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Timo Werner’s hopes of securing a January move to MLS have suffered a major setback after the New York Red Bulls admitted they were “not 100 percent” convinced about signing him. The Leipzig forward, frozen out in Germany, had targeted a winter switch to the United States but with NYRB shifting their squad profile, his path to MLS has unexpectedly narrowed again.

Werner move blocked by Red Bulls

The German international’s bid to reignite his career in MLS has been dealt a blow as the New York Red Bulls confirmed they will not pursue a deal for the RB Leipzig striker this winter. The former Chelsea and Tottenham forward has been entirely sidelined from Ole Werner’s plans in Leipzig, despite having a contract until 2026. With 113 goals for the club, he remains Leipzig’s record scorer, but his status has shifted dramatically.

Werner has been aware for weeks that a move is necessary, and as reported in Germany, he began planning his departure as early as mid-October, with MLS standing out as his preferred destination. New York Red Bulls, a sister club within the Red Bull network, tried to secure him in the summer and even prepared a two-and-a-half-year contract. However, the deal reportedly collapsed when Werner’s salary expectations could not be met.

With his winter exit now looming and his role diminished in Leipzig, Werner had looked again toward MLS. But the Red Bulls, who have an open Designated Player slot and high roster flexibility, have chosen not to revisit the transfer. The shift comes at a time when the club is undergoing a broader identity reset after missing the playoffs for the first time in 15 years.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDe Guzman explains RBNY 'weren't 100% convinced'

Speaking to about the club’s internal deliberations, newly appointed Red Bulls head of sport Julian de Guzman openly addressed the decision to walk away from the Werner opportunity. “There was always talks about [Werner],” he said, acknowledging the background negotiations. “We have to make sure, here in New York, it makes sense for us. It’s a great name to bring, I think fans would have loved him.”

Despite admiring Werner’s profile and popularity, de Guzman confirmed that doubts remained about whether the signing matched the club’s long-term direction. “The opportunity was there, but I don’t think we were 100 percent sold that this was the right thing for New York. That’s why it wasn’t something we were fully invested in. We’d rather be patient [with that DP spot],” he added.

His comments reflect an ongoing shift in New York’s squad building following a disappointing season. The club endured supporter frustration, especially after failing to use their third Designated Player slot. Fans even displayed banners criticising leadership, including one that read: “Poor Management Breeds Complacency.”

Yet for de Guzman, the decision is strategic, not financial, as he emphasised the need to move beyond marquee signings for their own sake, adding: “I am far from wanting to sign a ‘famous player’. I simply want someone who will help the team improve.” He also referenced the presence of two experienced DPs, Emil Forsberg and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, when explaining why another veteran attacker wasn’t necessary.

Squad structure and coaching changes

The Red Bulls’ decision on Werner comes amid sweeping structural changes across the organisation. De Guzman has inherited a squad with one vacant DP spot, a need for reinforcements on the wings and in midfield, and a goalkeeper position to fill following Carlos Coronel’s departure. He also faces the task of securing a new head coach after Sandro Schwarz was dismissed three weeks ago.

Former Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin is among the early names linked to the vacancy. Another internal candidate, Michael Bradley, fresh from leading Red Bulls II to the MLS Next Pro Cup, has also reportedly impressed many within the organisation. “I’m very impressed by what he’s done,” de Guzman said. “It’s his (playing) style. It’s attractive for players, for fans. You can see how calm he is, how he delivers his message to the players. I must say it’s refreshing.”

For Werner, the combination of squad dynamics, Designated Player strategy, and supporter sensitivity has effectively shut the door on a New York move, at least for now.

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Getty Images SportWhat's the route for Werner in MLS?

With the MLS route blocked in New York, Werner will now turn his attention to alternative clubs in the United States. Reports in Germany suggest that he is already considering other American markets, including Los Angeles, where multiple MLS sides could hold the financial and stylistic appeal he is seeking for a fresh start.

January remains decisive with Werner’s situation at Leipzig is unlikely to improve under Ole Werner, and both the club and player appear aligned in their desire to find an exit. MLS remains attractive to the forward due to lifestyle, visibility, and a clear opportunity for leading roles in the right team.

A “world-class” forward is now a top attacking target for Tottenham Hotspur, alongside AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Spurs vying to sign Son Heung-min replacement

Son Heung-min has proven he still has plenty left to give since making the move to LAFC in the summer, with the South Korean picking up eight goals and three assists in his opening nine MLS games, so Tottenham may be ruing the decision to sanction a sale.

Initially, Xavi Simons featured at left-wing in Son’s place, but the Dutchman has since moved into a more central role, with Wilson Odobert being given the nod against Leeds United, but the young Frenchman is still yet to register a Premier League goal contribution this term.

On the opposite flank, Mohammed Kudus has made a more impressive start, scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 victory against Leeds, but Thomas Frank may feel he is a little light on top-quality options on the left.

As such, it is no doubt exciting news that Spurs are preparing a January move for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, with Frank of the belief the 25-year-old would be the “perfect fit” in his squad.

With nine goal contributions to his name in the Premier League already this season, a move to a Champions League club could provide the platform for Semenyo to become one of the best wingers in the world.

Tottenham now in contact to sign "complete" fast winger ahead of Rangers

He would be one for the future for Spurs.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 12, 2025

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Semenyo is one of Tottenham’s top targets to replace Son, but so is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, with the north Londoners expected to spend a significant amount of money on a new left-winger.

Spurs came close to signing Lookman in the summer, at which point he was valued at £43m, but the deal fell through, as the Italian club were unwilling to sanction a loan move and wanted a permanent sale.

Since then, however, the forward has worked his way back into first-team contention, starting against FC Como last time out, and the Nigerian’s previous exploits suggest he could be a fantastic addition to Frank’s squad…

"World-class" Semenyo could flourish at N17

BBC reporter John Bennett hailed the Atalanta forward in light of his remarkable performances across 2024, perhaps most notably scoring a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League to lead his side to victory against Bayer Leverkusen.

Since leaving England for Italy, the London-born attacker has also maintained a very impressive goal and assist record in the Serie A.

Season

Serie A appearances

Goal contributions

2022-23

31

21

2023-24

31

19

2024-25

31

20

There may be some concerns over the fact Lookman hasn’t set the world alight in England in the past, scoring just four goals in 48 games for Everton, but he has clearly developed since then, and at 27-years-old, the ex-Fulham man may now be in his prime.

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has been spared jail time despite being caught on camera driving dangerously in his Lamborghini. This was the French defender's ninth driving offence, and he is already serving a driving ban until May 2027. Fofana, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, has appeared in five matches across all competitions for the Blues in the 2025-26 campaign, including three in the league.

Fofana slapped with fresh driving ban but avoids jail time

According to , Fofana was caught speeding and weaving through traffic on the A3 Esher Bypass in Hook, Surrey. The incident was caught on a dashcam and the footage was presented in court. While the Blues star was spared jail time for what was his ninth driving offence at the age of 25, he has been ordered to serve 300 hours of unpaid community service. He has also been hit with a fresh 18-month driving ban, although his licence is suspended until May 2027 for previous offences. The Frenchman has also been ordered to pay just £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge. The video below was shared by the Crown Prosecution Service.

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Fofana slammed by judge

District Judge Julie Cooper slammed Fofana inside the courtroom for setting the wrong example for young people who look up to professional footballers like him.

She said: "You obviously realise there are a lot of young people who look up to you and they would like to be like you and follow you. That’s part of the whole gig. However, they will not be able to afford these expensive cars, with all their additions that keep them safe and you could have some 17-year-old, who has just passed their test, who think they can copy you. They will not be able to handle their car and do some ridiculous driving manoeuvres and they are dead. You need to be much more responsible about your behaviour."

Prosecutor Rabbi Khan said: "The witness identified the danger and this defendant was driving on the hard shoulder at speed in a 50mph zone. The offence is aggravated by an approaching bend that was signposted and he is not indicating when making these manoeuvres. He refused to abide by the road rules at speed."

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Getty Images Sport'There is no explanation or excuse'

Representing Fofana, his solicitor Imogen Cox told the court: "The video speaks for itself – 15 to 20 seconds of driving that are conceded. There is no explanation or excuse for his driving on that day. He attended voluntarily for an interview at Guildford Police Station and apologised for driving and said he had learned a valuable lesson about his driving and had no explanation for his driving on that day. This offence pre-dates the speeding offences, which were all within a seven-month period and tied-up at Lavender Hill. He is essentially of good character, having no criminal convictions against him. He is fit and healthy and able to carry out community work."

Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki combined to devastating effect as Manchester City comfortably beat Bournemouth 3-1 and provided the perfect response to last week's defeat at Aston Villa. The French playmaker started at No. 10 after impressing against Swansea City in midweek and proved to be the perfect foil to City's insatiable striker, who he provided with two goals.

City got an early scare when Eli Junior Kroupi finished off a lightning-quick breakaway move in the opening minute but he was offside. Their game plan was above all about getting the ball to Haaland in dangerous situations and it paid off in the 17th minute, when Cherki's cushioned header went behind Bournemouth's high defensive line and to Haaland, who sprinted clear from behind the halfway-line to slot past Djordje Petrovic.

Bournemouth levelled thanks to some suspect goalkeeping from Gianluigi Donnarumma, who tried to punch away a corner but instead swatted it into the air for Tyler Adams to volley home from close range. The Italian's protests that he had been fouled fell on deaf ears. City appealed for a penalty when a cross hit the body and then the arm of Alex Jimenez and it did not take long for fans to turn on referee Anthony Taylor. But they did not need any help when they regained the lead.

Cherki crafted a delicious first-time pass which split Bournemouth's defence and released Haaland, who powered his way into the area and rounded Petrovic to score his 13th league goal of the season in 10 games. The Norwegian could have had a hat-trick before the break when he was released by Jeremy Doku but this time Petrovic got the better of him and punched his chipped attempt away.

Bournemouth had three decent attempts to level after the break as Donnarumma denied Brooks and Kroupi, who also fired just wide. City made them pay down the other end with another slick move. Cherki and Foden combined to set Nico O'Reilly on his way and the academy product curled a low strike into the bottom corner, effectively ending the game on the hour-mark.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (5/10):

His lousy punch was a stark reminder of his occasional weakness dealing with crosses and he didn't help himself by getting booked for his protests. To his credit he bounced back with important saves to deny Kroupi and Brooks.

Matheus Nunes (6/10):

Coped very well with the threat of Antoine Semenyo throughout. Made an important tackle on Brooks after the Ghana winger had surged forward. Didn't do too much damage going forward.

Ruben Dias (6/10):

Given a couple of scares by Kroupi but largely kept the visitors at bay with some astute defending.

Josko Gvardiol (6/10):

Had an early warning when Brooks raced past him in the move leading to the offside goal. Steadied himself and combined well with Dias to snuff out any future threats, including making a crowd-pleasing tackle on Semenyo.

Nico O'Reilly (8/10):

A powerful display in every sense. Played on the front foot and could have scored in the first half. Made amends with his brilliantly-taken strike.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Bernardo Silva (6/10):

Took a back seat and rarely got forward but still played an important role in the victory with clever use of the ball.

Nico Gonzalez (7/10):

The best compliment you can pay him is that City are barely noticing the absence of Rodri. Put himself about to ensure City won the midfield battle and combined well with Cherki.

Phil Foden (7/10):

Was overshadowed by Cherki somewhat but still played his part in opening up the visitors, particularly with his pass to set up O'Reilly.

Getty Images SportAttack

Rayan Cherki (9/10):

Weaved his magic throughout and no one benefitted more than Haaland. His headed assist was unexpected but exactly what City needed to open up their opponents while his first-time pass to the Norwegian was a work of art. Wasn't far from crowning his excellent display with a goal, being denied by Petrovic from a free-kick and blasting over in the second half.

Erling Haaland (9/10):

Simply inevitable. Had a telepathic understanding with Cherki and put the fear of God into Bournemouth's defenders whenever he latched on to a through ball. Produced two confident finishes and was mighty close to his first hat-trick of the season.

Jeremy Doku (6/10):

A hit-and-miss display. Lost the ball leading to Bournemouth's offside goal but probed well in attack, laying the ball on for Haaland on the one occasion the Norwegian failed to beat Petrovic.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Savinho (5/10):

Didn't capitalise on Bournemouth effectively throwing in the towel, misplacing a key pass which could have unlocked a fourth goal.

Tijjani Reijnders (6/10):

Tried to do damage on the break after replacing Cherki.

Omar Marmoush (N/A):

Replaced Haaland in the 82nd minute.

Rayan Ait-Nouri (N/A):

Came on in the 90th minute.

Rodri (N/A):

Came on in the 90th minute.

Pep Guardiola (8/10):

Playing Foden and Cherki together raised eyebrows against such a quick Bournemouth side but it worked a treat.

England defender Dan Burn revealed a hilarious dressing room question from Newcastle United team-mate Anthony Gordon after the Three Lions sealed their berth in the 2026 World Cup. England maintained their 100 per cent record in the qualifiers as they thrashed Latvia 5-0 in Riga on Tuesday, courtesy of a brace from captain and star striker Harry Kane.

• England seal 2026 World Cup berth

  England secured their berth in the World Cup next summer with two games to spare in the qualifiers as they made it six wins from six with a thumping 5-0 victory over Latvia. After missing the friendly match against Wales last week due to an ankle injury, captain and star forward Kane returned to Thomas Tuchel's starting lineup and led the team from the front. He scored two goals, including a penalty on the stroke of half-time, while Newcastle and Arsenal stars Gordon and Eberechi Eze were also on target. 

  With the double against Latvia, Kane made another record for England as he moved past Nat Lofthouse to become the first Three Lions star to score two or more goals in 13 international appearances. His total goals tally for the national team now stands at 76 in 113 matches.

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• Burn reveals hilarious question from Gordon

  After the victory in Riga, which sealed their World Cup 2026 berth, England's players were in party mood in the dressing room. Following the celebrations, Newcastle and Three Lions defender Burn spoke to the media as he revealed a hilarious question from his club-mate at Newcastle.

  Speaking to , Burn said: "First of all, Ant Gordon was asking why we kept playing songs about America, so that’s not a good sign." He then added: "Listen, everyone’s really happy. The gaffer was really pumped. He was saying he’s always dreamt of being at a World Cup. It’s the same for all the lads and I know there’s some who have played at a major tournament but I’ve not and I’d love the chance to be able to do it."

• England fans hit back at Tuchel with chants in Riga

  After their 3-0 win over neighbours Wales in the international friendly at home last week, Tuchel took aim at the 'silent' England fans at Wembley as he claimed that the crowd could have done more to motivate his side.

  The criticism did not sit well with the English supporters, as the travelling fans to Riga gave it back to their manager with some creative chants at the Daugava Stadium, including: "We'll sing when we want, we'll sing when we want, Thomas Tuchel, we'll sing when we want!" They also jokingly sang: "Are we loud enough for you?" The fans also came up with an X-rated chant, as they sang: "Our support is f*cking sh*t!" 

  Tuchel, though, was not bothered by the jibes aimed at him as he gave a thumbs-up to the visiting fans.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Kane's got England fans' backs

  Unlike the head coach, England captain Kane came into the fans' defence after the spectacular win away from home as he spoke highly of those who had travelled. Kane told after the game: "I know Thomas came out after the last game and said the fans weren't great, but I don't think you can question our away support ever. The way they were tonight was fantastic. And look, we've qualified for another major tournament. We know the England fans enjoy going out – and America's going to be a special place to play – and we've got something to look forward to now. Yeah, credit to them for travelling out here and showing the noise they did."

  Tuchel too admitted after the match that he saw the funny side of the chants hurled at him. England will play their last two qualifying games in November against Serbia and Albania. With their berth secured, the German coach could consider experimenting with his line-ups then. Stars like Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham, who weren't part of the squad in October, will hope to return to the national team set-up, with the World Cup now fast approaching.

Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist, while Jordi Alba also found the net as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 win over Atlanta United on Saturday night. Messi was a threat from the start, skipping Argentina duty to feature for the Herons – and showing exactly why that decision paid off. Miami remain in the hunt for the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Messi stung the palms of Jayden Hibbert twice within the first 20 minutes. Eventually, his deserved goal came, a wonderful curled effort into the top corner to give Miami a 1-0 lead.

Luis Suarez might have made it two on a pair of occasions before the break, first heading wide and later volleying over off a couple of searching balls from Messi. Alba provided the moment – with a little help from a long-time teammate. Messi raked a pass 50 yards. Alba ran onto it, and lifted over the keeper to give the Herons daylight.

The Uruguayan made it three an hour in, breaking a poor showing with a remarkable goal, volleying home from 20 yards. Messi added a fourth to cap off something remarkably routine, an easy win for a team that needed it.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium.

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• Getty
  

  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Rocco Rios Novo (7/10):

  Made a couple of tidy saves to keep Miami ahead in the first half. Nice to get a clean sheet under his belt.

  Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):

  Solid at the back, save for one or two silly fouls. Didn't have loads to do as Atlanta pretty much invited pressure.

  Tomas Aviles (7/10):

  Reliable in lieu of the suspended Maxi Falcon. Covered space well. Made a valuable intervention in the second half.

  Gonzalo Lujan (7/10):

  Won all of duels, moved the ball. Not exactly tested, but did well when he was.

  Jordi Alba (8/10):

  A classic Alba showing. Offered a lot going forward, connected with Messi, got his goal. Miami will miss him.

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• Getty
  

  Midfield

  Yannick Bright (7/10):

  Another wonderful midfield showing. Won the ball relentlessly, did plenty of dirty work. Removed after 56 minutes as he continues to build fitness. 

  Sergio Busquets (7/10):

  Not his most involved game. Atlanta were frantic in attack and Messi did most of the on-ball stuff. Immensely reliable dropping deep and distributing, though. 

  Lionel Messi (9/10):

  Dangerous from early on, forced some nice saves. Scored a typically silly goal. Assisted Alba. The best to ever do it. 

• Getty
  

  Attack

  Baltasar Rodriguez (7/10):

  Gave Messi a perfectly weighted pass to open the scoring. Dropped into central midfield and did well there. Impressive. 

  Luis Suarez (7/10):

  A game of two halves. Missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0 shortly before the break. Missed another. Then redeemed himself by scoring an absolute worldie. Still got it. 

  Tadeo Allende (7/10):

  Created a couple of good chances, put in some reliable defensive work. Solid without being remarkable.

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  Subs & Manager

  Fafa Picault (7/10):

  A lively shift off the bench. 

  Ryan Sailor (N/A):

  No time to make an impact in just his third performance of the season. 

  Santiago Morales (N/A):

  No time to make an impact

  Javier Mascherano (7/10):

  Had Messi available for selection, and got a wonderful showing out of him. Atlanta were poor, but this was a really comprehensive Miami performance. A promising tune-up with playoffs looming.