Earlier today, we brought back our subscriber-exclusive Ask Ornstein session.
Once a week for an hour, The Athletic’s subscribers can ask me for my views on anything from the world of football. I have pulled together some of my favourite questions and my answers to them below.
Want to ask me a question? Join us next Thursday.
Nick B. asked: “Are there any forwards we should be keeping an eye on for a summer move?”
David Ornstein: Absolutely, Nick. Most have been well documented, but if I’m to highlight one it would be Neymar.
His return to Santos from Al Hilal was on a short-term contract so, unless an extension is signed, he’ll become a free agent on June 30 — although I hear there is also a mechanism that would allow him to leave sooner for teams competing in the Club World Cup. It will all depend on his condition — physical and technical.
The early signs look good, but let’s see how he fares in the weeks and months ahead. The remarkable situation currently being explored and prioritised is a return to Barcelona. Nothing has been decided but I’m told this would be his dream and discussions are taking place between the Catalan giants and his camp.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Neymar’s representative Pini Zahavi have a close relationship and I think Zahavi also looks after Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick. Neymar’s big motivation will be the 2026 World Cup and playing at Barcelona, in the rebuilt Camp Nou, has fairytale potential. A lot would need to happen for this to materialise, but it’s possible and a tantalising prospect!
Alexander L. asked: “Do you think Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will sign new contracts with Liverpool? And what about Trent Alexander-Arnold?”
Ornstein: Talks continue and there has long been optimism around Anfield regarding Salah and Van Dijk. I’m not aware of agreements being reached, but both players seem keen to stay and are playing out of their skin — plus as far as we know Liverpool absolutely want to keep both.
As they do Alexander-Arnold, but we all know his situation is different — he is younger and has Real Madrid knocking at his door. The consensus around the industry is that maybe Salah and Van Dijk will renew, while perhaps Alexander-Arnold will go. But nothing appears to be set in stone yet. Let’s take a moment to praise all three for their incredible professionalism in the circumstances, and I actually thought last night Alexander-Arnold was sensational. None of them are downing tools!
The current hierarchy have inherited an unenviable situation and, whether they like it or not, it’s now their predicament to solve. Fairly or not and to varying degrees, many will form judgements based on the outcomes. But one thing is for certain: Liverpool are flying on the pitch. They remain on course for multiple trophies, look well set for the future and this matter is not affecting results.
Salah and Van Dijk after the win over City (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Sean M. asked: “What do Chelsea’s board think about the protests? Is there expected to be any tweaks in the model in the summer transfer window, or are the club largely expected to target more young players?”
Ornstein: Hi Sean, thanks for the question. I don’t imagine any board of directors will enjoy protests of the sort we saw the other night and you’d like to think the Chelsea hierarchy are taking note of the concerns being raised. But, equally, there seems to be a lot of anger among a lot of fanbases right now and how much difference it makes I really don’t know. Compared with most of their rivals, Chelsea’s project is still in its relative infancy and the team are doing better now than previously under this ownership.
Yes, there has been a disappointing fall-off and perhaps some regrets from the January window — but Chelsea are now back in the top four and their next couple of games should bring progress in Europe and the Premier League. Naturally, there will be tweaks to what they, like every club, are doing — but I’m not aware of anything fundamental in terms of strategy or personnel. I get the frustration on a perceived lack of experience, but many successful teams have shown experience doesn’t necessarily mean older players, and you only build experience by playing.
So that might not be what people want to hear in the immediate term, but it will possibly be reflected on more positively further down the line. I can tell you that from talking to rival clubs, increasingly they are speaking well of what Chelsea have done and are doing — i.e. the quality of signings, age profile, contract lengths, wage bill, Maresca appointment, multi-club entry with Strasbourg etc. It is never nice to be told to be patient but I think that’s required. The amount of on and off-field upheaval at Chelsea has been absolutely extraordinary and it feels like we need to give it more time before forming concrete judgements. Oh and I’d expect a striker to be signed this summer!
Jamie F. asked: “Do you know anything of Enzo Maresca’s objectives for this season when he was hired? Do you expect a top-four finish and winning the Conference League to be enough to keep him in the job?”
Ornstein: Chelsea always expect to qualify for the Champions League, whether that’s a formal objective or not. I know nothing about his job being under threat. To the contrary, I think he is well-liked and, while of course there are things he needs to learn and improve (don’t we all?!), I expect Chelsea to move forward into the future with Maresca.
Alfie H. asked: “Have you heard any mumblings on Fulham’s transfer incomings/outgoings?”
Ornstein: I’m still getting over the winter market, Alfie, let alone thinking about summer! No, Fulham have recruited well in recent times and it’s showing in their performances under Marco Silva.
I know Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston is generating attention from clubs in England, with Fulham among his admirers. The Canada international recently signed a new contract at Parkhead and isn’t known to be unhappy — but there was firm interest in January.
From what I hear it’s not only Fulham but also Ipswich and others who are looking at him. Johnston was longlisted for the Best FIFA Men’s XI last year, so this is probably no surprise and I’d expect more suitors to emerge from the Premier League and across Europe in the summer.
Johnston has impressed for Celtic (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Zuu Z. asked: “How much say does Mikel Arteta have in decision-making at Arsenal? Did he reject Ollie Watkins or Mathys Tel? Was he part of the decision-making to not sign a striker in summer 2024?”
Ornstein: He is a hugely influential voice, of course, but not the only one. Arteta wanted Watkins, however he doesn’t control the purse strings and rightly so — he’s the coach/manager! Tel was discussed internally and Arsenal made checks with his camp on the situation, but I don’t know of that going any further. They wanted a No 9 and he isn’t a No 9.
Again, yes, Arteta was part of the summer 2024 decision-making process but it’s very easy reflecting critically with hindsight… was there a massive clamour for a No 9 at the time? I’m not making excuses for Arsenal and clearly they should have done something to avoid being in the position they are now. But many of us are being wise after the event. You’d imagine lessons are being learned and that they’ll look to put things right in the summer.
Loic G. asked: “Is Arsenal’s winger search once again reliant on outgoings (Reiss Nelson, Leandro Trossard etc) or are they expected to move more aggressively and potentially sell afterwards like in 2023?”
Ornstein: If there is going to be major investment in a striker, which we all expect to be the case (Arteta loves Alexander Isak, while Arsenal have also done a lot of work on Benjamin Sesko), and if Martin Zubimendi is arriving at significant expense… plus the other work that needs to be done (No 2 keeper etc), there may well need to be a notable departure.
I’m aware of Arsenal’s strong financial results and PSR position, but this needs to be maintained and that’s why an exit or multiple could be required. Naturally, if you look across the squad, that will happen anyway. To your specific point, I don’t know if a winger arriving is directly reliant on outgoings in the same areas — but it’s pretty obvious they will probably materialise organically if somebody is coming in, whether it’s before or after.
Arsenal have strong financial results and a good PSR position (David Rogers/Getty Images)
Ashley M. asked: “Other than Geovany Quenda, who are the ones to watch in terms of Manchester United signings?”
Ornstein: Sorry to be boring Ashley, but I think so much depends on the outcome of this season, whether Manchester United are playing in Europe and what competition, the state of the finances etc. They will have multiple targets in mind, but whether or not they are, or become, realistic is a different matter.
I’ll try to get more on this for you in the coming weeks.
Chris M. asked: “David, what are the chances Ange is still in charge at Spurs next year?”
Ornstein: It’s a results industry!
David H. asked: “Can you tell me if there is any news regarding Everton’s CEO and director of football recruitment status?”
Ornstein: Angus Kinnear is expected to become CEO but it’s not done yet. I imagine a decision on the director of football will largely be driven by the CEO (in conjunction with The Friedkin Group), so nothing firm just yet, David.
(Top photo: Getty Images)
