Bayern Munich icon Thomas Müller announced on Saturday that the club has decided not to renew his contract, marking the end of his 25-year journey with the Bundesliga powerhouse at the close of the season. The 35-year-old, whose current deal runs out this summer, revealed on social media that the decision was made by the club and was “not what I would have wished.” Müller expressed disappointment over the contract situation playing out “back and forth in public” in recent months but acknowledged feeling appreciated after his long service to Bayern. “The special connection to the club and our fantastic fans will always remain,” he added. A product of Bayern’s youth academy, Müller has claimed two Champions League titles and 12 Bundesliga crowns during his illustrious career. His focus was now on “bringing the league title back to Munich” as well as reaching this season’s Champions League final, which will be held in Bayern’s Allianz Arena home. Later on Saturday, Bayern issued a statement saying Mueller would be honoured with a testimonial match and that the midfielder would play at the Club World Cup in July. “Thomas Mueller had the definition of a Bavarian fairytale career,” club president Herbert Hainer said. Mueller was born in the nearby Bavarian town of Weilheim and joined the club aged 10, making his debut under coach Jurgen Klinsmann in 2008 against a Hamburg side featuring current Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. A true one-club man, Müller holds the record for the most appearances in Bayern Munich’s history with 743 matches across all competitions. During that time, he has tallied 247 goals and 273 assists. In recent seasons, Müller has seen more time on the bench, fueling speculation about a potential departure from the club. While the veteran midfielder hasn’t disclosed his next destination, German media has suggested a possible late-career move to Major League Soccer in the United States.

Elanga’s Spectacular Solo Goal Sinks Man United as Forest Edge Closer to Champions League Nottingham Forest took a major step toward Champions League qualification as Anthony Elanga’s stunning solo effort secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday. Elanga, facing his former club, delivered a dazzling moment of individual brilliance, sprinting more than half the length of the pitch before applying a clinical finish. The 22-year-old Swedish winger was offloaded by United in 2023 for £15 million ($19 million) after being deemed surplus to requirements by then-manager Erik ten Hag—a decision that now looks increasingly costly. Since his move, Elanga has flourished at Forest, and his match-winning strike at the City Ground helped Nuno Espírito Santo’s side tighten their grip on third place in the Premier League table. With eight games remaining, Forest sit eight points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea, who face Tottenham on Thursday. If they maintain this position, they will qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 1980-81 season—a remarkable achievement given they were fighting to avoid relegation just a year ago. Adding to their fairytale campaign, Forest have also reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years. Forest’s Historic Double Over United Despite their grueling FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton on Saturday, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout victory, Forest showed no signs of fatigue. Missing key players Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi, they still rose to the challenge and made history by completing their first league double over United since the 1991-92 season. The last time Forest managed to go unbeaten against United in a single league campaign was in 1994-95, the same season they finished third in the Premier League. United’s Inconsistencies Continue For Manchester United, this defeat marked their first loss in eight matches across all competitions. However, their league struggles persist—remarkably, they have yet to win back-to-back Premier League games this season. United had secured a 2-0 victory at Leicester in their final match before the international break, following an impressive 4-1 win against Real Sociedad in the Europa League. But their erratic form under Ruben Amorim resurfaced, leaving them stuck in 13th place ahead of Sunday’s daunting clash with Manchester City. Elanga’s Early Stunner Sets the Tone In front of a raucous crowd by the River Trent, Elanga ignited the atmosphere with his breathtaking goal just five minutes into the match. After United failed to capitalize on a corner, Elanga pounced on the loose ball deep inside his own half and launched a blistering counterattack. Covering 85 meters in just nine seconds, he left United’s retreating defense scrambling. Despite a last-ditch tackle attempt from Alejandro Garnacho, Elanga powered forward to the edge of the penalty area before slotting a composed low finish past Andre Onana. United’s defensive frailties were once again exposed—only struggling Leicester have conceded the opening goal more frequently than them this season. Missed Chances Haunt United United nearly found an immediate equalizer when Bruno Fernandes met Diogo Dalot’s pinpoint cross with a firm header, but his effort was directed straight at Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. Casemiro then squandered an even better opportunity, nodding wide from a Fernandes corner. Dalot came closest to leveling the score when his looping header struck the crossbar, and Matthijs de Ligt’s attempt from the rebound was superbly saved by Sels. Seeking a breakthrough, Amorim introduced Rasmus Højlund at halftime, but the much-maligned striker struggled to make an impact. Instead, Garnacho looked the most threatening, firing just over from long range before drilling a powerful 25-yard strike narrowly past the post. Mason Mount, making his first appearance of 2025 following a long injury layoff, came close with a shot that whistled wide. In stoppage time, Harry Maguire had United’s final chance, but his close-range effort was heroically cleared off the line by Murillo, sealing Forest’s famous victory. As the final whistle blew, Forest celebrated yet another milestone in their dream season—one that is rapidly transforming from an underdog story into a genuine push for European football’s biggest stage.

Saka Marks His Return with a Goal as Arsenal Edge Fulham 2-1 Bukayo Saka made a triumphant return from injury, scoring a crucial goal as Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday. The win narrowed the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to nine points. Saka, making his first appearance since December 21, came off the bench to head home Arsenal’s second goal, capping off a successful return to action. Earlier, Mikel Merino had given the Gunners the lead with a deflected effort in the first half. However, Arsenal’s victory came at a cost, as key defender Gabriel Magalhães was forced off early with a hamstring injury, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. Jurrien Timber also limped off late in the game with a knee issue, adding to Mikel Arteta’s growing injury woes. Saka’s Impact Delights Arteta The Emirates Stadium erupted in applause when Saka was introduced in the second half, underlining how much he had been missed during his absence. "It was a great opportunity to see how much people love him and missed him,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “The reception he got was magnificent. He lifts the stadium, and I am so happy for him because he fully deserves it.” Saka wasted little time in making his mark, scoring just eight minutes after coming on. Gabriel Martinelli flicked on a cross from Merino, allowing Saka to head in from close range for his 10th goal of the season. Arsenal’s Champions League Aspirations Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back for Fulham in stoppage time, but it was merely a consolation. The defeat is a setback for Fulham’s European ambitions, as they remain in eighth place, three points adrift of a top-five finish—likely to be enough for Champions League qualification next season. For Arsenal, the win solidifies their place in the top five, moving them 14 points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle. However, catching Liverpool remains an uphill battle, with the Reds firmly in command of the title race. Despite the looming Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, Arteta named a strong starting XI, showing no signs of distraction. However, the injury to Gabriel is a significant concern, as the Brazilian center-back is now a major doubt for that crucial European tie. Merino’s Unlikely Goal-Scoring Streak The first half was a cagey affair, with Arsenal struggling to create clear-cut chances. But Merino, who has been deployed as a makeshift striker due to season-ending injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, continued his impressive form in front of goal. The Spanish international now has five goals in his last eight games, though his opener against Fulham carried an element of luck. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat in the first half, delivered a cross that found Merino. His shot took a significant deflection, looping over the goalkeeper and into the far corner. Muniz had an opportunity to set up a tense finish when he headed wide from a promising position with 10 minutes remaining. He later made amends with a stoppage-time goal, but it was too little, too late for the visitors. Arsenal’s victory keeps some pressure on Liverpool ahead of their Merseyside derby against Everton on Wednesday. While the title race remains an uphill battle, the return of Saka offers Arsenal a much-needed boost as they chase European glory and domestic success in the final stretch of the season.

Addressing the Nigeria Football Federation’s Persistent Financial Woes Despite receiving significant funding from FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the federal government, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continues to grapple with financial difficulties. This issue raises concerns about fiscal discipline and the management of resources, particularly in relation to national team expenditures and player selections. To curb these challenges, improved financial oversight and a strategic approach to player selection—favoring home-based talents—are crucial. The NFF’s Role and Responsibilities The NFF plays a critical role in Nigerian football, overseeing the development of the sport from grassroots to the professional level. The federation is responsible for nurturing young talents, providing platforms for skill enhancement, and ensuring that Nigerian footballers—both locally and internationally—reach their full potential. With 11 national teams under its jurisdiction, the NFF is tasked with managing resources efficiently to meet the needs of players, coaches, and stakeholders. However, the federation frequently struggles to fulfill its financial commitments, often resulting in unpaid salaries, match appearance fees, and bonuses. This recurring issue contradicts the substantial financial inflows the NFF receives annually from FIFA, CAF, corporate sponsorships, and government allocations. Financial Support and Challenges FIFA’s Forward Development Programme allocated $8 million to the NFF in 2024, part of a broader initiative to support soccer development globally. Additionally, CAF provided $400,000 to each member association, doubling its previous disbursement of $200,000 in 2022. Alongside these international contributions, the NFF receives annual government funding and sponsorship deals, yet it still struggles to maintain financial stability. For 2024, the NFF budgeted ₦17.6 billion for its activities, covering events such as the remaining 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Despite this budget, the federation claims it can barely sustain operations, citing high costs associated with organizing matches and logistics. Costly Player Logistics A significant portion of the NFF’s expenditure is allocated to transporting and accommodating players for national team duties. For instance, the federation reportedly spends over $1 million per match window. Expenses include flight tickets, hotel accommodations, local transportation, and other logistical needs. A federation official, speaking anonymously, highlighted that international players must travel in business class to prevent fatigue and cramps. This alone adds a hefty cost to each international call-up. For instance, a business-class return ticket from London to Lagos costs approximately ₦7.4 million (£3,830) per player. When applied to a 23-man squad, this translates to about ₦170 billion for a single game. These costs are replicated for the Super Falcons, whose players are based in Europe, North America, and China. Given these expenditures, stakeholders question the rationale behind inviting 23 overseas-based players for each game when, in reality, only 17 players are typically utilized. Advocating for More Home-Based Players A growing consensus among stakeholders is that the NFF should adopt a more strategic approach by integrating more home-based players into the national team. Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Segun Oguns criticized the over-reliance on foreign-based players, arguing that the NFF’s unwillingness to invest in the local league has led to its current dependence on players abroad. “They are afraid of failure and public criticism if home-based players don’t perform,” Oguns said. “But if you don’t give these players opportunities, how will they develop?” He suggested that home-based players should be given a chance in less competitive matches, such as those against nations with lower-ranked football programs. Similarly, Bolaji Douglas, a former BCC Lions FC captain, contended that national team invitations often serve as rehabilitation opportunities for players rather than a merit-based selection process. He pointed out that including aging or out-of-form players blocks opportunities for younger, in-form talents. The Influence of Football Agents and NFF Officials Another issue raised is the influence of football agents and NFF officials in player selection. Former Bendel Insurance player Loveday Omoruyi alleged that some NFF board members impose certain players on coaches to boost their market value. This practice, he noted, undermines meritocracy and affects the team’s overall performance. “Some players are included in the squad not because they are the best but because they need visibility for transfer purposes,” Omoruyi explained. He emphasized that allowing home-based players to gain exposure through international friendlies and smaller matches would reduce the federation’s reliance on costly overseas call-ups. Balancing Performance Expectations with Financial Prudence Former Super Eagles Media Officer Toyin Ibitoye acknowledged that while relying on foreign-based players is expensive, the reality is that Nigerian football fans and the NFF prioritize results over cost savings. “Fans don’t want excuses. They want results,” Ibitoye noted. “If home-based players had been consistently developed and exposed to international matches, they could be trusted in high-stakes games like World Cup qualifiers. However, due to a lack of investment in the local league, coaches prefer foreign-based players who are already accustomed to top-level football.” He suggested a balanced approach where home-based players are gradually introduced to high-profile matches while ensuring that the team remains competitive. The Role of CHAN and Local League Development Onome Obruthe, a former Niger Tornadoes and Bendel Insurance star, proposed that the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which features only home-based players, should be used as a benchmark to assess local talents before integrating them into the Super Eagles. “If our home-based players perform well in CHAN, it would justify their inclusion in the senior national team,” Obruthe said. “However, if they struggle, it means more work needs to be done to develop the local league.” Conclusion: A Path Forward for the NFF Ultimately, the NFF’s goal should be to create a self-sustaining football ecosystem where Nigerian-based players are adequately developed and prepared to compete at the highest level, thereby reducing dependence on costly foreign-based stars. A long-term vision that balances financial prudence with footballing excellence is the only way forward for Nigerian football.

Efe Ajagba Confident Ahead of Bakole Clash, Sets Sights on Usyk or Dubois Efe Ajagba is brimming with confidence as he prepares to take on Martin Bakole on May 3 in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Boxing247.com. The bout, part of the undercard for Canelo Alvarez’s super middleweight unification fight against William Scull, is a crucial test for both heavyweight contenders. Ajagba, who has won five consecutive fights since his lone professional loss to Frank Sanchez, believes that a victory over Bakole will put him in position for even bigger fights. Speaking to *Sky Sports*, the 30-year-old Nigerian power puncher emphasized his focus on the upcoming battle but made it clear that he has ambitions beyond it. “I’m not overstepping. I’m just focused on Martin Bakole first,” Ajagba stated. “After that, when I get the victory, that’s when I’m going to step up to fight who I want next—whether it’s Usyk or Dubois.” The fight against Bakole is a must-win for both men. Bakole, who suffered a devastating loss to Joseph Parker after taking the fight on short notice, is looking to make a statement and prove he’s still a major force in the division. On the other hand, Ajagba cannot afford a second career defeat if he hopes to break into the world title picture. While Ajagba has expressed interest in facing either Oleksandr Usyk or Daniel Dubois next, securing a bout with Usyk seems unlikely. The Ukrainian champion has indicated that he may have only two fights left before retiring, with potential matchups against Dubois and Parker already on his radar. Still, if Ajagba can get past Bakole, his ranking will rise significantly, putting him in a strong position for major fights. However, he cannot afford to overlook his current challenge. Bakole will be highly motivated to bounce back from his recent loss, making him a dangerous opponent. With the stakes high, Ajagba will need to deliver a dominant performance on May 3 to keep his championship dreams alive.

Nationals Swept in Toronto as Offensive Struggles Continue For the third consecutive game, the Nationals fell behind early and failed to recover, ultimately losing 4-2 to the Blue Jays on Wednesday afternoon at Rogers Centre. A late rally brought the go-ahead run to the plate in the ninth inning, but pinch-runner Jacob Young was caught stealing, sealing a three-game sweep for Toronto. “The at-bats have to improve early in games,” Nationals Manager Dave Martinez said. “We always talk about scoring first and getting to the starter early, but it just hasn’t happened.” Washington (1-5) struggled offensively throughout the series, managing just 16 hits over three games. Meanwhile, Toronto (5-2) recorded double-digit hits in each game, finishing with 10 on Wednesday. The Nationals have scored only 21 runs through six games, with just two coming in the first three innings. CJ Abrams provided a spark with a solo home run in the sixth, one of only two hits Washington recorded through the first eight innings. The Nationals mounted a two-out rally in the ninth with singles from James Wood and Josh Bell, along with a Nathaniel Lowe double, but Young was thrown out attempting to steal second, ending the game. “If our offense was producing more, we could afford to be more patient,” Martinez added. “But we haven’t gotten those clutch hits, and we need to improve offensively throughout the whole game.” Josh Bell believes part of the team’s struggles stem from adjusting to pitchers’ strategies early in the season. Facing Toronto’s left-hander Easton Lucas—who had just eight MLB appearances before this season—the Nationals failed to make adjustments, as Lucas allowed only one hit over five innings. Washington starter MacKenzie Gore, fresh off a dominant Opening Day performance, was less sharp this time. He allowed four runs over five innings, struggling with command and execution in key situations. In the first inning, he gave up a two-out RBI single to Andrés Giménez after Anthony Santander doubled. George Springer later launched a home run off Gore in the fourth, and a sacrifice fly in the fifth added another run for Toronto. Despite the Nationals’ slow start, Gore remains optimistic. “It’s only the sixth game of the year, and we’re not getting blown out,” Gore said. “We just have to figure out how to win these close games.” Outside of Abrams and Keibert Ruiz—who has a hit in every game this season—the Nationals’ lineup has struggled. Paul DeJong went 1-for-9 with six strikeouts against Toronto, while Dylan Crews is still searching for his first hit of the season. Lowe finished the series 1-for-10 with seven strikeouts, and Wood, after a strong opener, went 1-for-8 in the final two games. “We have over 100 games left,” Bell said. “It’s not a matter of if we get hot, it’s when. Hopefully, it starts this weekend.”

Adelaide Crows' Two-Time AFLW Premiership Coach Matthew Clarke to Step Down After 2025 Season Adelaide Crows’ highly successful AFLW coach, Matthew Clarke, has announced he will step down at the conclusion of the upcoming season. Clarke, who has been at the helm since 2018, has guided the Crows to two AFLW premierships and six preliminary finals, making him one of the most accomplished coaches in the league's history. In a statement released on Thursday, Clarke expressed gratitude for his tenure, calling it the most rewarding period of his three-decade-long football career. "My time leading this team has been the most enjoyable in my 30-plus years in football,"** Clarke said. "Stepping away will be really tough, but my experience in and around the game tells me this decision is what’s best for the team in the medium and long term." Despite his impending departure, the 51-year-old remains fully committed to leading the team in 2025. "For now, my focus is clear—I want to give everything I have to this season and help our players, staff, and supporters experience another incredible AFLW campaign." Clarke, affectionately nicknamed "Doc" due to his qualifications as a veterinarian, enjoyed an esteemed AFL playing career, appearing in 258 games for Brisbane, Adelaide, and St Kilda between 1993 and 2007. After retirement, he transitioned into coaching, serving as Adelaide’s AFL ruck coach while simultaneously leading the women’s team before stepping away from his men’s coaching duties in recent years. Crows CEO Tim Silvers praised Clarke’s immense contributions to the AFLW and the club. "What Doc has done to grow and professionalize the women's game has been significant. He has been as influential as anyone involved in the AFLW since its inception," Silvers said. "While we will be sad to see him step down, we respect his decision and appreciate everything he has done for the club." Clarke’s departure marks the end of an era for Adelaide, but his legacy as one of the AFLW’s most successful and influential coaches is firmly cemented.

LAFC Stuns Inter Miami as Youngster Ordaz Outshines Messi in Champions Cup Victory A sold-out crowd at BMO Stadium braved chilly conditions and a late-night kickoff on Wednesday to witness soccer icon Lionel Messi in action. However, the night belonged to 21-year-old LAFC Academy product Nathan Ordaz, whose stunning second-half goal secured a crucial 1-0 win over Inter Miami in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal. With this narrow victory, LAFC takes a slim advantage into next week’s decisive second-leg clash in South Florida, where the aggregate score will determine which team advances to the semifinals. LAFC, the only Major League Soccer club to reach the tournament final twice this century, aims to continue its impressive run in international competition. Despite drawing fewer than 25,000 fans combined for its previous Champions Cup matches against Colorado and Columbus, LAFC attracted 22,207 supporters for Miami’s visit, many of whom eagerly anticipated Messi’s every move. Each time the Argentine superstar prepared to take a set piece, the stadium collectively rose to capture the moment. However, it was Ordaz who stole the spotlight. In the 57th minute, the young forward received a precise pass from Mark Delgado, skillfully spun past veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets, and charged forward unmarked. Just as he approached the penalty area, Ordaz unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from 25 yards, threading the ball past defender Maximiliano Falcón and into the bottom corner of the net. The match had its share of physical battles, notably an incident in the first half where Ordaz appeared to make contact with Falcón’s face, sending the Miami defender to the ground. After a lengthy video review, referee Oshane Nation issued only a yellow card, allowing Ordaz to remain on the pitch. LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo chose to keep faith in the youngster at halftime—a decision that proved decisive when he delivered the game-winning goal. Meanwhile, Messi, who famously put three goals past Hugo Lloris in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final win over France, struggled to replicate his past heroics against the LAFC goalkeeper. Nursing a minor adductor injury in his left leg, Messi spent much of the match conserving energy and had limited impact. He managed two shots on target—one being a 37th-minute free kick that Lloris easily collected and another in the 86th minute, which forced the goalkeeper to scramble and secure a bouncing ball. In stoppage time, Messi had one last opportunity to salvage a draw for Inter Miami, but his left-footed free kick from 30 yards sailed well over the crossbar, sealing his team’s first defeat in 10 matches under new head coach Javier Mascherano. For LAFC, this victory marked just their second win in six matches across all competitions, but it could be a turning point as they aim to make history in the Champions Cup. The second leg in Miami promises an intense battle as both sides fight for a coveted semifinal spot.

Van Dijk Claps Back at Michael Owen Over Liverpool’s Season Criticism Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk firmly dismissed Michael Owen’s suggestion that the Reds' season had lost its shine following their recent cup eliminations, emphasizing that they remain in contention for the most prestigious prize—the Premier League title. Owen Questions Liverpool’s Season After Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 victory over Everton, Van Dijk joined the post-match panel for Premier League Productions, where former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen was among the analysts. During the discussion, Owen reflected on Liverpool’s campaign and pointed out their exits from the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle United, questioning whether those setbacks had impacted the team’s mindset. Owen asked Van Dijk: “If at the start of the season, you were told you were going to win the Premier League, people would have been over the moon. However, it was building into something really special—how hard was it to reset after a couple of big cup defeats and focus on finishing the season strong?” Van Dijk’s Strong Response Van Dijk, clearly unimpressed by the framing of the question, quickly fired back: “So you’re suggesting the season is not going to be special anymore?” Owen attempted to clarify his point, saying: “It will be, absolutely, it will be special, but I thought it could’ve been building into something very special.” Van Dijk wasn’t having it and responded emphatically: “Well, I think we have to change that narrative a little bit." He went on to stress the significance of the Premier League title and Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of glory: “We’re fighting for the biggest prize of the season. We’ve worked so hard for it—20 teams are competing to be on top of the Premier League. We still have eight games to go, and we know what’s at stake. We have to go for it, fight for it, and enjoy the journey.” “It’s still looking very special in my eyes. At the start of the season, no one expected us to compete on all four fronts. Now, we’re still in the race for the biggest trophy, and that’s the reality. This season still has the potential to be very, very special.” Liverpool’s Title Chase Liverpool remains locked in a fierce battle at the top of the Premier League table, and Van Dijk's comments reflect the team's unwavering focus on securing the league title despite setbacks in other competitions. While their dreams of a quadruple may have ended, the Reds still have a golden opportunity to lift the biggest domestic prize. Van Dijk’s response showcased his leadership, dismissing any notion that Liverpool's season had lost its magic and reaffirming the team’s hunger to make history.

Fans Speculate on Conversation Between Alexander-Arnold and Jones After Everton Win Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday, extending their lead to 12 points at the top of the Premier League. Diogo Jota scored the match’s only goal, slotting past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 57th minute. The win not only gave the Reds crucial three points but also bragging rights over their Merseyside rivals. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was unavailable due to an injury sustained during last month's match against Paris Saint-Germain, watched the game from the stands. With Conor Bradley also sidelined, manager Arne Slot made a surprising tactical decision, deploying Curtis Jones, who typically plays in midfield, at right-back. Jones put in a stellar defensive performance, helping the team secure a clean sheet. The Interaction Between Alexander-Arnold and Jones After the final whistle, Jones shared a warm embrace with Alexander-Arnold, who was visibly supportive from the stands despite his absence from the pitch. The two were seen having a brief conversation, during which Alexander-Arnold was seen laughing moments after the exchange. This interaction sparked speculation among fans, with many suggesting that Jones may have jokingly told his teammate, "I’m taking your position." This playful remark, coupled with the visible camaraderie between the two Scousers, led to fans speculating about their conversation. Fans React to the Moment On social media, Liverpool supporters quickly weighed in on the moment. One fan tweeted, “I bet Curtis said ‘I’m taking your position’ and they both start laughing.” Another fan added, “You could tell he was super invested in Curtis’ performance,” referring to Alexander-Arnold’s apparent pride in Jones' display at right-back. Some fans, however, speculated that the conversation was more serious, with one user suggesting that Alexander-Arnold’s head might be elsewhere given ongoing transfer rumors surrounding his potential move to Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold's Potential Exit As the season progresses, Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain. The 26-year-old is out of contract this summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer. Having spent his entire career at Liverpool, the prospect of leaving his boyhood club after 349 appearances has generated significant attention. Many believe that this season could be Alexander-Arnold’s last in a Liverpool shirt, as the club looks to navigate the challenges of losing one of their most influential players. While the speculation surrounding his future continues to swirl, Alexander-Arnold’s interaction with Jones after the win against Everton suggests that, despite the rumors, his commitment to the team remains strong as Liverpool fights for top honors this season.