat to a day where every decision matters.

When dreams turn sour: the Premier League’s missed marquee signings

Every summer, the rumour mill whirs into overdrive and supporters dare to imagine a new star lifting their club. For Tottenham in 2023, that star was Gift Orban—until the deal collapsed. The same script has played out at other clubs, with once-in-a-generation talents slipping through their fingers. What happened to those players, and where are they now?

Orban’s fall from grace

Tottenham’s pursuit of Gift Orban in summer 2023 looked like a masterstroke on paper. The Nigerian striker had just rattled through seven goals in four days: four in a 6–2 demolition of Zulte Waregem on 11 March, then a three-minute, 25-second hat-trick against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa Conference League last-16 second leg on 16 March. Those performances made him the first Gent player with a four-goal haul in a single top-flight match this century and set a competition record for the quickest hat-trick, breaking the previous mark by more than a minute.

With Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich confirmed, Spurs needed firepower. The BBC’s transfer column framed Orban as Kane’s potential successor, noting his “raw athleticism and clinical finishing” in a profile published on 17 March 2023. Yet the club and Ange Postecoglou’s staff baulked at Gent’s £25m valuation, with sources indicating Spurs’ counter-offer of £20m was rebuffed on 2 September 2023, and the window slammed shut without a signature. Three years later, Orban has played for four clubs and is now on loan at newly-promoted Turkish Süper Lig side Amedspor. His return of three goals for Gent in 2023–24, three for Lyon in Ligue 1, and four for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga tells a story of lost momentum, even if a seven-goal spell at Verona last season offered fleeting hope. His most recent contribution came on 14 September 2024, when he scored twice in Amedspor’s 3–1 win over Samsunspor, his first goals in Turkish football.

Kaka’s £108m mirage

Twelve years earlier, Manchester City’s January 2009 swoop for Kaka seemed set to rewrite football history. City’s £108m bid—more than double the existing world record of £32.5m set by Zidane in 2001—dazzled AC Milan and the player alike. One fan was so convinced the deal would happen that he reportedly inked Kaka’s name on his forearm in permanent marker. The move never materialised; City instead spent £30m on Robinho from Real Madrid and £18m on Shaun Wright-Phillips from Chelsea, while Kaka stayed in Milan. By the time he finally joined Real Madrid in June 2013 for £56m, his peak had passed. The Brazilian’s prime years were already behind him when he eventually landed in England, and his brief spell at Orlando City signalled the end of a glittering career rather than a new beginning.

Why these failures still matter

Missed transfers leave scars. For Spurs, the Orban saga underscores how quickly a club’s ambitions can curdle when valuation and vision collide. Postecoglou’s project demanded a centre-forward who could spearhead his high-pressing system; instead, Spurs turned to alternatives like Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min, and watched Orban’s stock plummet elsewhere. The club’s caution may yet prove costly if the next wave of young African strikers—such as Victor Osimhen’s former Lille teammate Jonathan David or the rising star Victor Boniface—demands even steeper fees. Postecoglou himself admitted in a press conference on 5 October 2023 that “the striker market is unforgiving,” a remark that now reads as prescient.

For City, the Kaka near-miss is a cautionary tale about the limits of petro-dollar ambition. Throwing money at marquee names doesn’t guarantee success, and chasing a player at any cost can distort a squad’s balance. The lesson—buy wisely, not wildly—has echoed through City’s subsequent transfer strategies, even as they’ve since redefined what “wisely” looks like. The club’s 2011 move for Sergio Agüero for £38m, a fraction of the Kaka bid, became the blueprint for sustainable success, proving that targeted investments can outperform headline-grabbing gambles.

The bigger picture

These stories are not outliers. Every season brings fresh “almost” deals that vanish into the ether, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. Orban’s trajectory shows how quickly a once-in-a-generation prospect can drift when the right club doesn’t take the plunge. His post-Gent struggles—just 10 goals in 52 appearances across three leagues—contrast sharply with his 23 goals in 22 games before Spurs’ interest, a drop-off that has drawn comparisons to other high-profile near-misses like Alexandre Pato at Chelsea. Kaka’s case proves that even a world-record bid can’t rewrite a player’s timeline if the timing is wrong; his move to Madrid came after two injury-hit seasons in Milan, by which point his explosive midfield dynamism had faded.

For clubs, the message is clear: hesitation can be as damaging as overpayment. For players, the lesson is equally stark—opportunities rarely wait, and the next transfer window is always just around the corner. Whether those chances ever arrive again is another question entirely. Orban’s loan move to Amedspor, a club with no prior top-flight history, underscores how far a player’s stock can fall when the Premier League door remains closed. As for Kaka, his legacy is secure, but his career trajectory serves as a reminder that even the most luminous careers can be derailed by a single missed transfer window.