Enzo Price Confirmed | Rogers Latest | Sesko Exclusive | Porto Boss Farioli

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[00:00:02][music] [music] >> Hello and welcome to Market Madness, the podcast from GiveMeSport where everyday is like deadline day. I'm your host Sophie Evans here to bring you all the latest goings-on in the transfer market.

[00:00:25]With Premier League champions Arsenal still on cloud nine and on the brink of a historic first-ever Champions League title, we're joined by broadcaster and former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke to preview the final. GiveMeSport senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs is also here to bring us the latest breaking transfer news, and if that wasn't enough for you, we'll also hear from Benjamin Sesko on his first year at United, plus champions of Portugal Porto manager Francesco Farioli. This is Market Madness from GiveMeSport.

[00:00:57]>> [music] >> How's it going, Ben? Imagine a very busy time for you at the moment.

[00:01:04]>> So busy. I mean, Anthony Gordon's joined Barcelona subject to a medical. Julian Alvarez bid in. I'll have more details on that in just a moment, but my word, World Cup transfer window quite literally today. We are Market Madness and what a lineup by the way as well.

[00:01:23]>> Now then, at the start of every episode we set you a challenge of answering a question by the end of the show. If you're not busy enough, you've also got to delve into your contact book whilst on air. So, Ben, question challenge this week is where does Morgan Rogers' future lie? Now, as always, Ben has to wait till the end of the show to delve into his contact book and find us an answer to it. I imagine there're going to be a few clubs interested in him, Ben.

[00:01:46]>> Yeah, I mean, Morgan Rogers and a departure is possible. That's the spoiler alert and I'll let you know who I think are the frontrunners at the end of the show.

[00:01:55]>> Keeping us on our toes, Ben. But, sorry, I've just got a bit of a Sorry, I've got a bit of an issue in the bottom of my screen. I've got this red light flashing. Wait, hold on a second.

[00:02:04]It's the transfer siren, which means it's time for some breaking news.

[00:02:16]>> I told Sophie she had to come up with her thing, and it's an invisible red light, which I really like. So, there we go. Red alert, breaking news. And let's get the Barcelona news out the way because it's been a busy 24 48 hours for Barca. First of all, at the time we are live, Anthony Gordon is in Barcelona. He will undergo a medical, and it is a 5-year contract. Newcastle United will receive a package of around 70 million pounds plus a sell-on as well. And this signing was done at lightning pace with an agreement in principle only yesterday. Bayern had been in talks, but they were not prepared to meet Newcastle United's valuation. And I think that this is an indication that Newcastle want to resolve outgoings fast to make sure that they don't end up in the same situation as last summer, when Alexander Isak, of course, and the saga that saw him go to Liverpool overshadowed much of the summer. But Barca are not done yet, and they have got the finances, contrary to some suggestions, to make more signings. And part of the reason why is because Robert Lewandowski's wage is coming off the books. Gordon's is not going to be as high, so there is room for more signings. And let's not forget they've got Champions League football as well.

[00:03:35]Julian Alvarez is the top target, and Barcelona are moving. They've indicated already to Atletico Madrid they are prepared to pay around 100 million euros.

[00:03:47]Atleti want a figure that surpasses the 120 million euros that saw Antoine Griezmann move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in 2019. So, there is a gulf in valuation, but Barca are trying, and Alvarez, despite interest from Arsenal and PSG, is prioritizing a move to Barcelona and waiting to see whether the clubs can reach an agreement. And then Marcus Rashford, where does that leave him? Well, sources had said yesterday that Barca would still have an appetite to try and sign Rashford, but they're trying to negotiate the 30 million euros option to buy, which expires on the 15th of June. Deco since January has been asking Manchester United whether they'd be prepared to do another season-long loan. At the moment, Man United aren't budging, and now Barca are prioritizing Alvarez first. Gordon is going to be through the door subject passing a medical, and that leaves Marcus Rashford with a very nervous wait to see whether he is or isn't going to be a Barcelona player next season.

[00:04:54]>> [music] >> Now, before we start, we need to let you know about our new World Cup 2026 guide, available via the QR code on your screen now. Teaming up with America's iconic TV Guide magazine, Give Me Sport have launched our own special World Cup 2026 guide, providing everything you need to know ahead of the competition kicking off on the 11th of June. Crammed full from front page to back page with key information about the tournament, exclusive interviews with huge names, and our list of the top 100 footballers to watch this summer, this collector's issue is a must-have for anyone who wants to be completely clued up on the World Cup. Give Me Sport's World Cup guide has already hit the shelves and is a limited edition, so make sure you order now to avoid any disappointment.

[00:05:44]Now, let's dive into Ben's mailbag for the latest on the biggest transfer stories. Ben, we've got to talk about Chelsea. We have to talk about Enzo Fernandez. What's the latest with his situation now?

[00:05:55]>> Yeah, so Enzo Fernandez would like to leave Chelsea, but Chelsea's valuation is very high and their preference is to keep. So, it's a bit of a standoff at the moment. As I revealed yesterday, Chelsea value Enzo Fernandez at £120 million, so more than the 106 million that they paid to Benfica, more than just breaking even as far as a potential book loss is concerned. £120 million is the number.

[00:06:21]And that means that Enzo Fernandez at that valuation will not have that many options. His preference is to join Real Madrid. Real are waiting to see whether they're going to go for a six like Rodri or a more versatile midfielder like Enzo Fernandez. Fernandez, don't forget, started as a six at Benfica, but really his Chelsea role has been as an eight and even at times as a 10.

[00:06:47]If it's to be Rodri and Man City have also offered a new contract there, then it could open the door for Aurélien Tchouaméni to depart. If Real Madrid [snorts] look for a slightly more box-to-box midfielder, Manchester United may be left disappointed as far as Tchouaméni is concerned. So, there's a lot of overlap. There's a lot of dominoes that still need to fall. And Enzo Fernandez doesn't yet know whether Real Madrid are definitively going to move for him. And at that price as well, there's a fair chance that the Spanish side will be put off. PSG have been linked, but they've downplayed the possibility of making a move. If anything, the name I'm hearing for PSG and maybe Manchester United is West Ham's Matheus Fernandes. And then the other club linked with Enzo Fernandez is Manchester City, but my information is despite some informal conversations, as you would imagine, Enzo Maresca, Enzo Fernandez close like working together.

[00:07:45]So that has been a little bit of outreach but only really in an early stage or formative sense. But Man City have moved on. Man City are not looking at Enzo Fernandez despite some links, despite those informal chats. They want Eliot Anderson and they're confident on Eliot Anderson even though Manchester United are there as well. So there's a lot of overlap between clubs that are looking for a flagship marquee signing.

[00:08:09]Maybe that means someone will come in for Enzo Fernandez. And even though Chelsea haven't been able to get Fernandez yet to agree to new terms, their preference is to keep. And if that's to change, my information is that the asking price for the Chelsea midfielder is 120 million pounds.

[00:08:28]>> Moving across the channel now, what can you tell us about Filipe Luis and his future?

[00:08:32]>> Yeah, I want to touch on two managers actually, Filipe Luis and Andoni Iraola.

[00:08:35]So Filipe Luis is going to join Monaco, the ex-Flamengo boss and Chelsea player, remember. And this is a bit of a surprise move in many ways. He was actually a candidate for Crystal Palace who have got Andoni Iraola on their radar too. It's a done deal between Monaco and Filipe Luis on a contract until the summer of 2028.

[00:08:58]And this is a big club, huge fan base and a real opportunity for him to kind of announce himself in Europe. And lots of clubs feel that this is one of the next big top coaches in world football.

[00:09:13]And then with Andoni Iraola, I'm expecting a decision on his future before the World Cup, certainly sooner rather than later. Talks, as I revealed with Milan, had taken place and there were face-to-face conversations with Milan as well in a move driven by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but they're not progressing at this stage. So it looks like Milan are not going to get Andoni Iraola. You would think logically that that gives encouragement Crystal Palace, but they're still waiting for an answer as well. And it's actually Leverkusen in the last few days that are ramping up efforts to try and persuade Andoni Iraola that a move to Germany is the next best step in his career. So, Iraola is spoilt for choice. I know a lot of people mention Liverpool, but as of now, there's no vacancy at Liverpool. FSG intend to stick with Arne Slot. If that changes, I'll let you know. It would be a U-turn if they do so, but at this stage, despite links with Iraola and Liverpool, he's not had any conversation with Liverpool yet, simply because Liverpool are trying to support Arne Slot. If that develops, it would be a surprise. And then if there is a vacancy, we can speak about Liverpool and Iraola, but at the moment, it's Leverkusen that are trying to get a deal done quickly, whereas Crystal Palace have already made a lucrative offer, and they're waiting to hear an answer.

[00:10:35]>> Well, we're all excited to see where he ends up. Thanks so much for those updates, Ben. And just remember, for more information on any of these stories and so much more, please head over to givemesport.com.

[00:10:45]This is Market Madness from Give Me Sport.

[00:10:52]>> [music] >> It's time for a quick message from our sponsor who make the show possible. If you're really into football analysis and scouting, you should check out Gradient FC. You might already know Gradient Sports. They actually provide player performance insights to clubs across Europe's top leagues, and now they're bringing those same pro-level insights directly to fans through the Gradient FC app, and it's completely free. What's cool is their player grades go way beyond classic stats. Every match is reviewed by a real team of football experts, former players, coaches, and scouts who evaluate over 2,000 actions per match, not just on outcome, but execution quality. That means a completed pass that leads the receiver into danger is graded negatively, whilst one that puts the receiver in on goal graded positively, adding crucial context to every grade. You can compare players head-to-head, like Harry Kane versus Erling Haaland, dive into advanced metrics like line-breaking passes and dangerous dribbles, and even build a personalized feed with highlights, trends, and football socials around your favorite clubs and [clears throat] players. Honestly, if you love debating transfers, tactics, or who should start on the weekend, this platform is made for you. Scan the QR code on screen, or head to gradientfc.com and download the Gradient FC app for free on the App Store or Google Play.

[00:12:12]What a season it's been for the Gunners.

[00:12:14]After an agonizing 22-year wait, they're finally Premier League champions again, but they're on the cusp of making even more history, hoping to be crowned European champions for the first time ever. Earlier on, I sat down with broadcaster and former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke to preview this Saturday final. Let's take a look.

[00:12:37]>> [music] >> Adrian, we'll talk about the Champions League very soon, but to start off with, how are you feeling about Arsenal lifting that Premier League title?

[00:12:48]>> Feel pretty good. I've got to say, Sophie. Um yeah, look, it's been it's been a brilliant week. Uh uh you know, real real joy to see Arsenal fans celebrating together, cuz this journey that that Arsenal supporters have been on for I guess the last 22 years has been it's been pretty tough at times, and there've been some real lows. So, and and and Arsenal supporters have have have had to suffer, and have had some real disappointments, particularly in recent years where almost won the league, and then and then come up short. So, yeah, no, it felt felt amazing. Um more of a relief than anything, because in my view, Arsenal had to win. They really had to win the Premier League this season Um and I think they deserve to win the to win the title. They were the best team over 38 games. Seven points clear I think was was a nice healthy cushion as well at the end. So yeah, very proud of the team, proud of Arteta and excited for for what's to come obviously at the weekend but also next season and beyond because I think I think this is the start really.

[00:13:53]>> Like you say, it has been such a journey to get to this point. So can you actually begin to put into words what Mikel Arteta has done for the club?

[00:14:00]>> I know wow, yeah. Look, Mikel Arteta inherited a team, a squad, a dressing room that was fractured. A lot of the players didn't really want to be there. Some were well past their best. They weren't hungry and he had to sort of got that squad. He had to get rid of some some fairly high profile players and start again and I'll never forget his first meeting first press conference where he talked about standards, raising the standards, raising the culture or improving the culture on and off the pitch and he's been true to his word. He said he talked about the connection between the fans and the team which when he took over was was kind of dead in the water and he worked so hard on that. And a lot of people cringed. Let's be honest. We saw the documentary. There was the stuff, you know, he was the one who introduced North London forever.

[00:14:49]There was some quirky sort of methods of motivating the team and and also connecting him with the fans in the stadium but it worked because he was building a a team that was better and better each year. The fans jumped on that boat that he kept talking about and honestly, it's it's so much more fun going to games now because everyone is on the same page. Everyone everyone is really loves the team that he's built.

[00:15:15]They really like him and I think there's been a bit of a siege mentality as well with you know, other clubs certainly >> [laughter] >> and I don't blame them for it, but certainly railing against Arsenal in the in the title race. They really didn't want Arsenal to win it. And that as well brought brought every everyone together.

[00:15:30]So, no, look, I can't speak highly of Mikel Arteta. I I think it was a fairly masterful job, really, considering he'd never been a manager before, to take a team that was about 11th, I think, when he took over, to be second, second, second, and then now first, I think is is pretty astonishing. And yeah, I think he deserves all all the credit, all the props that he's getting at the moment. He's he's been amazing.

[00:15:55]>> He's done such a good job of uniting the fans and the players, and so instrumental in the club culture, like you just said. But you get the feeling that this year, like you said, you needed to win. Was it now or never for Arteta to lift that title, do you think?

[00:16:10]>> I don't know. I don't know we we'll never know if it's now or never now, will we? But my sense was that would he be able to go again in terms of like Arsenal finish second four years in a row? Would would he have said, "Look, have I taken the team as far as I can?

[00:16:26]Have I got the energy to go and do it all again?" And and also, I would have looked at some of the players, and most have signed new contracts, most, you know, most of them love being there, and they they want to stay, but had we come up short again, that you know, there was a possibility that one or two may have thought, "You know what? It's maybe it's never going to happen." And that they start to look over their shoulder, they start to look around, what else is there?

[00:16:50]And that would have been a real shame, because they've built such something pretty special, you know, this squad is really unified, and I think it's a top-quality team and squad now. So, yeah, I I You know, in answer to your question, probably. Yeah, I think it was now or never. And it's so I'm so glad he he got it now, because everything changes from here on in. I think that that Mikel Arteta can now go and attract, you know, some seriously good players to to top it up. I think there will be changes this summer, no doubt about that. And that now that the players have climbed to the top of the mountain, I think that they will feel that they can they'll have a little extra spring in their step and they'll be able to go again. So, yeah, I I can't I'm not saying Arsenal going to create some kind of dynasty.

[00:17:35]I'm not saying that.

[00:17:36]I do I do think this team has more to come. Definitely, it can be improved, particularly in the forward area. So, yeah, I'm pretty excited for next year and the year and and the years that are that are going to follow because I'm pretty sure now that Mikel Arteta will be there.

[00:17:51]>> Let's talk about some of those improvements then because obviously as Premier League champions, they are going to attract some of the top talent. Is there anyone that you've had your eye on that you'd love to see sign for Arsenal over the summer?

[00:18:02]>> Oh, where do I start? I mean I mean you can when you when you're the champions, it's like obviously it's not an unlimited checkbook and we know that with Arsenal there are budget street constraints and I think we will have to sell to buy. But obviously Arsenal have earned a lot of money through the Champions League, through the Premier League. So, look, Arsenal have a world-class defense. Don't think there's any doubt about that. It's fantastic. Without the ball, brilliant.

[00:18:27]But of course, the team can can improve in forward areas. I think we could score more goals, can can can add a bit of quality.

[00:18:35]As well as Jota and Havertz have done are doing, you know, both of you know, Jota I think has had a good first season. Havertz has been injured for most of it, but is is quality. I still think there's room for for one more striker and and that look, the one name that that everyone's sort of linking us with at the moment is Julian Alvarez.

[00:18:54]And and that would be a a dream signing, I think, for for Arsenal. He's he's got that bit of magic.

[00:18:59]Not a traditional number nine, but someone that can really make things happen. Technically brilliant, a fantastic ball striker and I think he would he would raise the bar and I I I he'd score a lot of goals in this Arsenal team. You could also potentially play him off of one of the other strikers if you needed to. So, Alvarez would be brilliant. And then you're looking probably at a left winger. Really elite left winger. I like the player at Juventus, Kenan Yildiz. I think he's a player of great potential. Um but I'm hearing that that maybe he's got his eye elsewhere. He might stay at Juventus for another year. Young Turkish player. So, if that doesn't happen, obviously there are reports that Arsenal are in for Morgan Rogers. Now, Morgan Rogers, is he a 10? Is he a left winger? I think he's been just as good on the left wing for for Aston Villa whenever I've seen him and I I could see him being a fairly elite signing to come in on the left of Arsenal's attack. I think he probably would be an upgrade on Trossard and Martinelli. Uh he brings goals, brings assists, brings power. He's another big, physical, strong player and Arsenal have got lots of those at the moment. So, yeah, look, Morgan Rogers and Julian Alvarez are the standouts for me, but neither will come cheap and I'm sure that other clubs will be interested. So, I'm not counting my chickens on it on either of those two, but I like the sound of it and I think if those two came in, that they would improve Arsenal's starting 11.

[00:20:27]>> There are definitely some exciting signings to look forward to, but there's a big task ahead before that. Arsenal are on the verge of winning their first Champions League title. How are you feeling about Saturday night?

[00:20:37]>> [laughter] >> Tremendously excited. I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve because look, the prospect of Arsenal winning the Champions League is is just thrilling because for most of my, you know, I when I joined Arsenal at the age of 10, you know, absolutely nowhere near being, you know, being European champions. Got Got Got close when it was the Invincible era. Obviously got to the 2006 final, but only the one final.

[00:21:04]Didn't come up short. Got Got player sent off.

[00:21:07]um in in the last I would say for most of the last 15 years at least, Arsenal haven't been remotely near champ being Champions League contenders. We were playing a different brand of foot You know, we could only dream of being in the Champions League when when you know, Emery was here, when Mikel Arteta came in. So, to now be in the final and deservedly be in the final, feels a bit surreal. I got to be honest.

[00:21:30]Um but but you know, looking at it objectively, I do think these are the two best teams in the in Europe at the moment, two best teams in the world, I guess.

[00:21:39]Uh Arsenal the best team out of possession, PSG the best with the ball, the best going forward. So, yeah, it's um Yeah, I'm not I'm not worried about it.

[00:21:48]What will be will be. I I trust this team to put on a good show, but just the thought of being European champions for the first time in the club's history is seriously exciting for all Arsenal fans.

[00:21:57]We we can't wait for Saturday.

[00:22:00]>> Do you feel then that there's the one missing piece of the puzzle in a club like Arsenal to call yourselves the champions of Europe?

[00:22:07]>> Totally. Yeah, I mean, it's it it's a bit embarrassing that that we haven't been European champions before because I think Arsenal is a global club now. I mean, you look at the you know, I know that Liverpool and Manchester United are traditionally the two biggest clubs in English football.

[00:22:23]But I think Arsenal have been the biggest and most you know, we have been the biggest club in London um you know, for what for as long as I can remember, probably Well, they are the biggest club in London, certainly the best supported, and we saw that with the outpouring after Arsenal won the title, you know, on that Tuesday night and then again on the Sunday. Honestly, I was down there on the Sunday, and it was absolute carnage. You know, you there were you know, I I think there were 100,000 people there on both occasions. There's talk of, you know, 500,000 to to a million for for the parade, win or lose, in in Budapest. So, it's a massive club, and it's it they've got to win the European Cup, got to win the Champions League to to really cement our place among the sort of real true big elite clubs and it's high time that we did it. But this is this this final is as tough as it gets. PSG are the champions and they have a they have a scary scary attack and midfield, that's for sure.

[00:23:16]So, um it's not a gimme. This is Arsenal are underdogs for a reason.

[00:23:22]But we could do it and and yeah, what if we do do it, then it will go down as the greatest season in Arsenal's history.

[00:23:30]It'll eclipse the Invincibles. It'll eclipse any other domestic doubles Arsenal have done. This is it. Premier League, Champions League, you can't really do much better than that. So, um yeah, bring it on and and let's hope that Arsenal can bring it home.

[00:23:45]>> You seem to be as calm and composed as possible going into Saturday, so I hope long may that continue for you. But you in the meantime, to wrap everything up, we just got a bit of a fun game to play with you. So, I'm going to ask you to blind rank your Arsenal all-time top five players from the Premier League era. I'll read out a player's name. You then need to give a number from one to five. One the highest, five the lowest.

[00:24:07]You're obviously not going to know who comes next.

[00:24:10]Choose wisely.

[00:24:10]>> face. Egg on face is it is incoming, I'm sure.

[00:24:14]Let's see.

[00:24:15]Let's see how we get on. So, this is Premier League era. Okay, right.

[00:24:19]>> Premier League era. Let's go straight into it. I'm going to start off with Ian Wright.

[00:24:26]>> Four. And it hurts me to say that cuz I love Wrighty.

[00:24:29]I'm hoping there's some big big dogs to come.

[00:24:33]>> You're guessing well. Declan Rice next.

[00:24:37]>> Five in the here and now.

[00:24:40]>> That's probably a sensible decision coming up. So, Dennis Bergkamp.

[00:24:51]>> Two.

[00:24:53]>> Patrick Vieira.

[00:24:55]>> [laughter] >> Three.

[00:24:57]Please please please tell Please give me the player that I want.

[00:25:02]>> Probably going to be exactly that, Thierry Henry.

[00:25:04]>> Oh, yes.

[00:25:05]Henry, Henry at number one, for sure.

[00:25:09]The only one I think Vieira and Bergkamp, you could argue over whether they were two or three, but I think that turned out okay.

[00:25:17]>> I think so. I think the problem with this game is that you don't know if we might stitch you up on the last answer, so you were very lucky that Thierry Henry was waiting for you to be put in first place.

[00:25:25]>> I'm grateful, Sophie. Thank you.

[00:25:26]>> [laughter] >> Declan Rice you obviously put at the bottom, which considering the names on that list is is right, but do you think going forward he could bump into the top three?

[00:25:36]>> Yeah, yeah, definitely. If he If he stays long enough, I don't see why he wouldn't.

[00:25:41]He's definitely the best central midfielder I've seen since Patrick Vieira. I was lucky enough to play with Patrick. He was unreal. Like I actually played with played with three of those on the list, and and I played against Henry. So, I'm very lucky to have done that. But, Vieira was amazing. Just just a pure talisman, so strong and powerful and dominant in midfield, but but Rice is that guy.

[00:26:05]And what Rice What I love about Rice, aside from he's really good at football, he's great with the ball, he's great without the ball, is his personality. I just think he's a really good guy that that helps the players around him, and I think he's a he's a really good tone setter, someone that's handy to have in the dressing room.

[00:26:23]And yeah, I I If he stays for the long term, which I think he will, and Arsenal win multiple trophies, he will be elevated probably into that top three, for sure.

[00:26:33]The Arsenal fans will absolutely love him. He's He's a class act.

[00:26:38]>> We'll make sure to revisit that top five in a few years' time, then. Adrian, thank you so much for joining us, and best of luck come Saturday. I hope your calmness long continues until then.

[00:26:48]>> Thank you. Cheers.

[00:26:57]>> Well, I'm sure we're all going to be watching on Saturday night, but the red alarm is firing again. It's time for more breaking news.

[00:27:11]>> I need to go on Amazon and find you a red light, so this isn't just fictional.

[00:27:15]You can have like a little flashing button and you can press it and it will make like an ambulance noise or something. But this breaking news relates to Marco Silva and as I revealed yesterday, Marco Silva is in Lisbon. And although originally he was due over for a speaking engagement, that got cancelled and Marco Silva has still made the trip over, which obviously makes things a little bit more cryptic. So I wouldn't read too much into the travel specifically, but the point is Marco Silva's made two trips to Lisbon in the space of three weeks and is leaning towards leaving Fulham. This could move very quickly today, tomorrow.

[00:27:54]Fulham are pushing for an answer because they've got a three-year contract extension on the table and they're yet to receive a formal response, but the feeling is from sources that Silva is getting close to Benfica. Advanced talks have taken place. Jorge Mendes is leading them and Silva has been offered a two plus one deal that may be renegotiated to be a straight three years, but the starting point from Benfica is two plus one. Ruben Amorim was never a serious candidate despite reports and the direction of travel at the moment is Silva to Benfica. Jose Mourinho, of course, to Real Madrid after the presidential elections assuming, as expected, Florentino Perez wins and then Fulham will be looking for a new manager. They are well prepared if Silva leaves, but the club preference is to hope that he has another change of heart as he did when Al Hilal came calling a couple of summers ago and ends up signing that new contract. But, at the moment, Benfica are optimistic that Marco Silva is going to be their new manager.

[00:29:00]>> Thanks so much for keeping us in the loop, Ben. This is Market Madness from GiveMeSport.

[00:29:08]>> [music] >> If you missed it earlier, here's another chance to enjoy the sponsor of this show for free. If you're really into football analysis and scouting, you should check out Gradient FC. You might already know Gradient Sports. They actually provide player performance insights to clubs across Europe's top leagues, and now they're bringing those same pro-level insights directly to fans through the Gradient FC app, and it's completely free. What's cool is their player grades go way beyond basic stats. Every match is reviewed by a real team of football experts, former players, coaches, and scouts who evaluate over 2,000 actions per match, not just on outcome, but execution quality. That means a completed pass that leaves the receiver into danger is graded negatively, while one that puts the receiver in on goal is graded positively, adding crucial context to every grade. You can compare players head-to-head, like Harry Kane versus Erling Haaland, dive into advanced metrics like line-breaking passes and dangerous dribbles, and even build a personalized feed with highlights, trends, and football socials around your favorite clubs and players.

[00:30:11]Honestly, if you love debating tactics, transfers, or who should start on the weekend, then this is built for you.

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[00:30:27]I think it's fair to say that Benjamin Sesko has had a pretty decent first season at Manchester United. Well, GiveMeSport's Sam Curran spoke exclusively to the man himself at Carrington to hear what he's made of his first year at Old Trafford.

[00:30:41]>> Hello everybody and welcome to Carrington, home of Manchester United, where I have just sat down exclusively with Benjamin Sesko for Give Me Sport, and this is what he had to say.

[00:30:52]>> [music] >> Can you talk to us about how the move to Manchester United first came about? When did you realize this was something that's actually going to happen?

[00:31:04]>> Yeah, the thing is anyway it started already with It's been a couple of years that they really wanted me, but I was like, "Yeah, so I wanted to, but am I really ready yet, you know?"

[00:31:13]And then you just you just came, you know, now I just really wanted to come here. If it was it was not like a doubtable, you know? I wanted to come here. I want to challenge myself. I want to became a member of that club, and I'm so happy that that happened.

[00:31:29]>> It's lovely, and obviously you just wrote the deal was maybe 2 years in the making. What were your first impressions of Old Trafford and the club when you arrived?

[00:31:39]>> It's just emotions. I remember when I came I was just when they represented me. All the nerves that I had when I when I came out.

[00:31:47]As soon as I step out on the pitch, when I looked around, I want to start clapping, seeing all the people.

[00:31:53]It's just, you know, Mhm, hard enough. I don't know how to describe any, but I just really love it, and just from that point I know it's going to be wonderful.

[00:32:03]>> Why do you think it's happened with yourself, Zakharyan, and Amad? And why do you think you work so well together?

[00:32:10]>> I think everyone has different kind of skills that can bring on the pitch, which is really important.

[00:32:16]That you don't have everyone the the similarities. Um And it's important in the club like this to have all these different kind of skill, and I think we all really skilled, and uh the quality that you brought in this season, I think we can be more than happy.

[00:32:31]Um And not just that, like I think we work also great, um, just as as a friend Sneijder and uh it's it's it's important you know to have a good relationships uh that can bring success in the end.

[00:32:46]>> For sure. I was going to ask you, is there something you guys do off the pitch? Go for dinner, play PlayStation, something like that. Do you >> As I said, we go yeah, we go for the dinner together. Uh when you can really like get to know someone even better, you know, when it's when you chat, when you have a great time and uh Yeah, I love I love those guys.

[00:33:06]>> Obviously, being at Manchester United comes with a lot of pressure from the media and the fans and the outside world. What would you say has been the biggest challenge of adapting to life at Manchester United? And do you think maybe the fee that came with you affected the noise from outside?

[00:33:23]>> No, I think the the hardest uh challenge here was just adapting to the league um because it's again it's the best league and um just the speed of everything was uh you just needed time to get to get um good at um And um each game helped me to to make me faster, to think faster, to move faster and uh I think I'm really enjoying it, you know.

[00:33:46]>> Do you you enjoy Do you enjoy the pressure or do you think it takes time to get used to it?

[00:33:51]>> I think personally I enjoy pressure. I think uh if you have pressure, um it's something that you're doing good in sense of like the pressure has to come from something and um let's say me as a striker of Manchester United is bringing obviously the goals and that's why I'm here. That's what I want to bring and of course I should have a pressure. Um but pre- pressure should always be there for you. It's something that you can take in positive um as a positive effect and uh cuz in the end I came here to score goals, to help the team and to to as I want to win the titles in this club.

[00:34:29]>> That leads me nicely into my next point, your first goal for Manchester United, against Brentford. What did that mean to you personally? How good did it feel to score?

[00:34:37]>> Fortunately, we didn't win this match, but um yeah, just the feeling scoring and uh for for that shirt, you know, and um cuz me, I'm always like this, that I look I look at this badge and I really you know, I really feel it, you know, I really love this club, you know, and uh it was just it was very emotional for me.

[00:34:56]>> Sure. And obviously, Michael Carrick is now in charge of Manchester United. How much do you feel like he's helped you improve your game with the staff that he's brought in?

[00:35:06]>> Very much. Um because not just him, the the team he has with him uh that can help us improve on the every single bit. It's uh very strong and I'm really thankful that uh they helped me with it.

[00:35:19]>> Something that you've achieved now this season with Manchester United and Michael Carrick as qualifying for the Champions League. What does it mean to you and the squad to have that achievement and European football back onto the lights next season?

[00:35:30]>> I think it's it's something that this club always wanted, you know, always um in in normal words, they should be always here and uh we we brought it back. Um I think not just me, everyone is so excited for next season to to play those games um in the night and uh enjoy every single bit.

[00:35:49]>> How important is it for Man United to be competing at the highest level every season?

[00:35:54]>> Very much uh because uh this club has such a history um is such a big name that you just uh deserve to be there, you know.

[00:36:01]>> 100%. What can you tell us about the expectations inside that dressing room heading into next season? Cuz obviously, you're going to have all the cup competitions back. It's a fresh start almost, right?

[00:36:12]>> Exactly. I think I'm in um we wanted to that we wanted to come to this level. Um um back on the the bigger stage. Uh obviously, there's going to be a lot of games. Um but I think um I think we're going to do great. We have big potential of doing great because of the just the the teammates, the players, the the staff. We are one big great unit and I don't see why not.

[00:36:38]>> Have you noticed the mentality change within the sport in recent weeks when you know the form's picked up? Is everyone a bit more happy and ready to fight properly next season?

[00:36:49]>> Of course, you know, we also have to know that, you know, there was new signings and which which means that that everything goes together and it just and I'm happy that it came and that we could help as the new people in the club and um again the the strong unit is in the end the most important that can deliver.

[00:37:14]>> [music] >> Great to hear from Saša Kalajdžić there and you can watch the full thing over on GMS YouTube and on the website. This is Market Matt from GiveMeSport.

[00:37:28]Francesco Farioli is definitely a name you need to be aware of in the football world. The manager guided Porto to the championship in Portugal and he'll no doubt be in demand all across Europe.

[00:37:39]Now, I don't think anyone would turn down a trip to Portugal. Ben Jacob certainly didn't as he headed out there to sit down with the man himself.

[00:37:47]>> Francesco, thanks so much for joining me and congratulations on your league title. Put into words what it means to win this beautiful trophy that we can see next to you.

[00:37:57]>> [screaming and cheering] >> Yeah, it's it's a very important achievement for the club, but especially for the region and for the city because I think if you saw a few images of of the celebration, as you can imagine, to bring back the title here in Porto after 4 years uh, has been uh, celebrated uh, in a very special way uh, and you can recognize, you know, a different level from the kids in the streets, uh, the people uh, at the mid age and as well uh, older people uh, from the balcony of their houses. You you cannot see a meter of the city that was not uh, on the color of Porto uh, and everybody, you know, try to trying to participate to this big celebration after a very long season full of challenges uh, full of um, as well difficulties as as it normal when you play uh, so many games at at this level uh, but finally yeah, here in the museum to add a piece of history of this amazing football club.

[00:39:12]>> Was there a particular moment or game in the season where you thought we're going to win this title?

[00:39:18]>> Honestly, we had watching back now with a with a cold mind uh, of course there are some games uh, at home, some games away uh, where let's say certain results gave you uh, gave us the the feeling that we were in the right track that were important steps in our in our journey but uh, till the moment that we were we were there, the only the only game where I really felt oh, we are almost there, it has been the the game that uh, finally gave us the title uh, and I just recognized this in the last last minute, you know, uh, where for me it was to do everything to to finalize this this achievement uh, and in the moment that that we we went there and we got uh, the celebration and the title just uh, few hours later I really understood that that we did it because uh, till few hours ago I was absolutely in the competition mood with a focus about how I could help the players in the substitution on the pitch and and everything that is about being a coach of a club of this dimension.

[00:40:35]>> And I know you've got great respect and a strong relationship with Jose Mourinho. He must have relished going head to head with him as you came up against Benfica. And it was a strange wasn't it because they went unbeaten and yet you were the champions.

[00:40:50]>> Yeah, but this one says a lot about about what we did because in reality our two main opponents that you know well what they did as well in the Champions League so just to to to refresh and to remind to all of us the level of the competition that we have internally here into the into the league and both teams they did so they did exactly what they did last season where both clubs they were fighting till the last game to win the title and and they did the same amount of point that they did last season and I think we did something extraordinary you know to last season finishing with nine points or more from from these two and this season to finish with 88 points six points six points in front of of the second the second in the league.

[00:41:48]performance that we did the amount of games that we won and these 88 points is the third highest record of points into the history of of the of the league so I think we did a quite good job but as you see now uh maybe just by case or maybe it's a good metaphor that we can use. Uh the trophy is already in the back uh and we have to be focusing what is ahead of us with many challenges in the domestic competitions and and of course the fact that Porto will be again in the in the in the Champions League means a lot to to all of us.

[00:42:36]Uh and you know the the special relationship that this club has with the highest European competition being one of the the top 10 teams with more presence into the into the Champions League. So of course a lot of expectation but especially a lot a lot of work to do now in the summer into the market and and as well a lot of work that needs to be done on the pitch with the same effort and the same desire to to sweat for this this club.

[00:43:12]>> What have you learned by the watching or speaking to Jose?

[00:43:16]>> Uh he has been a reference when I started my my my journey as a coach for for what he did here in Porto but especially in his time in in Inter and of course coming back here you really recognize you know the what he did for this club.

[00:43:42]His memories and his trophies are here in the museum. Uh well well celebrated and he has been a part of an important part of of this club and he always be you know like a key part of of the history of Football Club do Porto.

[00:44:02]>> Now you're ending the summer celebrating but it was a tragic start to the season with the sad passing of Jorge Costa. How much of a motivation was that to win something special in his name?

[00:44:16]>> You know, uh this club uh is is made by by trophies and by achievements, uh but especially is made by people uh and captains that wrote really relevant page uh of of the club with with trophies that they they collect, but especially with the legacy that they left behind them with their example and their leadership.

[00:44:45]Uh and Jorge was definitely one of these one, one of the main one. Uh I had the chance to to stay close to him just few weeks. Uh and of course wasn't enough to really understand everything about Porto, uh but was enough uh to to discover a person that uh spent whole his life for for this club first as a player uh and recently as a um in in the board of director. Um and you know, wherever you go into the into the club, everybody speaks so highly about him that uh I think the best picture of um what Jorge means for this club has been probably in the memory that he left in in all the people uh at all the level starting from the president to to all the people that uh used to work with him at Olival that is our home, our training center. Um and and yeah, definitely after after that day and after everything that happened we all compromise even more to to try to dedicate this this title to George. I think we played our our role on the pitch try to to keep his legacy and this DNA in a to to put his DNA on the pitch. And I and I truly believe that from a different place in many moments he found a way to to help us. And there are yeah, at least in my mind very clear moment where he found a way to make you know, a tackle to stop a goal.

[00:46:36]And to give to our to our boys the extra meter to to to make things right for this club and to achieve this title that as I told you has been a a really special one according to what what we from where we started what we lived and and when we and where we arrived with the with the effort of of everybody. And I repeat myself in the celebration of of the city. You really understand what it means to win for FC Porto.

[00:47:16]>> And tell me about your relationship with the president Andre Villas-Boas. I know that was a big factor in you not just taking the job but really driving this project forwards. And what's it like to have a president that was also a top football manager?

[00:47:30]>> Yeah. Um a privilege for the person that I met and of course is knowledge is understanding about the game his understanding about the needs that we that we have when we are in this position.

[00:47:49]A lot of a strong bond in in many decisions. And Uh, and for me again, uh, I was really convinced, 11 months ago when he proposed me this opportunity and, I'm even more convinced now, uh, after 11 months of work together, uh, that, uh, this club is the right place for me to to keep developing and especially to try to help this club, uh, to to move to the next step with the right, uh, ambition, with the right humbleness, uh, and above all with the right spirit that is, uh, for me the key part, you know, in in everything that that we did and hopefully that we are going to do into the near future.

[00:48:35]>> A word on Thiago Silva who has now departed Porto. How valuable was it to have such a leader last season both on and off the field?

[00:48:44]>> Yeah, as a young coach, uh, in the last, uh, years I had the opportunity to work with, uh, three Champions League winner, Dante, that was as well, uh, my captain in, uh, in Nice, Jordan Henderson, uh, that was, uh, my captain in in Ajax and this year with Thiago for for six months.

[00:49:07]Uh, and, uh, we are speaking about, uh, players of, uh, with a, of course, an incredible career with an incredible, uh, uh, trophy collection, uh, in their in their background, uh, but above all we are speaking about, uh, players that, uh, uh, even, uh, in in a late stage of their career, uh, they kept, uh, an incredible, uh, desire to learn, uh, strong curiosity about everything, uh, and and this one for me, you know, uh, I felt it like something unique because, uh, to have these players so demanding, so, uh, with this willingness to to learn, to understand more about what we were doing and finally so connected with a with a plan and with a vision that we try to apply in our clubs.

[00:50:04]There are not many many satisfaction that you can get of of this level, you know, in in the in the job and in the role that that I am and and finally this compromise between all of us and last with with Tiago I think help us to to be here today with something to celebrate and something that will last forever.

[00:50:30]>> And my final question, every time you've been asked about Porto, you always speak so glowingly about the club. It must be flattering to be linked with other vacancies, but how committed are you to this project and what are your goals for next season both domestically and in the Champions League?

[00:50:48]>> About this part there is no no doubt. We started project 11 months ago when I got the first offer of of the contract a contract and more than the contract a compromise that has been renewed in in January and where we decided to extend our collaboration for one year more but especially to reinforce the message and the desire to work side by side. You know, in modern football is quite uh difficult to find a club where where you have you know, such level of connection with the with the people in charge with the people that are going to be in the club even when when will be the time to to leave and this one for me is you know, it's It's that honestly I don't want to waste it. After we know how is football, uh we are the people more exposed and usually the people that are that they have their job always more in under discussion in one way or the other. When you do really good or if the things doesn't go in the way that that you want.

[00:52:10]But when is about you know dreaming a scenario of where I would like to be.

[00:52:19]For me I could not dream in a better place with the people that I am at the moment.

[00:52:25]And and again we have a contract, we have a compromise, we have especially a mission that needs to be accomplished. And and for sure my summer is going to be to try to rest a little bit after seven eight years without vacation. But of course always with a phone and the computer in the side to try to to to to be ready and to and to start from the 1st of July with a team in the right in the right mood, in the right page because from yeah beginning of August we will play for the super cup.

[00:53:07]So it's already a new title to play for.

[00:53:10]And after one week the league will start again with more demands. Bigger expectation.

[00:53:18]But and this part is not completely in our control. What is in our control is the way that we are going to to approach the the new challenges and we will make everything to to arrive with the same hunger that we had the 15th of July of 2025.

[00:53:40]>> Great to hear from Francesco Farioli there. Really well done, Ben, but did you manage a little bit of a holiday at the same time?

[00:53:46]>> Do you know, I actually went to speak to Graham Potter, the Sweden manager, in the morning in London, flew to Portugal, land, interview, and then immediately out. So, I didn't get that much time, but there's a dish that I always eat when I go there. I can't remember what the name of it is, but it's like an inside-out burger. So, instead of just like a regular hamburger, I think it's like Francesinha or something like that.

[00:54:13]I've definitely butchered that pronunciation, but it's an inside-out burger.

[00:54:18]It's gravy in a bowl, and then it's the cheese on top, and then it's the meat below, and you sort of eat it almost as if it's like a burger soup.

[00:54:29]>> Now, my imaginary red siren is flashing all over again because there's even more breaking news. Hit the jingle.

[00:54:43]>> So, this month, Bournemouth, Marco Rose are coming in, obviously, as the new manager, and just a couple of lines on existing players. One is Ryan. Lot of speculation that the young Brazilian teenager could go this summer. That's not my understanding. Bournemouth are confident that he'll stay, and the 100 million euros release clause in his contract is not valid this summer. It is only valid from summer 2027. So, Bournemouth can be very calm about that situation. Even if Ryan has a breakthrough World Cup with Brazil, who, by the way, are my tip to win the tournament. And then, Alex Scott, another player in demand. Bournemouth have started the process of offering him a new deal, and there is optimism. Scott is a player that is appreciated by both Manchester United, Tottenham, and Newcastle United, to name but three.

[00:55:32]Even some European clubs have made some calls, as well. And yet, Bournemouth's intent is for Scott to stay and sign new terms, and they're working on that already. So, we'll wait and see where there's any movement between now and the World Cup, but Ryan is expected to stay at Bournemouth this summer. Um Bournemouth are working very hard to get Scott to put pen to paper on fresh terms.

[00:55:59]>> Ben, before we go, you get to bring us the answer to the question we set you right at the start of the show, which was where does Morgan Rogers' future lie?

[00:56:08]>> So, Morgan Rogers is expected to leave Aston Villa, and this isn't about Rogers pushing for a move away. He loves Unai Emery, and Villa have got Champions League football, but they still have some financial hurdles to jump over even with that money, particularly getting through the last part of PSR, and then entering into the UEFA cycle. It's that 70% threshold you've got to abide by of your revenue compared to transfer fees, wages, and agent commissions. So, it's not easy for Villa financially in the same way I would argue it wasn't easy for Newcastle when they got Champions League football and still had to look at exits and maintaining a PSR position without hitting any penalties. And this is why we might see movement. Rogers only extended last year, and he's well contracted, but it was only a 1-year extension to an existing long-term deal.

[00:56:59]So, we're kind of back where we started this summer comparative to last summer, and Rogers and Villa are on the same page that offers in excess of 80 million will be engaged with. The only sort of deviant position is interested clubs feel around 80, whereas Villa sources I speak to feel like you get in a room at 80, but maybe 90 or even 100 might be the number because we're in quite an inflated market, and other midfielders also might end up being transferred for that kind of valuation or attackers, wingers, whatever you want to call Morgan Rogers cuz he can be a 10 through the center or a left winger. Coming back to the clubs, you have four in particular that are active. Arsenal are one serious contender.

[00:57:48]They want a starting left winger.

[00:57:51]Chelsea are looking for a creative-minded attacker.

[00:57:55]And even though they've got Jamie Bynum and Alejandro Garnacho on the left and Giovanni Reyna leaving, one more could come in that can play as a 10 or again as a left winger.

[00:58:04]Rogers is two favorite positions. Man United and Rogers may develop because Michael Carrick had him at Middlesbrough and Jason Wilcox played a hand in his development at Manchester City. And they're looking for a starting left winger rather than a number 10 because Cunha and Buemo, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount are already in the number 10 position. And PSG might be a bit of a dark horse as well. The French champions' priority is Yacine Adli Amand on the right rather than a left winger or a number 10. And yet Liverpool are in for Adli Amand and equally as serious too. And there is a chance PSG could pivot to a profile like Rogers, but they would view him as more through the center than on that left-hand side cuz Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the starting left winger for PSG. So slightly different pictures from each of the clubs towards Morgan Rogers. At this stage, there's not a singular clear frontrunner, but there's three big clubs in the Premier League and PSG all vying for Morgan Rogers' signature. Liverpool have been linked in the past. It's true to my knowledge that they looked at Rogers last summer, but at the moment their focus for now at least is on Yacine Adli Amand.

[00:59:19]>> That's it for this week's Market Madness. We'll be back again next week.

[00:59:23]Until then, you can listen back on your podcast app of choice. Just search for Market Madness. And for more information on any of the stories we've covered and so much more, head to givemesport.com.

[00:59:32]See you next week.

[00:59:38]>> [music]