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Man Utd Table £130m Bid to Sign Barcelona ‘Superstar’ Amid Takeover News

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Manchester United have tabled a bid worth around £130m for FC Barcelona forward Raphinha as they look to strengthen their attack further, according to Fichajes.net.

Ruben Amorim’s side bolstered during the summer transfer window as they splashed around £200m to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund were all allowed to depart.

But after a poor start to the season so far, the club are now eyeing a move to bring in even more firepower by adding the Brazil star to their squad.

Man Utd Make £130m Bid for Raphinha

Raphinha

Raphinha, who has been described as a ‘superstar’, has emerged as a star man at the Camp Nou in recent seasons under Hansi Flick, as he registered a stunning 24 goals and 24 assists in 56 appearances in the 2024/25 season, which saw him claim fifth place in the Ballon d’Or.

The 28-year-old has a contract with Barcelona until June 2028, but his age has got chiefs at the club considering a potential sale, and Man Utd are ready to get involved in the chase for his signature by making a club-record offer.

According to a report, Man Utd have already submitted offers ranging between €120m (£104m) and €150m (£130m) to try and find an agreement with the Spanish champions. Barcelona want a deal that starts at a minimum of £104m, plus add-ons, and Man Utd are not put off by that asking price.

However, the former Leeds United star would prefer to stay at the Catalan giants if he got the choice, and loves the fact he is considered as one of the captains at his dream club.

It’s also understood that there are some within the boardroom at Barcelona who believe that selling such a key player would be a sign of significant weakness within the club, while others believe that the money made from the sale would help with their long-standing financial issues.

There are also some concerns at Man Utd about spending such a sum on a single player, although they’re confident that if he did arrive he could transform their fortunes on his own. It remains to be seen if an agreement can be reached, but Man Utd are certainly pushing to make it happen.

The splurge comes amid speculation that the club is in ‘advanced’ talks over a deal for new investors to take over the club, which could lead to extra cash being available.

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How Much Money Every Premier League Club Has Spent in 2026/27

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Fans of the Premier League know that the football season never really ends. And during the summer, that is down to the drama of the ever-lucrative transfer window.

The league’s 20 teams will have either exceeded expectations or underwhelmed during the previous campaign. But one thing that unites both the top teams and clubs looking to climb the table is the endless need to identify gaps in their squads and improve. But of course, this will not be achieved without significant financial outlays.

The billion mark will most likely be passed by Premier League clubs this summer, with some teams splashing some serious cash. Meanwhile, some teams will be a little more patient, hoping that a few affordable gems present themselves before that window firmly shuts.

20-16

Alejandro Garnacho and Morgan Rogers Left image: Aston Villa on X
Right image: Chelsea on X

If the transfer window were to shut today, these clubs would head into the new season with a very healthy bank balance. But whether that provides them with the squad depth to survive the trials of a Premier League campaign is another question.

Nottingham Forest sit bottom, having only signed and subsequently loaned out Portugal talent Gustavo Sa. But their biggest departure has provided a significant financial boost, as Elliot Anderson moved to Manchester City for a reported £116m. Aston Villa have also received a healthy boost to their bank account with the sales of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Donyell Malen. They have since reinvested almost £100m of those fees in World Cup starlet Johan Manzambi and Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, as well as Alejandro Garnacho arriving on loan.

Crystal Palace are yet to spend any money in the transfer window, but they have parted ways with Chelsea-bound Maxence Lacroix for a cool £52m. Newcastle will be a new-look side with several key departures. But they have reinvested in youthful prospects, with four substantial transfer fees paid out this summer already. Like Palace, Sunderland are yet to open their wallets but remain in the green following the sale of Eliezer Mayenda.

Premier League Clubs’ Net Spend (20-16)

Rank

Club

Expenditure

Income

Net Spend

20

Nottingham Forest

£17m

£123m

+£106m

19

Aston Villa

£90m

£194m

+£104m

18

Crystal Palace

£0

£52m

+£52m

17

Newcastle United

£112m

£161m

+£49m

16

Sunderland

£0

£19m

+£19m

15-11

Fulham's Harry Wilson clapping Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

Hull are back in the Premier League, but they have instead opted to balance the books, with both 12 arrivals and 12 departures currently. The same can be said for Fulham, who have dispensed with a few long-serving players without recouping much income.

Leeds have been a bit more daring, chancing their arm on Bosnian World Cup star Tarik Muharemović and stealing Harry Wilson away from Leeds on a free transfer. The move for Muharemović has been balanced out by the sale of the long-serving Pascal Struijk, who joins Brighton.

Brentford just missed out on European qualification last season and look determined to right that wrong this season. They have made two significant money transfers in Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony and Austrian prospect Jannik Schuster. Bournemouth, who did qualify for Europe, have already bolstered their options with two significant signings. But they have seen several players depart, most notably Marcos Senesi to Spurs on a free.

Premier League Clubs’ Net Spend (15-11)

Rank

Club

Expenditure

Income

Net Spend

15

Hull City

£3m

£10.5m

+£7.5m

14

Fulham

£5m

£8.5m

+£3.5m

13

Leeds United

£32m

£22m

-£10m

12

Brentford

£30m

£6m

-£24m

11

Bournemouth

£37m

£10m

-£27m

10-6

Youri Tielemans celebrating after scoring for Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa League against Basel via Reuters

Reigning champions Arsenal have made two major signings, but one has an asterisk hovering over them. Greek winger Christos Tzolis arrives from Club Brugge alongside Piero Hincapié. The Colombian defender was on loan at Arsenal last season, and has now had his move made permanent for £34m. Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior’s exits have offset some of those fees.

Brighton has been enthusiastic thus far, having already broken the £100m mark. The Seagulls have spent money on six signings, the most expensive being a £46m move for Tottenham centre back Luka Vušković. Jan Paul van Hecke’s move in the opposite direction has, however, effectively cancelled out that significant fee. Coventry City have returned to the Premier League after 25 years away, raiding Burnley, Brentford, and Frankfurt for new personnel. But they are yet to make any sales this summer.

Manchester United seem to be focused on restructuring their midfield. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have arrived from Premier League rivals for healthy fees, whilst the permanent departure of Rasmus Hojlund has helped to partially fund their new arrivals. The club have also bid farewell to Jadon Sancho and Casemiro as free agents, which will free up some space on the club’s wage bill.

Like Coventry, Everton remain one of the few teams without any income so far this summer. But David Moyes has invested in youth for the Toffees, with Chelsea’s Tyrique George with the highest profile among his trio of new arrivals.

Premier League Clubs’ Net Spend (10-6)

Rank

Club

Expenditure

Income

Net Spend

10

Arsenal

£68m

£32.5m

-£35.5m

9

Brighton

£108m

£69.5m

-£38.5m

8

Coventry City

£41m

£0

-£41m

7

Manchester United

£83m

£38m

-£45m

6

Everton

£56m

£0

-£56m

5-1

Elliot Anderson England Manchester City 2026 Bradley Collyer/Pool via REUTERS via Action Images

After finishing in the top five biggest spenders last season, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham feature highly once again. But they are joined by the newly-promoted Ipswich, who are nearing £100m in expenditure. Ipswich are yet to pay any eyebrow-raising fees, instead opting for quantity. They have recruited eight players so far, with £24m signing Emersonn the most expensive among them.

Liverpool have lost a few key personnel on free transfers, but they have made two big money signings. Jeremy Jacquet arrives from Rennes after agreeing a £54m deal in January. World Cup winner Víctor Muñoz has also been signed as another strong option on the wing. Manchester City has focused on youth, whilst recouping respectable fees for defensive duo Manuel Akanji and Nathan Aké. But the headline arrival is Elliot Anderson, who makes the move to the Etihad for £116m.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham makeover is full steam ahead with over £200m already spent. Spurs have made a few smart moves in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, with the duo arriving as free transfers. But they have completed a massive outlay so far on Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Mateus Fernandes, with more new faces expected.

But top of the pile are Todd Boehly-backed Chelsea, who sit just shy of £300m spent. A number of lucrative, young players have arrived at Stamford Bridge, such as Marco Palestra, but the intent lies in their two biggest signings. Aston Villa couldn’t resist the £118m bid for Morgan Rogers, with the England international swapping the Midlands for the capital. French defender Maxence Lacroix has also moved across London from Crystal Palace for £52m as Xabi Alonso looks to make an impact during his first season in charge.

Premier League Clubs’ Net Spend (5-1)

Rank

Club

Expenditure

Income

Net Spend

5

Ipswich Town

£84.5m

£7m

-£77.5m

4

Liverpool

£89m

£0

-£89m

3

Manchester City

£150m

£20

-£130m

2

Tottenham Hotspur

£228.5m

£70m

-£158.5m

1

Chelsea

£294m

£113m

-£181m

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Lyrics to the Best Rangers Songs and Chants (Complete Guide)

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Vibrant in blue, Rangers have one of the most vocal followings in British football.

The Glasgow side’s supporters follow their boys in blue through thick and thin — and for good reason. Rangers are Scotland’s most decorated football team. Whether it’s a European night or an Old Firm derby, expect to find Ibrox in full voice.

Here are the anthems that take pride and place in the songbook of the Rangers supporters.

Follow, Follow

Rangers players REUTERS/Chris Furlong/POOL

The official anthem of the club, it is adapted from William O. Cushing’s 19th-century gospel hymn “Follow On.” Repurposed by Gers fans during the early 20th century, it plays at every home game when the players emerge from the tunnel.

Though the streets be broad or narrow,

We will follow, we will go,

Follow, follow, we will follow Rangers,

Go where the Glasgow Rangers go…

Simply the Best​​​​​​

Rangers fan sings Action Images / Lee Smith

Tina Turner’s 1989 classic gets an Ibrox makeover. The iconic track was added to the Rangers’ songbook during the club’s run of nine consecutive league titles in the 1990s. Today, the song still rears its head from time to time, harkening back to a golden era for the Glaswegian side.

Better than all the rest!

Penny Arcade

Rangers fan celebrates Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

American rock-and-roller Roy Orbison made more than just pennies when he released the track in 1969, but the song has found new life as Rangers’ victory song. Reverberating through the speakers after every win at Ibrox, it kickstarts the party for the thousands of fans in Rangers blue.

Hey, look at that, there’s a penny arcade

With a clockwork music that the music box played

And the painted roll that goes round and round

And the carnival sound of a penny arcade…

Blue Sea of Ibrox

Rangers fans Action Images / Lee Smith

A staple since the 1970s, the lyrics paint a picture of Rangers match days and the unity of the club’s support. A blanket of blue scarves, shirts, and flags brought together in song, it is a sight to be seen by any visitor to Ibrox on a Saturday afternoon.

It’s the blue, blue, blue sea of Ibrox (sea of Ibrox),

It’s the greatest sight that I have ever seen (ever seen),

It’s the blue, blue, blue sea of Ibrox (sea of Ibrox),

And it’s part of every Rangers player’s dream.

I’m Feeling It (In the Air)

Tom Lawrence Rangers Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

A relatively new addition to the Rangers songbook, this anthem took hold during the club’s successful 2021-22 campaign. Reimagining the dance remix by Sunset Bros & Mark McCabe, the song sound tracked Rangers’ run to the Europa League Final that season. The euphoric beat of the track was perfect for the dazzling European nights at Ibrox.

I can feel it in the air,

I can feel it everywhere…

We Are the People

Rangers we are the people REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Sometimes the simplest lyrics carry the strongest message. And that certainly rings true for “We Are the People.” Often viewed as the Rangers supporters’ defining chant, it is an anthem that fits every occasion and emotion. It lifts the players and fans when they’re down, and it is roared during moments of celebration. Overall, it lends voice to the community of fans that follow Rangers no matter the weather.

We are, we are, we are the people!

Heart and Hand

Rangers knight Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

A classic, more poetic chant that now only occasionally finds full voice at Ibrox. The phrase “heart and hand”, however, continues to be at the forefront of the club’s identity and fans’ unity. This is a song that remains highly revered by older members of the club’s fanbase and has now found new prominence as the name of Rangers’ most prominent fan-led podcast and independent media network.

With heart and hand, we’ll take our stand

To guard our club and native land.

For Rangers is the name we bear,

The famous jersey we shall wear.

Derry’s Walls

Rangers scarves Action Images / Lee Smith

The traditional anthem dates all the way back to 1689 and the historic Siege of Derry. The defiant cries of “No surrender!” from the defending protestants defined this chapter in Irish history. With the club’s historical and cultural ties to Northern Ireland, Rangers fans adopted the song. Imbuing the lyrics with a fervent energy, the song has become a symbol of defiance and perseverance, whilst also recognising the club’s heritage.

No surrender, no surrender,

We are the boys who will defend!

No surrender, no surrender,

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Chelsea Handed £10m Fine and Suspended Transfer Ban

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Chelsea have been punished following an investigation into 74 alleged breaches of the English Football Association’s regulations.

The Stamford Bridge outfit were initially charged in September after being accused of breaking rules regarding agent regulations, regulations on working with intermediaries, and third-party investment in players.

Those breaches are reported to have taken place between 2009 and 2022, while Roman Abramovich was still in control of the west London club.

FA Announce Chelsea’s Punishment

Xabi Alonso Chelsea 2026 REUTERS/Hollie Adams via Action Images

According to The Athletic, Chelsea have been handed a £10 million fine and a two-window transfer ban, which has been suspended until 30 June 2027.

They were also given a six-point deduction, but that has since been withdrawn after appeal. A statement from the English FA confirmed:

“Chelsea FC admitted to the 74 breaches of FA Rule E1.2 prior to a hearing and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed a six-point deduction, which was to be suspended until 30 June 2027, and a £10 million fine.

“The club appealed against the suspended points deduction and an independent Appeal Board allowed the appeal and set aside this sanction following a further hearing. In its place, the Appeal Board imposed a registration ban for two complete and consecutive transfer windows which is suspended until 30 June 2027.”

More to follow.

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