Newcastle star Alexander Isak has proclaimed that he wants to remain with the club beyond the current campaign. The striker’s future has been questioned by pundits across England due to his team’s current financial situation. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a> recently <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/newcastle-may-have-to-sell-key-players-to-ease-ffp-concerns-20240112-WST-483024.html">posted</a> post-tax losses of $93 million for the 2022/23 financial year. 



These figures mean that the club has racked up nearly $200 million in total losses since the fall of 2021. This coincides with the introduction of new Saudi ownership. Current <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> rules state that teams cannot exceed $134 million in losses over three years.



Nevertheless, there have been <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/newcastle-may-have-to-sell-key-players-to-ease-ffp-concerns-20240112-WST-483024.html">suggestions</a> that Newcastle will be able to lower this debt by investing in other avenues. This potentially includes their academy, women’s team, and charity foundations. As a result, the Magpies are thought to be barely under the Premier League’s aforementioned loss limit. 



However, depending on how the remainder of the season goes, Newcastle may have to part ways with a star or two. The club’s CEO even recently <a href="https://www.nufc.co.uk/nufc-tv/latest-videos/darren-eales-discusses-202223-accounts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">admitted</a> that selling players this summer is certainly possible.



<h2>Star striker claims to ‘love’ playing for Magpies</h2>



Despite the claims, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/alexander-isak-newcastle-arsenal-eddie-howe-b1148874.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insisted</a> on Tuesday that Isak will remain with the team beyond the summer transfer window. Following the manager’s comments, i asked the star striker himself about the coach’s remarks and his future at the club. “Yeah, of course, I want to be here in the future,” <a href="https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-transfer-plans-alexander-isak-newcastle-2988286?ito=copy-link_share_article-top" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Isak.



“I came here for the project. I absolutely love playing here and I really feel at home, I want to finish this season in a good way for me and the team, I love playing here.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240403_WST_499149_Alexander-Isak-Newcastle-1200x670_2eac5386.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-499206" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Alexander-Isak-Newcastle-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Alexander-Isak-Newcastle-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Alexander-Isak-Newcastle-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Alexander-Isak-Newcastle.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The news outlet then went on to ask the striker if his future with Newcastle was linked to the club’s European qualification. “I don’t want to entertain these type of questions and rumors,” continued the Swedish star. “It’s not my position. I love playing, we have important games, there’s no focus there [on my future]. I just want to do good for the team.”



The Magpies currently sit eighth in the English top-flight table and need to jump up a few places to grab at least a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a> spot.



<h2>Forward is garnering attention from top Premier League teams</h2>



Isak’s comments will be music to the ears of Magpies fans. After all, the striker is in the midst of an outstanding season with the club. Despite missing 10 total matches in the campaign due to injuries, Isak has still racked up 19 goals in all competitions. He is set to become the first Newcastle player to score 20 goals in a season since Alan Shearer.



The forward’s 15 Premier League goal tally is currently tied for fifth in the entire division. However, the 24-year-old forward has a particularly impressive goalscoring record when looking at his minutes played. Isak is tied for the most goals per 90 minutes in the English top flight. The striker is currently level with superstars Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah in the category. 



The Swede’s stellar season has put top clubs on notice. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both been linked with a potential summer move for Isak. If Newcastle were to sell their star striker, they would likely earn around $100 million.



Nevertheless, Isak’s declaration to remain in the northeast is admirable considering other similar situations. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/brentford-tv-schedule/">Brentford</a>‘s Ivan Toney has been publicly hoping for a move away from the London side for months now. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a> international even <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/toney-names-real-madrid-as-ideal-summer-transfer-destination/">recently claimed</a> that a transfer to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> would be an ideal scenario.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Isak wants to stay with Newcastle amid fears club will sell stars

Newcastle star Alexander Isak has proclaimed that he wants to remain with the club beyond the season despite links with a potential transfer.

Brighton has posted a post-tax profit of about $154 million for the 2022/23 financial year. The impressive figures are the highest profit of any club in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> history. Across the continent, only <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> ($378 million) previously recorded higher profits than the Seagulls. However, the Catalan club essentially did everything it could to increase revenue to adhere to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.



A fairly large chunk of this record profit was generated by selling stars such as Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma, and Marc Cucurella. The trio was all sold during the 2022/23 financial year for around $147 million combined. Deals to offload Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez, however, were not included in these figures. Both players were sold to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> after the 2022/23 financial year ended. The Seagulls are receiving about $144 million for the duo.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/brighton-tv-schedule-where-to-watch-the-seagulls/">Brighton</a> also received a large compensation from the Blues for former head coach Graham Potter. Chelsea reportedly paid the Seagulls around $27 million for the manager and his staff. Potter only lasted 31 total games in west London.



Brighton’s financial report was also boosted by their performances on the pitch. The South Coast club finished sixth in the Premier League table following the 2022/23 season, qualifying for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a>. It was the first time in the team’s history that they featured in a European competition. They also made it to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fa-cup-tv-schedule/">FA Cup</a> semifinals, playing at Wembley Stadium in the process.



<h2>Brighton exec claims club will use profits in transfer window</h2>



The financial figures came out just as Paul Barber, Brighton’s chief executive, extended his contract with the club. Barber declared in a statement on Tuesday that the recent report allows the Seagulls to invest back into the team. 



“In a season when we made history on the pitch, we took a huge step forward in terms of the club’s long-held aim of becoming more sustainable and less reliant on Tony Bloom’s incredibly generous levels of investment,” <a href="https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/3949063/albions-annual-accounts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Barber.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240403_WST_499126_BHA-Finances-1200x670_e28e1799.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-499200" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/BHA-Finances-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/BHA-Finances-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/BHA-Finances-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/BHA-Finances.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



“Our profitability also means we can further improve our infrastructure with a significant multi-million-pound investment in a new external fan zone which, subject to planning, will be completed in summer 2024.”



“We now have a very solid platform to continue to make significant progress on the pitch, by investing in our squad. The dream is to be regularly challenging for a European place and for silverware.”



<h2>Seagulls brass has to convince head coach of the project</h2>



Brighton’s financial standing is a stark contrast to many other Premier League teams. While the Seagulls have excelled while also recording record profits, other clubs are teetering on profit and sustainability (PSR) violations. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/everton-tv-schedule/">Everton</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/nottingham-forest-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Nottingham Forest</a>, two teams with more historical accolades than Brighton, face charges of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/everton-and-nottingham-forest-charged-with-ffp-violations-20240115-WST-483518.html">breaching financial regulations</a>. Several other top teams have also recently declared massive losses as well.



Nevertheless, Brighton officials will certainly have to reinvest in the squad if they want any chance of keeping Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/de-zerbi-hints-at-brighton-exit-amid-european-top-sides-interest/">recently hinted</a> that he may soon depart the team as he looks to progress to a bigger club that spends freely. He did, however, eventually clean up the remarks by <a href="https://theathletic.com/5375023/2024/04/01/brighton-liverpool-de-zerbi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claiming</a> that he wants assurances from the club that they will spend money this summer.



De Zerbi is among the managerial prospects <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> and Barcelona want. A potential move back to Italy may also be in the cards shortly as well.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Brighton sets record profit as other EPL clubs fear FFP charges

Brighton has posted a profit of $154 million for the 2022/23 financial year. The figures are the highest of any club in EPL history.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has revealed that he is looking into selling a stake in the club. The businessman released a statement on Wednesday claiming to already be in discussions with “prospective investors” over a potential deal. Levy has been in place at the team since 2001, which makes him the longest-serving chairman in the entire <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a>.



The announcement comes as the north London club recorded $109 million in post-tax losses in the latest financial year. While <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Spurs</a> also posted a turnover of $691 million during the timeframe, expenditures were essentially up across the board. The team claims that operating expenses were up 21%, their player wage bill rose 20%, and they spent serious money on player transfers in the 2022/23 financial year.



“To capitalize on our long-term potential, to continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the club requires a significant increase in its equity base,” <a href="https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2024/april/financial-results-year-ended-30-june-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> Levy.



“The board and its advisors, Rothschild &amp; Co, are in discussions with prospective investors. Any recommended investment proposal would require the support of the club’s shareholders.”



<h2>Tottenham says selling a stake does not come from financial woes</h2>



Despite the massive losses, Levy claimed that Spurs are “fully compliant” with profit and sustainability rules (PSR) currently in place in the Premier League. English top-flight laws state that clubs cannot record losses over $133 over three seasons. The north London team previously posted losses of $63 million during the 2021/22 season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240403_WST_499104_Daniel-Levy-Spurs-1200x670_61ce6c6c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-499180" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Daniel-Levy-Spurs-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Daniel-Levy-Spurs-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Daniel-Levy-Spurs-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Daniel-Levy-Spurs.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Spurs have attempted to offset these losses by finding creative ways to make money. One of these avenues is to rent out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The $1.5 billion state-of-the-art arena has hosted a bunch of non-soccer events in recent months. This includes multiple NFL games, big boxing matches, as well as a series of concerts. Beyonce, in particular, previously played five nights at the stadium in May of 2023. The shows attracted nearly 240,000 total people to the arena.



The Premier League side has also increased ticket prices for their matches as well. Spurs recently revealed that seats inside the stadium will rise 6% compared to the previous prices. Interestingly enough, the move came as Levy rewarded himself with a $3.7 million bonus. Needless to say, many Spurs fans were not exactly thrilled with the revelation.



<h2>Club’s long trophy drought continues despite losses</h2>



Despite the aforementioned recorded losses at Spurs, the club’s spending has not exactly translated to on-field success. The north London side finished eighth in the Premier League standings during the 2022/23 season and completed their 15th consecutive campaign without a trophy. Spurs currently sit fifth in the table and will need to qualify for the lucrative <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> to boost financial figures.



Levy has been linked with potentially selling at least a piece of the club for months now. The businessman, however, stated back in the fall that he has “<a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-sale-daniel-levy-b1149083.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no real interest</a>” in completely leaving Spurs. This would indicate that he is only willing to sell a part of the team. Investment company ENIC controls just over 86% of the club at the moment. Levy is the Spurs chairman due to holding a 30% stake in this company.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Spurs pursue selling stake in club to compete with rivals

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has announced that he is open to selling a stake in the club amid a shocking financial report.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to shatter transfer records at Manchester United as the club seeks to bolster their midfield.



Former Real Madrid stalwart Casemiro’s decline since leaving the Santiago Bernabeu has been rapid and dramatic. Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen isn’t getting much love as Erik ten Hag no longer favors the Dane. In a flash, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a>‘s starting midfield from the previous season is gone.



Neither Mason Mount nor Scott McTominay have shown much promise as central midfielders. Unbeknownst to most, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo is keeping it together.



No one should be surprised to hear that United will be shopping for a midfielder this summer. It will ideally have to be a youthful one, to ensure they avoid a similar situation in the next two years.



It would seem that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ratcliffe-eyes-massive-man-united-squad-overhaul-this-summer-20240222-WST-491054.html">Sir Jim Ratcliffe</a> is aware of this. Thus, with a transfer budget of more than $108 million, the Manchester United owner is planning a spectacular move to sign Joao Neves, a prodigy for Benfica.



<h2>Ideal partnership with compatriot Fernandes?</h2>



United have kept a careful eye on the 19-year-old midfielder all season long, and he has now emerged as a major target. He has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time. What’s more, he is certainly one of the most sought-after commodities heading into the summer transfer season.



Several times this season, the Red Devils reportedly sent scouts to observe him, according to the Portuguese source <a href="https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/benfica/detalhe/manchester-united-tem-mais-de-100-milhoes-de-euros-joao-neves" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Record</a>. They will be closely watching Neves’ performance in the highly anticipated derby match against Sporting, as part of their heightened scouting efforts.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240403_WST_499089_Joao-Neves-Manchester-Unitedf-1200x670_ccc11d29.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-499130" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Joao-Neves-Manchester-Unitedf-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Joao-Neves-Manchester-Unitedf-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Joao-Neves-Manchester-Unitedf-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Joao-Neves-Manchester-Unitedf.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



They plan to pair Neves with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ratcliffe-to-take-first-victim-at-united-star-offered-to-la-liga-side/">Bruno Fernandes</a>, a fellow countryman, and form a formidable midfield combo. The club’s pursuit of Neves is strategic; they want to add energy and skill to their midfield, so they can compete at a higher level.



After Neves’ outstanding season, United scouts were unanimous in their praise and put him at the top of their transfer wishlist. Despite being only 19 years old, the midfielder has quickly become an integral part of Benfica’s starting lineup.



<h2>Manchester United may break its transfer record on Joao Neves</h2>



The report adds that the Red Devils are reportedly prepared to pay a pretty penny to get Neves. They have allegedly set aside more than $108 million to acquire the midfielder this summer. Especially, after making his acquisition a “priority” for the club.



Benfica aren’t going to compromise much on their player. Still, United is steadfast in giving the Portuguese club a run for its money with an outrageous offer.



The Premier League giants set a record for the highest transfer price in 2016 when they paid $113 million for Paul Pogba. However, the article continues to state they would spend more than that.



There is a $129 million release clause in the midfielder’s contract, according to an earlier <a href="https://www.ojogo.pt/2131683764/bolas-paradas-do-benfica-joao-neves-e-arma-no-laboratorio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">O Jogo</a> article. Liverpool and Chelsea are also tracking the midfielder. Therefore, this transfer saga may develop into a battle between English rivals. 



His value is too high for the Portuguese club to risk selling him cheaply. Reportedly, they are optimistic that the player and the club can reach a new agreement that would raise his release clause to $161 million.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Man United to break bank in pursuit of Portuguese jewel

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to shatter transfer records at Manchester United as the club seek to bolster the midfield with Joao Neves.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has asked for patience from the club’s restless fanbase. The Chelsea Supporters Trust recently published a scathing open letter to Boehly and his partners. In the note, the group claimed that morale at the club is as low as it was in the 1980s. The fans even went on to call their beloved team a “<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/boehly-told-club-is-a-laughing-stock-by-chelsea-fan-group/">laughing stock</a>” with Boehly at the helm.



While the Blues have typically been known as a top team in recent decades, they previously struggled with consistency. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> bounced back and forth between the top two English divisions during the twentieth century.



Although the west London club is not exactly flirting with serious relegation, they have been severely underperforming since Boehly came aboard. The Blues finished 12th in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> table in the American businessman’s first season with the team. They are also now 11th in the standings despite making significant investments into the squad.



<h2>Billionaire claims that group of players will eventually turn ‘into a team’</h2>



Boehly, however, has finally addressed the highly critical aforementioned open letter. Speaking in a sprawling interview with Forbes, the billionaire touched on a series of topics. This included his non-sports business ventures, as well as owning both Chelsea and the Los Angeles Dodgers.



The news outlet finished the piece by hinting at the fan unrest in west London. Boehly acknowledged that he is under fire from the fans but urged the club’s supporters to have patience with the team’s development. “We just need to let the process develop and give them the time to go from being unbelievable individual players with great skills to fold into a team,” <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maneetahuja/2024/04/01/meet-the-billionaire-bond-trader-behind-chelsea-fc-springsteens-songbook-and-the-la-dodgers/?sh=5895c7f177ff&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=socialflowForbesMainTwitter&amp;utm_source=ForbesMainTwitter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> Boehly.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240402_WST_498912_Boehly-Chelsea-fans-1200x670_4859aff6.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-498997" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Boehly-Chelsea-fans-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Boehly-Chelsea-fans-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Boehly-Chelsea-fans-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Boehly-Chelsea-fans.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



“The good news is people care so much. And the bad news is people care so much. That leads to times when they’re frustrated with the team and the owners. I get that, but we just have to continue to stay the course.”



Soldiering on may be tough for Chelsea fans to take considering how much money Boehly has spent on new players. With the businessman at the helm, the Blues have spent over $1 billion in the transfer market. Typically, teams that shell out massive amounts of cash on recruits are expected to collect silverware fairly quickly.



<h2>Chelsea supporters likely venting more frustration with Boehly after the draw</h2>



The interview was published on Monday but was almost certainly conducted before Chelsea’s recent draw with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/burnley-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Burnley</a>. The Blues entered halftime of the match leading the 19th-placed Clarets 1-0 and had a man advantage. Lorenz Assignon was sent off just before the break after picking up two yellow cards.



Despite the lead and playing with an extra man, Chelsea eventually lost their lead two separate times in the fixture. Burnley’s Dara O’Shea ultimately earned his club a point with a goal in the 81st minute. The disappointing draw was just the latest bump in the road for Boehly’s club.



Following the draw, the Blues now have to focus their attention on rivals <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a>. The Red Devils are set to travel to Stamford Bridge on Thursday, April 4th. Along with their remaining Premier League matches, Chelsea will try to salvage their season in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fa-cup-tv-schedule/">FA Cup</a>. The Blues, however, next face powerhouse <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> in the semifinals of the competition on April 20.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Boehly asks for patience at Chelsea after spending $1.3 billion

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly responded to a message from the club's supporters by saying he requires patience from fans.

Sunday’s much-anticipated clash between Manchester City and Arsenal has broken the record for Premier League viewership of one game in American history. The scoreless draw was available on NBC, Peacock and digital platforms for English-language audiences. Additionally, it is the first game to hit a major viewership benchmark in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a>.



NBC reported that 2.12 million people watched English-language coverage of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> on Sunday. This is the first time over 2 million people tuned into one English-language Premier League broadcast in US history. This game surpassed the Liverpool-Arsenal game from this past December as the most-watched game in Premier League history in the United States.



NBC noted that five of the six <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/top-5-most-watched-premier-league-games-in-us-history-20231228-WST-480101.html">most-watched games in the United States</a> for the Premier League have come this season. The only outlier is from January of last season, when Arsenal defeated <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> with both clubs in the top three. The fixtures ranking third to sixth have involved many of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, including Manchester City against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> hosting Manchester United.



<h2>A new Premier League viewership record in the US</h2>



These are the top six games for English-language viewership in the United States.



<ol><li>Manchester City vs. Arsenal —&nbsp;2.12 million —&nbsp;March 31, 2024</li><li>Liverpool vs. Arsenal —&nbsp;1.96 million —&nbsp;Dec. 23, 2023</li><li>Arsenal vs. Manchester United —&nbsp;1.92 million —&nbsp;Jan. 22, 2023</li><li>Liverpool vs. Manchester United —&nbsp;1.77 million —&nbsp;Dec. 17, 2023</li><li>Newcastle vs. Manchester City —&nbsp;1.68 million —&nbsp;Jan. 13, 2024</li><li>Manchester City vs. Chelsea —&nbsp;1.51 million —&nbsp;Feb. 17, 2024</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240402_WST_499005_Trossard-City-1200x670_21fe9ad0.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-499012" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Trossard-City-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Trossard-City-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Trossard-City-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Trossard-City.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



It is worth noting that these figures for viewership include both TV and streaming figures. For many of these games, coverage was simulcast on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. While the majority of these English-language audiences watched on either USA Network or NBC, a strong proportion streamed the game on Peacock, but this figure incorporates both of those groups.



For example, Sunday’s Manchester City game against Arsenal broke the US viewership record for a Premier League game on Peacock. The Average Minute Audience of this game was 547,000 on Peacock.



When incorporating the Spanish-language audiences on Telemundo, NBC amassed a total audience delivery (TAD) of 2.59 million viewers. Consequently, this makes it the most-watched match when including Spanish-language viewership. Previously, the holder of the record was Arsenal-Manchester United in January 2023. 



<h2>Premier League’s dominance is just the tip of the iceberg</h2>



by Christopher Harris



As World Soccer Talk reported last year, the English Premier League is now the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/premier-league-is-now-the-most-watched-soccer-league-in-usa-20231228-WST-478701.html">most-watched soccer league</a> in the United States. It has surpassed Mexico’s Liga MX in popularity. It will continue to grow as much of the competition (MLS and Liga MX) finds itself leaning more into putting many of its games behind a paywall (ViX and <a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=wst_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l35s4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">MLS Season Pass</a>, respectively).



While the Premier League has won the battle to become the most-watched league in the United States, the Premier League’s invasion of the United States is just beginning. 



League executives see the growth potential as far greater than just the hardcore and casual soccer fans in the United States. Instead, watch the EPL try to compete against the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL. It’s an enormous task, but the league has everything going for it partly due to broadcaster NBC. The exclusive TV and streaming rights deal runs through until the end of the 2027/28 season. Between now and then, the Premier League has the strength of the NBC Sports marketing machine behind it. Starting with the Summer Olympics this summer, expect NBC Sports and Telemundo to continue to cross-promote the Premier League.



Then this summer, almost half of the Premier League clubs play <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/schedule-of-soccer-friendlies-in-us-this-summer/">pre-season friendlies</a> in the United States. Teams playing here include Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea. There’s also the possibility of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/four-more-premier-league-teams-set-for-us-preseason-tour/">four more Premier League clubs</a> playing stateside this August.



With the Club World Cup in 2025 featuring several Premier League teams, as well as Premier League stars being featured in World Cup 2026, the future is bright for the Premier League.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Man City-Arsenal sets Premier League viewership record in US

Sunday's Manchester City-Arsenal game has broken the record for Premier League viewership of one game in American history.

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has admitted that he does not allow his son to head soccer balls. Heading has become a hot topic in the sport in recent years as more research is conducted on the issue. The United States Soccer Federation has <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/08/16/soccer-heading-brain-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">banned children</a> under the age of 11 from heading soccer balls. Youth players from 11 to 12 can also only use their heads up to 20 times a week during practices.



There are, however, no limits to heading in official games among youngsters in this specific age group. In England, where Varane now resides, there are currently <a href="https://www.englandfootball.com/participate/learn/Brain-Health/Heading-in-Football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing tests</a> regarding the issue. Officials in the European nation are in year two of a trial to ban players under 12 from heading.



Varane spoke on the topic of heading, among other things, during a recent interview with <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Raphael-varane-j-ai-abime-mon-corps/1458158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Equipe</a>. “My 7-year-old son plays football, and I advise him not to head the ball,” claimed the Red Devils defender.



“Even if it does not cause immediate trauma, we know that in the long term, repeated shocks are likely to have harmful effects. I don’t know if I will live to be 100, but I know that I have damaged my body.”



<h2>Varane says he has missed a match this season due to “micro-concussion”</h2>



Varane’s comments regarding his son come as the star admitted to having featured for club and country while suffering the effects of head injuries. The center-back claimed to have been concussed during a matchup with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/nigeria-national-team-tv-schedule/">Nigeria</a> at the 2014 World Cup.



Despite the injury, the Frenchman finished the round of 16 fixture in his nation’s 2-0 victory. Varane then went on to play a full 90 minutes against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/germany-national-team-tv-schedule/">Germany</a> just a few days later. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France</a> was eventually knocked out of the tournament by the Germans in the quarterfinals. While he managed to play both matches, Varane says that he was on “autopilot” on the pitch.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240402_WST_498889_Varane-Lacazatte-1200x670_5f8dd260.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-498938" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Varane-Lacazatte-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Varane-Lacazatte-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Varane-Lacazatte-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Varane-Lacazatte.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The 30-year-old defender also claimed that he missed a match earlier this season while with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> due to “micro-concussions” caused by headers. The center-back did not specify which games he missed due to the head injury.



Varane was not named in manager Erik ten Hag’s squad for seven total matches this season. Ten Hag previously only labeled one of Varane’s injuries as a “<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/another-defensive-blow-for-man-utd-injured-raphael-varane-ruled-out-of-brentford-clash/blt0251fa5fc4723dfb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">minor issue</a>.” The defender also missed a matchup with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/west-ham-tv-schedule/">West Ham</a> due to an illness.



“The first time I heard about [micro-concussions] was this season when specialists came in to talk to us about it,” continued Varane. “Often, as a player, we don’t understand and we don’t even think about doing a test.”



“Earlier this season, I headed the ball repeatedly during a match for Man United and felt abnormally tired in the following days, as well as having some eye fatigue. I reported it to the staff, who strongly recommended that I don’t play, and I took a test, which meant that I missed the next match.”



<h2>Brains do not finish development until someone reaches their 20s</h2>



Banning heading in youth players certainly seems like a good move. As more research is conducted, repeated head injuries have been shown to be a main cause of encephalopathy (CTE). The debilitating brain disease has been fairly prominent in National Football League stars. Retired soccer players are, however, also dealing with similar issues as well.



Teaching youngsters how to defend without heading the ball can certainly be a tough task. Nevertheless, it is a small price to pay for the health and safety of kids playing the sport. Additional research has shown that human brains do not fully develop until the mid-to-late 20s. The part of the brain that is directly behind the forehead, what players use to head soccer balls, is one of the last parts to mature.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Varane bans son from heading after revealing own concussion issue

Manchester United star Raphael Varane admitted he does not allow his son to head soccer balls after revealing his concussion issues.

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