Manchester United could be set to receive a huge sum of money from any transfer Mason Greenwood makes away from Marseille.
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Adil Rashid spins a web to restrict Pakistan before ODI champions England take T20 crown too
Matt Roller13-Nov-20223:33
Fleming: Pakistan made ‘massive mistake’ in last four overs
England became the first team to hold both men’s World Cups simultaneously, sneaking past Pakistan in a tense run chase to win the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup final at the MCG by five wickets with an over to spare.Ben Stokes, England’s match-winner in the 50-over final three years ago, anchored another run chase and ground out his first half-century in T20 internationals in the format’s biggest game. He had battled to 24 off 34 balls, but a late flurry of boundaries removed the scoring pressure.The game changed in the 13th over of England’s chase when Shaheen Shah Afridi slid forwards to complete a catch off Shadab Khan, dismissing Harry Brook. Pakistan’s celebrations were cut short when they realised that Shaheen had jarred his right knee, which had once threatened to rule him out of the tournament.He received some treatment and attempted to return for his third over with 41 needed off 30 balls, but pulled out of his run-up once, then sent one down to Moeen Ali at 71mph/114kph. Iftikhar Ahmed completed his over and Stokes targeted him: he miscued him just short of long-off, but then slapped him through cover for four and launched him back over his head for six.When Moeen started the next over with back-to-back boundaries off Mohammad Wasim, the required rate was below a run a ball. Wasim returned to york Moeen, but Stokes crashed him through cover then hauled him through the leg side to secure England’s title.Sam Curran was adjudged player of the match as well as tournament•AFP/Getty ImagesCurran strikes early – and late
England primarily used Sam Curran at the death throughout this T20 World Cup but his role shifted slightly in the knockout stages. Chris Jordan’s inclusion, replacing the injured Mark Wood for the last two games, meant Curran bowled a second powerplay over in both the semi-final and final.It proved crucial. Pakistan started slowly after being asked to bat first on a slow pitch, with Mohammad Rizwan’s slog-swept six off Chris Woakes their only boundary in the first four overs, and Curran – in his second over – struck as Rizwan looked to up the tempo, inside-edging a booming cover drive onto the base of his leg stump.Curran returned at the death and had both Shan Masood and Mohammad Nawaz caught by Liam Livingstone at deep midwicket, using the MCG’s vast square boundaries to his advantage. He finished with remarkable figures of 3 for 12 across four boundary-less overs, winning awards as both player of the match and the tournament.Liam Livingstone completes a catch to send Shan Masood back, his first of three in the death overs•Getty ImagesRashid finds his form
It was a World Cup of two halves for Adil Rashid: he took combined figures of 0 for 89 in 12 overs across his first three appearances, but England insisted they were confident that he would come good when it mattered. He delivered in style, taking 1 for 16 and 1 for 20 against Sri Lanka and India, then made two crucial breakthroughs in the final.Mohammad Haris, Pakistan’s dangerous No. 3, ran down the pitch and tried to clear long-on off Rashid’s first ball but holed out to Stokes, and neither Babar Azam or Shan Masood could get him away. Instead, Masood took on Livingstone, crashing him back down the ground for four and then six to take 16 off his only over.But Rashid struck with the very next ball, Babar miscuing his googly back to him, and then delivered a wicket maiden as Iftikhar struggled to read his variations. He conceded his only boundary in his final over when Shadab slapped him back over his head during a stand of 36 with Masood – but regular wickets at the death restricted Pakistan to 137.Chaos in the chase
Heading into the final, one key battle stood out: England’s opening batters against Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers. Jos Buttler and Alex Hales had demolished India in their semi-final but Shaheen, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf stood out as the best pace trio in the tournament.Alex Hales was castled by a Shaheen Shah Afridi inswinger•ICC via Getty ImagesShaheen landed the first punch, ripping Hales’ middle stump out of the ground with a full ball that brushed his back pad on the way through, but Buttler countered: Naseem overpitched, desperate for another early wicket, and was pinged through the covers for consecutive boundaries.Phil Salt, batting for the first time in the tournament after Dawid Malan failed to recover from a groin strain, got two early boundaries away. But he picked out short midwicket off Rauf when looking for a third, who roared in celebration.Naseem’s second over was sublime, but somehow cost 11 runs despite him beating Buttler’s outside edge five times thanks to one wild ball down the leg side and an audacious, trademark scoop shot which flew away for six. Rauf reaped the rewards in the following over as Buttler edged behind, and England finished a chaotic powerplay 49 for 3.The Stokes show
With the required rate in check, Stokes and Brook opted to dig in for the next six overs, looking to minimise dot balls without taking undue risks. Both struggled for timing as the ball got older, and boundaries were hard to come by: Stokes scored a single run off his first nine balls after the drinks break, and was repeatedly beaten by Naseem in another brilliant over.Concerned faces all around as Shaheen Afridi stays down after pulling off a sharp catch•AFP/Getty ImagesStokes looked to have dug himself into a hole with 45 required off 31 balls, but cut the final ball of Rauf’s third over away for four to relieve some of the pressure and when Shaheen gestured to the dug-out that his night was over, he sensed an opportunity. He threw his head back in disbelief when he mistimed his first ball from Iftikhar, the part-time offspinner, towards Babar at long-off but it fell short, and he pummelled his final two balls to the boundary.With scores level after he had brought up his maiden T20I fifty with a slap through the off side, Stokes swung and missed at Wasim and then muscled him away for the winning run. As England’s bench ran onto the pitch in celebration, they did so with their legacy as one of the great limited-overs teams secured.
da bwin： Ruben Amorim predicted that his side would have to “suffer” in the early phase of his Manchester United tenure, but not even the Portuguese tactician could have foreseen quite how much suffering there would be…
da luck： The former Sporting CP boss had enjoyed a 34-game unbeaten run in the league prior to the defeat to Arsenal earlier this month. Now he’s already chalked up four Premier League losses in just over a month in charge. That’s what United can do.
Not that the young coach is faultless, yet after the collective woes endured under his predecessor Erik ten Hag, much of the blame must fall the way of this group of players. In the words of ‘Orange Juice’, perhaps it’s time to ‘rip it up and start again…’
A total squad overhaul may appear hasty, with Amorim still needing time to get his ideas across, yet for too long this misfiring crop have underwhelmed, as was the case again in Thursday’s grim 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Devoid of ideas in attack, outfought and outrun in midfield, and feeble in defence, this is a team that deserves to be languishing in 14th in the Premier League table.
Man Utd's worst performers vs Wolves
Where to begin?
Well, an obvious place to start would be that man Bruno Fernandes, with the United skipper foolishly picking up a second yellow card just after the break, following a needless, late challenge on compatriot Nelson Semedo.
For the third time this season, the Portuguese playmaker has seen red, and while he may have had justifiable complaints regarding his dismissals against Tottenham Hotspur and Porto earlier in the campaign, there was no excuse this time around.
The 30-year-old’s overall performance in that number ten berth – which saw him win just three of his 12 ground duels, as per Sofascore – was in stark contrast to Wolves’ main man, Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian grabbing a goal and an assist, while winning 13 ground duels in what was a real all-round performance.
Cunha’s dynamism and work ethic was also in stark contrast to young Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the park, with the 19-year-old midfielder – who scored that last-gasp winner at Molineux back in February – rightly hooked on the hour mark after squandering the ball 11 times from just 37 touches.
Injury and managerial upheaval has no doubt impacted the Englishman this season, after the highs of earning a place at Euro 2024 last season, yet time should be afforded him to get back to his brilliant best.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Time, however, is not something that should be gifted to one of his floundering teammates, with supporters no doubt having seen enough of a certain Andre Onana.
Why Andre Onana needs to be replaced
It must be said that it wasn’t too long ago that the Cameroonian looked like United’s “best player this season” – as per journalist Steven Railston – having produced numerous key moments in the early knockings of 2024/25, including his double save away at Crystal Palace.
With that in mind, it may then be hasty to say that the former Ajax man should now be ditched, although recent weeks have laid bare just why he is not up to scratch. At a time when United – and new boss Amorim – are in need of calm, Onana merely provides chaos.
The 28-year-old is not alone in that, of course, yet Amorim’s early reign has already been littered with goalkeeping mistakes. Against Nottingham Forest, Onana somehow failed to keep out Morgan Gibbs-White’s long range effort, having also been unable to deal with Chris Wood’s looping header.
That was followed by another comical error when attempting to play out from the back against Viktoria Plzen, while the Red Devils’ first-choice stopper was also culpable at Molineux, having allowed Cunha to remarkably net directly from a corner.
With Altay Bayindir having suffered similar against Spurs last week, perhaps this latest blunder is a result of a tactical issue, yet the manner in which Onana watched as the ball sailed over him was meek indeed. It’s no surprise that journalist Samuel Luckhurst branded him a “pushover”.
The £120k-per-week stopper – who received a 3/10 match rating from Luckhurst – looks far more like the player who wilted during United’s Champions League group stage debacle last season, in which he made at least two errors leading directly to a goal.
How Onana compares to Premier League GK’s (24/25)
Stat
Rank
Goals against
Top 29%
Corner kick goals against
Bottom 6%
Save percentage
Top 48%
Clean sheet percentage
Top 19%
Touches
Top 10%
Crosses stopped %
Top 44%
Defensive actions outside penalty area
Bottom 10%
Average distance of defensive actions
Bottom 17%
Stats via FBref
To have been at the centre of so many mistakes after joining in the summer of 2023 is frankly not a good look, with it no surprise that Amorim has reportedly already seen enough, amid claims that the new boss wants to replace Onana in January.
Selling the £47.5m man in the winter window may appear an unlikely and bold move, yet on the evidence of recent form – which has seen United suffer three straight defeats – no one in the squad is safe.
The Old Trafford side have accepted less for far too long. No more.
Dream 1st Amorim signing: Man Utd can axe Zirkzee for the next Ibrahimovic
Ruben Amorim could land his next Viktor Gyokeres by making a marquee swoop in 2025
ByRobbie Walls Dec 26, 2024
Former Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard endured a mixed day with FC Seoul as he scored a penalty and missed one.
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Seoul won 3-2 against DaeguLingard scored penalty before half-timeMissed one in the second half Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Lingard played for Seoul on Saturday as they faced Daegu in the K-League. Lingard opened the scoring from the penalty spot before half-time, but missed a second spot-kick after the break. Seoul were still able to win all three points, however, as they scored twice in injury time.
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Seoul were 2-1 down in the 80th minute as Daegu mounted a comeback, but injury time goals from Jeong Seung-won and Moon Seon-min spared Lingard's blushes. The ex-England man has played in all six K-League games this season, scoring twice.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Seoul play Ulsan next weekend. Lingard and his team-mates are currently third, two points behind early pace-setters Daejeon Hana.
Trent Boult has shown, without doubt, that there are other ways of silencing batsmen than launching streams of invective towards them
Danyal Rasool06-Jul-2015When Mitchell Johnson fell so far down the pecking order that even James Pattinson was selected ahead of him, he stepped away to change a few things. He began to get fiercer and meaner. He bowled as many bouncers as he was possibly allowed to, and then a few more. He followed through far down the batsman’s end. He grew a handlebar moustache.And he blew England away. Jonathan Trott was gone after the first Test of the 2013-14 Ashes series. Graeme Swann went into retirement two Tests later. Kevin Pietersen was made to walk the plank by the end of the series. England lost players almost as rapidly as they lost Tests. It was Mitchell Johnson’s whitewash – Man of the Series by a distance. The terrifying fast bowler was back on top of the world after a few years of, ahem, bowling to the left and right.Meanwhile, Trent Boult was playing the guitar to Engelbert Humperdinck’s music for a roomful of school kids in Rotorua, a small city on New Zealand’s North Island. (Take a peek on YouTube; the clip is endearingly sweet.) He was listening to the Eagles and attending Mark Knopfler concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. There is a rumour going, which he recently confirmed in an interview with the , that he decided to play rugby instead of football one season. One look at the rugby boys warming up, however, saw Boult pack up his rugby gear and wander right back to the football field.If he hadn’t been such a central figure in New Zealand’s cricketing exploits recently, nothing said here would tell you that Boult, like Johnson, is also a fast bowler. A better one, in fact, than the bellicose Australian, if one goes by the ICC Test rankings [third and fifth respectively]. This is because being surly and intimidating is deemed to be as necessary to fast-bowling success as the ability to whiz a bouncer past a batsman’s nostrils. Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thompson or Shoaib Akhtar wouldn’t be caught dead attending soft rock concerts, let alone being proficient at playing poignant songs on a guitar. (Brett Lee is an exception here, of course.)Boult is demonstrating, probably unintentionally, the superfluity of the antics that build up that churlish image. If you think he’s soft, try fending him off for a spell with the new ball, in either form of cricket. He can find movement in a ball otherwise as reluctant to swing as Paul Collingwood with a Test match to save. His bouncers won’t be complemented by an exaggerated follow-through. His wickets won’t be celebrated with eye-popping, vein-busting rage, à la Dale Steyn. The only time he might invade your personal space would be to shake your hand on an innings well played. This is a fast bowler, the third best in the world. It bears repeating.Originally considered a specialist exponent of red-ball cricket, Boult has swiftly risen to become New Zealand’s leading ODI bowler, armed with an innocuous smile that belies his hunger and ambition. He bowled twice as many maidens as the second-most prolific in that department at the recently concluded World Cup, a run-fest by any standards. Yet, he did not concede a single run in a staggering 14 of the 75 overs he bowled. This means more than 18% of his overs were maidens. Excellent as it would have been a few decades ago, this is simply superhuman in this era. For me, it is by far the most impressive statistic of the World Cup, better even than AB de Villiers’ superlative 162 off 66 balls against the West Indies. De Villiers was swimming with the current, albeit much faster than his contemporaries; Boult was thrashing against it in a tsunami going the other way. He has shown, without doubt, that there are other ways of silencing batsmen than launching streams of invective towards them, or threatening them with a ‘broken fu**en arm’.Last year, Shane Warne, not immune to courting controversy, or cheap publicity for that matter, called Mitchell Starc “soft”, saying he needed to be a bit “harder”. Boult would make Starc look like an All Black, but there is a wider point here. Starc is now the best ODI bowler in the world, in spite of, and not because of that unfair criticism.Who can imagine what Boult would be like, or what profession he would have, if he had been born in Australia? If he wasn’t playing cricket, it would have been Australia’s loss. The reason we don’t get too many likeable fast bowlers is they often get the likeability knocked out of them at a young age. There are surely thousands of fast bowlers around the world that we do not see, forever to remain anonymous, because they were forced to cultivate an image they were not comfortable projecting, and which was in any case outrageously irrelevant to their talent. This pseudo-macho fast bowling culture is worthy of paying very close attention to. Boult’s success may well nurture many more smiling assassins around the world. They, like Boult, might not spit and snarl, but the new ball in their hand certainly does.If you have a submission for Inbox, send it to us here, with “Inbox” in the subject line.
While allrounder Cameron Green is on the cusp of a major IPL deal, he’s been left with a “weird” feeling after playing a minimal role in Australia’s strong start to the home Test summer.Green, 23, has attracted enormous interest ahead of the upcoming IPL player auction, but his obvious talents with bat and ball haven’t been greatly required of late.With Australia’s top-order rampant against West Indies, No. 6 Green barely had a chance to spend time in the middle. He didn’t bat in the Perth Test – his first at home – then only made 9 and 5 in Adelaide when declarations were in the air.Related
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On a bowler-dominated Gabba surface, Green played fluently in the first innings for a run-a-ball 18 to briefly curb South Africa’s quicks then faced just three deliveries as Australia staggered over the line in the chase.He has also bowled just 32 overs across the three Tests, including three during the Gabba match. Green didn’t play in the Sheffield Shield ahead of the Tests after being a late inclusion into Australia’s T20 World Cup squad.”It’s definitely been a weird start to the summer for myself not having to do too much,” Green told reporters. “Being an allrounder you’re the guy to help out when the team needs. At the moment it feels like I’m not really needed.”It’s probably a sign of how well the team is playing. We’ve been winning games of cricket and that’s what you want.”Cameron Green leaps in the gully to catch Sarel Erwee•Getty Images
Green, however, remains confident he can have an impact if required in the pivotal Boxing Day Test against South Africa.”All you can look at is how you are training and I feel in a pretty good space,” he said. “I’m hitting the ball well. If you can’t get much game time that’s the only way you can tell how you are going. I feel pretty good in the nets.”He hasn’t been entirely a spectator with Green’s fielding in the gully a particular highlight in Brisbane, where he claimed several sharp catches and five overall.The towering Green is perhaps an unusual presence behind the wicket but his agility and safe pair of hands have made him especially reliable.”I was always in the slips, [gully is] pretty similar,” he said. “The only change is in the gully you’re watching the batter instead of the ball.”Even though he didn’t spend much time batting on the much debated Gabba surface, which was deemed “below average” by match referee Richie Richardson, Green fronted a vicious short bouncer from tearaway Anrich Nortje which sailed over his head to the boundary for byes to end the match.”He [Nortje] has shown what he can bring to the team…that raw pace,” Green said. “You don’t get to face it too much, facing 150 [kph]. I think most of the batters are happy they got to face that. If we can withstand that, and we know we can, it gives us a little insight into how to face him at the MCG.”After enjoying an unexpected few days off, Australia can clinch the series with victory in the traditional Boxing Day Test – the first between the countries since 2008.”Three days to recharge is pretty invaluable. A lot of the guys were lucky enough to go home…been on the road for a long time. ” Green said. “Very special [the Boxing Day Test]. The national anthem always gets to you, it’s loud out there. We’ve had some special games there.”
Tottenham Hotspur are now racing to sign a “superstar” £100m striker during the January transfer window, according to a report.
Spurs keen to strengthen in January
One of Ange Postecoglou’s main priorities this month is likely to be signing a new defender, given that the ongoing injury crisis at N17 has left him with just one available senior centre-back, namely Radu Dragusin.
However, there are signs that Tottenham may also be keen on strengthening their strike force, with Randal Kolo Muani becoming the latest player to be linked with a move to north London, where he would compete with Dominic Solanke for a starting spot.
Spurs also opened talks with Lille striker Jonathan David last month, highlighting their desire to bring in a new forward at some point in the near future, and they may have just been handed a perfect opportunity to bring in an up-and-coming striker.
Postecoglou personally driving Tottenham move for "magical" Celtic forward
A new striker could be on the way to N17 this month…
1 ByDominic Lund Jan 1, 2025
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Brighton & Hove Albion have given the green light for Evan Ferguson to leave the club this month, potentially opening the door for a move to north London, with Spurs ‘racing’ to sign him.
Tottenham are keen on strengthening in a number of areas this month, with the striker being named as one of them, given that Richarlison has underperformed when given the opportunity.
Ferguson could become a key target for Spurs as the January transfer window progresses, with Brighton making him available on loan. Tottenham are ‘eager’ to agree a loan deal, although they want to include an option or obligation to buy in the summer.
The striker, who was previously valued at £100m by the Seagulls, is attracting the interest of a number of Premier League sides, with Chelsea also named as potential suitors, so there may be stiff competition for his signature this month.
Evan Ferguson could be a shrewd signing Spurs
The Irishman has not had much of a look in at Brighton this season, with the report revealing that it is likely he will leave his current club this month, at the very least on a loan deal.
However, there are signs he could go on to achieve great things, having been lauded after scoring a well-taken goal in the FA Cup just under two years ago:
Still only 20-years-old, the youngster could be the type of talismanic striker Tottenham need if he is given a consistent run in the team, having already proven he has a keen eye for goal in the Premier League, scoring six goals in each of his last two seasons.
However, Spurs should look to sign Ferguson on a permanent deal rather than a loan, as there is little point in helping Brighton develop a young player just for him to be sent back.
Despite sitting top of the Premier League and Champions League, Liverpool are now reportedly keeping tabs on a left-back who could ruthlessly replace the struggling Andrew Robertson.
No matter who stands in front of them on current form, Arne Slot’s Liverpool side seem to cruise to three points. Their recent run of games was billed as the ultimate test as to whether the Reds are pretenders or, indeed, contenders under their new manager.
Nine wins and one draw later, including convincing victories over a Bayer Leverkusen side who were untouchable last season and most recently European champions Real Madrid, the conclusion is undoubtedly that there is nothing false about Liverpool’s latest dawn.
It’s difficult to find criticism in a side who are enjoying such form, but one glaring weakness has remained in recent weeks and that has been Robertson’s struggle to reach his best under Slot.
The Scot was at least spared by Caoimhin Kelleher last night, with his goalkeeper sensational denying Kylian Mbappe from the spot after his left-back’s disappointing foul, but that’s now two penalties in two games. If the Reds want to rise to the top once more then replacing Robertson could be on their to-do list.
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He would form quite the partnership with Ryan Gravenberch…
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With that said, according to GiveMeSport, Liverpool are keeping tabs on PSV’s Matteo Dams as they look to find the heir to Robertson’s current role. Just 20 years old, the PSV Eindhoven left-back has also reportedly attracted the interest of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, giving Liverpool a potential race to win should they push on for his signature.
Given recent links to Milos Kerkez, Antonee Robinson and now Dams, it certainly seems as though Robertson’s starting place at Anfield is nearing its end after what has been an excellent spell.
Of course, no matter where Robertson’s Liverpool career goes from here, he remains an undeniable Anfield legend and arguably one of the best left-backs in Premier League history. But all good things must come to an end and the Scotland captain has looked dangerously past his best throughout the current campaign, handing Slot a problem that he must ruthlessly solve.
Replacing the 30-year-old with a player 10 years his junior could be the way forward too. Dams is a rising star and someone that Slot can mould into his ideal left-back as he looks to turn an excellent start into a historic era at Anfield. Described as a player with “great qualities” and “lightning fast” by PSV manager Peter Bosz at the start of the season, there’s no doubt that Dams is one to watch.
With Manchester City and the chance to go 11 points clear awaiting them this Sunday, Liverpool will be desperately hoping that their left-back problem doesn’t rear its head once more. When 2025 arrives, whether it’s with Dams, Robinson or Kerkez, the Reds may replace Robertson.
Arsenal chiefs are eyeing a winter window move for one very highly-rated Barcelona star, as manager Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his ranks and give his side the best possible chance of winning an elusive Premier League title.
Arsenal host Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup quarter-final
There is seemingly no rest for the Gunners heading into the Christmas period, with Arsenal set to take on London rivals Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium this evening in a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash.
Arsenal preparing to bid for £60m forward who Guardiola wants at Man City
Arteta could go head-to-head with his former coaching partner.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 17, 2024
Arsenal couldn’t past Everton last weekend, despite dominating the overall play and creating chances, and were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw in what was viewed as a disappointing result for Arteta in the title race.
Their stalemate against the Toffees extended Arsenal’s run to three league games without a single goal from open play, which could be seen as a real worry, as the home side yet again struggled to break past a side deploying the low-block.
Crystal Palace (away)
December 21
Ipswich Town (home)
December 27
Brentford (away)
January 1
Brighton (away)
January 4
Tottenham (home)
January 15
Arsenal’s approach play cannot be faulted, but there is seemingly an ongoing issue with making it count on a consistent basis.
“The frustrating part is that, watching it back, all the incredible things the team does and still not get rewarded for the three points,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s struggle to bury chances.
“Looking back at other games in the league and our margins were ten times bigger than many other teams that have won that day, but this is football. At the end of the day what we have to do is put the ball in the back of the net, and then we don’t have that issue. What the team is producing and the way the team dominates the game, there is very little to say.”
Domestically, Arteta has been quite reliant on set-piece goals since the start of December, but his side did put Ligue 1 title contenders Monaco to the sword with a 3-0 win over them in the Champions League.
Arsenal express "formal" January interest in signing Raphinha
The January transfer window is looming, and it could pose a solution to Arsenal’s struggles with being more ruthless when it comes to converting opportunities.
According to reports, Arsenal are considering the prospect of signing a fresh attacking option next month, and Barcelona forward Raphinha is being linked with a move to north London.
A Spanish media source claims that Arsenal have expressed a “formal” January interest in signing Raphinha, amid the Brazilian’s exceptional season at the Camp Nou.
The 28-year-old has bagged an incredible 17 goals and 10 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions so far, including six in six Champions League games, so it will be pretty difficult for Arsenal to prise him away from the Camp Nou mid-season – given his importance to Hansi Flick’s cause.
However, they apparently have it in mind, with the £198,000-per-week ex-Leeds United star on their transfer shortlist. Raphinha’s deal expires in 2027, and it is believed the La Liga title contenders won’t let him go for less than £67 million, perhaps even more.
With the World Cup just more than 400 days away, GOAL looks at how the U.S. squad might look next summer
The World Cup is inching closer and closer but, after a disappointing performance in the last week's CONCACAF Nations League, the U.S. men's national team has never felt further away. Some of the team's very real issues were exposed during this most recent window, and there are just about 14 months remaining for Mauricio Pochettino and his staff to find the solutions.
That's all on top of the challenges that were expected to come over the next year or so. Just a few months into his role, Pocehttino is still learning about his group, and Nations League losses to Panama and Canada will be the harshest lessons yet.
There are still key players he hasn't seen in his brief tenure, including several that could end up starting for the USMNT in the sumer of 2026. Those include Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun, both of whom have had long-term injury absences.
Of course, some of this roster picks itself. Christian Pulisic isn't going anywhere. Neither is Antonee Robinson, who was a crucial injury absence during the most recent games. Tyler Adams and and Tim Weah are anchors, if healthy. Outside of a select few, though, it's wide open everywhere else heading into the home stretch of this World Cup cycle.
So who's in and who's out? What are the tough calls Pochettino will have to make? Which youngsters have a realistic shot of making the 23-man squad for 2026? GOAL takes a way-too-early look.