Podcasts · The Transfer Flow Podcast

Episode 159 - Champions League CHAOS + Palace sign Mateta replacement

29 Jan 2026 · 41 min

Patrick and Neel break down the Premier League striker market, starting with Crystal Palace’s move for Jürgen Strand Larsen and what it says about how clubs are valuing centre-forwards right now. We also get into Bournemouth’s big bet on Brazilian teenager Rayan, why his profile fits the current state of the league, and whether these physical, shot-heavy forwards are the future or a temporary trend.

Then it’s full chaos in the Champions League. Benfica stun Real Madrid, PSG and Newcastle trade blows, and the final day of the league phase turns the table upside down. We look at who benefited, who got burned, what the new knockout bracket means, and who are the real threats for the UCL title.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

01:16 - Strand Larsen to Crystal Palace

02:32 - The player makes sense, not the price

06:05 - Bournemouth sign Rayan

07:58 - A bit of a risk

09:20 - xG and type of shots

10:46 - Tunnel vision

12:17 - What will they do long term?

14:54 - Coaching situation

16:52 - Champions League drama

17:46 - Benfica stun Real Madrid

18:43 - Did Benfica know they needed a goal?

20:00 - Trubin’s goal

20:57 - PSG and Newcastle draw

21:43 - Extra round is huge for domestic competitions

23:12 - Sporting’s last minute win

24:03 - Newcastle will be kicking themselves

25:53 - The format and fixture difficulty

27:28 - Impact of UCL on league titles

30:40 - The draw friday and potential matchups

31:36 - Real Madrid’s quarterfinal odds

32:50 - The potential for lopsided sides of the draw

34:38 - Teams who will be tough outs

35:37 - Traditional powers aren’t particular good at the moment

36:35 - City’s threat over 2 legs

37:36 - PSG didn’t look dangerous at this time last year

38:33 - EPL teams or Bayern look the favourites

#championsleague #realmadrid #barcelona #psg #premierleague #bayernmunich #arsenal #mancity #crystalpalace #epltransfers #epl #transfernews #football #soccer

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