Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele hailed "wonderful" Barcelona rival Lamine Yamal after beating him to the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Dembele scooped the award ahead of Yamal after leading PSG to three trophies in 2024-25, including their maiden Champions League title.

• Dembele wins first Ballon d'Or

  Dembele racked up 37 goals and 16 assists in all competitions as PSG completed a clean sweep of domestic and European silverware. Barcelona, on the other hand, won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey with Yamal leading their charge, but could only reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. In the end, Dembele was declared the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner at Monday night's glitzy ceremony in Paris and delivered an emotional victory speech.

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  Dembele backs Yamal to win 'several' Golden Balls

  Dembele saved a few classy words for Yamal, as he told the crowd: "Lamine Yamal is an exceptional young man. A wonderful player with great maturity. I believe he will win several Ballon d’Or awards."

• PSG star breaks down in tears

  Dembele was unable to fight back tears in the last part of his speech as he thanked his mother for his monumental success in his career. "To my mother, I want to thank you. You have always been there for me, mama," he added. "To my family, we have experienced so much together. We have been through it all. We will always be together."

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  Yamal & Dembele both nursing injuries

  Dembele's prediction for Yamal could well prove correct, with the 18-year-old sensation having time on his side when it comes to winning football's most prestigious award. Yamal has started the 2025-26 campaign with five goal contributions in his first three appearances, but is currently sidelined due to injury and may not feature in Barca's next La Liga game against Oveido. Dembele has also been nursing a knock, but is expected to return to action when PSG face Auxerre in Ligue 1 next weekend. 

Sunderland fans are living in a dreamland at the moment.

For so many years, the Black Cats had struggled to get back up to the Premier League, with a dire four-season stay in League One very much the Wearside outfit at their depressing worst.

Now, however, Sunderland look ready to compete with the very best in the Premier League, having spent a combined £141.5m on brand new signings this summer, with all that spending immediately paying off when the Black Cats brushed West Ham United aside on the opening day with ease in a 3-0 win.

It will be about following up that stunning victory with more and more wins, as plenty of new signings are also tipped to join Regis Le Bris’ camp before the transfer window closes.

Sunderland planning new £24m bid

12 new signings may well already be through the door on Wearside, but that number looks set to increase.

Le Bris and Co. could soon be splashing the cash even more by landing Brian Brobbey and Abdul Fatawu in quick succession, with the Ajax striker worth around the £17m mark, alongside his Leicester City counterpart’s steep valuation of £30m.

Of course, some speculative transfer talk – as we head very close to September’s early deadline – should be taken with a pinch of salt, but one rumour that kept floating about earlier in the window has come back into conversation again.

As per Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Sunderland are not giving up on acquiring the services of Bologna titan Jhon Lucumi to strengthen the centre-back department.

Transfer Focus

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

The site states that Sunderland is planning to lodge a new bid for the Colombian that should exceed the £24m mark, having seen their advances rejected by the Serie A outfit in the past.

If they were to finally pick up their desired centre-back target, this might well be bad news for Daniel Ballard moving forward, despite his colossal presence on the opening day against Graham Potter’s flimsy Hammers.

Why Lucumi could be bad news for Ballard

The above graphic just reinforces how stellar of an opening weekend Ballard had in the Premier League, with an imposing 16 duels won in total sticking out, away from his headed effort on the day, giving Le Bris’ men a two-goal cushion.

However, it will undoubtedly be difficult for Ballard to keep this up over a full season, which is his first ever campaign in the English top-flight, no less, when you assess his recurring injury difficulties on Wearside.

While he can boast seven goals from 90 appearances, alongside possessing a promotion up to the top-flight on his Black Cats CV, he has missed a worrying chunk of games across his three campaigns at the Stadium of Light due to injury, 65 clashes to be exact, as per Transfermarkt.

He has also shown he can struggle against Premier League opposition, away from all the glowing words surrounding his West Ham display, as the ex-Arsenal youth player inexplicably scored an own goal against Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear Derby last year to hand the Magpies a 3-0 success in the FA Cup.

Therefore, snapping up Lucumi might well be deemed a worthwhile venture to pursue at £24m, considering his Serie A expertise and his often injury-free status.

The Bologna number 26 has only been unavailable for 16 games due to injuries across his stay at the Serie A club to date, with his 2024/25 offering also seeing him pick up ten clean sheets and average an unerring 92% pass accuracy per top-flight outing.

On the contrary, Ballard – albeit from just 20 games owing to long absences out of the side – only collected a paltry two clean sheets in Championship action, with an 88% pass accuracy also paling in comparison to Lucumi’s numbers.

Heralded as being an “unreal” potential signing for Sunderland to make by journalist Ethan Todd, Lucumi does feel as if he would add significant depth to an area of the pitch that could be depleted if Ballard were to be out of action.

Even when the 25-year-old is fully at the races, the South American no doubt would keep him on his toes, as Le Bris attempts to get all his final signings over the line, just in time for September to roll around.

The next Amad: Sunderland exploring move for "unplayable" £30m star

Regis Le Bris could pick up Sunderland’s next Amad Diallo by sealing a deal for this tricky attacker.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 20, 2025

Everton’s resurgence under David Moyes last season brought much-needed optimism back to Goodison Park.

A 13th-place finish may not look glamorous on paper, but the club’s climb away from the relegation battle during the second half of the campaign provided a foundation to build on.

This summer has therefore been about capitalising on that momentum, ensuring Moyes has the tools to push his side into the top half of the table. Some progress has already been made.

Carlos Alcaraz, who impressed on loan last term, has joined permanently from Flamengo, while Thierno Barry has been signed from Villarreal.

The blockbuster coup came in the form of Jack Grealish, brought in on loan from Manchester City after being told by Thomas Tuchel that regular football would be vital if he is to stake his claim for a World Cup place.

But while Grealish’s arrival has stolen the headlines, Everton still have one glaring vacancy: the right wing.

The Toffees’ search for an answer has been dominated by their pursuit of Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling, but their multiple bids have all been rejected.

That has led them towards a player closer to home – one who could provide the pace, power, and creativity Moyes craves on the right-hand side of his attack.

Everton step up interest in Championship star

According to EFL Analysis, Everton are lining up a move for Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu, who has an estimated price tag of around £10 million.

The Ghanaian international has long been admired for his dynamism in the final third, and with Leicester struggling financially after a turbulent few years, his name is firmly on Moyes’ shortlist.

Leicester’s transfer business has been telling.

The Foxes missed out on Richard Kone, who opted for QPR, and there are fears that further sales may be required with Valencia circling around Harry Winks and Patson Daka.

Against this backdrop, Everton see Fatawu as a realistic target. The 21-year-old joined Leicester permanently from Sporting Lisbon in 2024 after an impressive loan spell in the Championship.

Transfer Focus

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

His raw pace and ability to stretch defences made him one of the most exciting young wingers in the league. Talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to call him “unplayable.”

Everton are not alone in monitoring the situation, though. Aston Villa could enter the race should Leon Bailey depart for AS Roma, though for now it is Everton who have shown the most concrete interest.

Why Fatawu would be a big upgrade on Harrison

The potential signing of Fatawu would inevitably draw comparisons with Jack Harrison, who occupied Everton’s right flank for much of last season while on loan from Leeds United.

Harrison has since returned to Elland Road, leaving Moyes short of options in that role.

Statistically, the contrast between the two players is stark. Harrison, now 28, managed just one goal and one assist across 34 Premier League appearances last season, per Sofascore.

While his work ethic has never been in question, his lack of end product often left Everton blunt in attack.

Fatawu, by contrast, offers significantly higher upside.

At 21, his dribbling and progressive carrying ability are among the best in Europe, while his tackling and defensive numbers suggest he could thrive in Moyes’ high-intensity structure.

He is also far more direct, always looking to beat his man and create overloads in the final third.

On the international stage, Fatawu already has 19 caps for Ghana, scoring twice, and is seen as a rising star in African football. His progress, however, was disrupted by a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for 29 matches last season.

What makes him particularly attractive to Everton is his statistical profile.

Few young wingers in Europe rank as highly across so many metrics.

Abdul Fatawu – Stats 2024/25

Progressive carries per 90

6.53

Successful take-ons per 90

4.51

Tackles per 90

3.26

Clearances per 90

1.87

Aerial duels won per 90

2.18

Such numbers point to a winger who is not only explosive going forward but also relentless in his defensive contribution.

For Moyes, whose system demands a high work rate from his wide players, that blend is invaluable.

Moreover, his profile mirrors that of players such as Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest) and Brentford-bound Dango Ouattara – both highly sought-after wide players whose blend of speed and physicality has become increasingly valuable in the Premier League.

For a relatively modest £10 million outlay, Everton would be securing a player whose trajectory points sharply upwards.

The risk, of course, lies in his injury record.

But his recovery has shown encouraging signs, and at his age, there is reason to believe he can overcome those setbacks.

Landing Fatawu would also send a message.

Everton have already made a statement by bringing in Grealish, but supplementing that with a hungry, high-ceiling talent on the opposite wing would transform the look of their attack.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin departing as a free agent and Abdoulaye Doucouré also moving on, Moyes is in the process of reshaping his squad.

Fatawu fits the mould of what Everton need: energy, unpredictability and a dash of star potential.

Their opening fixture at Elland Road against Leeds will be an early test, but the season is long, and depth across the wide positions will be crucial.

He's another Grealish: Everton in the race to sign "world-class" £25m star

Everton are eyeing a Jack Grealish repeat in a swoop to sign this star.

ByWill Miller Aug 16, 2025

Fatawu may not be the finished product, but as an upgrade on Harrison and a player with genuine resale value, he could be one of the smartest additions of Everton’s summer.

Burnley’s hopes of completing the signing of a key transfer target in the summer window have now been given a significant boost.

Parker wary of Man Utd backlash for Burnley

The Clarets head to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, looking to pick up a memorable result at the biggest ground in the division.

The Red Devils are wounded after their shock EFL Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town in midweek, and while some may feel that Burnley could heap more pain on them, manager Scott Parker is wary going into the game.

“You can look at one side of it and say, it’s a bit of a wounded animal with world-class players that can obviously have a reaction. On the other side, of course, there may be a bit of edginess, but fundamentally, we’ll try and give our best version and take on the task of going to play Manchester United at Old Trafford.

“We need to go there with a real belief about us. Believe in what we are, believe in how we go there with a game plan and try and execute that. Of course it’s a tough arena, a 70,000 crowd and the stadium itself, along with the magnitude of what Manchester United and Old Trafford is.”

Away from Saturday’s action, Burnley have also now received a potential big boost in their efforts to sign a player before the summer transfer window closes on Monday.

Burnley have offer accepted for "amazing" player

According to Romano on X, Burnley have had a breakthrough in their quest to sign Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis, with a loan offer for the midfielder being accepted, and an obligation to sign him permanently for £21m next summer.

Luis could be a brilliant addition to Parker’s midfield, not to mention being a real coup, with Everton among the clubs who have been tracking him throughout the summer.

The 26-year-old is a proven top-level player, having made 24 appearances in the Champions League, and his former coach, Joao Tralhao, has lauded his quality in the past.

“Technically speaking, it’s not easy to find a midfielder with the defensive qualities he has. I used to joke with him and say that he saw the game two seconds before everyone else. It’s amazing the amount of interceptions he makes, the way he can be in the right position all the time.”

Related Burnley now eye "exceptional" Casemiro-like star with £100m+ release clause

His club have dropped their asking price.

Posts ByCallum Kemp Aug 28, 2025

Luis could slot straight in as a key starter for Burnley, adding box-to-box ability and experience, and if he shines at Turf Moor, a permanent move next summer would make complete sense.

كشفت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، عن ملعب مباراة نهائي بطولة كأس فيناليسيما بين منتخبي الأرجنتين وإسبانيا.

وتقام كأس فيناليسيما بين الفائز ببطولة أمم أوروبا وبطل كوبا أمريكا، وهما منتخبي إسبانيا والأرجنتين.

وبحسب ما أفادت “ماركا” ستنظم قطر كأس فيناليسيما والذي سيقام بين إسبانيا والأرجنتين، يوم السبت 28 مارس المقبل.

دارت تكهنات حول البلد المستضيفة للبطولة بين ميامي في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية إلى الرياض في المملكة العربية السعودية، ولكن الخيار الأكثر رواجًا هو الدوحة، وتحديدًا ملعب لوسيل.

اقرأ أيضًا | فيفا يفرض عقوبة على لاعب الأرجنتين ويغيب عن أولى مباريات كأس العالم 2026

ويذكر التقرير أن الاستقرار على الدوحة جاء لعدة أسباب، كالمسافة بين البلدين، والمناخ الملائم، وكون العاصمة القطرية هي المقر الرئيسي لرئيس الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم (فيفا) جياني إنفانتينو.

قطر سبق ونظمت مونديال 2022 الذي فازت به الأرجنتين، واستضاف ملعب “لوسيل” المباراة النهائية حينها أمام فرنسا.

وسيدافع المنتخب الأرجنتيني عن لقبه والذي فاز به في عام 2022، بعد فوزه على إيطاليا 3-0 في ويمبلي.

Liverpool are fighting to make some late signings before Monday’s deadline and have now stepped up their attempts to land a renowned international, according to reports.

Liverpool looking to sign Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi

There is no point in beating around the bush, especially when Liverpool’s double pursuit of Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi has dominated headlines for the majority of the transfer window.

Reports over the last few months have embodied many twists and turns, but recent claims suggest that Isak may be signed up at Anfield before the close of play and an imminent agreement is expected between all parties.

Aside from that, David Ornstein let some revealing information slip on Guehi’s future at Crystal Palace slip over the weekend, informing Premier League fans via The Athletic that Liverpool have submitted a £35 million bid for the England international.

With no add-ons or bonuses included in the offer, the Reds appear to be making a play in light of his contract situation in South London that could see the 25-year-old become a free agent next summer.

Making their priorities clear, Liverpool have insisted on a move for Guehi for months, and the arrival of Giovanni Leoni from Parma hasn’t changed their desire as Arne Slot looks to claim a second title in two years on Merseyside.

Shades of Coutinho: Liverpool confident of signing “special” big-money star

Liverpool are ready to close a few deals before the end of the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 29, 2025

Manchester City are also admirers of the former Chelsea man due to his excellent performances at Selhurst Park, though it appears that the Reds are his preferred destination, which is a testament to the Dutchman’s work since arriving from Feyenoord.

Now, Liverpool have received a reply to their offer in a piece of information that could offer a roadmap to Guehi putting pen to paper.

Liverpool told how much Marc Guehi will cost

According to Ben Jacobs on X, Liverpool have been told a fee of £35 million plus £5 million in add-ons will be enough to secure Guehi from Crystal Palace, who have rejected their initial proposal for the Three Lions star.

Now, it remains to be seen if FSG are willing to up their bid to seal a deal before the deadline, creating a scenario where any move will need to be made swiftly in light of Monday’s 7 pm cut-off point.

Labelled a “monster in defence” by Crystal Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi has made five appearances this term despite uncertainty over his future, helping the Eagles secure Europa Conference League qualification.

Last term, he won 69 aerial duels and 34 tackles on Premier League duty, per Fotmob, which has unsurprisingly made him one of the transfer market’s most wanted men with time ticking before the close of play.

Liverpool want to make a statement to aid their bid for another title and Guehi could now be within touching distance for those within the corridors of power at Anfield.

Allrounder Michael Bracewell will captain a different looking New Zealand T20I squad for the five-game series against Pakistan at home that starts on March 16. Seven members of New Zealand’s silver-medal winning Champions Trophy squad have been selected for the series while those with IPL commitments were not considered.The series will mark Bracewell’s second series as New Zealand captain, having led the side during the tour of Pakistan in April 2024.”Mitch Santner’s done a great job since taking over as white-ball captain and I’ll really just be trying to build on his good work and create an enjoyable environment for the guys to perform in,” Bracewell said in an NZC statement. “Pakistan are always a dangerous short-form side with lots of power and pace and we know they’ll be hurting after an early exit in the Champions Trophy.”Among the players selected for the series are Ben Sears, the fast bowler who has recovered from his hamstring injury, and Ish Sodhi, who missed the recent home series against Sri Lanka. Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke have been included for the first three games only, with the selectors managing the workloads of the pacers from the Champions Trophy.In a glance: New Zealand’s T20I squad for home series against Pakistan•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Matt Henry, who injured his shoulder in the Champions Trophy semi-final, has been selected for the last two T20Is – subject to fitness – while Finn Allen, James Neesham and Tim Seifert have also been included after confirming their availability, if selected, for the build-up series to the 2026 T20 World Cup.Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman will have a bigger responsibility with the bat as Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips are all unavailable due to the IPL. Lockie Ferguson and Santner will also miss the series with the IPL starting March 22. Kane Williamson opted out of selection; he has PSL commitments, starting from April 11, with Karachi Kings.From the recent series against Sri Lanka, top-order batter Tim Robinson, fast bowler Zakary Foulkes (only last two games) and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay are in the squad.”We’re certainly starting to narrow our sights on the ICC T20 World Cup in India next February and March,” selector Sam Wells said. “Half of this squad is only returning from the Champions Trophy on Wednesday and so we’re going to need to manage those players really carefully.”The Pakistan series will provide an opportunity for all players to put their best foot forward and push their case for selection in the 15-player squad for next year’s major global tournament.”Each game of the five-match series will be played as a double-header with New Zealand Women facing Sri Lanka and Australia on the same day at the same venue.

New Zealand squad T20Is against Pakistan

Michael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes (games 4 & 5), Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

River Plate wonderkid Ian Subiabre is reportedly on Chelsea's radar as they consider signing another South American wonderkid. In the past two years, the Blues have snapped up Brazilian rising star Estevao Willian and Ecuadorian prospect Kendry Paez. Now, they could repeat the trick, this time with the 18-year-old Argentine.

Chelsea contact River Plate over signing

According to Soy del Millo, Chelsea have contacted River Plate over a potential transfer. The teenager has also been the subject of interest from Barcelona but the Argentine team want to tie him down to a new deal as his current contract expires in December 2026.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSubiabre won't come cheap

Elsewhere, River Noticias claim that the right winger, who can also play on the left and up front, has a €30 million (£26m) release clause. River Plate are said to be keen on raising that to a whopping €100m (£87m) but his agents want it around the €35-40m (£30.5-35m) mark. 

Subiabre is River Plate's latest teen prodigy

On the face of it, a return of one goal and one assist in 19 appearances for River Plate doesn't make for great reading. But he is very highly rated in his country and with the Argentine giants. If Chelsea and Barca are tracking him, Subiabre will certainly have something about him.

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GettyBig future awaits Subiabre

While a move to Europe could be on the cards, a path now quite well trodden by South American wonderkids, Argentine youth international Subiabre is gearing up for Wednesday night's Copa Libertadores quarter-final second leg away at Palmeiras. The Argentine team are 2-1 down after the first leg.

India batter gets to the milestone in the Champions Trophy match against Pakistan in Dubai, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Feb-2025

Virat Kohli flicks one away in the innings that got him past 14,000•AFP/Getty Images

Virat Kohli has become the fastest batter to reach the milestone of 14,000 ODI runs, getting there in his 287th innings in the Champions Trophy match against Pakistan in Dubai.Kohli began the game against Pakistan 15 runs short of 14,000, and passed the milestone during India’s successful chase of 242, leading his team to victory with an unbeaten hundred, his 51st in the format. He reached his century by hitting the winning runs, a cover-driven boundary off part-time spinner Khushdil Shah.”The difference that I saw, at least from his innings against Bangladesh to this… of course, the pitch was slightly better, but even when he sort of blocked against Bangladesh a couple of dot balls, he was sort of shadowing that again after that, but today we didn’t see any of that,” Anil Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo MatchDay. “He was just back to the way he bats and that says that the mind space was at ease and, of course, the challenge of playing Pakistan and the crowd, I’m sure sort of helps him lift his game and today we saw him in sublime form.”Kohli is only the third batter to score 14,000 runs in ODIs after Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the landmark in 350 innings, and Kumar Sangakkara, who took 378 innings. Kohli got to 14,000 in 63 fewer innings than Tendulkar.