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After an incredible few months, Arsenal suffered their first defeat since August 31st at the hands of Aston Villa on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side went behind in the first half, and while they did pull one back in the second, they were the victims of a 95th-minute Emiliano Buendía winner.

It wasn’t a terrible performance from the Gunners, but it was also some way off their best, and one of the players who has received plenty of criticism from the fans has been Martin Odegaard.

The captain was certainly not to blame for the result, but he did look a little off the pace at times, and after his underwhelming season last year, he is under the microscope more than most.

While his place in the team is safe for now, there are three players who could replace him in the coming years, and none of them is Eberechi Eze.

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3 Ethan Nwaneri

Starting with the player who is perhaps the closest to eventually challenging Odegaard for a place in the starting lineup: Ethan Nwaneri.

The Hale End star is already a regular in the match-day squads, and while there has been some concern from fans over his lack of game time this season, it’s important to remember he is still just 18 years old.

Moreover, due to injuries, he ended up playing a far more significant role in the team last season than anyone would have predicted, and to say he impressed would be an understatement.

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

For example, the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, scored nine goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances, totalling 1378 minutes.

That works out to a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes, which helps to justify Joe Cole’s claim that “he’s the most exciting footballer in England and maybe Europe.”

Now, a lot of his game time did come out wide, in place of Bukayo Saka, but the Enfield-born gem is first and foremost an attacking midfielder, as it’s where he spent most of his time in the academy and where his combination of shooting, passing and dribbling abilities are best placed.

There is little chance of Nwaneri replacing the Norwegian this season, but in a couple of years, if he fulfils his potential, there could be a real battle for that ten position.

2 Max Dowman

After Nwaneri, the Arsenal gem who feels like they could seriously rival Odegaard in a few years, is, of course, Max Dowman.

The 15-year-old might just be the most talked-about prospect in the country this season, and based on his form in the academy and for the senior side, it’s not hard to see why.

For example, when it comes to the former, the Chelmsford-born phenom has racked up a comical tally of six goals and one assist in just four appearances across the U19S and U21S.

Then, when it comes to the first team, he has already, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, started “humiliating Premier League players.”

For example, he ran rings around Leeds United on his league debut, then became the youngest player in the club’s history to start a game in the Gunners’ League Cup clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Finally, if all that wasn’t enough for someone who hasn’t even finished his GCSEs yet, he also became the youngest player in Champions League history when he came off the bench against Slavia Prague.

Now, like with Nwaneri, Dowman is not going to be a serious rival for Odegaard this season, but at the rate he is progressing, that time could come far sooner than most are expecting.

1 Holger Quintero

Last but by no means least, the final Arsenal player who could one day be the star to displace the captain from the team is Holger Quintero.

Now, just a week or so ago, most fans would have absolutely no idea who the 16-year-old was, but now, after the Gunners signed him and his twin brother Edwin Quintero, he has become one of the most exciting youngsters on the club’s books, and for good reason.

According to Mattinson, the Ecuadorian wonderkid is a “skilful attacking midfielder with 1v1 prowess to take on players”, which sounds quite a bit like Dowman, which can’t be a bad thing.

He appears to be more than just another promising youngster, though, as respected talent scout Jacek Kulig has stuck his neck out, labelling him “one of the most exciting U17s in South America.”

He is also someone who could potentially play the probing through balls that Odegaard has started to bring into his game, with Mattinson claiming he has an “excellent weight of pass” and is a “decisive creator with a killer final ball.”

However, due to rules around foreign-born youngsters, the midfielder won’t be able to join up with his new teammates until January 2027, so he is probably the last in line to compete with Odegaard.

Ultimately, the captain’s place in the team is currently safe, as it should be, but with three of the most exciting players in the game coming up behind him, Odegaard might have to step up his game over the next few years.

Arsenal hold initial talks to sign £88m Odegaard upgrade who's "Mbappe-like"

The incredible international game-changer would be unreal for Arsenal, but could spell trouble for Martin Odegaard.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 8, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers are signing veteran righty Jose Urena to bolster their injury-plagued bullpen, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the

Urena will be available to pitch Tuesday against the New York Mets – the team that he began the season with. Urena had been pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays since May, but was designated for assignment over the weekend. He elected free agency on Monday and was quickly signed by the Dodgers, who are in desperate need of healthy bullpen arms.

Urena has posted a 5.87 ERA in seven games this season, including two starts. He has not recorded a decision, but does have one save. The 33-year-old holds a career 4.78 ERA across 10 major league seasons.

Carlo Ancelotti has issued a final warning to Neymar when it comes to 2026 World Cup selection, with the Italian tactician eager to ensure that he does not make any “mistakes” when naming his final squad. Ancelotti has yet to call upon Neymar since becoming Selecao boss, but insists that the door remains open to the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar.

• When did Neymar make his last appearance for Brazil?

  Neymar is his country’s all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals being recorded across 128 appearances. He has not, however, pulled on a famous yellow jersey since October 2023 – when suffering knee ligament damage during a World Cup qualifying clash with Uruguay.

  A long road to recovery was taken in on the back of that fitness blow, with his contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal eventually being terminated. That decision freed Neymar to head home and rejoin boyhood club Santos.

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  Is Neymar in Brazil's World Cup plans? Ancelotti explains

  More fitness issues have been endured there, preventing the 33-year-old playmaker from convincing Ancelotti of his worth and earning an international recall. Neymar was overlooked again when Brazil named their squad for a friendly date with Tunisia that will take place in Lille, France.

  Unsurprisingly, Ancelotti continues to be quizzed on whether an iconic No.10 forms part of his plans. He told reporters when discovering that the subject had followed him from South America to Europe: “I thought Neymar was just a topic in Brazil, but I see it's a global issue. Fortunately, he recovered from his injury. Now he has six months to play. The Brazilian Championship stops on December 7, then he can take a vacation, but then he'll have the Brazilian Championship again to show his quality and, obviously, his physical condition.”

  Ancelotti went on to reveal that Neymar is in his thoughts when it comes to World Cup call-ups, but has pointed out that he will not be taking any risks when it comes to piecing together a squad to compete for global glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

  He added: “Neymar is on the list of players who could be at the World Cup. Now he has six months to make the final list. We just have to observe him and other players so as not to make mistakes in the final list.”

• Best position? Ancelotti wants to see Neymar as a No.10

  Ancelotti recently said of wanting to see more of Neymar at Santos in his favoured central playmaking berth: “I know everyone wants Neymar to get back to his best physical condition. And also the CBF, the coach, the technical staff of the national team hope that Neymar can return to his best level. The truth is that today's football demands many things. Not only talent, but also physical condition, intensity… hopefully Neymar will be at his best level.

  “I think he needs to play more centrally, not as a winger, because wingers in today's football are players you need to help defensively as well. When you play a little more centrally, the defensive work is much less than when you play as a winger. And I also think that a very talented player, closer to the goal, has more opportunities to score goals. [False 9] could be his ideal position.”

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  Move in 2026? Messi reunion mooted for Neymar in MLS

  Neymar has taken in three appearances since returning from his latest injury – with his last seeing a shock victory picked up against Palmeiras that has helped to lift Santos out of the relegation zone.

  Thigh problems have been an unfortunate theme over recent months, but Neymar does have six goals and three assists to his name through 24 appearances this season. More will be required in order to earn favour with Ancelotti, with there every chance that he will be plying his trade somewhere else when 2026 is welcomed in. That is because his contract continues to run down towards free agency, with a potential reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami that would see Barcelona’s fabled ‘MSN’ strike force reformed continuing to be speculated on.

Welsh Fire 137 for 8 (Smith 26, Kohler-Cadmore 26, Tongue 3-25) beat Manchester Originals 112 (Buttler 57, Meredith 4-9) by 25 runsAussie pace bowler Riley Meredith cranked it up in front of a raucous Cardiff crowd, taking 4 for 9 as Welsh Fire defeated Manchester Originals by 25 runs.There were also three-fors for both Chris Green (3 for 19) and David Payne (3 for 14) as a brilliant fielding and bowling performance earned Fire a much deserved win.Bowling first, Originals got off to a flying start, Sonny Baker having Jonny Bairstow caught by Lewis Gregory at slip with his fifth ball.Fire reached 28 for 1 after the powerplay, 22 of the runs to Steve Smith, including a stunning six over point off Josh Tongue.Tongue soon got his revenge, seeing Smith caught behind for 26. Fire then lost Luke Wells to Scott Currie for 13, reaching 57 for 3 at the halfway point.Tongue returned to remove Abell (22) and Currie got rid of Saif Zaib (15), both caught behind by Jos Buttler, the Fire innings threatening to fizzle out at 108 for 6.Chris Green added some late impetus, striking two sixes in his nine-ball 19, as Fire closed on 137 for 8, Currie (3 for 21) and Tongue (3 for 25) the pick of the Originals’ attack.A brilliant burst of 3 for 6 from 10 balls by Riley Meredith saw the backs of Phil Salt (3), McKinney (10) and Mark Chapman (0), Salt spectacularly caught at deep backward-square by Green, as the Fire started well on top.Buttler began the counterattack, hitting Paul Walter for back-to-back boundaries, but the Fire struck a huge blow when they had Heinrich Klaasen (11) caught in the deep off Green.Buttler kept going, bringing up his fifty from 28 balls with a six off Green, but the off-spinner then struck twice, taking the key wickets of Buttler (57) and Gregory (21), both caught at deep midwicket by Abell, before Payne and Meredith cleaned up the tail.Meerkat Match Hero Chris Green said: “It was a lot of fun. The last two games here have been an amazing atmosphere. The support here in Cardiff has been fantastic and it was great to reward that support with a win here tonight.”Tommy Abell thought 130 was defendable, there was a bit of hold for the off-cutters for the seamers and a bit of hold for the spinners as well.”Riley Meredith was outstanding up front and probably should be standing here because I thought he broke the game open. The energy we had and the support we had tonight got us over the line and we go into a big game in London on Saturday.”

Barcelona director Deco has labelled discussion of coach Hansi Flick's style "irrelevant" after a chaotic 3-3 Champions League draw with Club Brugge. Despite defensive frailties, Deco insists the club "know perfectly well" where to improve and will rely on nothing other than hard work, drawing parallels to overcoming difficulties last season.

• Barcelona's defensive frailties exposed in chaotic Brugge draw

  Flick's side twice came from behind before they ultimately needed a 77th-minute own goal from Christos Tzolis to salvage a point in Belgium. The result has intensified scrutiny on Flick's high-risk, possession-based system, which has produced 12 goals but also conceded seven in four Champions League matches.

  The match at the Jan Breydel Stadium perfectly encapsulated Barcelona's current struggles. The Catalans dominated the ball, enjoying 77% possession and registering 23 shots, but were repeatedly carved open on the counter-attack.

  Club Brugge, in contrast, were ruthlessly efficient, scoring three times from just 11 total shots, with six of those hitting the target.

  Barcelona found themselves trailing after just six minutes to a Nicolo Tresoldi goal before Ferran Torres equalised. Carlos Forbs put the hosts back in front, and after Lamine Yamal's 61st-minute leveller, Forbs struck again just two minutes later to make it 3-2.

  Despite Flick previously stating he would not compromise on his aggressive style, the recurring defensive lapses have raised questions about the squad's suitability for the system.

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  Deco insists 'style discussion is irrelevant'

  Speaking to the club's media during an open training session at the Camp Nou, Deco was clear that the club's hierarchy is not panicking and is aware of the problems.

  When questioned about Flick's style and the team's defensive vulnerabilities, the sporting director shut down the debate.

  "The issue of discussing style is irrelevant," Deco said. "We already know perfectly well where we can improve and the difficulties we face.

  "Last season we also went through some difficult times and we were able to overcome them. By getting players back and regaining our form, staying united, and working hard… That's what we have to do.

  "We did it last season and we're going to do the same this season. Nothing can change things except hard work and dedication."

• La Masia's new generation yet to play at 'spectacular' Camp Nou

  Deco's comments were made as the squad trained at the still-under-renovation Camp Nou, a move designed to familiarise the team's new faces with their future home.

  The director noted the "spectacular" progress of the stadium and the squad's anticipation of a return from their temporary home at Montjuic.

  "All of us at the club who are still in Montjuic miss being here," Deco said. "It feels like it was a magnificent stadium before, and now it's even more so. There are memories, of course, but the most important thing is that we can return as soon as possible. It's different playing here; the players have the same feeling."

  He also highlighted a remarkable statistic: that eight members of the current squad, many of them homegrown, have never played an official match at Camp Nou due to the two-and-a-half-year renovation.

  "This is a sign that things have been done well, that there are homegrown players, from La Masia, and this is important and a good sign because in the last two and a half years that we've been away, we've been able to bring through important players from La Masia," he said. "That's what Barca is about; the president was looking for this project."

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  What next? Barcelona's precarious Champions League position

  The 3-3 draw in Belgium leaves Barcelona in 11th place in the new Champions League league-phase standings. With a record of two wins, one draw, and one loss, they remain in a solid position to qualify for the play-off round (spots 9-16).

  However, the result puts significant pressure on their final four league phase matches if they hope to secure a top-eight finish, which guarantees direct entry into the last 16.

  Flick and Deco will be acutely aware that conceding seven goals in four European matches is not a sustainable rate for a team with ambitions of challenging for the trophy. The immediate priority will be to find a defensive balance in La Liga before their next European test, without sacrificing the attacking principles Flick is determined to maintain.

Let’s make no mistake about it: Liverpool were outfought and outthought against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. That’s four Premier League defeats in a row for Arne Slot’s side, and the crisis has very much deepened.

Will it get worse? Here is a team so well equipped for the trials and tribulations of the campaign, having won the Premier League at a canter last year and only improving, ostensibly, across the summer transfer window.

But this has not been the case. Barring Hugo Ekitike, practically all of Liverpool’s summer additions have fallen by the wayside under Slot’s wing. However, the likes of Mohamed Salah have failed to lead by example.

Salah did score late on, a fine goal after being dropped in midweek. But it was too little too late, with so many Redman flattering to deceive.

Liverpool's worst performers vs Brentford

Salah has been among the most heavily criticised Liverpool players this season. And the rebuke has been justifiable. But the 33-year-old returned to goalscoring form and will now build on that.

However, Florian Wirtz still leaves so much to be desired in the Premier League. The £116m summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen racked up two assists on Wednesday evening against Eintracht Frankfurt, but he still looks a shadow of the world-class prospect under Xabi Alonso’s wing in Germany.

He just doesn’t look right in his playmaking berth. Mismanaged and misutilised? Certainly so. However, Wirtz has been abject in the Premier League and he squandered a glorious chance to break his duck in west London.

Milos Kerkez might be the pick of a bad bunch. Signed from Bournemouth for £45m in July, the 21-year-old has been woeful all season, unable to demonstrate any of the athletic qualities that earned him such esteem last year.

There’s another senior star who has been inexcusably bad of late, and he is threatening to become the club’s new version of Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool's new version of Jordan Henderson

For so many years, Virgil van Dijk has been an indomitable force in defence for Liverpool. But he’s the captain, and he’s on a sinking ship right now.

Questionable decision-making and bereft of confidence, the Dutchman is in danger of becoming the next Henderson, who led Liverpool to so much glory in his time but ended his time at Anfield with a whimper.

Henderson, 35, was part of the Brentford side who defeated Slot’s team on Saturday, and he showcased his leadership and experience to steer his side to a priceless win. Van Dijk was the polar opposite as he failed to manage his troops.

The Liverpool Echo gave the skipper a 5/10 match rating, but in truth, that’s almost generous. Van Dijk has not even a semblance of coherence on the left side with the struggling Milos Kerkez, and Liverpool are altogether spinning out of control, with their most experienced and unflappable defender at the epicentre.

Virgil van Dijk vs Brentford

Stats

#

Minutes played

90′

Goals conceded

3

Penalties conceded

1

Touches

95

Accurate passes

69/76 (91%)

Chances created

1

Tackles won

1/2

Recoveries

3

Interceptions

0

Clearances

14

Ground duels won

3/4

Aerial duels won

7/9

Data via Sofascore

You might say Van Dijk was unlucky to have conceded a soft, and ultimately damning, penalty on the hour mark, swinging his leg out to meet Dango Ouattara’s own and falling victim to a tight VAR call.

But then you might also point toward the longer stretch of dismal form from the esteemed Dutchman, who, aged 34, will start facing questions over whether he has lost something crucial to his game, and whether that special something is now irretrievable.

This is what happened to Henderson during those final days. Sold to Al-Ettifaq in 2023, the England international was among the biggest scapegoats as Liverpool toiled throughout 2022/23, missing out on Champions League qualification. Might history be repeating itself here?

Perhaps most concerning of all is the sense that Liverpool need to spend big money on new defenders, having just emerged from a record-breaking summer transfer window with a wealth of elite recruits and having smashed the British transfer record not once but twice.

Liverpool are being consistently outplayed in the Premier League. Slot needs to change things fast, else this calamitous situation will devolve into something far graver for the Dutch tactician.

Related Worse than Van Dijk & Konate: Liverpool must instantly drop 4/10 flop

Liverpool slumped to a fourth successive defeat in the Premier League.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 26, 2025

For so many years, the Europa League offered Rangers supporters a safe space away from their domestic trials and tribulations, but even that is no longer the case.

On Thursday night, Russell Martin suffered yet another defeat, with his side defeated 1-0 at the hands of Genk in their league phase opener.

Only 38,000 were in attendance at Ibrox, around 12,000 below capacity, as supporters voted with their feet against the manager and CEO Patrick Stewart, considering the Gers currently sit second bottom of the Scottish Premiership table, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Livingston.

In the Europa League meantime, former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu was the main character of the evening, seeing a penalty saved by Jack Butland, missing at least two guilt-edged opportunities, before eventually scoring the only goal of the night, poking home at the back post, getting on the end of Patrik Hrošovský’s ball across.

From a Rangers perspective, most of the heat will be on the under-fire manager, but many of his players simply aren’t pulling their weight, one in particular not having any discernible positive impact on the night’s proceedings.

Mohamed Diomandé's costly red card

Rangers are finding winning football matches difficult enough right now with the full complement of 11 players, let alone ten.

In the quarter of an hour before half time, referee Matej Jug took centre stage, making three key decisions that all went against the home side.

The most outcome-altering was of course the red card, with Mohamed Diomandé dismissed for a foul on Zakaria El Ouahdi.

The Ivorian did win the ball, but his foot then bounced off the top of the ball and into El Ouahdi’s calf, thereby deemed a dangerous tackle.

Mere moments before, the Ibrox faithful thought their side were going to be given a penalty, Joris Kayembe seemingly set to be penalised for a handball, but the referee instead adjudged that James Tavrnier had committed a foul, which Ally McCoist said, speaking on commentary for TNT Sports, was the “biggest cop out you’ll see all night… he’s invented a shove there to take the easy way out”.

Chalkboard

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

Even after the sending off, there was still time for Jug to award Genk a penalty in first-half injury time, following video review, but Oh’s attempt was saved by Jack Butland, eliciting the loudest cheer of the night.

Nevertheless, they were never truly able to recover from the loss of Diomandé and, even though he clearly didn’t mean to put in a dangerous challenge, he did ultimately, as McCoist put it, “cost his team”.

However, another Rangers starter offered even less on Thursday night, bringing into question why so much was paid for his services.

Rangers' anonymous attacker

Martin made just one change to his Rangers team that beat Hibs in the League Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, with Bojan Miovski, who actually scored his first goal for the club in that one, dropping to the bench, with Youssef Chermiti handed a first start for the club.

The 21-year-old joined the Light Blues for a reported fee of £8m, potentially rising to £10m, from Everton on deadline day, despite having scored zero goals in 24 appearances for the Toffees.

In fact, his most recent senior goal came for Sporting CP against Paços de Ferreira on 7 May 2023, underlining why this enormous fee raised so many eyebrows.

Well, as Chermiti seeks to change public perception of him in Glasgow, he didn’t do a very good job of it against Genk, as the table below outlines.

As the table documents, Chermiti essentially had no impact on Rangers as an attacking force on Thursday, touching the ball a mere 24 times, nine fewer than the dismissed Diomandé, as well as five less than Oliver Antman, who was introduced as a half-time substitute. That return was also less than the aforementioned Butland, who recorded 45 touches.

Of course, it isn’t easy playing the role of a lone striker, especially when your side are down to ten men, but the Portuguese youngster lost possession ten times, as well as winning only five of 15 duels, not mustering a single shot, which simply isn’t good enough.

It is obviously unfair on the youngster, but when you cost as much as Chermiti has, big things are expected.

That fee will only prove to be value for money if he fires Rangers to league titles and scores crucial goals in European competition, so the fact that it is over two years since the striker scored a goal for anybody has to be alarming.

The most galling fact is that Martin left a proven goalscorer in Miovski, one who literally scored a goal less than a week ago, in reserve, watching on like the rest of the Rangers support, wondering how on earth this team are ever going to score a goal.

Reports suggest Martin now has three games to save his job, all away from home, facing Livingston, Sturm Graz and then Falkirk on the road in the next ten days, so, if he is to remain in situ during the international break, he must ditch Chermiti and get Miovski back up front.

Not Dyche or Gerrard: Rangers should axe Martin for future "elite manager"

With Russell Martin under intense pressure as Rangers boss, the 49ers should make a future “elite manager” their top target to replace him at Ibrox.

By
Ben Gray

Sep 25, 2025

Barcelona are believed to be delighted with Marcus Rashford's progress and are considering sealing a permanent transfer for the Englishman next summer, following an impressive start to life in Catalunya. Rashford joined on an initial loan deal from Manchester United in August, with Barca bosses said to be wary that the deal seemed "too good to be true". The 27-year-old has proven his worth, particularly as he fired La Blaugrana to victory at Newcastle in the Champions League, and he may see his Barcelona story stretch beyond next summer.

• Rashford to move to Barcelona permanently?

  Reported by , Barcelona "want to take up the option" to trigger Rashford’s £30 million ($40m) permanent transfer clause from Manchester United once his loan deal expires. The clause includes a £25m ($33.4m) fixed fee plus £5m ($6.7m) in add-ons, a price Barca reportedly view as a bargain after the England international’s strong start to life in La Liga.

  Rashford has scored three goals and bagged five assists for Barcelona in ten matches so far this season, all of which have come in his last seven appearances. The United academy product was taken off at half-time on his full debut for the Catalan giants but burst into life as he scored both goals in Barca’s Champions League win at Newcastle in September.

  La Blaugrana are now considering the idea of bringing Rashford back to star alongside Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Co on a permanent basis.

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  Risk on Rashford appears to be paying off

  Barcelona’s move for Rashford was certainly not short on risk, as the 65-cap England international commands high wages and had endured a difficult final couple of years in Manchester. Accusations of attitude issues off the pitch and a lack of fight for his boyhood club were thrown the way of Rashford, who was at times harshly treated by sections of the media and fans.

  A brief loan transfer to Aston Villa in January was a taste of life away from Old Trafford, and Rashford had his heart set on a move to Barcelona this summer. The deal had its complications as Barca needed to free up space on the wage bill due to their stretched financial situation, meaning there will have been pressure on Rashford to deliver and prove their investment right. After a shaky start, he is certainly beginning to do so, leaving the club "ecstatic".

  Barcelona were wary of United’s reasons for wanting to let Rashford go, fearing there must be "something wrong" for a player of his quality to be on the transfer list. But as has often been the case with ex-United rejects such as Rasmus Hojlund and Antony, it might just be the Red Devils which are the problem as criticised stars continue to thrive elsewhere.

• Barcelona's concerns over loan move – "too good to be true"

  "Barcelona had an issue with signing Marcus initially, which was the club’s financial situation. But they also thought United were playing a game because they were willing to let him go," a source told .

  "They thought it was too good to be true – there must be something wrong with him. His brother Dwaine persuaded them there was nothing wrong – and that he wasn’t going to mess them about. Barca are now really shocked that they could sign him for what they see as a bargain."

  It has been revealed that Barca manager Hansi Flick urged the club’s sporting director Deco to sign Rashford last summer.

  "I told Deco in the summer, ‘Bring me Rashford, bring me Rashford, please’. We needed a player like him," said Flick.

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  2026 could be a huge year for Rashford

  Rashford’s Barcelona career is still in its infancy, and he must continue to impress if he is to secure a permanent move next year. This campaign could prove a huge one for the Englishman’s career. Not only is there the World Cup on the horizon next summer, Rashford has never won a league title in his career and will hope to do so with Barca, in addition to challenging in the latter stages of the Champions League. Should things go to plan, he could get his hands on the biggest silverware of his career so far.

  Then there is the small matter of the World Cup, for which Rashford will hope to be on the plane under Thomas Tuchel. Rashford came on as a substitute during England’s friendly victory over Wales on Thursday and will hope to start against Latvia next up.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo segue neste sábado (22) sua caça à liderança do Campeonato Brasileiro. Em jogo com promessa de casa cheia, a equipe comandada por Jorge Sampaoli encara o América-MG, às 16h, no Maracanã, pela 16ª rodada da competição.

RelacionadasFora de CampoDeclaração de Dorival divide opiniões de tricolores e faz torcedores do Flamengo se derreterem: ‘Mais ídolo que Jorge Jesus’Fora de Campo21/07/2023Fora de CampoJogadores do Flamengo se reencontram com ex-companheiros de clube para celebração do dia do amigoFora de Campo21/07/2023Fora de CampoRenato Gaúcho, ao ‘Fala, Jogadô’: ‘Peguei o Flamengo no fogo cruzado’Fora de Campo21/07/2023

Os rubro-negros têm 27 pontos, 12 a menos que o Botafogo. Enquanto isso, o Coelho amarga a lanterna com nove pontos.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Mengão!

+ Confira a classificação atualizada do Campeonato Brasileiro

O técnico Jorge Sampaoli, mais uma vez, lidará com variações ao montar a equipe. Os atacantes Pedro e Bruno Henrique foram liberados e ficarão à disposição para reforçar o elenco. Fabrício Bruno e David Luiz treinaram bem e não se queixaram mais das dores que sentiram após o Fla-Flu.

Em compensação, o Rubro-Negro terá novas baixas. Thiago Maia cumpre suspensão pelo terceiro cartão amarelo. Luiz Araújo também cumpre suspensão pela expulsão na partida contra o Fluminense. Erick Pulgar segue como baixa devido a uma lesão na coxa.

O América-MG tenta encontrar uma arrancada no Brasileirão. Para isso, o técnico Vagner Mancini aposta em jogadores como Daniel Borges, Marcinho, Pedrinho e Paulinho Boia. Entretanto, Aloísio, Danilo Avelar, Ricardo Silva, Dadá Belmonte e Adyson estão lesionados e não jogam no Maracanã.

FICHA TÉCNICA
FLAMENGO x AMÉRICA-MG

Data e hora: 22 de julho de 2023, às 16h (de Brasília)
Estádio: Maracanã, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Árbitro: Rodrigo Jose Pereira de Lima (PE)
Assistentes: Marcelo Carvalho Van Gasse (SP) e Alessandro Alvaro Rocha de Matos (BA)
VAR: Rafael Traci (SC)

Onde assistir: Premiere. O Lance! faz o tempo real.

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Jorge Sampaoli)

Matheus Cunha, Wesley, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira e Ayrton Lucas; Allan, Victor Hugo, Gerson, Everton Ribeiro e Arrascaeta; Gabigol.
Suspensos: Thiago Maia (terceiro cartão amarelo) e Luiz Araújo (vermelho direto)
Lesionados: Erick Pulgar

AMÉRICA-MG (Técnico: Vagner Mancini)

Mateus Pasinato; Marlon, Eder, Maidana e Nicolas; Lucas Kal, Alê, Juninho, Matheusinho e Rodrigo Varanda; Everaldo (Mastriani).
Suspensos: Ninguém
Em transição: Mikael
Lesionados: Aloísio, Danilo Avelar, Ricardo Silva, Dadá Belmonte e Adyson

Chelsea have now joined the race for a second Barcelona player who has “infinite” talent, alongside Fermin Lopez, it has been revealed.

Blues enter race for another Barcelona player

Right the way through the summer transfer window, the Blues were credited with an interest in Lopez, with Fabrizio Romano revealing an official proposal was even submitted at the end of August.

However, the west Londoners were unable to get a deal done, in part because the attacking midfielder had little interest in leaving his boyhood club, saying: “My priority has always been Barcelona. This club is my dream since I was a kid.

“It is always a compliment that there is interest from other clubs, but the truth is that I always wanted to stay and succeed at Barça”.

It remains to be seen whether Enzo Maresca’s side make another approach for the 22-year-old in the future, but in the meantime they have been credited with an interest in a different Barcelona player…

Indeed, according to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Dro Fernandez, who has become one of the most watched players in Europe, while also regarded as one of the most exciting youngsters in Spain.

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Manchester City are also in the race for the 17-year-old, so there could be competition for his signature, although Barça are reluctant to sanction a departure.

Fernandez would initially be brought into the reserve side, given that he is yet to make a senior appearance for Barcelona, but there would be a clear pathway to the first team.

Fernandez could be future star for Chelsea

Former coach Javi Roxo clearly believes the teenager is destined for future success, saying: “Dro was always very special, he has a gift for touching the ball and has always been very creative.

“Dro is capable of everything and if Flick puts him on the wing he can also do well, it won’t be Raphinha but he can look like the Iniesta who played on the left. If he relieves himself of pressure and plays freely, he is capable of anything, his talent is infinite.”

The young Spaniard is yet to be called up to the Barcelona first team, but he has started to catch the eye at youth level, scoring twice in the UEFA Youth League last season, while also bagging two goals in six appearances for Spain U17s.

As such, Fernandez is clearly capable of becoming a future star for Chelsea, but it may be difficult to lure him away from Barcelona, who will surely be reluctant to sell one of their most exciting young talents.