Every team needs a punt or two and Kluivert is one.
The Dutchman started his first game of the season last week and you’d expect him to be a first-choice player moving forward.
I’m backing his form from last season here, where he was FPL gold with 12 goals and six assists – as well as the juicy match-up
He should still be Bournemouth’s penalty taker too.
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, £8.9m – Brighton (h)
It’s interesting to see that Fernandes has dropped in price and it’s probably because FPL managers lost faith when he missed his second penalty of the season at Brentford.
But Fernandes doesn’t normally miss those and, had he scored both, he’d be the clear second-highest midfield points scorer this season behind Semenyo.
Ifs and buts, of course, but every weekend he has so many paths to points.
Fernandes has made 22 key passes – five more than any other player – has taken 18 shots, four big chances and missed out on defcon twice by just a point.
Cody Gakpo, Liverpool, £7.5m – Brentford (a)
With Mohamed Salah underperforming, Gakpo is much cheaper and just as effective as a route into the Liverpool attack.
He could have had a hat-trick on Sunday against Manchester United and, if you are a fan of underlying data like me, look at these stats.
Gakpo is top or joint-top among Liverpool players for:
Shots (21)
Shots in the box (15)
Goals (3)
xG (2.86)
Assists (2)
Key passes (17)
Expected assists (1.43)
At some point Liverpool will click, and Gakpo is likely to play a part when they do.
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace): He was excellent in the win over West Ham, not only his goal – which was a wonderful finish – but also his ability to go up and down the pitch for 90 minutes and never stop, never complain. Arguably one of the best one-on-one defenders in the country. Really impressive.
Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth): Both of my centre-backs get in because they are from the only teams who kept clean sheets this week. Senesi is developing into a wonderful player, especially when we look at who Bournemouth sold this summer. There was a lot of talk about their defenders who moved on to Real Madrid, PSG and Liverpool for £150m-odd combined – and then Senesi who was there last season steps up and is a massively important player for them.
Sven Botman (Newcastle): I was at Newcastle’s game against Barcelona and Botman looked frustrated and a bit disenfranchised when he didn’t come on. However, to get a start in the next game, play 90 minutes, and get a clean sheet with the amount of injuries he’s had was a massive show of character. He’s Newcastle’s best centre-half, he just struggles to stay fit.
Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest): Yes he scored but I also think under Ange Postecoglou – with a more attacking style and flair – we’re going to see another level to his game. He had a couple of shots that Dubravka saved. He could be one to keep an eye on going forward.
KSI became a huge hit as a stand-in on the most recent seriesCredit: ITV
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Simon Cowell with his son Eric who helped him choose the new BGT judgeCredit: simoncowell/Instagram
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Bruno Tonioli quit over his commitments on Dancing With The StarsCredit: ITV
Music mogul Simon was then convinced to give guest judge KSI, 32, a permanent spot on the panel by his little boy who’s a huge fan of the influencer.
A TV insider told The Sun: “Simon’s been friends with Bruno for over 35 years and loved working with him on BGT.
“It was really tough knowing he had to let Bruno go because they couldn’t get the filming dates to work out with his commitments on Dancing with the Stars.
“Simon is always looking for new ways to keep the show evolving and loves to get the opinion of his young son.
“Eric was a big influence for Simon in choosing Bruno’s replacement. He’s obsessed with him and adores him, KSI is Eric’s favourite influencer.
“Plus, he’s been such a hit as a guest judge and Simon recognises they need to keep the show different by moving forward to keep attracting the younger audience.
“Bruno was popular with the grannies, but KSI is for the youngsters.
“KSI has a huge social media presence and Simon knows how important it is to keep the show more modern.”
After being confirmed as the new full-time judge, music artist and boxer KSI said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season.
Watch the shock moment KSI is grabbed by his CROTCH by Britain’s Got Talent act as YouTube star is left speechless
“I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent.
“I’m full of energy, ready to go, and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever. Let’s do this.”
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Bruno is leaving the BGT panelCredit: ITV
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New judge KSI has already shown that he has a real gift for spotting talentCredit: ITV
OH, to be a fly on the wall of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s office when news broke that Bruno Fernandes had snubbed a mega £100million bid from Saudi Arabia.
Manchester United’s part-owner could not have believed his luck when Al-Hilal offered to take captain Fernandes, who turns 31 in September, off their hands and give the Red Devils a much-needed cash injection.
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Bruno Fernandes snubbed a mega £100million bid from Saudi Arabia
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Man Utd missed their chance of a major sale like Liverpool with Philippe Coutinho
Ratcliffe, who claimed the “bloated” club was set to go “bust at Christmas”, has led a ruthless cost-cutting drive at Old Trafford — culling 450 staff including the much-loved receptionists and also withdrew free canteen food for workers at the ground.
So to have the potential of receiving a nine-figure sum for a player whose legs are only going to get wearier was almost too good to be true.
Even the offer of tax-free £700,000-a-week wages was not enough to lure the Portuguese star to the Middle East.
Yet Fernandes’ admirable resistance has thrown United’s chaotic transfer plans up in the air once again.
It is back to the drawing board for Ratcliffe and manager Ruben Amorim, who are under pressure to juggle the books with Profit and Sustainability Rules after their failure to qualify for Europe.
Despite Fernandes turning down the Saudi riches, the midfielder could still be a target for European clubs this summer — although the offers are unlikely to be even half the astonishing transfer fee on offer from Al-Hilal.
And even if he stays, Red Devils fans will now be debating where Fernandes fits into Amorim’s rebuild next season?
Amorim is wedded to his 3-4-3 formation and his early transfer activity seems to match up.
Wolves’ Matheus Cunha has signed in a £62.5m deal and Bryan Mbeumo is now a £50m target from Brentford, with the duo expected to play in the attacking positions behind the lone striker.
Bruno Fernandes enjoys dinner with Al-Hilal ‘secret agent’ Joao Cancelo as he faces Man Utd exit decision
Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho, linked with Chelsea and Napoli, are other options for the wide forward roles.
That quartet is likely to see Fernandes move further back to one of the two central midfield berths which he fulfilled in the Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
Amorim has other options in the centre of the park, including Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.
Casemiro is on big wages, Amorim knows Ugarte well from their time together at Sporting Lisbon and the United boss lavished praise on Mount following his return to fitness towards the end of the season.
While homegrown talent Mainoo, 20, is an intriguing prospect.
So where will Fernandes play on a regular basis? In last season’s disastrous campaign, Amorim relied heavily on talismanic Fernandes to dig his woeful 15th-placed Prem side out of the mire, netting 19 times in all competitions.
Failed Coutinho moment
Fernandes’ quality and consistency led to the eye-watering bid from Saudi and the £100m fee will play on Ratcliffe’s mind in their ‘Mission 21’ operation to knock Liverpool “off their perch” once again.
The Reds went through a similar scenario over seven years ago when they sold star man Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for a staggering £142m.
The transfer fee gave Jurgen Klopp the chance to rebuild as the German used that money to bring in Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, and his new spine delivered the Champions League and Premier League titles.
If Fernandes remains at United then club legend Gary Neville believes Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho must all leave.
Garnacho clashed with Amorim after the Bilbao loss to Tottenham, while the other three have all been out on loan this season.
Neville said: “If players are taking on and questioning the manager in public through social media, the manager has to win.
Neville’s transfer advice
“If the manager doesn’t win, the manager has to leave and I don’t think that’s going to happen this time. That’s happened far too many times before. I think Garnacho will leave purely because of that, I think they’ve had enough.
“Marcus has to leave for him and the club. I think that ship has sailed and he needs to find himself another club.
“It sounds to me like Villa aren’t going to keep him. I would say for Marcus’ and United’s sake that it feels like that path has come to an end.
“I feel a little bit similarly with Jadon as I do with Marcus. I’d be a bit concerned that Chelsea haven’t made the noises that they’re going to keep him. United have to make sure they part ways with him.
“Antony has gone to Spain and having seen a couple of players that I played with not do it Old Trafford but do it in Spain . . . I think he’s suited down to the ground and it’s been proven.”
Ratcliffe may have canned hundreds of local staff but he will soon discover it’s much harder to get rid of superstar players who are tied down to huge contracts.
Star signings Liverpool made after Philippe Coutinho sale
LIVERPOOL sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for an eye-watering £142million back in 2018.
Here’s five of the best players the Reds signed with that massive windfall:
“Manchester United said they didn’t want to sell me,” he said. “They said if I wanted to go I could, but they didn’t need the money. I spoke to coach Ruben Amorim who, throughout that period, he was pushing for me not to go.”
Fernandes said it was an “exciting offer” from Al-Hilal and it would have been “easy” to move to Saudi Arabia, with several Portuguese players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves currently there.
However, he added: “I want to play at the highest possible level.
“I want to play major competitions. I know I still can and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most.
“For better or worse, this is how I see football and I’m passionate about football and this is the decision I’ve made.”
United are understood to be delighted by the news, which came after boss Amorim expressed his belief on Friday that Fernandes would stay.
There were no direct conversations between United and Al-Hilal, so they were never presented with a bid they could turn down.
However, it was expected the Saudi side were prepared to offer between £80m and £100m to sign him in time for this month’s Fifa Club World Cup.
It is not clear whether Al-Hilal will now pursue new targets.
Fernandes has made 290 appearances and scored 98 goals for the club since his £47m move from Sporting in January 2020.
Former Manchester United right-back Gary Neville told Sky Sports he believes the transfer would not have been a poor deal for the Old Trafford club but added: “He’s so important.
“The fact that he wants to stay, the fact that he wants to go through this and come out the other side, because it would have been easy for him at the end of this season to say, ‘Look, I’m done here’, will endear him towards Manchester United fans even more.
“To turn that money down at a point where Manchester United are at their lowest ebb and say, ‘No, I want to fight through this, I want to see it through the other side, I want to come out and achieve things’, I think it says a lot about him as a person, as a character.
“The club needs people who are going to run through a brick wall for them.”
Amorim was adamant in Hong Kong that United could work around Fernandes staying at Old Trafford from a financial point of view.
However, the situation is not straightforward.
With no European football of any sort next season, finances will be tight. Amorim has already said he can operate with a smaller squad given there are fewer matches, so sales are inevitable.
Broadly speaking, there are three categories.
Players Amorim just does not want – so the likes of Sancho, Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
Players who have struggled and it would make sense to sell – Hojlund and Zirkzee fit into this group, as does Casemiro.
Then, the bulk are players who have something to offer and United would be open to keeping but would let go if the right bid came in.
Yet the major issue around all of this is how long would it take to do a deal and how much would it cost?
Take Sancho for example.
It has been established Chelsea would have signed him on reduced terms, which he was not prepared to accept.
If a Premier League club that has just qualified for the Champions League are baulking at Sancho’s wages, it is fair to assume most other clubs will reach the same conclusion.
If Sancho refuses to drop his demands and Amorim wants him out, United will have to negotiate some kind of compromise.
This puts them back in the uncomfortable position of paying a player to play for a rival. It is the kind of situation minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe finds so irritating and wants to end.
Yet, when you take a realistic approach to Sancho, Antony and Rashford in particular, it is hard to see how that situation is avoided. The same could also be said of many United players who remained at the club last season.
The matches may have finished but for United technical director Jason Wilcox and chief negotiator Matt Hargreaves, the hard work is just beginning.
It is how well they do, getting players in and out, that will determine how much progress Amorim can be expected to make.
Pedro Gonçalves played under Ruben Amorim at SportingCredit: Getty
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Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a Saudi switchCredit: PA
United skipper Fernandes has until Friday to tell Al-Hilal if he is up for a move to the Middle East, and the Saudis are ready to pay £100m if they get the thumbs up.
And if Fernandes does take the plunge on a three-year deal, the cash-strapped Reds could afford Goncalves – also known as Pote – with money to spare.
Manager Amorim would still prefer to keep his captain, and insisted he was confident of doing so after United’s post-season trip to Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.
But he is equally aware that a salary of more than £1m a WEEK is hugely tempting for Fernandes.
And the Old Trafford money men know they will hit the jackpot by banking such a fee for a man who turns 31 a month into next season.
Goncalves, 26, had two years at Wolves as a teenager, but returned to Portugal without playing a game.
Amorim took him to Lisbon from Famalicao six years ago, transforming him into a more attacking midfielder who can also play wide.
Goncalves, who hit 23 goals as Sporting ended a 19-year title drought in 2021, missed five months of last season with a ruptured thigh muscle.
But he returned in April and scored in the final day victory over Vitoria which clinched the Portuguese championship again.
Goncalves is also on Aston Villa’s wish list, but United believe his relationship with Amorim puts them in pole position.
Ruben Amorim bursts out laughing when asked about Man Utd star’s future
The biggest stumbling block could arise if Arsenal or Napoli can seal an early deal for £67m-rated striker Gyokeres, as Sporting would be unwilling to cash in on two of their star men.
But the Portuguese side will land a £5m-plus jackpot if Fernandes heads to the Middle East, thanks to a clause giving them ten percent of any profit United make on their skipper.
Rumours have been swirling that the YouTube star may replace dancer Bruno after making a great impression on his first series
Bruno Tonioli gives his honest verdict on fellow judge KSI(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Guest judge KSI makes a return to tomorrow night’s Britain’s Got Talent amid rumours ITV are eyeing him up as a permanent fixture. He took a seat on the talent show panel for the first time this series, standing in for Bruno Tonioli when he was working in the US.
Not that Bruno feels threatened. He says he’s a huge fan of the YouTube star. “Well we’re both young, attractive, multi-talented stars, known the world over!” teased Bruno 69. “Joking aside, I think KSI is fantastic. I met him for the first time at the BGT auditions in Blackpool and he was such a delight.
The former Strictly Come Dancing favourite says show boss Simon, 65, has been keeping him on his toes all series.
“Simon is a very mischievous man,” says Bruno. “He always has been. When he has that glint in his eye, you know he’s about to be very cheeky. I think it’s partly this quality that makes him so watchable.
“It’s particularly exciting when the show is live – no one know what’s going to happen next and Simon loves that unpredictability – we all do!
“I have it easy when it comes to being wound up by Simon as I sit on the other end of the judges’ desk, it’s Amanda (Holden) I feel sorry for as she bears the brunt of his naughtiness the most. But she’s been sat next to him for so many years and she knows exactly how to handle him. She’s a pro!”
All five Britain’s Got Talent judges, and presenters Ant and Dec, will feature in tomorrow’s final(Image: ITV)
“That woman (Amanda) is a vision, as is Alesha,” Bruno enthuses. “Amanda and I share the same love of clothes and we both dare to bare. I’ll be baring it for as long as I’ve got it, darling. Well into my 70’s.
“The public always look forward to seeing what the girls are wearing, and they never disappoint. Sometimes I might look at Amanda’s outfit backstage and if her decolletage is deeper than mine, I’ll undo another button on my shirt!”
The latest season of Britain’s Got Talent has triggered a surge of complaints from fans. But judge Bruno Tonioli has recently spoken against the critics in a defiant move.
08:00, 24 May 2025Updated 08:08, 24 May 2025
Bruno Tonioli has issued a defiant response to the BGT criticism
Britain’s Got Talent recently attracted a series of complaints from viewers – but judge Bruno Tonioli has decided not to focus on the criticism and recommends critics “read a book.”
The final of the ITV programme airs on Saturday, May 31st – and judge Bruno Tonioli already knows who has stolen his heart. “We’ve had a variety of talent this year. The Blackouts are insane,” he says.
But it’s drag soprano Jasmine Rice who has his vote. He was so moved by her audition, he hit the Golden Buzzer. “That performance was absolutely incredible for me,” he says, “That was the most surprising, somebody that really rises to the occasion and exceeds all expectations.”
Jasmine, who spoke openly about the rejection she’s faced for performing in drag, struck a deep chord with Bruno, 69. “Being able to be calm and communicate a message without bitterness and with hope, determination – that’s very valid. I found those moments special.”
Still, BGT isn’t without its controversies. Auditions from stuntman Auzzy Blood and nudist Akira both drew Ofcom complaints earlier this year.
The semi-finals added more after Bao Cuong pulled hosts Ant & Dec on a motorbike using only his eyelids. But Bruno shrugs it off. “I don’t focus on the negative,” he says. “Social media? Forget it. ‘Life is too short,’ he adds, ‘Read a book!’”
He’s more concerned about the impact social media can have on younger generations. “If I had kids, I’d be petrified,” he says. “It’s an alternative universe. It can be fun, but we need strict guidelines, especially for children.”
“Shows give you a range of opinions,” he says. “I may have a certain angle but I never said I am absolutely right. I only point things out. That’s why the judges are there. The decision is ultimately made by the public.”
Still, he and Simon go way back. “We’ve been friends for 40 years,” Bruno says, brushing off any on-air tension. “When you’re on-screen, you play a role,” Bruno says. “We’re both very laid-back people, actually. He’s very easy-going. But on TV, you become an extension of yourself.”
That goes for Amanda and Alesha, too. He’s particularly fond of Amanda, whom he’s known for years, but his bond with Alesha also goes beyond BGT.
The pair first met when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007. Back then, Bruno was a judge on the BBC One staple. Alesha eventually joined him on the panel.
“Alesha was one of our best winners. We have the biggest giggles,” Bruno says. “Though I probably exhaust her – I’m always distracting her!”
What keeps Bruno grounded is his own past – he’s stood in the shoes of every hopeful auditioning. “I have done what they do. I have done auditions and failed them,” he says. “But you learn from your failures when you take it as a way of understanding what you should do to improve.”
Bruno says he’s shared decades of friendship with his BGT co-stars(Image: WireImage)
And he knows what it means to stand on the Royal Variety Performance stage – the prize waiting for this year’s winner plus £250,000 cash. “I’ve done it quite a few times over the years,” he says.
“Both as a choreographer and a performer.” He’s even had the chance to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla. “They’re both the most wonderful people,” Bruno says. “And she loves dancing. She has a really good sense of humour, there’s that twinkle in her eye that I find delicious. She’s cool!”
As the final looms, Bruno’s already feeling the heat – and the hilarity. This year’s top acts are a testament to BGT ’s chaotic charm: from LED dance crew The Blackouts to 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson.
And when he’s not filming, Bruno enjoys gardening and cooking (Image: ITV)
Bruno’s energy remains undimmed. He’d even love to explore acting – ideally as a villain. “I’d love to do dramas because it’s another part of me,” he says.
“I’d love to play a real baddie. I love Guy Ritchie’s works, they’re brilliant and edgy. But I’m not one of those people that call their agent 25 times a day. I’ve never even had a PR or a social media manager!”
Off-screen, Bruno enjoys a quiet life. “Every Saturday, I’m in my garden. I love gardening, and I cook!” he says. But this Saturday, it’s all eyes on the BGT stage and with the knockout finalists vying for the crown, anything could happen. But who will win the nation’s heart?
Six months before a January transfer window deal took Fernandes to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon for £47million, Spurs were deep in discussions to sign the midfielder.
There had been five meetings between the two parties with Fernandes’ camp left impressed by their structure and Sporting all set to accept the bid.
Of the talks, a source involved in the talks told the BBC: “They were absolutely next level when it comes to detail.
Even the rooms at the training ground – each one was decorated just like the players’ bedrooms at home, the ones they share with their partners.
“The bed was exactly the same. Even the flowers in the garden gave off a scent that’s meant to be beneficial – it was mind-blowing.”
However, the deal fell through when the Sporting board decided to hold out for an offer twice the size which ultimately never arrived, before selling Raphinha to Rennes instead.
Indeed, Fernandes had been so convinced he would be leaving that when club president Frederico Varandas tried to explain the situation he told him to go away.
“Tottenham fit into everything I wish I had at that moment. It is an appealing championship. Knowing that Tottenham would be willing to pay for me and make every possible effort to take me, leaves a player eager to take that step.”
Up 70k Man United and Spurs fans begin flooding Bilbao soaking up sun & cervezas ahead of Europa League final
In the last five years, no outfield player has made more appearances (288) or played more minutes (24,747) across Europe‘s top five leagues than Fernandes.
The all-action club captain has almost single-handedly kept the team afloat this season with 19 goals and 19 assists in all competitions.
That includes 12 goal contributions in the Europa League, featuring a hat-trick in the last-16 against Real Sociedad, a penalty in the 5-4 win at Old Trafford over Lyon and a brace in Spain against Athletic Bilbao.
Earlier this month, he had said: “The manager and physio say that I need to relax and rest, but I say no. When I die, I will have a lot of time to lay down and rest.”
Fernandes is one of five players still at Man Utd who was in the matchday squad when the club fell to defeat on penalties against Villarreal in the final in 2021.
Man Utd have lost to Spurs three times this season – twice in the Prem and once in the League Cup – but have the chance to salvage the club’s worst-ever Premier League finish with a European trophy and a spot in next season’s Champions League.
