Liverpool agree first professional contract with ‘Polish Messi’

Liverpool have agreed a first professional contract with 17-year-old winger Mateusz Musialowski, a player who has already been dubbed the ‘Polish Messi’ by Reds fans following a sensational solo goal in the Under-18 Premier League last season.

That effort from Musialowski, who joined Liverpool from Polish club SMS Lodz last summer when he was just 16, was named the Under-18 Premier League goal of the season.

At the time, the teenager even said he has specifically modelled that side of his game on Messi by watching the way that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner players.

“When I see the space, I just go for it. I have seen a lot of Lionel Messi goals like that, so I try to be like him and I want to repeat it,” Musialowski explained.

Liverpool are clearly suitably impressed with Musialowski, who turns 18 in October, to offer him professional terms. He finished last season with eight goals and three assists in 19 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League, with a further four goals in six FA Youth Cup games.

The next obvious step would be to make the jump to Under-23 level this season and establish himself at a higher level.

In the meantime, however, he was part of the 34-man first-team squad that reported for pre-season duty earlier this summer and will be hoping to impress Jurgen Klopp and Pep Lijnders, as well as learn from the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Liverpool have upcoming pre-season games against Wacker Innsbruck, Stuttgart, Mainz and Hertha during the ongoing mini-camp in Austria, where Musialowski could hope to get on the pitch.

Mateusz MusialowskiMateusz Musialowski

Musialowski joined Liverpool’s pre-season tour squad this summer / Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The Wacker Innsbruck and Stuttgart games are being played on the same day behind closed doors and will only be 30 minutes apiece, but Musialowski and other youngsters could get a chance to be involved in one or the others. The subsequent Mainz game will be an hour long.

For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!

Mikel Arteta hails mature Bukayo Saka for ‘trophy bigger than the Euros’

Mikel Arteta has backed Bukayo Saka to handle the pressure this season, following on from his behaviour and performances over the past year which have earned the 19-year old ‘respect and admiration’ from Arsenal and England fans.

Saka did himself immensely proud during the 2020/21 campaign, earning the Gunners’ player of the season award and breaking into Gareth Southgate’s starting XI at Euro 2020.

The 19-year old performed admirably throughout the tournament but, after missing England’s final spot kick in their penalty shootout loss to Italy in the final, suffered racist abuse online. After coming out with his head held high claiming ‘love always wins’, Arteta said the teenager earned a bigger trophy than the European Championships.

“Obviously he had some tough days after what happened in the final but I think you have to look at the whole picture,” Arteta said, quoted by The Mirror. “This kid, at 19 years old, has played almost every game in the Premier League. He was our Player of the Season, I think he has earned the respect and admiration of everyone at the football club.

“But not only that, he’s gone to an international stage, he started the European competition with an injury and still he has managed to be in the starting XI,” he continued. “He reached the final and he couldn’t lift that trophy but I think he has a much bigger trophy than that, and that’s that now he really knows that in good and bad moments, everybody at the club, every Arsenal fan and every English fan is right behind him.

“He has earned that with his behaviour, his talent and with the way he is. That’s going to be there for the rest of his life. A trophy is there in the wardrobe and then you have to be the man in the next one. But what he has achieved and how he has united people is very powerful and he should be really, really proud of that.”

Mikel Arteta, Bukayo SakaMikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka

Mikel Arteta with Bukayo Saka / Michael Steele/Getty Images

Arteta has tasked Saka to be ‘the man’ next term, as Arsenal look to vastly improve on an underwhelming campaign last time out. The Gunners finished the Premier League campaign in eighth place, missing out on European football altogether.

“The maturity that he has shown at his age is pretty special, I have not seen many of those – and now he is going to have to cope with other things over the next year, it is going to be about expectations,” Arteta said.

“Can he do it again? Can he raise his game again, can he improve, can he keep making better decision, be more consistent, start to win more regularly? That is the thing that he needs to do that at this very early stage in his career.”

Real Madrid ‘stuck with’ Gareth Bale as no offers emerge

Gareth Bale will remain at Real Madrid beyond this summer after the Spanish giants conceded they would be unable to offload the Welshman in the coming months.

Bale has yet to meet up with his Real colleagues for pre-season as he’s currently away on holiday following his Euro 2020 campaign with Wales, though he’s expected to return to the club on July 23.

Los Blancos had hoped the forward’s performances at this summer’s European Championship would be enough to tempt a buyer into tabling an offer for Bale, but with no offers forthcoming Mundo Deportivo report that the club have now accepted they’ll have to ‘put up with’ him.

The former Tottenham man enjoyed a glittering start to his time at the Santiago Bernabeu – playing a key role in Real’s extraordinary achievement of notching four Champions League crowns in five years – but his relationship with the club and the fans has turned sour in recent seasons.

Having fallen out of favour with former boss Zinedine Zidane towards the end of the 2019/20 campaign, Bale was shipped out on loan to former club Spurs as he looked to regain match fitness ahead of Euro 2020.

Related Articles

Real Madrid made a profit in 2020/21Real Madrid made a profit in 2020/21

Real Madrid record small profit during 2020/21 season

Real Madrid made a small profit during the COVID-hit 2020/21 season.

Tom Gott

|

Florentino Perez can't stay away from a scandalFlorentino Perez can't stay away from a scandal

Florentino Perez: The best of the Real Madrid president’s leaked comments

The best leaks from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, with comments on Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho, Iker Casillas, Raul, Luis Figo, Mesut Ozil & more

Tom Gott

|

Kylian Mbappe expects Real to make another move for himKylian Mbappe expects Real to make another move for him

Kylian Mbappe expecting Real Madrid to make fresh attempt to sign him

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe is anticipating another offer from Real Madrid as they desperately try to convince Les Parisiens to sell him.

Ross Jackson

|

Varane is 'available' for transferVarane is 'available' for transfer

Man Utd target Raphael Varane ‘available’ for transfer in Real Madrid clear-out

Man Utd transfer news: Target Raphael Varane is ‘available’ for a move away from Real Madrid this summer

Max Cooper

|

Despite showing glimpses of his class, the Welshman was unable to showcase his prodigious talent on a consistent basis and new boss Nuno Espirito Santo has now ruled out a permanent move for Bale.

Reappointed Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has already admitted Bale will be part of his plans for next season, though it seems such a statement has only been made off the back of Real’s inability to find a buyer, rather than Ancelotti’s desire to keep hold of him.

As one of the club’s top earners, Bale’s presence at the La Liga giants is also hampering their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.

Gareth Bale's Real career has turned sourGareth Bale's Real career has turned sour

Gareth Bale’s Real career has turned sour / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

The Frenchman is understood to want to move to Madrid but Real’s ongoing financial woes mean they’re not in a position to stump up the huge sum of money required to sign him – financial woes that would undoubtedly be eased by the sale of Bale.

But for now it seems he’s going nowhere, and Real have been forced to accept they’ll have to wait until his contract expires next summer to shift him off their wage bill.

Where Chelsea’s loan army stands ahead of 2021/22

Here we are again. It’s the summer transfer window, and that means it’s time for Chelsea to figure out what they’re doing with their bazillion loan players.

With FIFA rules limiting loans and Chelsea plotting a £150m bid for a certain Frankenstein-esque Norwegian, the Blues need to cut down on the amount of players on the books, and the culling has already started this summer.

Here’s a look at where those in the loan army find themselves ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Fikayo TomoriFikayo Tomori

Milan did not hesitate to sign Tomori / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

The biggest departure so far, centre-back Tomori joined AC Milan permanently after his impressive loan spell last season.

Chelsea brought in the best part of £30m for the 23-year-old, and that’s gone right into the transfer kitty.

Moses’ loan to Spartak Moscow turned permanent when the Russian side secured a top-three finish earlier this year. It brought an end to Moses’ nine-year spell at the Bridge, with Chelsea pocketing around £4m.

Spartak are genuinely in love with Moses. Their Twitter feed is just full of pictures of him accompanied with captions like ‘OMG HE’S THE KING’. Wholesome content.

Marco Van GinkelMarco Van Ginkel

Van Ginkel has finally joined PSV permanently / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Once touted as the new Frank Lampard, Van Ginkel was granted a free transfer to PSV after spending the last few years on loan in Eindhoven.

Countless serious injuries have hampered Van Ginkel’s progress, but here’s hoping he can turn it around.

Lucas PiazonLucas Piazon

Piazon left midway through the season / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Chelsea cut their ties with Piazon back in January, allowing him to join Portuguese side Braga.

It’s safe to say the 27-year-old never really lived up to his billing of The Second Coming of Kaka during his time at Chelsea.

Danilo PanticDanilo Pantic

Pantic’s forgettable spell is over / Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

Six years after joining Chelsea from Partizan Belgrade, Pantic has returned to the Serbian side permanently.

The 24-year-old never even came close to making an appearance for the Blues.

Looking to continue his momentum in the senior game, Gilmour will spend the 2021/22 season with Norwich City.

He stole the show at Euro 2020 with a dazzling performance against England and will hope to deliver more of that this season.

There are very high hopes for 18-year-old Colwill, who is set for his first taste of senior football with Huddersfield.

The centre-back penned a new four-year deal before heading up to Yorkshire.

Dutch wing-back Juan Castillo will spend the coming season on loan with Birmingham.

He did well in the Eredivisie towards the end of last season and is looking to show the world why he was in such high-demand during his days in the academy.

Continuing his climb up the Football League, young goalkeeper Nathan Baxter is linking up with Championship side Hull City this year.

Now 22, Baxter has impressed at every level from non-league to League One, and he even did well in the Scottish Premiership in 2019/20.

A debutant under Jose Mourinho back in 2015, Brown’s time at the club is up.

His contract expired this summer after his loan with Sheffield Wednesday came to an end, and he has since joined Preston North End.

Jamal BlackmanJamal Blackman

Blackman was released / James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

Academy graduate Blackman’s chances of actually appearing for Chelsea are now over.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who spent last season with Rotherham, is on the hunt for a new employer this year.

Having now recovered from his Achilles injury, Loftus-Cheek is looking to get his career back on track.

Last season didn’t go exactly to plan with Fulham, but Tuchel has confessed to being a fan of Loftus-Cheek already. The door is open to a return.

After a scorching start to life with Aston Villa, Barkely’s form petered out as the season progressed and now he’s back at square one.

With so much competition in the 10 role, Barkley might be facing an uphill battle to get back into the picture, but you know he’s going to try.

Armando BrojaArmando Broja

Broja was excellent with Vitesse / ANP Sport/Getty Images

Last year, Broja managed ten goals in the Eredivisie with everyone’s favourite loan side, Vitesse, and he did enough to play his way into the first-team fold.

With Olivier Giroud gone and Tammy Abraham tipped to follow, there could be a spot in the squad for the 19-year-old, but another loan may be the best move.

Ethan AmpaduEthan Ampadu

Ampadu is looking to get things back on track / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

A few slow years haven’t helped Ampadu’s development, so 2021/22 needs to be a big year for the Welshman.

He was a regular for Sheffield United last season and looks capable of playing a role for a Premier League side, but the question is whether he is ready to do that at Chelsea.

Malang SarrMalang Sarr

Sarr had a mixed time with Porto / Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

In 12 months at Porto, Sarr managed to get banished to the reserves and pocket Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League. Busy.

The 22-year-old flashed glimpses of his high potential and he’ll be hoping to get a chance to prove that at the Bridge.

With West Brom, Gallagher proved he has a future at the highest level, but he’s not yet ready to compete with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho for minutes.

He could stay at Chelsea as a backup, but another loan away for some consistent playing time is probably best for the 21-year-old.

Marc GuehiMarc Guehi

Guehi is heading to Palace / Athena Pictures/Getty Images

Despite major hopes that he could be the next academy star, Guehi is off to Crystal Palace.

The Eagles have paid big for the young centre-back, but at least Chelsea have secured matching rights for any future bid.

Michy BatshuayiMichy Batshuayi

Batshuayi’s time at Chelsea is up / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

He’s popped up with some big goals during his time at Chelsea, but that’s about it.

Batshuayi’s last loan spell at Palace was pretty poor, hammering the final nail in the coffin of his Chelsea career. With just one year left on his contract, expect a cut-price sale.

Davide ZappacostaDavide Zappacosta

Zappa did well with Genoa / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

One of the many needless signings of the Antonio Conte era, Zappacosta had a quietly impressive loan spell with Genoa last year.

Now 29 and with one year on his deal, Chelsea will look to capitalise on his high stock and offload him to a Serie A side.

Tiemoue BakayokoTiemoue Bakayoko

Bakayoko is one of the most valuable loanees / Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images

Bakayoko still has value, it’s just not clear to whom.

Chelsea want to send him to Italy, where he has enjoyed some decent loan spells in the past. They won’t get anywhere near the £40m they paid for him, but Bakayoko should generate a decent sum.

Danny DrinkwaterDanny Drinkwater

Chelsea will look to offload Drinkwater / Harry Trump/Getty Images

Completing the group of Conte signings with one year left on their deal is Drinkwater, who is a firm contender for the worst signing in club history.

His spell in Turkey with Kasimpasa was as average as you’d probably expect, and Chelsea will likely be willing to let him go for free just to end this hell once and for all.

Trevoh ChalobahTrevoh Chalobah

Chalobah was excellent with Lorient / Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

As a towering defensive midfielder with top-flight experience, there had been real hope that Chalobah would get a shot in the Chelsea team this season, but then came the rumours.

Chalobah has been tipped to leave the club this summer, with a handful of Championship sides keeping a close eye on him.

Ike UgboIke Ugbo

Ugbo was superb for Cercle Brugge / KURT DESPLENTER/Getty Images

With 16 goals in 32 appearances in the Belgian league last year, Ugbo has earned himself a big move this summer.

Teams across the continent are chasing the 22-year-old, and Chelsea will be keen to cash in as he enters the final year of his contract.

Matt MiazgaMatt Miazga

Miazga hopes to leave permanently / Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images

Miazga has confessed to wanting out this summer, and you can’t really blame him for that.

The 25-year-old defender has been all across Europe on loans and is clearly not going to make it at Chelsea, so finding him a permanent home is in everyone’s best interests.

KenedyKenedy

Kenedy impressed with Granada / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Rumours Kenedy could be shipped back to Brazil came as a bit of a surprise considering he actually had a very solid season on loan in Spain with Granada last year.

He’s done enough to generate a solid sum when he is sold this summer, but where he might end up is currently unclear.

Lewis BakerLewis Baker

Baker has been on 8 loans / Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Now 26 and returning from his eighth loan, Baker will be sold this summer if Chelsea can find a permanent buyer.

The midfielder has 12 months left on his contract, so his time at Chelsea is coming to an end soon anyway, but his solid performances with Trabzonspor last season might earn him an earlier exit.

One of the many loanees to be bitten by the injury bug, Baba managed a decent spell with Greek side PAOK last season and looks to be regaining his fitness.

That should mean buyers aren’t as scared of bidding for him this summer, but Chelsea may be forced to agree to one final loan if no suitors come forward.

Arsenal agree £50m Ben White transfer fee with Brighton

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Brighton centre-back Ben White after agreeing a £50m deal to sign the Englishman.

The Gunners are looking to rejuvenate their defence this summer and quickly set their sights on White, who made his England debut in the build-up to Euro 2020 and was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad that reached the final.

For White, the summer fun doesn’t stop there as The Sun state that Arsenal have agreed to Brighton’s £50m asking price to sign him. News of an agreement has since been backed up by David Ornstein.

Earlier bids of £40m and £42m had been shot down, with Brighton keen to collect the full £50m for the 23-year-old, whose spot in the England squad only added a little extra to his price tag.

Personal terms on a five-year contract have already been agreed with White’s representatives, meaning just a medical stands in the way of the youngster becoming one of the most expensive English players of all time.

White is currently away on holiday following the conclusion of Euro 2020, but once he returns, he will head over to north London for the medical checks.

Interestingly, it’s suggested that Arsenal had to fight off late interest in White’s signature from Chelsea, who were recently tipped to try and move for the 23-year-old as part of their own search for a new centre-back.

Whether the Blues actually bid or not is unclear, but it’s irrelevant now anyway as Arsenal are finally closing in on their man.

Landing White will be the biggest part of what has already been a hectic summer for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Mikel ArtetaMikel Arteta

Arteta has had a busy summer / Steve Welsh/Getty Images

Young left-back Nuno Tavares has already joined the club for around £8m and a £15m deal for Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is in the works. There are also plans to splash out on another midfielder, with Lyon’s Houssem Aouar and Lille’s Renato Sanches two of several targets on the radar.

Arsenal have also voiced an interest in signing Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, who could cost in the region of £40m.