As we enter the final few days of the January transfer window, Manchester United could be set for a frantic end to the month, with numerous players touted with a move to and from Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim is yet to make his first signing as Red Devils boss, but that isn’t through a lack of trying, after having various bids knocked back for multiple targets.

Patrick Dorgu is the latest man on the club’s shortlist, with the hierarchy placing two separate offers for the Leece left-back to try and solve their ongoing issue in that area of the pitch.

It was previously reported that the Denmark international was pushing for a move to join the Premier League outfit, with personal terms likely to be no issue, but before any deal is completed, the two clubs will have to agree a fee.

However, should a deal be completed for Dorgu in the coming days, it could see transfer action spring into life.

Man United plot big move for European star

According to one Spanish outlet, Man United are targeting a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz before the end of the month with Amorim personally requesting the move happens.

The German attacking midfielder has starred under Xabi Alonso in recent times, scoring 14 times and registering nine assists in all competitions throughout 2024/25 to date.

Wirtz also played an influential role in their unbeaten Bundesliga campaign last season, registering a combined 37 goal contributions – highlighting his quality in the final third, something which United have greatly lacked recently.

The report claims the 21-year-old is seen as the “perfect playmaker” for Amorim’s current system, with the club wanting to hand the new boss the ammunition to succeed in the North West.

Undoubtedly, given his age and current form, a deal would likely cost the hierarchy a pretty penny, but he could be seen as the ideal replacement for a current first-team member who looks set for an exit before the closure of the window.

How Florian Wirtz compares to Alejandro Garnacho

Winger Alejandro Garnacho has struggled to make a real impact on the side after Amorim’s appointment, with the Argentine unable to adapt to the two central attacking roles behind the striker.

He’s since been touted with various moves away from the club, with Napoli and Chelsea the front runners for his signature, but Spurs have also been credited with an interest.

Given his academy status, he would be a brilliant sale for their PSR standing, but they would be losing a 20-year-old star who could improve further. That being said, £55m would be a huge fee that could allow for reinforcements to fit the boss’ system.

Such a figure would play a massive role in a move to land Wirtz in January, with the German undoubtedly providing a better option than Garnacho in a central role.

He’s also massively outperformed the academy graduate in various key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to the Red Devils’ attacking department.

Games played

19

21

Goals & assists

18

4

Chances created

2.4

1.4

Successful dribbles

3.5

1

Dribble success

56%

29%

Duels won

6.8

4.1

Passes completed

55

25

Wirtz, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the world’s biggest talents” by scout Jacek Kulig has massively outperformed Garnacho for goals and assists, whilst also achieving a much higher dribble success rate.

The Leverkusen star has also created more chances per 90 than the current United man, subsequently able to offer more opportunities in front of goal to his teammates, further having the ability to improve their lack of attacking output.

It’s unclear whether the youngster would be interested in a move to England this month and how much it would cost, but his figures are evident as to how much he would set the club back in terms of investment.

However, Amorim and the hierarchy should be pushing relentlessly for a move before the closure of the window, with the German international having all the tools to have an immediate and long-term impact in the North West.

Save millions on Dorgu: Amorim can unleash "explosive" Man Utd teen instead

Man Utd could already have the perfect answer to Dorgu at the club…

ByRobbie Walls Jan 26, 2025

The retired striker has voiced strong support for Johnny Cardoso continuing his career at Real Betis especially if they qualify for European football

Davies emphasizes importance of stability before World Cup He predicts Cardoso will reject transfer approachesAmerican midfielder praised for doing well in La LigaGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Following Johnny Cardoso’s third La Liga goal of the season against Girona earlier this week, the American midfielder is back in the news with many fans clamoring to see the 23-year-old in the USMNT squad. His form has also seen clubs from across Europe keep a close eye on his progress, with Tottenham reportedly leading the race as they have a clause from a previous deal. Former USMNT star Charlie Davies was among those to praise the American’s performances, especially his recent showing against Girona.

“Johnny Cardoso. We have to talk about him now, at the moment,” Davies said on CBS Sports Golazo America when asked if any American player stands out for him. “[He's] 23 years old, killing it at Real Betis, another massive goal for him at the club, and he was near perfect on the ball. I think he’s really found a good role within this team, and Isco is the guy that makes this team tick, but in terms of being an outlet, and being able to shuttle the ball across, he has great positioning."

He added, “He’s not the most aggressive ball-winner, but what he does do is he picks up second balls, he finds the right space, and he’s able to play forward. He’s always looking to play forwards and not backwards or play in that safe pass, so I really like his growth as he continues to get playing time in La Liga."

He further expanded on the fact that he believes the midfielder should resist potential transfer interest if the Spanish club qualifies for either the UEFA Champions League or Europa League.

“They’re [Real Betis] pushing into the Champions League, so if Real Betis are in the Champions League, maybe he’s not going anyway," Davis said. "We talked about him being looked at by Tottenham, but if I’m Johnny Cardoso, and we qualify to play in the Champions League next season, I’m not going anyway.

“You’re playing in European competition, you’re in La Liga, but more importantly, you have a role under a manager who trusts and believes in you,” Davies continued to explain when asked if the Europa League counts. ”You’re not going anyway, you’re going to play. So from that standpoint alone, you talk about the year leading up to the World Cup, consistency and playing at such a high level at this moment, you would be foolish to leave that situation to go into an unknown or a wildcard in a year that means everything."

AdvertisementWHAT CHARLIE DAVIES SAIDTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Cardoso represents a growing contingent of American players establishing themselves in Europe's top five leagues, creating both opportunities and difficult career decisions. His situation at Real Betis highlights the evolving perspective on player development, where consistent playing time at a stable club may outweigh the prestige of moving to traditionally bigger teams.

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Real Betis continues their push for European qualification in the final stretch of La Liga, with Cardoso likely featuring prominently in their remaining fixtures. currently sit in sixth place on the La Liga table and are in pole position to finish in a European place. They face Real Valladolid on April 23 before they host Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semifinal.

Everton are back in action in the Premier League this evening as they prepare to welcome city rivals Liverpool to Goodison Park for the final time.

The Toffees lost 2-0 to Bournemouth at Goodison Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday and that, along with Liverpool’s shock defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle at Pride Park, means that this will be the last Merseyside derby at the stadium.

They are, of course, set to abandon their long-time home to move to a new stadium for the 2025/26 campaign and they will be hoping for a memorable derby day to bid farewell to the hallowed turf.

In terms of the league table, a win is not the be-all-end-all for the Toffees, who are already nine points clear of the relegation zone and slowly climbing closer to midtable instead of being in a relegation scrap.

For Everton supporters, however, this is about more than points on the board and any seasonal objectives, it is about getting one over their rivals and disrupting their charge for the title.

Everton's last win over Liverpool

You do not have to go back very far to find the last time Liverpool walked away disappointed after a clash with their rivals, as Sean Dyche’s side secured a fantastic win at Goodison Park in April of last year.

Jurgen Klopp’s team came to the other side of Merseyside with a chance to move level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

As they are this season, Liverpool were chasing a title and a win over Everton would have put them in a fantastic position to attack the final month of the campaign.

As you can see in the highlights above, however, the Toffees dented their chances of giving Klopp a big send-off with a phenomenal 2-0 win under the lights at Goodison.

Jarrad Branthwaite handed the hosts the lead in the first half when Alexis Mac Alisster scuffed his attempted clearance in the box straight to the England international.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin made sure of the three points in the second half when he brilliantly headed Dwight McNeil’s corner past Alisson to make it 2-0 on the night.

Unfortunately, though, the English centre-forward is one of the players who will not be available for David Moyes to select in his first Merseyside derby since returning for a second spell at the club.

The latest Everton team news

The former Sheffield United attacker, who is reportedly valued at £25m by Everton, will remain on the sidelines after he suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Brighton last month.

Youssef Chermiti, who arrived from Sporting for £15m in the summer of 2023, is currently out with a hamstring injury, after initially missing matches with a foot injury earlier this season, and will also be watching on from the sidelines.

This means that Everton will be without their £40m-rated attacking duo for this clash, whilst Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is also unavailable, and that means that Beto is the only senior, recognised, centre-forward option for Moyes.

Dwight McNeil

Knee

Seamus Coleman

Muscle

Youssef Chermiti

Hamstring

Armando Broja

Ankle

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Hamstring

Orel Mangala

Knee

As you can see in the table above, the Toffees manager is set to be without several important first-team players for this clash with Liverpool tonight, but he is also set for a boost.

Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Ukraine international Vitalii Mykolenko is due to be available after missing out on the defeat to Bournemouth with a calf issue.

Everton's predicted line-up

The Scottish boss could make a few changes to the starting line-up that was selected for the 2-0 defeat to the Cherries at Goodison Park last time out in the FA Cup.

England international Jordan Pickford should retain his position in the XI, as he has been the first-choice throughout the season in the Premier League, but the defence in front of him could look slightly different.

Everton have lined up with a 4-2-3-1 formation in all of Moyes’ matches so far but Liverpool arrive as the top scorers in the division, with 56 goals in 23 games, and the manager could be tempted to switch to a 5-2-2-1 formation to keep the likes of Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo at bay.

This could mean that winger Jesper Lindstrom could be dropped from the team to make way for Michael Keane, who has made 50 clearances in ten league games this season, to join James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite at centre-back, with Jake O’Brien remaining at right-back.

Appearances (starts)

10 (9)

Goals

2

Clearances

50

Error led to shot/goal

0

Ground duel success rate

42%

Aerial duel success rate

58%

On the left side, Mykolenko’s return to fitness should see Young dropped from the XI. The Ukraine international is a naturally left-footed player who would offer more balance on that side, rather than having Young trying to push forward on his weak foot.

This would create a back five that would be tasked with shutting out the best attack in the league and provide Pickford with a bit more protection than he had from the back four in the loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, by having another body in the way to block shots and make clearances.

As you can see in the XI above, the third change to the starting line-up could be the introduction of Carlos Alcaraz for his full debut in an Everton shirt.

The 22-year-old star, who joined on loan from Flamengo in January, created two chances, hit the post, and completed 93% of his attempted passes in just 25 minutes off the bench last time out, and could be more suited to playing as one of two attacking midfielders behind Beto than Abdoulaye Doucoure is.

Everton’s French midfielder has contributed one goal and zero assists in 20 starts in the Premier League and could be kept in reserve to use his energy and running power off the bench if they need to see out a result in the second half.

Everton v Liverpool: Team news, where to watch, referee & VAR

It is the last meeting between the two sides at Goodison Park.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 12, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Após duas partidas como visitante, o Flamengo volta ao Maracanã nesta quarta-feira, às 20h30, quando receberá o Cuiabá pela 12ª rodada do Campeonato brasileiro.A partida será transmitida com imagens pelo Premiere. Os torcedores também poderão acompanhar o confronto através do Tempo Real do LANCE!/Voz do Esporte.

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+ Confira a classificação e a tabela completa da Série A do Brasileirão!

Após 11 rodadas disputadas, Flamengo e Cuiabá somam os mesmos 12 pontos e, com o clube do Mato Grosso na zona de rebaixamento, a partida pode colocar o Rubro-Negro de volta ao Z4 após sete anos.

FLAMENGO X CUIABÁ -12ª RODADA DO BRASILEIRÃO

Local: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Data/Horário: 15/6/2022, às 20h30 (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Ainda não divulgado pela CBF.
Auxiliares:Ainda não divulgado pela CBF.
VAR: Ainda não divulgado pela CBF.
Onde assistir:Premiere e em Tempo Real no LANCE!/Voz do Esporte

Archer, who hadn’t played competitively since July 2021 because of injuries, is currently playing for England Lions in Abu Dhabi

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Nov-2022

Jofra Archer returned to action after a gap of close to a year and a half on Wednesday•Getty Images

Jofra Archer looks set to return to competitive cricket in South Africa in January after becoming MI Cape Town’s wildcard signing for the inaugural season of the SA20.Archer, the leading wicket-taker and Super Over hero for England in their 2019 ODI World Cup triumph, has not played an international game since March 2021 because of a long-standing elbow issue, which was followed by a stress fracture of the lower back. He has spent the last two weeks in the UAE as part of an England Lions training camp and, on Wednesday, made an encouraging return to action in a three-day warm-up match against England’s Test squad, hitting Zak Crawley in the head with a sharp bouncer in the first of nine threatening overs.Archer was signed by Mumbai Indians in the last IPL auction for INR 8 crore [US$ 1.06 million approx. at the time] despite the franchise knowing he would be unavailable. He has, in fact, been retained for the 2023 season. And on Wednesday evening, he was unveiled as a wildcard signing by MI Cape Town – the SA20 franchise and Mumbai Indians are owned by the same group, Reliance. The SA20 runs from January 10 until February 11, with a short break in late January for England’s re-arranged ODI series in South Africa. Archer could make his return to international cricket in that series, especially if he can prove his fitness playing for MI Cape Town.The wildcard system, which SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith said would “offer our teams an opportunity to add another world-class player to their squad”, was formally unveiled by CSA on Monday. The only other franchise to announce a wildcard signing so far are Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who brought in Jordan Hermann, the uncapped South African batter. Wildcard players will have a minimum salary of Rand 175,000 [US$ 10,290 approx.], but their wages are not going to count towards teams’ salary caps.Archer will join his England team-mates Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone and Olly Stone at MI Cape Town, whose squad also includes Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis and Rashid Khan.

Big picture

After a washout in Wellington, the three-match T20I series between New Zealand and India has been reduced to a two-match affair. But apart from that, and a change of venue to Mount Maunganui, little else has changed. In fact, there is a forecast of rain for the second T20I too.India, for the foreseeable future, will be trying to find batters who are naturally suited for T20 cricket, instead of asking some to bat against their natural style. This series will also be another audition for captain Hardik Pandya, who is being talked about as a potential future leader in the shortest format. However, they now have one game fewer for all this.Related

• India's T20 approach needs a reboot, not a refresh

• Williamson wants 'exciting talent' Allen to continue 'upward trend'

• Laxman: 'Be aggressive but also focus on conditions and situations'

• How do India get the best out of Rishabh Pant the T20 batter?

It’s difficult to gauge whether New Zealand are better or worse placed when it comes to power-hitting. They have got Finn Allen at the top and Glenn Phillips in the middle order but both Devon Conway and Kane Williamson bat in the anchor mode. What the hosts would want from this series is for Williamson to find fluency, and for Allen to find consistency.The Bay Oval is sold out for Sunday’s game. Once upon a time, it used to be a reasonably big ground but not anymore. As local boy Ish Sodhi put it, “If I can clear the rope batting at No. 8 or 9, I don’t think the top six will have any issues doing that.” So expect a high-scoring game, provided the rain stays away.

Form guide

New Zealand LWLWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
India LWWLW

In the spotlight

Kane Williamson hasn’t had a great time in T20 cricket in the last one year or so. After a poor IPL, where he scored 216 runs at a strike rate of 93.50, his struggles continued at the T20 World Cup as well. While he did score 178 runs in five innings at the global event, his strike rate of 116.33 was once again below par. Experts such as Tom Moody and Stephen Fleming believe Williamson is still valuable to the side, but the reality is he needs to improve his strike rate.

Watch India tour of New Zealand LIVE on Prime Video from Nov 18 to 30.

India are still trying to figure out how to get the best out of Rishabh Pant in this format. For someone who looks tailor-made for T20 cricket, not being able to nail a spot in the playing XI is perplexing. In the middle order, he is expected to attack straightaway but a first-ten-balls strike rate of 112.94 paints a very different picture. This year, he also opened in three games. Is that the role India now want to try him in?

Team news

From New Zealand’s squad of 13, Michael Bracewell and Blair Tickner could be the ones sitting out.New Zealand (probable): 1 Finn Allen, 2 Devon Conway (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Glenn Phillips, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 James Neesham, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Tim Southee, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Adam Milne, 11 Lockie FergusonIf Pant doesn’t open and continues to bat in the middle order, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda will be left fighting for one slot. One of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav is likely to sit out as well.India (probable): 1 Ishan Kishan, 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Shreyas Iyer/Deepak Hooda, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Harshal Patel, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal

Pitch and conditions

The average first-innings total in seven completed T20Is at the Bay Oval is 199. The spinners have fared better in terms of economy rate, conceding 8.05 per over as compared to 9.65 for fast bowlers. The previous T20I here, almost two years ago, was washed out, and the weather could play spoilsport once again.

Stats and trivia

• In 2022, Suryakumar Yadav has hit 60 sixes in T20Is, the most by a batter in a calendar year. The next best is Muhammad Waseem of UAE with 43, also in 2022.
• Pant (970) is 30 short of the 1000-run mark in T20Is. He will be the 11th Indian to reach there.
• In five T20 innings at the Bay Oval, Phillips has 196 runs at a strike rate of 183.17.

Arsenal’s victory against Leicester City yesterday was a vital one in terms of their slim hopes of claiming the Premier League title by the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Mikel Merino was the unlikely hero off the substitutes bench, scoring a double after replacing Raheem Sterling who had an afternoon to forget in the East Midlands.

The result puts the Gunners just four points behind Liverpool ahead of their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon – extending their unbeaten run to 15 league matches in the process.

The result was made all the more impressive given the injury crisis currently facing Arteta after Kai Havertz was the latest player to face a spell on the sidelines.

Such a situation needs to see the Spaniard’s senior options in the squad step up to the plate, but one of his regular starters was unable to have a huge positive impact on the result yesterday.

Martin Odegaard’s stats for Arsenal against Leicester

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has so often been the player to provide the goods in the final third for the Gunners in recent years, playing a huge role in their respective title charges.

The Norwegian has struggled to get going this season, only registering five combined goals and assists in his 17 outings, failing to register any contributions in each of his last two matches.

His latest display was evidence that he’s failing to match his high levels of performance, losing the ball 14 times during his 90-minute display and failing to complete any of his attempted crosses.

Odegaard only won 38% of his duels and was dribbled past once in the process, unable to make an impact at either end of the pitch at the King Power Stadium.

The same can’t be said for one player, who appears to be rapidly becoming the manager’s most important player after his showing against the Foxes yesterday.

The player who’s becoming Arteta’s most important player

The recent injury crisis to players within the final third has seen Arteta hand valuable first-team minutes to players who wouldn’t normally claim a starting role.

Sterling was one of the beneficiaries yesterday, but his dismal outing saw him replaced just after the hour, unable to take advantage of the chance handed his way.

However, fellow attacker Ethan Nwaneri was also handed a start in the Premier League, producing an outstanding display, softening the potential blow in Bukayo Saka’s absence.

The 17-year-old stepped up to the plate, registering an assist in the victory, whilst completing six of his seven attempted dribbles – the most of any player on the pitch.

Nwaneri also won 13 ground duels, hitting the woodwork twice, ultimately being desperately unlucky not to add himself to the scoresheet alongside Merino.

It was a display way beyond his tender teenage years, subsequently receiving a 9/10 match rating from the Daily Express’ Sam Smith, the highest of any starting player in Arteta’s side.

Minutes played

90

Touches

62

Assists

1

Dribbles completed

6/7

Ground duels won

13

Times hit the woodwork

2

Shots taken

4

Such a performance has demonstrated his serious qualities, with Arteta simply not able to drop him upon the return to action for multiple first-team players in the near future.

His ability to create carnage is something which Odegaard was unable to do in the win, with his showing demonstrating his importance to the side, arguably making him the club’s most pivotal star at this moment in time.

Leicester 0-2 Arsenal player ratings: Was anyone else as bad as Sterling?

The Gunners struck late to keep their title hopes alive.

ByBen Browning Feb 15, 2025

يسعى فريق باريس سان جيرمان، بقيادة المدرب لويس إنريكي، لكتابة التاريخ في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا مساء اليوم السبت خلال مواجهة إنتر ميلان.

ويلتقي باريس سان جيرمان مع إنتر ميلان في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2024/25، على ملعب “أليانز آرينا” في مدينة ميونيخ الألمانية.

وتُعد تلك المرة الثانية التي يتأهل فيها باريس سان جيرمان إلى نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث خسر نسخة 2020 أمام بايرن ميونخ.

طالع | تشكيل باريس سان جيرمان الرسمي أمام إنتر ميلان في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا

ويأمل باريس سان جيرمان إلى تحقيق لقبه الأول في تاريخ دوري أبطال أوروبا، وهو الأمر الذي أكد عليه المدرب لويس إنريكي في مؤتمره الصحفي أمس.

ويعتمد باريس سان جيرمان على خدمات النجم عثمان ديمبلي الذي سطع نجمه هذا الموسم، وأصبح ضمن المرشحين لنيل الكرة الذهبية لعام 2025، حسب رؤية الكثيرين. تشكيل باريس سان جيرمان المتوقع أمام إنتر ميلان في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا

حراسة المرمى: دوناروما.

خط الدفاع: أشرف حكيمي، ماركينيوس، باتشو، نونو مينديز.

خط الوسط: جواو نيفيز، فيتينها، فابيان رويز.

خط الهجوم: ديزيري دوي، عثمان ديمبلي، كفاراتسخيليا.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Out of all 20 Premier League teams, Manchester City’s January transfer window was arguably the most productive.

Indeed, Pep Guardiola made four important signings who could all contribute to the future of the club, potentially helping usher in a new era at the Etihad.

Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov all joined City. The latter two are aged just 19 and 20, indicating that the future is bright in Manchester.

A midfielder in the form of Nico Gonzalez also arrived.

Manchester City's hunt for a new midfielder

The Citizens have desperately needed a new midfielder ever since Rodri went down with an ACL injury.

Those problems were only exacerbated against Arsenal on Sunday when they were torn to shreds by Arsenal.

So, what did the title holders do to try and fix this? During the window, City were showing some interest in re-signing midfielder Douglas Luiz, five and a half years since selling him to Aston Villa.

The Brazilian has failed to settle at Juventus, but no move materialised to re-join his former side this winter.

The 12 most expensive January signings
Rank	Player	Signed for	Year	Fee
1	Philippe Coutinho	Barcelona	2018	£142m
2	Enzo Fernandez	Chelsea	2023	£107m
3	Mykhailo Mudryk	Chelsea	2023	£89m
4	Virgil van Dijk	Liverpool	2018	£75m
5	Bruno Fernandes	Man Utd	2020	£67.7m
6	Dusan Vlahovic	Juventus	2022	£66m
7	Omar Marmoush	Man City	2025	£63m
8	Oscar	Shanghai SIPG	2017	£60m
9	Khvicha Kvaratskhelia	PSG	2025	£59m
10	Christian Pulisic	Chelsea	2019	£58m
11	Aymeric Laporte	Man City	2018	£57m
12	Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang	Arsenal	2018	£56m

Elsewhere, the club were also keen on Porto midfielder Gonzalez in a bid to add something extra to their midfield area.

Unlike Luiz, this was a move they ultimately got over the line in the final knockings of the window, paying a reported £50m fee.

Although signing either of these two players or even both, if Guardiola was willing to splash the cash, will have given the club a lift, they could have avoided the need to spend such a seismic sum…

Man City have already sold their own Gonzalez

Ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, Guardiola sold a certain Romeo Lavia for a fee of just £10.5m to Southampton. The Belgian had featured just twice for the senior side under the former Barcelona manager, and it appeared as though he had no future at the club.

His spell at the Saints was a resounding success. He played 34 times for the club, starring in the top flight. Defensively, he was solid, ranking in the top 11% of midfielders in the Premier League for blocks and the top 24% for tackles and interceptions, despite the club suffering relegation.

Injury problems have disrupted his Chelsea career so far, but he has made some progress this season. The midfielder has played ten Premier League matches, demonstrating his ability across a range of metrics.

Not only has he succeeded with 92% of his passes, but the 21-year-old has created a big chance, succeeded with 58% of his dribble attempts and won 53% of his total duels per game, showcasing an all-round game which encapsulates the best parts of Luiz and Gonzalez combined; combative duel winners who are also comfortable in possession of the ball.

Described as a “top, top class midfield player” by pundit Tim Sherwood, the youngster certainly could have saved the club a few bob.

While he wasn’t quite at this level during his spell with City, if Guardiola had given him more consistent game time, then perhaps the likes of Gonzalez and Luiz could have been forgotten about.

Man City's most expensive signings of all time

The Citizens have spent a lot of money over the years.

By
Barney Lane

Jan 28, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo thanked Al-Nassr fans in an emotional message after the Saudi giants' exit at the AFC Champions League semi-final stage.

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• Ronaldo penned an emotional note for Al-Nassr fans
• Saudi giants out of AFC Champions League
• Went down 3-2 against Kawasaki Frontale

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ronaldo has had to endure yet another frustrating trophyless season in Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions League, losing 3-2 against Kawasaki Frontale in the last-four stage. Al-Nassr had exited the King's Cup in October last year, and in the Saudi Pro League, they are trailing leaders Al-Ittihad by eight points with only five matches left in the season.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As Ronaldo's wait for a major trophy in Saudi Arabia continued, the 40-year-old took to social media to thank the fans for their constant support. He also heaped praise on his colleagues who gave their all on the pitch.

• WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

  On X, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star wrote: "Sometimes the dream has to wait. I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch. Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way. Your support means the world."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?

  Stefano Pioli's side will have to win their upcoming Saudi league clash against Al-Ittihad on May 7 if they want to keep their title hopes alive.