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Manchester City have now made contact over a deal for a 58-cap international, who is able to play in a number of positions.

Man City looking to increase squad depth after Bayer Leverkusen defeat

Pep Guardiola clearly had a lot of faith in some of his back-up options heading into the Champions League tie against Bayer Leverkusen, having made ten changes to his starting XI, but his side came up short in a 2-0 defeat.

The Spaniard has since admitted he probably made too many alterations, saying: “I always had the belief of the long season and everyone had to be involved but maybe it was too much. They played not to make mistakes instead of doing what we had to do.

“It was not the performance that we thought. I take full responsibility. We missed something. We missed an incredible opportunity and now we need to fight in the next games.”

Despite limiting the German side to an xG of just 0.51, the Blues conceded two goals for the second game on the spin, and having kept one clean sheet in their last seven games, they have now joined the race for a new defender.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Man City have now made contact over a deal for versatile AS Roma defender Zeki Celik, who is able to play as a wing-back, full-back and at centre-back.

Celik could be available for a bargain fee in the January transfer window, given that his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but if the Italian club are unwilling to sanction a departure, City could wait to snap him up on a free next summer.

Worse than Savinho: Man City star is in danger of becoming another Grealish

This Manchester City star is in danger of becoming the next Jack Grealish after another off-performance versus Bayer Leverkusen.

2 ByKelan Sarson Nov 26, 2025

There may be competition for the defender’s signature from a plethora of rival Premier League clubs, however, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea also making enquiries of their own.

"Perfect player" Celik impressing for club and country

The 58-cap Turkey international was recently lauded by national team manager Vincenzo Montella, who said: “He’s the perfect player for any coach,”

“Celik is professional, reliable, does his job wherever you play him. In a locker room it is always needed to have guys like him.”

The 28-year-old has also put in some impressive performances for AS Roma as of late, recently scoring and recording a 95% pass-completion rate in his side’s 2-0 victory over Udinese, with the latter statistic indicating he could be ideal in a Pep system.

As such, Celik could be a solid addition to the Man City squad, particularly on a free transfer, with Guardiola clearly keen on bolstering his options at full-back, given that a Bundesliga star has also been identified as a potential target…

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Victor Cuesta foi anunciado oficialmente como novo reforço do Bahia. O jogador assinou contrato até o final do ano, com opção de renovação até dezembro de 2025. O argentino naturalizado brasileiro tem 35 anos e estava fora dos planos do Botafogo, clube que defendeu nas últimas duas temporadas.

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Registrado no Boletim Informativo Diário (BID) da CBF, Victor Cuesta regularizado para estrear pelo Bahia. No entanto, o zagueiro vai precisar de mais tempo para se entrosar com o elenco, tendo em vista que não participou da pré-temporada em Manchester, na Inglaterra.

▶️Confira as movimentações da janela de transferências no Mercado da Bola

No ano passado, Cuesta foi titular durante toda a temporada pelo Botafogo. O zagueiro disputou 62 jogos, marcou quatro gols e deu uma assistência.

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KSCA is looking at alternative venues, including its own facility in Alur as well as the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru

Shashank Kishore01-Aug-2025

The Bengaluru police is yet to give clearance to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host the Maharaja T20, the state’s franchise-based T20 competition, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The tournament is scheduled from August 11 to 27.The non-clearance by police is primarily due to the ongoing investigation into the June 4 stampede around the Chinnaswamy premises during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations. An independent state police crime branch investigation into the incident, which resulted in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries, is ongoing.Anticipating potential hurdles, the KSCA had announced on July 11 that the Maharaja T20 would be played behind closed doors. The association is now looking at alternative venues, including its own facility in Alur on the outskirts of Bengaluru, as well as the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru. While Alur has excellent drainage and infrastructure, the absence of floodlights and spectator seating is an issue, especially for broadcasters and franchises.Related

Venkatesh Prasad: 'Want to bring cricket back to Chinnaswamy'

Karnataka government holds RCB accountable for stampede

Deaths, injuries to fans mar RCB's homecoming

Probe deems Chinnaswamy 'unsafe' for large events

As things stand, Alur is set to host the group matches of the six-day women’s competition – the Maharani T20 – from August 4. The KSCA was considering the idea of hosting the women’s final at the Chinnaswamy, but that seems unlikely with police approvals yet to come.While the KSCA grapples with the possibility of a late venue switch, the franchises have voiced frustration and concern about the financial losses they now face. They have already made hotel bookings for players and staff on the understanding that the entire tournament would be held in central Bengaluru (Chinnaswamy).The issue puts the KSCA in a tough spot. Bengaluru is also the venue for the opening game of the women’s ODI World Cup, as well as one semi-final and possibly the final. India play Sri Lanka in the tournament opener on September 30. The Chinnaswamy is also set to host two warm-up games ahead of the competition.Last week, a one-man committee appointed by the Karnataka government to investigate the stampede deemed the Chinnaswamy “unsafe” for large-scale events. The commission “strongly recommended” that large-scale events be relocated to venues that are “better suited” to handle significant crowds.India’s domestic season-opening Duleep Trophy will be played entirely at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The board had earlier considered hosting the final at the Chinnaswamy, but those plans were cancelled owing to preparations at the venue for the women’s World Cup.

Everton have made a decent if unspectacular start to the Premier League season and have now identified a player they want to sign as a matter of urgency in January.

David Moyes urges Everton to continue seeking improvement

After a summer of tidy business in the transfer market and some intriguing signings, Everton have started the campaign on the front foot and look to have left the days of fighting survival behind them, providing they can sustain their momentum.

Jack Grealish has been the Toffees’ most impressive addition and created another four chances in their 1-1 draw at home to West Ham United on Monday, albeit David Moyes believes there is still more to come from the England international after he was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad.

He said before his side face Crystal Palace: “I think there’s still room for Jack to improve. We want more from him – more assists from him and goals from him, as well.

“He’s started very well, but we’re driving him on and trying to get more from him. I still think his ambition is to get back in the England team. If he scores some goals and keeps up the assists, he won’t be far away.”

Intriguingly, the Manchester City loanee could have competition for his place if Everton formalise their interest in Celtic forward Daizen Maeda after the Japan international cropped up on their radar to add versatility across the front three.

Bowen 2.0: Everton must regret selling "one of the best players in the PL"

Everton must now rue selling this gifted star before he hit his full potential.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 2, 2025

On the flipside, the Toffees’ rearguard has remained relatively solid despite only Seamus Coleman and the lesser-spotted Nathan Patterson available at right-back, something they could now be about to fix swiftly.

Everton ready to make formal approach for Juanlu Sanchez

According to Orgullo Biri, Everton view Sevilla defender Juanlu Sanchez as a priority signing in January and are ready to make a formal approach for his services.

The La Liga outfit aren’t willing to sanction any bids that fall under the £17 million mark, though the Spain Under-21 international is open to a new challenge if the correct opportunity arises.

Five similar players to Juanlu Sanchez (FBRef)

Timothy Weah

Marseille

Nathaniel Brown

Eintracht Frankfurt

Alessio Zerbin

Cremonese

Rayan Ait-Nouri

Manchester City

Joakim Maehle

Wolfsburg

Capable of attacking and defending with a high degree of output, Sanchez has registered six goals and nine assists in 80 appearances for Sevilla and is viewed as one of their prize assets, albeit it remains to be seen whether they allow him to depart after Loic Bade and Dodi Lukebakio.

Crucially, the report describes Everton’s need for a right-back as an ‘urgent’ priority, lending credence to the fact they appear keen to conclude a swift deal to offer a different option on that side of their backline.

Jake O’Brien has featured frequently in an adapted role, though having someone who is naturally capable of slotting in would offer Moyes tactical flexibility at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

حقق منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا، الفوز في أولى مواجهاته ببطولة كأس العالم للناشئين، أمام نظيره هايتي، بنتيجة 4-1، وذلك في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء.

والتقى منتخب مصر مع هايتي، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الأولي من مباريات المجموعة الخامسة لبطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا المقامة في قطر.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر، في المجموعة الخامسة من بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين مع منتخبات إنجلترا وفنزويلا وهايتي.

طالع.. فيديو | عمر كمال يسجل هدف منتخب مصر الرابع أمام هايتي

وبهذا الفوز، يتصدر منتخب مصر، ترتيب مجموعته في كأس العالم برصيد 3 نقاط، بينما يتواجد منتخب هايتي في المركز الرابع بدون نقاط.

ومن المقرر أن يلعب منتخب مصر أمام فنزويلا في مباراته القادمة ببطولة كأس العالم، في إطار الجولة الثانية من مواجهات دور المجموعات لمونديال الناشئين. موعد مباراة مصر القادمة في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا بعد الفوز على هايتي

يلتقي منتخب مصر مع فنزويلا، يوم الجمعة المقبل الموافق 7 نوفمبر، في تمام الساعة 3:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر.

On the latest edition of The Wayne Rooney Show, Wayne Rooney said, “I am not seeing anything which is giving me any confidence, there needs to be big changes in my opinion.”

Manchester United felt they had secured a coup when taking Ruben Amorim away from Sporting Lisbon midway through the 2024/25 campaign. The Portuguese tactician was flying high in his homeland and had been strongly linked with Liverpool before they appointed Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

But Amorim has floundered across his months in the Old Trafford hot seat, with United finding themselves languishing in 14th place in the Premier League after six matches, having finished 15th last term after losing to Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

Amorim has come under heavy flak for his rigid belief in his 3-4-3 formation, willing to die on that hill in spite of a general weariness over its ineffectiveness in the English game.

INEOS are hesitant to dismiss the 40-year-old from his duties and will hold out hope that United put in a big performance at home against Sunderland on Saturday, but if they fail to kick on, a tough decision will need to be made, with Sir Gareth Southgate emerging as a contender for the managerial spot at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man United consider appointing Southgate

One thing’s for certain, Man United’s potential appointment of Southgate would be met with more than a measure of doubt.

The former Three Lions boss might have achieved more success than any other England Men’s boss since the World Cup was lifted in 1966, but he’s also been out of club management since being relegated from the Premier League with Middlesbrough in 2009.

But he’d come in cheap, and with a reputation for being a strong communicator and an “unbelievable” character, as was said by Jude Bellingham upon the manager’s resignation from his England post after the 2024 European Championship.

But concerns over his tactical grasp persisted throughout his tenure, and the current question mark over Amorim’s own system points toward a necessity for a clear, fluent brand of football going forward.

INEOS need to appoint a proven trophy-winning manager with a deep understanding of the game and a vision which suggests this viewpoint could be effectively applied in the Premier League.

As it happens, former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is on the market, and he’s even showing an interest in making the move to the Premier League and joining the Red Devils, should Amorim be dismissed.

Man United could strike gold with Xavi

Xavi has been out of work since the start of 2024, when he left Barcelona. The legendary footballing figure is, however, open to new work, and Fabrizio Romano believes he is interested in taking the Manchester United job, should a vacancy materialise.

Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that Xavi is open to taking on the job at Old Trafford even without the allure of European football. It is worth noting the mentality on show here, with Amorim having wanted to remain with Sporting Lisbon for the duration of the 2024/25 campaign, instead of switching allegiances mid-season.

As a player, the iconic Spaniard was very much the definitive midfield maestro, and he has willed his managerial career into shape through the application of his own playing-day virtues.

His time as Barcelona manager was somewhat turbulent, but he did win the La Liga title in 2022/23, his first full season as boss, and played an important part in guiding the Spanish giants away from the pit they were sinking into. In February 2024, he left isolated and frustrated, but with his head held high.

If Man United can provide him with the assurances that he can have things his way, there is no reason why his erudite footballing brain. Already, the 45-year-old is enamoured by the idea, having said in the past that he “would love to work in the Premier League”.

Perhaps, then, the words from the horse’s mouth lend credence to Romano’s claim. With Amorim skating on thin ice, it feels like United could score themselves a significant upgrade, especially with Xavi employing a more conventional 4-3-3 formation.

That said, Xavi’s managerial outlook might be conventional at the surface level, but there is a depth and mastery of the technical side of the game that could be exactly what United need as they look to return to the top.

Barcelona are a team defined by their passing, and Xavi, as a player and as a manager, has been an embodiment of that style.

La Liga – Possession Leaders (22/23)

Club

Final Pos.

Possession Av.

Barcelona

1st

64.3%

Real Madrid

2nd

60.9%

Villarreal

5th

56.9%

Real Sociedad

4th

54.6%

Sevilla

12th

52.6%

Data via FBref

When La Blaugrana lifted the league title under their legendary figure’s wing in 2022/23, they played with a gusto and command that was so very ‘Barcelona’.

So impressive was he that, before the trophy had even been lifted and with everything in the balance, club president Joan Laporta had said, “We have the best manager in the world”.

Here is a tactician who knows his stuff, with credentials of the highest order and a hunger to join Man United and make things right.

Amorim had a good thing going before taking the United job, to be sure, but it’s clear that he is a young coach whose experience was restricted to the Portuguese scene, and his stubbornness in keeping his same tactical outlook despite the glaring deficiencies had made for sustained grim viewing.

If the opportunity to appoint Xavi presents itself, United’s officials must pounce.

Related Ten Hag sold Man Utd talent for just £10m, now he's outperforming Bruno

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one player to depart Old Trafford.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Sep 29, 2025

تداولت خلال الساعات الماضية أنباء قوية عن اقتراب مدرب سيراميكا كليوباترا، علي ماهر، من الرحيل لتولي تدريب الاتحاد الليبي، بعد النتائج المميزة التي حققها مع الفريق في الدوري المصري.

وأثارت هذه الأنباء جدلًا واسعًا في الأوساط الكروية المصرية، خاصة أن سيراميكا يقدم موسمًا استثنائيًا حتى الآن، جعل اسمه ضمن المنافسين على صدارة الترتيب.

لكن نادي سيراميكا كليوباترا خرج سريعًا للرد على تلك الأخبار، عبر تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات، أكد فيها حقيقة موقف مدربه من الرحيل إلى ليبيا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أمير عبد الحميد يكشف سر رفض توروب انضمامه لجهاز الأهلي تحت قيادته

وقال معتز البطاوي، المدير الرياضي للنادي: “هذا الكلام غير صحيح على الإطلاق، علي ماهر مستمر معنا في سيراميكا كليوباترا، وكل ما يقال عن رحيله إلى ليبيا وسفره للتدريب هناك شائعات”.

وأضاف البطاوي: “علي ماهر ملتزم بعقده مع النادي، ويقود الفريق بكل تركيز”.

ويتصدر سيراميكا كليوباترا حاليًا جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 23 نقطة من 12 مباراة، متقدمًا بفارق نقطتين عن الأهلي الوصيف، الذي لعب مباراة أقل.

وبالتالي، فإن علي ماهر متواجد مع سيراميكا كليوباترا في الفترة المقبلة وسيقود الفريق في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري التي ستقام في الآمارات خلال الفترة من 6 إلى 9 نوفمبر وسيستعد لمواجهة الأهلي في نصف النهائي.

Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that how former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich viewed Jose Mourinho played a key role in his Chelsea sacking. The Italian coach, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season, said the Russian billionaire measured his success against Mourinho, and their Champions League clash with Inter Milan proved decisive in his eventual departure from Stamford Bridge.

• Ancelotti's Chelsea stint and sacking

  Ancelotti was Chelsea boss for two seasons, from 2009 until 2011, delivering a domestic double in his debut year. However, Abramovich dismissed him in the summer of 2011 after another European setback. A critical moment came when Mourinho's Inter knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League in 2010, a result the owner viewed as unacceptable, having already sacked the Portuguese coach.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ancelotti reveals the Mourinho factor behind his Chelsea exit

  "Abramovich made clear he wanted me to win the Champions League with Chelsea and for Chelsea to carve out its identity on the pitch," Ancelotti revealed in his new book , an extract from which was published by the Daily Mail. "But now I was working for a Russian oligarch who I suddenly understood expected everything to go well all the time. And if it didn't, he wanted to know why. It was my job to supply the answers.

  "The next day Abramovich didn't talk just to me but to the whole squad. My problem was that Mourinho's triumph was not great for my relationship with Abramovich. I was supposed to be the antidote to Mourinho – calm, measured and able to revive the squad after the drama. According to Abramovich, Mourinho was supposed to be a spent force.

  "Allowing him to disrupt the script, I had embarrassed the owner. Success or failure in Europe is how I would be measured by Abramovich – and the Champions League cost me my job. Torres was his personal decision and substituting him was a direct rebuke to the owner. Momentarily, I had forgotten that, ultimately, you can’t beat the owner."

• Getty
  

  Abramovich got Champions League dream one year later

  Ancelotti's story highlights Abramovich's demanding expectations during his Chelsea reign. Despite domestic triumphs, the Russian oligarch measured success almost exclusively by Champions League performance. Chelsea would eventually claim Europe's biggest prize in 2012 under Roberto Di Matteo, albeit as massive underdogs in a famous final against a high-powered Bayern Munich sid eon home turf, a year after Ancelotti's dismissal.

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• Ancelotti has the last laugh with five Champions League trophies

  Already a legend for his feats at AC Milan, Ancelotti has since rebuilt his reputation with spells at Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and now Brazil. He won Real Madrid's previously elusive title in the Champions League in 2013-14, adding two more in his second spell at the Bernabeu, on top of two European triumphs with Mialn. Meanwhile, Abramovich has since lost his ownership of Chelsea to Todd Boehly and BlueCo. after the oligarch was forced to sell the club due to the sanctions by the UK government following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Lionel Messi sent a special message to ex-Barcelona team-mate Ousmane Dembele to congratulate him on winning the Ballon d'Or this year. Dembele edged out Blaugrana sensation Lamine Yamal to grab the Golden Ball. The French winger experienced the best season of his career in the 2024-25 campaign as he inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble.

• PSG and Dembele's historic campaign

  Dembele was presented with the prestigious Golden Ball in Paris on Monday, after he played a pivotal role in helping PSG make history in the 2024-25 season. The Ligue 1 giants stormed to another Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France while also securing their first Champions League crown. The Frenchman contributed with 35 goals and 16 assists. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Messi congratulates Dembele

  Barcelona legend Messi, who shared a dressing room with Dembele for four years at Camp Nou, left a comment on Dembele's Instagram post celebrating his Ballon d'Or triumph. The Argentine maestro wrote: "Grande Ous !!! Congratulations I’m so happy for you. You deserve it."

• Mbappe celebrates Dembele's triumph

  Dembele's France national team colleague Kylian Mbappe was also over the moon seeing his close friend winning the Golden Ball, as he wrote on his Instagram story: "Ousmane Dembele. It's the emotions, my brother. You deserve it a thousand times over."

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  When is Dembele playing next?

  Dembele was able to attend Monday's ceremony in Paris and skip PSG's rescheduled Ligue 1 clash with Marseille as he is still nursing an injury that he suffered during the international break. He is hoping to regain full fitness in time for his club's next domestic game on Saturday against Auxerre. 

It has been a long time since the mood around Arsenal has been so jubilant.

Amazingly, it was the complete opposite just a couple of days ago, with fans having to deal with fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur closing in on Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz suffering another potentially significant injury.

Fortunately, everything changed on Wednesday evening when reports broke of the club going back in and hijacking the move for the Crystal Palace star.

With a ‘here we go’ from Fabrizio Romano and news of him completing his medical yesterday, the Gunners have finally got their hands on the potentially game-changing number ten they’ve needed for so long.

Yet, if Arsenal want to really get the most out of Eze and help him reach or surpass the numbers Liverpool’s new ten, Florian Wirtz, put up last season, they should be going in for another international they’ve been linked with this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Why Arsenal signed Eze

One of the primary reasons Arsenal decided to splash the cash on Eze this summer is undoubtedly his output of the last few years.

For example, across the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons, the 27-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, was able to score 25 goals and provide 17 assists in 79 appearances, totalling 5588 minutes.

In other words, the former QPR gem maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 133.04 minutes for a mid-table side.

Appearances

36

43

Minutes

2285′

3303′

Goals

11

14

Assists

6

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.41′

132.12′

The second significant reason the North Londoners went all out for the Greenwich-born superstar is the fact that he can play as a ten and out on the left.

These were two of the most significant problem areas for the team last season, as Martin Odegaard was miles off his creative best and neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard were able to offer enough threat out wide.

Finally, while it will take some time for the 5 foot 10 dynamo to familiarise himself with Arsenal’s style of player and Arteta’s tactical ideas, he’s Premier League-proven.

Therefore, it shouldn’t take anywhere near as long as some of the Gunners’ other signings to get up to speed.

However, while Eze looks like he could be a game-changing addition to the North Londoners’ squad, they could potentially get even more out of him and help him hit the numbers of Wirtz last season by signing another international star they’ve been linked with: Ademola Lookman.

Why Lookman can help Eze hit Wirtz numbers

Given their attacking problems last season, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the sheer number of offensive players Arsenal have been linked with this summer.

One of the most exciting and intriguing of those has been Lookman, who could be available for around £43m after his move to Inter Milan fell through, and he could help Eze hit the incredible numbers Wirtz did last season: 31 goal involvements in 45 games.

The first reason we think this is that the Nigerian international is a lean, mean output machine.

Appearances

33

45

40

Minutes

1858′

2809′

2871′

Goals

15

17

20

Assists

8

10

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.69

0.60

0.67

Minutes per Goal Involvement

80.78′

104.03′

106.33

Since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

That means the 5 foot 9 monster has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes on the continent.

Just imagine the sort of numbers the former Everton man would put up in this Arsenal side, and then the goals and assists the Palace ace could chalk up playing alongside him.

Moreover, there would be plenty of opportunities for the two to play together, as even though the Wandsworth-born game-changer spent much of last season up top, he is just as comfortable playing on either wing, as a second striker, or even in midfield.

This ability to cover practically every area of the attack also means that he could cover for the FA Cup winner when needed, ensuring he isn’t overplayed and is always near his best.

Ultimately, Eze is an excellent signing in his own right, but were Arsenal to also bring in Lookman this summer, he could help the Englishman hit the sort of numbers Wirtz did for Bayer Leverkusen last year.

Palace's "unusual" Eze demand sparked Tottenham fear before Arsenal hijack

The England international has agreed to re-join his boyhood club.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 22, 2025