Manchester City are looking to cement themselves as the team to beat in the Premier League and they could go some way to doing that if they are able to tempt their latest transfer target to the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City react to Champions League league phase draw

In an eventful week, the Champions League league phase draw is now complete and Manchester City now know who they will face for a place in the knockout rounds of the competition.

From the eight sides they will take on, ties against Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli are the standouts, though the Citizens have landed a favourable run off games on paper and will feel confident they can progress.

Speaking after the draw, Pep Guardiola expressed his delight at being able to welcome former Manchester City heroes Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane back to the Etihad Stadium.

He stated: “I’m really pleased he (Kevin De Bruyne) will come back here and of course, we have to beat the teams Napoli and Galatasaray (with Leroy Sane), nice to welcome him back. I’m sure the people will give a great welcome to them, they deserve it.”

Nevertheless, attention turns to their clash against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend alongside transfer activity, and the Citizens are plotting move to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid.

Admittedly, that may come down the line in January, though it shows that Guardiola’s ambition is through the roof as his side look to get back to dominating English football. Fermin Lopez could also move to the Etihad from Barcelona, and they are lining up another significant play for one of the world’s finest stars amid growing uncertainty over his future at a global superpower.

Man City lining up record Vinicius Junior bid

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are lining up a £130 million bid to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, given he has two years on his contract left in the Spanish capital.

The Brazil international is at loggerheads with Los Blancos over an extension and Guardiola is ready to swoop in, given his pace and ability to burn past defenders in one-on-one situations.

Man City could bid for £276k-p/w star who called the Etihad "incredible"

The Blues are lining up a shock move for a player Pep Guardiola has praised in the past…

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 28, 2025

Similar to their pursuit of Alexander-Arnold, the Citizens may wait until 2026 to move for the winger, who has been nominated for the 2025 Balon D’Or and has previously been labelled “quality” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Starting the campaign with a bang, Vinicius registered a goal and an assist in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo last weekend, but his situation is growing slightly more uncertain as the weeks go by.

Manchester City are no stranger to a statement signing, and manging to push a deal over the line for someone of such a high pedigree would be guaranteed to make global headlines.

As the Alejandro Garnacho saga stumbles on, Manchester United have now reportedly enquired about signing a Chelsea midfielder as part of the Argentine’s transfer.

Latest on Chelsea's Garnacho move

With less than two weeks left until the transfer window slams shut, Chelsea are yet to complete their deal to sign Garnacho. The young winger hasn’t returned to Ruben Amorim’s plans in the meantime, either, and could find himself at the worst-possible crossroads if those at Stamford Bridge don’t step things up.

There seems to be plenty of faith that a move will take place before the deadline, however, given that Garnacho reportedly turned down an approach from Bayern Munich this month and only has his sights set on West London.

Those at Old Trafford won’t simply sell their unwanted stars at any price, though, and Amorim reiterated that stance when asked about the likes of Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho earlier this summer – telling reporters: “We are just allowing these players to think and decide. If they reach a point where they will have to join the team, they will join because they are our players.

“I know for a fact Omar (Barrada, CEO) and Jason (Wilcox, director of football) and the club have a number (price) for these players. If they don’t reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that. I understand other clubs are maybe waiting for the last minute, but they can have a surprise.”

With that said, what could certainly help move Chelsea’s move along is the chance for Manchester United to get something in return to solve a problem of their own this month.

Man Utd enquire about signing Andrey Santos

According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, Manchester United have now enquired about signing Andrey Santos as part of a Garnacho swap deal with Chelsea this summer. The midfielder spent last season on loan at Stasbourg, where he impressed many, and has now been thrown straight into Enzo Maresca’s squad.

INEOS now holding "discussions" about signing "complete" midfield target for Man Utd

The Red Devils are still seeking reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 22, 2025

As things stand, the Blues have reportedly told United that Santos is not for sale, but whether they change that stance as the deadline approaches and they become desperate to sign Garnacho remains to be seen.

As for United, it’s no shock that they’ve singled Santos out as the player they’d like in a swap deal. The Manchester club have just been priced out of a move for Carlos Baleba by Brighton & Hove Albion and Santos represents the type of player that could fill the same void as the Cameroon star.

Described as “dominant” by scout Jacek Kulig recently, the Brazilian would be an excellent addition to United’s midfield.

CSK have won one and lost two games so far, while DC are unbeaten after two matches

Deivarayan Muthu04-Apr-20253:22

Should CSK bring in Conway to boost their top order?

Big picture: All eyes on the Chepauk pitchDelhi Capitals (DC) have emerged as the early pace-setters, along with Punjab Kings (PBKS), in IPL 2025 while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dreadfully off the pace so far. Having suffered their biggest-ever defeat at Chepauk, in terms of runs last Friday against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and a much narrower loss away from home against Rajasthan Royals (RR), CSK will be hoping for some home advantage this Saturday. Their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is under an injury cloud, and if he doesn’t recover in time MS Dhoni is likely to captain CSK on Saturday.After CSK’s 50-run defeat against RCB, their head coach Stephen Fleming was spotted having a chat with the pitch curator, with a member of the groundstaff in tow. He then came out to the press conference and expressed his discontent with the nature of the surfaces being rolled out at Chepauk over the past two years. Expecting purchase for the spinners, CSK packed their squad with bowlers of slower variety, but the pitches haven’t really aided them.Three games into the season, CSK are also searching for their best combination. Rahul Tripathi has been struggling at the top while Vijay Shankar, who was swapped in for Deepak Hooda in Guwahati, also fell without making a substantial contribution with the bat. Old-ball specialist Jamie Overton, who was handed the new ball, ended up leaking 30 runs in two powerplay overs.Related

Noor and Kuldeep's catch up before IPL face-off

Gaikwad under injury cloud; Dhoni could lead CSK against DC

Chopra: 'Home teams should demand the surface, and they should get it' in IPL

CSK face a tricky situation with Dhoni the batter

Fleming: 'No home advantage at Chepauk'

As for DC, they look in much healthier shape, having recruited experienced super-specialists who have dovetailed beautifully with the youngsters. Faf du Plessis continues to go strong at 40 while Mitchell Starc has hit the ground running this season, with eight strikes in two games at an average of 9.62 and an economy rate of 10.04. Rookies Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma have seamlessly slotted into the side and have already played match-winning hands.Even if Chepauk dishes out a pitch that turns, DC have captain Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Nigam to exploit it and turn the tables on CSK. They look ready to end their 15-year jinx against CSK at Chepauk: the last time they beat them was in 2010 when their current coach Hemang Badani was part of the CSK squad as a player. Badani then transitioned into a coach and led Chepauk Super Gillies to multiple titles in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), which put him back on the IPL radar. Will it be a happy homecoming for Badani?Form guideChennai Super Kings: LLW
Delhi Capitals: WW1:45

Will Kuldeep and Axar decide the game at Chepauk?

Team news and likely XIIs – Will Gaikwad be fit?If Gaikwad isn’t fit for Saturday’s game, CSK might bring in Devon Conway at the top and swap out Jamie Overton for a local seamer.Chennai Super Kings: 1 Devon Conway, 2 Rahul Tripathi, 3 Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)/Rachin Ravindra, 4 Shivam Dube, 5 Vijay Shankar, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Jamie Overton/Anshul Kamboj, 8 MS Dhoni (wk), 9 R Ashwin, 10 Khaleel Ahmed, 11 Noor Ahmad, 12 Matheesha PathiranaDC have no reason to change their winning combination unless T Natarajan has recovered fully from a shoulder injury. On the eve of this game, Kuldeep Yadav suggested that Natarajan is an uncertain starter but might be ready to go for DC’s clash against RCB in Bengaluru on April 10.Delhi Capitals: 1 Faf du Plessis, 2 Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3 Abhishek Porel (wk), 4 KL Rahul, 5 Axar Patel (capt), 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Ashutosh Sharma, 8 Vipraj Nigam, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Mukesh Kumar, 12 Mohit Sharma/T NatarajanBig questionConway is no longer New Zealand’s first-choice opener in white-ball cricket, but has been an ever-present at CSK, Joburg Super Kings (JSK) and Texas Super Kings (TSK). Perhaps there’s a case for CSK to have Conway open – with or without Gaikwad.In the spotlight: Khaleel Ahmed and Faf du PlessisKhaleel Ahmed’s swing has been one of the bright spots for CSK in an otherwise bleak start to the season. He has moved the new ball both ways so much that he seems like an upgrade over Deepak Chahar with the ball. However, there’s a large discrepancy between his numbers in night and day matches. Since 2023, in the first six overs of night fixtures, he has picked up 11 wickets in 22 innings at an average of 32.18 and an economy rate of 7.37. In day fixtures, the numbers diminish to two wickets in five innings at an average of 64 and an economy rate of 11.63.Faf du Plessis, one of CSK’s most respected overseas stalwarts, will come up against them at Chepauk. At 40, he continues to tear up powerplays, patrol the hotspots in the outfield, and bring leadership qualities to franchises around the world. His Benjamin Button act in T20 cricket is set to continue at DC and their affiliate franchise in the Hundred, Southern Brave.Pitch and conditionsThe Chepauk track continues to be a mystery to an extent that Fleming has stated there is “no home advantage” for CSK. A hot and humid afternoon is in the offing in the only day game in Chennai this season.2:19

Cricinformed: Kuldeep Yadav 2.0 – DC’s trump card

Key Stats: Gaikwad on the brink of 5000 T20 runsCSK have the lowest run rate (7.27) and the worst economy rate (10.22) among all ten teams in the powerplay in IPL 2025Matheesha Pathirana has dismissed Tristan Stubbs in four innings while giving away just 19 runs off 22 balls in T20 cricketWatch out for Jake Fraser-McGurk vs Khaleel. Since IPL 2024, the Australian opener has scored 72 runs off 35 balls against left-arm seamers at a strike rate of over 205 while being dismissed three timesThree of the oldest players in IPL 2025 will be in action on Saturday – MS Dhoni (43), du Plessis (40) and R Ashwin (38).Gaikwad is ten away from 5000 T20 runs. If he plays and gets there on Saturday in his 143rd innings, he will be the joint-fastest Indian to the landmark along with KL Rahul. Chris Gayle got there in 132 inningsQuotes”The environment is amazing, and the vibe is perfect. Obviously, when you win, you celebrate and that’s the most important thing.”
“He hasn’t exactly got going just yet, but we have full faith in him, and he’s training really well, so I feel like a big score just around the corner for him.”

MatériaMais Notícias

No jogo de ida das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil, o América-MG saiu na frente do Corinthians. A equipe mineira fez valer o mando de campo e bateu o Timão por 1 a 0, na Arena Independência, na noite desta quarta-feira (5). Juninho, ainda no primeiro tempo, foi o autor do gol da vitória. Os corintianos empilharam chances para empatar, principalmente no segundo tempo, mas pararam em uma ótima atuação do goleiro Mateus Pasinato.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansArma e ameaça de morte mudam rumos do ‘Caso Luan’; jogador do Corinthians terá de se apresentar para deporCorinthians05/07/2023CorinthiansPróximos jogos do Corinthians: onde assistir ao vivo, datas, horários e calendárioCorinthians10/10/2023TorcidasL!Biz & Pluri: Flamengo desbanca Corinthians e lidera crescimento nas redes sociais em junhoTorcidas05/07/2023

Mesmo tendo feito uma boa segunda etapa, a derrota aumenta a pressão em cima do técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo, que chegou à nona derrota em 17 jogos, tendo um aproveitamento de 31,3% à frente da equipe alvinegra.

O confronto de volta acontecerá no próximo dia 15 de julho, um sábado, na Neo Química Arena. O América tera a vantagem do empate. Vitória por um gol de diferença levará a decisão para os pênaltis. Não existe critério de gol fora de casa.

continua após a publicidade

No entanto, as duas equipes têm a missão de fugir da zona do rebaixamento no Campeonato Brasileiro. Ambos entram em campo neste sábado (8), pela competição nacional. O Coelho visita o Coritiba, no Paraná. Já o Timão, jogará novamente em Belo Horizonte, mas dessa vez contra o Atlético-MG. As duas partidas acontecerão às 18h30 (horário de Brasília).

+ Transforme qualquer TV em Smart e assista aos jogos do seu time do coração quando quiser!

CORINTHIANS COMEÇA MELHOR…

Com uma forte marcação e ganhando o meio-campo, o Corinthians começou melhor na Arena Independência, em Belo Horizonte. Foram sete desarmes, todos eles certos, no primeiro tempo, por exemplo. E a boa postura defensiva fez com que o Timão saísse para o jogo e criasse as melhores oportunidades nos primeiros 20 minutos de partida. Na primeira, Róger Guedes invadiu a área pelo lado direito, mas não finalizou com força. Ainda assim, obrigou o goleiro Mateus Pasinato a fazer grande defesa. Depois, o garoto Gabriel Moscardo, que caiu nas graças de Vanderlei Luxemburgo, aproveitou o rebote deixado pela zaga americana e, na entrada da área, encheu o pé e mandou com perigo, mas por cima do gol..

continua após a publicidade

…MAS O AMÉRICA SE ANIMA E ABRE O PLACAR

Aos poucos, o América-MG foi organizando e criando as oportunidades, sendo a maioria protagonizada com o capitão Juninho, que viria a ser muito importante para o Coelho ainda na etapa inicial. Na primeira chance criada pelo meia, ele aproveitou a bola rebatida por Moscardo, após uma tentativa de tabela, e na sequência finalizou para fora, mas com perigo. Depois, Benítez arriscou de fora da área e obrigou uma grande defesa do goleiro Cássio.

Foi na terceira que a equipe mineira abriu o placar, e com Juninho. Lucas Kal acionou o camisa 8, que saiu da marcação de Gil e bateu cruzado, vencendo Cássio. O goleiro corintiano pulou atrasado em uma bola que era defensável.

AVELAR PERDE GOL INCRÍVEL

Logo no início do segundo tempo, o América teve grande chance de ampliar o resultado em um lance que começaria e terminaria com ex-corintianos. Everaldo lançou Juninho, que saiu na cara de Cássio e rolou para a pequena área, encontrando Danilo Avelar que, mesmo com o gol vazio, mandou para fora.

!TRABALHA PASINATO!

Após abrir o placar, o América-MG ficou mais confortável até o fim do primeiro tempo. O Coelho se fechou e esperou o Corinthians, que naturalmente tem dificuldades com a bola no pé. Até o fim da etapa inicial, o Timão chegou apenas duas vezes ao ataque, ambas na individualidade do atacante Róger Guedes e que pararam em boas defesas do goleiro Mateus Pasinato.

Mas foi no segundo tempo que o goleiro brilhou. Foram, pelo menos, cinco defesas muito difíceis, três delas na sequência. Entre os 28 e 30 minutos da etapa final, Pasinato brilhou em finalizações de Matheus Araújo, Biro e Róger Guedes. Antes, no início do segundo tempo, ele já havia parado Fausto Vera e Yuri Alberto. A trave também foi vilã do Corinthians, já que parou um grande chance de Róger Guedes, já próximo ao fim da partida.

AMÉRICA TEVE CHANCES DE AMPLIAR, MAS NÃO CONSEGUIU

Mas, embora o Corinthians tivesse jogado melhor no segundo tempo, o América também teve as suas chances de ampliar o marcador, ambas com Pedrinho. Nas duas, o goleiro Cássio defendeu.

LUXA PRESSIONADO

O Corinthians chegou ao seu 17º jogo comandado pelo técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo. E a derrota para o América foi a nona do treinador, que tem somente 31,3% de aproveitamento. A Copa do Brasil é uma das prioridades colocadas para o segundo semestre, junto com a fuga da zona do rebaixamento. Na boca do Z4 e com a possibilidade de ser eliminado na competição mata-mata deixa a situação do técnico próxima da insustentável.

FICHA TÉCNICA
AMÉRICA-MG 1 X 0 CORINTHIANS
COPA DO BRASIL – QUARTAS DE FINAL – JOGO DE IDA

Local:Arena Independência, Belo Horizonte (MG)
Data e hora:5 de julho de 2023, às 21h30 (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro:Leandro Pedro Vuaden (RS)
Assistentes:Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correia (FIFA/RJ) e Kleber Lucio Gil (SC)
Árbitro de vídeo:Wagner Reway (VAR-FIFA/PB)
Público e renda:
Cartões amarelos:Marlon (América-MG); Gabriel Moscardo e Adson (Corinthians)
Cartões vermelhos:-

GOLS: 1-0 Juninho (31’/2T)

AMÉRICA-MG
Mateus Pasinato; Marlon, Iago Maidana, Éder e Danilo Avelar (Nicolas, 20’/2T); Lucas Kal, Juninho, Martínez (Wanderson, 32’/2T) e Benítez (Pedrinho, 12’/2T); Everaldo (Felipe Azevedo, 32’/2T) e Mastriani (Aloísio, 12’/2T). Técnico: Vagner Mancini.

CORINTHIANS
Cássio; Fagner, Gil, Murillo e Fábio Santos; Fausto Vera (Maycon, 32’/2T), Gabriel Moscardo e Ruan Oliveira (Matheus Araújo, 19’/2T); Adson (Biro, 19’/2T), Yuri Alberto e Róger Guedes. Técnico: Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Everton’s start to the 2024/25 Premier League season has been anything but dull.

David Moye’s side may have lost their opener 1-0 at a raucous Elland Road, but the response was emphatic.

The Toffees christened their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a 2-0 win over Brighton, followed by a breathless 3-2 victory at Wolves.

The ride hasn’t been smooth every week – a cagey 0-0 with Aston Villa showed they are still bedding in their summer signings, and the Merseyside derby ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat.

Yet, there is a newfound sharpness in attack.

Everton’s front four of Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye, and Beto have breathed life into Moyes’ forward line, offering pace, technical quality, and variety of movement.

Sitting 10th in the table, Everton already look like a far more threatening side going forward compared to last season.

Their next test comes against struggling West Ham, where the Toffees will be favourites to build further momentum.

Amid this early-season optimism, however, one player is quietly developing in the background.

A 6ft 5in striker who may yet become the jewel of this Everton project.

Thierno Barry finding his feet at Everton

When Everton paid £27.6m to bring Thierno Barry from Villarreal, they knew they weren’t buying the finished article.

At just 22, the French U21 international represents an investment in the future – a striker whose raw attributes suggest a ceiling as high as some of Europe’s elite forwards.

Barry arrives in England off the back of a promising season in La Liga, scoring 11 goals from an xG of 11.7 while adding four assists.

What makes him stand out is not just his finishing, but his ability to impose himself physically and stretch defences.

Ranking in the 87th percentile for aerial duels won (3.84 per 90), Barry has the profile of a classic penalty-box predator yet also shows surprising agility with strong progressive carries and take-ons.

Standing taller than most centre-backs, Barry has been compared to Dusan Vlahović and Ollie Watkins for his blend of physicality and dynamism, as noted by FBref.

He thrives in attacking the six-yard box but is equally capable of pulling wide to create space for teammates.

So far, Moyes has been cautious with his integration. Barry has featured in five league matches, totalling 142 minutes, with flashes of potential rather than complete performances.

The Everton manager has stressed patience, saying the striker will require a period of adjustment to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League.

It is a smart approach. Everton have the luxury of easing Barry in thanks to the immediate impact of their new frontline.

But make no mistake, the long-term plan is to see him leading the line. Hopefully, he does not go the same way as those before him…

Why Thierno Barry can learn from Moise Kean

For Everton fans, Barry’s situation may feel eerily familiar.

In 2019, the club signed another young striker in the form of Moise Kean.

Like Barry, Kean arrived with high expectations, touted as a generational talent who could transform the club’s attack.

But unlike Barry, he was thrust into the spotlight without the right platform, and his time at Goodison never truly took off.

Kean made 39 appearances for Everton, scoring four goals and registering two assists, before a series of loan moves eventually led him back to Juventus and later Fiorentina.

It was in Serie A where his career took off.

Last season with Fiorentina, Kean netted 19 goals in 32 appearances, finishing second in the league’s scoring charts behind Mateo Retegui.

Matches Played

31

Goals

19

Assists

3

Progressive Carries

42

Progressive Passes

26

Now valued at €50m (£45m), as per Transfermarkt, Kean has become the striker many thought he could be, while drawing statistical comparisons with Erling Haaland for his explosive pace, direct style, and ruthless finishing.

Indeed, FBref notes that the most similar striker to him in Europe’s top five leagues is the Manchester City hitman. Former teammate Weston McKennie went as far as to describe him as a “beast.”

His numbers underline the transformation: ranking in the 89th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.58), the 87th percentile for total shots (3.39), and the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons (1.46).

Everton undoubtedly let a gem slip through their fingers.

Yet in Barry, they have a second chance.

The lesson from Kean’s time on Merseyside is clear: patience and the right environment are crucial.

Barry cannot be burdened with expectation too soon, but if nurtured properly, he has the potential to blossom into one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.

However, this time in blue.

Everton are brewing their own homegrown Ndiaye in “fantastic” teen talent

Everton is now brewing their very own homegrown version of Iliman Ndiaye in this exciting teenager.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 22, 2025

Sergio Busquets, Riqui Puig, and FC Barcelona led the tributes to Jordi Alba after the Inter Miami full-back announced he will retire at the end of the MLS season. The 35-year-old’s decision marks another emotional moment for the club’s famed Barcelona core, with Alba set to join longtime teammate Busquets in closing out a remarkable chapter that bridged La Liga and MLS.

Getty Images SportBusquets' message to Jordi

Following Alba’s unexpected retirement announcement – news that took much of the football world by surprise – several figures have reacted to the player’s decision, including Busquets, who will also retire at the end of the current MLS season.

“Congratulations, Jordi, on your incredible career. It’s been a gift and a pleasure to share so many moments together on and off the pitch. I wish you all the best and, as always, to keep sharing family moments together. We love you so much, family,” wrote Busquets on his Instagram account while reposting Alba’s video.

AdvertisementTributes from around the world

Other players who paid tribute included Barcelona star Raphinha, who wrote, “An honor and a pleasure to share the field and the locker room with you”; LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig (“Gracias por todo, folleti”); San Jose striker Josef Martínez (“Hermano, gracias, crack!”); former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernández (“Jordi!!!! ❤️👏”); and former Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu (“Gracias!! ❤️”). Current Inter Miami teammates Tadeo Allende and Marcelo Weigandt also joined in honoring him.

FC Barcelona shared a message on social media as well, writing: “A unique full-back, a Barcelona legend. Thank you, Jordi.”

Getty Images SportAlba by the Numbers

The Spaniard leaves behind a record of a true football legend, with 459 matches played for FC Barcelona and 110 for Valencia in all competitions. With , he’s made 95 appearances, nearing the 100 mark. As a player, he won the Euro 2012 with Spain, the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga six times, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the Copa del Rey, among other titles.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Atlanta United is next…

Inter Miami will host Atlanta United next Saturday in the final stretch of the MLS season.

Seifert will reunite with Finn Allen and Corey Anderson at San Francisco Unicorns, who finished runners-up in 2024

Deivarayan Muthu25-Apr-2025New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert is set for his maiden MLC (Major League Cricket) stint in the US after having been signed by San Francisco Unicorns for the 2025 season. Seifert, 30, will reunite with his New Zealand opening partner Finn Allen and former Northern Districts team-mate Corey Anderson at Unicorns.Under Anderson’s captaincy, Unicorns finished runners-up in MLC 2024.Both Seifert and Allen are not contracted to the NZC but have committed to making themselves available for all of New Zealand’s T20I series in the lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. Seifert and Allen were recently reintroduced into the New Zealand T20I team for the home series against Pakistan and were talked up as “New Zealand’s bash brothers” after forging explosive partnerships at the top.Related

NZC agrees terms with MLC to invest in a new team in 2027

Neesham, Allen, Seifert 'very hungry' to play for New Zealand

“I’ve been following MLC from afar over the last couple of seasons, particularly keeping a close eye on some of the Kiwi contingent,” Seifert said. “I can’t wait to get started this summer and add some more firepower with a team that is already stacked with talent and in a great position to take things one step further than last year.””We look for both quality cricketers and quality personalities when bringing players into the Unicorns fold, and Tim definitely checks both those boxes,” Unicorns head coach Shane Watson said. “His skills with the gloves will also be a major asset this year, especially with the new wickets in Oakland and Fort Lauderdale offering something of an unknown for spin bowling. He’s also coming in with impressive form with the bat, adding to an already dominant top order alongside Finn [Allen], Shorty [Matt Short], and Jake [Fraser-McGurk].”Both Seifert and Allen are currently in action in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).Ross Taylor has been named Seattle Orcas ambassador for MLC 2025•Getty ImagesNew Zealanders have been in demand among other MLC franchises as well. Offspin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell, who was central to New Zealand’s run to the Champions Trophy final in March, has been signed by MI New York (MINY). Bracewell will join Trent Boult at MINY; Boult is currently part of MI’s teams in the MLC, SA20 (MI Cape Town) and IPL (MI Indians).Daryl Mitchell, who had missed MLC 2024 for Texas Super Kings with injury, has re-signed with the franchise for the upcoming season. In Mitchell’s absence last year, TSK had brought in Afghanistan wristspinner Noor Ahmad, who has now been retained for MLC 2025 along with Devon Conway.Tearaway Adam Milne will link up with Mitchell and Conway at TSK. Milne was part of Washington Freedom in the inaugural MLC in 2023 and has worked with TSK head coach Stephen Fleming at CSK in the IPL.Daryl Mitchell will reunite with Stephen Fleming at Texas Super Kings•Associated PressTSK have also snapped up the South Africa pair of Nandre Burger and Donovan Ferreira, who both play for Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in the SA20.Former New Zealand stalwart Ross Taylor has been named Seattle Orcas ambassador for MLC 2025. He had previously worked as a batting coach at Orcas during the first two seasons of the tournament. Former England batter Ian Bell will take over from Taylor as Orcas’ batting coach.New Zealand Cricket recently became the first national governing body to invest directly in an overseas T20 league after joining forces with MLC to launch one of the competition’s new teams in 2027, when the league expands.The 2025 edition of MLC will be played from June 13 to July 14 with Oakland’s Coliseum to host matches for the first time.

Newcastle United’s summer transfer window started with a sequence of failed efforts to sign strikers. They had an extensive shortlist, but found they were repeatedly beaten in their chase for all of them but two.

Indeed, optimists on Tyneside might remark that Newcastle got there in the end, strengthening across the park to give Eddie Howe a refreshed squad to tackle the campaign with.

Losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool cannot be sugar-coated, though; it’s a huge blow. Widely regarded as being among the cream of strikers across the globe, Isak has only made the dominant Premier League champions stronger.

Only a matter of months ago, the thought of Isak’s sale to a team like Liverpool was unthinkable, but it has become a reality for the Magpies, and Howe has been forced to rework his free-flowing frontline.

Having only claimed two points from their first three league matches of the season, blanking in two of those matches besides, Newcastle need their new recruits to settle in quickly, having indeed reached a decision that Isak needed to be sold to Liverpool.

Why Newcastle allowed Isak to leave

Isak has been one of the most clinical goal scorers in the Premier League since his debut in 2022, behind only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah in the goal-to-game ratio.

After qualifying for the Champions League and beating Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup last season, the Toon felt they had done enough to prevent Isak from being picked at by the top brass, but the player has been tenacious in his desire to leave for pastures new, even at the expense of his relationship with Newcastle.

PIF entered the transfer window with the insistence that they would not lose their talisman, who was contracted to St. James’ Park for just under three more years.

But his incendiary comments and refusal to play made it hard to warrant his staying in Howe’s squad. Thus, his bond with United has been broken.

Newcastle have at least replaced the 25-year-old with a proven Premier League goalscorer in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but it’s club-record man Nick Woltemade who feels to have taken the baton from Isak as he leaves Tyneside and makes his way over to Liverpool.

Why Newcastle signed Nick Woltemade

Newcastle signed Woltemade from Stuttgart for £69m toward the end of August, seeing him replace Isak not just in position but as the most expensive player in United’s history.

Woltemade’s arrival suggested a concession in the battle with Liverpool to keep Isak at St. James’ Park, and while he’s unlikely to bring the same cultured and complete attacking style to Howe’s door from the off, the sky really is the limit when looking at the wider picture.

Data-driven platform FBref has crunched the numbers over the past 365 days and noted that the 6 foot 6 Woltemade bears a likeness to Isak, albeit less lateral with his movements and more of a proficient outlet when in tight situations.

The site record him to rank among the top 1% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for touches in the attacking box, the top 5% for shot-creating actions and successful take-ons, and the top 15% for progressive passes per 90.

Woltemade might need a touch of work in front of goal, but he has a wider scope than Wissa, who would be expected to provide a consistent stream of goals, having scored 19 for the Bees last year.

There’s no question about Woltemade’s potential. Talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed his “unstoppable” performances with Germany U21s after a terrific year with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, where he scored 12 times from only 17 starting appearances.

However, all this boils down to the brief prowess the 23-year-old has shown and the belief that Howe can grow him into a player of Isak’s ability. He has not yet reached that stage.

Therefore, some might question whether Newcastle have slightly overpaid for the German international. Arrivals were always going to come at a premium for the north east outfit, with all aware of their struggles in identifying and convincing a high-level forward to join their project.

According to Transfermarkt, Woltemade is only worth €30m (equating to roughly £26m), having scored just 14 goals across 70 appearances in the Bundesliga, hitherto sharpening his skills lower down the ladder.

He was integral in winning the DFB-Pokal last season and has shown he has prolific potential within him, but to expect this record signing to arrive and pack as heavy a punch as Isak landed on England’s elite simply isn’t realistic, at least within the early days of his time on Tyneside.

And this would be highlighted through Isak’s £125m price tag, which in fact stretches roughly £100m higher than the value that Woltemade has been projected to hold.

Had Wissa not been signed, Howe might have found himself with a steeper task in lifting Woltemade up to the height of his ceiling, but when considering the circumstances, this should be viewed as promising stuff from the club.

Still, a combined figure of £124m (including add-ons) puts the pressure on for such players to effectively replace a world-class marksman with two talents in the aggregate.

Woltemade, then, might need to start playing like an elite Premier League striker from the moment he walks onto the pitch, and perhaps that could be to the detriment of the German star’s bedding-in effectively at Newcastle.

He is likely to come good, but it may be a difficult start while he gets up to speed. Just look at the criticism Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres has attracted during his early days at the Emirates Stadium. Isak’s fellow Swede is one of the landmark additions of the window but cost £64m, less than Woltemade. That paints the picture of how silly season panned out in the Premier League.

He's outscoring Woltemade: Newcastle must regret selling the original Wissa

Newcastle could do with this striker’s quality after selling Isak to Liverpool.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 2, 2025

Leeds United have always gained great pride from allowing their homegrown starlets eventual minutes in the first team.

Kalvin Phillips would become a household name in the Premier League after making his Elland Road breakthrough, with Archie Gray also going on to be a £30m purchase by Tottenham Hotspur after he exploded into life in the senior picture at the Whites.

With Daniel Farke also recently stating that the development of youth is one of the “cornerstones” of the club’s ongoing philosophy, it wouldn’t be a great shock to see a new Phillips or Gray emerge in the very near future.

Amazingly, another member of the Gray family in Harry Gray, is already making considerable strides to break into the men’s set-up.

Harry Gray's rise at Leeds

With the young pair also having Leeds royalty deeply ingrained into their family tree in the form of great uncle Eddie Gray, it appears as if Elland Road is just woven into their DNA.

Before anyone gets too carried away, the 16-year-old striker has only made one fleeting cameo in Farke’s first-team to date, but his future does look very rosy in West Yorkshire, with his early goalscoring form in the Premier League 2 this season only adding to his immense hype.

From just four games this campaign in all competitions, Gray has helped himself to a blistering four strikes, with his weighty goal tally for both the U18s and U21s now standing at a very impressive 15 goals from 22 outings.

Branded the “real deal” by analyst Ben Mattinson, it does only feel like a matter of time now before the teenage sensation is leading the line for Farke’s men, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin potentially pushed all the way for a starting spot very soon by the England U17 international.

However, he isn’t the only hotly-tipped youngster at this moment in time in the U21 picture.

Leeds could even be brewing their next Phillips when looking at this very promising midfield talent who just signed his first-ever professional contract at his boyhood employers.

Leeds' next Phillips

While his career path has hit many a bump since exiting Leeds in 2022, with just 31 Manchester City appearances coming his way in three years, it goes without saying that he is the standard that many of the new rising crop at Thorp Arch still try to hit.

Indeed, under Marcelo Bielsa’s transformative guidance, Phillips would turn into an extremely hot midfield commodity, with a senior Three Lions call-up even falling into the 29-year-old’s lap, before moving on to the Etihad for a substantial £40m.

While Ollie Pickles is way off hitting those heights at the moment, he will hope – sometime down the line – that he can experience these same amazing highs, having just penned his first-ever professional contract at Elland Road that runs until 2028.

The 17-year-old hotshot warranted that deal coming into play, too, with Pickles even donning the captain’s armband for the U21s last time out to show off similar leadership skills to those of Phillips in the main team.

Pickles – Leeds youth stats

Position

Games

Goals + Assists

DM

22

2 + 1

CM

10

3 + 2

AM

5

1 + 0

RW

1

0

LW

1

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

The similarities don’t just end there, however, with Pickles also showing off a similar eye for a goal and an assist to that of the former Bielsa favourite, with a standout five-goal contributions tallied up from the central midfield position from just ten outings.

Arguably, his added adaptability to slot into a right-wing or left-wing spot if needed also stands him in good stead to replicate Gray’s sharp rise, with the Spurs number 14’s malleable nature turning him into a constant regular under Farke.

Still, with previous interest in his services coming from the likes of Gray’s new employers, it could be that Pickles goes on to be another major sale for Leeds in the midfield department, like Phillips.

Before anything more concrete pops up over Pickles leaving, however, the teenager will have to prove himself in the senior side, with chances potentially handed to him in the near future.

Related Danny Murphy says Leeds "will" go down and names Farke's "biggest problem"

The talkSPORT pundit has revealed why he thinks the Whites will go down, despite the victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Posts 2 ByDominic Lund Sep 23, 2025

Crystal Palace stunned Liverpool by cancelling Marc Guehi’s £35 million ($47m) deadline day move to Anfield, with Palace chairman Steve Parish revealing his side's maiden European campaign was the key factor. Parish stressed that keeping the England captain was crucial for the Eagles’ season, despite the allure of a big-money transfer, highlighting the unique circumstances behind the dramatic last-minute U-turn.

• Guehi's dramatic Liverpool transfer collapse

  Liverpool had agreed terms with Crystal Palace on a £35m fee plus a sell-on clause to sign Guehi, with the England international even starting his medical in London on September 1. However, the Eagles failed to secure a suitable replacement, with Brighton’s Igor Julio choosing a loan move to West Ham instead. Palace manager Oliver Glasner, determined to retain his talisman, reportedly threatened to resign if Guehi was sold without a replacement, pushing the board to pull the plug mere hours before the 7pm deadline day cut-off. Additionally, Palace were preparing for their first-ever European campaign in the Conference League, which heightened the stakes of retaining their captain.

  The collapse left Liverpool disappointed but planning to return next summer when Guehi will be a free agent, as his Crystal Palace contract expires in June 2026. Guehi had been willing to make the move, and personal terms on a five-year contract were reportedly agreed.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Entertainment
  

  Parish explains why Crystal Palace pulled Guehi move

  “It’s a difficult decision,” Parish told . “It’s as simple as that these things are never black and white. I decided in the end that, based on the advice that I got and with what I think, that we would have a better season if we kept Marc.”

  He added: “We don’t guess about these things. If you look at it rationally, if you look at what is worth the place in the Premier League, the fact that we’re in the Conference League for the first time in our history, this is a fairly unusual set of circumstances in which to keep a player. If we were fighting between the difference of 10th and 14th, if that was going to be the difference between keeping Marc and letting Marc go, then probably we would have said: ‘Right, we should take the money."

  Prioritising Conference League and Premier League stability, Crystal Palace chose to retain leadership on the pitch rather than gamble on a last-minute replacement. The chairman's statements also show that the board considered long-term planning and squad cohesion critical in making such a significant decision in the dying embers of the transfer window.

• Guehi tracked by Liverpool and other clubs

  Guehi’s contract situation has put him in high demand even before next summer’s transfer window, with multiple elite clubs reportedly interested. Liverpool are expected to remain key contenders, particularly with uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate's contract, who will also become a free agent in 2026. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are all tracking Guehi as a potential free transfer target, giving them an advantage since they can open pre-contract negotiations from January 2026.

  The centre-back’s importance at Selhurst Park was emphasised by the failed attempts to replace him, showing the scarcity of experienced defensive options on the market. Crystal Palace’s decision also demonstrates how managerial influence – Glasner’s opposition in this case – can directly impact transfer dealings. Despite the collapse, Guehi remains a highly-coveted defender, with his leadership and Premier League experience making him a priority for Europe’s top clubs.

  Even with Liverpool having missed out this time, the Reds are highly likely to return next summer and will hope the chance to continue in the Premier League will convince the England international to move to Anfield. Meanwhile, foreign clubs have a potential edge, as Guehi can legally begin discussions with them mid-season. This situation sets up a high-stakes race for the 25-year-old centre-back, with implications for both domestic and continental competition.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Guehi crucial to Crystal Palace's 2025-26 ambitions

  Crystal Palace will focus on navigating their first European campaign while ensuring Guehi remains fit and motivated. Liverpool are likely to monitor the player’s contract situation closely, aiming to secure him in the summer transfer window without paying a fee. Meanwhile, the broader European landscape, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, will continue evaluating Guehi’s availability, preparing for the January 2026 pre-contract period that could reshape defensive plans across multiple top clubs.

  The Eagles' board must also plan for future transfer windows, ensuring they have contingency options in case other key players attract late interest. Success in the Conference League and the Premier League will partially depend on keeping leadership stable, a decision now exemplified by retaining Guehi. The dramatic deadline day twist serves as a reminder of how quickly football plans can change, with both short-term results and long-term strategy influencing transfer choices.