It’s been a summer to remember for Chelsea so far this year.

Enzo Maresca’s side capped off a great season by winning the revamped Club World Cup, and the board have been incredibly busy in the transfer market.

For example, the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens were all through the door before they lifted the rather extravagant trophy in the US last month.

However, the Blues aren’t done there, as they’ve almost wrapped up the signing of Jorrel Hato and are closing in on another young talent who could be an even more exciting acquisition.

Chelsea close in on exciting talent

As things stand, it looks like the next transfer Chelsea are set to complete this summer is the one for Hato.

Transfer Focus

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

The deal was given the ‘here we go’ treatment by transfers expert Fabrizio Romano yesterday evening, who revealed that the Dutchman has agreed to a “long term deal” at Stamford Bridge, and is set to cost “in excess of €40m,” which is about £35m.

There is no doubt that signing such a highly-rated young defender is exciting and will give Maresca plenty of options at the back, but the Blues aren’t finished there, and now look set to close a deal for another, even more exciting young player.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sports Zone, which claims that Chelsea are very interested in signing Emanuel Emegha.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the West Londoners are now “closing in on an agreement over personal terms” for a transfer that would take place next summer.

It’s not clear how much the Strasbourg striker would cost the Conference League champions, but Transfermarkt value him at around €25m, which is about £22m.

He might not be a well-known name to Premier League fans, but Emegha looks to be a tremendously promising young striker, and someone who could well be an even more exciting signing than Hato.

Why Emegha would be a more exciting signing than Hato

So, the first thing to say is that we’re are not disputing that Hato is a seriously exciting addition to this Chelsea squad, as at just 19 years old he already has 111 senior club appearances to his name.

However, two things really get fans on their feet in football, and they are goals and players that can make things happen in an attacking sense, which just so happen to be two things Emegha can do.

For example, when it comes to the first, he managed to rack up an impressive tally of 14 goals and three assists in just 27 Ligue 1 appearances, totalling 2307 minutes, last season.

Appearances

27

Minutes

2307

Goals

14

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.62

Minutes per Goal Involvement

135.70′

In other words, despite starting the campaign at just 21 years old, the Dutch centre-forward was able to average a goal involvement every 1.58 games, or every 135.70 minutes.

When it comes to the latter point, we can see in his underlying numbers that he is more than just a poacher as well.

According to FBref, he also sits in the top 11% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for carries into the penalty area per 90.

This suggests that, in addition to finishing chances at a reasonable rate, the “simply phenomenal” gem, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also brilliant at getting the ball into dangerous areas.

Finally, according to respected analyst Ben Mattinson, the 22-year-old dynamo is also a “pacy runner” who’s brilliant at getting “in behind” defences, which is always the kind of player who’ll get fans up on their feet.

Ultimately, both Hato and Emegha are seriously promising talents, but given his position and goalscoring ability, it’s hard to deny that the latter would be the more exciting signing.

Better than Garnacho: Chelsea agree personal terms to sign £61m target

Chelsea could seal a better signing than Alejandro Garnacho.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 31, 2025

Say what you will about the merits of the Ballon d'Or, but last year's ceremony was undeniably dramatic. The event organisers, France Football, have always insisted that "no player or club knows who has won the Ballon d'Or" before the victor is announced on stage – but Real Madrid refused to even turn up after learning hours in advance that Rodri had beaten Vinicius Jr to the men's prize.

"It is clear that Ballon d'Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid," an unnamed club source told . "And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected." It was all very undignified and amusing, particularly when one considers that the supposedly disrespected Real were named Team of the Year at the very same ceremony they boycotted.

However, Rodri's shock success also suggested that Ballon d'Or voters are no longer as obsessed with forwards as they once were. Is there a chance, then, that we could see another surprise winner this year? 

Ousmane Dembele is the understandable favourite to lift the trophy after scoring more goals than anyone else during Paris Saint-Germain's treble triumph – but was the Frenchman really their best player last season? Surely Vitinha or Achraf Hakimi would be more deserving of the ultimate individual accolade in football if we're looking at this from a purely sporting perspective?…

Getty ImagesBelated 'mental breakthrough'

Dembele would certainly make for a popular winner – and one hell of a story. The worst signing in Barcelona's history has belatedly realised his potential in Paris. Luis Enrique's "idea of the century" certainly helped, with the Spaniard ingeniously taking Dembele off the wing and moving him into the centre of the attack, where he's done more damage than ever before.

However, the notoriously profligate Dembele has also had, as Kylian Mbappe labelled it, "a mental breakthrough" – and not just in front of goal. The 28-year-old has finally grown up, finally understood the importance of hard work, and finally realised that only by sorting himself out off the field could he truly thrive on it.

Barcelona may still be bitter over the way in which an ill-disciplined Dembele, by his own admission, "wasted five years of his career" at Camp Nou – before then short-changing the Catalan club when he moved to Parc des Princes. However, Dembele's particular tale of redemption is a narrative that will doubtless appeal to a lot of voters. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesSensational – since the turn of the year

It's not as if Dembele didn't post fantastic numbers last season either. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with 37 goals and 16 assists for club and country to his name – and that impressive haul included hugely significant strikes against Manchester City, Stuttgart, Liverpool and Arsenal during PSG's maiden Champions League win.

Dembele, then, deserves credit for stepping up when it mattered most, but it should not be forgotten that he only really caught fire in January, with 35 of his 51 direct goal involvements at club level for last season arriving after the turn of the year. Luis Enrique even joked at one point, "You'd have to ask Ousmane what he ate for Christmas!" 

Amid all of the hysteria surrounding his revival, it's often overlooked that Dembele was left out of the squad for the matchday-two meeting with Arsenal for disciplinary reasons, and sent off in the November 26 loss at Bayern Munich that left his team at serious risk of European elimination.

Getty Images SportStill something to prove

Above all else, though, Dembele simply hasn't yet achieved the same level of sustained excellence as either Hakimi or Vitinha. Whereas both men can lay claim to being the best players in the world in their respective positions, Dembele most certainly cannot.

There were more consistent forwards in European last season than the France international – Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe all have the statistics to prove it – while not once did Dembele produce the kind of breath-taking displays with which Lamine Yamal wowed the watching world.

Furthermore, while Dembele may have provided the finishing touch on so many occasions, and pressed wonderfully well from the front for PSG, he was by no means their only outstanding attacker. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue were both brilliant – as was Bradley Barcola before losing a bit of momentum in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Hakimi and Vitinha, though, were the key cogs in Luis Enrique's winning machine.

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Getty Images SportTotal footballer

Trent Alexander-Arnold says he wants to become the first right-back to win the Ballon d'Or, but if anyone is going to do it, it's going to be Hakimi – because he is on a whole other level to any of his peers.

For example, in last season's Champions League, the Moroccan won the ball back more times (110) than any other player, while he was also directly involved in more goals (nine) than any other defender. Hakimi is essentially a total footballer, utterly at ease in any area of the field, both in and out of possession. As a result, he has become utterly integral to the way in which PSG not only defend – but also attack.

"Hakimi is not really a full-back," Luis Enrique admitted last month. "He has freedom: with the ball, he can be whatever he wants to be." In short, there is no more creative, complete or influential defender in the game today. 

Bayern Munich icon Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has backed Thomas Muller's MLS move, suggesting it's the perfect preparation for a future leadership role at the German club. The board member believes Muller "did the right thing" by signing for Vancouver Whitecaps in the summer and hinted that the door is open for the 36-year-old to return to Munich in an off-field capacity.

• Will Muller join the Bayern board after he retires?

  Bayern legend Rummenigge and former CEO has endorsed Muller's move to the Vancouver Whitecaps, suggesting the experience could prepare the veteran forward for a future leadership role back at the Bundesliga club. In an interview with , the supervisory board member stated that Muller "did the right thing" by moving to MLS.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Muller's bright start in North America

  Muller, 36, left Bayern on a free transfer in August 2025 after the club did not offer him a new contract, ending a legendary spell that included 756 first-team appearances. He has made an immediate impact in North America, scoring four goals and providing one assist in his first three MLS matches for Vancouver, contributing to a total of six goals in eight appearances across all competitions for his new club.

• 'Broadening his horizons' – What Rummenigge said

  Rummenigge believes the move will be beneficial for Muller's post-playing career prospects. 

  "He's gaining new experiences in North America, broadening his horizons, perfecting another language, and getting to know a new culture," Rummenigge said. "He could prepare himself there to some extent for a possible job afterward."

  The former CEO also noted the club's tradition of bringing back former stars, stating: "It is the wish of the fans and the club that former players take on a leadership role at Bayern Munich." 

  However, he issued a note of caution, adding: "He has played football at the highest level, which would undoubtedly help him. And he knows the club very well. But it is also clear: a board or managerial position is a completely different job than the one on the pitch."

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• The bigger picture at Bayern

  Rummenigge also commented on the current leadership dynamic at Bayern, staunchly defending honorary president Uli Hoeness amid recent public criticism of sporting director Max Eberl. Dismissing the dispute as "no big deal," Rummenigge insisted. "FC Bayern doesn't need less Uli Hoeness, it needs more Uli Hoeness." 

  He described heated disagreements as "cleansing storms" and part of the club's "Bavarian culture of debate."

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan will return to the Afghanistan set-up as mentor for the Champions Trophy 2025. Younis had worked with Afghanistan in 2022, at a 15-day training camp in Abu Dhabi with an expanded squad of 25.The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said in a statement that Younis will join the team in Pakistan for a conditioning camp ahead of the Champions Trophy, which is set to begin on February 19 in Karachi, and stay with the team till the end of the tournament.This is the third global tournament in a row where the ACB has appointed a mentor for the team from the host country: they had Ajay Jadeja as mentor for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, and Dwayne Bravo as bowling consultant for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. In the first of those, they finished sixth – with wins against England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and a near-upset of Australia – to seal automatic qualification for the Champions Trophy. In the T20 World Cup, they made it all the way to the semi-finals for their best-ever showing in a global tournament.ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan said of Younis’ appointment: “Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was required to assign a talented and experienced player as mentor from the hosting country. We already had efficient experience with hosting countries’ mentors in ODI World Cup 2023 and T20I World Cup 2024.”Observing the conditions, therefore, we have appointed Younis Khan as mentor for our national team for the upcoming mega event and wish him best of the luck in his crucial assignment.”Afghanistan are in Group B at the Champions Trophy, with Australia, England and South Africa. The tournament is set to be primarily played in Pakistan, with only games involving India to be held in Dubai.Younis, who retired from international cricket in 2017 with the experience of 118 Tests, 265 ODIs and 25 T20Is to his name, took to coaching thereafter and was involved with the Pakistan senior men’s set-up as batting coach in 2021, albeit briefly due to differences with the PCB.

Fulham have now opened talks over a deal to sign an “outstanding” Premier League forward, who looks poised to leave his club this summer, according to a report.

Cottagers vying to sign new attackers

Rodrigo Muniz’s future at Craven Cottage has been cast into doubt, with Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur being named as potential suitors, which means Marco Silva may be tasked with bringing in a new striker before the transfer window ends.

Genk centre-forward Tolu Arokodare was named as a potential target earlier in the window, while midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was also on the shortlist. However, it now appears as though the Englishman is poised to join Everton instead.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte is the only addition Silva has made to his squad up to this point, in what has been a frustrating window so far, but a promising new report suggests the Cottagers are now stepping up their pursuit of an experienced Premier League forward.

Indeed, according to FourFourTwo, Fulham have now opened talks over a deal for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, who looks set to leave the Blues this summer, given that the Blues have already removed his biography from their club website.

Chelsea are hoping to receive £20m for Sterling, who still has two years remaining on his contract, meaning a deal for the winger would not break the bank, although it would be a risk to bring him in, given that the former Arsenal loanee flattered to deceive last season.

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Charlie Smith

Jun 7, 2025

"Outstanding" Sterling could reignite career at Fulham

The 82-time England international did not make the desired impact on loan at the Emirates Stadium last season, failing to find the back of the net in 17 Premier League outings, while also being unable to solidify his place as a regular starter, despite Mikel Arteta’s backing.

That said, the former Manchester City man is clearly a hugely talented player, having scored 123 goals in the Premier League, and Paul Merson even praised the forward for a performance during his time with Chelsea, describing him as “absolutely outstanding”.

Having spent the last three seasons in London, across spells with Chelsea and Arsenal, a move to Craven Cottage could appeal to Sterling this summer, and playing for a club where he would be more likely to receive consistent game time could suit him down to the ground.

That said, it would be a risk for Fulham to pursue a deal, given that the 30-year-old clearly isn’t the player he once was.

It’s been a roller coaster of a summer for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

The North Londoners started the transfer window in an understated manner, completing the permanent signing of Mathys Tel and bringing in the exciting but still young Kota Takai.

Then, Daniel Levy and Co completed the capture of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United before trying and ultimately failing to sign Morgan Gibbs-White.

However, unlike previous summers, the Europa League champions appear determined to bring in more potential game-changers before the window slams shut.

One of the players they’ve been heavily linked with in recent days has been Savinho, although if reports are to be believed, the club could now be plotting a move for someone who’d be an even better signing.

Spurs target Savinho upgrade

Reports of Spurs’ interest in Savinho first began popping up towards the end of last week. However, it’s been over the last day or so that the links have started heating up.

Transfer Focus

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

According to some sources, the North Londoners have already progressed from internal talks to making their first offer for the 21-year-old gem.

However, while the Brazilian would be a tremendously exciting addition to the Lilywhites’ squad, it now looks like the club are also looking at another Premier League star, someone who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has revealed that Spurs are still very interested in Eberechi Eze this summer.

In fact, the report goes much further than that, claiming that the Lilywhites are now preparing an offer for the Crystal Palace star, whose £68m release clause reportedly expires at the end of the week.

It could end up being a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Eze has more than proven he’d be worth the effort and, for our money, he’d be a better signing than Savinho.

Why Eze would be a better signing than Savinho

Now, it should be said that Spurs would do well to sign either Savinho or Eze this summer, as both players are undeniably talented and would bring something fresh to Frank’s attack.

Still, there are several reasons why the latter would be a better addition than the former.

The first is simply their output from last season, as in 48 appearances for Manchester City, totalling 3087 minutes, the Brazilian ace scored three goals and provided 13 assists.

That means he maintained a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every three games, or every 192.93 minutes, and while that’s certainly not bad, it pales in comparison to the Palace star.

In his 43 appearances for the Eagles, totalling just 3303 minutes, the 27-year-old “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

Appearances

43

48

Minutes

3303′

3087′

Goals

14

3

Assists

11

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

192.93′

In other words, the Greenwich-born dynamo managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, for a team that finished in mid-table.

The second reason the Englishman would be a better signing for the Lilywhites is down to his versatility, as while the former Girona ace can play on either flank, he can play in the ten as well as off the left.

This ability to play in the middle of the park is now even more important for the North Londoners as James Maddison is expected to miss almost the entire season due to his ACL injury.

Finally, on top of the output and positional versatility, the former QPR gem is simply more of a sure thing when it comes to the Premier League, as so far, he’s made 146 appearances in the competition, in which he’s scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists.

In contrast, the City ace has made just 29, in which he’s scored one goal and provided ten assists, and therefore it’s far harder to make a concrete prediction about how he’ll fare in the coming seasons.

Ultimately, while Savinho is a very talented player and someone who could develop into a star, Spurs would be better off going out and signing someone who is already a superstar, such as Eze.

Spurs prepared to pay £40m to sign "special" James Maddison replacement

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly not concerned by the price tag of a star who could be a dream replacement for James Maddison.

ByDan Emery Aug 11, 2025

تعرض فريق برشلونة لهزيمة ثقيلة على يد خصمه إشبيلية، في مباراتهما عصر يوم الأحد في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.

وحل برشلونة ضيفًا على إشبيلية، في الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني، حيث تلقى هزيمة مذلة أمام الفريق الأندلسي بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف.

وسجل إشبيلية هدفه الأول من ضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 13 من عمر الشوط الأول، حيث نفذها أليكسيس سانشيز بنجاح.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إصابة لاعب برشلونة بعد الهزيمة برباعية أمام إشبيلية

وتحصل إشبيلية على ضربة جزاء بداعِ تدخل من رونالد أراوخو على لاعب إشبيلية إسحاق روميرو، بعد تدخل تقنية الفيديو.

ولكن الخبير التحكيمي بيريز بورول، رأى أن قرار احتساب ضربة جزاء لصالح إشبيلية في ذلك الموقف يُعد قرارًا خاطئًا، حسبما صرّح لراديو “ماركا” الإسبانية.

وقال بورول: “لم يكن ذلك الموقف يستدعي استخدام تقنية الفيديو في صراع على الكرة بين إسحاق روميرو وأراوخو، أشار الحكم في البداية إلى كونها ليست ضربة جزاء على أرض الملعب”.

وأضاف: “لم يكن هناك حاجة إلى قيام حكم تقنية الفيديو في تلك المباراة، ديل سيرو، بالتدخل في ذلك الموقف”. ضربة جزاء إشبيلية أمام برشلونة في الدوري الإسباني

His match-turning rescue act showed glimpses of the knock against Afghanistan and stunned Renegades

Tristan Lavalette12-Jan-2025

Glenn Maxwell produced an extraordinary innings, farming the strike and smashing ten sixes in a brilliant 90 off 52 balls, to keep Stars’ BBL season alive after they defeated Renegades in the Melbourne derby.Stars’ finals hopes appeared over at 75 for 7 after they were sent in to bat at a closed-roofed Marvel Stadium due to stormy weather in Melbourne. Maxwell’s thunderous batting flipped the match on its head to lift Stars to 165 and a stunned Renegades fell well short in the chase.After losing their first five matches, Stars have won four in a row to remain a chance of reaching the finals while it was a costly defeat for Renegades (placed at the bottom with a 3-5 win-loss record) in a disappointment for much of the 38,000 crowd.Maxwell puts the cape onStars’ season appeared to be petering out as their powerful top-order fell apart. Opener Ben Duckett had been boom or bust this season, but played himself in as he eyed a significant contribution in his last BBL match before departing for the ILT20.Duckett made 21 off 14 balls before miscuing a slower ball to long-on, while skipper Marcus Stoinis tried to counterattack. He blasted quick Tom Rogers in a mighty blow that almost hit the roof but was caught at long-on. It was a dismissal that even left tennis superstar Novak Djokovic gobsmacked as he watched on in the terraces as Stars slumped further.Glenn Maxwell hit ten sixes in his 52-ball 90•Getty Images

Their hopes rested on Maxwell, who has a knack of producing miracles, and he delivered yet again. There were echoes of his famous World Cup double-century against Afghanistan in Mumbai as he hogged the strike and backed himself to smash sixes.He cracked a personal T20 record of 10 sixes, including a 122-metre strike off quick Kane Richardson over deep midwicket, while he laced Will Sutherland for three consecutive blows into the crowd.Maxwell effectively targeted legspinner Adam Zampa down the ground and also unfurled trademark switch-hits in one of his best T20 innings.In scenes more reminiscent of Test cricket, Maxwell refused singles in a strategy that paid off spectacularly. He added a BBL record eighth-wicket partnership of 81 with Usama Mir, who played something of the Pat Cummins role from Mumbai. Mir was scoreless and faced only five of the 46 balls in the partnership, but held up his end.Maxwell deserved a century, but chopped on to Richardson at the start of the final over to end one of the most surreal innings played in BBL history.Renegades’ attack starts hot before succumbing to MaxwellRogers has painful memories of the last Melbourne derby, played just eight days ago. He was thrashed at the death by Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright as Renegades let a match slip at the MCG.But he got a big boost after being the hero with bat and ball in Renegades’ comeback victory over Perth Scorchers in Perth. His confidence spilled over when he dismissed Sam Harper plumb lbw on the match’s first delivery.Recalled-quick Fergus O’Neill justified his selection with the pivotal wicket of Duckett then nicked off Thomas Rogers for a golden duck. He almost claimed a hat-trick when Stoinis hit just short of a diving Richardson at mid-off.O’Neill cleverly bowled subtle variations to finish with 2-16 from 4 overs and finished his spell before Maxwell’s carnage started. Renegades’ attack were then helpless and rattled by his tactic of declining singles.Sutherland, a youthful captain, has been a revelation in his first season as skipper but a few times did appear asleep at the wheel as Maxwell found singles with ease at the end of overs.In a worry for Renegades, Richardson appeared to injure his hamstring and was unable to complete the final over of the innings.Steketee steps up after wayward startVeteran quick Mark Steketee has taken 11 wickets in four matches since being selected in Stars’ line-up. But he could not find his radar initially with wayward new-ball bowling that threatened to undo Stars’ momentum.Steketee turned it around later in the second over after finally finding a straighter line that led to the dismissals of openers Marcus Harris and Josh Brown. He returned in the eighth over to pick up Jake Fraser-McGurk, who briefly threatened, before left-arm quick Joel Paris tore through Renegades’ middle-over. Steketee added two more wickets at the backend to finish with 5 for 17.Fraser-McGurk misses opportunity, debutant Dixon shows glimpsesIf Renegades don’t make finals, they will rue an inconsistent batting effort. Fraser-McGurk has particularly struggled with his highest score this season being just 26.He looked less manic at the crease on this occasion as he eyed ending his slump. He finally made his move when he blasted allrounder Beau Webster for a six over wide long-on, but it proved a tease as he holed out to end his 17-ball 19.Renegades were in massive trouble at 44 for 4, but they still believed after the Sutherland-led chase against Scorchers. They took the Power Surge, however, Sutherland was bowled by evergreen quick Peter Siddle in the 13th over to effectively end the ‘Gades hopes.Debutant Harry Dixon, an under-19 World Cup winner for Australia, had an impossible task but did underline why he’s highly-touted with several flowing stokes.But the left-handed Dixon, whose elegant style at the crease has shades of Shaun Marsh, holed out on 13 where Maxwell, fittingly, claimed the catch to cap his special night.

Manchester City are set to be presented with the opportunity to sign “the best player in the world” in a swap deal for Erling Haaland, according to a report.

Haaland attracting interest after fantastic performance at Wolves

Haaland got off to the perfect start to the new Premier League season, with the Norwegian opening his account by scoring a brace in the 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, and Pep Guardiola believes the striker may now be back to his best.

The Man City boss claimed the 25 year-old is “better than ever”, before also adding: “I see Erling’s rhythm and speed, and how it helps us. It’s quite similar to his first season here. We need him.”

As such, Guardiola will undoubtedly be determined to keep hold of Haaland, and City are in a very strong negotiating position, given that the centre-forward signed an extraordinary nine-and-a-half-year contract back in January.

Man City now vying to sign "mind-boggling" £40m Rodrygo teammate

The Blues are now in the race for a Premier League player, with Pep Guardiola believed to be a big fan.

ByDominic Lund Aug 20, 2025

However, there have now been suggestions that one of Europe’s top clubs are lining up a move for the Norway international, namely Real Madrid…

Indeed, according to a report from Spain, the Madrid board are now preparing an audacious move for Haaland, with the Spanish club looking to orchestrate a swap deal, which would see Vinicius Junior sent in the opposite direction.

Given that Vinicius’ attacking numbers aren’t as impressive as they once were, Madrid are willing to send the Brazilian to City as part of a swap deal, and they believe Kylian Mbappe and Haaland combining forces could help them dominate European football for a decade.

However, while the 25-year-old would fit into Guardiola’s system, City have no desire to let their star striker leave, and given that he remains contracted until 2034, they will be under no pressure to sanction a departure unless he agitates for a move.

Haaland must remain at the Etihad

The Brazil international is one of football’s most globally renowned stars, famously narrowly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri, and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez certainly has no doubts about his ability.

However, there isn’t a player in the world City should consider swapping Haaland for, given the striker’s remarkable goal record since arriving at the Etihad Stadium.

Season

League appearances

Goals

2022-23

35

36

2023-24

31

27

2024-25

31

22

As such, should Real Madrid want to cash-in on Vinicius, they may be better off selling him to Saudi Arabia, given that Al-Ahli were well-known to be preparing a staggering £303m offer earlier this year.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sam Billings and Tom Curran were picked up in Monday’s draft

Matt Roller13-Jan-2025English players are seeking clarity from the ECB over whether they will be granted No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) after they were signed to play in the PSL at Monday’s draft in Lahore.Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Peshawar Zalmi), Sam Billings and Tom Curran (both Lahore Qalandars) were signed in Monday’s draft, while James Vince (Karachi Kings), Chris Jordan and David Willey (both Multan Sultans) were all previously retained. The PSL has moved into an April-May window for 2025, meaning it will clash with the start of the English season for the first time.Players reacted furiously in late November when the ECB announced a new policy on NOCs, which chief executive Richard Gould said was designed to “defend our game”. The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) were blindsided by the policy and said that their sense of “genuine collaboration” with the ECB had vanished.Related

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'Anger and resentment': PCA holds crisis talks over NOC policy

Players threaten legal action over new ECB stance on NOCs

The new policy will see players denied NOCs for all overseas leagues that take place during the English summer, including the PSL, the CPL and MLC – with the notable exception of the IPL. Players on white-ball contracts with their counties will be granted NOCs for competitions that do not clash with the T20 Blast or the Hundred.The ECB initially planned to block players with any provision for red-ball appearances from missing County Championship fixtures to play overseas, but have since softened their stance after pressure from players, their agents and the PCA. At this stage, Billings, Curran, Jordan and Willey are all expected to be granted NOCs for the PSL.The board’s stance is that its NOC “consultation group” will consider all requests against the criteria set out in November. ESPNcricinfo understands that in the case of the PSL, this will mean players will be eligible for NOCs if they are on white-ball contracts, or if they choose to renegotiate existing multi-format deals after the draft.James Vince was retained by Karachi Kings ahead of the PSL draft•PCBKohler-Cadmore and Vince are on all-format contracts with their respective counties – Somerset and Hampshire – and both are understood to be considering their available options. The PSL is due to run from April 8 until May 19, and both players will miss at least the first six Championship games of the season if they fulfil their PSL deals.ESPNcricinfo understands that six players with England central contracts registered themselves for the draft, but were marked as “unavailable” on a longlist sent to franchises on Sunday after the ECB clarified it would not grant them NOCs. These included Jonny Bairstow – who has not played for England since June – and Adil Rashid, who is a white-ball specialist.A PCA spokesperson said: “Following the announcement of the NOC policy and its proposed implementation, the PCA has been engaging with its members, legal team and the ECB, collectively representing current players to find solutions on restrictions. Progress has been made across a number of implementation areas, however, each NOC request is on a case-by-case basis and there remains ongoing consultation.”