Leeds United knew that they needed to make additions to their first-team squad after they won the Championship title to earn promotion to the Premier League last season.

The Whites bolstered their team with a host of signings in the summer transfer window, and they have started the top-flight season with competitive performances in most of their matches.

They were minutes away from their third win of the league campaign before Bournemouth equalised in stoppage time at Elland Road on Saturday.

Despite failing to win that game, Daniel Farke will be pleased with where his team is at after six matches in the Premier League, because they are in the middle of the park.

25/26 Premier League	Leeds United	Club rank
Points	8	11th
xGD	-1.4	15th
xG	5.9	14th
Goals	6	13th
xGA	7.3	10th
Goals conceded	8	12th
Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, the Whites are midtable in all the right metrics. That is exactly where they want to be as a newly-promoted team, and long may it continue.

Their recruitment work in the summer transfer window has played a key role in their comfortable start to life in the top-flight. Sean Longstaff, in particular, has stood out in recent weeks as a shrewd addition.

Why Sean Longstaff was a bargain signing for Leeds

The Championship champions signed the English central midfielder from Newcastle United in a deal that is worth up to £15m, and that is already looking like a bargain.

Longstaff played 214 matches for the Magpies in all competitions, including 171 games in the Premier League, per Transfermarkt, which meant that the Whites brought in an incredibly experienced player who was ready to hit the ground runing this season.

The 27-year-old star did not need time to adapt to the league or the country. He was able to be brought straight in to contribute, even if Farke opted to remain faithful to Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka at first.

Longstaff’s exceptional performance, as shown in the graphic above, against Bournemouth at the weekend was a prime example of why his experience is important to Leeds.

The experienced star had a bit of everything in his performance. A world-class goal. Creativity. Reliable passing. Combative midfield play in his duels. It was a terrific showing from a man who clearly knows how to perform in the Premier League.

His strike, as shown in the clip above, was a stunning strike to put the Whites 2-1 up in the match, and it was a goal worthy of winning any match. Unfortunately, Eli Kroupi’s last-gasp equaliser meant that it was only worth a point in the end.

£15m is not a gigantic fee in this day and age, given that Leeds paid £20m for Tyler Adams three years ago, and Longstaff’s performances in the middle of the park so far this season suggests that he has been an instant success for the money paid.

25/26 Premier League	Sean Longstaff
Appearances	6
Goals	1
Assists	1
Pass accuracy	87%
Tackles + interceptions per game	3.7
Ground duel success rate	55%
Aerial duel success rate	71%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the midfield maestro has offered calmness in possession and strength and combativeness out of possession in the middle of the park.

Despite his impressive displays in the midfield for Leeds in the Premier League this season, Longstaff was not the biggest bargain signing of the summer transfer window.

Chalkboard

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

That title belongs to Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson, who arrived from French side Lille during the summer window for a fee in the region of £10m.

Why Gudmundsson is an even bigger bargain than Longstaff

The dynamic left-back’s performances for the West Yorkshire outfit since his move to English football suggest that he was an even better signing and a bigger bargain than Longstaff.

A fee of £10m, £5m less than the move to sign the midfielder, is already looking like an incredible piece of business by the club, because he has hit the ground running in the Premier League.

Neutrals who have not watched much of Leeds this season may look in from the outside and question the signing because of his freak own goal that cost Leeds the game away at Fulham, but his performances, on the whole, have been superb.

In fact, TEAMtalk editor James Marshment claimed that the “outstanding” and “tenacious” star is “up there with the best LBs in the PL so far this season”, whilst he also described him as an “absolute bargain”.

It is hard to argue with that assessment when you take into account his all-round performances as a left-back in the Premier League, as he ranks highly among his positional peers in a host of key metrics.

25/26 PL	Gudmundsson	Percentile rank vs left-backs
Chances created	4	Top 30%
Successful crosses	4	Top 22%
Successful dribbles	5	Top 17%
Touches in the oppo box	12	Top 15%
Tackles	12	Top 30%
Duels won	28	Top 22%
Ball recoveries	20	Top 22%
Interceptions	6	Top 19%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Gudmundsson is among the best in his position in the division at crossing and carrying the ball forward, as well as at tackling, winning duels, and making interceptions.

These statistics show that he is one of the most combative and forward-thinking left-backs in the Premier League, which is why so many supporters have taken to him so quickly.

Gudmundsson, despite never having played in England before, has hit the ground running in the top-flight and become undroppable at left-back for the Whites with his all-action and energetic performances down the left.

This is why he has been an even bigger bargain signing than Longstaff, because he has been as influential on the pitch despite costing £5m less and coming in with less experience.

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At the age of 26, the Swedish star may still have his best years left ahead of him. This means that the Whites could continue to benefit from his relentless and dynamic displays down the left flanks for many more seasons, making the £10m spent on him an absolute bargain on current evidence.

Don’t look now, but the Houston Astros are just 3.5 games out of first place in the AL West, taking nine of their last 10 games heading into Monday’s matinee matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto still sits in last in the AL East, and it could be a team that is active at the trade deadline as a seller if things don’t turn around soon. 

Despite being just one game over .500, Houston has the sixth-best run differential in the American League, and it is climbing with the Astros playing some of their best ball of the season. 

Houston took two out of three games from the Jays earlier this season, outscoring them 19-2 over the course of the series. That’s not good news for the Jays, who come into this game as home underdogs. 

Let’s dive into the odds, probable pitchers and a best bet for the first of just three matchups in Major League Baseball on Monday. 

Astros vs. Blue Jays Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line

Astros -1.5 (+114)Blue Jays +1.5 (-135)

Moneyline

Astros: -135Blue Jays: +114

Total

9 (Over +100/Under -120)

Astros vs. Blue Jays Probable PitchersHouston: Hunter Brown (5-5, 4.37 ERA)Toronto: Yariel Rodriguez (0-2, 5.94 ERA)Astros vs. Blue Jays How to WatchDate: Monday, July 1Time: 3:07 p.m. ESTVenue: Rogers CentreHow to watch (TV): AFN, AT&T SportsNet SouthwestAstros record: 42-41Blue Jays record: 38-45Astros vs. Blue Jays Key Players to WatchHouston Astros

Yordan Alvarez: June was a great month for the Houston slugger, as he hit .349 with seven homers, eight doubles and 19 runs batted in. Alvarez has pushed his season slash line to .294/.371/.520, and he should tee off on a struggling pitcher like Rodriguez on Monday afternoon. 

Toronto Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: A candidate to be moved at the trade deadline, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. certainly has held up his end of the bargain for the Jays in 2024. The slugging first baseman is hitting .297 with 13 homers and 50 runs batted in, posting an OPS+ of 141 this season. While the Toronto offense has not been as good as it would have hoped, Vladdy Jr. has been a bright spot all of 2024. 

Astros vs. Blue Jays Prediction and Pick

There’s no doubt that the Astros are the better team right now, and they actually have a massive edge on the mound with Hunter Brown’s recent performance. 

The young right-hander posted a 1.16 ERA and 2.97 Fielding Independent Pitching across five starts in the month of June, leading the Astros to a 4-1 record in those outings. Brown has not allowed more than three earned runs in a single outing dating all the way back to May 22. 

Jays starter Yariel Rodriguez has been on a much different path, allowing at least three runs in each of his last three outings, pushing his ERA from 2.35 to 5.94 in the process. In his last start, Rodriguez was chased after just 1.1 innings of work, as he allowed five runs to the Cleveland Guardians. 

Toronto is still 3-2 in his five outings this season, but I have a feeling that doesn’t hold on on Monday. The Blue Jays likely will have to use a lot of their bullpen tonight since Rodriguez hasn’t pitched more than four innings in a single outing in 2024. 

That’s an issue, as the Jays rank 28th in Major League Baseball in bullpen ERA (4.74) this season. 

With Brown running hot on the mound and the Astros playing their best baseball of the season, I can’t help but take them as road favorites on Monday. 

Manchester United are now expected to make a £60m offer for a “physical beast” in the January transfer window, as a replacement for a current first-team player.

Man Utd looking to bolster defence after shaky start

Man United are yet to keep a clean sheet across the six games they’ve played in all competitions this season, with even League Two Grimsby Town managing to get the better of Andre Onana twice in the EFL Cup second round at the end of August.

Ruben Amorim has tried to address one of the issues by bringing in Senne Lammens at the end of the summer window, but the 23-year-old is yet to start, with Altay Bayindir keeping his place in the starting XI.

It remains to be seen what sort of impact Lammens can make, given that the Belgian is still young, and is yet to prove himself in a major league, having only ever played in Belgium.

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As such, the Red Devils have now started looking at other ways in which they can shore things up at the back, and they have now set their sights on a Premier League defender.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Man United are now the club showing the strongest interest in signing Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who could be brought in as a replacement for Harry Maguire.

Liverpool and two other unnamed top flight clubs are keen on Branthwaite, but United’s interest may well be the most advanced, given that they are expected to make a £60m bid for his services in the January transfer window.

It is unclear whether the Toffees would be willing to sanction a departure, but the 23-year-old wants a big move, and United still have plenty of pulling power.

"Physical beast" Branthwaite could be solid Maguire replacement

A towering presence at 6’5, the Everton defender is slightly taller than Maguire, and could have the ability to succeed at Old Trafford, having been lauded as a two-footed “ball-playing physical beast” by scout Ben Mattinson.

At just 23-years-old, the defender is at the right age to be a long-term success at United, and he has already established himself in the Premier League over the previous two seasons with Everton, with Jordan Pickford left particularly impressed.

Due to a hamstring injury, the Englishman is yet to feature for Everton this season, but he was solid throughout the 2024-25 campaign in the Premier League, averaging a 7.02 SofaScore rating, compared to 6.91 from Maguire.

There are question marks over whether £60m may be a little pricey, given that Branthwaite is yet to establish himself at international level, but he is clearly a talented defender, still in the early stages of his career.

Borussia Dortmund are determined to keep hold of their star centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, who is currently tied to the club until June 30, 2027. Having grown into a leader at the club, despite being just 25 years old, Dortmund are unwilling to lose one of their most integral players. Contract talks have begun, with Dortmund issuing a final deadline for Schlotterbeck's answer.

Schlotterbeck one of Dortmund's pillars

Schlotterbeck has become one of the most crucial players for Borussia Dortmund, having emerged as not just one of the best defenders in Europe, but also as a real leader within the dressing room. His contract expires in 2027, raising alarm bells at Signal Iduna Park over the German international's future amid interest from Bayern Munich and Premier League sides. He arrived from Union Berlin in the summer of 2022 and has since established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, making 131 appearances for Die Borussen already. His stellar defensive performances have also seen him become one of the regulars in the German national team, amassing 22 caps. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSchlotterbeck not in any rush to decide his future

Dortmund have already begun contract negotiations with Schlotterbeck and his entourage, with the club adamant on keeping hold of their star centre-back. "We’ve been in discussions for quite some time," said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl at the end of last month. “I can promise that we’re working on it. It’ll take a few more days. Not because he’s not convinced, but because he wants to find himself, wants to get into the rhythm and pursuing big goals – which hopefully are with Borussia Dortmund. I’m still very optimistic.”

While Schlotterbeck admits that "the appreciation is good on both sides," he is not quite ready to make a final decision on his future. "But it won’t be so early that I extend my contract. We’ll have talks now. I’ll sit down with Sebastian Kehl, make a plan, and then we’ll see what comes of it," the former Union Berlin defender told reporters at a press conference in September. 

According to reports, Die Schwarzgelben are also ready to more than triple Schlotterbeck's wages in an attempt to secure his services in the long-term. The 25-year-old currently earns around €2.5 million per year. The new contract, which will see Schlotterbeck remain at the Westfalenstadion until 2030, will see him pocket a fixed salary worth €8 million annually, which could rise to €9m with bonuses and add-ons. 

All things considered, Schlotterbeck is currently hesitant to commit his long-term future to Borussia Dortmund, preferring instead to take a wait-and-see approach. While the club is eager to secure a contract extension, the defender is understood to want more time before making a final decision, focusing on how his development and Dortmund’s progress unfold over the season.

Dortmund set deadline for Schlotterbeck contract decision

According to a report from , it was made clear to Schlotterbeck during recent contract talks that his role at Dortmund extends beyond his performances on the pitch; he is expected to grow into a leader and a role model for the club. In line with that vision, Dortmund’s management is reportedly considering handing him the captain’s armband for the upcoming season on a full-time basis, promoting him from his current role as one of the vice-captains. The Bundesliga heavyweights hope to have clarity by spring at the latest regarding the defender’s future, as his current deal expires in less than two years. According to sources within the dressing room, optimism is high that Schlotterbeck will commit to a long-term stay, citing his deep connection to the club and that he is "happy" with how things have been since his arrival. 

"I still have over a year and a half left on my contract. I'll sit down with Sebastian [Kehl], work out a plan, and see where it leads," Schlotterbeck explained on after the 2-1 defeat to Bayern earlier this month. "I feel very comfortable in Dortmund and have no problem continuing on this path. But it's obviously an important decision for my career."

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Getty Images SportBayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid ready to pounce

Bayern have been tracking Schlotterbeck since his breakthrough at Freiburg, while reports from Spain claim that Real Madrid are also considering a move to strengthen their defence next summer – a period when veterans David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger could both be on their way out. 

Liverpool, meanwhile, are preparing a January approach for Schlotterbeck and are believed to have reportedly already opened initial talks. After their deadline-day pursuit of Marc Guehi fell through and young defender Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury, the Reds are determined to reinforce their backline ahead of the season’s second half. With captain Virgil van Dijk now entering the twilight of his career, Liverpool view Schlotterbeck as a long-term leader capable of anchoring their defence for years to come.

Adding to the urgency is growing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano, with the French duo's contract expiring at the end of this season at their respective clubs. Konate has been strongly linked to a free transfer to Madrid next summer, while Upamecano's hefty wage and bonus demands have prevented Bayern from reaching an agreement over a new deal.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a promising start to the campaign under Thomas Frank and could now be about to pursue a very familiar face to fans of the Premier League.

Tottenham look to build on solid start to Premier League campaign

The international break is always a frustrating time for supporters itching for their club to return. However, the Lilywhites will be positively reflecting on a fine start that has seen them climb to third in the top-flight standings.

Tactical tweaks and a renewed threat from set pieces have made Tottenham a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, albeit they will need to be switched on to handle the challenge of facing Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Everton and Chelsea in the coming weeks.

While Tottenham have been at the centre of takeover interest from tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick, among other parties, it doesn’t appear they are for sale, and a £100 million cash injection from the Lewis family will offer greater financial flexibility moving forward.

Whether this investment could be put towards the January window remains to be seen. Reports suggest Spurs are preparing a £26 million bid for Vasco da Gama star Rayan, indicating they are scouring the world for talent to enhance their bid for Champions League qualification.

Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa are among his lengthy list of admirers, though Tottenham’s project is as enticing as ever for potential new recruits.

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Truthfully, the sky is the limit for Frank if his side continue this excellent run of form, with Spurs averaging close to 2 points per game since the Dane took over from Ange Postecoglou.

Matches

11

Wins

5

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

Nevertheless, there is a long way to go, and help may be required to ensure the North Londoners are in pole position to capitalise, hence their interest in a favourite of the Danish coach.

Tottenham want to sign Kevin Schade

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham are monitoring Brentford attacker Kevin Schade and could look to make a play for his arrival, albeit the transfer may be more likely to occur in the summer of 2026.

Plettenberg says he is “one to watch” this season, with the winger’s contract expiring in under three years.

The Germany international has scored once in eight appearances this term, contributing to his overall total of 15 goals and five assists in 82 outings for the Bees

.

Labelled “top class” by Frank, he brought Schade to the Gtech Community Stadium from Freiburg in 2023 and his faith has been repaid, with the 23-year-old establishing himself as a force predominantly on the left flank.

This term, the Potsdam-born man has created five chances and completed three successful crosses in the Premier League, per Fotmob, shining in a Brentford side that have struggled for momentum under Keith Andrews.

Either way, he could now be set for a move across the capital, though Tottenham will need to fend off competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund for his signature.

A “tremendous” Manchester United player “will leave” the club at the end of this season, according to a new claim from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Lammens enjoying life at Man Utd

It’s fair to say that too many signings have underwhelmed at Old Trafford since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, but Senne Lammens has made an encouraging start to life at the club.

The 23-year-old has come in as United’s next starter in goal, and he impressed in the 2-0 win at home to Sunderland last weekend, not least keeping an important clean sheet. Lammens is clearly enjoying life at Old Trafford currently, and former Red Devils defender Wes Brown has heaped praise on his impact.

“I think there were a couple of positive things. First of all, and maybe the most important, was Senne Lammens, the goalkeeper. He gave a very confident display, and I think that gives encouragement to the rest of the team. We had more consistency and what I mean by that is the defence was solid, and the keeper was solid.”

While Lammens’ United career is only just getting started, it looks like one of his teammates is on the verge of moving on to pastures new.

"Tremendous" Man Utd player will "100%" leave

Speaking on his YouTube channel [via Manchester World], Tyrell Malacia will depart Manchester United next summer when his contract expires.

Next summer feels like the natural time for Malacia’s career to come to an end, even though Rio Ferdinand lauded him in the past and some impressive form.

“Malacia today was tremendous, outstanding. He reminds me of Patrice Evra in many ways. He’s athletic, he looks like a pound-for-pound strong kid. There aren’t many left-backs in European or world football in the last four or five years who have gone out of a game and kept Mohamed Salah quiet. Luke Shaw’s going to have to do something to get back in this team now.”

Sadly, it just hasn’t quite worked out for Malacia at United, though, with the 26-year-old Dutchman restricted to only 47 appearances for the Red Devils in total, despite arriving from Feyenoord three years ago, and being loaned out to PSV Eindhoven earlier this year.

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Injuries haven’t helped, in fairness, but his performances have also too often flattered to deceive, and it doesn’t make much sense to offer him a contract extension – his current deal is £75,000-a-week which works out at £3.9m per season – instead allowing him to leave on a free transfer and enjoy a new challenge.

It was yet another busy summer for Arsenal, who focused on adding quality depth to improve their squad ahead of the new season. For the last few years, the Gunners have finished second in the Premier League, twice to Manchester City and once, most recently, to Liverpool.

Another busy summer was had at the Emirates Stadium, in an effort to break the cycle of second-place finishes they find themselves in. Eight major signings were made, although Mikel Arteta’s side have not started the season well, but not flawlessly. They sit in second place on 10 points, five behind Liverpool.

However, the new signings have hit the ground running, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze two of the most impressive.

Madueke and Eze’s start to life at Arsenal

England international Madueke joined the Gunners from Chelsea back in July. He cost Arteta’s side £48.5m, and has made a strong start to life at the Emirates Stadium. Although he’s yet to register a goal involvement, the winger creates an average of 2.3 chances per game in the Premier League.

The good form on show at the start of his Arsenal career from the England international has left many people impressed. One of those is BBC Sport’s tactics correspondent Umir Irfan, who said the winger has been “sensational” for the Gunners so far.

It is not just Madueke who has shone in an Arsenal shirt already. Eze, too, has been impressive. The England international completed a dream move to North London after previously playing for the club’s academy in his youth.

In seven appearances and 470 minutes for the Gunners so far, the former Crystal Palace star has one goal and two assists. That includes a sensational pass for Gabriel Martinelli to set up a crucial equaliser against Man City last weekend.

Both Madueke and Eze have performed well for the Gunners this season and are already key parts of Arteta’s squad. There is another key player who has also performed well, and is valued even higher than the England duo.

The Arsenal star worth more than Madueke and Eze

Arsenal’s summer signings have certainly enhanced an already talented squad, which can hopefully push them over the line for the Premier League title. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are two examples of that.

Well, another man who could be considered in that same bracket is talented defender Jurrien Timber, who signed for the club from Ajax for £38m in 2023. The Dutchman, described as a “diamond” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has cemented himself as Arteta’s first-choice right-back this season.

The former Ajax star has played 90 minutes in the last three of Arsenal’s Premier League matches and in their Champions League win over Athletic Club. His 64-minute performance against Leeds United saw him score twice and assist once, too.

Despite being in his third year as a Gunner, the 24-year-old missed almost all of his first season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Last season, he also missed a few games due to fitness issues.

But Timber has fully recovered now. The defender has shown this season just how good he is, which the stats back up. For example, per 90 minutes this season, he’s averaged 5.4 tackles and interceptions and 1.5 key passes.

Minutes

72.2

433

Key passes

1.5

7

Passes completed

36.8

177

Tackles and interceptions

5.4

26

Expected goal involvements

0.35xGI

1.67

With form like that in mind, it may not come as a shock that Timber is worth even more than both Madueke and Eze, according to Football Transfers. The Dutch star is valued at £57m, which certainly reflects his excellent performances.

In comparison, Arsenal’s new attacking duo are not worth quite as much. Former Palace star Eze is closer, with Football Transfers valuing him at £53.6m. As for ex-Chelsea winger Madueke, he’s said to be worth just shy of £45m.

Given just how key Timber is to Arsenal’s side, due to his quality on the ball and tenacity without it, there might not be much surprise to learn he has such a high value, but it does show that Arteta hit the jackpot on him because his value has soared from £38m to £57m within the space of two years.

Madueke and Eze are key members of the Arsenal squad, but Timber’s quality and importance to Arteta mean he is worth even more than the attacking pair.

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Bruno Fernandes spoke highly of Manchester United's summer transfer business, while reserving special praise for Brazilian attacker Matheus Cunha, who moved to United from Wolves in the last window. Fernandes, being the leader of the pack at Old Trafford, named the unique qualities of each of United's new four signings as the club spent heavily to rebuild the squad under Ruben Amorim.

• Amorim spent heavily in the summer

  Amorim oversaw a nightmare debut campaign at Old Trafford since taking charge of the club in November 2024 as United finished 15th in the Premier League and ended the season without a trophy or a European slot. Naturally, the Portuguese coach approached the summer transfer window aggressively as he spent heavily on four new signings to strengthen the squad. 

  Amorim's focus was more on the attack as he raided Premier League rivals Brentford and Wolves to sign Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha. For the No.9 role, the Red Devils went all out for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko after Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund failed miserably in that position last season. 

  The club also got rid of underperforming Andre Onana as the Cameroonian goalkeeper left Old Trafford after just two years to join Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on loan. They replaced their first-choice keeper with the highly-rated Belgian custodian Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Bruno hails United's new signings and praises Cunha

  Speaking about the club's latest additions, United skipper Fernandes said: "No, obviously. I think at this club, every time I spoke with anyone who was talking with me, they were asking we need to sign good players and everything else. We need to sign big characters, not good players because at this club, being good players sometimes is not enough because of the pressure, because of the attention we get and everything. I think we brought in players that are very aware of the dimension of the club. You spoke about Cunha. Cunha has that good arrogance to do the good things and the right things, so that's something good. Bryan, also the same. He's not afraid to take the ball, to do his play, to do his things. We brought two players who were aware of the Premier League, also.

  "And then we brought a very young goalkeeper and a centre-forward, they hit the ground flying (running). Obviously, we know Ben will be judged by scoring goals or not. But a part of that, he's been doing great, whatever he's being asked to do. He's got his goals already, and I think now it's going to come more and more because he's more than capable of scoring goals. Senne came probably with the intention of being the number one. He had to wait for his moment. The moment came and he was ready for that. So this is what this club is about. You come, the moment will be there straightaway and you have to take it."

• 'Sometimes I get upset with him in training'

  Fernandes added: "I think these four players were very good in taking that opportunity of ‘I want to be the one that is playing every week’. When we speak about Cunha, the thing of having the arrogance to say ‘give me the ball, I want to play, I want to make things’. With time, sometimes it won't be good for people because I've been through that. He always wants the ball, he's always doing this, he's always doing that. But for us, on the inside, we want this Cunha. We want you to take the risks, to shoot, to take people on, to create. 

  "Bryan, the same. ‘Bryan, just get your shots on’. Sometimes I get upset with him in training because he's like, one touch more, one touch more and everything. I say, ‘Bryan, you don't need that. You can one touch and shoot because you're more than able to do that. You did that against us when you were at Brentford! You just have to make it for us now. The shirts have changed, but you're the same player so we need that from you. Ben is very eager to learn and that's very good from someone that has done very well in the Bundesliga and everything, came with the biggest, probably like the price tag and everything. But in his mind, he's like, I want to learn, I want to become better. Then on the weekends, he transforms himself into a different person on the pitch. He's someone that is like, ‘I know what I have to do. I want to score goals. I'm going to get into the box, I'm going to get into duels. I'm going to win my headers’. And that's very important for us."

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  Man Utd eyeing major milestone

  The Red Devils are on a roll after beating Sunderland and reigning champions Liverpool in back-to-back Premier League matches, a feat that was never achieved in the Amorim era until this October. The English giants are now aiming to build on this success and pick up a third consecutive victory when they face Brighton at home on Saturday, a feat the club has not accomplished in 49 games. That winning run came during games in February 2024, when they beat Wolves, West Ham, and Aston Villa, which was part of a larger winning streak under former manager Erik ten Hag.

أعلن الألماني هانز فليك، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، قائمة فريقه لمواجهة كلوب بروج البلجيكي، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويحل برشلونة ضيفًا ثقيلًا على كلوب بروج غدًا الأربعاء، وذلك ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة من مرحلة الدوري في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويسعى الفريق الكتالوني إلى تحقيق الانتصار على كلوب بروج، بعد التراجع الذي شهده الفريق الكتالوني على مدار الأسابيع الماضية.

ويتواجد برشلونة في المركز الثاني في ترتيب الدوري الإسباني خلف ريال مدريد المتصدر بفارق خمس نقاط كاملة، أما في دوري أبطال أوروبا فقد حقق رجال فليك فوزين من أصل 3 مباريات خلال المسابقة حتى الآن.

اقرأ أيضًا | موقف خوان جارسيا من مباراة برشلونة وكلوب بروج.. وانتكاسة جديدة

وعاد الدولي البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، مهاجم البلوجرانا إلى قائمة الفريق لأول مرة في مسابقة دوري أبطال أوروبا بعد العودة من الإصابة التي تعرض لها في الركبة.

كما شهدت أيضًا عودة داني أولمو بعد الإصابة واستمر غياب جافي، بيدري، خوان جارسيا، كريستنسن وتير شتيجن. قائمة برشلونة لمباراة كلوب بروج في دوري أبطال أوروبا

✈️ Bruges, here we come! pic.twitter.com/waRj0dAsCP — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 4, 2025

Over the years, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side have not been short of superstars. Whether they are homegrown players, like Phil Foden, or brought in from other clubs, both in the Premier League and abroad, the Spaniard has certainly coached some big names.

Foden is certainly one of the players who could fit into that category, and fellow England international Raheem Sterling became one of the best players in the league under Guardiola. Of course, you have the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri who joined from clubs across Europe, and helped bring success to East Manchester.

One of the latest players who falls into this category is certainly Erling Haaland.

Erling Haaland's current market value

The start that Haaland has made to the 2025/26 campaign has been astronomical. There has only been one game in the top flight in which he has not scored. He has completely dominated the Premier League this season.

Let’s look at that from a numerical point of view. The Norwegian forward has played nine games for City across all competitions, and already has 12 goals.

He’s found the back of the net nine times in seven Premier League appearances, with the other three coming in two Champions League games.

The City number nine has carried his imperious form over to the international arena, too. He’s scored nine goals for Norway this season, including back-to-back hat-tricks and five goals in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

Guardiola says Haaland’s form is “better than ever” this season, and it is easy to see why. His unstoppable run is also reflected in his current market value, with CIES Football Observatory deeming him to be worth as much as £208m.

However, the 25-year-old is not the only player in the Citizens squad who looks like a £100m talent in the making, reinforcing the fact that Guardiola’s side is still filled with superstars.

Man City star is looking like a £100m player

Haaland is, without doubt, City’s most important player this season. He’s scored nine of their 15 Premier League goals so far, so they would certainly be a lot lower in the table without him leading the line.

At the other end of the pitch, summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma has made some extremely important contributions.

The Italian goalkeeper joined from Paris Saint-Germain at the back end of the window and has been crucial for Guardiola.

The shot-stopper, who lifted the Champions League with the Parisian side last season, has slotted seamlessly into his new club. Having played six games across all competitions, he’s kept three clean sheets and conceded just four goals.

Saves such as this one from Bryan Mbeumo’s effort show why he will be so important for City. Making his debut in a Manchester derby, the Italian was able to tip wide the Manchester United winger’s strike, which seemed destined for the bottom left corner.

His singing has been a big coup for City. Donnarumma’s consistency for PSG was clear to see with some of his numbers.

He regularly had a save rate in the 70s, with his highest coming in 2023/24, where it stood at 79.1%. In a City shirt, it’s currently at 66.7%.

2021/22 (PSG)

2.9

75.3%

2022/23 (PSG)

3.3

75.2%

2023/24 (PSG)

3.5

79.1%

2024/25 (PSG)

2.3

70.2%

2025/26 (Man City)

1.3

66.7%

One City page over on X, City Chief, said the Citizens have “got a £100m goalkeeper for £25m,” and it certainly feels that way based on Donnarumma’s start to the season.

He has been imperious between the posts for his new side, with his size, reflexes and the way he commands his box making it hard to score past him.

Football scout Antonio Mango once said the former AC Milan star was a “generational” talent. Well, all the evidence this season certainly makes it clear why that is the case. Just like Haaland, Donnarumma has been key to Guardiola in the early parts of the season.

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