All posts by n8rngtd.top

Whilst England are lucky to have the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden to choose from at the heart of their midfield these days, it wasn’t so long ago that Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes were all available in the engine room.

The current generation is special, but England’s last ‘golden generation’ still arguably had the most talent at their disposal in pursuit of a first honour since the 1966 World Cup.

It wasn’t just in midfield that the Three Lions were spoilt for talent. It’s a squad which also featured Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. And the list could go on.

Many have had their say as to why England were dumped out of the 2002 World Cup and then on penalties against Portugal at Euro 2004, including Lampard. The former England and Chelsea midfielder told reporters: “I think at times, we [the Golden Generation] were too rigid. I talk from my own personal experience of playing at World Cups against teams that were not at our level.

“I’m not talking about France and Italy, more teams like Ecuador, who were keeping the ball in midfield because they were outnumbering us in the centre of the park. The things that maybe me and Stevie [Steven Gerrard] were used to doing where we had numbers, now we are just trying to cover space and you get a bit mentally done with it in the game wondering why this is happening.”

England: 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying info, format, fixtures & more

England are set to get their World Cup campaign up and running under Thomas Tuchel.

By
Ross Kilvington

Mar 20, 2025

Outnumbered or not, there’s no denying the quality that England particularly had in the middle of the park. But finding the right balance between Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes often proved to be The Three Lions’ biggest problem, and that sparked a midfield debate which has rumbled on for decades since.

Rooney named Gerrard as his greatest ever England teammate

Having played with all three at international level and Scholes with Manchester United too, Rooney should be an expert in the age-old England midfield debate, and he delivered his official verdict to The Overlap in 2024.

Whilst praising all three, Rooney went on to reiterate that Scholes could not achieve what Gerrard did in a Liverpool side which often struggled to compete with the very top honours: “All were world-class players. Stevie could come to Manchester United and be a top player and do what Scholes could do. But I don’t think Scholes could do what Stevie did at Liverpool.”

The numbers certainly don’t help to end the debate after Rooney’s verdict, but what they do highlight is England’s clear failure with all three at their disposal in a golden generation.

Liverpool did a great job of fending off competition from rivals to win the Premier League title last term and could now look to repeat the trick on the transfer market.

Liverpool chase more arrivals after Florian Wirtz confirmation

Arne Slot has brought success since arriving at Anfield and looks to have made ann early play in the transfer market as his side aim to stay at the top of the English pyramid.

Jeremie Frimpong has already arrived and Florian Wirtz is set to soon officially become a Liverpool player once the formalities from his move are ticked off, so who could be next on the summer conveyor belt?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez could be next in line at Anfield, claiming his trademark ‘Here We Go’ statement is imminent regarding the Hungary international.

He stated: “I maintain my position, Milos Kerkez will be a Liverpool player. In this case, there are some small details to clarify with Bournemouth, but I maintain my position. I see Milos Kerkez going to Liverpool this summer.

“Then they still have to close these details. This is why, in this case, there is still no here we go, but it’s coming. I have told you several times, here we go soon. Here we go, it’s coming.”

Huijsen 2.0: Liverpool holding final talks to sign "revelation" after Wirtz

Liverpool’s hectic start to the summer transfer window only looks set to continue – and we aren’t even halfway through June

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By
Robbie Walls

Jun 12, 2025

Not resting on their laurels, Liverpool appear to have several priority positions ready to strengthen and money is expected to be spent in the pursuit of further silverware.

Achieving a steady stream of success both domestically and in Europe will be difficult, but the Reds now have a top defender lined up to further their chances of staying at the summit.

Liverpool ready to beat competition to sign Goncalo Inacio

According to A Bola, Liverpool are ready to move for Sporting Clube de Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio, even if Manchester United ad Newcastle United will provide stiff competition for his signature.

Labelled “complete” by scout Jacek Kulig, it is mooted that he will cost in excess of £51 million. However, the reigning Portuguese champions may be willing to sell the Portugal international for less despite his recent part in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph.

Enjoying a superb campaign, Inacio registered an impressive six goals and three assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last term featuring for the most part in central defence.

Ibrahima Konate has yet to sign a new deal at Liverpool and could be available to sign a pre-contract elsewhere in January, paving the way for the Reds to court potential replacements.

Liverpool have shown already this window that they have an elite talent radar, and Inacio arriving at the club would certainly fit the bill as another striking addition.

This summer presents a fresh start for Tottenham Hotspur, with Thomas Frank being appointed as the club’s new manager ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Decisions in recent weeks have led to questions being asked of the hierarchy, after Ange Postecoglou was sacked despite winning the Europa League and ending their 17-year wait for a trophy.

Such an achievement was a remarkable one, but their Premier League form, which saw them lose 22 times and finish 17th, ultimately led to the Aussie’s dismissal in North London.

However, the arrival of the former Bees boss offers a new opportunity for fresh impetus within the first-team squad, as they look to build on their recent European triumph.

Frank will undoubtedly want to make the signings he desires to make a positive impact at the club, with numerous players already touted with moves away to free up potential funds this window.

The latest on players who could depart Spurs this summer

Despite starting in the Europa League final back in May, Brazilian forward Richarlison has been touted with multiple moves away from Spurs this summer, looking to recapture his best form, which saw the club fork out £60m for his signature.

The 28-year-old has since been linked with a move to rejoin former side Everton, with Frank potentially wanting to cash in on the attacker to raise money for any future additions.

However, another deal could soon be completed to see centre-back Cristian Romero depart and move to Atlético Madrid, that’s according to one report in Spain.

They claim that the Argentine, who earns £165k-per-week, is pushing for a move to join Diego Simeone’s side, that’s despite Daniel Levy’s desire to keep the defender.

It also states that he sees the LaLiga side as a stepping stone in his career to win titles and compete at the top level on a consistent basis – following in the footsteps of another fan-favourite.

Why Romero could see a repeat of Kane’s departure

Striker Harry Kane was adored by the fanbase during his time at Spurs, rising through the ranks and cementing his place in the first-team, reaching unthinkable levels in the process.

The English international became an important back in 2014/15, a season that would set him up for huge success in North London, being a key threat in the final third for nearly a decade.

He managed to register a total of 280 goals for the Lilywhites, breaking the record for the most goals scored by a player in the club’s history, sitting second in the all-time Premier League top scorer charts.

However, after failing to win a trophy during his stint, he would move to Bayern Munich in an £82m deal back in the summer of 2023, looking to further his career and cement himself as an elite forward.

After winning the Bundesliga back in 2024/25, it’s safe to say he’s made the right call, something which may be a harsh reality for the fanbase, but such a move allowed them to bank a huge profit in the process.

However, such a situation could reoccur this summer, with Romero the latest player who could depart the club to reach the next level and compete for league titles.

The 27-year-old has been a tremendous addition for the club, featuring 124 times since making the move from Atalanta back in August 2021 – often being the spearhead at the heart of the defence.

Undoubtedly, losing the World Cup winner would be a huge blow for new manager Frank, but the subsequent funds raised from such a deal could allow him to make the additions he desires.

Whilst he’s only featured 26 times across all competitions this season, he’s still managed to star, keeping a clean sheet and winning the Man of the Match award in the Europa League final.

No supporter would want to lose such a talent, but ultimately the club shouldn’t stand in the way of a player who wants to depart North London, needing talents who are willing to play a part in the revival.

The next couple of weeks will be interesting for the club and Romero, with the hierarchy needing to negotiate the best deal possible if he is to depart during the off-season.

Better than Semenyo: Spurs open talks to sign "one of the best wingers"

Tottenham are looking to sign a new forward this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 14, 2025

To say Thomas Frank has a massive job on his hands at Tottenham Hotspur next season would be a massive understatement.

The former Brentford boss will have to dramatically improve the club’s Premier League performances while also remaining competitive in the domestic cups and the Champions League.

The best and arguably only way Daniel Levy and Co can help him achieve this is by signing a number of genuinely top-drawer players this summer.

One such player that has been linked with the club in recent days is Mohammed Kudus, although recent reports have also touted an even better option for a move to N17.

Spurs target massive Kudus upgrade

Interestingly, Kudus has been linked with a move to Tottenham for some time now, with the first reports citing interest from the North Londoners emerging back in the summer of 2022 and then again in March 2023, only for West Ham United to swoop in and secure his services for around £38m in August.

Transfer Focus

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

However, even though the 24-year-old is now playing for a London rival, it appears that Spurs are still interested.

In fact, according to stories from earlier today, the Lilywhites have remained just as keen on the former Ajax gem, and with the Hammers needing to address PSR concerns, he could be available for around £60m.

However, there’s another player who has been heavily linked with a move to N17 before, who could finally move this summer and might just be the better option: Eberechi Eze.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, Spurs have maintained their strong interest in the Crystal Palace star.

While no contact has been made over the talented international, Romano has revealed that he was placed on the North Londoners’ list of targets following discussions between the club’s higher-ups and Frank, suggesting he’s someone the manager would want at the club and has given the green light to being signed.

In terms of the former QPR star’s potential cost, it has been widely reported for some time now that he has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Eze would be more than worth it and a better signing than Kudus.

Why Eze would be a better signing than Kudus

So, with goals and assists ultimately being what matters most for attacking players, it makes sense to start by looking at the pairs’ raw output from this season, and when doing that, the superiority of Eze starts to become immediately apparent.

For example, in just 43 appearances, totalling 3,303 minutes, the 27-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

In stark contrast, the Hammers ace was only able to score five goals and provide four assists in 35 appearances, totalling 2721 minutes this year, which comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 3.88 games, or every 302.33 minutes.

On top of scoring more goals generally, the Palace star has also shown himself capable of scoring massive goals in massive moments, like the FA Cup semi-final and final this season.

Unfortunately for the Ghanaian star, the incredibly one-sided nature of this comparison only worsens for him when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

For example, in practically every relevant metric, the England international comes out way ahead, including things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shot-creating actions, and key passes, suggesting that his vastly superior output is no fluke at all.

Interestingly, the Greenwhich-born star also makes more tackles and completes more ball recoveries per 90, which shows that he is more than capable of chipping in and helping with the defensive side of the game when needed.

Ultimately, while Kudus is a talented player and would be a good signing for Spurs, Eze is a brilliant player and would be a sensational addition to Frank’s squad this summer.

Therefore, even if he costs more money, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign the Eagles star before someone beats them to him.

Big Kulusevski upgrade: Spurs now eyeing "one of the best 10s in the world"

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing a star who would be an upgrade on Dejan Kulusevski.

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By
Dan Emery

Jun 30, 2025

With a deal agreed to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign another attacking star who is just as quick as the rapid Swede.

What Newcastle could do next after Elanga

The Magpies’ summer is finally turning around. Both James Trafford and Elanga are reportedly set to join Eddie Howe’s side to hand the manager two instant upgrades, whilst PIF’s spending could yet continue. With Champions League football to play next season, those at St James’ Park are seemingly set to hand Newcastle the squad depth that they’ve needed for some time.

For £55m, Newcastle will be welcoming a player who is likely to form one of the deadliest attacking trios that the Premier League has to offer alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. Meanwhile, if the Magpies are looking to compete on all fronts, then the depth that Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy will offer that trio will certainly come in handy.

PIF are reportedly not done there, however. Instead, they’re reportedly keen to make a statement with further attacking incomings amid recent links to the likes of Yoane Wissa and Hugo Ekitike.

He's just like Isak: Newcastle explore move for "unbelievable" £50m star

Newcastle are planning to improve once again after agreeing a fee for Anthony Elanga.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 11, 2025

Either forward would complete the set for Newcastle, who would have a group of six quality attacking options to choose from next season and two for every position.

Alas, those two aren’t the only names still on the Magpies’ reported radar. According to recent reports, those at St James’ Park have also set their sights on signing a Bundesliga star ahead of Chelsea who is just as quick as speed demon Elanga.

Newcastle now interested in £56m Karim Adeyemi

According to Bild, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now racing Chelsea to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund this summer. The German international is reportedly valued at a hefty €65m (£56m) by the Bundesliga giants, which means that the Magpies will have to spend big once again if they are to secure his signature.

Even after welcoming Elanga, Adeyemi’s ability to lead the line and play on both wings has seemingly seen him keep hold of his place on Newcastle’s radar. Whether Newcastle decide to push on and reach Dortmund’s hefty asking price remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that the combined speed between Adeyemi and Elanga is a frightening prospect for any opposition defence.

Last season, the new arrival clocked an impressive speed of 36.7km/h last season to match Adeyemi’s record in 2023 and both could now find themselves leading a rapid Newcastle frontline next season.

It also goes without saying that the Dortmund star is more than just his speed, having scored 12 goals and set up another 11 in all competitions last season to justify the praise of Matthias Jaissle.

The former Red Bull Salzburg coach previously told reporters: “Karim has almost everything a striker needs. His quality and speed are incredible.”

Birmingham City co-owners Tom Wagner and Tom Brady are now in very advanced talks to sign a £10m+ star for Chris Davies, according to a new transfer report.

Birmingham City seal Demarai Gray return

It has been a busy summer transfer window so far for the Blues ahead of their Championship return, with a number of new players arriving at St Andrew’s ahead of the 2025/26 season.

One of the latest additions is former academy star Demarai Gray, who has returned to Birmingham nine years on after leaving for Leicester City. The winger joins from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq and has penned a three-year deal with the Blues.

Talking after returning to the club, Gray said: “To be back here now means a lot and having tasted success a bit throughout my career, I’m hungry and I really want to do it here with Birmingham and try and help the team get back to where we belong.

“It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time. Seeing some old faces is always nice, to be back around the stadium brought back a lot of feelings and I can’t wait to get going now, get back in front of the fans and see where this season can take us.”

Birmingham City enter race to sign £6m "monster" ahead of Sheffield United

The Blues have joined the race to sign a defender from a Premier League club.

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By
Brett Worthington

Jul 2, 2025

Wagner and Brady aren’t showing any signs of stopping, though, and there has been a promising development in the club’s pursuit of Rennes forward Kyogo Furuhashi.

Birmingham City in “very advanced” talks for £10m+ Kyogo Furuhashi

According to reliable French outlet L’Équipe, Birmingham City are now in “very advanced” talks to sign Furuhashi from Rennes.

A deal is ‘close to being concluded’ and it may be worth a total of €12m (£10.3m), the same figure Rennes paid Celtic for the Japan international earlier this year.

Furuhashi has struggled in France after leaving Glasgow, however, he certainly enjoyed his time in the UK, scoring on a regular basis and winning numerous honours with the Scottish giants.

Called an “elite striker” by Brendan Rodgers during his time at Celtic, whereas Ange Postecoglou also waxed lyrical of the forward when he was Hoops manager.

Now, it looks as if Davies could have the hard-working striker at St Andrew’s potentially lining up alongside Gray and Jay Stansfield in the Championship.

Arsenal have already seen a few big names depart the club this summer, but more squad members face Mikel Arteta’s swinging axe before deadline day on September 1.

Arsenal could also terminate 23-year-old's contract after Takehiro Tomiyasu

He’s ready to accept an offer to leave.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 16, 2025

The Gunners could have a completely different look to them by the time they face Man United in their first Premier League game of the season next month, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera joining the club this summer.

Madueke put pen to paper on his contract to become a new Arsenal player on Wednesday (Fabrizio Romano), while Mosquera is set to sign his own long-term deal with Arteta’s side this week too.

The five new arrivals replace Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Marquinhos, Nuno Tavares and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who’ve all departed N5 for pastures new, with more surplus players in line to follow them.

According to The Athletic, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko could all leave Arsenal, with uncertainty also surrounding both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

It is a similar case for winger Reiss Nelson, who spent half of last season on loan at Fulham before it was cut short by a hamstring injury.

The 25-year-old has been hailed by Arteta in previous campaigns, but given the abundance of quality wingers in their squad, not to mention Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, there is simply no space for Nelson.

“We think the potential is there and we think we’ve seen something in Reiss that is special,” said Arteta about Nelson in 2023.

“He’s been a part of our academy system and now he’s going to have an opportunity. He’s been out for almost three months with an injury, he’s back now, he’s fully fit, and he’s ready to play. He just needs minutes now.

“His attitude and the way he’s matured and evolved over the past year or so has been really impressive, I think everybody is talking about it, and now he needs to do it on the pitch.”

Fulham in talks to re-sign Reiss Nelson from Arsenal

Now, according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, it appears Fulham are ready to make Nelson their first deal of the summer.

Fulham have entered talks with Arsenal over re-signing Nelson, again on loan, and all parties are working towards finding a solution which would allow the Englishman to return to Craven Cottage for another spell.

Nelson has been on a succession of loan moves away from Arsenal since making his senior debut all the way back in 2017.

Over the last eight years, he’s donned the jerseys of Hoffenheim, Feyenoord and Fulham whilst failing to work his way into becoming a regular starter for his boyhood club – despite Arteta’s praise and some key moments in flashes.

Now is surely the time to try and seal a permanent exit for him, with Nelson’s contract also expiring in just two years.

Manchester United full-back Patrick Dorgu admitted that he was shocked to see compatriot Rasmus Hojlund leave the club this summer. The Danish forward left for Napoli on loan on the deadline day after being deemed surplus to Ruben Amorim's needs. The loan deal also gives Napoli a chance to sign the striker permanently next summer for a fee of €44 million (£38m/$51m).

• Dorgu was shocked to see Hojlund leave United
• Joined Napoli on a loan deal on deadline day
• Hojlund fell out of favour under Amorim

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The writing was on the wall for Hojlund once United spent heavily to reinforce their attack this summer, including the big-money signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Once Sesko was signed, it was clear that Amorim would make the Slovenian his first-choice No.9 and Hojlund would fall in the pecking order. 

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, despite Sesko's arrival, Hojlund was determined to compete and fight for his place in the team. He was reluctant to move out of Old Trafford, but finally completed the deadline-day loan move. The Denmark international's departure came as a surprise to his compatriot Patrick Dorgu, who joined the club in January.

• WHAT DORGU SAID

  Speaking to , Dorgu said: "That's how it is in football. You never know when it's your turn to move on. We knew it would happen to Christian, but it was perhaps a bigger shock that Rasmus had to move on. I talked to him a lot during the process and could sense which way it was going. Hopefully, we will now see each other every time on the national team.

  "I have been very happy to be team-mates with Christian and Rasmus. It was a big plus for me that they were at the club when I joined. That way it was easier to become part of the squad. But it was in no way decisive for my choice of Manchester United. I was thinking much more about the coach’s plans and ideas with me when I had to make the decision."

  He added, "I travelled alone to Italy when I was 17. I am also alone in Manchester and I am fine that way. You become incredibly strong mentally when you travel alone so early, because you have to make a lot of decisions. I am sure that mental strength has also helped me on the pitch."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HOJLUND?

  Hojlund and Dorgu are currently with the Denmark national team and will be next seen in action on September 8.

Arsenal have been blessed with some incredible attacking players over the years.

In Mikel Arteta’s team today, you have the talismanic Bukayo Saka, who over time could become one of the greatest players the club has ever had.

Go back a couple of decades, and you reach the man with the current title in Thierry Henry, but you go back even further than that, and you hit the record-breaking Ian Wright.

The iconic forward was a force to be reckoned with during his time in North London, and while he was a unique player and character, it looks like Arsenal could be about to sign someone who could be a modern version of the Englishman.

Arsenal target attacking superstar

It’s been a brilliant summer of transfer business for Arsenal so far, with the stand-out acquisition undoubtedly being Viktor Gyokeres for around £63.5m including add-ons.

Transfer Focus

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

The Swedish international racked up an astounding 54 goals and 13 assists in just 52 games last season, and therefore could be the key to turning the defensively solid Gunners into an attacking tour de force next season.

On top of the former Coventry City star, Andrea Berta and Co have also added the likes of Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the side.

However, even though the club have been jam-packed in the market, they don’t appear done just yet, as they now appear keen on an international who could be their new Wright.

At least that is according to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Arsenal are still incredibly interested in Eberechi Eze.

The Italian journalist claims that the Crystal Palace star is now their “top target” and that they have been in talks with the player’s camp.

However, it could be a financially complicated transfer to get over the line, as reports from earlier this week claimed that the South Londoners want buying clubs to pay the Englishman’s £67.5m release clause, and that the first payment has to be a lump sum of around £30m.

While that is a lot of money to spend, it would be worth it for Eze, as he’s more than proven his ability over the years and could even be Arsenal’s new Wright.

Why Eze could be the new Wright

So, the first thing to say is that, yes, Eze plays in a very different position to the one Wright played in during his career, but this comparison is not really about that.

Instead, there are several other easy comparisons to make between the two players, with the first being that, should this deal go ahead, it would be another example of the Gunners going back to Crystal Palace and signing their most important attacking outlet.

Moreover, while he’s not an old player, like Gyokeres, the former QPR gem is older than other players the Gunners have tended to target in recent years, coming in at 27 years old, and when the former Arsenal striker moved to Highbury in 1991, he did so at 28 years old.

The next similarity is that the midfield “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also a dangerous player in front of goal.

While he’s never going to have the goalscoring numbers of the former England international, due to his position, he’s still a genuine threat, much like the Gunners great, as over the last two campaigns for the Eagles, he’s been able to amass a seriously impressive tally of 25 goals and provided 17 assists in 79 appearances, totalling 5588 minutes.

In other words, the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, has averaged a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 133.04 minutes across two years for a team that is mid-table at best.

On top of that, the former Hale Ender has shown an ability to take games by the scruff of the neck like Wright used to, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup to deliver Palace their first ever major trophy.

Finally, while it was some time ago now, the 61-year-old goal machine was also a tremendously entertaining player to watch when he was in red and white, and while he has a different style of play due to his primary position, you can say the same thing about the Eagles star.

Ultimately, while it won’t be an easy deal to get over the line, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Eze this summer, as he has the potential to follow in Wright’s footsteps and help guide the club back to the glory days.

Arteta's new Saka: Berta working to sign "incredible" £86m star for Arsenal

The sensational winger could be a real game-changer for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 30, 2025

Bayern Munich quietly plotted a €5 million swoop for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in 2022, only for Jorge Mendes’ late to block the move.

• Bayern held secret Madrid talks in 2022
• Jorge Mendes blocked deal, backed Barca stay
• Yamal later signed €1bn release clause

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A remarkable revelation has emerged that Bayern came close to snatching Barcelona wonderkid Yamal in 2022. Then-sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and technical director Marco Neppe even held discreet meetings in Madrid with Yamal’s former agent Ivan de la Pena, as they tried to pull off an audacious transfer, according to a recent report by

  The Bavarians had devised a long-term plan to move the youngster’s family to Germany, wait until he turned 16 in 2023, and secure him for a compensation package worth around €5m. Bayern believed they had an early advantage before the rest of Europe caught on to just how extraordinary the winger was.

  But the deal collapsed at the final stage when super-agent Mendes entered the picture, swiftly taking over Yamal’s representation and shutting the door on Bayern’s hopes. Barca then accelerated his integration into the first team, and the player’s trajectory was set firmly in Catalonia.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  This episode highlights just how close Bayern came to rewriting the story of one of football’s brightest young stars. Today, Yamal is tipped as a frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but his career could have unfolded very differently had Bayern pressed harder.

  It also shows the importance of decisive action in youth recruitment. Bayern’s brief hesitation over paying €5m for a 15-year-old, considered a risk at the time, cost them dearly. Within a year, Yamal had already debuted for Blaugrana's senior team, and by 2023 he had signed a new deal with a staggering €1 billion release clause, ensuring no rival could realistically prise him away.

  For Barca, it reinforces the value of their La Masia academy and the trust they placed in Yamal by handing him minutes at just 15 years old. For Bayern, it is another painful “what if” in the transfer market, similar to other young talents who slipped away.

• TELL ME MORE

  The report detailed how Salihamidzic’s trip to Madrid originally focused on Gavi, but Bayern’s scouts had been blown away by Yamal’s youth performances. Over dinner with De la Pena, the Bavarians made clear they wanted both.

  The plan was concrete to relocate Yamal’s family, prepare him for life in Germany, and line him up alongside Gavi and Adam Aznou, who actually joined Bayern in 2022. But Mendes’ intervention changed everything. When contacted, he reportedly told Bayern that the family could “possibly be convinced” for €5m, but the German club wavered on whether to take the risk.

  Meanwhile, Barca were already showing faith, and with Yamal’s senior debut at 15 years and 9 months became the defining moment that tied him emotionally to Barca. The chance to step out at Camp Nou while still a schoolboy outweighed any financial promises from abroad.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Barca’s decision to trust Yamal early has already paid off, with the winger becoming both a Spain international and one of the world’s most marketable talents. For Barca, the priority will be to continue protecting their jewel amid growing global interest, ensuring he remains the face of the club’s post-Messi era.