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To the well-trained eye of Baseball Hall of Famer and Fox Sports analyst David Ortiz, Game 3 of the World Series was over for the New York Yankees before it even started. Ortiz, speaking on Fox Sports' postgame show following the Los Angeles Dodgers' 4-2 win on Monday night, called out the Yankees'—and their fans'—"body language" from before and during the Game 3 loss, which put New York in a 3-0 hole in the World Series.

"I'll tell you what," Ortiz said. "You hit home when you talk about the body language. Even when Fat Joe came out, the body language from the fans was like damn! I was like what's going on here?! Are we in a funeral already?! You know what I'm saying? I'll tell you what."

Ortiz then went on to add that even after Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo's two-run home run in the ninth inning, which provided a glimmer of hope, he still didn't see any positive signs from the home team's dugout.

"Your body language had to be there all the way to the last out. Even when the home run was hit, they wasn't even celebrating."

The Yankees crowd was energized in the beginning but had the life taken out of it in the first inning by a two-run home run off the bat of Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has homered in all three games of the World Series thus far. And any hopes of a comeback were spelled by Dodgers starter Walker Buehler, who blanked the Yanks for five innings to earn the victory.

To hoist a 28th World Series trophy, the Yankees will have to do what just one team in MLB history has done: erase a 3-0 deficit.

Heeding the words of Ortiz, who helped orchestrate the only comeback from down 3-0, might help.

The squad is missing some key names, forcing Mauricio Pochettino to shuffle the deck ahead of final two matches of 2025

The November U.S. men's national team camp was supposed to be a glorious return. It was meant to be a big test, one designed more around building rather than experimenting. Parguay and Uruguay, the two upcoming opponents, were supposed to be measuring sticks for a full-strength USMNT.

Instead, this camp serves as something of a reminder that, at this level, not everything goes as planned. Players come and go, injuries take their toll and tough decisions have to be made. This camp, then, is now defined once again by a team at less than full strength.

That's not to say this November camp lacks purpose. These games are still vital tests, but will be played with a different roster than anticipated.

"We want to win and, for sure, we are going to give the possibility to different players and the chances to perform, and maybe to present the possibility for them to be called in the future," USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters on Thursday after revealing the roster. "We want to give the opportunity in international duty to give experiences to some players, because you never know what can happen before we announce to the world the roster for the World Cup."

This, ultimately, is what can happen before – and during – a World Cup. Injuries can take away players such as Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson. Poor form can impact players such as Yunus Musah. Wear and tear can get to someone such as Chris Richards, who has been so ever-present.

How, then, will those players in camp respond? 

GOAL looks at key takeaways from Pochettino's roster release.

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  Reyna's return

  The prescription for Reyna has been obvious for some time now: he needs to play. It's why he hasn't kicked on with the USMNT in recent years. It's also why he had to move clubs in Germany this summer. So far, he hasn't played nearly as much at Borussia Monchengladbach as many would have liked.

  Yet, for the first time since the Nations League collapse in March, he's been called back into the USMNT. What he makes of that is up to him.

  "We already know the potential of Gio, and the talent," Pochettino said. "He is an enormous talent and it's true that he's not playing too much. But I think it's a good opportunity in November because, until March, we're not going to be able to be together again. There are not too many possibilities to see him again, and try to share time or to perform on the pitch. It's about being with him, to share time, and get to know him better. 

  "He's a special player. He's a very talented player. That is why we need to be open and to provide – even if he's not playing too much – because he's suffered and was injured. Now, he's started to be fit again, and it can be a boost of motivation for him to be with us. That is important for us."

  This isn't necessarily Reyna's last chance to make the World Cup roster, but it is getting late. He's featured just once under Pochettino and did little to impress. Now, handed another lifeline, can Reyna deliver?

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  'Milan or Palace, they are not right to complain'

  Per usual, there are a variety of reasons for absences. Several players, such as Antonee Robinson, Tim Weah and Cameron Carter-Vickers, are out injured. Others, such as Pulisic, Johnny Cardoso and Malik Tillman are just getting back from injury.

  Others were more surprising. Weston McKennie, Pochettino says, will stay with Juventus to adjust to life under Luciano Spaletti, his newest coach on the club level. Perhaps the most notable absence, though, is Chris Richards, who was left out of the squad days after Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner took aim at the USMNT for playing the centerback last month despite an ongoing calf issue.

  Glasner, it should be noted, proceeded to play Richards 90 minutes the very next day. Pochettino, meanwhile, was left frustrated by the coach's comments, particularly as a coach who – with experience at Tottenham, PSG and Chelseas – used to be in his shoes on the club level.

  Palace weren't the only club that expressed frustrations, though, as Milan also reportedly reached out to US Soccer about Pulisic's status following his hamstring injury last camp. Pulisic, who was the subject of much controversy over the summer when he decided to skip the Gold Cup, has reportedly resumed training and is expected to return to Milan’s squad for Saturday’s Serie A trip to Parma.

  "This is to provide him the possibility to recover 100-percent and be full and be ready to play after international duty with his team," Pochettino said of the decision to allow Pulisic to stay with Milan. "That is common sense. We never risk players. He played against Australia because he felt really good and because all of the assessment from our doctors and medical staff were right – and the player agreed with us.

  "He didn't play the first game against Ecuador because he came into the game with a problem that he made, again, with his club in Italy. That is why. We care about him. But that can happen when you play game. There is always a risk when you play."

  Regarding the protests from Crystal Palace and Milan over conflicts between club and county responsibilities, Pochettino has a clear point of view, saying, "they are not right to complain."

  "People say, 'It's a friendly game', but no, that is wrong," Pochettino said. "We are not playing friendly games. We are playing games that prepare our journey to the World Cup. If not, we'd just play the Under-20s, because why play games? It's something that makes me very, very sad because I think sometimes people don't understand, or maybe they don't think about what it means to have the responsibility to represent a country or a national team, in this case, the USA.

  "I was in different clubs for more than 15 years working and I was always respectful of the national team, accepting the rules. I think the players are the most important. And the players know how we act, and how we respect, and they respect that because we are clear in our communication. I think in these situations, Milan or Palace, they are not right to complain. Because I think as a coaching staff we care about the player. We are the first to care, and we've never made a player play with some doubt. Never. Never."

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  The star strikers

  Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright are all in camp together. That hasn't happened since the Copa America in 2024, largely due to extended injury absences by Balogun and Pepi. Now fit, all three are scoring at the club level. It's a great time for all three to be in camp.

  Realistically, if the World Cup were to start today, this would likely be the striker group. There's an argument to be made to include someone such as Patrick Agyemang or Josh Sargent, but if you're selecting three, these are clear choices. They all check the boxes for the striker position, including the most important one: goals.

  Balogun has built momentum with the USMNT and Monaco by scoring multiple goals recently, Wright is running rampant through the Championship, and, now healthy, Pepi is still finding ways to score despite not starting for PSV.

  "This type of player is a very talented player," Pochettino said of Pepi. "We were talking about Gio, but it's the same with Ricardo, and the aim is to provide a big boost or motivation to them to keep pushing and keep improving. They need to have that motivation and to know that we care about them. When players are good in the mind, it's important to improve their legs and physical condition. They need to know that they are in the race for a place on the roster for the World Cup, and that is the most important thing.

  "Then they can play, more or less. But the thing is that they need to give their best to try and arrive in the best shape, to be animals, to be really strong and arrive for a competition that is going to be the most important in the history of the national team."

  While there are few questions about the top three spots on the striker depth chart, there are still questions about the first one. Who starts in this camp? Who starts when the World Cup begins? We may finally get some answers to those questions now that everyone is healthy, scoring and, finally, in camp together.

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  No room for Turner among goalkeepers

  Since the start of the Gold Cup, Matt Freese has been the starter in goal. By and large, Turner has been his backup. However, even following news that Turner is training with Crystal Palace to stay fit, he was not included in this squad. That seems as clear of a message as any as to where he stands in the goalkeeping group.

  The belief, by and large, has been that Freese is in pole position, but nothing is decided. Turner, the former USMNT starter now back in MLS with the New England Revolution, would be waiting for his chance to prove why he should be the guy in goal for a second consecutive World Cup. He won't get that chance this camp, though, as he was left off in favor of Patrick Schulte, Jonathan Klinsmann and Roman Celentano.

  There are now questions about Turner's pathway back, particularly given the fact that there's just one more international break before the World Cup. All eyes will be on him to start the next MLS season, then, as he now fights to earn his place on the team.

Manchester City are preparing a club record bid worth more than £100m to sign a Paris Saint-Germain star who is a mix of Paul Pogba and Casemiro.

Man City after new midfielders with Bernardo Silva out of contract in 2026

Despite a busy summer transfer window that saw Man City spend more than £180m, there are already Etihad rumours of more cash being splashed in 2026.

Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders was City’s most expensive addition in the summer, whereas Sverre Nypan also arrived at the Etihad before being loaned out to Middlesbrough.

Midfield does appear to be an area where City want to bolster even further, though, especially with Bernardo Silva being out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

Talking in his pre-match press conference before Man City’s Champions League clash with Monaco, Pep Guardiola hailed Silva, calling him “one of the best players ever in training”.

“He cannot do better as a captain. He is one of the best players ever in training, it is a luxury for me to have had him these 10 years. He is intelligent, smart. I am really happy to have him and of course he accepts the role (as captain). He is doing really well.”

Man City now circling to sign £70m Premier League star with 6 G/A in 2025/26

City are looking to sign a new attacker, who is near the top of the goal-scoring charts at the start of the Premier League season.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 30, 2025

Meanwhile, star midfielder Rodri was missing from Saturday’s Premier League victory over Burnley. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was absent for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign through injury, however, Guardiola admitted that Rodri is already feeling better.

“Yes (he is fit to start) He feels much better. Day by day to feel how best he feels and the game against Burnley he didn’t feel good, today he feels a little bit better.”

Man City ready £100m+ bid to sign PSG star Neves

Now, reports from Spain have revealed that Man City are preparing a €120m (£105m) bid to sign Joao Neves from PSG, a fee which would eclipse the current transfer record that saw Jack Grealish arrive from Aston Villa.

However, it is suggested that PSG have already made it clear that Neves is an ‘essential part of Luis Enrique’s plan and has no intention of negotiating his departure’.

Any offer will be rejected, but City loves Neves’ versatility and will need patience if they are to secure the Portugal international’s services in the future.

As can be seen, Neves has been compared to former Man Utd midfielder Pogba and current Red Devils player Casemiro among others.

The 21-year-old can play as a holding midfielder or in a box-to-box role and is currently under a €4.82m per year contract until 2029.

Kusal Mendis had been at the PSL until last week but has now pivoted to playing in the IPL, a league in which he has never previously appeared

Andrew Fidel Fernando15-May-2025Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis will replace Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans squad for the IPL playoffs.Kusal Mendis had been at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Quetta Gladiators until last week, playing as their wicketkeeper-batter. He’d last played for them on May 7. But ESPNcricinfo has learned he will not travel to Pakistan for the remainder of the PSL due to perceived safety concerns, and has now pivoted to playing in the IPL, a league in which he has never previously appeared.Buttler’s unavailability for the playoffs is down to his having been named in England’s ODI squad for the home series against West Indies, which starts on May 29. The IPL’s playoffs begin the same day.GT have two other wicketkeeping options in their squad, in Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra. However, Kusal Mendis has been in good form for Gladiators, hitting 143 runs at a strike rate of 168 in five PSL matches.Merely being approached by an IPL franchise as a replacement is something of a career fillip for Kusal Mendis, who had entered his name in the IPL auctions repeatedly, but had never been bought. He is understood to be currently awaiting his India visa, and is likely to join the GT squad on Saturday.GT currently sit atop the IPL table, equal on points with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but with a better net run rate. They need only one more win to confirm their place in the playoffs.

Liverpool are always on the lookout for offensive talent and may have found a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah at Anfield who they could now target.

Liverpool face anxious wait on Ibrahima Konate future

Undoubtedly, the only minor concern at Anfield right now comes in the form of Ibrahima Konate’s uncertain Liverpool contract situation, which has drawn interest from Real Madrid, who are thought to be in advanced talks over a potential move to the Bernabeu.

With his deal set to expire next summer, the La Liga giants could enact a repeat of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s acrimonious exit, which looked set to occur on a free transfer before Los Blancos shelled out £8.4 million to land the England international, ensuring he was on board in time for the Club World Cup.

Addressing Konate’s situation, Redmen TV’s Ste Plunkett has admitted that he could envisage Konate leaving to join Real Madrid, admitting the pull of playing for the world heavyweights may prove difficult for the Liverpool man to turn down.

He told BBC Sport: “If we get a notification from Konate that his intention is to go to Real Madrid in the summer, then we are forced to do whatever it is we need to do to fill that gap, and then we have to find one more.

“I fully expect him to leave. He’s won trophies with the club; there is a big coming together of French talent at Real Madrid, you’ve got five or six of them, and that will continue. All the best French players will end up gravitating over there, and he wants to go and be a part of that.”

Not Frimpong: Liverpool man who's "not at the races" is this season's Trent

Liverpool could have the next Trent Alexander-Arnold on their hands…

1 ByJoe Nuttall Sep 10, 2025

Nevertheless, Liverpool’s pursuit of a new central defender after their late attempts to sign Marc Guehi isn’t the only matter on the agenda for Arne Slot, who is now said to be lining up a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool eye Malick Fofana as Mohamed Salah successor

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool see Lyon star Malick Fofana as a long-term successor to Salah and remains on their radar despite opting to stay in France during the summer window.

Rivals Everton were actually in talks to sign Fofana over the summer, but the £43m-rated star stayed put at Lyon.

The Reds had shown interest in taking him to Anfield and his versatility is said to be a key reason why, alongside his speed and high level of end product in the final third.

Lauded by Man City star Rayan Cherki for his explosiveness, Fofana registered 11 goals and six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions last term, and he has continued that form in 2025/26, notching two goal contributions in three games.

With Salah at a point where consultation will begin in the next couple of years over his eventual replacement, Fofana appears to be of a similar mould and supporters will be keeping a keen eye on his situation as Liverpool continue to probe for his signature.

يواجه منتخب المغرب تحت 20 عامًا خصمه منتخب الأرجنتين في نهائي بطولة كأس العالم للشباب 2025، المقامة في تشيلي، صباح يوم الإثنين.

وتأهل المغرب إلى نهائي بطولة كأس العالم للشباب، بعد الفوز على فرنسا بركلات الترجيح في دور نصف النهائي.

فيما تأهل منتخب الأرجنتين إلى النهائي بعد الفوز على كولومبيا بهدف دون رد في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات نصف النهائي.

اقرأ أيضًا | القنوات المجانية الناقلة لمباراة المغرب والأرجنتين اليوم في كأس العالم للشباب

وكان منتخب الأرجنتين قد تأهل إلى النهائي بعدما صعد بالعلامة الكاملة من دور المجموعات، وعبر نيجيريا برباعية نظيفة في دور الـ16، ثم هزم المكسيك بثنائية في ربع النهائي.

أما بالنسبة لمنتخب المغرب، فقد حصد 6 نقاط في دور المجموعات وفاز على كوريا الجنوبية بهدفين لهدف في دور الـ 16، وتجاوز أمريكا بنتيحة 3/1 في ربع قبل انتصاره بركلات الترجيح ضد فرنسا في نصف النهائي.

وتعتبر تلك هي المرة الأولى التي يتأهل فيها المنتخب المغربي للشباب إلى نهائي كأس العالم في التاريخ. تردد القناة المفتوحة الناقلة لمباراة الأرجنتين والمغرب اليوم في كأس العالم للشباب

بي إن سبورت المفتوحة

نايل سات

10853

أفقي (H)

27500

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا

Manchester United are heading into the final stretch of the summer transfer window brimming with optimism, for Ruben Amorim and the outfit’s transfer entourage have come together to pull off some exciting signings.

Last year’s lowly Premier League finish is a thing of the past, and with a new-look frontline consisting of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo out wide, plucked from divisional rivals, and fronted by Benjamin Sesko, 22, who joins from RB Leipzig with a weight of expectation, hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for having “the potential to develop into a world-class striker.”

However, United may yet be in need of a few more signings besides. Amorim took the wheel of a sinking ship last season, and while things didn’t go to plan across the first chapter of the Portuguese tactician’s journey at the club, there’s hope that the storm has been weathered and the Red Devils can begin anew.

But in order to achieve his goals, Amorim is determined to get rid of a few more surplus first-teamers before the end of the month, maybe even signing another player or two as well.

Man Utd pushing for more signings

While Man United still have their work cut out in cashing in on some of the deadwood within the Old Trafford first team, there’s little question that the Red Devils have displayed great intent in the summer transfer market, and remain hungry for further signings.

(1) Liverpool

6

£256m

(2) Chelsea

8

£241m

(3) Man Utd

4

£198m

(4) Arsenal

6

£193m

(5) Man City

6

£153m

And the pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba suggests that the Red Devils plan to shuffle the midfield pack further over the coming weeks.

But, with the frontline secure, Caught Offside are reporting that Amorim has personally requested that INEOS advance a potential move for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been excluded from Luis Enrique’s plans for the new season, expected to depart having entered the final year of his contract.

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United are joined by their pesky neighbours Manchester City in chasing the Italy international, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, who is valued at a steep €50m (£43m); furthermore, his salary demands would be sure to place him among the club’s top earners.

Man United have, of course, already engaged with PSG for a big-money transfer in recent memory, signing Manuel Ugarte last summer.

And it’s with that deal in mind that caution should be considered when weighing up a move for PSG’s 6 foot 7 shot-stopper.

Why Man Utd shouldn't sign Donnarumma

Donnarumma played a vital role in winning everything on offer in Europe for PSG last season, but having been ferried toward the exit door, Man United spy an opportunity.

However, should they be making this move when INEOS’ new strategy appears to hold so much promise?

To be sure, Donnarumma is an exciting and established player, but PSG don’t want him, and perhaps that is telling, especially when peering back at the many misfires for Man United over the years.

And when considering that a move for Ugarte last summer hasn’t really gone to plan, a different track might be worthwhile here too. Indeed, the current bid for Baleba suggests that Ugarte’s place as the starting anchor in Amorim’s system is anything but secure.

The 24-year-old had some good moments in the Premier League last season, namely during a monstrous performance against Liverpool at Anfield, but there’s little question that he struggled to adapt to the rigours of English football.

However, he petered out toward the end of the campaign and struggled on the ball at times. Sure, the Uruguayan was crisp enough, completing around 88% of his passes in the league, but his average of 3.08 progressive passes per game, via FBref, left him ranked among the lowly bottom 18% of the division’s midfielders.

Not good enough, and indicative of a discordance between Ugarte’s tactical weaknesses and the way in which Amorim wants to play. The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell noted that the South American was prone to having a ‘nightmare in possession’ for the side last season.

In this regard, Donnarumma could bleakly mimic his former Paris-based teammate. The Italian is a staggering shot-stopper, so important in winning the quadruple at PSG under Luis Enrique’s wing last season.

However, Donnarumma is infallible, and on a reported £300k-per-week salary at the Parc des Princes, might Old Trafford be treading over the sheet-thin ice of recent years?

Though he has improved since those youthful days, Donnarumma remains a comparatively young goalkeeper and we have seen with Andre Onana the perils in signing a goalkeeper with such deficiencies, in spite of strong performances out on the continent.

It’s worth noting that Onana, for all his flaws, saved 68.9% of his shots faced in the Premier League last season; Donnarumma, however, averaged a 66.7% save percentage in Ligue 1, both sets of stats courtesy of FBref. The Italian is also barely much better when it comes to launching passes, ranking among the worst 30% of goalkeepers in Europe for launched pass success. Onana, conversely, ranks among the worst 15%.

Given that, as was the case with Ugarte, PSG have marked Donnarumma as expendable, casting him out of the project, United technical director Jason Wilcox will surely be wary of lightning striking twice, and United being stuck within this cyclical further still.

Whether Man United act on their interest and sign the prominent goalkeeper remains to be seen, but as with the likes of Raphael Varane, Casemiro and indeed Ugarte (among others), there is a lesson to be learned about signing high-profile players who other top teams are happy to shift.

Football commentator Matteo Bonetti has remarked in the past that Donnarumma boasts a skill set that is “beyond world-class”, but the reservations as to whether United would receive bang for their buck are definitely there, and perhaps it would be better to opt against such a signing.

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A better signing than Sesko: Man Utd to hold talks over landing £26m star

Manchester United are ready to make even more signings this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 12, 2025

Dani Ceballos reached out to Roberto De Zerbi to explain his decision to reject Marseille's offer as the midfielder opted to stay at Real Madrid. The French side approached the Spaniard late in the transfer window and even reached a deal with Madrid, with De Zerbi eager to make him a key player following Adrien Rabiot's exit.

Why Ceballos' move to Marseille never materialised

Madrid splashed lavishly in the transfer market, signing the likes of Alvaro Carreras, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono. New head coach Xabi Alonso reportedly demanded a midfielder, too, but the Spanish heavyweights didn't sign one. As the transfer window approached its end, speculation surrounding Ceballos' future started to intensify. After rumours of a return to Real Betis, all signs pointed towards Ceballos calling curtains on his Madrid career by writing "Last dance" on his Instagram story. This action was followed by Marseille ramping up their efforts to close a deal to sign the ex-Arsenal loanee. An agreement worth €15 million (£13m/$16m) had been finalised between Marseille and Madrid, but Ceballos' last-minute change of heart and hesitation to leave Madrid led to the deal collapsing.

AdvertisementAFPDe Zerbi receives apology from Ceballos

In the wake his decision to reject the offer, the 29-year-old personally called Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi over phone and asked for forgiveness, reports. The Italian coach had gone to great lengths to sign him and had convinced Ceballos that he would be central to his plans at Stade Velodrome. Nevertheless, the Spaniard opted to remain part of Alonso's team.

“The Dani Ceballos situation stays between us. He is a great player. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and he missed out on playing for a special club," said De Zerbi on Monday.

Ceballos could still be crucial to Alonso and Madrid

With Alonso eventually confirming that Ceballos would remain a part of his roster for this season, expectations were that he would struggle to find regular playing time. Aurelien Tchouameni has already been described as the "pillar" of Madrid by Alonso, Fede Valverde remains a guaranteed starter and Arda Guler has become the team's chief orchestrator. It became increasingly difficult to see where Ceballos would fit in, but Alonso has given him reason to be optimistic.

Ceballos clockied 68 minutes as a starter against Real Sociedad at the weekend after making three appearances off the bench. Given how congested the calendar is, Ceballos will fancy his chances of carving out an important role in midfield as the season progresses.

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(C)Getty ImagesWill Ceballos start against Marseille?

Whether he keeps his place in the starting XI for Tuesday’s Champions League clash hinges on whether Valverde is fit enough to start. The Uruguayan was left out of the starting XI after personally requesting a rest from Alonso, citing fatigue from the international break. Ceballos put in a solid performance against Real Sociedad on Saturday and will likely be the obvious choice if Alonso decides to give Valverde another game off.

Leeds United are looking to buck a trend in the Premier League this season and avoid relegation in their first season back in the top flight. The last six teams to get promoted have all gone straight back down, but after a strong season in 2024/25 and plenty of new signings, the Whites could rewrite the narrative.

Indeed, Daniel Farke’s side have already signed seven new players. They have added more Premier League experience to their squad in the form of Sean Longstaff, as well as defensive reinforcements by signing three defenders, including Jaka Bijol.

However, Leeds are not done yet, and seem keen to strengthen the squad further ahead of a huge campaign, with another top-flight star linked with a move.

Leeds’ next transfer target

There seems to be a clear emphasis on Farke signing Premier League-proven players to help supplement a squad that got 100 points last season. Signing Longstaff, a man with 171 top tier appearances, certainly ticks that box.

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Now, the Yorkshire side are looking to bring another man with top-flight experience to Elland Road, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal. They are said to be ‘keen’ on signing Manchester City and England under-21 star James McAtee this summer.

The Citizens’ valuation of the attacking midfielder is said to be around £40m, with Sky Sports reporting earlier in the window that Nottingham Forest had a £25m bid rejected.

With Forest also interested in signing the youngster, this will by no means be a straightforward deal for the Whites to do.

Why McAtee would be a good signing

Despite making fleeting appearances for boyhood club City last season, Salford-born McAtee left a real impression when he got his opportunity. Pep Guardiola even called him a “special” player after scoring a hat-trick against Salford City.

Indeed, the 22-year-old made just 27 appearances for the Citizens last season, accumulating just 936 minutes. He still managed to find the back of the net seven times, averaging a goal every 133 minutes.

The 22-year-old captained the England under-21 side to victory in this summer’s European Championships. He played all six games for Lee Carsley’s side, scoring once and grabbing two assists, setting up Omari Hutchinson in the final against Germany.

If the Whites are able to sign McAtee this summer, he could prove to be a huge upgrade on their current number ten, Brenden Aaronson. The USA international played in every single one of Leeds’ games last season in the Championship, but struggled for consistency at times.

On the face of things, his numbers in the second tier last term were strong. He scored nine times and grabbed two assists in 46 games. Yet, spells of six, seven and eight games without a goal involvement were far from ideal for Farke’s side.

On top of that, McAtee has a far better record in the top flight. Aaronson has played one full season in the Premier League, bagging once and assisting three goals, featuring in 36 games and 2383 minutes.

In contrast, the Man City academy graduate has a full season of top-flight football under his belt from Sheffield United. In 30 games, or 1827 minutes, he scored three times and assisted the same number. He also bagged three goals for City in 15 games last term.

The numbers from FBref from their full seasons in the Premier League suggest that McAtee is an upgrade on Aaronson, too.

For example, he averaged 1.23 passes into the penalty area and 2.76 progressive carries per 90 minutes, compared to the American’s 0.61 passes into the penalty area and 1.63 progressive carries each game.

McAtee and Aaronson key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

McAtee

Aaronson

Goals and assists

0.3

0.15

Goals per shot on target

0.25

0.11

Passes into penalty area

1.23

0.61

Progressive carries

2.67

1,63

Take-ons completed

1.63

1.29

Tackles and interceptions

2.12

1.89

Stats from FBref

For a fee of around £40m, McAtee would be able to massively upgrade Leeds’ midfield. Whilst Aaronson has put in some good performances under Farke, the consistency with which the City star plays, and the impact he can have in such a short amount of time, stands out.

The 22-year-old could be Farke’s dream option to strengthen Leeds’ midfield and bring more Premier League quality to Elland Road.

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Manchester United’s hunt for a new striker has been far and wide so far this summer as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad ahead of 2025/26.

The 40-year-old has already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his ranks, but the pair are set to operate in the number ten role behind the striker.

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only netting seven Premier League goals between them last campaign, it reinforces the need for a new talisman during the current window.

However, despite their success elsewhere in the market, a new striker has still eluded them to date, opening the door to added investment from the hierarchy.

Various players have emerged on their radar as of late, with a real importance on landing a new forward to help catapult the Red Devils back to the top of England’s top-flight.

Man United on the hunt to sign a new striker

Benjamin Sesko has been a player who’s emerged as a key target for United this summer, but they’re not alone, with Newcastle United also keen on the 22-year-old this summer.

Amorim’s side are said to be in talks with RB Leipzig over a move for the Slovenian international, after he registered 21 goals for the German side throughout 2024/25.

However, the youngster isn’t the only player in their sights, with Chelsea talisman Nicolas Jackson also a player they’re considering, according to The Independent.

They claim that United have held talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign the Senegalese international, but it could be an expensive addition, as they’ve placed an £80m price tag on his head.

Despite the price tag, the report states that the hierarchy are proposing a potential swap plus cash deal which could see bomb squad member Alejandro Garnacho move in the opposite direction.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Sesko

As previously mentioned, Sesko has been targeted by United in recent weeks, but despite his excellent goalscoring record in Germany, the hierarchy must be cautious in any deal for his signature.

Whilst the Slovenian has showcased his goalscoring record, he could cost a pretty penny, with his current employers demanding £80m for his signature this summer.

Such a move could see a repeat for Hojlund, after the Danish international scored 10 goals for Atalanta the season before his own £72m move to Old Trafford.

The additions of Cunha and Mbeumo highlight the club’s recruitment strategy of investing money in players who have already proven themselves in England’s top-flight.

A deal for Sesko would go against their ethos during the current window, subsequently needing to avoid a move for the Leipzig star and prioritise a move for Jackson this summer.

Whilst the Senegalese international may not be many of the supporters’ first choice, his experience in the Premier League could be vital, whilst also being a cost-effective option should Garnacho be included in any deal.

He’s also managed to better Sesko in numerous areas during recent times, undoubtedly being a better addition for Amorim’s side during the off-season.

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

15

18

Shot-on-target accuracy

45%

43%

Pass accuracy

76%

67%

Key passes made

1.2

0.7

Shot-creating actions

2.8

1.9

Progressive carries

1.9

1.7

Carries into opposition box

1.3

0.5

Jackson managed to achieve a higher shot on target accuracy rate last season, subsequently being more accurate with his efforts in attacking areas, leading to Pubity Sport labelling him as “sensational”.

He also managed to complete more passes, with more of which being defined as key passes, highlighting his all-round ability, which could allow the aforementioned new additions to hit the ground running in Manchester.

His dominance over Sesko is further reflected in his tally of carries into the opposition box per 90, being able to create chances out of nothing, undoubtedly being less reliant on players around him to have chances in front of goal.

If a deal can be agreed with Chelsea over a potential swap deal, it would be a superb piece of business by the club, offloading a player not in Amorim’s plans whilst landing a star who’d fill a key position in the side.

There’s no denying that the Leipzig star would be a solid option, but given the difference in stats and Jackson’s prior experience in England, the hierarchy should be going all out on a move for the Senegalese star.

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