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Kylian Mbappe received the European Golden Shoe award on Friday after he scored 31 league goals in just 34 games during his debut season at Real Madrid in 2024-25. Club president Florentino Perez demanded further glory from the Frenchman, who expressed his gratitude to everyone and admitted that he dreams of winning more titles and defending the individual award next year as well.

Mbappe presented with the European Golden Shoe

Mbappe received the European Golden Shoe award on Friday in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabeu, with all Real Madrid players and coaching staff in attendance – except for the injured Dani Carvajal. The French forward earned the honour after scoring 31 La Liga goals last season.

In his debut campaign with Madrid, Mbappe netted an impressive 44 goals in 59 matches across all competitions. Although Arsenal frontman Viktor Gyokeres scored 39 goals in Liga Portugal with Sporting CP last season, he finished second in the Golden Shoe standings due to the league’s lower coefficient of 1.5 points per goal. Among players from Europe’s top five leagues, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah came closest to challenging Mbappe, with 29 goals that helped propel the Reds to the Premier League title.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPerez makes his demands clear to Mbappe

Madrid president Perez congratulated Mbappe for his achievement and urged the forward to continue on the same path. “Today we are very happy because an award as prestigious as the Golden Boot is given to one of the best players in the world," began Perez. 

"Dear Kylian, congratulations. This is the fruit of your labour, and I want you to know that I, as president of Real Madrid, am very proud to have a player like you. You perfectly represent the values of this club, which is the most decorated club in the world. You will always remember this day. It is your first Golden Boot, but from here you are building your own history. The fans adore you and will always be by your side.

"Last season you won the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. You scored 31 goals in La Liga, 44 in all competitions. At Real Madrid, we've had three Golden Boots: Hugo Sanchez, Ronaldo Nazario (who won at Barcelona), and Cristiano [Ronaldo]. In your time here, you've experienced the demands of this badge. Only constant improvement and camaraderie will do. This Golden Boot helps you further enhance the history of Real Madrid. Congratulations to you and your entire family."

Mbappe eyes successive European Golden Shoe wins

During his acceptance speech, the 26-year-old expressed his gratitude to his Real Madrid team-mates and also shared his goals with the team. “It’s a pleasure to receive the Golden Boot! Thank you all so much. This is an important moment for me," said the Madrid No.10. 

"It’s the first time I’ve won it. It means a lot. I have to thank my teammates, who have come here and helped me in every way, to find the best version of Kylian. We have an incredible group and we hope to win many titles this season.

“It’s a tremendous pleasure to play for Real Madrid. Everyone knows it was my childhood dream, and now I’m here. I hope to be here for many years to come. To bring joy to the Madrid fans, who have shown me affection since the first day I arrived, and even before. Today is a great day. I hope we continue like this, because the most important thing is the collective. Without all the people here, it would be impossible to win this award. Thank you to the entire club: doctors, staff, and everyone who helps me on and off the pitch… Without them, you can’t win something like this. I’m very happy and I want to keep making history. It was 31 goals… and I’ve started this year very well, so… Of course I want to win it again next season!”

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GettyMbappe aiming for Ronaldo's milestone this season?

Mbappe has begun the 2025-26 season in breathtaking form, scoring 16 goals in 13 games. He has failed to find the back of the net twice: against Mallorca in La Liga and Juventus in the Champions League. With 11 goals in the league already, he will once again be among the frontrunners to lift the European Golden Shoe next season.

What's more, he could also become the first Real Madrid player since his idol Ronaldo to score 50 goals in a season. The Portuguese legend scored 51 goals in the 2015-16 season, which was also his sixth consecutive season reaching a half-century of goals at club level. Mbappe has never scored 50 goals in a single season, with his tally of 44 being his best-ever tally across a season. However, at this pace, he could comfortably reach the milestone by the end of the season, possibly even aiming for 60 goals. 

It would be fair to say that Arsenal had one of the best transfer windows in the Premier League this summer.

Mikel Arteta finally got his hands on a prolific number nine in Viktor Gyokeres, a dangerous left-winger and ten in Eberechi Eze, and the perfect six to anchor the midfield in Martin Zubimendi.

However, one player who didn’t necessarily excite the fans to begin with, but now looks like an excellent addition, is Noni Madueke.

The Englishman could be the perfect player to complement and rival Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, although had Arsenal kept hold of one of their youngsters years ago, they’d have an even better option today.

Why Madueke can challenge Saka this season

Now, nobody is arguing that Madueke is the better player than Saka here; that would be far too reactionary.

However, from what we saw of him at Chelsea, and more importantly, what we’ve seen from him over the last couple of weeks, it looks like he could challenge the Hale Ender for game time this season.

For example, while he looked better than Gabriel Martinelli when playing off the left in the first two games of the season, it was away to Liverpool when he started on the right-hand side that he looked the most dangerous.

In fact, including the Reds’ frontline, the former Blues ace was probably the best attacker on the pitch, as even though he wasn’t able to score or set up a goal, he was a constant threat on the break.

According to Sofascore, he was successful in 100% of his dribbles, took the Gunners’ only shot on target, and had 29 touches, so the stats support the idea that he was Arteta’s best offensive player.

However, it’s been the 23-year-old’s performances for England over the last five days that have really turned heads.

In the game against Andorra, he helped to open the scoring when his cross was deflected in for an own goal, and then against Serbia, he was near enough unplayable.

In his 76 minutes of action, the Barnet-born winger scored his first senior international goal, completed 20 of 22 passes, completed 100% of his dribbles, won four of five duels, made two tackles and was ultimately a massive problem for the home side.

In all, Madueke currently looks like he’ll be able to challenge Saka for a place in the team when the Hale Ender is back to full fitness.

Although Arsenal would have had an even better option had they kept hold of a former youth player.

The Madueke upgrade Arsenal lost as a youngster

Just like other clubs of their size, Arsenal have let their fair share of incredible talents slip through their fingers, such as Harry Kane, Serge Gnabry and even Eze.

Where Are They Now

However, in this instance, we aren’t talking about someone who’s returned to the club or someone who’s nearing the end of their career; we’re talking about a player approaching the peak of their powers: Michael Olise.

Yes, as a youngster, the outrageously gifted Frenchman spent time in the Gunners’ youth setup before moving to Chelsea, Manchester City and then Reading, where he caught the eye of Crystal Palace.

The South Londoners decided to splash £8m on the then-19-year-old in the summer of 2021, and to say that it worked out for them would be a colossal understatement.

Over the following three years, the game-changing winger would score 16 goals and provide 25 assists in 90 appearances, more than justifying Sky Sports analyst Dougie Critchley’s claim that he is “one of the best players in the world.”

Moreover, the Eagles made a cool £42m profit on the player when they sold him to Bayern Munich for £50m last summer, although based on his performances for the German giants since, we’re sure they’d have gladly paid double that.

For example, he racked up a brilliant haul of 20 goals and 23 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3842 minutes last season, and has already scored four goals in four games this season.

Appearances

55

46

Minutes

3842′

2646′

Goals

20

11

Assists

23

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.78

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

89.34′

165.37′

Ultimately, while there is every chance Madueke could be a brilliant player for Arsenal and great competition for Saka, it’s clear Olise is comfortably better than the former Chelsea ace.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras oficializou a promoção do jovem Luis Guilherme ao elenco profissional nesta quarta-feira (26). O jogador de apenas 17 anos não descia para a base há um tempo, mas ainda era tratado como membro do grupo de transição. Neste segundo semestre, foi definitivamente integrado à equipe principal do Verdão.

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+ A uma semana de jogo contra o Atlético-MG, Abel tem dúvidas para escalar o Palmeiras

Aproveitando cada vez as oportunidades recebidas pelo técnico Abel Ferreira, Luis Guilherme deu assistência para Breno Lopes sacramentar a vitória alviverde por 3 a 1 diante do Fortaleza, no sábado (22), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, no Allianz Parque. O jovem valorizou o resultado conquistado e agradeceu pela chance, comentando também sua evolução ao lado do treinador português e de seus companheiros.

– Foi uma vitória muito importante em um jogo difícil contra a boa equipe do Fortaleza. Foi bom para nós pensando na sequência do campeonato e também para nos dar confiança. Fico feliz ainda por ter entrado mais uma vez e dado uma assistência. O Abel sempre me pede para ter confiança, fazer no jogo o que eu sempre fazia na base e, graças a Deus, aos poucos, vem dando certo – disse Luis Guilherme.

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– É sempre bom conviver com grandes jogadores, que eu acompanhava da arquibancada. Agora estou com eles, trocando resenha… Hoje eles brincaram com o meu estilo de roupa (risos), mas é bom para descontrair e creio que vou entrosando cada vez mais com todos dentro e fora de campo.

+ OPINIÃO: Futebol brasileiro está ‘chato’, mas pior ainda é a indignação seletiva

Ainda, Luis Guilherme projetou o próximo duelo do Verdão, que acontece neste sábado (30) diante do América-MG, na Arena Independência, em Belo Horizonte (MG), às 16h, pela 17ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A Cria da Academia chegou ao Palmeiras em 2017, conquistou títulos do Sub-11 ao Sub-20 e chegou, no sábado, ao seu 15º jogo pelo time profissional do clube.

continua após a publicidade

– Vai ser um jogo difícil contra o América-MG. Sabemos que jogar lá é sempre complicado, mas estamos fazendo uma semana boa, nos preparando bem para chegar lá e buscar a vitória – concluiu o camisa 31.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

The full cost of replacing the Man Utd managers and their coaching teams since the departure of Sir Alex has been revealed and it could leap up by a mammoth amount if the club decide to dispense of current incumbent Amorim. The merry-go-round of managers in the 12 years since the Scot left includes some of the biggest names in the game, but none of them have come close to filling his boots.

Counting the cost of United's sackings

David Moyes was handpicked by Ferguson to take over from him in 2013, but his tenure lasted only 10 months after United finished a disappointing 7th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in nearly two decades. Then came Louis van Gaal, whose reign brought an FA Cup in 2016, making him the first manager since Fergie to land silverware for the club, but the Dutchman was brutally sacked just two days later. Jose Mourinho arrived soon after and delivered three trophies in his first season: the Europa League, League Cup, and Community Shield, becoming the first manager in the club's history to win two major trophies in his first season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led United to a second-place finish in the Premier League and the Europa League final, but ultimately failed to win any trophies and was removed after three years in charge. Ralf Rangnick took over for a brief period before Erik ten Hag brought United their first competitive trophy in nearly six years by winning the League Cup in 2023 and followed that by winning the FA Cup in 2024. Despite winning two trophies in two seasons Ten Hag was sacked after a poor start to the 2024-2025 season. And the heat is now firmly on Amorim, whose side finished 15th last season and sit a lowly 14th after six league games this term.

Sir Alex’s coaching team – £2.4m
David Moyes (2013/14) – £5.2m
Louis van Gaal (2014/16) – £8.4m
Jose Mourinho (2016/18) – £19.6m
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2018/21) – £9.1m
Ralf Rangnick (2021/22) – £14.7m
Erik ten Hag (2022/24) – £10.4m

TOTAL: £69.8 million ($93.8m)

AdvertisementAFPFergie's incredible record at Old Trafford

Fergie's tenure as manager of Manchester United from 1986 to 2013 was the most successful period in the club's history, transforming them into a dominant force in English and European football. He took over a club that hadn't won a league title in 19 years and led them to unprecedented heights. Under Ferguson's leadership, Man United won a remarkable 38 trophies, including; 13 Premier League titles, two UEFA Champions League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups. Fergie’s success was built on a foundation of tactical brilliance, fierce leadership, and an unparalleled ability to rebuild teams. He nurtured young talents like the "Class of '92", which produced club legends including Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, and Paul Scholes, and integrated world-class players like Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney into his squads. His ability to adapt his strategies and maintain a relentless winning mentality kept United at the pinnacle of football for over two decades.

Will United stick or twist with Amorim?

United have struggled with inconsistency, failing to win consecutive games in any competition under Amorim. Their poor form has led to significant concern among fans and pundits, with some questioning Amorim's long-term future at the club. Despite this, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly still backing the manager. And the cost of sacking him would be an eye-watering £12 million ($16.1m) if they decide to pull the plug on the Portuguese boss. 

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Getty Images SportTough tests coming for United

United’s next match is against Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 4th, followed by a challenging away game against Liverpool at Anfield on October 19th. There follows matches against Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham. More defeats and poor performances could cost Amorim his job… and cost United another £12 million.

Other Premier League sides did more business, but Chelsea still had a busy end to the summer transfer window.

The club finally got their hands on Alejandro Garnacho, opted against signing Fermin Lopez, and made a surprise move to bring in Facundo Buonanotte on a season-long loan – without an option or obligation to buy.

Additionally, the Blues decided to cancel Marc Guiu’s loan to Sunderland following the recent injury to Liam Delap.

However, that’s a decision they might not have needed to make, as they’ve already got an incredibly talented youngster who could’ve filled in.

Chelsea's striker situation

There is plenty of optimism around Chelsea and what they could achieve this season, and rightly so, but things are currently far from ideal in the striker department.

In the win over Fulham on Saturday, Liam Delap started up top, and while he looked lively in the opening exchanges, he had to come off in just the 14th minute with a hamstring injury, which will keep him out of the action for eight to ten weeks.

The sudden setback for the Englishman caused the club to momentarily stop Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich, only for the Senegalese striker to make it quite clear he wanted to go.

Now, Maresca does still have a fit Joao Pedro to call on, but until Cole Palmer is fit enough to come back into the side, the Brazilian is likely to continue as the team’s ten or second striker.

So, with there being minimal options on the market, the West Londoners decided that the best route to take was to cancel Guiu’s loan to Sunderland.

After all, the young Spaniard did score six goals in 16 appearances for the side last season, and had already bagged one in three games for the Black Cats.

However, while that might serve Maresca in the short term, it could limit the 19-year-old’s long-term development, and it might not have even been necessary, as there is a youngster in the academy who deserves a chance to fill in.

The Chelsea youngster who should be in the squad

Few, if any, top academies can match Cobham for the sheer number of quality players it produces, and it looks like the next success of the production line could be Shumaira Mheuka.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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It’s almost certain that fans outside of Chelsea have little to no idea who the 17-year-old gem is, but fans of the club would have seen him make several first-team appearances last season.

Maresca trusted the Birmingham-born gem to come off the bench four times in the Conference League and even once in the Premier League, at home to Southampton.

He might not have got onto the scoresheet in any of those cameos, but do not get it twisted, the youngster looks to be a lean, mean goalscoring machine.

For example, in 53 appearances for the West Londoners’ youth sides, the young ace, whom one analyst has dubbed one of the “brightest young strikers in England,” has scored 26 goals and provided six assists.

That comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.65 games, which is a more than encouraging rate of return.

It’s also better than Guiu managed in his youth team days, as in 25 games for Barcelona’s junior sides, he scored eight goals and provided four assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.08 games.

Mheuka vs Guiu at Youth Level

Players

Mheuka

Guiu

Appearances

53

25

Goals

26

8

Assists

6

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.56

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Now, it would be absurd to expect the youngster to come into the side and make loads of appearances, but he could certainly fulfil the role as a backup and someone who plays in the less important games.

After all, how is he going to take the next step unless he is exposed to more senior football, and with respected talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him “the future of Chelsea and English football,” Maresca might want to get him in the squad as soon as possible, in case another team comes along and offers him just that.

Ultimately, while it would have been something of a risk, the Blues should have let Guiu remain out on loan for his own development, and used Mheuka as the backup option – he deserves a shot.

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تحدث بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي عقب فوز فريقه أمام برينتفورد ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”، وعلّق على رقمه القياسي، حديثه مع إيرلينج هالاند، وإصابة رودري.

وتغلب مانشستر سيتي على برينتفورد بهدف دون مقابل، سجله هالاند، في إطار مباريات الجولة السابعة للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وقال جوارديولا متحدثًا لشبكة “سكاي سبورتس”: “لقد كان أداءً جيدًا، سنحت لهم فرصة واحدة في الشوط الأول، والتحام واحد خسرناه، لكن بخلاف ذلك حصلوا على مزيد من الركلات الركنية، ورميات التماس، وبعض المواقف الخطرة، وهذا أمر معتاد في الدوري الإنجليزي”.

وأضاف: “لقد قدمنا شوطًا أول مميزًا وقريبًا للغاية من أفضل مستوياتنا في كثير من الأمور، المشكلة أننا لم نسجل الأهداف، والفرص التي حصلنا عليها تألق كيلهير في التصدي لها، وفي الدوري الإنجليزي دائمًا يكون الأمر أكثر صعوبة في الشوط الثاني، كنا متقدمين 1-0 وهذا يحدث”.

وتابع جوارديولا: “بشكل عام أنا راضٍ جدًا عن هذا الشهر، فمنذ مباراة مانشستر يونايتد تطورنا كثيرًا في جوانب عديدة، وآمل أن يعود اللاعبون من فترة التوقف الدولي بصحة جيدة”.

وعن سبب معاناة فريقه بعد الهدف، أجاب: “لأن هناك عشرة لاعبين خلف الكرة، أليس كذلك؟ العملية كانت جيدة للغاية، ومن خبرتي فإننا عندما نفوز يكون ذلك لأننا لعبنا جيدًا”.

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وبشأن إيرلينج هالاند، وما قاله له جوارديولا، أوضح: “قلت له في نهاية المباراة أن يستمر، لقد كان مرهقًا لكنه مطالب بالاستمرار، لقد كان مهمًا جدًا بالنسبة لنا هذا الموسم، نحن بحاجة إلى مزيد من الأهداف من بقية اللاعبين، الأجنحة عليهم أن يسجلوا أكثر، في مواقف واحد ضد واحد أو اثنين ضد واحد يجب أن ينهوها بشكل أفضل، لكن خطوة بخطوة سنفعل ذلك، الفريق بدا أكثر صلابة، وسنكون بخير”.

وحول إصابة رودري، أشار: “كنت محقًا، أليس كذلك؟ في بداية المباراة عندما سألتني لماذا لا أشركه طوال 90 دقيقة، يسألني الصحفيون دائمًا لماذا أستبدله؟ آمل ألا تكون إصابته خطيرة، كنت أتمنى أن أملك رودري كل ثلاثة أيام، لكن بعد عام كامل من اللعب المستمر يحدث ذلك دائمًا، الأمر مرهق للغاية، لهذا حاولنا التعامل معه بحذر، أن يلعب 60 أو 65 دقيقة فقط، لكن لم يكن ممكنًا أكثر من ذلك”.

وأستطرد: “إنها إصابة عضلية، لذا سيغيب أسبوعين أو ثلاثة أسابيع، بالطبع لا أريد أن أخسره حتى لفترة قصيرة، إنه أمر مؤسف لأنه لاعب مهم جدًا بالنسبة لنا، حاولنا أن نعتني به، لكن هذا هو الوضع”.

وبشأن الوصول إلى 250 فوزًا في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز أسرع من أي مدرب آخر، أفاد: “سأدعوهم جميعًا (المدربين الذين حطم رقمهم القياسي) لتناول العشاء، أعتقد أنه لشرف لي الجلوس معهم على الطاولة، لذا فالأمر ليس سيئًا، إنها عشرة مواسم، و250 فوزًا عدد كبير، بدأنا لسبب واحد، وهو أننا حققنا الكثير من الانتصارات”.

Crystal Palace always have a keen eye on young talent and could be set to raid a Premier League rival to bring in an exciting gem for a minimal fee, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Crystal Palace continue to field Eberechi Eze interest

There is no secret about the fact that the Eagles have in-demand players on their books and speculation continues to mount surrounding the jewel in their crown this summer.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of Eberechi Eze and want to bring him to North London. In exchange, there may be potential for Crystal Palace to land defender Jakub Kiwior as a makeweight to shore up their defence.

Despite his goals, assists and flair making the England international the star of the show, he isn’t the only star that could leave Oliver Glasner searching for reinforcements, as speculation over Marc Guehi’s future is intensifying by the day.

Champions Liverpool are working to secure Guehi’s signature and the fact he has one year left on his contract in South London has posed a question to Steve Parish and company over whether to sell the Three Lions’ man while he retains value, something he admits will be hard to turn down if their valuation is met.

He stated: “We will just have to see what happens. It needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind. It is a really tough one. We will do everything we can in the next few weeks to give ourselves the best chance. I am aware we are in four competitions this season. But the money we have is not infinite.”

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While that storm continues to brew, in the meantime, Crystal Palace want to close in on a talented young midfielder who is also attracting interest from elsewhere.

Crystal Palace make contact to sign Arsenal's Dan Casey

According to Romano on X, Crystal Palace and Norwich City have made contact to try and sign out-of-contract Arsenal midfielder Dan Casey, who could move for a compensation package before the end of the window.

The youngster has a new deal on the table at the Emirates Stadium after a return of 20 goals at Under-18 level last term. Nevertheless, he is yet to sign, signalling he could up sticks for a minimal fee if the correct opportunity presents itself.

Labelled “really reliable” by Adam Birchall, the attacking midfielder can play in a variety of different positions, including centre-forward, on either flank or even as a deep-lying six when needed.

Crystal Palace have done some wonderful work over the years in nurturing young talent and the 17-year-old could well be the next in line to join their conveyor belt of exciting stars.

Manchester United need key additions in all areas of the pitch if they are to stand any chance of rising up the Premier League table during the 2025/26 campaign.

The Red Devils have showcased in recent times that they’re no longer one of the sides to be feared in the division, with Old Trafford no longer the fortress it once was.

Ruben Amorim’s side slid down the table last time around, ending the season in 15th place, a finish that was the club’s lowest since the division’s formation back in 1992.

However, it remains to be seen how much funding the boss will have at his disposal this window, potentially needing to rely on outgoings before he can make the desired additions he craves.

The likes of Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans were all released at the end of their respective deals, freeing up needed budget to allow Amorim to get busy in the market.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Midfielders have seemingly emerged as key targets for United in recent days, with Lyon star Corentin Tolisso being named as a potential addition this summer.

Reports in recent days have linked the 30-year-old with a £20m move to Old Trafford, after the hierarchy entered talks with his current side over a deal for his signature.

However, he’s not the only player currently on their radar, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz still remaining as a possible target, according to Football Insider.

Their report claims that the Red Devils are leading the race for the Brazilian midfielder, who looks almost certain to leave the club this summer, after making just three starts following his £42m move last year.

It also states that they could face competition from Everton and Nottingham Forest for the 27-year-old’s signature, leading to a loan-to-buy offer currently being mooted.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own Pogba

Paul Pogba is a player who will remain in United’s history for a very long time, after he joined the club in a record £89m deal from Juventus back in the summer of 2016.

The Frenchman rejoined the club just four years after leaving them on a free transfer, with his return costing them a pretty penny and one which certainly raised eyebrows.

He made over 200 appearances during his second stint with the Red Devils, lasting just under six years, scoring on 39 occasions – including a superb strike against Swansea City.

However, Pogba would ultimately fall down the pecking order once more, leaving on a free transfer for the second time in 2022, re-joining former club Juventus in the process.

There’s no doubt he possessed a lot of quality, something which can also be said about current target Luiz – who could follow in the 32-year-old’s footsteps in joining from the Old Lady.

He also possesses a superb strike on him, but the Brazilian’s underlying stats from his time in Serie A could make him a superb piece of business for Amorim’s side next campaign.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Gary Lineker, registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents in driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.

Games played

19

Progressive passes

5.9

Progressive carries

2.7

Tackles won

2.1

Tackle success rate

68%

Take-on success

79%

Aerials won

56%

He also won 2.1 tackles per 90, whilst winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, capable of regaining possession before handing chances to those in forward areas – as seen by his superb tallies with the ball at his feet.

Luiz would be the perfect box-to-box option, as demonstrated by his 79% take-on success rate, having the capability to drive forward before making the killer pass to a teammate.

Given the interest from elsewhere, United will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a deal for his signature, with one of their rivals subsequently strengthening as a result.

If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by Pogba during his time at Old Trafford, it would be a superb addition and one that could catapult the side up the table next time around.

Amorim's next Gyokeres: Man Utd make contact to sign "world-class" £86m CF

Manchester United appear to be making a move for a new striker this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 15, 2025

Despite already reinforcing their midfield with arrivals such as Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, reports are now claiming that Leeds United have submitted an opening offer to sign an ex-Barcelona star.

Farke "happy" to welcome Perri at Leeds

Several problem areas have already been addressed at Elland Road this summer as Leeds prepare for their Premier League return. But welcoming a new goalkeeper remained on the list until the 49ers completed yet another impressive move to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon. And Daniel Farke has instantly welcomed the shot-stopper’s arrival.

The Brazilian represents a replacement for Ilan Meslier, who was relieved of his duties at the end of last season following one mistake too many. Just where his future lies is now the big question, with Leeds seemingly moving on to bigger and better things.

When compared, it’s Perri who instantly stands out. The 27-year-old has Europa League experience to his name and already squared off against rivals Manchester United last season. Having lost out against the Red Devils last season, though, he will have his sights set on getting one over on those at Old Trafford.

With their goalkeeper problem now solved, however, the 49ers have now reportedly made their first move to sign yet another impressive midfield reinforcement.

Leeds submit opening offer to sign Kessie

According to Saudi Arabian newspaper Al Riyadhiah, relayed by there are claims the 49ers and Leeds have submitted an opening offer to sign Franck Kessie from Al-Ahli this summer. The 28-year-old midfielder captains the Saudi Pro League club and is entering his third season at the heart of their midfield, but could now be on his way out.

Having starred for both Barcelona and particularly AC Milan, Kessie’s arrival would be an incredibly impressive coup by all involved at Elland Road. But it’s unlikely to come without plenty of negotiating on the salary side of things.

Leeds in pole position to sign 18-goal star who's keen to join

The Whites could yet get their man.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2025

As things stand, Kessie earns a staggering £12m-a-year in Saudi Arabia and unless he takes a significant pay-cut, he will be out of Leeds’ price range given that their current highest-earner is Patrick Bamford at around £4m-a-year.

That said, if the midfielder is willing to lower his salary then Leeds should go all out to secure his signature this summer. His experience would prove to be invaluable and at 28, he is more than capable of returning to the top level with a flourish.

A player who was previously dubbed a “complete player” by former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli, Kessie could now be one to watch.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Series in the T20 World Cup, rose 12 places to No. 12 among bowlers

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jul-2024

Hardik Pandya has become the first Indian to occupy the No. 1 spot for T20I allrounders, as per the latest ICC rankings. He climbed two spots to join Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga at the top following his all-round contributions in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, where they went unbeaten to lift the trophy.Pandya smashed 144 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151, while also bagging 11 wickets at 17.36 in the West Indies and USA. That included a match-winning haul of 3 for 20 in the final against South Africa, which India won by seven runs to lift the trophy. Pandya’s best performance with the bat in the World Cup came against Bangladesh, as he hit 50* off 27 balls.Full rankings tables

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His team-mate Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Series in the T20 World Cup, meanwhile made big gains in the bowlers’ rankings. Bumrah rose 12 places to No. 12 after claiming 15 wickets at an average of 8.26, and an economy of just 4.17. With South Africa requiring only another 30 runs from the last five overs in the final, it was Bumrah’s spell towards the end which helped turn the game around for India.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Among other India players to make gains on the table were left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav, who got ten wickets at 13.90 in the World Cup, as he moved up three positions to be joint-eighth among the bowlers. Seamer Arshdeep Singh, the joint-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 17 wickets, gained four places to be ranked a career-best No. 13.Meanwhile, South Africa quick Anrich Nortje climbed seven places to a career-high No. 2 among the bowlers after being their highest wicket-taker in the World Cup. His 15 wickets came at an average of 13.40, and an economy of 5.74.Also, the quartet of Marcus Stoinis, Sikandar Raza, Shakib Al Hasan and Liam Livingstone rose one spot each to be ranked No. 3, 4, 5 and 8, respectively, among the allrounders.