Tottenham Hotspur have pulled off some eye-catching signings in their history, with Daniel Levy spending big in recent times.

However, Spurs have also missed out on bringing some world-class players to north London, with Eberechi Eze the latest Tottenham transfer to fall through. With a deal close to being finalised, fierce rivals Arsenal swept in and poached the attacking midfielder frim under Spurs’ nose.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t been just Eze. Tottenham have been pipped to the post or rejected by a plethora of legends, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Kylian Mbappe.

Tottenham's most expensive signings of all time

A detailed look at Spurs’ 10 most expensive signings of all time.

By
Charlie Smith

Sep 5, 2025

10 superstars Tottenham Hotspur nearly signed

10

Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Tottenham scout and player Ronny Rosenthal was urging the Spurs to sign Cristiano Ronaldo when he was coming through at Sporting CP.

However, Spurs didn’t listen, with Manchester United landing the Portuguese superstar for just over £12m in 2003.

9

Kylian Mbappe

Back in 2015, a teenage forward by the name of Kylian Mbappe impressed Spurs chiefs for Monaco during a Europa League clash against Tottenham.

Those in north London kept tabs on the Frenchman and were looking to bring him to the club, however, they quickly realised he was out of reach, with Mbappe instead choosing PSG.

8

Diego Maradona

Tottenham legend Teddy Sheringham had two spells with Spurs and once revealed that the club were in talks to sign Diego Maradona.

Ossie Ardiles managed Spurs in 1993-1994 and once told Sheringham he was looking to partner him in attack with Maradona.

7

Rivaldo

Levy missed out on signing Brazilian icon Rivaldo in 2002 when he was on the search for a new club after leaving Barcelona.

Manuel Auset, Rivaldo’s friend and lawyer, said that Spurs offered the then-30-year-old a move to the Premier League, but he instead chose AC Milan.

6

Eden Hazard

Now remembered as a Chelsea legend, Eden Hazard could quite easily have been a Tottenham player when leaving Lille in 2012.

Former Spurs coach Clive Allen admitted that the Belgian star was “keen to come to Tottenham” but instead chose to head to Stamford Bridge.

5

Bruno Fernandes

Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham made a concrete effort to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting CP in 2019.

Fernandes, who eventually moved to England with Man Utd, once revealed he was “really angry” his move to Spurs fell through after being convinced to join by Pochettino.

4

Sadio Mane

Tottenham and Pochettino made Sadio Mane their top target in 2016, however, Spurs were outbid by Liverpool.

The Reds paid £34m for Mane who’d go on to become an Anfield legend, with Tottenham instead using the money that would have gone on the forward for midfielder Moussa Sissoko.

3

Virgil van Dijk

Tottenham had Virgil van Dijk on their shortlist of central defender targets back in 2015 when the Dutchman was still on the books of Celtic.

Instead of signing Van Dijk, though, Spurs brought in Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid, with Van Dijk signing for Southampton the same year.

2

Jack Grealish

At one point, Tottenham thought they were on course to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for just £25m.

Grealish wasn’t happy about the failed transfer to Spurs in 2018, however, three years later, he’d cost Manchester City a then-British record £100m.

1

Luis Diaz

Tottenham were in pole position and pushing to sign Luis Diaz from FC Porto in the 2022 January transfer window before Liverpool hijacked a transfer.

The Reds paid a guaranteed fee of £37.5m for the Colombia international, who would go on to win the Premier League at Anfield before being sold for a profit to Bayern Munich.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed a fresh injury update on forward Kai Havertz, with a timeline emerging on his possible return.

The Gunners, even without Havertz, have made a brilliant start to the 2025/2026 season, with their last defeat coming all the way back at Anfield against Liverpool.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Since then, Arsenal have been a force to be reckoned with, sitting firmly atop the Premier League table and showing no signs of slipping.

One of the defining features of Arsenal’s campaign so far has been their dominance from set pieces. Arteta’s side have already scored an incredible 11 goals from dead-balls, making them the undisputed set-piece kings of the league.

From pinpoint corners to clever free-kicks and long-throws, Arsenal have turned these situations into a very reliable source of goals, much to the detest of some critics.

What’s particularly impressive is that they’ve done it while missing a plethora of key stars for long periods.

Club captain Martin Odegaard, who is back on the treatment table until mid-November following a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury against West Ham, had only just come back from a shoulder problem beforehand.

Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, ruptured his ACL at the very start of 2025 and hasn’t played since Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Man United last season.

Noni Madueke, who was really impressing on-lookers with his early-season form, picked up a knee injury in their 1-1 draw at home to Man City, but the England international could apparently make a “faster-than-expected” return to the team (GiveMeSport).

With Havertz, the signs have also been pretty good.

Arteta’s versatile forward — the club’s highest earner on around £280,000-per-week — is believed to be impressing Arsenal staff with his recovery from knee damage behind-the-scenes.

As a result, Havertz is apparently ahead of schedule to return for Arsenal, but it still might not be too imminent.

Arsenal handed fresh Kai Havertz injury update

The 26-year-old, who scored 15 goals and bagged another five assists in all competitions last season, has played just half an hour so far this term and Arteta will be hoping to have him back as soon as possible.

However, according to journalist and founder of Premier Injuries, Ben Dinnery, Havertz may not be back in full match action until as far down the line as December.

Arteta will want to be careful managing the former Chelsea star’s load, especially considering how light Arsenal are going forward right now after Gabriel Martinelli was also sidelined recently.

Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has done fairly well in Havertz’s place up front, albeit his goal return so far isn’t what most had hoped for.

The return of Havertz would give Arteta an extra option in that area, and Arsenal have already been tipped to bench Gyokeres for the attacker in big games once he makes his comeback.

Mikel Arteta's underrated Arsenal star adds something "people really don’t see"

Derbyshire romp home at Headingley after limp home effort relieved only by Dom Bess’s fifty

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2025Seamer Ben Aitchison’s maiden T20 five-wicket haul set Derbyshire on their way to hammering Yorkshire for the second Sunday running, ending the hosts’ already slim Vitality Blast quarter-final hopes in the process.Excellent Aitchison was potent en route to a superb 5 for 29 at Headingley and Afghanistan overseas spinner Mohammad Ghazanfar miserly in returning 2 for 5 from four overs as Yorkshire were limited to 151 for 9.The Falcons won at Chesterfield last Sunday, and here they deepened their local rivals’ misery by reducing them to 17 for 4 in five overs. Ghazanfar struck twice early and returned the joint-second most-economical four-over spell in Blast history.In a clash between the bottom two sides in the North, Dom Bess’s career best 53 off 37 balls at least gave Yorkshire a fighting total. But Derbyshire eased home by eight wickets inside 17 overs thanks largely to opener Aneurin Donald’s 54 off 30 balls.Derbyshire were already out of knockout contention, but this was their fourth win in 13 games and Yorkshire’s eighth defeat in 12.Yorkshire were left shell-shocked in the powerplay, which ended with them stranded on 28 for 4 having been inserted. Jonny Bairstow was bowled for a five-ball duck playing back to the offspin of Ghazanfar, who also had James Wharton caught at short cover.Sandwiched in between, Will Luxton was caught at short third-man and Dawid Malan at short fine-leg off Aitchison’s seam.On Thursday, Derbyshire reduced Worcestershire to 10 for 4 and lost. So they will have been wary not to let their foot off the gas. And they did not.Pakistani overseas batter Abdullah Shafique was next to go for 26, caught at mid-on off a miscued pull at Zak Chappell as Yorkshire reached the 10-over mark at 55 for 5. Chappell struck again in the 16th with the score on 97 when he had Will Sutherland caught at deep midwicket following a miscued pull.Bess, who hoisted two leg-side sixes off Pat Brown’s seam, kept Yorkshire afloat with his second career Blast fifty, this off 36 balls. But he fell to his next, caught at deep midwicket off Aitchison, who struck three times in four balls in the 19th over.Either side of dismissing Bess, he had Jordan Thompson caught behind and Jafer Chohan caught at backward point in posting only Derbyshire’s second ever T20 five-for.At Chesterfield last weekend, opener Donald smashed 85 off 30 balls as the Falcons chased 201. Here, their task was much more straightforward, and Donald was in the mood again.He ramped Sutherland’s seam for six and went on to reach his fifty off 24 balls – his sixth fifty of the campaign. By the time that was recorded, Derbyshire were motoring at 70 without loss in the sixth over. From there, with Yorkshire sloppy in the field, the result was inevitable.Donald miscued to point off Dan Moriarty’s left-arm spin having shared 78 inside eight overs with Australian Caleb Jewell.Jewell went on to post 41 not out and share an unbroken third-wicket stand of 73 with Wayne Madsen, who finished 51 not out off 28 balls and reached his fifty with the winning blow – a six over long-on off Jafer Chohan.

From Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane to Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, MLS has featured some high-octane duos

Major League Soccer is built on star power, but not always on individuals. Sometimes the stars align, quite literally in this case, to create something even better. Throughout the league's history, dynasties have been formed by high-profile pairings, tandems that have helped lead some of the best teams in league history.

From the early days in MLS, some of the league's all-time teams have been led by two dynamic attacking players. And we might just be seeing another league-altering duo emerge. Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga are running right through MLS, and not just the regular season. Austin FC were recently put to the sword by LAFC's new duo, who combined for two goals and three assists in a 4-1 MLS playoff win on Sunday.

Like all great duos, Son and Bouanga have a natural chemistry. They're also individually dangerous. Son, of course, has long been one of the best wingers in the world. Bouanga, meanwhile, has blossomed into one of the most fearsome goalscorers in the league, one that was striking fear in defenses long before his South Korean running mate arrived.

GOAL takes a look at the all-time great MLS duos.

Getty Images SportLA Galaxy: Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane

Yes, there was the David Beckham era for the LA Galaxy. But there was another following the English icon's departure: the Donovan-Keane era.

Landon Donovan remains the true face of the LA Galaxy, the star that accomplished it all during his extended run as the guy in MLS. There's a reason the MLS MVP award is named after him. He didn't do it alone, though, as, starting in 2011, he was joined by Irish star Robbie Keane to form a duo that turned winning MLS Cups into something of a habit.

During their four seasons together, they lifted the big trophy three times. Each time, Donovan and Keane were a huge part of it.

"It’s been an honor to play with him," Keane said of Donovan at the time. "The understanding that we’ve both had on the field, the amount of goals both of us have scored and assists we have provided over the last four years has been fantastic. It is definitely up there with the best partnerships I’ve had in the game."

During their run together, they accounted for 174 combined goals and assists, nearly half of the Galaxy's numbers in total in that stretch. It's why, for many, Keane and Donovan remain the gold standard for partnerships in MLS.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSeattle Sounders: Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins

They were here for a good time, not a long time, and those in Seattle would say it was a very, very good time. In the spring and summer of 2013, the Sounders took two big swings to bring Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey on board from Europe. It was, particularly at the time, a massive statement from the club. In truth, the ball didn't get rolling right away but, once it did, there was no stopping it.

In 2014, the Oba-Deuce duo exploded, leading the Sounders to the Supporters' Shield and the U.S. Open Cup. Martins finished with 17 goals, a club record, as well as 13 assists. Dempsey had 15 goals. What made those so special, though, was the manner in which they were scored. 

Throughout their run together, Dempsey and Martins often made it look like they were playing in a recreational league, not in MLS' biggest matches. There was a certain ease and flair to every goal they scored.

"I love playing with Oba," Dempsey said in 2015. "He’s one of the players I’ve enjoyed the most playing with in my career because it reminds me of being a kid playing pickup style, just thinking alike and knowing that if you make the right run, he’s going to find you."

Unfortunately, neither Dempsey nor Martins were around for the Sounders' crowning achievement two years later. Martins had, at that point, headed to China for a massive payday. Dempsey, meanwhile, was sidelined with a heart condition that prevented him from helping the Sounders lift the MLS Cup that winter.

For those who remember that era, though, the Dempsey-Martins combo was just as iconic as the MLS Cup trophy – and they paved the way.

Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY SportsToronto FC: Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco

During the mid-to-late-2010s, MLS was often defined by Seattle and Toronto, who met in the league final three times in a four-year span. Toronto was led by an attacking duo of their own. One big, one small, but Toronto FC's two attackers – Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco – ultimately ended up being a perfect pairing.

“For me, it’s a pleasure to play with Jozy," Giovinco said. "He’s more physical, I’m more technical, so we complete each other.”

After swinging and missing with Jermain Defoe, Toronto FC handed the attacking keys to Altidore and Giovinco, who arrived in January 2015. What followed was nothing short of magic. Giovinco, the diminutive Italian, became the first player to lead MLS in goals and assists in the same season. He was also the first player to record consecutive seasons of 30-plus goals and assists.

Altidore, meanwhile, was right there with him, hitting double figures for goals in each of their first three seasons together. With Altidore and Giovinco leading the line, and Michael Bradley anchoring the midfield, Toronto FC made it to three MLS Cups, winning in 2017. They also won a Supporters' Shield and three Canadian Championships, with Altidore and Giovinco playing definitive roles.

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Getty Images SportD.C. United: Marco Etcheverry and Jaime Moreno

One for the OGs here. Marco Etcheverry and Jaime Moreno were the league's original duo and, to this day, their achievements match up with virtually any other. The two Bolivian stars were the iconic faces of MLS' early years, with Etcheverry so often the creator and Moreno so often the one finishing.

Together, they won three MLS Cups to establish D.C. United's dominance in the league's first years. To take it one step further, they also lifted a CONCACAF Champions Cup, too, to prove that D.C. – and MLS – could compete with the very best in the region.

“I’ve known Marco since my first cap with the national team in the 1991 Copa America," Moreno said in 2013. "Since then, we have always had an amazing friendship. We then met at D.C. and my arrival to the club was so quick, I don’t think he was even expecting it. Marco means titles, and with him, we had the best years in D.C.

"Today, soccer is different and is not as exquisite as it was before. Marco used to put that exquisite touch to the game and to D.C.”

For many, they will be the best on this list, and there's plenty to back that up. Both were named to MLS All-Time Best XI in 2005 and, while MLS has evolved since they ran things in the late '90s, they remain part of the league's foundation.

Leeds United will be aiming to stay put in the Premier League past the end of the 2025/26 season, but that will be easier said than done.

The last time the Whites managed to stay up at the first time of asking after triumphantly securing promotion to the top-flight was when the revered Marcelo Bielsa still occupied the Elland Road dug-out, with an unbelievable seventh place position somehow pulled off come the close of the memorable 2020/21 campaign.

Ever since that major high point, though, Leeds have struggled when keeping their heads above water in the elite division, having fallen back down to the Championship with a whimper in 2023.

Daniel Farke is the boss who will be aiming to rewrite the depressing script in West Yorkshire, however, with it not being all doom and gloom since the Argentine’s sombre exit, either, as several exciting stars have called Leeds home since his sacking in early 2022.

Some of Leeds' best signings since Bielsa left

Even with Championship football regularly being on the menu after the enigmatic South American’s departure, Leeds have been blessed with possessing some exceptional talents.

Georginio Rutter has to go down as one of Leeds’ best bits of business in terms of the entertainment he offered in the rebuild after Bielsa, with the £35.5m purchase from Hoffenheim tallying up a ridiculous eight goals and 18 assists for the Whites, leading to Paul Merson even comparing him to Arsenal great Dennis Bergkamp for his audacious footwork.

Amazingly, too, Wilfried Gnonto never crossed paths with Bielsa at Elland Road, with the Italian attacker a real force to be reckoned with when unleashed, as seen in him firing home 22 goals to date for the Whites.

Moving away from the attack, Ethan Ampadu has also become a mainstay in the middle of the park since joining for £7m from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, as Leeds also finally stormed back up to the Premier League.

There’s even a compelling enough argument already to suggest that Sean Longstaff joining for £12m this summer just gone is one of the best bits of business since Bielsa left the building, with five big chances created by the ex-Newcastle United man helping Leeds push up to 15th in the early league standings.

Yet, despite the Newcastle-born ace experiencing such a promising start to life in West Yorkshire, he arguably lags just behind this Farke stalwart still in this argument, who is continuing to shine very bright as one of the first names on the German’s teamsheet.

Leeds' best signing since Bielsa left

There’s no guarantee that Longstaff will be able to keep up these excellent early levels at Leeds across a full Premier League season, having been regularly injury-prone at St James’ Park.

Farke won’t have any lingering concerns about Joe Rodon pulling up with an injury anytime soon, however, with the commanding Welshman now starting a staggering 94 consecutive games for Leeds as he remains one of the vital parts of his manager’s jigsaw, even as new signings aplenty – such as Longstaff – joined this off-season.

Games played

9

Goals scored

2

Assists

0

Touches*

67.2

Accurate passes*

49.2 (91%)

Ball recoveries*

2.8

Clearances*

6.4

Total duels won*

5.2

Clean sheets

2

Having also collected a mammoth 48 clean sheets across his first century of appearances for Leeds, Rodon has only cemented himself as a key Whites first-teamer during the infancy of this new season.

The Swansea-born warrior has even chipped in with two goals so far this campaign to ensure the top-flight newcomers already have three league wins under their belt, the latest of which steered his side to a valuable win over struggling West Ham United.

Yet, it’s his unwavering determination for Leeds that stretches all the way back to the 2023/24 campaign, which means he is surely their best signing since Bielsa sadly left Elland Road behind, with the £10m spent on his permanent services at the close of that promotion near-miss season continuing to look like a bargain amount.

He will only be seen in an even more glowing light if his imposing displays result in Leeds beating the drop, with Farke’s “unbelievable” assessment of the 28-year-old after his debut two years ago still ringing true today.

Farke has found a new Dallas-type player in “unbelievable” Leeds star

Daniel Farke has now stumbled upon Leeds United’s next Stuart Dallas-type figure in this unbelievable star.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 27, 2025

Fraizer Campbell has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, billed the long-running GOAT debate which pitches Cristiano Ronaldo against eternal rival Lionel Messi as “sad”. The former Manchester United forward, who once worked alongside CR7 at Old Trafford, has urged supporters around the world to enjoy two all-time greats for as long as they are around.

• New contracts for Ronaldo & Messi in Saudi Pro League & MLS

  Neither is showing any sign of slowing down at present, with new contracts being committed to. Ronaldo has extended his deal at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr through to the summer of 2027, while Messi is now tied to terms at MLS outfit Inter Miami through 2028.

  Two legends of the game are expected to grace next summer’s World Cup with Portugal and Argentina respectively, with their sights being set on the ultimate prize. Fans across the globe will be glued to that duel on American, Canadian and Mexican soil.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  GOAT debate: Why Ronaldo vs Messi discussion is wrong

  Discussion as to who fills the No.1 spot on any all-time list will continue to rage, with Ronaldo and Messi having raised the bar of individual brilliance to never before seen heights. Campbell, though, is of the opinion that they should not be pitted against one another as they bring different qualities to the table.

  He is, however, intrigued to see whether Ronaldo can complete his medal collection by inspiring Portugal to a World Cup win. Campbell – speaking with GOAL via Casino.org, the popular resource known for helping Brits find the best online casinos in the UK – said when asked if landing a global crown would lift CR7 above Messi: “You have got an argument to say that.

  “For me, I enjoy both of them. I wouldn’t say either is better than the other. I love the way Messi plays and I love all that Ronaldo has achieved. For me they are two of the greatest players to ever do it. Sometimes I think it’s a bit sad how people put one against the other. It’s just two incredible guys. Enjoy them!”

• Different breeds: Ronaldo & Messi have never been alike

  Campbell is not the first to suggest that Ronaldo and Messi should be judged separately, rather than dumped into the same talent pool. Former Portugal and Barcelona star Deco has played alongside both and refuses to rank one above the other.

  He said: “Come on! They’re two different players. Cristiano was a pure winger in those early days – he used to get the ball and only think about dribbling past his opponents. He grew a lot as a player, becoming the competitive beast we’ve seen for so long. He has always been keen to develop in every way possible. Messi has always been a natural talent. He has adapted his game over time, but his way of moving has always been the same, so it’s hard to choose between one and the other. The ideal world would be to have both in my team – with them, you just pass them the ball and the rest is done!”

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  Goal & trophy targets: What next for Ronaldo & Messi?

  There is still plenty left for Ronaldo and Messi to achieve, even at the latter stages of their respective careers. CR7 has made no secret of the fact that he wants to reach 1,000 career goals and continues to move ever closer to hitting that target. It has also been suggested that he will extend his career long enough that opportunities to line up alongside eldest son Cristiano Junior present themselves.

  Messi, meanwhile, is in the process of trying to enhance his standing as the most decorated player in history. He has collected 46 trophies down the years, with Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield honours being added to that collection since moving to the United States in 2023. The Argentine icon is yet to lift the MLS Cup, but Inter Miami are back in the hunt for that prize and face a crucial playoff first round decider with Nashville at Chase Stadium on Saturday.

يخوض منتخب الكاميرون مباراة صعبة اليوم أمام الكونغو الديمقراطية، في المواجهة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات ملحق إفريقيا المؤهل لكأس العالم 2026.

وتقام المباراة بين الكاميرون والكونغو الديموقراطية على ملعب البريد في المغرب، في نصف نهائي ملحق إفريقيا المؤهل لكأس العالم 2026.

وتأتي هذه المباراة في إطار منافسات الملحق والذي يضم أفضل 4 منتخبات احتلت المركز الثاني في مجموعات التصفيات الإفريقية، والتي ستحدد الفريق المتأهل للملحق العالمي.

طالع | موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة نيجيريا والجابون اليوم في ملحق إفريقيا المؤهل لـ كأس العالم.. والمعلق

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الفائز من الكاميرون والكونغو الديمقراطية أمام المتأهل بين نيجيريا والجابون في المباراة النهائية يوم الأحد 16 نوفمبر 2025، على ملعب الأمير مولاي الحسن لتحديد المنتخب المتأهل للملحق العالمي. موعد مباراة الكاميرون والكونغو الديمقراطية في الملحق الإفريقي لـ كأس العالم 2026

تنطلق المباراة بين الكاميرون ومنافسه الكونغو الديموقراطية، في تمام الساعة 9:00 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، و10:00 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة الكاميرون والكونغو الديمقراطية في الملحق الإفريقي لـ كأس العالم 2026

وتذاع المباراة بين منتخبي الكاميرون والكونغو الديمقراطية عبر منصة “شاهد”.

Manchester City have opened talks to sign a “sensational” Bayern Munich player, with the German club now “really worried” about his future.

Man City's unbeaten run comes to an end at Aston Villa

Man City’s nine-game undefeated streak in all competitions was brought to a halt on Sunday afternoon, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park, with Matty Cash’s first-half strike proving to be the difference between the two sides.

Despite the loss, Pep Guardiola suggested he was happy with his side’s performance, while also insisting it is too early to be overly concerned about the Premier League title race, saying: “I don’t know how many teams can come here and play the way we played, with the courage, possession and chances.

“We have to be stable with that. And after that, to deal with games better.

“But I don’t live in October and November thinking, ‘Oh what is going to happen if we don’t win the Premier League’, so it’s game by game now.”

However, having suffered three defeats already this season, which leaves the Blues six points behind Arsenal in the table, there are clear indications Guardiola may need to strengthen his squad in order to turn them back into title contenders.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Man City have this month held discussions about signing Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at the Bundesliga club.

Upamecano is yet to extend his contract at the Allianz Arena, which means he is currently set to be available on a free transfer next summer, and that is a concern for Bayern.

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford Oct 26, 2025

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey adds: “Speaking to sources at a couple of Premier League clubs, they actually believe Upamecano is more likely to stay than leave, but I can tell you Bayern are really worried that Upamecano will have offers presented to him in early 2026 if an agreement with Bayern is not reached.”

"Sensational" Upamecano could be solid addition to Pep's backline

Pep has stuck with the experienced duo of John Stones and Ruben Dias at centre-back in recent weeks, with the former managing to put his injury problems behind him, while the manager also has Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov to call upon.

As such, it is debatable whether it is necessary to bring in another centre-back, but the Bayern star certainly has the ability required to succeed at the Etihad Stadium, having received very high praise from journalist Muhammad Butt in the past.

Every player in a Guardiola system must be comfortable in possession of the ball, and the 27-year-old fits the bill in that regard, averaging a pass-completion rate of 93.5% per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 96th percentile, compared to other centre-backs.

Upamecano could be the ideal addition to Man City’s defence, and the £168k-a-week star potentially being available on a free transfer makes signing him an even more attractive proposition.

Zampa, Curran star with ball to outdo D’Arcy Short in 28-run win at Bristol

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay09-Jul-2025

Will Jacks led the way with an impressive half century as Surrey defeated Gloucestershire by 28 runs at the Seat Unique Stadium to move a step closer to quarter-final qualification in the Vitality Blast.The England international hit 57 from 35 balls with a four and 5 sixes and dominated a stand of 87 in 9.2 overs for the third wicket with Sam Curran, who posted 46, as the visitors scored 193 for 7 after being inserted on a used Bristol track. Josh Shaw claimed 3 for 41 as Gloucestershire fought back, but knocks of 32 and 31 not out from Tom Curran and Dan Lawrence respectively carried Surrey to a formidable total.D’Arcy Short kept Gloucestershire in the hunt by scoring an eye-catching 70 from 53 balls, but he lacked support and Jacks and Adam Zampa claimed 4 for 56 between them from seven overs of spin as Surrey restricted the home side to 165 for 9. Seamers Sam Curran and Chris Jordan took 3 for 32 and 2 for 26 respectively as the Londoners won with something to spare.Victory moves second-placed Surrey to within eight points of South Group leaders Somerset, who have played a game more, but defending champions Gloucestershire will need to win their remaining four games if they are to have any chance of making the knockout stages.The evening had begun in promising fashion for Gloucestershire. So often the scourge of Surrey batsmen in the past, left arm seamer David Payne removed Dom Sibley in the first over, Cameron Bancroft taking a catch behind via an inside edge. Unfazed by events at the other end, Jacks hit Shaw for six over square leg and Jason Roy drilled his first ball for four. He top edged his third high to Ajeet Singh Dale at third man as Shaw reduced the visitors to 14 for 2.Sam Curran and Jacks launched a recovery thereafter, advancing the score to 41 for 2 at the end of the powerplay and plundering 15 runs from an over of off spin from Ollie Price to afford the innings much-needed impetus. The 50 partnership occupied 33 balls as the third wicket pair found acceleration, but Curran enjoyed a slice of good fortune when dropped on 29 by Singh Dale at short fine leg off the bowling of Ben Charlesworth.By now timing the ball supremely well, Jacks fed off Singh Dale’s pace, sending successive deliveries for six over long-on and long-off as Gloucestershire came under sustained pressure. Surrey were well-placed on 90 for 2 at halfway and Jacks brought up his 50 from 31 balls in the next over as the partnership flourished. Jacks lifted Matt Taylor over cow corner for six, but perished when he attempted a repeat performance next ball, finding Price at long-on and falling for 57 with the score 101 for 3.That was the cue for Curran to pick up the pace and Surrey’s captain helped himself to a six behind square off van Buuren. But the slow left armer exacted revenge next ball, Curran hitting to Short on the cover boundary and departing for a 33-ball 46. When Laurie Evans played an ugly shot across the line and was bowled by Singh Dale, Surrey had lost three wickets in 16 balls and were 118 for 5.Lawrence and Tom Curran then came together in a restorative alliance of 55 in 4.5 overs as the Londoners re-established their credentials. Curran smashed a quickfire 32 from 15 balls, including 5 fours and a six, while Lawrence finished unbeaten on 31 from 24 deliveries as Surrey raised 75 from the last six overs. Shaw accounted for Tom Curran and Ollie Sykes in the penultimate over, while Payne’s figures of 1 for 18 set him apart.Short and Miles Hammond staged an opening stand of 40 in 5.1 overs to lay solid foundations, but the latter was caught behind for 14 attempting to reverse sweep Jacks as pace off paid dividends for Surrey. Buoyed by his match-winning innings of 83 against Middlesex three days earlier, Short was in good touch, helping himself to three fours and a brace of sixes in the powerplay. Unfortunately for Gloucestershire, fellow Australian Bancroft was unable to stay with him, pulling a short delivery from Jacks to deep backward square and departing for 14 as the home side reached 78 for 2 at halfway.That became 78 for 3 in the next over, Price carving Adam Zampa to backward point as Surrey’s spinners turned the screw. While Short remained at large, the home side were still in with a chance, and their overseas star went to 50 from 39 balls and then celebrated by smashing Zampa over long-on for a huge six.But England bowler Chris Jordan kept things tight and Gloucestershire reached the end of the 15th on 120 for 3, needing another 74 to win at 14.8 an over. Their task became still more difficult when Sam Curran had Short held on the long-off boundary in the 16th. The Australian had accrued eight fours and three sixes and, with him, went Gloucestershire’s last vestige of hope.

MatériaMais Notícias

Botafogo e Cuiabá se enfrentaram neste domingo (29), no Estádio Nilton Santos, em jogo válido pela 30ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Jogando em casa, o Alvinegro teve amplo domínio da partida, mas não conseguiu transformar a superioridade em gols. Por outro lado, o time visitante não perdeu a chance que teve, estufou as redes do líder do torneio e garantiu uma vitória maiúscula fora de seus domínios.

CINCO PONTOS QUE MARCARAM A PARTIDA

> MILAGRE, WALTEEEER! Júnior Santos partiu para dentro da defesa adversária, e a bola sobrou para Eduardo, que finalizou na cara do gol, mas parou em Walter. No rebote, o camisa 33 sofreu falta na lateral da área e gerou nova chance para o Alvinegro.

> QUE ISSO, DEYVERSON? Isidro Pitta recebeu na esquerda, carregou para o centro do campo e finalizou de fora da área. A bola explodiu em Deyverson, que estava impedido e atrapalhou o companheiro

> GOL DO BOTAFOGO, MAS NÃO VALEU! Marçal cobrou na área, Tiquinho deu de cabeça para Júnior Santos. Ele cabeceou para Victor Cuesta, que estufou as redes de Walter, mas o lance estava impedido!

> GOL DO CUIABÁ! VALEU! Denilson fez o lançamento, Lucas Perri saiu mal e perdeu para Isidro Pitta. O atacante ganhou de Di Placido na corrida e entrou com bola e tudo no gol do Botafogo.

> QUASE, SEGOVINHA! O paraguaio fez jogada individual, chega à linha de fundo e cruza. Janderson cabeceia bem, mas a bola vai por cima do travessão

Como foi o primeiro tempo?

Os 45 minutos iniciais foram de amplo domínio do Botafogo. Os mandantes do confronto tinham a posse de bola e comandavam as ações da partida, criando um grande volume e boas chances. Aos 50 minutos, o Alvinegro abriu o placar com Victor Cuesta, mas a arbitragem assinalou impedimento, e o primeiro tempo terminou em 0 a 0. O destaque foi Júnior Santos, que não deu sossego para a defesa adversária.

E a etapa final?

O segundo tempo se iniciou com gol do Cuiabá, após falha de Lucas Perri. O goleiro do Botafogo errou a saída de bola e facilitou para Isidro Pitta, que abriu o placar no Niltão.

O que vem por aí?

O Botafogo volta a campo na quarta-feira, dia 01 de novembro, para enfrentar o Palmeiras, às 21h30 (horário de Brasília), novamente no Nilton Santos. O Cuiabá, por sua vez, volta a Arena Pantanal e encara o Vasco, na quinta-feira (2), às 17h (de Brasília).

BOTAFOGO 0 X 1 CUIABÁ – 30ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro

Data e hora: 29 de outubro de 2023, às 20h (horário de Brasília)
Local: Estádio Nilton Santos, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Árbitro: Wilton Pereira Sampaio (FIFA-GO)
Assistentes: Luanderson Lima dos Santos (FIFA-BA) e Leone Carvalho Rocha (GO)
VAR: Daniel Nobre Bins (FIFA-RS)
Cartões amarelos: Alan Empereur, Lucas Mineiro, Denilson, Walter António Oliveira (CUI)
Cartões vermelhos: Não houve
Público e renda: 30.659 pessoas/ R$ 1.031.390,00

Gol: Isidro Pitta, 6’/ 2ºT (0-1)

BOTAFOGO (Técnico: Lúcio Flávio)
Lucas Perri, Di Placido, Adryelson, Victor Cuesta, Marçal (Hugo/28′ do 2º t), Marlon Freitas (Gabriel Pires/42′ do 2º t), Tchê Tchê (Carlos Alberto/42′ do 2º t), Eduardo (Janderson/28′ do 2º t), Junior Santos, Luis Henrique (Segovinha/14′ do 2º t) e Tiquinho Soares

CUIABÁ (Técnico: António Oliveira)
Walter, Matheus Alexandre, Alan Empereur, Marllon, Rikelme (PK/36′ do 2º t), Raniele, Lucas Mineiro (Filipe Augusto/ 19′ do 2º t) , Denilson (Fernando Sobral/14′ do 2º t) Clayson (Jonathan Cafú/36′ do 2º t), Isidro Pitta (Wellington Silva/19′ do 2º t) e Deyverson