All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

It will be fascinating to see whether Jadon Sancho will remain at Chelsea beyond this season. The England international is currently on loan at Stamford Bridge from Manchester United, and has a £25m buy obligation in his contract.

However, a recent report from the Mirror suggested the Blues will not activate the option and will instead send Sancho back to Old Trafford this summer. His record in West London is respectable, with four goals and ten assists in 39 games for the club this season. Eight of those goal involvements came in the Premier League.

If Chelsea decide not to keep Sancho beyond this season, they will be in the market for a new winger and could make a move for one former Premier League star.

Chelsea’s search to replace Sancho

One of the most interesting sagas in the summer transfer window will be that of Leroy Sane. The Bayern Munich star, formerly of Manchester City, could well be on the move again this summer, with a return to the English top flight on the cards.

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 Football Insider, Chelsea are thought to be ‘are intensifying their interest in the winger’ and could make a move for him this summer.

With a view to replacing Sancho, the German could be one of their primary targets.

However, they will not be alone in the race for Sane, who is out of contract next month. London rivals Arsenal are also interested in the 29-year-old, with the Gunners and Enzo Maresca’s Blues considered the ‘frontrunners’ this summer.

Why Sane would be a good signing

Should Chelsea sign Sane this summer, there is no doubt about the experience and quality he would bring to Stamford Bridge. The German international has had another impressive season, helping Bayern reclaim the Bundesliga title under his former teammate, Vincent Kompany.

In 44 appearances this season for the German giants, Sane has managed 13 goals and six assists across all competitions. 17 of those goal involvements have come in the Bundesliga, in just 29 appearances.

The former Schalke academy star is a consistent goalscorer, too. He has only ever gone four games this term without a top-flight goal or assist, although he managed just one goal and no assists in 13 Champions League games.

What a player Sane was during his first stint in England, for City. He managed 39 goals and 44 assists in 135 games. According to Statman Dave, the 29-year-old was “phenomenal” at his peak for City.

Well, his Premier League numbers speak for themselves. Not only did he help City to two top-flight titles during his three full seasons at the club, but he managed to score and assist 55 goals in 90 appearances in the competition.

Games

26

32

31

Minutes

1787

2424

1867

Goals

5

10

10

Assists

4

15

11

Mins per G/A

198

96

88

Chelsea will surely be hoping Sane can replicate the impact Cole Palmer has had at Stamford Bridge. Of course, there are parallels between the two, given that they both played for the Citizens, although Palmer’s opportunities were few and far between at the Etihad Stadium.

He played just 41 times for Pep Guardiola’s side, and since his move to West London, has become “the best player in the Premier League”, which Jamie Carragher claimed back in October.

If Sane can somewhat replicate the England international’s 40 goals and 25 assists in 88 appearances in Blue, he will be a successful signing, to say the least.

Palmer has certainly been an excellent addition to the club, and Sane would surely hope to follow in his footsteps in that sense.

For what would be a free transfer, this seems like a deal Chelsea can’t miss out on. They would be signing a proven Premier League player who can still contribute at the highest level.

A better signing than Osimhen: Chelsea in talks to land the "next Haaland"

Chelsea appear to be making moves to land a star who would be better than Victor Osimhen.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

In what could finally see them get their hands on a long-term target, Manchester City chiefs have reportedly been preparing to make their summer move to sign a midfielder worth over £80m.

Man City's Champions League run-in

Whilst their sights may not be set on Premier League glory for the first time in four seasons, Manchester City have still followed the trend of finding their best form when it matters most.

Just when they seemed likely to miss out on a Champions League place, Pep Guardiola’s side have put together a ruthless run of nine straight games without defeat in all competitions, in a run that has seen one defensive change pay dividends.

Now, all eyes will be on the final three Premier League games and chasing second-place Arsenal in what would be quite the turnaround this late into the season. All of a sudden, Guardiola’s team in ‘crisis’ could end the campaign sat in second with an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace to boot.

The City boss recently had his say on his side’s final run, telling reporters: “We are better than weeks ago, winning games in a row. It’s good to win when we play the way we played today, but we cannot relax — Southampton, Bournemouth, and Fulham [left to play].”

The next Sane: Man City looking at signing "special" £33m winger for Pep

Pep Guardiola might be about to land his next iteration of Leroy Sane with this Manchester City buy.

ByKelan Sarson May 7, 2025

It’s not just on the pitch that Champions League qualification will be celebrated, either. Away from the action, a place in Europe’s elite competition will allow the Citizens to spend big once more and potentially attract stars such as Morgan Gibbs-White and one other Premier League midfielder.

Man City chiefs preparing for Paqueta move

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City chiefs are now preparing to make a summer move to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United, having failed to get their deal over the line for the Brazilian last year. Then reportedly worth around £85m, the deal may yet come cheaper a year on as those at The Etihad prepare to spend big once more to sign a player Guardiola loves.

The move wouldn’t be without major risk, however. It’s worth noting that the midfielder is still waiting to hear the verdict of his betting case, which could yet see him banned for an extensive period of time. Should that prove to be the outcome, then City’s investment would be an instant mistake.

That said, there’s no denying Paqueta’s ability with or without the controversy. Former West Ham manager David Moyes was a particular fan of the 27-year-old during his time at the London Stadium, telling reporters in 2023: “Lucas was terrific.

“He drives me mad sometimes but everybody who watched him would have said: ‘This player has got incredible talent’. There is a word that goes around, a maverick. He is that for us. It is really important we get him in and adapt to him and accept some of his things.”

Arsenal have been handed a boost in the race to sign a player who’s been described as “perfect” for them, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta’s target keen on a move to the Emirates after holding talks.

Arsenal face PSG after 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace

Following their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League, all eyes are now on Arsenal’s blockbuster Champions League semi-final first leg at home to PSG next week.

Arsenal hold "exploratory" talks as Berta eyes "special" £34m player

The Italian is getting to work ahead of his first summer transfer window.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2025

No other domestic games await the Gunners this weekend, meaning Arteta can put all of his focus into overcoming Luis Enrique’s side, who are enjoying a sensational unbeaten Ligue 1 campaign and pose a very tough test.

Arsenal will go into the contest with plenty of confidence after dismantling 15-time European champions Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the last round. However, Arteta did send a subtle warning to his players after they couldn’t get past Palace on Wednesday, criticising their poor performance.

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

“I’m disappointed with the result and the performance as well,” said Arteta after Arsenal’s draw with Palace.

“I think we never got the consistency in many areas to completely dominate the game – we always had the feeling that we had the ball, we had possession, we went in front twice, but the game wasn’t grabbed, it wasn’t dominated and controlled the way that we normally do because we were below the standards in some areas. When you are not at your best, but you are two times ahead, you have to be able to see the game off, and we weren’t able to do it, especially with what happened in the second half.”

Arteta will demand a much higher level when Arsenal face one of Europe’s most in-form teams, and in a match which has the potential to make or break their whole campaign.

Arsenal handed Dean Huijsen transfer boost after update

Away from the pitch, Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta are planning for the summer window, with Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen reliably believed to be a serious target for them.

The 20-year-old’s active £50 million release clause has piqued interest from a host of elite Premier League clubs, including Arteta’s side, and it is believed that Huijsen has already held talks with Arsenal over a move.

This is backed up by talkSPORT and journalist Alex Crook, who also reports that Huijsen favours a move to Arsenal over the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham. Anfield is another preferred destination of the Spaniard’s, so Liverpool are in the race, but Crook says Huijsen has his eyes on a potential switch to Arsenal as well.

Following his move to Bournemouth from Juventus, Huijsen has proved a bargain buy after signing for just £16 million, but it now appears that it is inevitable he’ll depart the Vitality as a plethora of huge sides get ready to battle for his signature.

Football Analyst Ben Mattinson has called him the “perfect” option to rotate with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, while it is hard to argue after his excellent 2024/2025 campaign on the south coast.

Celtic secured their place in the final of the SFA Cup on Sunday with a comfortable 5-0 victory.

Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops, who are also on the verge of winning the Premiership, now have the chance to complete a domestic treble, having already won the League Cup earlier this term.

Rodgers failed to secure the treble in his first season back at Parkhead last summer after his side lost to Kilmarnock in their first League Cup outing at the start of the campaign.

The club’s success in the League Cup in the first half of the current term, however, has provided them with the chance to win the treble by getting the Premiership and the SFA Cup over the line.

Celtic’s form in the second half of the season has been boosted by the arrival of Jota on a permanent deal in the recent January transfer window, joining from Rennes 18 months after his move from Glasgow to Al-Ittihad.

Jota's current market value at Celtic

At the time of writing, the Portuguese forward is currently valued at roughly £7.7m by Transfermarkt. Sky Sports reported that the club paid a fee of £8m to sign him from Rennes at the start of this year, which suggests that they negotiated a reasonable deal for the winger.

That came 18 months after they had sold him to Al-Ittihad for a staggering fee of £25m – a deal that now looks like a masterclass with the benefit of hindsight.

As you can see in the graphic above, Jota had already proven his quality in the Premiership for the Hoops during his first two seasons with the club under Ange Postecoglou in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns.

The former Rennes speedster has made an instant impact in the division for Rodgers with a return of four goals and two assists in six starts in the league, along with three ‘big chances’ created.

Goals

0.67

Top 3.9%

Expected Goals

0.51

Top 3.9%

xG on target

0.72

Top 1%

Shots on target

1.51

Top 1%

Assists

0.34

Top 17.6%

Expected Assists

0.39

Top 7.8%

Chances created

2.01

Top 21.6%

As you can see in the table above, Jota has been one of the most impactful forwards in the Premiership since his return to Celtic, ranking highly among his positional peers as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a wide position.

Despite his £25m move to Al-Ittihad and his exceptional form on the pitch for the Scottish giants in recent months, there are several players in the current squad who are worth even more than him at this moment in time.

Celtic players who are worth more than Jota

At a market valuation of £7.7m, there are not too many players in the squad who are worth more than the Portuguese attacker, but there are a few of them.

There are six Celtic stars who are worth more than £7.7m, as per Transfermarkt, and the most valuable of those six is Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has a valuation of £11.9m.

Cameron Carter-Vickers

27

£11.9m

Arne Engels

21

£10.2m

Nicolas Kuhn

25

£10.2m

Reo Hatate

27

£9.4m

Daizen Maeda

27

£9.4m

Alistair Johnston

26

£8.5m

Arne Engels, Nicolas Kuhn, Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, and Alistair Johnston are all also worth more than Jota at this moment in time, as they are all worth £8.5m or more.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Celtic have hit the jackpot with these stars, who are currently regulars in Rodgers’ first-team squad, and one player they have played a huge blinder with is Hatate, because of how much his market value has soared over the years.

Why Celtic have hit the jackpot with Reo Hatate

The Hoops struck gold when they swooped to sign the Japanese midfielder from Kawasaki Frontale for a reported fee of just £1.4m at the start of 2022.

Looking back on it, £1.4m was a nominal fee to pay for a player who has provided the quality and longevity that Hatate has during his time in Glasgow to date, with a return of 26 goals and 28 assists in 138 matches in all competitions for the club to date.

The Japan international, who recently scored two goals in a 5-1 win over Kilmarnock, has proven himself to be a central midfielder who can chip in with goals and assists to be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch.

His performances on the pitch for Celtic over the past three years or so have also caused his market value on Transfermarkt to skyrocket up from the £685k it was at when he signed for the club in January 2022.

January 2022

£685k

June 2022

£2.1m

December 2022

£3.6m

March 2023

£5.5m

June 2023

£9.4m

March 2024

£8.5m

December 2024

£9.4m

As you can see in the table above, Hatate’s market value has soared to £9.4m from the £1.4m fee that the club paid for him just over three years ago, which shows that the initial fee paid for the star was a fantastic investment from the Hoops.

In fact, former Celtic icon Stiliyan Petrov recently claimed that it is “priceless” to have a player of his quality in the middle of the park, because of his ability to score and create goals from a midfield position.

Hatate has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 24 Premiership starts so far this season, which illustrates how effective he has been in the final third, and will be looking to end the campaign in style after his brace against Kilmarnock last time out in the division.

Overall, Celtic have hit the jackpot with the midfielder because they snapped up him for a modest fee and he has developed into a highly-valuable asset, who is worth even more than Jota, as well as being a key player for Rodgers on the pitch with his superb performances n midfield.

Value soared £9.5m: Celtic hit gold with star sold for more than Kyogo

Celtic hit the jackpot with this star who was sold for more than Kyogo Furuhashi was.

ByDan Emery Apr 17, 2025

Chelsea have made contact over signing an “elite” player who could leave his club for just £34 million this summer, and he could be one of many new incomings with Enzo Maresca’s side ready to “spend big”.

Chelsea set for major summer transfer overhaul

Maresca’s side are likely to be very busy this summer, and could even get some of their business done in an early fashion.

Chelsea "serious" about signing £62m Liam Delap alternative after weekend twist

The west Londoners are debating their best summer striker target.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 8, 2025

The Premier League confirmed that Chelsea will also have from June 1st-June 10th to sign players before the Club World Cup, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see BlueCo use this early opportunity to bring in upgrades with £100 million worth of prize money on the line.

Maresca’s squad will likely see a significant level of turnover when the window reopens, as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi are all due to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of this season.

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Chelsea need to find permanent new homes for the aforementioned crop, as none appear to have a long-term future under Maresca, while concerns also surround some members of the Italian’s current squad.

They’re currently lacking a prolific striker, with Nicolas Jackson yet to score a league goal this calendar year and Christopher Nkunku out of form as well, prompting Maresca to use Pedro Neto as a makeshift option up front.

Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have also been subject to ferocious criticism at points, leading to Chelsea targeting new goalkeeping options this summer.

Reports in Italy claim Maresca has personally asked Chelsea to sign another keeper this summer, and they could turn to AC Milan star Mike Maignan for the role.

The France international is out of contract in 2026 as things stand, meaning he could leave for a cut-price fee of around £34 million, which is nearly half off from his previously reported £67 million valuation (TEAMtalk).

Chelsea ready to "spend big" with contact made over Mike Maignan

TMW reported this week that Chelsea have made an approach for Maignan, and now reliable journalist Simon Phillips has followed that up with his own update on the “elite” goalkeeper.

Phillips, taking to his Substack, writes that Chelsea have at the “very least” asked about Maignan, and the club are “ready to spend big” again this summer.

“I have now had it confirmed by my two top sources that the club are still very much in the market for a new goalkeeper but it does need to be the right profile and one that really improves what they have,” said Phillips.

“There is a budget for a new goalkeeper as Chelsea get ready to spend big again in the summer and match that spending with player sales.

We can confirm also that the noise about Mike Maignan at AC Milan is correct, Chelsea are absolutely watching that situation at the moment. There are some concerns about his recent form, but Maignan is a goalkeeper that is being monitored by Chelsea and sources confirm that the club have at the very least, asked for information. He is admired.”

The 29-year-old would be a steal at £34m, having taken the France number one spot from Hugo Lloris and proved himself on the big occasion time and time again. Despite his recent slump in form, Maignan is exactly the calibre of shot-stopper that Maresca needs.

Leeds United are now eyeing a move for a “world-class” Premier League goalkeeper, who could be brought in as a replacement for Illan Meslier this summer, according to a report.

Meslier mistakes could be costly in promotion race

Meslier has cost Leeds several points in the Championship this season, which could prove to be costly in the promotion race, with Daniel Farke’s side now at serious risk of missing out on the automatic promotion spots.

The goalkeeper’s latest blunder came in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City last weekend, dropping a cross, which resulted in Harry Darling scoring for the visitors, meaning the Whites now sit level on points with third-placed Burnley.

There have already been widespread calls for Farke to replace the Frenchman this season, and the manager may be even more inclined to do so after his latest error, which could hinder his side’s promotion push considerably.

Huge upgrade on Meslier: Leeds big move for "world-class" GK

Leeds United could land a player who could end Illan Meslier’s time at Elland Road.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 1, 2025

A report from TEAMtalk has now revealed there are a number of options on the shortlist to replace the 25-year-old, who is not guaranteed to keep his place as number one next season.

One target is Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who has spent the current campaign on loan at Strasbourg, and his impressive performances in Ligue 1 mean he could be in line to become the Blues’ number one next season.

As such, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently unwilling to talk to potential suitors, but Petrovic remains on Leeds’ shortlist, despite the fact the 25-year-old could well be a part of Chelsea’s plans next season.

Should Meslier fail to prove himself to Farke between now and the end of the season, a move for Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher could also be considered, with the Irishman proving himself as a reliable deputy to Alisson whenever called upon.

"World-class" Petrovic could be Meslier upgrade

With Maresca ultimately opting to make Robert Sanchez his number one, the Serbian has been out on loan at Strasbourg this season, but his performances this season indicate he could deserve a second chance in the Premier League.

The Strasbourg loanee has been singled out for high praise from manager Liam Rosenior, who said: “We have seen huge progress from Petro. He is a world-class goalkeeper. We see it every day and it is still paying off today.”

As per WhoScored, the Serbia international is the best-performing goalkeeper in Ligue 1 this season, having made some fantastic saves for the French side.

Petrovic’s performances indicate he may be in line to replace the much-maligned Sanchez at Stamford Bridge next season, but if Chelsea choose to sanction the £14m goalkeeper’s departure, he could be a real upgrade on Meslier.

Nottingham Forest have the ‘strongest’ interest in a midfielder who’s been compared to Aston Villa star John McGinn, with Evangelos Marinakis expecting offers for Elliot Anderson.

Elliot Anderson shining for Forest with £100m price mooted

Anderson has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most impressive midfielders this season, with Forest reportedly setting a £100 million asking price to deter potential suitors during January.

The 23-year-old has transformed into one of England’s most complete central midfielders since his £35 million arrival from Newcastle in July 2024.

His exceptional form also convinced Thomas Tuchel to hand him a senior international debut in August, with the Three Lions manager subsequently praising him as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”

Anderson featured heavily during Forest’s fairytale seventh-placed finish last campaign, making 37 Premier League appearances whilst scoring two goals and registering six assists.

However, his development has accelerated dramatically throughout 25/26, establishing himself as Sean Dyche’s most influential player whilst earning recognition among Europe’s elite midfield talents.

Nottingham Forest make approach for Matic-like starlet who could replace Anderson

Forest have slapped a £100 million price tag on the latter’s head amid growing interest.

ByEmilio Galantini 6 days ago

Man City have emerged as Anderson’s preferred destination should he depart the City Ground, though Man United and Liverpool are apparently monitoring developments closely as well.

Pep Guardiola views him as an ideal long-term successor to Rodri, who is currently suffering from another injury setback which threatens to derail his mission to return to Ballon d’Or winning form.

Reports suggest that Forest are already making enquiries for potential Anderson replacements as interest grows in his signature grows, and this is backed up by The Mail’s Simon Jones.

Nottingham Forest make approach for Hibernian star Josh Mulligan

According to their information, Forest have emerged as frontrunners in the race for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, with Dyche’s side making initial enquiries ahead of a potential January move.

The Scotland international has impressed since arriving at Easter Road during the summer on a free transfer from Dundee, featuring in all 24 of their competitive matches whilst chipping in with three goals and three assists.

Mulligan, who The Mail report has been compared to McGinn for his tenacious style of play, was lavished with praise by Hibs boss David Gray following the Edinburgh side’s 3-0 win over Falkirk last weekend.

Steve Clarke recently called Mulligan into Scotland’s World Cup qualifying squad, challenging him to become a leader at club level.

With the 2026 tournament approaching and the Tartan Army qualified, regular Premier League football would significantly enhance his international prospects.

Hibernian secured Mulligan on a four-year contract and will demand substantial compensation before considering any mid-season departure.

Forest’s Europa League participation provides additional motivation for strengthening squad depth during the January window, with the Tricky Trees also expecting offers for Anderson next year.

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo edging closer and closer to calling time on generational careers, it can be easy to assume that football won’t ever be the same. But that crisis quickly becomes short-lived after one glance around some of the world’s best teenage sensations.

It is a generation full of absurd talent, so much so that it’s difficult to squeeze them all into a top ten. Arsenal have 15-year-old Max Dowman in their ranks, for example, who has already featured in a number of first-team games.

The most valuable teenage prospects in football ranked (2025)

Some staggering figures…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 7, 2025

The list of young talents is so stacked that Real Madrid star Endrick misses out for the time being, but there’s good reason why Los Blancos spent over £50m to secure his signature at such a young age. Ahead of his potential loan move in January, he remains one to watch alongside other honourable mentions.

Max Dowman

Arsenal

15

Endrick

Real Madrid

19

Geovany Quenda

Sporting CP

18

Assan Ouedraogo

RB Leipzig

19

Lennart Karl

Bayern Munich

17

10 Rio Ngumoha: Liverpool

There’s a reason why Chelsea were left furious by Liverpool’s move to sign Rio Ngumoha in 2024. The tricky winger is one of the best teenage talents around and became one of the youngest-ever Premier League goalscorers when he netted a dramatic winner against Newcastle United earlier on in the campaign.

It was the stuff of dreams for the 17-year-old, who is now waiting in the wings for further opportunities to shine even as Liverpool struggle under Arne Slot.

9 Rodrigo Mora: FC Porto

Portugal have a knack for producing impressive young talent and Rodrigo Mora looks set to be the next in line. The attacking midfielder, who’s still just 18 years old, has scored three goals for Porto so far this season – including in the Europa League.

Like so many before him, the teenager seems destined for greatness and may well become the latest big-money export out of Portugal sooner rather than later.

8 Ayyoub Bouaddi: LOSC Lille

Speaking of stars playing beyond their years, it’s hard to believe that Ayyoub Bouaddi is still 18 years old. The way he controls midfields is a trait that a player his age does not have very often, but he has it in abundance. The midfielder is a mainstay in Lille’s first-team and arguably one of their key men.

The big challenge for the French side will be keeping hold of their young star. It’s a rare day when defensive midfielders of his technical ability and towering 6’1 figure burst onto the scene.

7 Francesco Camarda: AC Milan

Any Football Manager players will already know exactly what Francesco Camarda has to offer. But for those that don’t know, he is one of the best emerging talents in world football. The 17-year-old became AC Milan’s youngest Serie A debutant at 15 and then did the same in the Champions League.

The forward also managed to bag his first Serie A goal in the current campaign in what is likely to be the first of many in the famous AC Milan colours.

6 Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal

Although he’s been unable to break into the Arsenal side with the same regularity as last season in the current campaign, Ethan Nwaneri remains one of the most promising talents around. He put Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side to the sword last season and already looks destined to find a role in Mikel Arteta’s team for years to come.

The Gunners will also be well aware that they needn’t rush the 18-year-old’s development like they were forced to do with Bukayo Saka, when they desperately needed a spark.

5 Franco Mastantuono: Real Madrid

Endrick hasn’t made this list but his Real Madrid teammate, Franco Mastantuono has. The Argentine arrived in Spain over the summer and has since shown plenty of flashes of his brilliance.

Having already scored his first goal in Real Madrid colours, the 18-year-old will now have his eye on avoiding the same fate as Endrick, who has been frozen out by Xabi Alonso. Given that Mastantuono has already started a handful of La Liga games, though, it’s clear that the Spaniard rates him.

4 Warren Zaire-Emery: Paris Saint-Germain

Already a Champions League winner at 19 years old, there’s a reason why Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the most highly-rated young talents around. It takes quite the player to break into Luis Enrique’s side these days, but the teenager has done just that on the biggest stages.

In a team which already includes Joao Neves, Vitinha and others, the central midfielder looks destined to become one of PSG’s top stars over the next decade.

3 Pau Cubarsi: Barcelona

You’d be forgiven for assuming that Pau Cubarsi is the senior centre-back in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side, especially after Ronald Araujo’s reckless red card against Chelsea. The 18-year-old plays with a maturity far beyond his years and has handed those in Spain a key defensive mainstay.

Whilst it’s often attacking stars who steal the headlines fresh from La Masia, Cubarsi is proving that the famous academy is also capable of producing top quality defenders.

2 Estevao Willian: Chelsea

The rest of European football must be scratching their heads, wondering how exactly Chelsea snuck in to win Estevao Willian’s signature. The Blues quietly landed a generational talent, who is already producing on the world stage.

He looked a star ready for the headlines against Barcelona in the Champions League, despite being just 18-years-old. The Brazilian has quickly become one of the fan favourites at Stamford Bridge, and rightly so.

1 Lamine Yamal: Barcelona

Estevao may have stolen the show at Stamford Bridge, but Lamine Yamal remains the best teenager in world football and one of the best players in the world, for that matter.

The Barcelona man is an early contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or and if it’s not next year, then it will certainly be in years to come that he sits on football’s throne. At 18 years old, Barcelona have unlocked yet another generational talent.

The best 15 wingers in world football ranked (2025)

Nottingham Forest are on the lookout for solidity under Sean Dyche and could now be set to make an intriguing move courtesy of owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The Tricky Trees had a fairly ominous start to the Premier League campaign that culminated in the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo, which was followed by Ange Postecoglou’s short tenure at the City Ground that ended under acrimonious circumstances.

Now, Dyche is the man at the helm and there is a feeling that improvement is starting to take shape on the River Trent, characterised in clear fashion by their convincing victory over Leeds United before the international break.

Ultimately, Forest are still in the relegation zone and have their work cut out to ensure they survive in the top-flight this campaign, though the fact that players such as Elliot Anderson are earning rave reviews from Thomas Tuchel is a reason for some optimism in the East Midlands.

Paying tribute to the Three Lions midfielder, the England coach labelled him as ‘one of the best midfielders in the Premier League’ before a routine victory in World Cup qualifying over Serbia, emphasising the value of his services that the Tricky Trees have at their disposal.

Even then, a tricky fixture at Anfield awaits for Forest on the other side of the international break before a quickfire double header against Malmö and Brighton, requiring squad rotation to make sure Dyche has fresh options to choose from.

Stability is something that hasn’t always been easy to come by at the City Ground, and club owner Marinakis doesn’t wait around when it is time to make a decision, something he could again demonstrate in January.

Nottingham Forest set for intriguing Christos Mouzakitis pursuit

According to Tuttosport, Nottingham Forest are among a clutch of clubs that are keen on Olympiacos star Christos Mouzakitis, who is also wanted by Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, AC Milan and Napoli.

Intriguingly, the Greek giants are owned by Marinakis, and he is said to be the one who will have the final say on his next destination amid their £30 million asking price for the 18-year-old midfielder.

Mouzakitis is described by Tuttosport as a player who’s ‘already one of the greatest talents in Greek football history’, with a clutch of Premier League sides taking notuce.

However, Forest may well have an edge given their close ties to the teenager via their owner.

Known to idolise AC Milan veteran Luka Modrić, Mouzakitis is a recipient of the TuttoSport Goldenboy Web Award and has registered two assists in 13 appearances this season across all competitions.

Nevertheless, he is under contract until 2029, and Olympiacos will hold the cards should a bidding war start to take place for his services, making it a tough ask for any suitors to land their man for anything less than a premium.

Either way, Marinakis could be the defining factor for Nottingham Forest in this one, and it may be worth keeping an eye to see what developments occur over the coming weeks and months.

Nottingham Forest could also be set to allow a surprise departure

Newcastle United and PIF have now made their first move in the race to sign Brentford striker Igor Thiago, who has matched Nick Woltemade all the way for goals so far this season.

Whilst the Magpies have clear problems in front of goal in the Premier League – proven by their 3-1 defeat against West Ham United last weekend – their problems once again disappeared on the European stage.

Easing to a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, both Dan Burn and Joelinton got themselves on the scoresheet in a refreshing change for Eddie Howe. With a trip to face Brentford up next, the Newcastle boss will simply be hoping for a repeat.

Speaking to reporters after securing a third-straight Champions League victory, Howe said: “Yes, it’s a big prize for us and our eyes are very much on it, and I want the players to be feeling the same.

“We said at the start of the Champions League campaign that we didn’t want to have that feeling that we were just pleased to be in the competition. It’s serious. We want to progress. We’ve put ourselves in a stronger position now to do that after the first defeat, but there are still many challenges ahead.”

Progressing on the European stage has certainly been no problem for those in Tyneside so far, but there’s no denying that their Premier League form has suffered at the same time.

Howe must boldly drop Newcastle star who has now moved clear of Isak

Newcastle fought their way to a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 6, 2025

Finding the balance and squad depth needed to thrive in both competitions should be Newcastle’s priority in 2026. As things stand, they’re six points adrift of the top four and, to make matters worse, it is Sunderland who sit in fourth place.

Following a slow start, those at St James’ Park should set their focus on the January transfer window and potentially welcoming attacking reinforcements.

Newcastle launch first Igor Thiago move

As reported by Trivela and ESPN Brazil and relayed by Sport Witness, PIF have now launched their first enquiry to sign Thiago for Newcastle in an addition that would certainly help solve their recent goalscoring woes.

Just like in their search for a striker in the summer, however, the Magpies aren’t alone. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have also reportedly enquired about Thiago’s availability to spark an all Premier League race for his signature.

Appearances

11

16

Goals

7

7

Assists

0

0

Having matched Woltemade for goals so far this season, Newcastle’s interest in Thiago should come as no surprise. Dubbed “powerful” by Brentford boss Keith Andrews earlier this season, the towering forward also crucially earned Alan Shearer’s seal of approval.

The Newcastle legend said: “He barely played last season because of injury but he got his two goals in that half and that’s what a striker is going to get judged for. He looks like he can fill the void left by Mbeumo and Wissa.”

After signing Yoane Wissa in the summer, Newcastle should make a return to West London to sign Thiago when 2026 arrives.

Newcastle hold internal talks to sign Ederson