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Manchester United are now eyeing Hertha Berlin’s Kennet Eichhorn, with it being revealed the midfielder has an affordable release clause, but there could be rival interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.

Gary Neville has suggested that Ruben Amorim may need to upgrade the spine of his team, given that his current options are arguably in the latter stages of their career, saying: “You’ve got the midfield, Casemiro and Bruno have got massive experience.

“Up front, they haven’t got the experience. But to me, that spine of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Maguire and De Ligt is ageing, but should be doing a lot better at holding it all together than they do.”

Casemiro has been proving age is just a number with some of his recent performances, which has led to United contacting his agent about a new contract, but with the Brazilian set to turn 34 in just over three months time, Amorim may need to start thinking about a long-term replacement.

Carlos Baleba was named as the Red Devils’ dream target earlier this week, with Elliot Anderson also of interest, despite Nottingham Forest’s huge asking price, but they have now joined the hectic race for another up-and-coming prospect…

Man Utd eyeing Hertha Berlin's Kennet Eichhorn

According to an update from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, Man United are now eyeing Hertha Berlin maestro Eichhorn, who recently broke the record to become the youngest player in the history of the 2. Bundesliga.

Lauded as an “exceptional talent” by Plettenberg, the 16-year-old is already a regular starter for the German second tier side, which has led to interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, including RB Leipzig, Ajax, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

The teenager has an affordable release clause of just €10m – €12m (£9m – £11m) included in his contract with the German club, and there are plenty of indications he could be a fantastic long-term addition to Amorim’s squad.

Becoming a first-team regular at just 16 is an achievement in and of itself, with the youngster making ten appearances all competitions this season, and he has put in some impressive performances, given his age, in order to keep his place in the side.

Last month, the Hertha starlet showcased his all-round attributes in a 2-1 win against Munster, creating one big chance, while also making a combined four interceptions and tackles to keep the opposition at bay.

Eichhorn is certainly one for the future, but it is also paramount Man United bring in a midfielder capable of immediately slotting into the starting XI in January, given that Casemiro’s contract is set to expire in the summer, and Kobbie Mainoo’s future is still in major doubt…

Kobbie Mainoo in January exit talks with deal "likely" Amorim wants to keep him: Man Utd star in January exit talks with deal "likely"

Amidst discussions over his future, will Kobbie Mainoo move away from Old Trafford?

ByJames O'Reilly Nov 7, 2025

Since taking over Manchester City in 2016, Pep Guardiola’s team has constantly evolved, going through different eras with countless top quality players key to the Sky Blues’ success.

Right now, we’re all very much living in the Erling Braut Håland-era, given that the Norwegian striker has now scored 18 goals this season, most recently on target against former club Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

In behind the goalbot though, Guardiola has an array of attacking options at his disposal, but could two of these players be poised to replicate, arguably, Manchester City’s most productive ever attacking duo?

Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling's Manchester City legacy

Of players who’ve made the most appearances for Guardiola during his illustrious managerial career, Raheem Sterling ranks seventh on 292, while Kevin De Bruyne sits second with 381, behind only Bernardo Silva.

The Belgian departed for Napoli in the summer having scored 108 goals and registered 177 assists for Man City, a high proportion of which were for Sterling.

As noted by Total Football Analysis, in the 2019/20 season, De Bruyne registered 20 Premier League assists, equaling Thierry Henry’s long-standing record, with 25% of these assists providing Sterling with a goal, underlining their exceptional combination play.

The midfielder himself stated that he and Sterling had a “strong connection”, making them unquestionably one of the most dangerous attacking partnerships in modern Premier League history, winning four league titles and seven other major trophies together.

With both having now moved on to pastures new, Guardiola is searching for his next great attacking partnership, seeking to feed a certain prolific striker, so does he boast the ideal two candidates?

Manchester City's new Sterling and De Bruyne

Now that Manchester City’s treatment room has begun to empty, Guardiola has plenty of options from which to choose, with eight players battling for the four spots alongside Håland.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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Against Borussia Dortmund in mid-week, Tijjani Reijnders, Savinho, Jérémy Doku and scorer of a brace Phil Foden started, while Silva, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki were all introduced during the second half, with Oscar Bobb left in reserve.

Nevertheless, ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash with Liverpool, Guardiola has to prioritise establishing Cherki and Doku as a partnership.

The 22-year-old Frenchman arrived from Olympique Lyonnais for £34m in the summer with a massive reputation.

Guardiola asserted that Cherki “is one of the most talented players I have ever seen in my career”, while Lyon teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles labelled him “an absolute… wizard with the ball”.

So far, including the Club World Cup, Cherki has scored four goals in sky blue, on target against Wolves on his Premier League debut, subsequently netting against Swansea in the EFL Cup and Dortmund in the Champions League.

Doku meantime has been consistently one of the Premier League’s most prolific dribblers since first joining the club, as the table below highlights.

Doku – PL stats

Stats

PL rank 24/25

PL rank 25/26

Attempted take-ons

2nd

2nd

Successful take-ons

1st

2nd

Progressive carries

1st

1st

Carries into area

2nd

3rd

Assists

43rd

4th

Shot-creating actions

62nd

4th

Big chances created

54th

1st

Stats via FBref & Sofascore

As the table outlines, Doku is both a high-quality and high-volume dribbler, ranked behind only Mohammed Kudus when it comes to take-ons this season.

However, ten matches into this campaign, there are signs that the Belgian will exponentially increase his attacking output, seeing a vast increase when it comes to shot-creating actions and big chances created.

In 1,514 Premier League minutes last time round, he created only eight big chances and registered just six assists, while this season, in only 549 minutes, he has already racked up five big chances created and three assists, thereby very much on course to smash last season’s tally.

Former Tottenham captain Ledley King labelled Doku “dynamic”, adding that he “likes to attack on the outside” while, following a 5-1 win over Burnley, Guardiola described the winger as “unstoppable”, interestingly noting that “I have the feeling that Jérémy’s decision-making in the final third has improved​​​​​​​”.

Reportedly earning £50k-per-week and £180k-per-week respectively, both still aged 23 or under, there are signs that Doku and Cherki are both realising their true potential at Man City.

On paper, Cherki’s creativity and eye for a pass, coupled with Doku’s flair, pace and off-the-scale dribbling ability, has all the ingredients to replicate when De Bruyne and Sterling were able to produce for many years.

Thus, it is over to Guardiola to ensure this duo can flourish together, starting on Sunday when Liverpool visit the Etihad in a match not to be missed.

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Posts ByJoe Nuttall Nov 6, 2025

After almost two decades of waiting, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally became IPL champions, it wasn’t just a title triumph for Virat Kohli. It was the culmination of a journey that began in 2008 when he was a fiery young batter who would go on to become one of the most influential cricketers of his generation. It was also a full-circle moment for a player and a franchise that have become one and the same over time.As former RCB pacer Varun Aaron put it on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show, “He [Kohli] has been the king of the castle in RCB for 18 years.” Aaron went to say, “At the end of the day, if they haven’t won a trophy, the first person they’re going to look at is Virat Kohli. And Virat Kohli, he loves to win. He can’t take second as even an option. So this is huge for him. Also, the kind of adoration and love he gets from the fans, from the franchise, is just huge.”And this is what they’ve been expecting for the longest time. It has come good. RCB have been the most loved team in the Indian Premier League by far. And now I don’t know where Virat’s going to go after this.”Tom Moody summed up Kohli’s IPL journey, saying it was a story of how a career was born, shaped, and lived out within a single franchise.”His cricketing career was nearly born at RCB,” Moody said. “So that’s why I think he’s so emotional, because he’s been so invested as a young player with a young mind, without knowing the body of work that he’s going to do in the game and that status that he was going to get in the game.”So you can see the connection that this has to him, because he’s been through all those ups and downs. We saw the stats earlier on about how many times RCB have made the finals in the 18 seasons. Ten times [in the playoffs]. Four times final. You can see why he’s emotional.”It’s nearly like the young Virat Kohli coming out of him, just celebrating and rejoicing in an emotional way.””When fans see the main player give everything on the field, they’re obviously going to feel that this guy deserves something”•AFP/Getty Images

Kohli has grown, faltered, risen and roared – all in RCB colours. With 8661 runs in 259 innings at a strike rate of 132.85 and an average of 39.54, he is the highest run-getter in IPL history.Between 2011 and 2023, he led RCB 143 times, the third-highest number of matches played as a captain in the IPL. He led RCB to the final in 2016 where they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His 973 runs in that massive season still remains a record in the IPL.”The biggest Indian player after Sachin Tendulkar, I would say, who’s played day in day out for 18 years, he’s hardly ever missed matches, he’s hardly ever missed IPLs, he’s turned up season after season,” Aaron said looking back. “And given everything, when fans see the main player give everything on the field, with bat and even on the field, they’re obviously going to feel that, you know what, this guy deserves something.”While RCB gave Kohli a stage, it’s equally true – as Aaron put it – that “RCB has had its role in making Virat, but Virat has also made the franchise.”

After Thomas Tuchel’s England side defeated Wales in convincing fashion, courtesy of goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka, their focus now turn towards Tuesday’s trip to face Latvia.

It was another statement victory from the Three Lions, who found themselves three goals to the good by the 20th minute. Starting as they meant to go on, Rogers was perfectly placed to slam home Marc Guehi’s cutback in the third minute, before Watkins converted courtesy of Saka’s pass just eight minutes later.

The best goal was saved for last. Saka cut inside in vintage fashion before finding the upright to leave Karl Darlow with no chance. It is fair to say that Tuchel is finally beginning to make his impact as the 2026 World Cup closes in.

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ByTom Cunningham Sep 7, 2025

Now looking ahead to Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia, we’ve taken at five things to expect from England.

5 Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice's midfield partnership

Ever since Kalvin Phillips dropped out of England contention, the Three Lions have had a midfield problem next to Declan Rice. For so long, it was that aforementioned duo at the heart of Gareth Southgate’s midfield. They sat deep and provided the foundation for England’s best attacking players to thrive and that’s when they had some of their best success – reaching the final of the 2020 Euros.

As England fell short at the final hurdle once again at the 2024 Euros – this time against Spain – it was clear that balance was missing from their midfield without a clear partner for Rice. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kobbie Mainoo and Jude Bellingham all tried filling that role, but all failed. And now, a new contender has emerged under Tuchel.

Minutes

630

543

Goals

0

1

Progressive Passes

63

36

Ball Recoveries

55

29

Elliott Anderson thrived in September’s international break and his partnership with Rice dominated Wales and could do the same against Latvia. If it proves as successful as last time, then the Three Lions could have an unexpected answer to their problem.

4 How will Lewis-Skelly respond to Tuchel's warning?

Tuchel certainly hasn’t been afraid to say what he thinks so far and the latest to discover that trait has been Myles Lewis-Skelly. The Arsenal man has struggled to get into Mikel Arteta’s strongest side so far this season and has been warned that it could cost him his World Cup place if things don’t change soon.

It makes the game against Latvia crucial for Lewis-Skelly. Whilst he hasn’t been given the opportunity to impress for Arsenal this season, the defender should look to take full advantage of Tino Livramento’s injury to stake his claim for a starting place under Tuchel in the coming months.

Whether it’s 22-year-old Livramento or 19-year-old Lewis-Skelly, the battle to claim that starting left-back spot only looks destined to heat up as the World Cup approaches.

3 Red-hot Kane to continue ruthless streak

There were some opinions at last year’s Euros that suggested Harry Kane was no longer the man to lead England’s frontline. The forward, carrying an injury throughout the tournament, often struggled to make his mark and watched on as Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and others stole the spotlight.

Now, at 32 years old, some may have expected the former Tottenham Hotspur forward to continue those struggles before gradually being forced out of Tuchel’s side. However, the reality is that Kane is neck and neck with Erling Haaland as the world’s best striker – even at 32.

Any suggestions that he’s no longer good enough to lead England are long gone. Instead, the question often asked about the striker these days is just how many he’ll score. In his last 10 games for Bayern Munich, he has scored an incredible 18 goals and looks destined to continue that ruthless streak for the Three Lions.

2 Nico O'Reilly provides Tuchel with unexpected dilemma

Although it’s easy to complain about the international break, it does provide some memorable moments for the likes of Nico O’Reilly, who has earned his first call-up following Reece James’ injury. The Manchester City left-back has made the role his own under Pep Guardiola, which is no easy task, and now has an unexpected chance to do the same for England.

Tuchel has already shown his willingness to not only hand fresh players their chance, but also hand them a permanent place if they impress enough. Anderson has so far benefitted from that, Loftus-Cheek could do so, and O’Reilly may well be next in line to hand the England boss a selection headache.

1 Has Rashford done enough to start?

After reclaiming his England place, Marcus Rashford will now have all eyes on a starting place. Last month, it was Noni Madueke who surprised many with his performances.

This time around, Rashford could take his Barcelona form into the England camp. No longer the shunned Manchester United star, the winger has been back to his best on the biggest stage in Spain.

England have so often missed his directness from the left-hand side, but his form simply did not warrant a starting place. Having scored three goals and assisted another five in eight games for Barcelona, though, the 27-year-old has arguably done enough to break into Tuchel’s strongest side against Wales and Latvia.

Leeds United are competing well in the Premier League and could turn to an exciting Brazilian in their bid to improve the quality of their squad at Elland Road.

Leeds frustrated after draw with Bournemouth

Despite a spirited performance against an established top-flight outfit, Leeds will feel a sense of frustration at dropping two points against Bournemouth in the dying embers of their 2-2 draw in Yorkshire.

Joe Rodon and Sean Longstaff forced the home side into the lead after Antoine Semenyo’s opener. However, Eli Junior Kroupi had the last word to steal a share of the spoils for Andoni Iraola’s men courtesy of a fantastic finish in stoppage time.

Speaking post-match, Daniel Farke chose to remain positive after his side were held, paying tribute to his players for their impressive levels of chance creation.

“It was a really good point against a good side, but if you concede that late and should deservedly have won this game of course it doesn’t feel great. Just compliments for our lads today. We’ve outperformed them in terms of expected goals, 19 shots. Just one team was missing big chances, normally we should have won.

“First half we had enough chances to win two Premier League games and sadly missed them all. There was not one big mistake but we’re in possession on 94 minutes then there’s a sloppy touch on the ball. We would not need to be there with a foul.”

Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie admitted his side were relieved to leave Elland Road with a point, illustrating the distance Leeds have come in a short space of time and the progress they’ve made.

Behind the scenes, the Whites and the 49ers Enterprises are already plotting a transfer swoop that could add another intriguing option to his talented squad if all were to go to plan.

Leeds look to sign Gustavo Prado below release clause value

According to South American reports via Sport Witness, Leeds are considering a £17 million move for Internacional youngster Gustavo Prado, who is capable of playing on either flank and is someone viewed as a market opportunity for the Elland Road club.

The Whites have increased their scouting focus on the Americas and have sent a scout to Chile to watch the star in action for Brazil’s Under-20 side at their World Cup. Despite his release clause standing at £51 million, they could look to swoop at around the £17 million mark, a valuation that he could be made available for by his current employers.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham Sep 27, 2025

Prado, 20, has scored twice in 22 appearances across all competitions in 2025, and his potential arrival may provoke nostalgia over his compatriot Raphinha, who is now one of the world’s best wingers at Barcelona following his spell in Yorkshire.

Nevertheless, Stuttgart and Atalanta are also keen on his services, signifying that there is work to be done before he indeed signs on the dotted line at Elland Road, a deal that won’t come cheap.

Excitement at Arsenal football club is at an all-time high during the Mikel Arteta reign, with their actions on and off the pitch fueling the expectations of the fanbase.

Eberechi Eze was confirmed as the Gunners’ latest addition on Saturday afternoon, joining the side in a £67.5m deal from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

His tally of 16 combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight adds a new dimension to the side’s attack, subsequently being able to operate in a number ten role, or off the left-hand side of the frontline.

The 27-year-old, who’s a boyhood Arsenal fan, was presented to the fans before the 5-0 triumph over Leeds at the Emirates – with their superb showing catapulting the side to the top of the table.

However, with less than a week remaining in the summer window, the manager is still targeting added reinforcements to the squad, leading to numerous names being mentioned with a move in recent days.

Arsenal’s hunt to land added reinforcements after Eze

Despite the move to land Eze over the last week, another attacker has appeared on their radar, with Rodrygo once again being touted with a move to join Arsenal this summer.

It was reported recently that the Gunners’ hierarchy were set for a meeting with the Brazilian’s representatives, with Real Madrid open to allowing the 24-year-old to depart on a permanent or temporary basis.

However, the winger isn’t the only player currently on their radar, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie another player they’re making a move for ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

According to one insider, the Gunners are big admirers of the Ecuadorian, with Arteta already holding talks with the player over a switch to North London this summer.

It’s also been reported that any move could hinge on Jakub Kiwior’s pending move to join Porto, with a £52m transfer fee being mooted for the star Leverkusen at present.

Why Arsenal’s £52m target would be a better signing than Eze

A move for Eze has injected a newfound sense of optimism within the Arsenal fanbase, which is understandable given his big-money transfer fee – making him the third most-expensive player in their history.

Such a deal has been sweetened, especially after the Gunners clinched his signature despite huge interest from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur before his move to the Emirates.

However, he will have a huge amount of expectations to live up to given the fee, but there’s no denying that the England international possesses a lot of top-level quality.

A transfer for Hincapie could arguably be a better addition this summer, offering needed cover in the centre-back and left-back departments – with the latter being a problem position for Arteta.

The likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Riccardo Calafiori have all tried to fill the void, but have massively struggled with injuries over the past couple of campaigns.

Calafiori has started both of the Gunners’ two Premier League games to date, even scoring the winner against Manchester United – often popping up at key moments.

A deal for Hincapie would offer an immediate and long-term solution to Arteta’s biggest problem in the defensive department, with the 23-year-old already racking up over 160 appearances for Leverkusen since his move to the German side back in 2021.

His underlying stats from the Bundesliga last campaign highlight the talent he possesses in and out of possession – potentially being an excellent pickup despite the £52m price tag.

He ranked in the 95th percentile for passes completed last season (88%), whilst falling into the 85th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.1) – demonstrating the talent he possesses in finding teammates in attacking areas.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

5.1

Passes into the final third

5.4

Carries into the final third

1.6

Progressive carries

1.8

Tackles won

1.4

Aerials won

2.2

Aerial success rate

60%

Such numbers could prove to be perfect for Eze, potentially handing the Englishman the tools to be a success during his debut year in the Gunners’ first team.

He also ranked in the 95th percentile for carries into the final third per 90 (1.6) – able to make overlapping runs if needed, offering an added creative threat in key areas to Arteta’s side.

However, Hincapie was just as impressive out of possession, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and achieving a 60% aerial success rate – tallies which could further bolster the club’s defence, which has been the best in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons.

Whilst £52m may appear to be a hefty sum for the youngster, it’s one that can finally put an end to the club’s hunt for a consistent starter on the left-hand side of the backline.

If he can transfer his numbers from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, Hincapie would be a phenomenal pickup and one that could prove to be more important than Eze in the Gunners’ hunt for Premier League glory.

Stunning Eze repeat: Arsenal agree personal terms to sign £52m star

The sensational international would be an excellent addition to the Arsenal squad following Eze’s arrival.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 26, 2025

Manchester United’s transfer window has been a success to date, with Ruben Amorim already addressing worrying issues in one area of his first-team squad.

The attacking department has been in desperate need of an overhaul this summer, especially after the Red Devils only managed to net 44 Premier League goals throughout 2024/25.

Players such as Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all completed their respective moves to Old Trafford – costing a staggering £200m in the process.

The trio netted 48 league goals between them last campaign at their various clubs, undoubtedly providing the manager with the added threat he’s craved since taking the reins last November.

However, despite the big-money additions in forward areas, the 40-year-old has already signalled his intent to bolster his midfield – subsequently turning his attention to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.

Man Utd’s move to land Carlos Baleba this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, United have made their ambitions of landing the Cameroonian known, even entering talks with the player’s representatives over a move to join the Red Devils.

However, at one stage, it appeared a deal could be completed for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder, leading to reports suggesting the talent was keen on a move to join Amorim’s men.

Despite the talks, any deal would’ve been an expensive one, with the Seagulls demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload Baleba – a deal that would’ve been a club-record for United.

As a result of the interest, Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler was quizzed about the youngster’s future, stating that he was ‘very, very, very confident’ that the former Lille star would remain at the AMEX beyond the end of the summer window.

It’s now been confirmed by The Athletic that Amorim’s side are prepared to walk away from a move and have subsequently prepared a shortlist of alternatives before the September 1st deadline.

Man Utd’s Baleba alternatives this window

Valencia star Javi Guerra has been strongly linked with a move to join United over recent months, even agreeing personal terms to move to the Theatre of Dreams earlier this summer.

Like Baleba, a deal for the Spaniard now could be unlikely in the next couple of weeks, after the 22-year-old penned a new deal until 2029 at the LaLiga outfit.

However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, which has seen Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller being touted as another option to bolster the midfield department, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim the Red Devils hierarchy are closely monitoring the German star, who made a total of 47 appearances across all competitions throughout 2024/25.

It also states that a move could be made for the 24-year-old, with a €60m (£50m) price tag previously being mooted for his signature in recent months.

Why United’s £50m target would be the perfect Baleba alternative

There’s no denying that, given his Premier League experience, Baleba would have been many of the United fanbase’s first choice for the midfield department this window.

He is undoubtedly a top-level talent, with bags of potential given his tender age of just 21, but given the funds spent elsewhere – the £100m asking price may be a tad too much this summer.

However, a move for Stiller instead of Baleba could prove to be a blessing in disguise, with the German a player who can make a greater impact on the current first-team squad.

When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian from 2024/25, he managed to massively outperform him in multiple key areas – offering Amorim a key presence at both ends of the pitch.

Stiller, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in FBref’s 97th percentile for progressive passes made (9.5), along with the 95th percentile for passes into the final third (8.9).

How Stiller & Baleba compared throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Stiller	Baleba
Games played	32	34
Goals & assists	9	4
Progressive passes made	9.5	3.9
Pass accuracy	88%	87%
Passes into final third	8.9	3.6
Interceptions made	1.8	1.5
Clearances made	1.6	1.4
Take-on success	67%	57%
Stats via FBref

Both figures were nearly three times higher than those of Baleba, subsequently highlighting his talent on the ball, which could provide the new attacking trio ahead of him with countless chances in front of goal.

Whilst the German is primarily a ball-player, he’s also highlighted his ability without the ball, which could make him a viable option in the Red Devils’ hunt for a new number eight.

The Stuttgart talent posted tallies of 1.8 interceptions and 1.6 clearances made per 90 – both figures which once again were higher than those produced by the £100m target.

Such numbers have contributed to his mammoth rise back in his homeland, helping him make four senior appearances for his national team during the most recent season.

However, a move to Old Trafford could be the perfect platform for the 24-year-old to continue his excellent rise to stardom, arguably being the missing piece in Amorim’s midfield.

At half the price of Baleba, he would be a sensational pick-up by the hierarchy, completing another crucial department in the club’s hunt to return to Premier League glory.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 16, 2025

India batter backs the next generation to carry forward the strong performances in ICC tournaments

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Mar-2025Virat Kohli believes India have a squad “ready to take on the world” for the next eight years, following their victory in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai.”When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place, I feel we’ve a squad that’s ready to take on the world for the next eight years,” Kohli said on the broadcast after the game. “Shubman [Gill] has been outstanding, Shreyas [Iyer] beautiful, KL [Rahul] has finished games, and Hardik [Pandya] has been superb with the bat.”Kohli said the Champions Trophy triumph somewhat made up for India’s Test series loss in Australia. “It’s been amazing. We wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour, and wanted to win a big tournament, and we ended up doing that. So it’s an amazing feeling.”Related

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Rohit, Rahul, spinners lead India to third Champions Trophy title

Standing beside Gill during the celebrations, Kohli was asked for his thoughts on leaving the dressing room a better place when he eventually finishes up. “There’s so much talent in the dressing room,” he said. “They’re trying to take their game further and we [seniors] are just happy to be of help, sharing our experience and that’s what makes this Indian team so strong.”These are the things you want to play for [titles], playing under pressure and putting your hand up. The whole team, everyone has put their hands up sometimes or other during the course of the tournament. Everyone has put up impactful performances, we’ve been part of an amazing team, the amount of work we’ve done in the practice sessions, it feels great.”Kohli had words of appreciation for New Zealand. “Amazing, we’ve always been in awe with what they can do with the limited number of players they have had over the years, and just maximise their talent,” he said. “Every time we played against them in big games, we knew they were going to come with a set plan. No team in world cricket executes plans as well as they do.”Every fielder knows where the bowler is going to bowl, you can sense it, they’re all attacking the ball, they know the bowler is going to be accurate. Credit to them for being the most consistent team in the last few tournaments. The reason for that is the immense belief in their skills, and the amount of talent they have they utilise that to the maximum.”They’re easily the best fielding side in the world, a huge shout-out to them. They continue to display why they are one of the top teams in the world. Again, a great campaign. It’s sad to see a very good friend [Kane Williamson] on the losing side, but I’ve been on the losing side a couple of times when he has been on the winning side, so only love between us.”

Andre Onana has completed a loan move to Trabzonspor after being forced out at Manchester United, where he slipped down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, signed by the Red Devils for £47.2m, was left stunned by the rapturous welcome he received in Turkey. Onana now has the chance to revive his career and has opened up on his emotions for the first time.

• Onana joins Trabzonspor on season-long loan from Man Utd
• Cameroonian goalkeeper stunned by passionate welcome
• Loan has no buy option; wages fully covered by the Turkish club

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United confirmed Onana’s departure on Thursday evening, with the 29-year-old moving to Trabzonspor on loan for the 2025-26 season. He was dropped by Amorim in favour of Altay Bayindir before slipping further down the order following United’s £18.2 million capture of Lammens. With limited opportunities on the horizon, Onana chose to continue his career in Turkey and has opened up on the move upon landing in Turkey to sign his new contract.

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  WHAT ONANA SAID

  Speaking to the local media, Onana said: "I am very happy. I can say that I am very happy. I am starting a new project, a new adventure for me, I am very happy to be here. This is a feeling that makes me so happy. I've never felt so much love from people around me. It's a wonderful feeling to be made to feel at home from the very first moment.

  "I want to start working as soon as possible and reciprocate that love by making them happy on the field. I'm always ready. Every player wants to play and take part in these kinds of matches. Of course, we'll be playing against an important and strong opponent. But we're also aware of our strength."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Onana’s move marks the end of a difficult spell at Old Trafford after United paid £47.2m to sign him from Inter in 2023. His time in Manchester was plagued by high-profile errors, and he was swiftly deemed surplus to requirements by Amorim. A fresh start in Turkey offers him the chance to rebuild his confidence and reputation ahead of Cameroon's potential trip to the 2026 World Cup.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ONANA?

  Trabzonspor, currently second in the Super Lig, face Fenerbahce on Sunday, a match Onana could debut in. The goalkeeper will wear the No.24 shirt as he looks to settle quickly into his new surroundings.

Angel Di Maria has suggested that Lionel Messi will play on beyond the 2026 World Cup, claiming that no “farewell” has been bid with Argentina.

Last qualifier taken in on Argentine soilDoubts cast over World Cup involvementClose friend expects career to continueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi’s latest outing for his country, which came in a qualifying clash with Venezuela, saw an emotional evening taken in at Estadio Monumental. He believes said fixture will mark his last competitive appearance on home soil.

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The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also cast doubt over his involvement at next summer’s World Cup, with the 38-year-old unable to guarantee that he will form part of a global title defence in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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The expectation is that he will grace said event, as he remains a talismanic captain of the Albiceleste, with long-time team-mate Di Maria – who retired from international duty after winning the 2024 Copa America – of the opinion that Argentina’s GOAT has more football left in him.

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GettyWHAT DI MARIA SAID

Di Maria told : “Leo hasn’t retired yet. It will be the last qualifying match, but he still has a World Cup and will surely have another match after. For me, it’s not a farewell. That’s why I didn’t go. I spoke with him. I’m happy that he’s still around.”