Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has denied reports of a disciplinary issue with Lamine Yamal, saying that claims he wanted to drop the teenager from the starting XI are false. It had been reported that the German wanted to punish the winger ahead of the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, but sporting director Deco intervened.

Flick vs Yamal?

According to a report from , Flick intended to punish the 18-year-old for a lack of punctuality by dropping him from the starting line-up, a decision that was ultimately overruled following Deco’s mediation. 

The alleged flashpoint occurred when Yamal arrived late for a team meeting prior to the crucial European fixture. Flick, a coach known for his strict adherence to discipline, reportedly informed the winger that he would not be starting the match as a consequence. This approach is consistent with Flick's management style, having previously sidelined players such as Jules Kounde, Raphinha, and Inaki Pena for similar infractions.

AdvertisementAFPBarca boss addresses rumours of feud with teen star

Flick was asked about the reports at a press conference on Friday and quickly denied any such incident took place, insisting Yamal had no such punctuality issues.

“I'd like to know where this comes from; this is garbage," he said. "I'm especially grateful that this club, and Deco in particular, believes in our work. They would never ask us to do this. It's not true; I have nothing to hide. It's garbage, and if anyone says it, they're lying."

Asked if he has concerns about Yamal's private life, he said: "For me, what counts is that when he's here, he puts in the effort and commitment. And that's what he does. He had a few days off after working hard, and I don't interfere in his private life."

Barcelona's wider concerns over Yamal's off-field focus

The report that Flick denies is not the first to suggest a growing unease at Barcelona regarding Yamal's conduct. While acknowledging the player is often the first to arrive at the training ground, there is a belief that his behaviour in recent months has been a cause for concern.

One source was quoted as saying: “There is some concern about Lamine’s day-to-day life. It’s not alarming, but we don’t like some of the things that have been happening with the player in recent months. We don’t like the way he’s been living and the life he’s been leading.” The club's hierarchy is now said to be monitoring the situation closely, hoping the young star does not deviate from the path to success that has been laid out for him. The lack of punishment for Yamal, when contrasted with the sanctions handed to his teammates, has also reportedly caused some friction within the squad.

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Reports of rift denied amid claims of 'political motives'

Before he addressed the speculation publicly, reported that sources close to both Flick and Yamal had strongly denied any serious conflict. While Yamal's tardiness is not disputed, these insiders insist the situation was blown out of proportion.

Furthermore, the counter-report claims that Flick's position was never in jeopardy and that his authority remains intact, with one source quoted as insisting the German would have resigned had he been overruled by Deco. There is a growing suspicion within the club that such rumours are being spread with ulterior motives, possibly for "political or electoral purposes" aimed at destabilising the current board and management.

Fabrizio Romano has shared some transfer news concerning Chelsea this week, as Enzo Maresca’s side take a particularly keen interest in one highly-rated player from an elite European side.

Chelsea make January transfer plans amid weaknesses in key areas

The Blues ended last summer’s window as one of the Premier League’s highest spending teams, but somehow managed to register a profit by selling a plethora of unwanted players.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

Chelsea brought in a host of attacking stars in that time, sealing deals for the likes of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Facundo Buonanotte.

However, despite making attempts to sign a new goalkeeper and star centre-back, Maresca’s side came up short in that regard.

Chelsea held talks to sign AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who wanted to join the west Londoners, but couldn’t agree on a price. Meanwhile, defender Dean Huijsen was also subject to an offer from Chelsea, according to reliable media sources, only for Real Madrid to eventually win the race for Bournemouth’s once-coveted starlet.

With Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah unavailable for their vital Premier League clash against Liverpool this weekend, BlueCo’s failure to sign a centre-half in particular is now coming back to haunt them.

Jorrel Hato can play at the heart of defence when required, but is primarily viewed as a left-back to cover Marc Cucurella.

That being said, due to their major shortage of options, Maresca will have little choice but to play the Dutchman alongside Benoit Badiashile against Arne Slot’s side on Saturday.

Chelsea want to address the centre-back problem in January, and it is believed that they’ve reached out for talks with Marc Guehi’s camp this week as they attempt to gauge the feasibility of a cut-price winter deal (Simon Phillips).

Guehi would be the perfect option with his contract expiring at the end of the season, potentially meaning he’s available for a very attainable fee next window, but it remains to be seen whether Oliver Glasner would sanction his exit midway through the campaign with Palace flying high right now.

Chelsea are also ready to go back in for Maignan and sign the Frenchman on a pre-contract in January (Graeme Bailey), so it appears Maresca’s side are very aware of their defensive frailties as they make transfer plans for early 2026.

That isn’t to say they haven’t still got their eyes on further attacking upgrades, though, with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz believed to be attracting real attention from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea "very" interested in signing Kenan Yildiz

The Turkey international was Juve’s star player last season, bagging 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and the Old Lady are well aware of growing interest from England.

Yildiz has continued that fine form in a second striker role under Igor Tudor this term, with two goals and four assists in seven games already.

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel in Italian, says that Chelsea are “very” interested in signing Yildiz, but Juve are planning to negotiate fresh terms and keep him out of Premier League’s clutches.

The 20-year-old fits Chelsea’s recruitment strategy down to the ground as one of Serie A’s rising stars, and they will undoubtedly continue to keep tabs on his exploits.

That being said, Maresca’s far more pressing issue is the gaping holes in his defence, so that should absolutely take priority over a move for Yildiz right now.

The BCB has kept the door open for Shakib Al Hasan’s return to the Bangladesh team, according to board director Iftekhar Rahman.Iftekhar was asked about Shakib’s return to national colours mainly in the wake of Bangladesh’s current downturn in form. They recently lost 2-1 to UAE in the T20I series in Sharjah, before heading to Pakistan to play another three-match T20I series.”Shakib will always be in the consideration of the selectors and the team management,” Iftekhar said on Monday. “He is an asset for any team. He is a world-class cricketer. He has just returned after correcting his bowling action so our team management will keep track of him. It is definitely not [the end of our association with Shakib]. He has only played a few matches after his suspension. Let him play a few more matches, I think then we can answer the question [of his return].”Shakib, 38, returned to competitive cricket after nearly six months when he turned out for Lahore Qalandars for three games in PSL 2025 last week. Two months before that, Shakib had been cleared to bowl in top-level cricket after the ECB cleared his action, having reported him in December last year after he had appeared for Surrey.Related

• 'I am officially not retired from all formats' – Shakib reverses Test and T20I retirement

• Shakib cleared to bowl in County Championship and the Hundred by ECB

• Litton and Shakib left out of Bangladesh's Champions Trophy squad

• Shakib says he's done with T20Is, and will play his final Test next month

The BCB has also kept its distance from Shakib since October last year. That’s when Shakib had last played for Bangladesh, the second Test against India in Kanpur. Shakib had announced before that match that he wanted to finish his Test career at home, against South Africa in October, and that he was also done with T20Is.Political unrest in Bangladesh, however, stopped Shakib from making that final appearance since he was a member of parliament for the Awami League, the political party that was ousted from power on August 5, after their rule of 15 years. Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since then and the BCB continued to ignore him in the subsequent series, also leaving him out of the Champions Trophy squad. By then, the ECB had found Shakib’s bowling action questionable.Nearly two months after his bowling action was cleared, Shakib played turned out in three matches for Qalandars in their victorious campaign, although he bagged two ducks in as many innings and picked just one wicket.There are growing concerns around Bangladesh’s returns, especially as experienced players like Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah have retired from all formats, while Mushfiqur Rahim is only available for Tests. Shakib’s situation is in limbo, as he has technically still not retired from ODIs, a format in which Bangladesh recently slipped to No. 10 in the ICC team rankings.”It is a relatively new team without the four senior players [Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah],” Iftekhar said. “There’s a void in the team. I think we have the talent among the current crop of players but they lack application. I have said it before, but the more they play, the better they will get. I think the position that we are in right now, the only way to go is up.”

Leeds United were busy throughout the summer transfer window as they looked to build a squad that was capable of competing in the Premier League.

Eight points in seven matches, despite playing Newcastle, Spurs, and Arsenal already, suggests that they have been competitive in their return to the top-flight.

There are still a few question marks over some of Daniel Farke’s summer signings, though, including first-choice number nine Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs to do more for Leeds

The former England international was brought in on a free transfer from Everton in the summer to lead the line for the Whites, and he scored his first goal for the club in the 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, the experienced centre-forward has missed a whopping nine ‘big chances’ to find the back of the net in his other five appearances for the club, per Sofascore, either side of that header against Wolves.

This shows that the former Toffees star has been incredibly wasteful in front of goal, costing the Whites points. His missed ‘big chance’ against Spurs is a prime example of him costing the team points, as he blazed a huge opportunity high and wide in a game that they lost 2-1.

Therefore, Leeds need more from their main number nine because he has not been reliable enough in front of goal to suggest that he will score goals on a consistent basis to fire the team to safety.

His wastefulness in front of goal is particularly frustrating when you consider that the Whites once released Rafa Mujica, who now looks like an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

Why Leeds United made a mistake with Rafa Mujica

In the summer of 2021, Leeds released the Spanish striker to allow him to join Las Palmas on a free transfer, per Transfermarkt, after two years in West Yorkshire that were largely spent out on loan.

The club did not give him a single minute of first-team football to prove himself, which turned out to be a mistake because his form since leaving the Whites has been exceptional.

After a season in Spain, the striker joined Arouca in the Portuguese top-flight and went on to score 37 goals in 68 matches in all competitions for the club, including 20 goals in 30 Liga Portugal matches in the 2023/24 campaign, per Transfermarkt.

The former Leeds youngster, who was described as “magnificent” by former boss Pepe Mel, then made a move to Qatar-based side Al-Sadd in the summer of 2024, and outperformed Calvert-Lewin at league level.

Appearances

26

18

Goals

3

18

Minutes per goal

543

84

Big chances missed

16

14

Conversion rate

6%

25%

Big chances created

1

3

Assists

1

0

As you can see in the table above, Mujica significantly outperformed the English marksman as a goalscorer in the 2024/25 campaign, albeit whilst playing in a different league.

In the last two full seasons, the Spaniard has scored 38 league goals for Al-Sadd and Arouca combined, which shows that he has been in incredibly prolific form, including in a respectable European league in Portugal.

Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin scored ten goals and missed a whopping 32 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League for Everton in those two seasons, per Sofascore. This is why it has not been a shock to see him struggle in front of goal as a finisher in the top-flight for Leeds this term.

Unless the English forward can turn things around and become the reliable goalscorer that he has failed to be in the last few years, the Whites may look back and regret releasing Mujica back in 2021.

Leeds can drop DCL by unleashing "the best finisher" Farke has worked with

Leeds United could now finally drop Dominic Calvert-Lewin by unleashing a finisher Daniel Farke is fond of.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 6, 2025

The Al-Sadd star’s form in recent seasons in Portugal and Qatar suggests that he could have been an exciting centre-forward option for the club if they had given him a chance to prove himself in West Yorkshire, instead of releasing him.

“I think we’ll always be aggressive and always be positive but we’ll always try to be smart as well,” says assistant coach Simon Helmot of SRH’s batting approach

ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-20251:19

Moody: Kishan has made it clear he’ll be retained

Ishan Kishan scored 106 not out off 47 balls in the second match of IPL 2025. In the latest, his 12th innings, he scored 94 not out in 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Take out those 200 runs, and you’re left with 125 in ten innings. One of the many reasons Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) weren’t the force they were last season was Kishan’s lack of runs through the best part of the IPL – “that certainly impacted the SRH performance,” as Anil Kumble said.Kishan wasn’t the only one, of course. Travis Head couldn’t replicate his heroics from 2024. Heinrich Klaasen was patchy. Abhishek Sharma held his own. But Kishan, the new face in the top few for SRH this year, showed in those two innings what could have been for SRH.”I think that if your opening partnership, which was so effective last year, between Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma – Abhishek has played well this season but Head hasn’t been able to do it – then your No. 3 has a huge responsibility,” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out. “His start to the season was great, but after that he was not in form. That certainly impacted the SRH performance.Related

RCB need their share of luck now to find lost momentum

Kishan, SRH quicks dent RCB's chances of a top-two finish

“Not to forget that Klaasen couldn’t do what was expected of him either. Nitish [Kumar] Reddy too. Aniket [Verma] played well, but if your main batters are not in form, maybe when you don’t qualify for the playoffs you think about all these things.”It was the poor run through April that really spoilt it for Kishan. Most recently, while he has scored 44 and 35, those have taken him 34 and 28 balls respectively. Well below what he is capable of. Till he found his mojo again on Friday. “Ishan Kishan played a very mature innings; he certainly held the innings together for us,” SRH assistant coach Simon Helmot said at the press conference after the game.”He was under a lot of pressure going into this game,” Tom Moody said of Kishan. “He would have felt the fact that he has had a poor season even though he started very well. We were talking about that and you can guarantee [that] around the franchise, they were probably talking about it: do we keep him, do we retain him, what do we do, how do we go about it…”I think he’s made it very clear today that he is being retained, if there was any doubt. The composure stood out to me. And just his continued braveness to take the game on. Obviously helped because it was happening at the other end as well.”3:20

SRH season review: Shami could feel the heat, Aniket Verma the bright spark

In what has been a disappointing season for SRH with one match to go, their last two games is cause for optimism. Before scoring 231 for 6 in the win over RCB on Friday, they had scored 206 for 4 in 18.2 overs to overhaul Lucknow Super Giants’ total.”The last two matches, our batting performance has been very solid, we’ve achieved large scores, match-winning scores,” Helmot said. “Obviously, our batters assessed the wicket [on Friday] and we felt it was a very nice wicket to bat on and a large score was going to be required. So, we maintained that aggressive approach but it was still important to have a batter in at the very end to ensure that we could capitalise on those last few overs. So, I think as a batting unit, we maintained the course.”I think we’ll always be aggressive and always be positive but we’ll always try to be smart as well and understand that not all surfaces play the same way. And so, a score of 170 or 180 might be a match-winning score [in some places]. So, we’ve never sought to try and make over 200 every innings but if we believe that the surface is good enough and our batters can get some partnerships together, then you can get those match-winning scores.”

نشر الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم تقرير لجنة الحكام فيما يخص قرارين تحكيميين في مباراة الكلاسيكو، بين فريقي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، يوم الأحد الماضي في بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة فريقي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، في الجولة العاشرة من الليجا، حيث خسر حامل اللقب بهدفين لهدف.

وشهدت المباراة احتساب ضربة جزاء في الدقيقة الثانية لصالح ريال مدريد، بداعِ تدخل من لامين يامال ضد فينيسيوس جونيور، ولكن تقنية الفيديو تدخلت، قبل أن يقرر الحكم إلغائها.

وقالت لجنة الحكام في تقريرها الذي نشره الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم، يوم الثلاثاء: “دخل لاعب من ريال مدريد (فينيسيوس) منطقة الجزاء بينما كان لاعب من برشلونة (لامين يامال) يلاحقه، توقع لاعب برشلونة الاصطدام وتقدم نحو موقعه، ثم انطلق لمحاولة الاستحواذ على الكرة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رابطة الليجا تصدر بيانًا بشأن كلاسيكو ريال مدريد وبرشلونة

وأضافت: “بعد أن لامست قدمه أرض الملعب، صدمه مهاجم ريال مدريد أثناء محاولته تسديد الكرة، كان الحدث سريعًا جدًا، وفسر الحكم الاصطدام على أنه عكس ذلك، مُحتسبًا ركلة جزاء لـ ريال مدريد”.

وواصلت: “حسب اللوائح، عندما يضرب لاعب لاعبًا آخر أثناء القتال على الكرة، تُحتسب المخالفة على الشخص الذي ارتكب الاحتكاك أو التدخل، في هذه الحالة، ضرب لاعب ريال مدريد نظيره لاعب برشلونة، لذلك فهي ليست ركلة جزاء، إنها ليست سلوكًا متهورًا أو قوة مفرطة، لذا لا يُحتسب أي إنذار”.

وعن احتساب ضربة جزاء لصالح ريال مدريد، بعد اصطدام كرة بيلينجهام بيد إريك جارسيا، لاعب برشلونة، حيث تدخلت تقنية الفيديو، قالت لجنة الحكام: “داخل منطقة جزاء برشلونة، حاول المدافع إريك جارسيا اعتراض عرضية من بيلينجهام بالقفز على الأرض”.

وأوضحت: “في المحاولة الأولى، نجح جارسيا بساقه، ولكن بعد ارتداد الكرة من لاعب ريال مدريد، عادت الكرة نحو المدافع وارتطمت بيده، أشار الحكم إلى ركلة ركنية ولكنه كان قرارًا خاطئًا”.

وأكدت: “قام المدافع بحركة متعمدة وغير طبيعية، سعيًا منه لزيادة حجم جسمه لاعتراض طريق الكرة، كان تدخل تقنية الفيديو متفقًا مع القواعد، حيث كان هناك خطأ واضح وظاهر للغاية، كان قرار احتساب ضربة جزاء صحيحًا”.

FIFA is rolling out a brand new VAR challenge initiative that gives managers the power to use purple and blue cards during matches to request a decision review from the referee, but it threatens to lead to even more frustrating delays. The cards are currently being tested at the 2025 Under-20 World Cup in Chile and in other smaller-scale tournaments and leagues.

• 'Cost-effective and stable' new FIFA system

  As per the , pilot runs of the new system, called Football Video Support (FVS) – described as "cost-effective and stable" by FIFA – have been introduced by competitions that do not have the financial means to use full VAR technology. Serie C and the Primera Federacion (the third tier of men's football in Italy and Spain, respectively), and the Liga F (Spain's top-flight division for women) became the first competitions to start using FVS on a full-time basis in August. Trials have also taken place in the Italy women's Serie A, and in Brazil's Copa Paulista and Copa do Brasil Feminina.

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• How do purple and blue cards work?

  Each opposing manager is given a card at the start of a match – one purple and one blue to differentiate teams – which can only be used by them or an appointed senior team official in their absence. Managers can make two review requests, and just like in tennis and cricket, one is lost if a challenge is unsuccessful, and the two will remain intact should a challenge be upheld.

  Players can also ask their managers to issue a challenge, but all review requests must be made immediately after an incident has occurred. Managers are required to twirl a finger in the air and hand their card to the fourth official to lodge an official review request.

  The most recent use of FVS came in Morocco's semi-final clash with France at the U20 World Cup on Wednesday. Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi waved a purple card after his team's appeals for a penalty were waved away, and the referee subsequently reviewed the video evidence on a pitch-side monitor. The referee's original decision was upheld, much to Ouahbi's disappointment, but Morocco still went on to win the tie on penalties.

  Unfortunately, the review system still caused a lengthy delay to the match, and some fans have suggested managers could use it as a tool to disrupt their opponents' rhythm. X user @krasmanalderey sarcastically said, "This is definitely not gonna get abused to time waste…", with @pincigoat adding, "Teams that are losing towards the end of the game appeal just for the sake of it and ref has to go to the monitor to check random plays".

  Meanwhile, @Valkyrie1336786, dragged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta into the debate, saying, "Don't let Arteta see this!!! We might never leave the pitch!"

• Getty Images
  

  What's being said about it?

  FIFA has stated that the FVS system "is used only in the event of a possible clear and obvious error, or serious missed incident in relation to the following scenarios, such as goal/no goal, penalty/no penalty or direct red cards (not second cautions)". Legendary former referee Pierluigi Collina, who is now the chairman of FIFA Referees Committee, has confirmed that they have been "encouraged" by initial test results, though FVS is not being lined up to replace the current VAR format.

  "FVS is a tool to support referees in competitions with fewer resources and cameras. It should not be seen as VAR or as a modified version of it, as it does not include video match officials monitoring every incident," Collina added.

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• AFP
  

  What comes next?

  The next use of purple and blue cards could come on Sunday, when Morocco take on Argentina in the U20 World Cup final. FVS will also be trialled at the 2025 men's and women's U17 World Cups in Qatar and Morocco, respectively, while several FIFA Member Associations are set to participate in trials later this year or in early 2026.

  FIFA intends to continue using FVS in competitions where matches are covered by up to four cameras, instead of the multi-camera systems used across the biggest divisions in world football.

MatériaMais Notícias

Lucas Moura foi o principal nome da última conquista internacional do São Paulo. Em 2012, pegou a braçadeira de capitão do Rogério Ceni e ergueu a taça da Copa Sul-Americana, um dos títulos mais importantes do Tricolor.

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Lucas Moura e James Rodríguez foram inscritos para a edição deste ano e viajaram com a equipe para jogar o duelo de ida pelas quartas de final da Copa Sul-Americana contra o LDU, em Quito. Este será o reencontro de Lucas com a competição que o marcou na história do Tricolor.

O jogador atuou em duas edições do continental, em 2011 e 2012. Ao todo, foram 12 jogos, com seis vitórias, cinco empates e uma derrota. Foram três gols marcados e quatro assistências.

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Lucas Moura em 2012

Lucas Moura foi o centro das atenções em um dos jogos mais importantes da história tricolor. Além de ter marcado o gol do São Paulo, foi o pivô da famosa confusão contra o Tigre, quando levou uma cotovelada no rosto e deixou o primeiro tempo com o nariz sangrando.  

As imagens de Lucas exibindo o algodão ensanguentado rodaram o mundo.  Em uma polêmica que envolveu até polícia, o adversário simplesmente não voltou para a partida. Os argentinos abandonaram o jogo alegando que seus atletas foram agredidos nos vestiários.

Naquela edição, o jogador atuou em nove dos jogos do São Paulo, com dois gols. Um dos xodós da torcida, Lucas Moura retornou ao Morumbi neste ano, em julho. Em quatro jogos do camisa 7, foram dois gols. Um deles, o mais especial. Contra o Corinthians, Lucas Moura fez o segundo gol do São Paulo e garantiu a classificação para a final da Copa do Brasil. Ao todo, Lucas tem 132 jogos, 35 gols e 25 assistências pelo Tricolor.

Ao falar das expectativas de estar de volta ao campeonato que o fez cair no gosto da torcida, Lucas Moura afirmou que ‘é uma das competições mais especiais’.

– A Sul-Americana é uma competição muito especial para mim. Foi minha despedida aqui no São Paulo na época, com título e o Morumbi lotado. Voltar a jogar por ela é especial. Temos a possibilidade real de lutar por esse título e vamos trabalhar forte para chegar à final – ressaltou Lucas.

O São Paulo encontra o LDU, em Quito, às 19h (de Brasília). A equipe viajou para o Equador nesta terça-feira (22).

* IZABELLA GIANNOLA colaborou sob a supervisão de João Marcos

With Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah among those to depart Parkhead in recent times, Celtic have frustratingly had to witness some of their best and brightest move on to pastures new, instead of sticking it out for the long haul in Glasgow.

Those who have moved on haven’t always enjoyed the best of fortunes, however, with the club’s record departures a case in point.

Indeed, Kieran Tierney – sold to Arsenal back in 2019 – has returned to Scotland this summer after six injury-hit years at the Emirates. Jota, meanwhile, is also now back on the books after enduring a miserable time in Saudi Arabia and France.

Matt O’Riley

Brighton

£25m

Jota

Al-Ittihad

£25m

Kieran Tierney

Arsenal

£23m

Moussa Dembele

Lyon

£19m

Nicolas Kuhn

Como

£16m

Odsonne Edouard

Palace

£14m

Kristoffer Ajer

Brentford

£13.5m

Virgil van Dijk

Southampton

£13.5m

Victor Wanyama

Spurs

£12.5m

In the case of Matt O’Riley, the elegant playmaker has joined Marseille on loan after just a solitary season at Brighton. Kuhn, now at Como, is yet to start a Serie A game since his £16m switch.

Even Kyogo – who departed for Rennes in January in the hope of securing a more prominent role for Japan – has found himself now operating in England’s Championship rather than the Champions League, with the grass certainly not always greener.

That being said, there are those who go on and flourish elsewhere after leaving the Premiership side, with young Ben Gannon-Doak proving a prime example.

Ben Gannon-Doak's display in numbers vs Belarus

Every club has a tale of ‘one that got away, with Gannon-Doak the most prominent name in recent times with regard to Celtic and their academy production line.

Handed two senior appearances by Ange Postecoglou as a mere 16-year-old, the flying winger could not be tempted to stay put in Scotland, instead moving to Premier League giants Liverpool for a compensation fee of just £600k.

While the intense competition at Anfield has seen the now 19-year-old move on to Bournemouth this summer, the nature of the £25m price tag emphasises just what a talent he truly is – a fact that he again showcased on Monday night away at Belarus.

The man who previously tormented Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol, Gannon-Doak is emerging as a real outlet for Steve Clarke and for Scotland despite his relative youth, with new Cherries teammate Ryan Christie highlighting just why he has become such a firm favourite for the Tartan Army:

That positivity was on full display on Monday, with Gannon-Doak – unleashed from the start by Clarke – proving a constant menace down the left flank, having been the away side’s ‘brightest creative spark’, according to GIVEMESPORT.

In his 74-minute outing, the youngster notably completed three of his four attempted dribbles, enjoyed a 93% pass accuracy rate and registered one key pass, as per Sofascore, having produced a performance of real authority off the left.

There was also steel to match the silk, however, a fact emphasised by a crunching challenge on the halfway line, that resulted in a yellow card, as he also notably won seven of his 11 total duels.

A player who looks like the complete package, Celtic will rue having let him slip from their grasp. That is in the past, however, with there now a new shining light to enjoy at Parkhead…

Callum Osmand could be Celtic's answer to Gannon-Doak

Too often in recent times have Celtic had to watch as their academy products have been snapped up by top-flight clubs south of the border, with teenage goal machine Daniel Cummings notably making the switch to West Ham United this summer.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

That being said, there are times where the Hoops are able to get their own back, with Brendan Rodgers and co memorably poaching a young Moussa Dembele from Fulham back in the summer of 2016.

Such a coup looks like it could well have been replicated this summer too, with the Scottish champions having managed to prise another teenage striker from Craven Cottage, in the form of Callum Osmand.

The 19-year-old may have yet to enjoy a taste of senior football in west London, although he has flourished at youth level in recent years, scoring 23 goals in just 38 U18 games, alongside netting 20 times in 35 games for the U21 side.

In one outing for Celtic ‘B’ team, the prolific teen has already got off the mark, emphasising just why he is so “highly-rated”, in the words of Rodgers:

Having discussed the potential move with another Fulham product, O’Riley, the Welshman will be looking to try and emulate the playmaker’s impact in green and white, with a starting berth seemingly up for grabs amid the uncertainty surrounding Celtic’s number nine berth.

Much like Gannon-Doak, the rapid talent appears to have that fearless quality to his attacking game, a point that has been emphasised by Fulham expert Jack Kelly:

While Celtic have had to witness Gannon-Doak flourish at international level, perhaps they could well get their own back with the case of Osmand, with it set to be intriguing to see if he can make a first-team impact under Rodgers this season.

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Aston Villa are now racing Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United for the signature of an “electric” Premier League star, who has made a very impressive start to the campaign.

Villa join race for new forward amid lack of goals

It would be fair to say Unai Emery’s side fell below their usual lofty standards at the beginning of the Premier League season, with the 3-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace likely to be particularly concerning, but they have since managed to get back on track.

Indeed, the Villans have won their last two matches in all competitions, most recently picking up their first league victory of the campaign courtesy of a fantastic second-half display against Fulham, which culminated in a 3-1 win.

Emery will be relieved his side are finally starting to look better in front of goal, but after failing to score in their opening four league matches of the season, the manager may still be worried about his side’s lack of firepower.

As such, according to a report from The Boot Room, Aston Villa have now joined the race for AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, but there could be fierce competition for the Ghanaian’s signature, and it may take a huge fee to get a deal done.

Tottenham, Man United and Manchester City are also named as potential suitors for Semenyo, who was valued at £70m back in the summer transfer window, amid links with Spurs.

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Transfer expert Graeme Bailey also makes it clear that a winter exit is very unlikely to be on the cards, saying: “As it stands, Bournemouth are intent on making progress this summer and that means no sales.

“They have lost the likes of Huijsen, Kerkez and Zabarnyi in recent months and they are insistent Semenyo won’t be following them through the exit doors in January.”

"Electric" Semenyo has made flying start to the season

It is no surprise that Bournemouth are reluctant to sanction a January departure, given just how well the 25-year-old has performed in the early stages of the new season, being dubbed “electric” by broadcaster Kris Temple.

The Cherries are currently sixth in the Premier League table, and the Ghana international has been paramount to their success, receiving Bournemouth’s Player of the Month and Goal of the Month award for August.

That follows on from a very impressive 2024-25 campaign, during which the winger picked up 11 goals and six assists in the Premier League, helping his side surpass expectations and finish ninth.

There is every indication that Semenyo could be a success at Villa Park, but Aston Villa are well-known to be struggling PSR-wise, which means forking out the potential £70m asking price could be an issue.