Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises are preparing a surprise bid to sign a long-term target at a discount in the January transfer window.

Farke under pressure as Leeds prepare for Aston Villa

After back-to-back away defeats in the Premier League, Daniel Farke appears to be under pressure, with a number of managerial candidates linked to replace him at Elland Road in recent weeks.

Ex-Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and former RB Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose have both been mooted as options. Rodgers was recent rivals with the 49ers in Glasgow and their ownership of Rangers, whereas Rose has ties with the Red Bull network in both Austria and Germany.

Leeds find themselves just a point clear of the relegation zone ahead of their clash with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon in what is the beginning of a testing period between now and the New Year.

Leeds’ upcoming fixtures

Date

Aston Villa (h)

November 23rd

Manchester City (a)

November 29th

Chelsea (h)

December 3rd

Liverpool (h)

December 6th

Brentford (a)

December 14th

Crystal Palace (h)

December 21st

Sunderland (a)

December 28th

The January transfer window will give the 49ers the chance to bolster their options in the final third following a lack of goals in the top flight, but it is a creative midfielder who Leeds have their eyes on.

Leeds ready surprise Gabriel Sara bid

According to a report from Turkish outlet Takvim, there has been a surprising development involving Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara.

Formerly of Norwich, Leeds were heavily linked with the midfielder in the summer, where they were told it would cost at least £30m to seal a deal.

Now, the Whites and the 49ers are readying a move in January for Sara, with that price tag now dropping to £18m. Sara has fallen out of favour with Galatasaray following Ilkay Gundogan’s arrival and is ‘open to a move’ away, with Leeds the only club named in the report.

Sara’s last game in England for Norwich came at Elland Road in the 4-0 defeat to the Whites in the 2023/24 playoff semi-final second leg.

The 26-year-old starred during the regular 23/24 campaign with 25 goal involvements in 46 games, and by the looks of things, a return to England could be on the cards.

Leeds set to make imminent bid for Real Madrid ace after Farke convinces 49ers

The Whites are looking to bring in a new forward, having not scored enough goals so far this season.

ByDominic Lund Nov 21, 2025

Should that be the case, Leeds will be getting a midfielder who Kenny McClean called the “full package”.

“Everyone can see his ability but he is now controlling games. He’s everywhere off the ball. That was a big thing when the new manager came in and he was really drumming that into him to be more aggressive, get against people and he is doing that. It was just consistency with him. For me, right now, he is the full package.”

Leeds open to selling £40k-p/w star who Firpo called "unbelievable" this January

Saturday's 4-0 rout of Athletic Club was a very meaningful match for Barcelona – and not just because it marked the Blaugrana's belated return to Camp Nou. Indeed, the Catalans winning without conceding a goal was arguably of far greater significance than the long-awaited reopening of their beloved home ground, as it was their first clean sheet for nine games in all competitions. Not since the facile 3-0 win over Getafe on September 21 had Barca shut out an opponent.

However, Hansi Flick resisted the urge to take a swipe at those who have become increasingly critical of his notoriously high defensive line. "I always think about saying something about the experts, former players, former coaches," he told reporters, "but I will not do it. [It makes) too much noise for us."

The coach's restraint was wise, because it will take a lot more than one clean sheet against a mid-table team in La Liga to silence the sceptics – particularly as Barca's dodgy defence is the main reason why Flick's team are in danger of failing to qualify directly for the last 16 of this season's Champions League as they prepare to face in-form Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday…

AFP'Makes no sense'

Barcelona are a television executive's dream. Their games guarantee goals. They've not been involved in a single scoreless draw since Flick replaced Xavi as coach during the summer of 2024. Their last Champions League outing illustrated why.

Barca played some lovely passing football against Club Brugge, had 23 shots and scored three goals, including a superb strike from Lamine Yamal. However, the Blaugrana were also forced to come from behind three times just to claim a share of the spoils. Brugge may have been restricted to 23.7 percent possession, but they were full value for their point. Indeed, the hosts had as many shots on target as Barca (six) and actually created more big chances (five) – three of which they took thanks to perfectly-timed runs in behind the visitors' high line by Carlos Forbs, who teed up fellow forward Nicolo Tresoldi for the opener before netting twice himself.

So, while neutrals were enjoying another wonderfully entertaining encounter involving Barcelona, former forward Thierry Henry was being driven to distraction.

"You cannot play in the Champions League with that high line, I'm sorry," the Frenchman said on . "When you play against good teams, you're going to get exposed, and that's exactly what happened tonight. When opponents attack down the flanks, the defence collapses. Football is not all about pressing. You also have to know how to protect your goal. It’s not normal for defenders to constantly be outnumbered or for the goalkeeper to be so exposed. With the talent Barca has, this makes no sense. How much longer are we going to keep repeating the same thing?.."

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Shocking'

The obvious counter-argument to the critics of Flick's high line is that it was integral to last season's success – and that was in spite of some initial reservations among the players.

"The first impression was shocking," former Barca defender Sergio Dominguez told . "[The coaches] told us, 'When the winger has the ball, the full-back has to press hard and the centre-backs have to move up with the full-back.' I had never seen that in football before. But when the first match comes and you catch the opposition offside nine times, and then seven times in the second, everyone followed the idea because it got results." Spectacular results, too.

Barca defeated Real Madrid four times on their way to winning a domestic treble, and it's worth remembering that Flick's bold footballing philosophy was widely lauded after the first Clasico of the 2025-26 campaign: a stunning 4-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu in which Kylian Mbappe was infamously flagged offside eight times. 

However, when Henry said after the 3-3 draw with Brugge that we're "seeing the same mistakes as last season", he definitely had a point. Barca were the best team in Spain last season, but they were far from flawless. Opponents were very open about the fact that in the days leading up to games against the Catalans they would work on beating the initial press with clever movement and precise passing, before then trying to exploit the space in behind the Blaugrana backline with well-timed through balls for pacey widemen to chase.

It didn't always work, of course. As Mallorca midfielder Sergi Darder told , "If Barca play with that line, there's a reason for it. It's difficult [to break down]. So, it's easy to know what you have to do against a defence like that, but hard to actually do it."

This season, though, fewer teams are falling into Barca's offside trap.

AFP'Kamikaze tactic'

In Rayo Vallecano's 1-1 draw with Barca in Madrid on August 31, Inigo Perez deliberately stationed his striker in a central position 10 to 15 metres behind the Blaugrana defence, because the forward would suddenly become 'onside if the offside trap was breached by a runner out wide and, thus, have a healthy head start on the chasing defenders.

Not every rival coach is being quite so creative – although mainly because they don't need to be. The chink in Barca's armour is obvious: they leave acres of space in behind their full-backs, so while the outcome can be different, the opponent's strategy is nearly always the same.

"All the goals [conceded] are identical!" Dutch legend Ruud Gullit said on after the 3-3 draw with Brugge. "So, as a player, you have to ask yourself, 'Why should we continue using such a high line and why should we use the same method?' I think after a while, also the players themselves are concerned that is a kamikaze tactic. This is suicide because against any clever team… I think everybody is studying Barcelona right now."

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AFP'Impossible situations'

Teams are certainly enjoying more success against Barca than they were last season. Sevilla tore the Catalans to shreds just four days after Paris Saint-Germain picked them off on the break in the Champions League, while the 2-1 scoreline in October's Clasico loss at the Bernabeu flattered Flick's side, who, in complete contrast to last year, couldn't keep Mbappe in check.

So, what's going wrong? Well, Inigo Martinez is being sorely missed after being allowed to join Al-Nassr on a free. The veteran centre-back was, by Flick's own admission, a "key player" for Barca, "an absolute leader on and off the pitch" who marshalled the defence, telling the likes of Pau Cubarsi when – and when not to – step out.

It's also been argued that certain individuals are underperforming this season, with the usually reliable right-back Jules Kounde coming in for some criticism in recent weeks. As a result, France coach Didier Deschamps felt compelled to defend his compatriot and effectively pointed the finger of blame at Flick in the process.

"Barca plays with a very high line, regardless of the moment in the match. That leaves defenders in impossible situations," Deschamps argued.

Leeds United are keen to strengthen their Premier League survival bid with signings and could now go all out for one of France’s most exciting young defenders.

The Whites have endured a frustrating start to the campaign and will know the size of the challenge that lies ahead for Daniel Farke, who has received his fair share of criticism lately following a recent shaky run of form at Elland Road.

Undoubtedly, the German boss has shown he is capable of leading his side into the top-flight from the Sky Bet Championship, a market he may be willing to raid in mid-season to bolster his flailing attacking line.

Coventry City forward Haji Wright is on Leeds’ radar and could be someone who arrives at Elland Road for a fee in the region of £20 million, helped by the fact that his contract at Frank Lampard’s men is set to expire in the summer of 2027.

Troy Parrott is also wanted by the Whites after his Republic of Ireland heroics. However, the AZ Alkmaar man has made a name for himself in the Netherlands, and it is difficult to envisage the ex-Tottenham Hotspur product moving to England amid Farke’s interest in Gonzalo Garcia of Real Madrid.

Not strengthening isn’t an option, given Leeds’ rivals are likely to bring in new additions in an attempt to beat the drop once the window opens for business.

With that in mind, the Whites are now looking to strengthen their backline with one of Europe’s rising stars being the subject of major attention.

Leeds eyeing move for Tylel Tati

According to On The Minute, Leeds have joined the hunt to sign FC Nantes defender Tylel Tati, who has become one of French football’s top young talents in recent times following his emergence in Ligue 1.

Laying plans to land future reinforcements, the Whites are set to face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen after his ‘poise in possession’ and tactical awareness won high praise from scouts across Europe.

Tylel Tati in Ligue 1 2025/26 (Fotmob)

Duels won

23

Pass completion rate

87.8%

Recoveries

31

Blocked shots

9

Dribble success

71.4%

Overall, the 17-year-old has made 11 senior appearances for Nantes and is growing in stature with every passing minute. However, he is under contract in France until the summer of 2028, and it remains to be seen how much first-team football he would earn elsewhere.

Primarily a central defender, he has also been capped three times at Under-18 level for his home country as his progress continues to be rewarded.

Leeds are also eyeing a move for a Premier League veteran

Being plunged into the potential event of a relegation battle may be a tough ask for a player at an early stage in his career, though Farke and company would hope he would relish the challenge.

The next Raphinha: Leeds to move for £17m star with a "magical left foot"

This attacker could add much needed final third creativity for Leeds

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 22, 2025

Lionel Messi has lifted the lid on the impact that Omar Souto, the long-serving general manager of Argentina's national teams within the country's football association, had on his career. The 73-year-old passed away this week, sending Argentina's football community into mourning, with flags at the nation's two footballing hubs to fly at half mast in tribute.

• Souto gave birth to Messi's Argentina career

  Posting on Instagram to his 509 million followers, Messi shared his tribute to Souto with the world.

  The Inter Miami megastar credits Souto with making his international career possible. Messi has clinched two Copa America titles and the World Cup in 196 appearances and counting since 2005, scoring a South American record 115 goals along the way.

  Messi, who had been living and playing in Spain with Barcelona from the age of 13, first represented Argentina at Under-20 level in 2004, making his senior debut aged 18.

  "You were always there, and you were the one who paved the way for the AFA to notice me," he posted in memory of Souto. "A tremendous human being, impossible to forget for all of us who had the privilege of playing for the National Team. Your mark will remain forever. We will never forget you, Omar. Rest in peace."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Argentina in mourning

  The news of Souto's passing had been shared publicly in a statement by his long-term employer.

  "The Argentine Football Association reports with enormous sorrow and sadness the passing of Omar Souto, long-time Manager of National Teams," the body's announcement read.

  "All the employees at the AFA headquarters bid farewell to 'Papua' with unparallelled affection and love. Thank you, Omar, for carrying the AFA flag high until your final days. For your unwavering commitment to the national teams and for leaving an unparallelled legacy at the Ezeiza training complex. 

  "You will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew you and those who worked with you. We embrace your family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

  "The Argentine Football Association has declared three days of mourning, with flags at half-mast at its headquarters on Viamonte and in Ezeiza. A minute of silence will also be observed at all matches played that weekend."

• Messi could have been poached by Spain

  With Messi based at La Masia in Barcelona, leaving South America behind while still a child, Spanish football officials seemingly knew about his enormous talent before their equivalents in Argentina did. Growing up and attending school in Spain, it's plausible that he could have become eligible and eventually switched allegiance while waiting for Argentina to get in touch.

  Souto and a colleague actually ended up being tipped off about the kid known as 'Leo' by the Spanish cohort at an Under-20 World Cup tournament in 2003, confused as to why Messi wasn't involved.

  "In the Under-20 World Cup, we were always with Spain in the hotels, and a person from their technical staff approached us and said, 'How come you didn't bring the kid from Barcelona? He is much better than everyone here,'" Souto revealed to in 2021.

  "In that team, we had [Fernando] Cavenaghi, [Javier] Mascherano, Maxi Lopez, and one day when we returned to Buenos Aires, [Hugo] Tocalli told me we had to get that player [Messi]. I thought his name was Leonardo because everyone called him Leo. I went to a call centre in Monte Grande and asked for a directory of the city of Rosario where all the Messis were listed.

  "I called the grandmother who gave me the uncle's phone number, when I called him, he gave me the father's number, who when I called said, 'Finally, you are going to call him up. My son wants to play for the Argentine national team.'"

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• AFP
  

  Extra World Cup motivation

  Forget being the first men's team to retain the World Cup in more than half a century, doing it for 'Papua' is all the motivation that Messi and Argentina will need heading into the 2026 tournament.

  Souto has left a lasting impression on every player that has been through the national team system for decades, and so every player named in Lionel Scaloni's final squad will have a personal reason to win it for him all over again.

The Cubs' decision to start lefthander Matthew Boyd on three days' rest in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Brewers backfired spectacularly, as Boyd yielded six runs—two earned—in a nightmarish first inning that created a hole Chicago could never dig out of en route to the 9-3 loss Saturday.

Boyd never made it out of the first inning, and reliever Michael Soroka surrendered three more runs in the second inning, as the relentless Brewers lineup's 10 base hits and nine runs scored were the most by any team through their first two innings played in a single postseason, according to OptaSTATS.

But it all started with Boyd, so naturally, Cubs manager Craig Counsell had to face the music in regards to his decision after the loss.

But Counsell was steadfast.

"We picked Matt Boyd to pitch," Counsell said. "I don't know what to say. He pitched, it didn't go well. We've got to make decisions. We went with Matt. We're very comfortable—I was very comfortable—putting Matt Boyd on the mound today. The whole organization was comfortable putting Matt Boyd on the mound today."

Of course, the Cubs defense also did Boyd no favors, as Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner booted a routine grounder to second that led to a Brewers run—and the inning continuing.

"Unfortunately, that mistake I made led to a lot of runs today," Hoerner said after the game.

"They just stacked them up," said Boyd. "That's on me. They had a good approach. I'll be ready for the next one."

Chicago, looking to avoid an 0-2 hole in the best-of-five NLDS, will need more length out of its Game 2 starter on Monday night at American Family Field.

The 2025 World Series is set, as the defending champion Dodgers will face off with the Blue Jays in the Fall Classic.

Toronto finished the season as the top seed in the American League, but was taken to the brink of elimination in the ALCS by the Mariners. Down 3–2 in the series, the Blue Jays used home-field advantage to take the final two games and earn a trip to their first World Series since 1993.

On paper, the Dodgers are an overwhelming favorite. They are the defending champions and have four former MVPs, four legitimate aces and a $350 million payroll. But they don’t play the game on paper. Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the two teams in the series. It’s worth noting the Blue Jays have rotated their lineups based on matchups and we’re not yet sure of how Bo Bichette will fit in, so this is our projection of how manager John Schneider will fill out the lineup card.

Catcher: Will Smith (Dodgers) vs. Alejandro Kirk (Blue Jays)

This one will surprise people, but the game isn’t just played with the bat. Kirk is a phenomenal defensive catcher, and that ultimately gives him the advantage here. The veteran backstop had nine defensive runs saved in 2025, while his 22 fielding run value (FRV) ranked second in baseball. Smith’s FRV was -6. Smith is better on offense, but Kirk is no slouch in that regard.

2025 Stats

Slash Line

Home Runs

RBIs

wRC+

fWAR

Kirk

.282/.348/.421

15

61

116

4.7

Smith

.296/.404/.497

17

76

153

4.1

In the playoffs, Kirk has produced a .752 OPS and blasted three home runs, while Smith is at .661 with no dingers. This is close and could easily be a push, but Kirk’s superior defense and current form give him the edge.

Advantage: Blue Jays

First base: Freddie Freeman (Dodgers) vs. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays)

MatériaMais Notícias

A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) decidiu suspender o Brasileirão até o dia 27 de maio. Com isso, as duas próximas rodadas da competição não serão disputadas nas próximas semanas.

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➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Em nota, a entidade informou que consultou os 20 clubes da Série A e disse que 15 instituições foram a favor da paralisação do torneio. O Conselho Técnico Extraordinário segue marcado para o dia 27 de maio, onde os clubes vão deliberar sobre “aspectos técnicos das competições bem como a situação de registro e transferência de atletas, questões jurídicas com relação aos acessos às competições internacionais como Libertadores, Sul-Americana e Mundial de Clubes e questões de direitos de transmissão e patrocínios”.

Apesar da paralisação do Brasileirão, a Copa do Brasil não será suspensa e não terá seus jogos adiados, com exceção das partidas que envolvem os clubes gaúchos. Portanto, os duelos de volta da 3ª fase do torneio serão realizados entre os dias 21 e 23 de maio.

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CONFIRA OS CLUBES QUE PEDIRAM A PARALISAÇÃO DO BRASILEIRÃO:

(1) Atlético Clube Goianiense; 
(2) Atlético Mineiro SAF;
(3) Club Athletico Paranaense; 
(4)Criciúma Esporte Clube; 
(5) Cruzeiro Esporte Clube SAF; 
(6) Cuiabá EsporteClube SAF; 
(7) Esporte Clube Bahia SAF; 
(8) Esporte Clube Juventude; 
(9) EsporteClube Vitória;
(10) Fluminense Football Club; 
(11) Fortaleza Esporte Clube; 
(12) Grêmio Football Porto Alegrense; 
(13) SAF Botafogo;
(14) Sport ClubInternacional; 
(15) Vasco da Gama SAF.

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoCBF

كشف هشام نصر، نائب رئيس مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، حقيقة فسخ محمود بنتايج، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالقلعة البيضاء، تعاقده بسبب تأخر المستحقات.

وقال هشام نصر، في تصريحات عبر قناة الزمالك: “كل ما يُثار مؤخرًا عن الزمالك غير صحيح، محمود بنتايج أكد أنه لم يرسل إنذارًا بفسخ عقده، لكنه يطالب بمستحقاته، وقد حصل على ما يقرب من نصف مستحقاته من الزمالك”.

وتابع: “سنعقد جلسة مع الجهات المسؤولة الأسبوع المقبل لمناقشة ما يخص مستجدات أرض الزمالك بـ6 أكتوبر”.

طالع.. خاص | بعد معالي وصلاح مصدق.. 4 لاعبين ينذرون الزمالك بفسخ العقد

وأكمل: “قدمنا المسار القضائي فيما يخص موقف الزمالك من أرض النادي بـ6 أكتوبر، وما زلنا متمسكين بها”. 

وأضاف: “شركة الكرة من الحلول الهامة للحفاظ على موارد فريق كرة القدم وأمور أخرى، والزمالك في طريقه لإنشائها خلال أسبوعين وهناك أسماء كثيرة مطروحة لشركة الكرة، لكن سيتم تحديد الأمر بعد الحصول على الموافقة، والزمالك لم يتلقَّ أي خطابات بشأن رفض عودة أرض النادي”.

واستكمل: “مما لا شك فيه أن هناك مشاكل متواجدة بنادي الزمالك، وأرجو من جماهير الزمالك التي لها حق علينا كبير جدًا، أن تعلم أن كل الشاعرات التي تُقال على السوشيال ميديا ليست صادقة، وسيكون هناك ردود على كل هذه الأمور، كل واحد في تخصصه”.

وواصل: “لا يوجد شيء رسمي حتى الآن بشأن أرض 6 أكتوبر، واليوم تلقيت معلومة أن لجنة التحقيق في الجهات النيابية أكملت الملف، والمفترض أن الملف اكتمل ويُرفع التقرير لاتخاذ القرار”.

وأفاد: “لم تتم إدانة الزمالك في أي شيء متعلق بإهدار المال العام أو التربح، ماذا نربح أيه؟ نحن ندفع من جيوبنا لمساعدة نادينا، لا توجد إدانة في أي إجراء تم، غير صحيح أن هناك تربحًا أو كسبًا غير مشروع”.

وأكمل: “نتمنى أن نستمر لأننا بدأنا مشوارًا نريد أن نكمله، ومن لديه حل أو شيء يقدمه لنادي الزمالك، أهلاً وسهلاً به، ليس من مصلحة النادي أن تدخل لجان أخرى وتعيّن في هذا النفق المظلم، كل شيء تحت أمر الجمعية العمومية ونادي الزمالك”.

وأضاف: “هدفنا هو حماية مصالح النادي واستمرار العمل بروح الفريق الواحد، وكل قرار نتخذه يصب في مصلحة الزمالك وجماهيره، ولن نسمح لأي جهة خارجية بالتدخل في شؤوننا إلا بما يخدم النادي فقط”.

They may have dropped points on the weekend, but Arsenal are flying this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side are top of both the Champions League and Premier League tables at the moment, and show no signs of slowing down.

Even with the absurd number of injuries the Gunners have had to deal with, they have been rock-solid at the back and clinical in attack.

One of Arsenal’s surprising stars of the season so far has been Leandro Trossard, but if reports are to be believed, the club could be looking to sign an upgrade.

Arsenal target Trossard upgrade

The winter transfer window is now less than a month from opening, and Arsenal have already been linked with a huge number of exciting and potentially game-changing additions.

Transfer Focus

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

Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, for example, has been touted for a £70m switch to the Emirates, as has Nottingham Forest’s monstrous centre-back Murillo.

However, while both players would certainly add something to Arteta’s squad and likely improve it, they cannot be described as Trossard upgrades, unlike Kenan Yıldız.

Yes, according to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are once again interested in the hugely exciting Turkish wonderkid.

More than that, though, the report has revealed that the Gunners have once again been in contact with the player’s representatives to find out what it would take to make the deal work.

However, Juventus are understandably keen to keep hold of the incredible talent, and according to other reports from Italy, would demand at least £88m to sell him.

It could therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s ability and potential, it is one Arsenal should pursue, especially as he’d be a perfect Trossard upgrade.

How Yıldız compares to Trossard

Now, it might sound simplistic, and that’s because it is: the first place to start when comparing two attackers is their raw output from the last two seasons.

For his efforts last season, Yıldız racked up an impressive tally of 12 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every 2.47 games.

Trossard, on the other hand, scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 56 appearances, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.8 games.

In other words, the Turkish gem was comfortably more productive last season, but this year, it’s the Belgian who has been marginally better.

In 16 appearances, he has produced ten goal involvements, which is an average of one every 1.6 games.

In contrast, the Juve star has produced as many goal involvements in 18 appearances, averaging one every 1.8 games.

With that said, when you look at both campaigns holistically, it is still the youngster who comes out ahead, as he does when comparing their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.41

0.38

Progressive Carries

4.36

2.63

Progressive Passes

3.55

3.63

Shots on Target

1.09

0.62

Passing Accuracy

78.9%

69.3%

Key Passes

2.45

1.38

Shot-Creating Actions

4.80

3.25

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.37

Successful Take-Ons

1.64

0.88

For example, the Regensburg-born dynamo lives up to his billing as a player with “Mbappe-like ability”, in the words of European football writer Danny Corcoran, by coming out on top in most relevant metrics like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, key passes, goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Finally, add the statistical advantages to the fact that he is still just 20 years old, and therefore has over a decade left to play at the top level, and it’s clear he would be an upgrade on the Belgian.

Ultimately, Trossard has been a great player for Arsenal and has been unreal this season, but if the Gunners have the chance, they should go all out to sign Yıldız, as he would be an upgrade.

The new Rice: Berta enters race to sign £70m midfield "machine" for Arsenal

The international superstar could become Mikel Arteta’s next Declan Rice at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Spencer Johnson are also being released by the franchise

Nagraj Gollapudi15-Nov-2025

Venkatesh Iyer, who made a name for himself and was elevated to the national team following a strong IPL debut season in 2021 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is among the players being released by the three-time champions.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Iyer, who was bought for a record INR 23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction by KKR, who used a right-to-match card to get him, is part of a lengthy list of high-profile names who are not being retained by the franchise.The other high-profile players being let go are the South African duo of Anrich Nortje (bought for INR 6.5 crore) and Quinton de Kock (INR 3.6 crore), Australian quick Spencer Johnson (INR 2.8 crore), Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz (INR 2 crore) and England allrounder Moeen Ali (INR 2 crore).Related

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The uncapped Indian pair of Luvnith Sisodia and Chetan Sakariya, who had replaced the injured Umran Malik last season, are also being released.After making a big impression in his debut IPL season – which came after he had starred for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic limited-overs tournaments in 2020-21 – Iyer had a quiet IPL 2022, but was again a star for KKR in IPL 2023, when he scored 404 runs, including a century, to average 28.86 at a strike rate of 145.85 for the season.A key part of the team, he has even led the side on occasion and, last year, was talked about as a possible captain before Ajinkya Rahane was handed the reins. As it happened, Iyer scored just 142 runs in 11 games at a strike rate of 139.22.KKR, who won the IPL in 2024, finished near the bottom of the table the following season. Among the players to perform poorly was de Kock (152 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 129.91), while the likes of Nortje, Johnson, Gurbaz and Moeen didn’t get too many opportunities for one reason or another and weren’t too impressive when fielded.