💰Saudi Billions vs. Premier League

📅 September 19, 2023

🔥 IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER, YOU'LL FIND

• 🌟Messi's MLS Magic

• 🤑Saudi Arabia's Transfer Market Takeover

• 👀Mason Greenwood's Getafe Debut

• 😓Man United's Downfall Continues

⏰ Reading Time: ~5 1/2 minutes

🌟Messi's MLS Magic: Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami

Hold your breath, football fans! The stage is set for a mid-week showdown between Toronto FC and Inter Miami, and the question on everyone's lips is: Will Messi play? After leading Miami to the Leagues Cup title and the U.S. Open Cup final, Messi has been rested for the last two MLS games due to "muscular fatigue." Miami's coach, Gerardo Martino, is playing it safe, but the anticipation is sky-high.

Toronto FC is also in "wait-and-see" mode, but interim coach Terry Dunfield couldn't hide his excitement. "We're hoping to see Messi," he said. And why not? Messi's arrival has not just elevated Inter Miami but has also given the MLS a global spotlight. In the 11 games he's played, Messi has been involved in 19 of Miami's 31 goals. That's not just a player; that's a phenomenon!

 🤔Questions to Ponder:

• Will Messi's presence in MLS elevate the league's global status?

• What strategies should Toronto FC employ to counter the Messi effect?

🤑Saudi Arabia's Transfer Market Takeover

The Premier League's grip on the transfer market might be loosening, and guess who's pulling the strings? Saudi Arabia. They've already splashed a jaw-dropping £700 million this summer, and the transfer window isn't even closed yet. Damien Comolli, a veteran club executive, warns that the Saudis are here to stay and will only get more aggressive.

But it's not just about the money; it's about the shift in power. The Saudis are not just buying players; they're buying influence. They're challenging the Premier League's status as the world's top domestic competition. Brighton's CEO, Paul Barber, remains optimistic about the Premier League's enduring appeal, but let's face it, when a nation-state enters the fray, it's a whole new ball game.

 🤔Questions to Ponder:

• How will Saudi Arabia's spending spree affect the Premier League's status?

• Is the Premier League doing enough to counter this new financial powerhouse?

🔄Greenwood in Getafe: A Fresh Start or a Last Chance?

Talk about a rollercoaster! Mason Greenwood, once a rising star at Manchester United, has found a new home at La Liga's Getafe. After a tumultuous year that saw him suspended over allegations, Greenwood is looking to turn the page. Getafe's social media is buzzing, and the fans gave him a warm welcome during an open training session.

Getafe's boss, Jose Bordalas, is cautious but optimistic about Greenwood's potential impact. "He is a footballer of a very high level and arrives at Getafe with enormous enthusiasm," Bordalas said. Greenwood, who scored 35 goals in 129 matches for United, is contracted until June 2025. This move could be the fresh start he needs to reignite his career.

 🤔Questions to Ponder:

• Can Greenwood revive his career at Getafe?

• How will this move impact Manchester United's forward line?

😓 Man United's Struggles: A Rocky Start to the Season

Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Manchester United, once the epitome of English football, is going through a rough patch. They suffered a 3-1 loss to Brighton, marking their third defeat in just five matches. This is their worst start since the 1989-90 season, and they're currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League table.

Coach Erik ten Hag is clearly frustrated but remains hopeful. "It is about character; we have to see how strong we are, stick together," he said. Brighton's win wasn't just a fluke; they capitalized on United's weaknesses, with goals from Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro sealing the deal. United's big-money signing, Rasmus Hojlund, had a goal disallowed, adding salt to the wound.

 🤔Questions to Ponder:

• What needs to change for Manchester United to turn their season around?

• Is Erik ten Hag the right man to lead United out of this slump?

⚽ More Football

• Barcelona vs. Real Betis: Barca demolished Betis with a 5-0 win, showcasing their attacking prowess and leaving no room for doubt. João Félix and Ferran Torres were the stars of the show. (Saturday, Sept. 16, 23)

• Bournemouth vs. Chelsea: A goalless stalemate saw Chelsea's scoring drought continue. Despite hitting the post and a disallowed goal, the Blues couldn't break the deadlock. (Sunday, Sept. 17, 23)

• Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad: Madrid clinched a 2-1 win in a nail-biter, with goals from Valverde and Joselu sealing the deal. The Bernabeu roared in approval. (Sunday, Sept. 17, 23)

• Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen: A last-minute penalty from Exequiel Palacios snatched a 2-2 draw for Leverkusen, after goals from Harry Kane and Leon Goretzka had put Bayern ahead. A thriller at the Allianz! (Friday, Sept. 15th, 23)

• Inter Milan vs. AC Milan: Inter Milan annihilated AC Milan 5-1 in a Milan derby for the ages. Goals from Mkhitaryan (2), Thuram, Calhanoglu, and Frattesi left AC Milan stunned. (Saturday, Sept. 16, 23)

That's a wrap, folks! Stay tuned for more sizzling football action in our newsletter tomorrow. Until then, keep the football spirit alive! 🔥

- The Pitch Report Team