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Leeds United have received a big bid to sell another star after parting ways with Archie Gray.

Leeds sell Gray to Spurs and sign Rodon

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have completed their first major incoming and outgoing of the summer transfer window, with Gray signing for Tottenham and Joe Rodon coming the other way in a permanent deal.

Spurs have paid £40m for Gray, whereas Leeds forked out £10m to bring Rodon back to Elland Road following a successful loan spell last season.

Explaining the decision to sell Gray, Leeds said: “Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a homegrown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations. Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart.”

£2.5m Leeds target now ready to leave his current club this summer

He could prove an excellent addition alongside Joe Rodon.

ByBen Browning Jul 2, 2024

Now, it looks as if the club have received another big offer for a star player, but are taking a different approach with the books seemingly balanced after cashing in on Gray.

Leeds reject Georginio Rutter bid

Sky Sports reported on Tuesday evening that Leeds have now rejected a £30m offer from Brighton & Hove Albion for Georginio Rutter.

“Breaking transfer news to bring you – we’ve already told you that Archie Gray has left Leeds for Tottenham, Leeds, though, are resisting attempts by another Premier League club to try and lure away another of their top players.

“That is Georginio Rutter, because they have rejected a £30m bid for Rutter from Brighton. Rutter had a pretty good season last time around in the Championship – eight goals and 16 assists – one of the main players in Leeds’ promotion push.”

Interestingly, Brighton have already held talks over a move for Crysencio Summerville last month but have now turned their attention to Rutter. The fan favourite at Elland Road reported back to Thorp Arch for pre-season alongside his teammates and the Whites appear to be in a strong position when it comes to keeping their star players after selling Gray.

Rutter could once again be key for Leeds in 2024/25 and he came in for praise from Jeff Stelling last season, who said: "Everybody laughed at Georginio Rutter when he first came to this country and he couldn’t hit a barn door. But now he looks like a class act. The biggest thing in Leeds’ favour of course is Elland Road."

حصل الدولي المصري عمر مرموش على تقييم متوسط في مباراة فريقه مانشستر سيتي أمام توتنهام، التي جمعت بينهما على ملعب الأخير ضمن الجولة 27 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

مانشستر سيتي فاز بهدف نظيف على توتنهام، وحافظ على المركز الرابع بعدما تفوق على سبيرز، وثأر من هزيمة الدور الأول.

عمر مرموش شارك في 74 دقيقة، قبل أن يغادر الملعب ويدخل بدلًا منه الإنجليزي فيل فودين.

وحصل مرموش على تقييم 6.9\10 حسب موقع “سوفا سكور” الخاص بالاحصائيات، وكانت أهدافه المتوقعه 0.04، والتمريرات الحاسمة المتوقعة 0.02.

طالع أيضًا.. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي بعد هدف هالاند أمام توتنهام

ولمس مرموش الكرة 32 مرة، دقة تمريراته كانت 76%، مع تمريرة افتتاحية، و4 عرضيات غير صحيحة، وسدد تسديدة تم التصدي لها من الدفاع.

لم يتمكن مرموش من المراوغة بنجاح في مرتين، حيث تمت عرقلته بعد المراوغة من جانب دانسو.

فاز مرموش في 5 من أصل 10 صراعات أرضية، والصراع الهوائي الوحيد فاز به، مع خسارة الاستحواذ 12 مرة، وارتكب مخالفة وحصل على 3 مخالفات.

على الجانب الدفاعي، استطاع مرموش اعتراض الكرة مرة، والتدخل بالتزحلق مرتين، وتمت مراوغته مرتين.

Since Todd Boehly took on ownership, Chelsea Football Club have become known as the big spenders of Europe. They have not been known to look for any bargains, choosing to spend big money instead.

The Blues have spent an extraordinary £1bn since the American took the reins of the club in May 2022.

Twice, Chelsea have broken the British transfer record. Firstly, when they signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for £107m on transfer deadline day of the 2023 winter transfer window. They broke the previous record of £100m which Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish to sign the World Cup winner, who lifted the prestigious trophy just two months before his big move.

They then broke it again just months later in the summer transfer window. They eclipsed the deal to sign Fernandez by bringing Moises Caicedo to Stamford Bridge last August. The Ecuadorian international left Brighton to join Chelsea for £115m, after rejecting a move to Liverpool.

It is fair to say that the Blues have not exactly found any cheap deals since Boehly has been at the helm. The Fernandez and Caicedo deals are just two examples, but to have spent £1bn in 24 months tells you all you need to know. However, with that being said, they have recently been linked with one player who could be a cheap, and shrewd piece of business.

Chelsea target La Liga striker

The player in question here is Barcelona’s Spanish wonderkid striker Marc Guiu. The 18-year-old is a product of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy and has impressed during his fleeting first-team appearances so far.

According to a report from reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are one club who are interested in signing Guiu this summer. The Blues are thought to be “exploring” a transfer for the youngster, who could depart his boyhood club.

However, Enzo Maresca’s side are not thought to be the only club interested in signing Guiu during the summer transfer window. Romano reports that German giants Bayern Munich are also “showing interest” in Guiu, as they look to find an understudy to first-choice centre-forward Harry Kane.

However, it is not clear if Barcelona will sell Guiu at this stage. Romano explains that the Catalan club hope to keep the exciting prospect at the club, and a new contract for the youngster will be “discussed” soon. However, interest is “now growing” in Guiu, and Chelsea are one of the clubs best placed to activate his £5m release clause.

Why Guiu would be a good signing

It was a La Liga debut to remember for Guiu on the 22nd of October last year when he came off the bench to score the winning goal against Athletic Club, at their temporary home Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

It was an 80th-minute winner from the teenage whiz, 33 seconds after coming on, to seal a 1-0 win and three points for Barca. During the game, he had just four touches and won two out of three ground duels, too, as per SofaScore.

In total, the youngster has played seven times for his boyhood club, all of which came last season, under Xavi who has now departed the club. He also scored in the Champions League against Royal Antwerp, although that was in a losing cause, with the Belgian side winning 3-2.

For the 18-year-old to have scored twice in 182 minutes, the equivalent of roughly two full 90-minute games is very impressive. It backs up what football talent scout Jacek Kulig said about him. Kulig described Guiu as a “natural born killer” who is an “incredibly dangerous player in the penalty area” during his exploits for Spain at the under-17 World Cup last year.

Should Chelsea add Guiu, who scored six goals in 16 games for Barcelona Atletic, to the ranks, he could well become the natural backup option to Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegalese striker had an impressive first season in the Premier League for the Blues, scoring 14 times in 35 games, as well as registering five assists. He was bettered by only Cole Palmer for the most goal involvements for Chelsea last season in the top flight.

Player

Games

G/A

Cole Palmer

34

33

Nicolas Jackson

35

19

Raheem Sterling

31

12

Conor Gallagher

37

12

However, the Blues do not really have a natural understudy to Jackson. In his absence, Raheem Sterling led the line once, and so did Palmer on occasion. Christopher Nkunku was often injured last season, but he is also a candidate to play up front.

Should they sign Guiu, Chelsea would be adding a talented youngster to their squad, whilst also providing Jackson with an excellent understudy, thus not taking away from the overall plan of the team, without a natural centre-forward. It would also allow Guiu to develop his game without the pressure of being the first-choice number nine at Stamford Bridge.

For just £5m, the youngster could be an ideal option for Chelsea and would also help reign in their spending as they look to get a better-refined squad for Maresca as he approaches his first season as a Premier League manager.

Oleksandr Zinchenko admits Arsenal’s squad were left in “deep shock” after a bizarre stunt set up by Mikel Arteta saw him “destroyed” by a waiter.

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Unconventional approach from Gunners bossHad pickpockets steal from players at trainingGot undercover freestyler to face Ukraine starFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Gunners boss Arteta has become famed for the unconventional methods that he adopts in a bid to sharpen the focus of his players and get them performing at the peak of their powers. His decision to blast out ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at training ahead of a trip to Liverpool was caught on camera by Amazon Prime for their ‘All or Nothing’ documentary series.

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It has since been revealed that Arteta once brought a group of professional pickpockets into the Arsenal camp and encouraged them to swipe valuables from oblivious Premier League stars. A collection of watches and wallets were returned to the shocked victims.

GettyWHAT ZINCHENKO SAID

Zinchenko has now told of how he was set up by Arteta during a pre-match meal, with his club colleagues left stunned. The Ukraine international has said: “We stayed at the same hotel before a match and we knew all the waiters. But there was a new guy that day. So before we go to the stadium [Arteta] said: ‘OK guys, let me wake you up, because we need energy. Last time, Alex, we played staff against players and you beat [the set-piece coach] Nicolas [Jover]. Let’s do it the same, but freestyling. Everyone was like: ‘What? For sure, Alex will beat him, blah blah blah’.

“Nico started to do something with the ball and then suddenly it looks like he got an injury. It was so obvious but weird. Then they called the new waiter. We didn’t know he was a professional freestyler. He destroyed me with his tricks and all of us were in deep shock. But then we were all laughing and we went to the game with good energy.”

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

While Arteta’s methods may not be plucked from a standard coaching manual, they are clearly working as Arsenal have become regular challengers for the Premier League title. They are back in that hunt this season, but will be looking for a positive response to a disappointing setback at Bournemouth when they return to Champions League action against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

Manchester United’s interest in a new midfielder this winter seems to be hotting up. The Red Devils could move on a couple of players in the middle of the park, if recent reports are to be believed.

Ruben Amorim seems happy to get rid of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte over the coming weeks.

It has not been an easy season for either of those players. Despite his obvious talent, Amorim continues to ignore Mainoo, and the Englishman has yet to start a Premier League game this term.

As for Ugarte, he is merely a squad player at Old Trafford, starting just two league games himself in 2025/26.

Whatever the future of the two midfielders, United seemingly have a few replacements identified.

Man Utd pursuing midfield target

There are a few names that keep popping up when it comes to United’s midfield targets. Two of those are England internationals Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, both of whom United are interested in signing.

Of course, another player United are constantly linked with is Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.

The 21-year-old was a target over the summer for the Red Devils, and it has been confirmed by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell that the club had actually ‘agreed personal terms’ with the Cameroonian midfielder at the time, albeit while opting against actually lodging a bid.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

As was the case then, this is not a deal that will come cheap for the 13-time Premier League champions.

They will have to smash their transfer record to sign the midfielder, paying £100m as per a report at the start of December.

However, Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Baleba and could make a move of their own despite the hefty price tag.

Why Baleba would be an upgrade on Ugarte

It has not actually been the best season for Brighton’s key man in midfield, Baleba. The 21-year-old has featured in all 13 Premier League games, but has struggled for consistency and has not really found his best form.

Indeed, the former Lille star has mustered only 701 minutes in the top flight this term, and has only completed 90 minutes on one occasion.

So far this term, he averages just 7.7 full 90-minute games.

Yet, his importance to the Brighton side when at his best cannot be understated. Described as a “beast” by Matt O’Riley, he played 34 times under Fabian Hurzeler last term, even chipping in with three goals and one assist.

Perhaps the pick of the bunch was this strike against West Ham United, which won him the goal of the month award.

Should United bring Baleba to Old Trafford, he would be a huge upgrade on Ugarte. Since his £50.5m move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, the Uruguayan international has been underwhelming.

Indeed, once a key player at Sporting under Amorim, Ugarte has struggled to get into the side. He’s only played nine times in the top flight this season, racking up only 301 minutes.

Last term, he was more of a regular, playing 39 times across the Premier League and Europa League, and even chipped in with two goals, but he has fallen firmly out of favour in 2025/26.

After United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town this season, Red Devils content creator Alex Turk described Ugarte as “embarrassing.”

Indeed, his lack of physicality and progression on the ball is far worse than that of Baleba.

There are stats which back that theory up, too. The Red Devils transfer target averaged 1.34 progressive carries and 6.41 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, compared to Ugarte’s 0.86 progressive carries and 6.12 ball recoveries each game.

Progressive passes

3.54

3.49

Progressive carries

1.34

0.86

Ball recoveries

6.41

6.12

Interceptions

1.55

1.34

Clearances

1.58

1.21

Of course, £100m is a huge investment, but for a player of Baleba’s quality, it might well be worth it.

He is far better than Ugarte in and out of possession, and would bring more of a physical presence to Amorim’s pivot.

This certainly feels like a deal United should try and get over the line, if they want to add better quality in the middle of the park.

Forget Dorgu: Man Utd flop is becoming their biggest liability since Onana

Manchester United have a star who is proving to be unreliable under Ruben Amorim in 2025/26.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

Rico Lewis' rise into Manchester City's senior squad has been meteoric, and Pep Guardiola can't help but shower praise on the versatile youngster.

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• Guardiola praises Lewis' versatility
• Lewis becoming a starter for Man City
• Started all six matches this season

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lewis made his Manchester City debut in 2022 and had been one of the fringe players for Guardiola, the same continued at the start of last season. However, with Kyle Walker ageing and a number of injuries hitting City's squad towards the end of the season, Lewis became a regular in the first team having played in a number of positions.

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  So far this season, Lewis has started all of Manchester City's games and is likely to do so again against Arsenal as well. The 19-year-old has mainly played as a defensive midfielder for Guardiola but also fulfilled the duties of a full-back during their last game against Brentford. The Spanish coach has not shied away from praising the England international for his versatility.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Speaking to the media, Guardiola said: “He can play in all positions.

  “I see sometimes when players are asked, they say ‘yeah I’m a holding midfielder’ or ‘I am a winger’ – Rico can play football and you put him in a position, and he knows exactly what he has to do.

  “All the games he has played so far, he has been really, really good and that’s why he’s deserved the minutes he has had so far.

  “He’s so good in so many aspects – he always wins the ball, he’s so intelligent defensively and so aggressive one vs one.

  “He played against one of the best wingers in Europe and of course he can come in midfield and play, or centrally and arrive in the final third with intelligence and do many things, but he’s a really, really good defender.”

• WHAT NEXT FOR LEWIS?

  The 19-year-old is likely to be a starter yet again for Guardiola when Manchester City take on Arsenal on Sunday evening as they look to extend their lead atop the Premier League.

Manchester United’s 15th-place finish in the Premier League last campaign was a glaring example of the mess the club have found themselves in over recent years.

Ruben Amorim was unable to have the desired effect after taking the reins 12 months ago, as seen by their unacceptable standing in England’s top-flight during 2024/25.

However, his side have shown glimpses of their quality over the last few weeks, subsequently enjoying a four-game unbeaten run – the joint best of the manager’s tenure.

Players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have all stepped up and produced goods, with the trio being involved in the vast majority of their recent efforts.

The same can’t be said for one other first-team member, with questions now starting to be asked about his long-term future under Amorim at Old Trafford.

Diogo Dalot’s decline at United in 2025/26

Just a couple of seasons ago, full-back Diogo Dalot would have been one of the first names on the United teamsheet to many supporters – but he’s massively failed to reach such heights in recent months.

Amorim’s arrival saw the wide switch to a 3-4-2-1 system, which placed a huge emphasis on wing-backs who are able to get up and down – allowing for a positive impact at both ends of the pitch.

However, such a formation doesn’t suit the Portuguese international’s playstyle, with the 26-year-old a more defensive option – as seen by his tally of eight goals in 148 appearances.

His latest outing against Nottingham Forest highlighted his lack of impact, featuring for 68 minutes before being the first Red Devils player to be replaced.

His withdrawal was warranted when delving into his underlying stats, with Dalot being unable to complete any of his attempted dribbles or crosses at the City Ground.

The full-back also only managed to win three of the eight duels he entered, often struggling to deal with the threat posed by Reds winger Dan Ndoye on Saturday.

The United star who’s becoming a bigger problem than Dalot

Given their current unbeaten run in the Premier League, it may come as a surprise to many to see numerous players disappoint and fail to contribute to their recent revival.

However, like Dalot, multiple first-team members have come into question for their lack of impact and disappointing showings over the last couple of game weeks.

Patrick Dorgu was once seen as the starting left-back after his £30m switch last January, but he’s since been dropped to the bench and had to settle for substitute appearances in each of the last four games.

The Dane may now be handed his chance to shine in the weeks ahead, especially after the poor performances produced by Dalot during the winning spree.

Benjamin Sesko was just one of the big-money additions made by the Red Devils hierarchy during the summer, forking out a staggering £74m to RB Leipzig for the centre-forward’s signature.

The Slovenian arrived with huge expectations at Old Trafford after netting 21 goals across all competitions last season, but it’s safe to say he’s yet to reach such heights in the Premier League.

He may have already netted twice in his first 11 appearances, but like Dalot, he failed to deliver and has now gone three games without a goal after scoring two in a row.

Sesko’s showing against Forest last weekend was yet another to forget, as he only registered 21 touches of the ball – the fewest of any player on the pitch.

He also only managed to complete nine passes and lost 100% of the duels he entered – leading to one analyst labelling his showing against Sean Dyche’s side as “anonymous”.

Minutes played

90

Touches

21

Passes completed

9

Duels lost

100%

Shots on target

0

Possession lost

7x

Dribbles completed

0

Chances created

0

The 22-year-old’s lack of impact was highlighted in his inability to direct any of his efforts on target, subsequently failing to provide the clinical edge Amorim requires in front of goal.

Whilst he’s shown glimpses of his quality to date, it’s clear he’s lacking confidence in attacking areas, which no doubt will be a huge concern to the manager.

Given the amount spent on his signature, many will have been expecting a rapid start to life at Old Trafford, but up to now it’s not meant to be, with Sesko needing to find his feet quickly to avoid being the next in a long line of failed signings at United.

Casemiro isn't the only Man Utd star who has saved his career under Amorim

Manchester United drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 1, 2025

Some of the most expensive players in European football just so happen to be some of the youngest. The next generation is officially breaking through, scrambling to take football’s crown in the Premier League, La Liga and across Europe.

CIES have ranked the most valuable teenagers in world football, and some of them also feature in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, with Lamine Yamal next in line to become football royalty. The Barcelona winger finished second behind Ousmane Dembele in the last edition and is highly-tipped to take his crown in 2026.

But he’s not entirely alone in that battle. CIES’ list also includes four Premier League talents, and as English football continues to attract some of the world’s best players, there’s no denying that it could produce its best generation yet.

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona

€349.6m

Estevao Willian

Chelsea

€118.1m

Pau Cubarsi

Barcelona

€112.7m

Franco Mastantuono

Real Madrid

€102.4m

Warren Zaire-Emery

PSG

€92.3m

Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal

€88.1m

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Arsenal

€84.8m

Geovany Quenda

Sporting CP

€80.2m

Endrick Felipe

Real Madrid

€73.2m

Lucas Bergvall

Tottenham

€68m

10 Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham): €68m

At just 19 years old, Lucas Bergvall is already an important member of Thomas Frank’s squad at Tottenham Hotspur. One of four Premier League players in the top 10, the Swede is valued at as much as €68m. The only way is up for the midfielder and that value, too. Whether that development ends in North London is the big question.

Bergvall has the talent to reach the highest heights in the Premier League – something that has not historically arrived at Spurs. Having already had a taste of trophies when winning the Europa League last season, the teenager will be one to watch in the coming years.

9 Endrick Felipe (Real Madrid): €73.2m

Although Endrick has endured a tough time under Xabi Alonso and is likely to head out on loan in the January transfer window, he remains one of the most impressive teenagers in European football. The Brazilian arrived in Spain for as much as €72m in 2022 and has since maintained that value in the last two years.

Now 19 years old, he simply needs the game time that he won’t be getting any time soon at Real Madrid. Whether that means a move to the Premier League or elsewhere remains to be seen. The likes of West Ham United and Manchester United have already been mentioned as reported suitors in what would be quite the move this winter.

8 Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP): €80.2m

Geovany Quenda’s place on this list comes as no surprise. The impressive winger is already reportedly on his way to Chelsea next summer after the Blues agreed a deal worth a combined £62.4m (€71m) to sign both him and teammate Dario Essugo in advance. Those at Stamford Bridge have made a reputation for sweeping up young players in recent years and Quenda will be next to arrive.

Chelsea should be glad that they got in when they did. According to CIES, the 18-year-old is now valued at as much as €80.2m on his own, let alone with Essugo. Set to combine with the likes of Cole Palmer and others next season, Enzo Maresca will be hoping to see a teenage star realise his potential in full at Stamford Bridge.

7 Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal): €84.2m

An England international and mainstay in the Arsenal squad, it feels absurd that Myles Lewis-Skelly is still just 19 years old. The Gunners’ famous Hale End academy has produced yet another gem and one of the most valued teenagers in European football. Although, it’s difficult to imagine the left-back being anywhere but in North London.

It’s a scary thought that the best is yet to come from Lewis-Skelly, who is already valued at as much as €84.2m by CIES and is set to play a crucial part in Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions.

6 Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal): €88.1m

Speaking of Hale End graduates, Ethan Nwaneri has been valued at a staggering €88.1m by CIES – making him the sixth most-valued teenager in European football.

Like Lewis-Skelly, the 18-year-old’s inclusion is no real surprise. The impressive attacker hasn’t been without his injury issues at times, but if any onlooker wants to discover his talent in full, then it’s worth watching his stunning goal against Manchester City last season.

That fact that Nwaneri burst onto the scene just a few years after Bukayo Saka emerged proves just how stacked Arsenal’s academy is with the next generation of stars.

5 Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG): €92.1m

Breaking into a side as dominant as PSG’s is no easy task, but Warren Zaire-Emery featured in 13 of their 15 Champions League games last season as they secured European glory as part of a historic treble.

At 19 years old, the Frenchman is only likely to play a larger part as the years tick by, taking his place alongside the likes of Joao Neves in Luis Enrique’s midfield.

Meanwhile, if anyone wants to take the midfielder off PSG’s hands, then it could cost them as much as €92.1m. Having graduated from the French side’s academy to become one of their most promising stars, his future looks almost certain to lie at the home of the European champions.

4 Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid): €102.4m

Into three figures, Real Madrid’s Franco Mastuono is worth as much as €102.4m, according to CIES. The talented 18-year-old only arrived at Madrid in the summer in a deal worth around €45m, but is already looking like an excellent signing for the future. Unlike Endrick, he’s been thrown straight into Alonso’s plans and has even earned a number of starts at his new club.

One of the best teenagers that European football has to offer, Real Madrid have undeniably landed another gem at what should prove to be a bargain price in years to come.

3 Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona): €112.7m

The first and only defender on this list, Pau Cubarsi already plays a crucial part in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side. It speaks volumes that the 18-year-old is often selected over the more experienced Ronald Araujo and that’s reflected in CIES’ €112.7m valuation.

Whilst the La Masia academy has produced some great attacking talents over the years, they’ll be relieved to have unearthed such an impressive defensive gem and someone who should be at the heart of their backline for years to come.

2 Estevao Willian (Chelsea): €118.1m

In years to come, many supporters around European football are going to be wondering how exactly Chelsea won the race for Estevao Willian. Whilst the likes of Florian Wirtz and Xavi Simons have struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League, the Blues’ 18-year-old Brazilian has thrived in the face of endless opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

Although those in West London have missed with a number of young signings, they’ve undoubtedly hit the mark by signing Estevao. Their teenager is destined for greatness and is already valued at €118.1m.

1 Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): €349.6m

It was always going to be him, wasn’t it? Yamal isn’t just the most valued teenager in European football, but he’s one of the most valued players in the world. He is next in line for football’s throne. This generation’s answer to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – that’s the level that Barcelona have produced once again.

Even with that pressure on his shoulders, the Spaniard has continued to thrive – becoming the main man at Barcelona in just a couple of years. Still just 18 years old but already outrageously talented, CIES value Yamal at as much as €349.6m – more than double the amount they valued second-place Estevao.

Solitary Test cap came during Devon Malcolm’s famous Test at The Oval in 1994

Andrew Miller09-Mar-2021Joey Benjamin, the former Warwickshire, Surrey and England seam bowler, has died at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack.Benjamin, whose solitary Test appearance at The Oval in 1994 would prove to be one of England’s most memorable victories of the decade, claimed 387 first-class wickets in an 11-year career that began at Warwickshire in 1988.Born in St Kitts in 1961, Benjamin moved to England with his family at the age of 15, and settled initially in the Midlands, where he played Birmingham League cricket, and earned initial recognition with occasional fixtures for Staffordshire.It wasn’t until the age of 27 that he earned his first county contract, but with Warwickshire’s attack led by Gladstone Small, Tim Munton and Allan Donald, opportunities were limited and he played 25 first-class matches in four years before relocating to Surrey in 1992.With a bustling action and a distinctive whirl of arms in his delivery stride, Benjamin bowled accurate, lively away-swing from a high action, and immediately thrived in his new surroundings. In 1993, his second season, he was named Surrey’s Player of the Year, with a haul of 64 wickets at 27.85 including a career-best 6 for 19 against Nottinghamshire.The following year, his form was even better – 80 wickets all told at 20.72 – but Benjamin still seemed a long, long way from international recognition when, in the final weeks of the international season, he was handed his maiden England call-up at the age of 33.The venue was at least familiar. With England 1-0 down against South Africa after a bruising defeat in the first Test at Lord’s, Benjamin was picked on home soil for the series finale at The Oval, where he was preferred to Angus Fraser in England’s final XI, and completed a four-man pace attack alongside Phil DeFreitas, Darren Gough and Devon Malcolm.Devon Malcolm offers a cup of tea to his chicken-pox-afflicted team-mate Joey Benjamin in his hotel room•Graham Chadwick/Getty Images

He impressed from the outset, claiming 4 for 42 in 17 overs as South Africa were bowled out for 332, but the second innings was all about one man. Malcolm, famously struck on the helmet by Fanie De Villiers during England’s own first innings of 302, responded with the bowling spell of his life, scattering South Africa with a career-best 9 for 57 to set up an extraordinary eight-wicket win.And as was often the case at the time in English cricket, Benjamin’s success in the final Test of the summer was enough to secure him a winter tour berth, with Fraser omitted from England’s initial Ashes squad, and Kent’s Martin McCague also earning a recall.It would not prove to be an auspicious winter. Both Malcolm and Benjamin succumbed to a bout of chicken pox in the lead-up to the first Test at Brisbane, and despite having featured heavily in England’s warm-up fixtures at the start of the tour, he was not considered thereafter as England turned instead to a raft of seam-bowling replacements, Fraser and Chris Lewis among them.Benjamin did play in two matches of England’s B&H World Series one-day campaign, against Australia at Sydney and Zimbabwe at Brisbane, where he bowled Mark Dekker for his solitary ODI scalp. However, it had been clear long before the end of the tour that Benjamin was destined to remain a member of England’s one-Test wonder club.He didn’t dwell on what might have been, however, as he returned to Surrey in 1995 and claimed 53 wickets at a very respectable 25.01. But as the end of the decade approached, his opportunities began to wane, and he would be released by the club in 1999, just as Adam Hollioake’s team was embarking on its run of three County Championship titles in four years. He finished his Surrey career with 313 first-class wickets at 29.22, and a further 146 at 31.36 in List A cricket.His batting was very much of the hit-and-miss variety, as shown by a highest first-class score of 49 and an average of 11.38. His finest hour, however, was the one that got away – a thrilling NatWest Trophy semi-final in 1994, when his long-levered assault on Worcestershire’s then-towering target of 358 in 60 overs so nearly came good. With eight runs needed from two balls, and Benjamin on 25, he launched Stuart Lampitt towards the long-off boundary, but the lanky figure of Tom Moody was waiting on the rope to crush Surrey’s dreams.After retirement, Benjamin remained close to Surrey, and turned his focus to coaching at club and school level in his home town of Reigate.Martin Bicknell, Benjamin’s long-term Surrey team-mate, led the tributes to his fellow seamer on Twitter. “Just heard some shocking news about the loss of Joey Benjamin,” he wrote. “Joey was one of a kind, incredibly popular in the Surrey dressing room back in the day, so sad. RIP Benjy.””It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we must report the passing away of Joey Benjamin, long-time and much admired cricket coach at Reigate Priory Cricket Club and previously long-serving coach at Reigate Grammar School,” wrote the club chairman, John Bramhall, in an email to members.”Joey was a good friend to many of us at the club and at the school, and was much loved by those who he taught over the years. We all have good memories of Joey, who was a very special person.”Richard Thompson, Surrey’s chairman, said: “I’ve known Joey for 25 years and have gloried in his triumphs. I particularly remember the final Test at The Oval in 1994, where his performance earned him an Ashes tour. It was a long time coming as anyone who watched him bowl that season would testify.”Everything he did was with a smile and grace. He wore the brown cap very proudly with absolute distinction and will be long remembered at Surrey County Cricket Club. He has been taken too soon.”A Warwickshire statement said: “It is with great sadness that today Warwickshire County Cricket Club has learned of the passing of former fast bowler Joey Benjamin. The thoughts of everyone at Warwickshire CCC are with Joey’s family and close friends at this difficult time.”The ECB said in a statement: “The ECB is saddened to learn of the death of former England bowler Joey Benjamin at the age of 60. Our thoughts are with Joey’s friends and family.”

South Africa completed their fourth chase of the tournament, this time with ten wickets in hand

Firdose Moonda17-Oct-2025

Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits shared a century-stand for the opening wicket•Getty Images

20-overs-a-sideSouth Africa took a big step towards a World Cup semi-final berth by chasing successfully for the fourth time in the tournament, this time in a rain-reduced encounter in Colombo. They played what was essentially a T20 against Sri Lanka, whose innings was paused for five-and-a-quarter hours, and whose semi-final hopes now hang by a thread. Sri Lanka have two points from two washouts and are winless. For any chance of a final-four spot, they must win their last two games and hope other results go their way.After choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka faced 12 overs before the rain delay and scored 46 for 2. They returned to hit 59 runs in eight overs, losing five wickets in the process. South Africa’s target was adjusted up from Sri Lanka’s final score of 105 for 7 to acknowledge the hosts did not know they would only bat 20 overs for 60% of their innings.Similarly South Africa’s bowling plans were scuppered by the revised playing conditions. Both senior seamers – Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas – were bowled out in the first 12 overs as the reduction only allowed for bowlers to deliver a maximum of four overs each. They had also included two offspinners – Sune Luus, returning from a hip flexor strain, and Nondumiso Shangase – but neither ended up bowling.Instead, it was left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, dealing with a wet ball, who took 3 for 30 and limited Sri Lanka after the resumption. Unlike in their previous two matches against India and Bangladesh, South Africa were barely troubled in the chase. Laura Wolvaardt scored a second half-century at this event and Tazmin Brits supported her with a fifty of her own as South Africa cruised to a win with 5.1 overs to spare. Their net run-rate, though, remains negative after their opening defeat to England.South Africa may not have thought it would be that easy, when hours earlier, Sri Lanka – fresh from topping 250 against New Zealand – decided to go again by batting first in home conditions. But South Africa had an ace, Klaas, who threatened from the get-go when she beat Vishmi Gunaratne first with an outswinger and then an inswinger. In the next over, Gunaratne was completing a single off Kapp when a throw came into the non-striker’s end and struck her on the inside of her left knee. Going down in pain, she received treatment on-field and was stretchered off later. No serious damage was done as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed she would bat again later in the innings.Athapaththu was on three of 12 balls at the time and only got her next runs six deliveries later when she hit Kapp inside-out over point for four. Just as she found her touch, South Africa also discovered theirs. Klaas bowled Hasini Perera, who played down the wrong line, with a beauty that shaped away. Then Kapp found Harshita Samarawickrama’s edge but the chance fell short of Chloe Tryon at slip. Klaas then snared the big fish when Athapaththu was given out lbw as she lunged forward to an inswinger. Athpaththu thought the impact was outside the line and reviewed but stayed out on umpires call. Sri Lanka were 37 for 2 after 10 overs.Only two more overs were possible before the drizzle became too heavy and the players were taken off the field. They remained off for five hours and 14 minutes, during which time it rained heavily, eased off and eventually Sri Lanka’s excellent groundstaff got conditions ready for a restart.Mlaba restarted proceedings and was dispatched for six first ball by Kavisha Dilhari, in an over that cost 10. Sri Lanka’s intent was clear when, in the next over, Samarawickrama tried to slog Nadine de Klerk but got a leading edge to mid-off, where Klaas could not hold on. De Klerk was rewarded later in the over when Dilhari handed a catch to Wolvaardt at cover.Nonkululeko Mlaba finished with three wickets•Getty ImagesIt became two in two for Sri Lanka as Mlaba removed Samarawickrama at the start of her next over, with Wolvaardt doing the catching again. That brought Gunaratne back to the crease and she finished the over by hitting Mlaba down the ground for four. Gunaratne was in excellent touch and hit Chloe Tryon through point, and Mlaba for back-to-back fours to keep pressure on South Africa.Nilakshika de Silva took on de Klerk but South Africa pulled things back in the last two overs. De Klerk’s fourth over cost just three runs and Mlaba picked up two wickets and conceded four to take her to second on the tournament wicket-takers’ list. De Silva, trying to get as many as possible, picked out deep midwicket and Gunaratne edged behind to give 18-year old wicketkeeper Karabo Meso her first World Cup catch.Wolvaardt and Brits, who had not had the best tournament as an opening pair thus far, then took complete control. They posted their highest opening stand of this World Cup and dealt well with the early swing Malki Madara generated. Wolvaardt kept one that was destined for the stumps out and then advanced down the track to hit her over mid-on.It took Brits, coming off back to back ducks, some time before she brought out a big shot. But when she did, it was huge. Coming down the track, she sent Inoka Ranaweera back over her head for six. South Africa’s fifty came up in the eighth over as Brits was nearly run out at the non-striker’s end with Wolvaardt pushing for two. Wolvaardt went on to give Brits the best view in the house as she creamed a cover drive off Athapaththu and asserted her authority on the game.Brits survived an lbw review on 20 when Dilhari tossed one up. Dilhari’s night got worse from there when South Africa took 18 runs off her third over including four fours. Wolvaardt reached fifty off the second one, when she hit Dilhari leg-side, then Brits scored two of her own to enter the 40s. She finished things off quickly and got to fifty when she ended the game with a six over midwicket.