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GOAL's guide to watch every Xtreme Football League game live and on-demand this season

Editors choice

ESPN+

ESPN+ hold the exclusive rights to live stream all XFL games across 2024.

Installation required: No

Simultaneous stream: 3

DVR capabilities: No

Monthly from

$9.99

Get ESPN+Best value

Hulu

You can access ESPN+ via Hulu with their Trio Bundle that also gives access to Disney+

Installation required: No

Simultaneous streams: 20

DVR capabilities: Unlimited

Monthly from

$12.99

Get HuluBest TV provider

DirecTV

Built-in installation or stream via the internet via DirecTV stream.

Installation required: No

Simultaneous streams: 20

DVR capabilities: Unlimited

Monthly from

$64.99

Get DirecTVCheapest choice

Sling TV

ESPN is available via the Sling Orange plan with a host of other news and entertainment channels.

Installation required: No

Simultaneous streams: 3

DVR capabilities: 50 hrs

Monthly from

$40

Get Sling TVEditors choice

ESPN+

ESPN+ hold the exclusive rights to live stream all XFL games across 2024.

Installation required: No

Simultaneous stream: 3

DVR capabilities: No

Monthly from

$9.99

Get ESPN+Best value

Hulu

You can access ESPN+ via Hulu with their Trio Bundle that also gives access to Disney+

Installation required: No

Simultaneous streams: 20

DVR capabilities: Unlimited

Monthly from

$12.99

Get HuluBest TV provider

DirecTV

Built-in installation or stream via the internet via DirecTV stream.

Installation required: No

Simultaneous streams: 20

DVR capabilities: Unlimited

Monthly from

$64.99

Get DirecTVCheapest choice

Sling TV

ESPN is available via the Sling Orange plan with a host of other news and entertainment channels.

Installation required: No

Simultaneous streams: 3

DVR capabilities: 50 hrs

Monthly from

$40

Get Sling TVEditors choice

ESPN+

ESPN+ hold the exclusive rights to live stream all XFL games across 2024.

Installation required: No

Simultaneous stream: 3

DVR capabilities: No

Monthly from

$9.99

Get ESPN+Best value

Hulu

You can access ESPN+ via Hulu with their Trio Bundle that also gives access to Disney+

Installation required: No

Simultaneous streams: 20

DVR capabilities: Unlimited

Monthly from

$12.99

Get HuluBest TV provider

DirecTV

Built-in installation or stream via the internet via DirecTV stream.

Installation required: No

Simultaneous streams: 20

DVR capabilities: Unlimited

Monthly from

$64.99

Get DirecTVCheapest choice

Sling TV

ESPN is available via the Sling Orange plan with a host of other news and entertainment channels.

Installation required: No

Simultaneous streams: 3

DVR capabilities: 50 hrs

Monthly from

$40

Get Sling TV

The XFL has been a bit of a phantom football league over the years, with a rocky history following its first inception in 2001. 2023 has seen the first successful season of the XFL, and we can’t wait to see what the 2024 season will bring.

A minor football league with allot of promise, Arlington Renegades cinched the first championship from DC defenders during the 2023 XFL season final. Meanwhile, a stunning performance by Quarter back Jordan Ta’amu last season saw him cinch XFL’s Offensive player of the year.

We’re cautiously optimistic that the XFL will continue to be an anticipated regular in our calendar, with plenty more games to come if you're a football fan. So, keep reading for our guide to watch and live streaming the XFL and re-watching all the best touchdowns from the 2023 season.

What TV channels have the rights to the XFL?

Coverage of the XFL in the United States is split across ESPN, ABC and FX. The easiest way to catch the action will be through ESPN+ who will simulcast all matches from the moment the season gets underway on February 18 2024.

Monthly subscription only $9.99/mo

Comprehensive coverage of the XFL season.ESPN+Watch the XFL with ESPN+ today!

Why ESPN+?

ESPN+ is a must have for anyone wanting every XFL game, as each match will air on ESPN+ live and on-demand. Fans will also get to enjoy it's other great features, such as extensive sports archives, is bringing out a new tennis documentary called “Player 54: Chasing the XFL dream”, a nine-part docuseries following the XFL through the ups and downs of the 2023 season.

Subscriptions and pricingMonthly – $9.99/moAnnual – $99.99/yrDisney Bundle (comes with Hulu and Disney+) – $12.99/mo

The Disney bundle is the best value for money, as you get ESPN+ content with Disney and Hulu on top for only $3 extra, which gives you plenty of additional entertainment.However, if you're wanting to keep your subscriptions lean and sports focussed, you can have all your XFL content for only $9.99/mo.

Start an ESPN+ subscription todayFind the best dealsIncludes ESPN+ with subscription

Best all in one streaming serviceHulu +Live TVGetty Images / GOALSign up to Hulu + Live TV today.

Why Hulu?

Hulu+Live TV is a streaming service that includes your must have XFL channels and services, that's ESPN and ESPN2, ESPN+, FX, as well as ABC. That’s all your nationally broadcast XFL games and an impressive amount of additional live sports coverage on top. With ESPN+ included in subscription, you have full access to the ESPN+ archives, hundreds of hours of historic sports content and playbacks if you want to watch game highlights.

Base packageHulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) for $69.99/month.

The service has unlimited cloud storage, so you never have to miss the action. It also allows you to stream on up to 2 screens simultaneously and is compatible with plenty of TV systems, including iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV & Fire Stick, Apple TV (4th gen), Chromecast, Xbox One & Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Samsung (select TV models), LG (select TV models), and Nintendo Switch.

RELATED: How to watch live sports on Hulu

Watch ESPN+ with Hulu + Live TVFind the best dealsGet your first month of subscription half price

Best value subscription packagesSling TVGetty Images / GOALWatch the XFL through Sling TV

Why Sling TV

Sling is one of the best value internet streaming providers on the market. So, if you’re on a wanting XFL channels as part of a budget friendly TV subscription, it’s worth considering.

Sling Orange ($40/mo) – ½ price on the first month for new users

Sling Blue($45/mo) – ½ price on the first month for new users

Sling Orange + Blue($55/mo)

Orange is Sling TV’s sports package. It provides a slimmed down channel line-up; however, it features ESPN and ESPN2 which gives you a good amount of XFL coverage. For access to FX and ABC as well, you’ll need a combined orange and blue subscription for $55/mo. Combined subscription gets you all the must have broadcast networks for live XFL coverage.

RELATED:How to watch live sports on Sling TV: soccer live stream and more

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Includes regional sports networks and discounted Peacock Premium subscription

Best streaming service for all in one sports coverageDirecTVWatch the XFL on DirecTV

Why DirecTV?

DirectTV is a premium service provider, that offers both a satellite and DirecTV stream service for anyone wanting to cable cut. All four DirecTV subscriptions feature the must have broadcast networks for XFL coverage, that’s ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and FX.

Subscription Plans & PricingEntertainment ($64.99/Month)Choice($89.99/Month)Ultimate ($109.99/Month)Premier($154.99/Month)

You will have all the live XFL content you need to watch your favorite teams with the Entertainment package, however if you want maximum sports and entertainment channels in your line-up, it’s worth browsing DirectTV’s higher subscriptions.

The variety of regional sports networks available through the DirecTV stream or satellite service is also extensive which makes it a great option if you’re a fan of local teams across sports. To find what regional networks will be available in your area, just type in your ZIP code to receive your Local Regional Sports Network Information.

Extras

Peacock premium

However, Peacock Premium is available at a discounted price ($3.99/Month) through DirecTV, which is great for those wanting even more entertainment through the satellite service.

Start a DirecTV subscription today

RELATED:How to watch live sports on DirectTV

Start a DirecTV subscription todayFind the best deals

Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland could soon sign an extension at the Etihad, according a huge update regarding his future.

What is Haaland's current contract situation?

The Norwegian joined City last summer in arguably the most high-profile signing of the year, coming in on a contract earning him £375,000 per week. He hasn't disappointed, with so much expected of him when he came in, producing one of the greatest individual seasons in English football history.

Haaland scored 36 goals in just 33 starts in the Premier League, as well as 12 in ten in the Champions League, with Saturday's final against Inter Milan still to come. Many regard him as one of the greatest footballers on the planet currently – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has even called him the "best striker in the world" in recent times.

The 22-year-old already has a contract keeping him at the Etihad until the summer of 2027, but Real Madrid have been linked with a move for him, potentially forcing City to further improve the terms of his current deal before the transfer window opens on June 14.

Could Haaland sign City extension?

According to The Telegraph, there is hope that Haaland could sign a new contract at the Etihad, helped by City's memorable season, with a treble on offer this weekend:

"Manchester City’s historic Treble bid has increased hopes of Erling Haaland committing to a longer contract at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

"The Norway striker, 22, arrived for the start of the campaign but is in the frame for the fresh terms to make it even harder for Real Madrid to launch Operation Haaland and land the player who has scored 52 goals this season.

"There is confidence at City that an extension has a strong chance of being agreed, given Haaland’s happiness at the club."

This is massive news from a City perspective, with the risk of Haaland joining Madrid always something that feels like a nagging concern, especially with Karim Benzema leaving the La Liga giants this summer.

Signing a new-and-improved deal would clearly alleviate that issue, and while the lure of Madrid is great for most players, you wonder why the Etihad favourite would want to go anywhere else at the moment, considering the success he is enjoying under Pep Guardiola.

The hope is that Haaland spends the entirety of his career at City, and while that could be wishful thinking, with a new challenge possibly appealing one day, it is imperative that they do all they can to keep him for as long as possible.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Imtiaz Ahmed has died in Lahore, five days short of his 89th birthday

Umar Farooq31-Dec-2016

Imtiaz Ahmed (back row, third from left) with the Pakistan team on the tour of England in 1962•Getty Images

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Imtiaz Ahmed has died in Lahore, five days short of his 89th birthday. He was Pakistan’s oldest living Test cricketer and had been suffering from a chest infection.Imtiaz played 41 Tests for Pakistan between 1952 and 1962, and captained in four of those matches towards the end of his career. He made 2079 runs at an average of 29, and took 77 catches and effected 16 stumpings. His career-best score of 209 came against New Zealand in Lahore in 1955.He was an integral member of Pakistan’s first official Test side, led by Abdul Hafeez Kardar to India. He played the first three Tests as a batsman but took over the gloves from Hanif Mohammad in the fourth Test in Chennai, and kept wicket for the rest of his international career until his last appearance at The Oval in 1962.Imtiaz’s first-class career ran from 1944-45 to 1972-73, having made his debut as a 16-year-old for Northern India before partition. He played 180 games, scored 10391 runs with a best score of 300 not out, took 322 catches, and effected 82 stumpings.In 1960, Imtiaz received the presidential pride of performance award, and later in life he was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his services to the Pakistan Air force; he retired as a wing commander after 27 years spent mainly in administrative roles.After has playing career, Imtiaz had served as a Pakistan selector for 13 years and was the head of the selection committee between 1976 and 1978. He then took up a coaching role and spent nearly a decade developing Under-19 cricketers. His last assignment was with the department that handles women’s cricket in Pakistan, where he served as an advisor for three years from 2005 to 2008.

Joe Root, having put his Test summer back on course on the opening day of the Old Trafford Test, extended his virtuoso performance past 200 on the second as England sought to pile up an impregnable first innings score against Pakistan

The Report by David Hopps23-Jul-2016Pakistan 57 for 4 (Masood 30*, Misbah 1*, Woakes 3-18) trail England 589 for 8 dec (Root 264, Cook 105) by 532 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsOld Trafford 2016 was the occasion on which Joe Root, England’s cheeky chappie, reacquainted himself with the more fulfilling qualities of Test cricket. Having put his Test summer back on course on the opening day of the second Investec Test, he completed the journey on the second to lead England to what is surely an impregnable first-innings score against Pakistan.For ten-and-a-quarter hours, Root not only conquered the Pakistan attack that had overcome England at Lord’s, but also explored something meaningful about himself. Impeccable on the first day and indefatigable on the second, the batsman who turned his place at No 4 into a crusade for batting freedom indicated that he can irrefutably lay claim to the mantle of greatness at No 3.Pakistan needed a solid response in the 24 overs before the close. Instead, wearied by 152.2 overs in the field, they had a nightmarish time courtesy of three wickets for Chris Woakes, who is making such an impact on the series that more flamboyant figures would by now be hailed as rising heroes and about to launch a range of clothing on the back of it; even he must find it all quite agreeable in an unassuming sort of way.For 12 overs, Pakistan proceeded calmly enough, but Woakes had Mohammad Hafeez loosely caught at second slip with his sixth delivery – and added a return catch in his fourth over when Azhar Ali’s lopsided push suggested he was suffering from subsidence.Pakistan’s unhappy day was complete when Younis Khan produced a characteristic leaping fend at a short, leg-side delivery from Ben Stokes to be caught at the wicket before the nightwatchman Rahat Ali proved ill-equipped for the task, giving Woakes a third wicket as an agitated response to a bouncer ended up at short leg. Shan Masood batted through for 30 not out, but even he had one or two hairy moments.Woakes now has a Test batting average markedly higher than his Test bowling average which is always a good look for an allrounder. There is no bombast about him, but England’s cricketing public is finally beginning to appreciate his talents.But the day again largely belonged to Root. His 254 was the third highest England Test score against Pakistan and the second highest by an England batsman at Old Trafford. On a pristine batting pitch, he emphasised perfection first, ingenuity second, as he secured a second Test double hundred.Only in the final slog did his reckoning desert him, Wahab Riaz deceiving him with a slower offcutter which he hauled high into the leg side for Mohammad Hafeez to take a fine running, diving catch from deep midwicketHe benefited from two moments of fortune before lunch – the sort of luck he had complained (with only partial justification) in the build-up to the Test that he had been lacking.On 143, he botched a pull against Mohammad Amir, the sort of stroke that caused his downfall at Lord’s, but the ball fell short of the fielder. Root and Amir – his most dangerous adversary – smiled as if sharing a private joke. Then on 159, an edge against the legspinner Yasir Shah died just in front of Younis at slip, somewhat assisted by Younis’ stiff-backed response.But the overriding impression was of a batsman of undoubted class and sure touch who had once again attuned himself to the rhythm and demands of Test cricket. Ironically, his 200 was brought up by his most creative moment, whipping a reverse sweep against Yasir to the third man boundary. Do not underplay the extent of his challenge: over the past three years, Root has been selected in multi-formats 25% more than any other England player with Moeen Ali next in line.Pakistan must be concerned about the workload being undertaken by a four-strong attack. Amir needed treatment on what seemed to be a jarred knee on a hard, unforgiving surface and, as for Yasir, a potentially decisive figure in this series, he clocked up figures of 54-6-213-1. Root’s decisive footwork against him was a large factor in that.Even before Pakistan’s collapse, there had been enough fleeting signs to suggest that this pitch will eventually turn towards the bowlers – occasional moments of uneven bounce, such as the ball that bowled Alastair Cook on the opening day, and one or two signs of turn for Yasir. But England’s progress was blissful as they added 219 in the first two sessions for the loss of Woakes, a 30-carat nightwatchman, in the morning and Stokes in the afternoon.It was four overs before the close of the first day when Woakes was given the chance of some nightwatchman duties. He was wise to leap at the opportunity on such a welcoming batting surface. While Woakes prospered, Stokes, the allrounder protected by the change of order, wandered around the balcony, checked his bat, chewed his fingernails. The nightwatchman who seems a convenience to a batsman late on one day can be a hindrance to personal ambition on the next.It was Woakes who signalled England’s intent on the second morning, outscoring Root by a considerable margin. He cut and drove Rahat Ali to pep up the opening overs, required treatment for a blow on the elbow, and found time to log his first six in Test cricket when he fashioned an uppercut over the slips off Amir. He fell for 58 from 104 balls, 13 minutes before lunch, when Yasir forced a return catch from around the wicket.Stokes made an irritated exit on 34 when he was given out caught down the leg side on review, the third umpire Joel Wilson concluding that the ball had feathered his glove as he pulled at Wahab Riaz. It was a borderline decision – Snicko offered more convincing evidence than Hotspot – but sometimes borderline decisions are what you are landed with and it is hyper-critical to condemn either the system or the umpires involved for an unavoidable state of affairs.Jonny Bairstow also gave England impetus as Root, partly through fatigue, partly through a desire to see things through to the declaration made only 41 in the middle session. Bairstow was reprieved on 9 by the wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed and, if the initial edge off Yasir was tough, the ball happened to bounce up so invitingly for him that two further grab-and-goes before the ball hit the deck were hard to explain away.That left Root and Bairstow to rattle up a century stand, a post-tea slog bringing 56 in 6.2 overs. Root entered the Test having converted only one of his last 10 Test half-centuries into hundreds and he was in the mood to make someone pay. Misbah-ul-Haq, a Pakistan captain committed to playing the game in a fine spirit, must have got sick of congratulating him.

Aston Villa will no longer move for a new first-choice striker addition this summer, with Unai Emery won over by Ollie Watkins, Football Insider reports.

What’s the latest transfer news out of Aston Villa?

Villa brought in teenage forward Jhon Duran during the January window and parted ways with Danny Ings, who was sold to West Ham. A new striker to partner Watkins was expected to be the club’s main priority this summer, according to Ashley Preece.

However, Watkins has enjoyed a purple patch of form under Emery in 2023, netting nine Premier League goals in the last 11 games, with Villa winning six of their last seven to climb the table.

As a result, it now looks as if Emery and Villa officials have had a change of heart when it comes to the upcoming transfer window. Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke shared an interesting development out of Villa Park in the last 48 hours regarding the club’s transfer plans.

He stated that Villa will no longer target a new first-choice striker, with Emery keen to build his side around Watkins. The forward is set to sign a new ‘bumper’ contract in the Midlands which means that a new A-list striker is not expected to be high on the wishlist list for Emery and his staff.

Is that a gamble by Villa and Emery?

This seems to be a real U-turn by Emery and Villa, with the manager recently admitting that he could look at bringing in another forward to rival Watkins.

NSWE are set to back the boss with a ‘huge’ transfer budget, so it’ll be interesting to see where he decides to splash the cash over the coming months.

You could argue that a new marquee attacker to rival Watkins and Duran and possibly play alongside the former of the two could have been a shrewd move, especially as Villa are the least prolific goalscorers out of the top nine Premier League sides.

Watkins’ fine form in front of goal has helped take Villa to 41 goals in 30 games, however, should he suffer an injury or a drop-off in form, Emery may have to turn to two youngsters in Duran or possibly Cameron Archer. Who knows, a new forward could still arrive between now and the time Emery begins his first full season in charge, but it doesn’t look as if it will be a big-money move.

Chelsea's American winger Christian Pulisic is expected to force his way out of Stamford Bridge in the summer after an underwhelming campaign for the 24-year-old.

Will Pulisic leave Chelsea in the summer?

Pulisic made the move to Stamford Bridge in January 2019 for over £57m from the Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund where he was immediately loaned back until the end of the season.

However, he has certainly endured his struggles in England having failed to nail down a consistent spot in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge.

His struggles have even seen his father hit out through social media last year over his own frustration regarding the winger's lack of game time.

And speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the expectation around west London is for the £150k-per-week winger to move on in the summer:

"I think he will leave Chelsea. This was already in the plans, from what I understand, in January – then, the transfer didn't happen because of the injury, but it was already a possibility for Pulisic to leave in January.

"I think this summer is going to be the opportunity for him to go to try something different."

Who could Pulisic move to?

There are reports suggesting the American does have interest from within the Premier League from the likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United.

Chelsea have spent massively on attacking options over recent months which has meant the American's competition for a spot in the starting XI has been enormous.

However, it would be interesting to see whether he would be open to a move to a side who have outperformed the Blues in the Premier League this season.

Both Newcastle and the Red Devils are fighting for a spot inside the top four so it would be no easy ride for the 24-year-old to break into their respective sides.

There have to be injury concerns over the winger who has never been able to play more than 27 league games for Chelsea since landing in England (via Transfermarkt).

But the "magician" – according to reporter Al Butler – has shown he is capable of performing in the Premier League having returned nine league goals and six assists in his season at Stamford Bridge.

With this in mind, perhaps a move to Old Trafford or St. James' Park could prove an attractive proposition for the winger given the record of Eddie Howe and Erik ten Hag with their respective wingers.

On Tyneside, Howe has transformed Miguel Almiron into the side's top scorer this season with an impressive return of 11 league goals.

And in addition, Ten Hag has brought Marcus Rashford back to the best version of himself with the England international having netted 27 goals across all competitions.

It certainly hasn't been plain sailing for Pulisic recently, but perhaps a change of scenery will see him return to his best.

Leeds United are a club that could perhaps be accused of living in the past, with many fans keen to reminisce on their better days as they challenged in Europe and for league titles.

They could be forgiven for harking back to those days, especially given their 16-year absence from the Premier League, which Marcelo Bielsa finally rectified.

However, even upon once again re-emerging into the top flight, it has hardly been the romantic return they desired as they once again find themselves entrenched in a battle for survival.

Their first season back aside, it has been a tumultuous few years in which their position in the division often hung by a thread.

In a seemingly never-ending cycle of stress and misery, those good days offer a refreshing memory of what has been, and a glimmer of hope of what could be once more. Some of the talent they boasted back in the late 1990s and early 2000s was unbelievable, and to see them slowly leave one by one was gut-wrenching.

Arguably none more so than the sale of Eric Cantona.

How good was Eric Cantona?

Having been brought in from his homeland, the mercurial forward quickly established himself as someone capable of thriving in England.

His impact in just half a season helped propel the Yorkshire outfit to the title, but the following campaign saw the darker side of having a player like the Frenchman within a squad.

Despite scoring 14 goals and assisting five in just 34 games, the 56-year-old would force a move from Elland Road in acrimonious circumstances. His exit was widely seen as good business, to remove the ‘bad egg’ from the bunch, but selling to Manchester United was a devastating mistake. Especially for just £1m, the reported true figure earned.

Cantona would only take his career to new heights at Old Trafford, where in total he scored a further 81 goals and assisted 62 in just 182 games. He would play an imperative role in the further four Premier Leagues he would win, alongside two FA Cups and five English Super Cups.

In total, the man affectionately dubbed “the King” in Manchester, would win 11 trophies after leaving Leeds.

Even as recently as 2021 was he recognised as a “legend” by the current captain of the Red Devils Harry Maguire.

To further pronounce his greatness, Sir Alex Ferguson even wrote him a heartfelt letter upon his retirement which emphasised Cantona’s importance to their success. One part stated: “For me it is to remind you how good a player you were for Manchester United and how grateful I am for the service you gave me. I will never forget that and hope you won’t either.”

Moving the great Scotsman to such kind words is no small feat, and only serves to exacerbate the huge mistake Leeds made to sell the 45-cap magician, transfer request or not.

His exit may have been inevitable, but it surely didn’t have to be to their arch-rivals.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will be without defender John Stones for their blockbuster Premier League clash against Arsenal this evening.

The Lowdown: City travel to north London…

City travel to north London tonight knowing a win against Mikel Arteta’s side will take them level on points with their fierce title rivals.

The Sky Blues were really losing ground against Arsenal but the latter side’s 1-0 loss to Everton and 1-1 draw at home to Brentford has gifted Guardiola an opportunity to seriously close the gap.

Arsenal still have a game in hand on City but both teams must play each other twice in the league, including tonight’s encounter, before this season ends.

The Latest: City without Stones…

In terms of team news, star striker Erling Haaland is apparently touch and go for the Emirates Stadium bout whilst England international Stones is definitely absent with a thigh problem.

The centre-back remains sidelined for City with Guardiola potentially turning to Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte in the middle.

That being said, Guardiola’s recent line ups indicate we can’t rule out surprises, with Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake also in real contention.

The Verdict: Blow for Pep?

Stones, when available, is clearly favoured by the Blues boss, with only Akanji playing more league minutes in terms of City’s current defensive options (WhoScored).

The 28-year-old is also an elite ball-playing defender, averaging the joint-highest pass accuracy (94.3%) in Guardiola’s squad (WhoScored).

Stones has played a significant role in City’s back line for the past year with his one of his most notable performances coming against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals last season.

The former Everton star was heralded for his assured and composed performance against the La Liga giants with members of the media quickly calling him an ‘absolutely magnificent’ defender.

Stones has been a consistent member of Guardiola’s title-winning squads since the Spaniard took charge, and for such a huge game, he will be sorely missed as an option.

حسم التعادل السلبي مواجهة غزل المحلة والاتحاد السكندري، التي أقيمت اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وأقيمت المباراة بين غزل المحلة والاتحاد السكندري، في الجولة الخامسة من مسابقة الدوري المصري على استاد المحلة.

طالع..طارق العشري يوقع على عقود تدريب فريق عربي جديد

واستحوذ زعيم الثغر على الكرة في المباراة حيث وصلت نسبة امتلاكه للكرة 59% بينما 41% لصالح غزل المحلة، بينما سدد أصحاب الأرض 11 مرة في مقابل 4 مرات فقط للفريق السكندري.

ورفع الاتحاد السكندري رصيده إلى 8 نقاط في المركز السادس من جدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري المصري، بينما غزل المحلة عنده 5 نقاط في المركز الرابع عشر.

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon enjoyed two largely excellent spells in charge of the Scottish giants as he won ten pieces of silverware for the club.

Which trophies did Lennon win with Celtic?

The Northern Irish head coach dominated football in Scotland and won five Scottish Premiership titles in total, with the latest one coming in the 2019/20 campaign.

Competition

Season won

Premiership

2011/12

Premiership

2012/13

Premiership

2013/14

Premiership

2018/19

Premiership

2019/20

Scottish Cup

2010/11

Scottish Cup

2012/13

Scottish Cup

2018/19

Scottish Cup

2019/20

League Cup

2019/20

Via Transfermarkt.

However, Lennon did not get everything right throughout his two stints in the dugout at Parkhead and some of his dealings in the transfer market were questionable, including the signing of striker Patryk Klimala from Jagiellonia Bialystok.

The Poland youth international flopped at Paradise and it took the club securing a phenomenal piece of business after the Northern Irish head coach moved on to make up for the signing's failure.

How much did Celtic pay for Klimala?

The Hoops reportedly agreed a £3.5m deal to sign the young centre-forward despite having yet to prove himself as a regular scorer at first-team level by that point in his career.

At the time of the move, in January 2020, FootballTransfers placed his Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at €600k (£514k), which is considerably less than the £3.5m Lennon and Celtic sanctioned to sign him.

This suggests that the Scottish giants massively overpaid for the 6 foot marksman as they lavished a big transfer fee on an unproven player whose market value was less than £1m.

Klimala was coming off the back of seven goals in 17 Ekstraklasa matches during the first half of the 2019/20 campaign and that came after the attacker struggled throughout the previous season.

He produced one goal and one assist in 22 games in the Polish top-flight during the 2018/19 term, and arrived at Parkhead with 11 goals and four assists in 50 senior appearances for Bialystok in all competitions.

The Poland U21 international had, however, shown promise at youth level with a stunning 17 goals in nine U19 clashes for Bialystok, whilst he also scored 13 goals in 27 outings in the second division of Polish football on loan with Wigry Suwalki during the 2017/18 campaign.

How many goals did Klimala score for Celtic?

Klimala endured a rough 18 months with the Scottish side as he only found the back of the net three times in 28 competitive appearances in all competitions for the club.

Lennon snapped him up in January of the 2019/20 campaign and slowly bedded him in with four outings during the second half of the season.

He produced one assist in two SFA Cup clashes and did not contribute to any goals in his two Scottish Premiership games, although the young forward only played 15 minutes of football in those matches.

Klimala then played 17 times in the Premiership throughout the following season but was unable to prove his worth to Lennon as he managed three goals and zero assists in that time.

The Polish attacker averaged an unimpressive Sofascore rating of 6.65 in those games and missed five 'big chances', which shows that he was not clinical with the opportunities that did come his way at the top end of the pitch.

27 other players averaged a higher Sofascore rating within the Celtic squad and this highlights how disappointing his displays were when he was given a chance to showcase his skills.

His lack of physicality was also evident as the £3.5m signing lost 68% of his aerial battles and 57% of his duels in total in the top-flight, as per Sofascore, which shows that opposition defenders found it far too easy to get the better of him in physical contests.

He also made seven appearances in the cup competitions, domestically and in Europe, throughout the 2020/21 campaign and failed to deliver a single goal or assist.

How much did Celtic sell Klimala for?

Celtic decided to cash in on the Polish centre-forward in April 2021, which came two months after Lennon was relieved of his duties in February, and played a masterclass in doing so as they were able to rake in a reported fee of €6m (£5m).

The Hoops sold him to MLS outfit New York Red Bulls and made a £1.5m profit, despite his struggles on the pitch throughout his time in Glasgow.

Red Bulls chief Kevin Thelwell hailed him as a "talented" ace and Klimala showcased his quality in front of goal with eight strikes and six assists in 26 MLS starts throughout the 2021 campaign.

However, his form did not last as the former Bhoys lightweight then struggled during the 2022 season and ended the term with five goals and three assists in 29 league outings.

Where is Klimala now?

The 25-year-old finisher is currently playing for Hapoel Beer Sheva in Israel after moving to the club from New York Red Bulls in January of this year.

Klimala has failed to deliver consistent quality at the top end of the pitch since his latest switch as he has scored three goals in 20 appearances in all competitions to date, which includes zero strikes in five matches this term.

At the time of writing (15/09/2023), FootballTransfers has his xTV at €1m (£857k) and this shows that Celtic played a masterclass with their deal to sell him to Red Bulls for a staggering £5m.

The Scottish giants were able to make a £1.5m profit on the Polish flop, in spite of his poor performances on the pitch, and have now watched on as he has struggled to kick on his career beyond life in Glasgow.

Klimala is not playing in a major European league and his market value is nowhere near the fee that they raked in for his services in 2021, which shows that the club made the right decision by selling him when they did.

Whilst the signing was a flop for Lennon on the pitch, the Hoops board made sure that a positive came out of Klimala's time at Parkhead with a fantastic piece of trading that they can look back on as a huge success given his lack of consistency in the final third since his exit.