Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 17/10/23...

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FSA: Fulham Fans Plan Ticket Price Protest
Fulham fans are calling on supporters to demonstrate outside Craven Cottage before next month's home game against Manchester United over the club's "completely misguided" ticket pricing.

That home game against Manchester United features some truly eye-watering matchday ticket prices, including £160 in the new Riverside Stand with cheapest ticket in the Hammersmith End still a staggering £67. A huge jump on the same fixture from last season.

Supporter groups are now calling for action - Fulham Supporters' Trust and Fulham Lillies said this week that the club's ticket pricing was "alienating a large part of our core fan base to the extent that increasing numbers just can't afford to come to a game."



https://mailchi.mp/thefsa/fan-mail-fulham-fans-call-for-action-over-clubs-ticket-prices-sustainable-travel-charter-launched?e=10c0d6d00a

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Bowie stars for Scotland Under-21s in victory over Hungary
The Fulham loanee opened the scoring with a fine individual goal

On-loan Cobblers forward Kieron Bowie was the standout performer with two goals as Scotland enjoyed a 3-1 victory over Hungary in an under-21 Euro 2025 qualifier at Fir Park.

The Fulham forward, on loan at Sixfields, drove in an angled finish for a fine solo effort before heading home from a Max Johnston cross. Liverpool winger Ben Doak slotted in a penalty on 32 minutes, with Hungary's Barnabas Kovacs replying before half-time.

Bowie's opener came after just two minutes as he powered forward from his own half and cut in from the left, holding off two challenges, before sliding the ball into the bottom corner. Soon after, he rose well to steer in a terrific first-time cross from the galloping Johnston.

Bowie could be in action again on Tuesday evening when Scotland face Malta at the same venue.



https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/bowie-stars-for-scotland-under-21s-in-victory-over-hungary-4372894

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Harry Wilson Joins Ben Davies In Calling Out Wales Chief Over Lack Of Support For Rob Page
Wales' two-goal hero Harry Wilson has repeated the claims of his captain and teammate Ben Davies that comments from FAW chief Noel Mooney were "not helpful" prior to their stunning Euro 2024 victory over Croatia.

Wilson celebrated his 50th cap with a brilliant double as Wales boosted their Euro 2024 automatic qualification hopes with a 2-1 win in Cardiff.

The victory came after FAW chief executive Mooney had piled the pressure on manager Rob Page by declaring there would be a review of Page's position as soon as the qualifiers were over and suggested that Wales "had to keep winning" in order for the manager to keep his job.

Those remarks angered the Welsh players, especially when reports emerged at the weekend claiming that Mooney had been behind a summer attempt to dump Page and replace him with Roy Keane.

The comments were branded unhelpful by Daves on the eve of the Croatia game and in an interview after the match with S4C, Wilson said: "We were always confident in the quality we have got in this group and we are 100 per cent behind the manager.

"We know there has been a lot of noise from the outside and some comments that weren't helpful for us or for our preparation – some were from people we didn't really expect to make those comments, to be honest."

Wales came into the contest knowing victories in their final three group games were probably necessary to secure a top-two place and avoid the play-offs in March.

Page's side still have to work to do in November – away to Armenia and at home to group leaders Turkey – but upsetting the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists in such fashion offers great encouragement.

This win takes Wales into second place above Croatia by virtue of them having done better in their head-to-head ties, the Dragons having drawn their opening game of the campaign 1-1 in Split in March.

The result will ease the pressure on manager Page, who awoke to newspaper headlines on Saturday morning linking Keane to his job.

Page vowed he would shut out all external noise at his pre-match press conference in which he became visibly emotional, and that chatter will now surely dim after this result.

Fulham star Wilson added: "It was a big night for me, personally, to represent my country 50 times.

"It's something I never could have dreamed of, so I'm super proud of that.

"But tonight wasn't about me, it was about the team.

"We watched the Croatia game on Thursday night and the result went against us. We knew we had to produce something special tonight and thankfully we have done that.



https://www.dai-sport.com/harry-wilson-joins-ben-davies-in-calling-out-wales-chief-over-lack-of-support-for-rob-page/

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Internationals: Dream 50th Cap For Harry

Harry Wilson inspired Wales to one of their most famous wins on Sunday night, to keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2024.

It was already a landmark evening for the Fulham man, as he made his 50th appearance for his country, exactly 10 years on from his debut.

Croatia were the visitors to the Cardiff City Stadium, with both teams knowing that victory would put qualification in their own hands.

Wilson had already gone close in the first half with an excellent free-kick that was saved by Dominik Livaković, but he did get the better of him soon after the break, running onto David Brooks' ball and coolly lobbing the Croatia goalkeeper.

Cymru were in dreamland on the hour mark when Wilson doubled his tally, deftly flicking a cross from former Whites loanee Dan James inside the far post.

Mario Pasalic ensured a nervy finale when he headed in with 15 minutes to play, but Wales held on to secure a huge win. Victory in their final two matches against Armenia and Turkey next month will confirm their place in Germany in the summer.

"It was a big night for me personally, representing my country 50 times is something I couldn't have dreamt of," Wilson said afterwards.

"Tonight wasn't about me, it was about the team. We're always confident in the quality we've got in the group."

Belgium's place at the tournament is now confirmed after their 3-2 victory in Austria, with Timothy Castagne setting up the opening goal.

He played the full 90 minutes at right-back for the Red Devils, who have qualified with two games to spare.

Castagne will be joined in Germany by João Palhinha, whose Portugal side defeated Slovakia by the same scoreline.

Palhinha featured for the first 86 minutes in the pouring Porto rain, as Portugal made it seven wins from seven in qualifying.

Slovakia – who had Marek Rodák on the bench – remain second in Group J, meaning qualification is still very much in their hands.

Serbia missed the chance to go top of Group G when they were beaten 2-1 in Hungary.

Saša Lukić played 84 minutes for his country, who still have some work to do to ensure they're at the Euros.

In friendly action, Bernd Leno was an unused substitute as Germany defeated Tim Ream's United States 3-1 in Connecticut, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi both featured in Nigeria's 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia in Portugal, and Raúl Jiménez helped Mexico to a 2-0 win over Ghana.

In the CONCACAF Nations League, Jamaica won both their games last week, with Bobby De Cordova-Reid captaining the side and scoring the final goal of their 4-1 win over Grenada.

Academy striker Kieron Bowie fired two goals past Hungary on Friday to give Scotland their first EURO 2025 Qualifier win.

The forward, currently on loan at Northampton Town, struck just two minutes in to give his side a dream start in Motherwell. It was some finish from the 21-year-old, who glided past a number of Hungary defenders before calmly slotting into the far bottom corner.

Things got even better for him five minutes later, when his excellent header doubled Scotland's lead.

Watch Kieron's stunning opener below...

#SCO21s | A terrific goal from Kieron Bowie to open the scoring at Fir Park!

➡️Watch live: https://t.co/9yGRZ85rqm#YoungTeam pic.twitter.com/sOatTiGlSV

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 13, 2023

Ibane Bowat continued to get minutes under his belt, featuring for the full game at the heart of the Scotland defence. On another day, he could've got himself on the scoresheet too when his late rocket from range almost made it 4-1.

The boys will be in action again on Tuesday, when they host Malta in their third qualifier.

Adrion Pajaziti scored for Albania Under-21s for a second succesive game on Friday, but his side slipped to a 4-1 defeat against Finland. Having won their first two qualifiers, with Adrion scoring a late winner in their recent 3-2 win over Romania, they still sit in a strong position in Group E.

They will look to bounce back to winning ways on Tuesday, when they go head-to-head with Montenegro.

After spending some time with the First Team, Luke Harris stepped in for the Under-21s on Friday against Czech Republic. The youngster led the line for the full 90 minutes but was unable to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion. Cian Ashford's dramatic 96th minute strike gave Wales a 1-1 draw.

Ollie O'Neill came on for the final seven minutes for Republic of Ireland Under-21s, who narrowly beat Latvia 2-1 to make it three wins from three in qualifying.

It was a tough international break opener for George Okkas on Friday, with Cyprus Under-21s suffering a 3-0 defeat to Slovenia. George continued to play a big part for his country, who face a tough challenge on Tuesday against France.

Two of our lads started for England Under-17s, who drew 2-2 with Norway having beaten them two days prior. Samuel Amissah and Jonathan Esenga both started for the young Lions, with the former playing the full game. Midfielder Josh King was also introduced with 20 minutes remaining.

The boys will now turn their attention to the UEFA Under-17 Championship first qualifying round, which begins with their match against Faroe Islands on Friday 3 November.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/16/internationals-dream-50th-cap-for-harry/

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Latest Tottenham injury news as five miss Fulham with Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-Min update
Tottenham injury news as Brennan Johnson gets major boost ahead of Fulham with Ange Postecoglou advantage

 Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham were the first team to play in the last round of Premier League games and will be the last in action next weekend. The extra days of break that it provides Ange Postecoglou and the members of his squad could be crucial.

Having put everything into the scrappy 1-0 win over Luton before the fortnight of disruption, Postecoglou and his men have been able to enjoy their place at the top of the Premier League table but could find themselves back down in fourth by the time they kick-off against Fulham on Monday.

What the extra period between games does do, though, is give returning international players more recovery time. Cristian Romero will be in action with Argentina on Wednesday morning, just three days before the early kick-off and his teammate Alexis Mac Allister plays for Liverpool at home to Everton on Saturday.

With a long journey back and plenty of reliance on both players, Postecoglou will be able to plan for a fitter and less fatigued South American star compared to Jurgen Klopp. The same is true of Richarlison. He played in Brazil's 1-1 draw with Venezuela on Friday and will be similarly in action on Wednesday morning before a long journey back, the extra two days of recovery time could be priceless for him.

For others in the squad it is simply more time to get over niggles and knocks that they have picked up in recent weeks. Brennan Johnson has only played twice since joining Tottenham from Nottingham Forest on deadline day. He has struggled to find fitness and an injury-free period but was left out of Rob Page's Wales side for the international break and could find himself in line to play against Fulham.

"The communication between us and Tottenham has been first-class. It's about having mutual respect," Page said ahead of his team's Euro 2024 qualifiers with Croatia and Armenia. "Both managers want a talented player fit so it's about working together. I'm not going to insist that he has to come away and we're going to play him, jeopardise his safety and health.

"I wouldn't do that. But they also understand the importance of our games. We've had great conversations with them, but ultimately his injury will dictate whether he can meet up or not."

Elsewhere for the Australian manager there are only long-term injury worries to deal with. Rodrigo Bentancur, Ryan Sessegnon, Ivan Perisic and Manor Solomon are all out whilst Bryan Gil made a long-awaited return to the squad last time out.. Bentancur is the closest to a return his Spanish teammate being available for selection once more.

Bentancur is unlikely to be back until the next international break in mid-November but will provide a key boost for his head coach once up to sharpness again. Luckily for Postecoglou there have been no new worries picked up during the break for him to take into account.

Son Heung-Min hadn't been playing at 100% before the time away but was handed a rest for South Korea in their win over Tunisia last week. Managed by former Spurs striker Jurgen Klinsmann, Son is set to face Vietnam with his country on Tuesday but due to it only being a friendly may see him given a reduced role as well.

James Maddison started England's win over Austalia but was taken off in the second half. He could find himself in action for Gareth Southgate's side for the more important Euro 2024 qualifying clash with Italy on Tuesday but luckily is already in London and has even been training at Tottenham as part of the preparations with the Three Lions for this game.

With less travel on his plate it is certainly another one that hands Postecoglou a marginal gain.



https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/latest-tottenham-injury-news-five-27916737

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Former Sheffield United man gets full backing as international rescue kicks in
The pressure had been on the former Sheffield United man after some poor results but one win has breathed life into the challenge

Wales hero Harry Wilson has backed manager Rob Page and says he has the full support of his players while taking an apparent swipe at the Association's chief executive Noel Mooney.

Page's position came under the spotlight before Wales' stunning 2-1 home win over Croatia in Euro 2024 qualifying on Sunday. Mooney revealed that Page's future will be reviewed next month should Wales fail in their bid to qualify automatically for next summer's tournament.

Captain Ben Davies said on the eve of the Croatia game that Mooney's comments were "not helpful", a point picked up on by Wilson after the Fulham forward had scored twice to lift Wales into the second automatic qualifying spot in Group D.

"We're 100 per cent behind the manager," Wilson told S4C after Wales' win over the world's sixth-ranked team. We know there's been a lot of noise from the outside and some comments that weren't helpful for us in our preparation from people we didn't really expect the comments to come from to be honest."

Wilson marked his 50th Wales appearance with a first brace for his country, a deft chip over Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and a glancing header from Daniel James' cross taking his goal tally to eight.

It came 10 years to the day since Wilson made his debut against Belgium to become Wales' youngest-ever player at the age of 16 years and 207 days.

Wilson said: "It was a big night for me personally, representing my country 50 times is something I couldn't have dreamed of. I'm super proud of that. But it wasn't about me, it was about the team and putting on the performance we all wanted."

Page himself said: "I would say it's the best performance (of his three-year reign), I am immensely proud.

"There was unnecessary noise coming into it, with me fighting fires. I didn't need any player to speak, I see the players want to play for me. I had a text from the chief executive today, before that, not for five weeks.

"I just want to concentrate on the football, we are two games away from qualifying for another major tournament, a fourth in five. We believe we can do it. We need to do the same (in November) as we did in this camp."

Wales' victory over the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists puts automatic qualification for the European Championship in their own hands going into the final two group games.

They meet Armenia in Yerevan on November 18 before hosting group leaders Turkey in Cardiff three days later. Turkey's 4-0 win over Latvia on Sunday secured qualification for next summer's showpiece in Germany.

Wales will join them by winning their final two games, even if Croatia do likewise against Latvia and Armenia next month. Teams are ranked according to their head-to-head performance if level on points.

Wales drew 1-1 away to Croatia in March and took four points from them – and would actually top the group by winning their final two games.

Wilson said: "We watched their game on Thursday night (Croatia lost 1-0 at home to Turkey) and the result went against us. So we knew we had to produce something special and thankfully we've done that."

From PA



https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/former-sheffield-united-man-gets-full-backing-as-international-rescue-kicks-in-4373581

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Find Billy The Badger This Half-Term

Join us at Craven Cottage for an extra special Stadium Tour as you help us to find Billy the Badger!

Why not treat the family this half-term as you tour around Fulham's iconic ground whilst helping to seek out Billy.

This exclusive tour commences on Friday 27th October at 1pm, from outside the Johnny Haynes Statue on Stevenage Road. You'll be guided around all of the key areas of the ground including the home and away dressing rooms, the historic Cottage itself and much more!

Tickets for this tour are priced at £50 for adults, £30 for over 65's and £30 for juniors, with each junior guest receiving a gift for their hard work in the search.

Guests can book their space online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 0203 841 9057.

SECURE YOUR PLACE

You can find out more about our Stadium Tours including our gallery, FAQs and reviews here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/16/find-billy-the-badger-this-half-term/

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The 10th anniversary of the Premier League's most underrated goal


Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

NEVER FORGET
October 2013 was a simpler time. Nobody had ever heard of Brexit, or the Famileigh, or Gianni Infantino [unless you were a Uefa tombola nerd – Football Daily Ed]. As a society, we didn't worry about bedbugs or video assistant referees. Football Daily lived freely, could drink as much Tin as wanted without fear of recrimination from any smaller Football Dailies that were pattering around the place, looking for the remote. If we wanted to watch Crystal Palace v Fulham on a school night, then that's what happened.

And that's exactly what did happen, exactly a decade ago this week, as this tea-timely email enjoyed yet another fabulous TV dinner in front of the box, as one of the Premier League's most outrageous volleys was beamed into its living room, courtesy of Fulham's Pajtim Kasami. This was a golden era of Barclays. After Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement a few months earlier, it felt like anything was possible. Michu had morphed into a Spanish Rivaldo down in south Wales, Stoke City were on course for a top-half finish and Martin Jol – the maverick – had paired Darren Bent up top with Dimitar Berbatov for Fulham.

But despite a late Philippe Senderos scissor kick sealing a 4-1 win for the Cottagers, the night belonged to Kasami and his wonder strike: a goal so precise and fluid that one could pour it into a bronze cast, allow it to set and erect it as a statue outside the away end at Selhurst Park; a goal so previously underrated (it didn't even win Match of the Day's Goal of the Month) until a few years ago, when the streets remembered that they had forgotten about the strike, and decided that they would – from that day forward – never forget again.

Only Kasami knows how the goal came to pass. The Swiss international was playing on the left wing, but for some beautiful reason traversed the pitch, took an inch-perfect pass from Sascha Riether on his chest while galloping down the right flank, and without breaking stride, walloped a zinging volley with his weaker right foot into the top corner from 25 acute yards. Blink and you missed it, but this was a moment of rare genius. "Everything happened so fast. It's a goal of instinct; you score it and don't think about it too much but after you realise: 'Wow, what a goal,'" Kasami later told Big Website. "It was a perfect goal; with the pass, the run I made, the way I controlled it and then hit it with my weaker foot, everything was on point." Perhaps in 2033 we will look back on this Monday night with the same fondness. Clips of Gibraltar v Republic of Ireland, or the international friendly between Russia and Kenya could litter the internet for years to come. But if not, we will always have 2013 and for that, Football Daily is thankful.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/10th-anniversary-premier-league-most-154259662.html

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Fulham: Cottagers set to join race for "excellent" Mitrovic replacement
Marco Silva is considering a move for a new centre-forward who is in remarkable form.

Fulham could look to enter the running to sign a new striker in January, with a reliable journalist claiming that he would be seen as a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Who could Fulham sign?
Over the summer, Marco Silva's side were linked with a swoop for Manchester United's defensive midfielder Scott McTominay, and whilst a deal failed to come to fruition before the deadline, there is a chance that they could make a second attempt at the start of next year.

The Cottagers might consider this because Bayern Munich are set to continue their pursuit of Joao Palhinha having seen a late move fall through in the closing stages of September, so a like-for-like successor will need to be found should he depart.

Despite securing the services of Raul Jimenez, Silva also appears to want to bolster his ranks in the final third and a candidate he may choose to look at is Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy who only joined Sebastian Hoeness' side permanently this summer following a successful loan spell from Stade Rennes (Transfermarkt - Guirassy statistics).

The Guinea international has made a fantastic start to life at the MHP Arena having firmly established himself as the overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 8.80 (WhoScored - Stuttgart statistics), and the 27-year-old's impressive form has caught the eye of several teams in the Premier League.

Serhou Guirassy transfer update
According to Pete O'Rourke who has shared a transfer update on Serhou Guirassy for Football Insider, Fulham are considering joining the list of top-flight clubs who want to secure the centre-forward's services in January. He said:

"The Bees could react with a bid for red-hot Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy if they lose Ivan Toney in January. West Ham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have all also been linked with the 27-year-old. Meanwhile, I'm told Fulham could also enter the race for Guirassy as they search for a long-term Aleksandar Mitrovic replacement.

"The forward, who was previously wanted by English clubs during his time in France, is likely to be a priority target for many Premier League clubs in January."

How many goals has Serhou Guirassy scored?
In the Bundesliga this season, Guirassy has given a new definition to the word prolific by racking up a remarkable 14 contributions, 13 goals and one assist, in just seven appearances, form which has seen him hailed as an "excellent" striker by journalist Josh Bunting.

The Arles native, who is sponsored by Adidas, has also recorded 30 shots so far over the course of the current campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates (FBRef - Stuttgart statistics), displaying his constant desire to hit the back of the net.

Furthermore, Guirassy, who pockets £35k-per-week (Stuttgart salaries), makes a wonderful target man where he's been averaging 3.6 aerial wins per league game (WhoScored - Guirassy statistics), so for an attacker who stands at 6 foot 1, it could well be worth chiefs battling it out with their competitors.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-news-serhou-guirassy-marco-silva-stuttgart-latest-transfer-rumours-updates/

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Bayern Munich still in for Fulham's João Palhinha
Niemals aufgeben and all that.

Bayern Munich may have failed to land João Palhinha on deadline day two months ago, but it does not mean the club has forgotten about him. The Bavarians' interest for the 28-year-old Portuguese midfielder is still alive and kicking, and that they will go again in the January transfer window. Bayern might have to up the ante on their offer, though:

    Bayern Munich have retained an interest in signing João Palhinha during the January transfer window, despite the midfielder's new contract at Fulham. It is understood that Palhinha's new deal does not include a release clause. Bayern were willing to pay around £55 million (€63.5m) for Palhinha in the summer and are likely to need to increase those terms

    – The Daily Telegraph's Mike McGrath as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia

The important thing to note here is that Palhinha does not have a release clause, which means that Fulham can ask for any amount they wish. The Rekordmeister did manage to knock €22 million (£19 million) off Tottenham Hotspur's asking price for Harry Kane, but there is no guarantee that Fulham FC would be any easier.



https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2023/10/16/23918824/bayern-munich-still-in-for-fulham-fc-player-joao-palhinha-tottenham-hotspur-harry-kane-transfer-news

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Bayern Munich contact Man City outcast as January alternative to Joao Palhinha

    Bayern saw a late move for Palhinha collapse in the summer transfer window
    German giants have made contact with Man City over midfielder Kalvin Phillips
    West Ham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham also monitoring the England international

Bayern Munich have made contact with Manchester City over the situation of midfielder Kalvin Phillips ahead of the January transfer window, 90min understands.

The Bundesliga champions chased Fulham star Joao Palhinha late in the summer but couldn't get a deal over the line before the Portugal international penned a new contract at Craven Cottage.

Palhinha remains Bayern's top target in defensive midfield and his fresh deal with the Cottagers has not put them off, but Thomas Tuchel's side are keeping their options open. 90min understands they are considering Phillips as a potential alternative and have reached out to his entourage to gauge his current status.

England international Phillips has started only two Premier League games since signing from Leeds, where he had a crucial role under influential boss Marcelo Bielsa.

Rodri and John Stones were utilised in front of Man City's defence towards the end of last season, while Mathues Nunes and Mateo Kovacic arrived during the transfer window and have been utilised more frequently than Phillips, who was included in Gareth Southgate's squad for the October international fixtures against Australia and Italy.

The 27-year-old was told he could leave in the summer but decided to stay and fight for more minutes at City, where he is under contract until 2028.

A number of Premier League sides remain keen on Phillips. West Ham are still interested, while Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham are monitoring the situation.

Bayern boss Tuchel is a known admirer of Phillips, having been left impressed by the midfielder's performances for Leeds. Liverpool had also considered a move before Ryan Gravenberch arrived late in the summer window.

The German giants are also facing interest from Man City in Germany international Joshua Kimmich. The 28-year-old's contract will soon enter its final 18 months and he is highly rated by Pep Guardiola, who sees him as one of the best midfielders in world football.



https://www.90min.com/posts/bayern-munich-contact-man-city-outcast-january-alternative-joao-palhinha