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The Real Madrid attack hummed on Tuesday evening, as Kylian Mbappe bagged a brace and Vinicius Jr also scored to lift Los Blancos to a comfortable 4-1 win over Levante. Xabi Alonso's men have now won six out of six in the Spanish top flight.

Madrid probed and prodded, forcing Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan into a handful of smart saves. But he could do nothing about the opener, a fine trivela poke into the far corner from Vinicius. Franco Mastantuono added a second shortly after, beating his man and lashing into the roof of the net. 

They might have had one or two more before the break, only for Ryan to intervene. Levante got themselves back into it, however. A fortunate deflection saw the ball float over Thibaut Courtois and into the path of Etta Eyong, who nodded home from close range. Mbappe eased things, though. He converted a penalty on the hour mark to make it three, and added a fourth soon after – putting whatever fears remained to bed. 

This was once again a little scruffy around the edges, but Madrid are piecing things together, and look a solid side ahead of the Madrid derby this weekend.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Ciutat de Valencia…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

  Made a couple of nice saves. Unfortunate to concede thanks to some pretty evil spin. 

  Raul Asencio (5/10):

  A rare start as a converted right back. Didn't cover his man on the Levante goal.

  Dean Huijsen (7/10):

  Excellent in the first half, a little shakier in the second. Young and still learning. 

  Alvaro Carreras (7/10):

  Interesting to see him used as a center back. Mostly held his own, and looked far more comfortable when Los Blancos shifted to a back three. 

  Fran Garcia (6/10):

  Scampered up and down the left, but his final ball could have been a little cleaner. 

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  Midfield

  Federico Valverde (6/10):

  A bit quieter from the Uruguayan. Assisted but wasn't particularly involved in play. 

  Dani Ceballos (7/10):

  A first start of the season for a midfielder who most thought would leave. Paced things well in a holding role. 

  Arda Guler (7/10):

  Not his most involved game. Disappeared for long stretches, but then woke up by providing a ridiculous assist for Mbappe.

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  Attack

  Franco Mastantuono (7/10):

  Missed a couple, then took his first goal for the club really nicely. Another solid showing. 

  Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

  Was relatively quiet for an hour before coming alive. Scored twice and made the game his. Excellent so far this season. 

  Vinicius Jr (7/10):

  Scored a wonderful goal to mark a welcome return to form. Loose here and there, though, as he works his way back to his best. 

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  Subs & Manager

  Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):

  Broke up play effectively, moved it around. 

  Jude Bellingham (6/10):

  Could have scored soon after coming on, but fluffed his lines. A few nice moments on the ball. 

  Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):

  No time to make an impact. 

  Rodrygo (N/A):

  Also didn't have enough time to contribute much.

  David Alaba (N/A):

  Likewise was only on for a bit of cardio.

  Xabi Alonso (8/10):

  Rotated heavily once again as he tried to find the right configuration. It didn't always work, but Madrid leaned on their stars to ease to a win. 

A £20m Arsenal player who Mikel Arteta called “exceptional” now “wants to leave”, and a move across Europe is “very likely”.

Arteta praises his side after victory at Old Trafford

The fixture list handed the Gunners a tricky start to the 2025-26 campaign, as travelling to Old Trafford is always a daunting task, but Arteta’s side got the job done courtesy of a first-half header from Riccardo Calafiori, and the manager was pleased with the performance.

The Spaniard was particularly impressed with his side’s “phenomenal” display from a defensive standpoint, while he also praised the way in which they were able to handle the occasion, given the raucous atmosphere at Old Trafford.

William Saliba and Gabriel were, of course, at the heart of the defence, as the centre-back duo usually are if they are both fit, which means the north Londoners’ back-up options only receive limited game time.

That may not be too much of an issue for younger players, such as new signing Cristhian Mosquera, but defenders in the prime of their career are unlikely to want to play second fiddle.

As such, there is a feeling that Jakub Kiwior could now be heading for the exit door this summer, with Włodarczyk recently taking to X to reveal the Polish defender “wants to leave”, amid interest from FC Porto.

In fact, a move to the Liga Portugal club is deemed “very likely”, as they “haven’t given up”, after submitting an official offer back in July.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Gunners for £20m back in 2023, was left out of the squad that travelled to Old Trafford, and talks over an exit are currently “ongoing”.

Losing "exceptional" Kiwior could be blow for Arteta

Given that Saliba and Gabriel are almost nailed on to start in the Premier League if they are available, it is always going to be a difficult task for the Poland international to force his way into the side, but he has impressed when given the opportunity.

Indeed, with Gabriel sidelined due to injury, the former Spezia man was given the nod against Paris Saint-Germain the Champions League semi-final last season, and he certainly caught Arteta’s eye with his performance.

The Arsenal boss said: “He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much throughout many months, and suddenly he’s been thrown into the most difficult context, at the highest level, playing against the best opponents, when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it, and I think he’s been exceptional.”

Dependable back-up options are hard to come by, so it would be disappointing to lose Kiwior this summer, although not the end of the world, given Mosquera’s arrival.

Jude Bellingham has been named in Real Madrid's squad for their upcoming Champions League match against Marseille. This marks a significant milestone in his recovery from shoulder surgery, signalling his readiness to return to competitive action and provide a crucial boost to the team’s midfield. The England international is set to re-join his teammates after months of intensive rehabilitation.

Jude Bellingham makes it to the Champions League squad

Madrid have officially included Bellingham in their 23-man squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Marseille. The match marks Bellingham's anticipated return to following a lengthy recovery period. Bellingham, named in the squad for the first time since the Club World Cup, was initially expected back next month.

AdvertisementAFPBellingham's injury and recovery timeline

Bellingham's journey back to fitness began in November 2023 when he suffered a dislocated left shoulder during a La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano. Despite the injury, he continued to play, often with a brace, until the discomfort became unbearable. In July 2025, after the Club World Cup, he underwent surgery in London to address the recurrent dislocation. The expected recovery time was 10 to 12 weeks, sidelining him for the early part of the 2025-26 season.

Bellingham's road to recovery and hopes ahead

During his rehabilitation, Bellingham began non-contact training sessions ahead of schedule in early September 2025. Los Blancos' head coach, Xabi Alonso, expressed cautious optimism about Bellingham's return, noting his significant effort in rehabilitation and hoping for his availability before El Clasico. However, the star midfielder has recovered earlier than expected and is set to start this week.

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Getty Images SportBellingham’s expected impact

With Bellingham's inclusion in the squad for the Champions League opener, Madrid fans are hopeful for a strong performance. His return not only bolsters the midfield but also adds depth to the squad as they embark on their European journey.

Test hopeful Cameron Bancroft fell for a duck to cap an untimely double failure, but Western Australia batters Mitchell Marsh and Hilton Cartwright repelled a Queensland rally late on day three in the Sheffield Shield.After gaining a 98-run lead, WA slumped to 47 for 3 in their second innings before Marsh and Cartwright combined for an unbroken 59-run partnership.Batting at No.4 as a specialist batter, Marsh played mostly watchfully but did occasionally bludgeon the ball in trademark style. He finished 40 not out, while Cartwright was unbeaten on 19 to get WA back on track after Bancroft fell in the first over.The leading Shield batter over the past two seasons, Bancroft has been a model of consistency. He last played Test cricket in 2019, overlooked earlier in the year after David Warner retired, and hoped to push his case for a return with allrounder Cameron Green facing a long stint on the sidelines due to a back injury.But once again he succumbed to quick Michael Neser after nicking off in an almost identical dismissal to his golden duck in the first innings.”It’s unfortunate timing,” WA coach Adam Voges said of Bancroft post play. “I’m sure he would have loved to have scored some runs in this game. It wasn’t to be, but he has scored a lot over the last few years.”Cameron Bancroft walks off after bagging a pair•Getty Images

No.3 Jayden Goodwin, who also fell first ball in the first innings, avoided the same fate as Bancroft but on 18 slashed seamer Jack Wildermuth to gully.Captain Sam Whiteman was unable to back up his brilliant century in the first innings after playing an uncharacteristically loose shot to edge debutant quick Tom Straker to second slip. It was the 19-year-old Straker’s maiden first-class wicket and he impressed in his five-over spell with fiery bowling.The flurry of wickets in the back half of the day has raised the prospect of a result after the match had appeared to be headed for a dull draw.With the surface flattening considerably since the early day one fireworks, Jack Clayton and Ben McDermott batted with relative ease in the first session against the old ball.WA relied on offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who celebrated his 27th birthday on day one, but he was thwarted on a surface providing little assistance.Whiteman turned to the left-arm spin of Cooper Connolly, but Clayton reverse swept to good effect as Queensland chipped away at WA’s massive first innings total of 465.The match went through a lull until the second new ball and quickly sparked back to life when quick Cameron Gannon had Clayton caught down the leg side by diving wicketkeeper Josh Inglis for 85.McDermott appeared to get Queensland back on track either side of lunch until falling lbw to Cartwright for 68. It sparked a collapse with Queensland losing 6 for 66 as the ball started to shoot through off divots.Playing against his former team, Gannon left off from his impressive finish last season when he was an unexpected hero in WA’s Shield triumph. Unleashing an unnerving line and length, he was the pick of the bowlers to finish with 5 for 57 from 25.2 overs.Recruit Brody Couch had a mixed debut for WA after crossing over from Victoria in the off-season. He was lively at times, the fastest of WA’s trio of quicks clocking at 140 kpm, and did unfurl a short-pitched barrage to liven a sedate period of play.Couch did struggle for consistency, conceding 86 runs from 21 overs, but claimed a maiden wicket for WA when he clean bowled Wildermuth for 24.Marsh did not bowl as expected and spent most of his time in the slips, while he also occasionally helped carry the drinks.

Second-wicket stand of 253 sets platform but late wickets lift England amid searing heat

Alan Gardner07-Oct-2024Shan Masood’s first hundred as Pakistan Test captain set the tone for a vastly improved display from the hosts at the start of their series with England. Abdullah Shafique slipstreamed Masood to end a run of poor form with his fifth Test century as England’s inexperienced attack was made to toil on a day of high temperatures and hard yakka in Multan.Things could have been worse for the touring side, who were staring down the barrel after Masood and Shafique assembled a near-chanceless double-century stand to see Pakistan to 261 for 1 during the evening session. But after Gus Atkinson conjured a breakthrough and Jack Leach saw off Masood for a sparkling 151, the late wicket of Babar Azam meant England could reflect on their efforts with some satisfaction.There was no doubt about this being Pakistan’s day, however. Without a win in home Tests since 2021 and on a run of five consecutive defeats – including a 2-0 humbling against Bangladesh – since Masood took on the captaincy late last year, they were buoyed by a mammoth top-order partnership. In placid conditions, it quickly became clear that an England attack led by a 35-year-old Chris Woakes, and featuring the debutant Brydon Carse among three bowlers who had never played a game in Pakistan before, was facing a steep learning curve.The bulk of the contest was taken up by Pakistan’s second-wicket stand, eventually worth 253. England had arrived in the country amid talk of spicy pitches and a fragile home batting line-up, but Masood’s assertive innings – the second-fastest Test hundred by a Pakistan captain – and a more dogged effort from Shafique shut the door after England had bagged Saim Ayub cheaply in the fourth over.That was to be their only success for two-and-a-bit sessions as Ollie Pope, again standing in for the injured Ben Stokes, shuffled through six bowlers as the temperature hovered in the high 30s C. On 16, Masood successfully overturned an lbw decision granted to Carse, who touched 90mph in his first spell in Test cricket before flagging in the heat; a cut off the same bowler landed fractionally short of Pope at point when he had made 133. In between, there was not much other than crisp strokeplay.Masood’s first boundary came via an edge off Carse but he quickly kicked up the gears when Shoaib Bashir came on to bowl, as Pakistan seemingly looked to put pressure on England’s designated No. 1 spinner. After being hit on the pad by one that didn’t turn, Masood responded by thumping four of Bashir’s next eight balls to the rope, the pick a skip down the track and launch through cover as he sped towards a 43-ball half-century during the morning session.After lunch, Pope tested him with the short-ball ploy, Masood perhaps a little fortunate when top-edging Atkinson all the way over fine leg for six. But a more authentic loft down the ground off Leach took Masood into the 90s, before he drilled the returning Woakes through cover point and then tickled his 102nd ball for a single to bring up a first Test century in four years and 27 innings, going back to Pakistan’s 2020 tour of England.Shafique, searching for form after six single-figure scores in seven Test innings, overcame a watchful start when he was troubled on both edges by Woakes. The closest England came to breaking the stand came during the morning session when Pope missed the stumps at the non-striker’s end after Shafique chanced a non-existent run to mid-on.England take a drink on a hot day in Multan•Getty ImagesFollowing Masood’s lead, Shafique pounced on Bashir with lunch approaching, doubling his number of boundaries with a volley of 4-4-6 – the last of which brought up his fifty, from 77 balls. He was the less fluent of the pair but, nevertheless, they were both largely untroubled as the stand pushed on past 200 deep into the afternoon, Pope taking his DRS record as captain to 11-0 when unsuccessfully reviewing for a catch at slip off Masood.After some tough moments leading the side in Stokes’ absence during England’s 2-1 win over Sri Lanka last month, Pope again found his captaincy skills stretched to their limit. He could take some credit for conjuring a mini-oasis in the middle of a Multan desert, as two wickets fell in the space of 17 balls after tea – though the heat also played its part, with both batters suffering visibly from cramp.Shafique, on 94 at the interval, had gone to his hundred soon after with another straight six but could only add a couple of runs to his score. Carse again missed out on a maiden Test wicket when a gloved pull just cleared leg slip, before England switched tactics, employing a ring field with Atkinson bowling dry in the channel: it only took four balls for Shafique to pop up a tired drive to cover.With Leach bringing a semblance of control from the other end, he was rewarded during a spell of three consecutive maidens with the wicket of Masood, who misjudged the flight to skew a return catch to the bowler – giving Leach his first Test wicket since the tour of India in January.Saud Shakeel swept and reverse-swept three boundaries in one Leach over as he and Babar put on a measured stand of 61. But England were given another lift with the shadows beginning to lengthen as Woakes – playing his first overseas Test since March 2022 – beat Babar’s inside edge with the second new ball to win an lbw decision that was upheld on review. It extended Babar’s run without a Test fifty that goes back to December 2022 and could prove a vital fillip for Woakes as he seeks to repay England’s faith in him despite an average north of 50 away from home.England’s initial success in removing Ayub might have raised expectations but Masood’s decision to bat (Pope said he would have done the same) was soon backed up, despite an initial tinge of green to the surface. There was little movement on offer for England’s opening pair of Woakes and Atkinson, and it was something of a surprise when Ayub gloved an innocuous-looking short ball to the keeper.The dismissal extended Shafique and Ayub’s miserable run as an opening pair, failing to reach double-figures for the seventh time in a row. Atkinson, having enjoyed a stunning debut during England’s home summer, had a wicket with his 10th ball on tour. Both he and his team-mates had to wait 56 overs before they had a second.

Deepti Sharma will return to the Hundred this year after signing for London Spirit as a replacement for the injured Grace Harris. Deepti played for Spirit in the competition’s inaugural season in 2021 and was an unused member of Birmingham Phoenix’s squad the following summer.The Hundred starts on July 23 with Spirit due to play their opening fixture away against Southern Brave the following day, but Deepti will miss the start of the competition due to the Asia Cup in Dambulla. She will be replaced by Erin Burns for the first two games, who is already in the country playing for Northern Diamonds.Deepti is one of three India players due to be involved in the Hundred this season, along with Richa Ghosh (Birmingham Phoenix) and Smriti Mandhana (Southern Brave). Like Deepti, both players are part of India’s Asia Cup squad so will miss the first week of the competition.Related

• Silverwood returns to English cricket in Oval Invincibles role

• Mahika Gaur withdraws from Women's Hundred due to side strain

• Ben Stokes to link up with Andrew Flintoff in Northern Superchargers comeback

The ECB confirmed the latest tranche of replacement players on Thursday afternoon, with Sophie Molineux (Manchester Originals) joining Harris in pulling out of the Hundred. Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that Molineux had suffered a fracture rib and Harris a calf strain.Molineux has been replaced by Kim Garth, while Bethan Ellis will join her at the Originals after Mahika Gaur pulled out due to a side strain. Tash Farrant has been ruled out with a hamstring injury but is yet to be replaced at Oval Invincibles, while Beth Langston is in for Claire Nicholas at Welsh Fire.As ESPNcricinfo revealed on Wednesday night, England’s Test batters will be released to play in the men’s Hundred immediately after their third Test against West Indies at Edgbaston, while their bowlers and allrounders – including Ben Stokes – are only likely to play the second half of the group stages due to workload management.Further replacements include Leicestershire’s Louis Kimber, who takes up the injured Will Smeed’s spot at Phoenix, while Mohammad Amir has signed for the Invincibles – who are defending champions – for the start of the competition as short-term cover while Spencer Johnson concludes his commitments at Major League Cricket.

Hundred replacement deals:

Birmingham Phoenix: Louis Kimber and Tim Southee replace Will Smeed and Naseem Shah.
London Spirit: James Neesham and Matthew Taylor replace Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope while they are with England; Deepti Sharma replaces Grace Harris, with Erin Burns replacing Deepti until the end of the Asia Cup.
Manchester Originals: Kim Garth and Bethan Ellis replace Sophie Molineux and Mahika Gaur.
Northern Superchargers: Mitchell Santner replaces Daniel Sams.
Oval Invincibles: Harrison Ward and Mohammad Amir replace Gus Atkinson (while he is with England) and Spencer Johnson (while he is at MLC). Tash Farrant has withdrawn, replacement TBC
Trent Rockets: Riley Meredith replaces Joe Root while he is with England.Beth Langston: Beth Langston replaces Claire Nicholas.

Manchester United fell by the wayside last season, but the early readings from the summer transfer market suggest Ruben Amorim and INEOS are doing all they can to lift Old Trafford back to its feet.

With sights set on driving their way back into the Premier League ascendancy next year, getting their foot back through the European door, the Red Devils acted swiftly to activate Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause, and that’s despite interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The prestigious outfit needs new goalscoring superstars, and Cunha will certainly add to that department. However, United are also pushing to sign another who could become their new talisman.

And all this before they even sign a striker.

Man Utd still leading race for Premier League star

It’s safe to say that the ongoing transfer window has all been about attacking additions for United. After a move for Cunha was completed, Jason Wilcox and Co have turned their attention to the likes of Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports.

However, while Gyokeres would allegedly favour a move to Arsenal instead of Old Trafford, that’s not the same story for another of football’s brightest forward players.

As per TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Bournemouth for the transfer of Antoine Semenyo. Why is this relevant? Well, because Spurs also have a vested interest in Bryan Mbeumo having appointed the winger’s former boss, Thomas Frank, as their new manager.

Mbeumo, 25, has been immense for Brentford and is a wanted man. With Frank heading to Spurs, there were fears that he may not sign for United now, but as with Cunha, his preference is still to move to the Theatre of Dreams.

United have already seen an opening offer worth £55m rejected, and are expected to go back in for the Cameroonian with Fabrizio Romano revealing that there is an ‘agreement with the player in place’ on personal terms.

Why Bryan Mbeumo could be Man Utd's answer to Salah

Mbeumo did rather well across the recently finished campaign, only outscored in the Premier League by Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland – not bad competition to be pitted against.

1.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

2.

Alexander Isak

34

23

3.

Erling Haaland

31

22

4.

Chris Wood

36

20

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

It certainly makes a convincing comment on Mbeumo’s skillset, not least because he, like Liverpool’s Salah, is a right-sided, left-footed forward, not technically a striker.

In fact, Mbeumo has been described as a “mini Salah” by talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy, arcing inward to curl powerful strikes into the back of the net.

Anfield’s Egyptian King has so often been a thorn in United’s side, but in Mbeumo they might just find their own version, one whose prowess could inflict damage not just on Liverpool but the division at large, having ranked among the top 2% of positional peers in the English top flight in 2024/25 for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

Moreover, Mbeumo isn’t just a sharpshooter, and would instead dynamise the Red Devils and raise their creative bar through his skilled performances, having created 17 big chances last season, averaging 1.8 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

Playmaking has increasingly become a defining part of the 33-year-old Salah’s game as his athleticism drips away, and so it’s good to know that Mbeumo already plays with a natural focus on linking play together and helping his team in that regard.

Mbeumo has performed with gamely courage and a confidence in his high-level quality. He’s only 25, which, coincidentally, was the age Salah was when he joined Liverpool from Roma for £34m in 2017.

It’s clear that Man United need to forge ahead with this exciting signing. Mbeumo wants the move and has the English experience to lift the club and propel Amorim toward greener pastures.

Better than Ekitike: Man Utd open talks to sign "the best ST on the market"

Manchester United could be edging closer to ending their hunt for a new striker this summer.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2025

Everton have improved since David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the helm, but recent results have underscored the need for new attacking quality.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, while Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja’s loan deals all conclude in two months.

However, while The Friedkin Group are going to sign forwards of various shapes and sizes, Moyes is also keen to strengthen his midfield, already focusing on a specific profile.

The target in question has plied under the Scotsman’s leadership for several years, and could prove an astute piece of business.

Everton transfer news

Despite the transfer window not yet open for business, the Toffees have already started putting plans into motion with the likes of Monaco’s striking sensation, Mika Biereth, linked with a move to Goodison Park.

Also on their radar is Liverpool’s Ben Doak, yet on this occasion, it looks as though Moyes is targeting experience.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, as per Football Insider, Moyes is targeting a reunion with West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, having fielded the 30-year-old 207 times during his time at the Irons helm, more than any other player.

Though newly-promoted Leeds United are also chasing a deal for Soucek, who is valued at £10m, it’s understood that Everton have the lead in the race given the Czech international’s relationship with Moyes.

Why Tomas Soucek would be perfect for Everton

Soucek has been at West Ham for half a decade, signing on an initial loan from Slavia Prague in January 2020 before completing a £19m deal that summer.

The 6 foot 3 ace would bring physicality to the Everton midfield and might prove to be the perfect replacement for Amadou Onana, who was sold to Aston Villa for £50m last summer.

Described as a “midfield powerhouse” by journalist Antonio Mango, Onana’s presence has been missed on Merseyside, but Soucek could bring his own take on the role next year, working hard in the duel while making darting runs into the danger area to complement the frontline.

As you can see, Onana might be more rounded than Soucek, but the latter man has a killer instinct in the final third, which scant few Toffees players have showcased with regularity this year.

West Ham have only created 50 big chances in the Premier League this season, with just the relegated trio making fewer. This actually shines a positive light on Soucek, whose skill at finding space and striking true has seen him score eight times.

It’s no surprise he’s been called a “machine” by former West Ham correspondent Tom Clark, adding intensity and initiative to his fold.

In fact, the £90k-per-week talent ranks among the top 2% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored and the top 1% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, further illustrating his combativeness and indeed goalscoring strength.

Everton fans have tasted first-hand the midfielder’s goalscoring ability and must now forge ahead to make a shrewd signing which might just pay dividends, adding an Onana-esque presence at Bramley Moore.

Soucek may not be the fluid ball player that Graham Potter wants at the heart of his West Ham system, but Moyes enforces a different type of brand, one which the veteran midfielder would dovetail right into if Everton make their move in the coming months.

He was worse than Harrison: 5/10 Everton dud proved that TFG need to spend

Everton have lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 28, 2025

Chelsea are not short of options in attack, and Enzo Maresca certainly has an embarrassment of riches to choose from. The Blues’ key man in forward areas is Cole Palmer, who, despite a lean run of form, has managed 14 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season.

The other player to hit double figures for league goals is Nicolas Jackson, who has managed ten, as well as five assists. Noni Madueke has also surpassed ten goal involvements in the top flight, too, with 11 to be specific.

If reports are to be believed, the Blues are looking to add more attacking talents to their squad this summer.

Chelsea targeting another teen superstar

One of the most highly sought-after players in world football right now seems to be 17-year-old attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono. The River Plate star has caught the eye during his short career so far, and is now wanted by a multitude of clubs.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from Clarin, via Sport Witness, Chelsea are one of the sides hoping to bring him into the club this summer, continuing their trend of raiding the South American market.

Fellow Premier League side Manchester United are also showing strong interest, and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be considering a move.

Mastantuono has a reported release clause of £38m, and a move will likely happen when he turns 18 in the middle of August. River are reportedly looking to renew his contract, which could alter his release clause.

Why Mastantuono would be a good signing

Should the Blues manage to bring Mastantuono to the club, it would be another exciting young talent they have managed to add to their ranks. He has impressed in his short professional career for River, and has also been recognised by Argentina at under-20 level.

In 13 games in 2025 so far for the Argentine giants, he already has four goals and two assists to his name. He has featured for 997 minutes, and is currently averaging a goal involvement every 166 minutes, which is impressive for someone as inexperienced as he is.

The other standout thing to note about Mastantuono is his versatility. The River number 30, who is left-footed, can play as a right winger or a number ten, which is certainly something Maresca could lean upon at times.

Football analyst Ben Mattinson described the youngster as someone in the “Palmer mould”. However, he even goes on to make the claim that he is “he best of the lot”, suggesting Mastantono is someone to really get excited about.

Well, Chelsea fans have two young South American talents they can watch in action before too long. The Blues also signed Estevao Willian almost one year ago from Palmeiras, who will join the club for £29m this summer.

He has seven goals and one assist in all competitions in 2025, having featured in 23 matches for the Brazilian giants. Like Mastantuono, he is a hybrid between a winger and a number ten, able to play both positions.

Well, the pair could become a force to be reckoned with in a Chelsea shirt, over the next few seasons. The stats on FBref show just how good they are, and as a duo, they could become unstoppable.

One of the stats that sticks out is their creative passing numbers. Mastantuono averages 2.59 key passes and 5.47 shot-creating actions each game, with Estevao averaging 2.36 key passes and 4.03 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.

Goals and assists

0.49

0.42

Key passes

2.59

2.36

Shot-creating actions

5.47

4.03

Carries into final third

3.33

3.33

Ball recoveries

3.33

4.44

There is no doubt that Mastantuono is an exciting talent. Not only do Europe’s biggest clubs want to sign him, but he is putting up excellent numbers in a River shirt already, and has some impressive underlying stats.

If this is a deal Chelsea manage to do, he could be a fantastic addition, and form a deadly partnership with Estevao at Stamford Bridge.

Big upgrade on Sancho: Chelsea confident of signing £35m "wonderkid"

Chelsea are looking to add to their attack before the Club World Cup

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 30, 2025

They were there in 2008; they will be there in 2025 – here are players who have been part of the IPL since the beginning

Varun Shetty21-Mar-2025MS Dhoni and CSK: a match made in heaven•BCCIMS DhoniMatches – 264 | Runs – 5243 | SR – 137.53
Teams – CSK (2008-2015, 2018-present), RPSG (2016-2017)
Titles – 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)Dhoni is nearly as synonymous with Chennai Super Kings as he is with Indian cricket. He was their marquee signing in 2008, their first – and for the longest time, only – captain, and arguably the only CSK player who was a certainty to return during their two-year ban. He led CSK to five titles, ten finals, and an unparalleled record of playoff appearances, turning them into the most consistent team in IPL history. Dhoni in a CSK shirt is still the IPL’s most enduring image.A constant presence for RCB since 2008•Associated PressVirat KohliMatches – 252 | Runs – 8004 | SR – 131.97
Teams – RCB (2008-present)
Titles – 0 | Finals: 3 (2009, 2011, 2016)Kohli has never known an IPL without an RCB jersey, which means he has also never known an IPL title. He arrived in 2008 as India’s U-19 World Cup-winning captain and has remained at the franchise through its highest highs and lowest lows. He is the league’s highest run-scorer – the only batter to cross 8000 IPL runs. His 973-run 2016 season remains an outlier, a peak so absurd, that he nearly took RCB to their first title on his own.No other player has more IPL trophies than Rohit Sharma•BCCIRohit SharmaMatches – 257 | Runs – 6628 | SR – 131.14
Teams – Deccan Chargers (2008-2010), MI (2011-present)
Titles – 6 (2009, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)Rohit started as a freewheeling stroke player at Deccan Chargers, where he won his first IPL title in 2009 before Mumbai Indians signed him and built a dynasty around his leadership. He led MI to their first title in his debut captaincy year and built one of the most successful IPL franchises over the next decade, adding four more trophies to their cabinet. Rohit remains MI’s highest run-scorer and one of only four players with over 6000 IPL runs. His six IPL trophies are the most for any IPL player.Manish Pandey was part of KKR’s title-winning team in 2014•Associated PressManish PandeyMatches – 171 | Runs – 3850 | SR – 121.10
Teams – MI (2008), RCB (2009-2010), PWI (2011-2013), KKR (2014-2017, 2024-present), SRH (2018-2022), DC (2023)
Titles – 1 (2014)The most defining image of Manish Pandey’s IPL career is his 94 in the 2014 final for KKR, where he steered a tense chase to deliver the franchise’s second IPL title. His career has been a journey through multiple franchises, each time with the expectation that he could be the batter a middle order could be built around. There have been moments – like his breakout century for RCB in 2009 – but his career has largely been one of searching for permanence, even if he hasn’t missed a single season.Ajinkya Rahane will lead KKR in IPL 2025•KKRAjinkya RahaneMatches – 185 | Runs – 4642 | SR – 123.42
Teams – MI (2008-2010), RR (2011-2015, 2018-2019), RPSG (2016-2017), DC (2020), KKR (2022), CSK (2023-2024), KKR (Present)
Titles – 1 (2023)His early years at Rajasthan Royals were built around placement over power before T20 batting evolved faster than he could keep up. He has had to reinvent his game constantly, and has found success of late; his move to CSK in 2023 saw him at his most aggressive, playing an uninhibited role in their title-winning campaign. Now, as captain of KKR, Rahane finds himself in a position that will challenge him again: leading the defending champions, who have long favoured power over poise.The return of the prodigal son: R Ashwin trains at Chepauk•PTI R AshwinMatches – 212 | Wickets: 180 | Eco: 7.12
Teams – CSK (2008-2015, Present), RPSG (2016), KXIP (2018-2019), Delhi Capitals (2020-2021), RR (2022-2024)
Titles – 2 (2010, 2011)Few players in IPL history have mixed skill, strategy, and audacity quite like Ashwin. He built his name as Dhoni’s powerplay enforcer at CSK, and has since found new ways to stay ahead of the game. He has captained Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), reinvented himself as a pinch-hitter at RR, and has never shied away from pushing the limits of convention. The 2019 mankading of Jos Buttler sparked a debate that never quite ended, and, as another hat-tip to his furious obsession with the laws, he was also the first batter to retire himself out tactically. He’s now back at CSK, where it all started.Ravindra Jadeja is CSK’s second-highest wicket-taker•BCCIRavindra JadejaMatches – 240 | Runs – 2959 | SR: 129.78 | Wickets: 160 | Eco: 7.62
Teams – RR (2008-2009), Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011), CSK (2012-2015, 2018-present), GL (2016-2017)
Titles – 4 (2008, 2018, 2021, 2023)After being RR’s breakout performer in their title-winning inaugural season, and a mainstay in the next one, Jadeja missed the 2010 edition for trying to negotiate terms with another franchise. In 2011 he played for Kochi Tuskers Kerala, but truly came back into the limelight when CSK picked him up in 2012. He is CSK’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Dwayne Bravo, has smashed the most runs in an IPL over (37 against RCB in 2021), and was the hero of the 2023 final, hitting a four off the last ball to seal the win. His brief stint as CSK captain in 2022 was a sour memory, but as a match-winner, Jadeja’s IPL legacy is secure.Ishant Sharma was part of Delhi Capitals last season•BCCIIshant SharmaMatches – 110 | Wickets: 92 | Eco: 8.24
Teams – KKR (2008-2010), Deccan Chargers (2011-2012), SRH (2013-2015), RPSG (2016), KXIP (2017), DC (2019-2024), GT (Present)
Titles – 0 | Finals: 0Ishant has always been an odd fit in the IPL – his long-format credentials never quite translating into sustained success in T20 cricket. He was, in 2008, the most expensive bowler in the auction when KKR picked him. But he has moved across seven franchises, often as an experienced hand rather than a frontline bowler. He has played 34 IPL matches, all for DC, since 2019 and will turn up for GT this season.Swapnil Singh picked six wickets in seven matches in IPL 2024•Associated PressSwapnil SinghMatches – 14 | Wickets: 7 | Eco: 8.92
Teams – MI (2008), KXIP (2016-2017), LSG (2023), RCB (2024-Present)
Titles – 0 | Finals: 0Swapnil Singh’s IPL career is the outlier of this group – his first franchise was MI in 2008, but he had to wait until 2016 to actually debut for KXIP. Last year, Swapnil Singh was 33, when he fell into the midst of a dream run with RCB. Brought in as a backup left-arm spinner, he forced his way into the XI and became an integral part of their six-game winning streak that propelled them into the playoffs. It earned him an RTM – and a pay raise – with them at the mega auction ahead of this season.