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Over the last three seasons, Arsenal have been within touching distance of ending their two-decade drought for a Premier League title under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners last claimed title glory way back in 2004, with a generation of supporters unable to personally experience the heights achieved in the years prior.

In recent years, the club have shown glimpses of ending such an extended wait, but have been unable to cross the line and end a campaign in top spot.

Arteta’s men have finished the last three seasons in second place, but will be hoping to go one better this time around after the hierarchy backed him with over £200m worth of new additions.

However, despite the heavy spending from the board, one player already in the ranks at the Emirates could offer the solution to their recent inability to jump the final hurdle.

Why Saka could lead Arsenal to title glory in 25/26

Winger Bukayo Saka has been a crucial member of the Arsenal squad over the last couple of years, even cementing his place as a regular starter under Arteta.

The Englishman has risen through the academy ranks and showcased his worth, subsequently reaching unthinkable heights in the club’s hunt for title glory.

The 24-year-old has since racked up 270 senior appearances for the Gunners, registering 144 combined goals and assists in the process – an average of 0.53 per 90.

He missed a huge chunk of last campaign through injury, restricting him to just 37 appearances in all competitions, but it didn’t stop him from achieving a total of 25 goal contributions.

Such numbers weren’t enough for Arteta to claim any form of silverware, but his return to full fitness in 2025/26 will only improve the club’s chances of success.

His emergence through the youth ranks has highlighted the impressive work done by all the staff behind the scenes, which could allow players to emulate his success at the Emirates.

The Arsenal star who’s already a Saka-type player

Over the last couple of months, Arsenal fans have found a new reason to be excited, with teenager Max Dowman making his mark on the first-team despite being just 15.

He made his first senior appearance for the Gunners in the 5-0 triumph over Leeds United at the Emirates, featuring for just under half an hour but still having a huge impact.

The youngster won a penalty late on in the contest, handing Viktor Gyokeres the chance to net his second goal for the club, already showcasing his ability to torment the opposition despite his tender age.

Given his immediate impact in North London, there’s no denying that Dowman has a huge future at the club, but it’s crucial Arteta and co manage the expectations placed upon him.

However, the route of being in the academy and making the jump to the senior squad isn’t as simple for others, with Eberechi Eze one player who’s demonstrated just that in recent years.

He spent time in the youth ranks during the early years of his career, before being let go and making a name for himself at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Gunners subsequently forked out a deal worth £67.5m for his signature this summer, with the hope he can become as crucial as Saka in the immediate future.

Eze, who’s been labelled “magical to watch” by Paul Hall, has glaring similarities to the aforementioned star, with the attacker already being comparable to his compatriot.

In his first eight games back in North London, the 27-year-old has already showcased his creative ability, laying on two assists in his first five Premier League outings.

However, Eze has also shown that he’s capable of starring alone, already netting his first goal for the club in the recent Carabao Cup clash against Port Vale.

Both traits have seen Saka become a real fan-favourite in North London, with the winger undoubtedly a key part of any potential success the club could achieve this campaign.

As for the new summer addition, he could also follow suit if he continues his excellent start to life at the Emirates – subsequently adding a new dimension to Arteta’s already potent front line.

Arteta can drop Gyokeres by unleashing Arsenal star who's emulating Haaland

Viktor Gyokeres should be under pressure to perform at Arsenal.

By
Matt Dawson

Oct 15, 2025

Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign a centre-back who’s having a “monstrous” season, amid a new update on Marc Guehi’s future.

Guehi underlines his importance to Palace once again

Palace are under no illusions as to just how important Guehi is, having cancelled their captain’s move to Liverpool on deadline day, and he once again put in a top performance against Fulham last time out.

The Eagles bounced back from the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United by securing a late 2-1 win at Craven Cottage, with the centre-back scoring a late winner and receiving a 7.9 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any player.

The 25-year-old has been a real threat going forward in the Premier League this season, having found the back of the net twice and chipped in with three assists, with his latest goal sending Oliver Glasner’s side up to fourth in the table.

However, according to a new update from TEAMtalk, Guehi is set to either leave for a cut-price fee in the January transfer window or on a free transfer in the summer, and Crystal Palace have now identified Lens’ Samson Baidoo as a potential replacement.

Baidoo’s stand-out performances in Ligue 1 this season is one of the reasons Lens have defied expectations and currently sit top of the table, meaning he has now attracted the attention of a number of clubs, with West Ham United also keen.

Lens have the second-best defensive record in Ligue 1 this season, and the 21-year-old has also impressed on an individual basis, exhibiting plenty of signs that he could be a shrewd addition for the Eagles…

Baidoo enjoying "monstrous" season in Ligue 1

Journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos has been extremely impressed by the youngster’s showings since moving to Ligue 1 in the summer, lauding him as a “beast”, while also stating the starlet is having a “monstrous” season and may not be at Lens for long.

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The Austrian has proven himself from a defensive point of view over the past year, while also, much like Guehi, catching the eye going forward, which suggests he could be a like-for-like replacement for the England international.

Samson Baidoo’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Non-penalty goals

0.12 (94th percentile)

Assists

0.06 (85th percentile)

Blocks

1.88 (97th percentile)

Tackles

1.94 (84th percentile)

The Graz-born defender is enjoying a fantastic debut campaign in Ligue 1, which suggests he may soon be ready to test himself in the Premier League, but Lens should be in a strong negotiating position, as the starlet is under contract until 2030.

Of course, Crystal Palace will be very reluctant to see Guehi leave, and with Glasner’s side making a push for Europe, they shouldn’t sanction a January departure, but Baidoo could be a fantastic replacement next summer.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has conceded in his pre-Leeds press conference that the Reds need to get Alexander Isak more involved in games.

Isak, 26, joined the Anfield side this summer for a British record £125m fee. Last season, Jamie Carragher declared him “the best striker in the Premier League”. He scored 27 goals in all competitions for Newcastle United, including the winner in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, against Liverpool.

25/26 – LFC

17.1

5.6 (65%)

24/25 – NUFC

33.3

14.9 (77%)

23/24 – NUFC

26.8

12.6 (80%)

22/23 – NUFC

29.5

12.5 (78%)

But he’s toiling away at his new club, and to little avail at that. This speaks of the wider tactical imbalances at the club right now, with the forwards all struggling and the midfielders and defenders too.

Change is needed, but with new and elite centre-forward options strapped in, FSG are turning their attention to Liverpool’s attacking flanks.

Liverpool lining up a wide forward

Last month, Slot was quizzed on Liverpool’s transfer plans ahead of the January transfer window, as the dismal form raged on. That stain has only spread since, but the coach hinted that the Premier League champions’ priority lies not with the rearguard but on the wing.

Liverpool didn’t replace Luis Diaz when selling the versatile Colombian to Bayern Munich in August, and that was clearly a mistake. Cody Gakpo knows where the back of the net is, but he’s somewhat one-dimensional, with fans annoyed by the regularity of his cutting inside when the ball finds him down the left lane.

Perhaps that is why rumours have resurfaced of Liverpool interest in Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with TEAMtalk suggesting this week that Anfield is one of the few places the Brazilian would consider joining; Arsenal have also been mooted.

Rodrygo may be undergoing a divorce with superstardom at Los Blancos, but that doesn’t mean Florentino Perez will let the 25-year-old leave on the cheap, tentatively transfer-listing him for around €90m (£79m).

Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo

It’s no secret that Liverpool are interested in signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo in January, but Rodrygo is cut from finer cloth, the Brazil international having conquered Europe and Spain too during his time with Real Madrid.

Across 286 senior appearances, he has scored 68 goals and supplied 53 assists, and last year, Jude Bellingham said “he’s probably the most gifted player in the squad”, with frightening speed and deadly finishing and a versatile take on the attacking game.

Though he has served Real Madrid’s wishes out on the right flank for most of his career, Rodrygo actually prefers playing off the left. The right-footer believes he is at his most clinical in that role, and last season, though he struggled on the whole, he scored six goals and supplied six assists across just 12 outings.

Right winger

148

34

31

Left winger

89

23

18

Centre-forward

85

22

8

Attacking midfield

4

–

1

Rodrygo would surely displace Gakpo and cement a regular starting berth under Slot’s wing at Liverpool. Gakpo, scapegoated at times this season, is still not the multi-faceted wideman that Diaz was, and Rodrygo would restore that presence that FSG are so intent on replacing.

Hailed as a “world-class superstar” by former teammate Luka Modric, he is the real deal, alright, with pedigree on the biggest stage and so much more still to give. Rodrygo has lost his way in Spain, but at Liverpool, he could become a leading man, especially with Mohamed Salah ostensibly winding down.

He is a man of many dimensions, and indeed has more in his locker than Gakpo, even with the Dutchman averaging 2.2 created chances per game in the Premier League this season, the most frequent of any Liverpool player and the fifth-highest average in the division.

But Rodrygo, even at his lowest ebb, ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive carries and the top 18% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

There is little question that Rodrygo would raise Liverpool’s level, adding width and pace and dynamism down the left flank and maybe serving out on the right when called upon.

Gakpo enjoyed plenty of success last season, scoring 18 goals and supplying seven assists across all competitions. He is a potent threat. But he also needs a counterpoint to jockey with out on the left, and Rodrygo would provide that presence and then some.

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After the Toronto Blue Jays and slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. failed to agree to contract terms before his self-imposed deadline back in February, the belief was that the four-time All-Star would hit the open market as a free agent this winter. Ensuing reports, which indicated just how far apart the two sides were in their negotiations, only served to strengthen that notion.

But everything changed in the early morning hours Monday, as the Blue Jays and Guerrero agreed to terms on a 14-year, $500 million contract extension, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of .

The massive deal begs several questions.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Contract Details Are there any deferrals in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Contract?

No. Guerrero's contract includes no deferred compensation, according to Spotrac. This was a sticking point in negotiations between the 2023 Home Run Derby champion and the Blue Jays. Guerrero and his agents Barry Praver and Scott Shapiro made it clear that the deal should include no deferrals, which would have significantly lowered its present day value.

Does Guerrero's contract have a no-trade clause?

Yes. Guerrero's deal includes a full no-trade clause, according to Spotrac. Per MLB rules, this means that Guerrero can block a trade to any of the other 29 teams. A full no-trade clause gives much more power to the player than a partial one, which allows a player to block trades only to a specified list of teams.

How long will Guerrero be under contract with the Blue Jays?

For 14 seasons, beginning in the '26 campaign and running through the '39 season.

Where does Guerrero's contract rank among the biggest in MLB history?

It is the third-largest contract in MLB history, but the second-largest in terms of present day value. It is also the largest contract in Blue Jays history. Here's a closer look.

Below are the biggest contracts in MLB history in terms of total value.

Player

Total Contract Value

Juan Soto

$765 million

Shohei Ohtani

$700 million

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

$500 million

Mike Trout

$426.5 million

Mookie Betts

$365 million

Now, here are the biggest contracts in terms of present day value.

Player

Present Day Value

Juan Soto

$765 million

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

$500 million

Shohei Ohtani

$460 million

Mike Trout

$426 million

Aaron Judge

$360 million

In the case of Ohtani and Betts, significant contract deferrals, which have become a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers' team-building philosophy, drag down the present day value of the respective deals.

In terms of average annual value, Guerrero's contract, which will pay him $35.7 million per year, checks in as the ninth-largest in MLB history, just behind New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and Trout. In terms of the biggest contracts among active players at the time of this story's publishing, Guerrero's deal ranks seventh in MLB in AAV. Note that these AAV figures are all in terms of present day value and don't include deferrals.

In a fun twist, Guerrero Jr. will earn $142.8 million through the first four seasons of his deal, which eclipses the entire career earnings of his father and Baseball Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr.

In seven seasons, Guerrero has posted a .287/.362/.498 slash line with 160 home runs, 511 RBI and 478 runs scored. In addition to making four All-Star teams and winning the '23 Home Run Derby, he is a two-time Silver Slugger, has a Gold Glove to his name and in '21 was the youngest player, at 22 years old, in MLB history to be named All-Star Game MVP.

NZ’s openers Conway and Young surpassed Zimbabwe’s total of 125 on their own

Firdose Moonda07-Aug-2025

Matt Henry’s sixth Test five-for eclipsed Brendan Taylor’s international comeback, and entrenched questions over Zimbabwe’s batting in the longest format. Zimbabwe were bowled out for their lowest total in nine innings, and second-lowest since 2023, with Taylor’s 44 and Tafadzwa Tsiga’s 33 the only individual scores over 11. That Taylor and Tsiga never batted together further underlines the issue, as Zimbabwe mustered a best partnership of only 29 on a surface where they chose to bat first.There was some early movement but with less bounce on offer than last week, and the quality of New Zealand’s seamers shone through. Henry led the attack, but debutants Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher were also impressive. They varied lengths well, and bowled tight lines to a plan to give New Zealand’s line-up the best of the batting conditions.In response, Devon Conway and Will Young put on New Zealand’s third-highest opening partnership against Zimbabwe, and New Zealand’s first opening stand of over 150 in almost three years. It was their fourth century stand together, and first for the opening wicket. Though separated late in the day, Conway and Young put New Zealand ahead, and memories of Taylor’s slog earlier in the day already far from mind.Related

Brendan Taylor grateful for second chance with Zimbabwe

Taylor was called into action immediately on his comeback after a three-and-a-half-year ban when he was elevated to open the batting – something he had only done six times before – in place of Ben Curran. The reason for that became obvious as Taylor looked, by a distance, the most aware of his off stump, left well, and defended solidly.With all those qualities on display in the morning, he will be livid with the manner of his dismissal shortly after lunch. Taylor became Henry’s third wicket when he popped a tame catch to stand-in captain Mitchell Santner at extra cover to end a two-hour-and-23 minute stay at the crease.By then, Zimbabwe were in all sorts of trouble. They had already lost the rest of their top order thanks to poor shot selection in the face of excellent bowling. Brian Bennett, who partnered Taylor, was out as early as the ninth ball when he chased a delivery that shaped away and edged Henry to second slip, and will have to address his technique going forward.Brendan Taylor scored 44 on his return to Test cricket•Zimbabwe Cricket

Henry should have had Nick Welch off the next ball when he edged a good-length delivery. But Will Young, who took the catch that dismissed Bennett, could not hold on. Welch was beaten on the outside edge at least twice more by Henry, who then beat his inside edge and had him out lbw.Zimbabwe would have hoped an experienced middle order would stabilise them, but Sean Williams and Craig Ervine went cheaply. Williams was worked over by Foulkes, who moved the ball away late, and edged to third slip, where Young took a diving catch to his right. Then, on the stroke of lunch, Ervine reached for a full, wide ball, and handed Young a third catch. Zimbabwe went to the break on 67 for 4, with Taylor on 33 and well set. His shot of the session was an upper cut off Duffy that was struck powerfully and placed well.The same could not be said of the shot Taylor played in the afternoon, when Henry bowled on a good length outside off, and Taylor tried to drive off the back foot but chipped the ball to Santner. At the start of the next over, Foulkes set a leg-side trap for Sikandar Raza, and banged it in short and Raza walked straight in. He moved to the off side, and guided the ball into Rachin Ravindra’s hands. That was the third time in as many innings in this series that Raza was dismissed by the short ball.Foulkes had Trevor Gwandu lbw three balls later, and Zimbabwe had crashed to 83 for 7. The end of the innings was only a matter of time. Henry picked up his fourth when Vincent Masekesa played down the wrong line and the ball hit the top of off stump, and his fifth when Blessing Muzarabani backed away and was bowled. Foulkes also chased a fifth, but Tsiga and Tanaka Chivanga resisted with a 25-run last wicket-stand.Will Young remains without a century one inning into his 22nd Test•Zimbabwe Cricket

Tsiga played a couple of well-timed shots through deep third and midwicket, and offered a rare glimmer of hope for Zimbabwe’s batting. But he ran out of partners when Chivanga failed to use his feet and drove Fisher to mid-off to give him a wicket on debut. Zimbabwe were bowled out inside 49 overs.In response, New Zealand raced to 57 without loss after ten overs, and 40 of their runs came in boundaries. Conway got hold of fuller deliveries from Chivanga, while Young, who was struck on the glove, took on Muzarabani’s short ball. Zimbabwe’s new-ball pair then adjusted their lengths, but when Muzarabani and Chivanga went full, it was too full, and Conway cashed in. Chivanga’s fourth over cost 14 runs as Young cut him twice and then edged a back-of-a-length ball over the slips to bring up New Zealand’s fifty.Gwandu’s introduction quietened things down, but only a touch, as New Zealand accumulated with ease. Chivanga changed ends, and it was off him that Young brought up his 11th Test fifty and New Zealand’s hundred with a flick through midwicket.Zimbabwe’s best chance came shortly after the day’s final drinks break when Muzarabani drew Conway’s edge, but the chance died on Ervine at slip. Muzarabani also found the inside edge, but the ball raced away for four. Conway rode his luck, and then brought up his 13th Test fifty. New Zealand were in the lead with 14.4 overs left to play on the opening day.They were 33 runs ahead when Masekesa thought he had the breakthrough. He hit Conway, on 72, in front of middle and leg, and appealed for lbw but it was turned down. Zimbabwe finally had some joy when Young tried to pull Gwandu but chopped on. Young remains without a century one inning into his 22nd Test. Conway finished the day on 79* alongside nightwatcher Duffy.

Hurricane Milton left a path of destruction in its wake across Florida. Among the areas impacted by the Category 3 hurricane was Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

According to Marc Topkin of the , the damage to the stadium is still being assessed, though it's been made clear that the Rays won't be able to play at the stadium on Opening Day in 2025, which is scheduled for March 27.

Among the areas of the stadium most impacted by the storm was the roof, which was massively disfigured by Hurricane Milton, as well as some of the team offices, which Topkin indicated sustained "extensive" damage.

Topkin reports that it's not immediately clear where the team will play at the start of next year, nor how long they'll be displaced as the stadium undergoes repairs. It's possible they'll play at a nearby minor league stadium, though they'd likely need to play in a stadium that has a roof, something most minor league parks lack.

It seems, as more information about the condition of Tropicana Field is discovered, that the Rays have another potential obstacle to overcome before the start of next season, which figure to have significant impacts on the upcoming campaign.

Mikel Arteta has urged calm and perspective after Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly was dropped from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. The 19-year-old left-back has struggled for regular minutes this season, and while his omission has sparked debate among fans, Arteta insists the setback could “happen for the right reason” as he backed the teenager to bounce back stronger.

• Lewis-Skelly omitted from latest England squad

  Lewis-Skelly was one of several players omitted from Tuchel’s latest England squad for the November internationals against Serbia and Albania. The 19-year-old, who featured in the October clashes, was left out as Tuchel prioritised players receiving consistent game time at club level. Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly and Tottenham’s Djed Spence were instead called up, with the England boss emphasising that competition and performance dictated his selection.

  Lewis-Skelly’s exclusion follows a season in which he has struggled to cement a first-team place. Despite impressing in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid last month, the teenager has only played 92 minutes of Premier League football this term, primarily featuring in cup competitions. With Riccardo Calafiori reclaiming the left-back role after recovering from injury, Lewis-Skelly has found himself pushed down the pecking order at the Emirates.  

  Tuchel had previously warned that a lack of minutes could jeopardise Lewis-Skelly’s England place, and his latest squad confirms he has acted on that stance. As it stands, Lewis-Skelly will have to reclaim his starting spot at club level if he is to return to the national team setup before next year’s World Cup.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Arteta sends a positive message to Lewis-Skelly

  Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Sunderland, Arteta expressed empathy for Lewis-Skelly but encouraged the player to see his omission as part of a larger journey. "Yes for sure, we are here to support and to help each other and give a good perspective of the situation," Arteta said when asked if the teenager needed reassurance." 

  The Arsenal boss continued to praise the maturity and achievements of the 19-year-old despite his recent setback. "When you look at his age, what he's already done, he's just remarkable. So don't look at the one [bad] moment what is happening for you because maybe it happens for the right reason and today you cannot see it."

• Getty Images
  

  Tuchel explains Lewis-Skelly snubbing from November squad

  Tuchel’s decision to omit Lewis-Skelly was not based on form alone but on consistency and competition within the England setup. The England manager explained that the Arsenal defender, along with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Morgan Gibbs-White, had been “out-performed” by players earning regular starts for their clubs. “Myles simply needs more starts, more minutes,” Tuchel said, noting that Nico O’Reilly’s sustained run at Manchester City had pushed him ahead in the selection order. 

  For Lewis-Skelly, the message is clear: minutes on the pitch matter as much as talent. His total of 470 minutes across all competitions this season lags behind rivals Spence and O’Reilly, who have featured far more prominently for their respective clubs. Nevertheless, within Arsenal, there remains full belief in the teenager’s long-term potential. Lewis-Skelly is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from the Hale End academy in recent years.

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  Lewis-Skelly may still have a way into England World Cup plans

  Lewis-Skelly’s immediate focus will be on reclaiming a more prominent role within Arteta’s matchday plans. With Arsenal navigating a busy run of fixtures across domestic and European competitions, opportunities are likely to arise, particularly if Arteta continues to rotate his squad. A strong performance in upcoming fixtures could strengthen his case for both Arsenal minutes and a potential recall to the England setup in March.  

  As for Tuchel, the door remains open. England’s manager has repeatedly stated that his selections are fluid, dependent on form and fitness, not past reputation. With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, Lewis-Skelly’s challenge is clear.

Manchester United are looking to plan for the long-term under Ruben Amorim and Fabrizio Romano has now delivered a key update on the future of one of their stars.

Matheus Cunha excited for what's to come at Man Utd

Admittedly, the Red Devils have had a mixed start to the season, and it will take time to get things right as they aim to climb the Premier League table, albeit Matheus Cunha has been impressive since his summer transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Opening up on his settling in period, the Brazil international has laid out his plans to continue improving at Old Trafford, claiming that he is enjoying the challenge of helping Manchester United to get back to their best.

He said via the People’s Person: “What I was searching for as a person more than anything else, I’m slowly finding. You constantly want to improve; that’s innate in human nature, but I can’t help but stop and enjoy this moment.

“Feeling privileged to wear the jersey of the greatest national team in the world, one of the greatest clubs in the world… It’s a spectacular personal moment. I have an incredible family, another little girl now, everyone is doing well and healthy. I’m enjoying all of this in a positive way.”

While the Red Devils look to rectify results on the field, club officials are ready to push for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton despite Real Madrid also holding an interest in the England international.

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However, bringing new talent into the building isn’t their only priority, with an update now emerging on the future of one of their key stars whose next steps have now become clearer.

Fabrizio Romano delivers Harry Maguire contract update

According to Romano in his GIVEMESPORT column, Manchester United star Harry Maguire is in talks over a contract extension, but he won’t be set for a pay rise if he does end up putting pen to paper at Old Trafford.

He said: “No [he won’t be receiving a pay rise]. It would have to be a different salary structure for Maguire in order to make it happen, talks are taking place.”

Harry Maguire at Manchester United

Appearances

253

Goals

16

Assists

9

Trophies

EFL Cup x1, FA Cup x1

Reported to be earning £190,000 per week at Old Trafford, the England international is famously one of Manchester United’s most expensive ever signings following his £80 million move to the club in 2019 from Leicester City.

Throughout highs and lows, Maguire’s leadership qualities and consistent level of performance have always shone through, and he is worthy of an extended stay at Old Trafford while Amorim tries to navigate a transitional period for the club.

Of course, he is likely to garner interest in the transfer market. However, Manchester United fans will hope a new contract can be sorted out for one of their most dependable assets.

Everton’s summer has been one of bold investment.

After losing several senior players, including Ashley Young, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the club moved swiftly in the market.

Thierno Barry arrived from Villarreal, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, Tyler Dibling from Southampton, and, most eye-catchingly, Jack Grealish from Manchester City.

The start to the season has been encouraging. Everton lost their opening fixture 1-0 away at a raucous Elland Road but responded with a 2-0 home win over Brighton.

That momentum carried into a thrilling 3-2 victory at Molineux, giving supporters cautious optimism. Yet amid this excitement, Everton’s left-back situation remains one of the more pressing concerns.

For years, the position was locked down by club legend Leighton Baines, whose attacking instincts, set-piece expertise, and sheer consistency made him a fan favourite and one of the best full-backs in Premier League history.

Baines played 420 games for the Toffees, scoring 39 goals and assisting 64 more, becoming the first defender to reach 50 Premier League assists.

Now an assistant coach under David Moyes, Baines still casts a long shadow over the role he perfected.

Everton’s recent struggles in the position, however, have made his legacy all the more glaring.

Everton's issues at Left-Back

Everton’s problems at left-back were laid bare on opening day when James Garner, a natural midfielder, was forced to fill in against Leeds.

He performed admirably, even scoring against Brighton in the following game when deployed there again, but his inclusion underscored the lack of natural options.

Vitaliy Mykolenko remains the first-choice left-back, but his availability is a constant question mark.

Since joining Everton, the Ukrainian has missed 23 matches through injury, disrupting any rhythm in the back line.

His return for the full 90 minutes against Wolves was a welcome sight, but the recurring fitness issues mean the club cannot rely on him as a season-long solution.

The uncertainty at left-back has been a consistent issue since Baines retired, and it is little surprise Everton turned to the transfer market in search of an answer.

Their £8m move for one of Europe’s most promising young full-backs could prove decisive in addressing this long-standing problem.

Adam Aznou could be the next Baines

Everton’s decision to sign Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich was not just a short-term fix but a long-term investment in a player who has the potential to redefine their left side.

At 19, the Moroccan international has already built a reputation as one of the brightest defensive talents in Europe.

A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, he moved to Bayern in 2022, featuring in both the Champions League and Club World Cup, albeit for just 29 minutes combined.

The second half of last season saw him gain valuable senior experience on loan at Real Valladolid.

Despite the club finishing bottom of La Liga, Aznou shone individually, ranking second for dribbles completed among defenders with at least 500 minutes played, as per BBC Sport

Bayern board member Max Eberl openly admitted regret at losing him, underlining just how highly rated he remains in Germany.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has already described Aznou as having “huge potential,” a statement that captures the excitement surrounding the teenager’s arrival. Mattinson has also tipped him to be the heir to Baines under Moyes.

His statistical profile backs that up.

The full-back sits in the 98th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 (1.91), the 91st percentile for tackles per 90 (2.82), and the 99th percentile for blocks per 90 (2.51).

These numbers illustrate not only his willingness to carry the ball forward but also his capacity to defend aggressively and positionally.

Though Everton supporters will need to be patient – he has yet to make a matchday squad on Merseyside – the club views him as a player capable of becoming their next Baines: dependable at the back, adventurous going forward, and a fan favourite in waiting.

Crucially, his development could be accelerated by the calibre of teammates around him, particularly Everton’s marquee signing of the summer – Grealish.

The England international arrived from Manchester City after Thomas Tuchel warned him that he needs regular minutes to secure his place at the World Cup.

He has begun the season brilliantly, registering four assists in three games, and looks every bit the creative force Everton needed on the left flank.

His ability to drift inside, carry the ball at speed, and thread through passes makes him the perfect partner for an overlapping full-back.

If Aznou can integrate into the side, his overlapping runs and willingness to push high up the pitch could dovetail perfectly with Grealish’s inside-left positioning.

For now, Aznou remains very much in the pipeline.

He will need time, patience, and careful integration, but the tools are all there for him to succeed.

Everton have a "match-winner" who's Moyes' new Pienaar & it's not Grealish

David Moyes could have this next Steven Pienaar now at Everton in this fantastic £22m star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 5, 2025

Half-centuries from Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh helped Lucknow Super Giants put on 203 for 8 against Mumbai Indians on Friday in IPL 2025. MI captain Hardik Pandya took a five-for for the visitors after winning the toss and choosing to bowl.Marsh survived a caught-behind chance in the first over of the game. But the bowler Trent Boult and his team-mates didn’t hear it, and the opener capitalised in a 69-run powerplay where he hit nine fours and two sixes.The introduction of left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur accounted for Marsh before a slower bouncer from Hardik reduced the in-form Nicholas Pooran’s promising start to a cameo. Rishabh Pant’s lack of form continued as he, too, fell to a slower short ball from Hardik.After going on the attack during Pant’s stay, Markram went back to playing second-fiddle with Ayush Badoni’s entry. Badoni bought some time but got going later on to post 30 off 19 balls. He was out caught behind playing the scoop a ball before the death overs began. LSG made 90 for 4 in the middle (7-16) overs.Markram reached his fifty off 34 balls, which was off the 98th ball of the innings. He fell to Hardik, who bowled two overs at the death in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. A couple of boundaries from David Miller in the final over took LSG past the 200-mark before Hardik helped himself to two wickets to complete a five-for, the first by a captain in IPL history.