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Leicester City fans will hope an announcement that reveals who Enzo Maresca's successor is comes soon, with Graham Potter still leading the way to be the Italian's replacement.

With the transfer embargo at the Foxes looking likely to be lifted too, according to reports, next season could see Leicester thrive in the Premier League, rather than settling for safety after being crowned as champions of the second tier.

The East Midlands outfit will want to press on to get a number of new signings in through the door soon, to bolster the squad ahead of the challenge of competing in the elite league again, with reinforcements in defence being targeted.

Leicester eyeing up their next Harry Maguire

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are willing to offload Joe Rodon for just £10m this summer, with interest already there from Leicester among other Premier League clubs.

Fellow newly promoted sides Southampton and Ipswich Town are also reportedly queueing up to win the in-demand centre-back's permanent signature, after he impressed on loan with Leeds United last season, despite his loan club's inability to move back up to the top flight.

Daniel Farke's men were keen on a reunion this summer, but no doubt Rodon will want to test himself in the top English division, having excelled in the Championship, with Leicester admiring him from afar in the promotion race presumably.

How Rodon can become Leicester's next Maguire

Rodon could end up becoming the Foxes' very next Harry Maguire if everything goes to plan, with Leicester signing the 6 foot 4 titan for a similar fee to what is now being touted for the ex-Leeds loanee, winning the now Manchester United defender's services for £17m after a breakout spell with Hull City.

Rodon would be cheaper, however, and could go on to perform like a colossus in a similar fashion to the England international, if his last campaign is anything to go by.

Before the 31-year-old became a common scapegoat at Old Trafford – with the excessive £80m fee Man United once paid for him arguably working against the ex-Foxes man – Maguire was a strong and imposing centre-back at the King Power Stadium.

From his 69 Premier League appearances for his former club, the defender would amass five goals and become a reliable source of important strikes coming up from the back , on top of being a brute presence full stop, winning an average of 5.8 duels per game during his swansong Foxes campaign.

Games played

31

43

Goals scored

3

0

Assists

0

0

Clean sheets

6

17

Touches*

68.9

83.7

Accurate passes*

48.2 (86%)

66.0 (91%)

Interceptions*

1.2

1.2

Tackles*

1.0

1.1

Clearances*

4.9

4.5

Duels won*

5.8 (73%)

4.7 (68%)

Albeit whilst playing in the Championship, Rodon's numbers for last season better Maguire in a number of areas based on his 2018/19 showing, whilst also nearly matching up with the Man United centre-back in other aspects.

As can be seen looking at the table above, the Welshman can be an imposing figure – coming in at 6 foot 4 too – but also a calm and measured passer of the ball out from the back.

Rodon could, therefore, offer even more than Maguire managed during his final season, if the 26-year-old can handle the step-up in quality, after being a top dog in the league below.

Described as possessing a "warrior mentality" by his ex-Whites boss in Farke, when Leeds were scrapping for their lives at the start of last season to make up for a slow start, he could be the perfect person to bring in if Leicester find themselves submerged in a relegation fight.

Who will occupy the Leicester hot seat still remains to be seen, but if the next manager made Rodon their first capture, he would be an instantly popular boss.

Leicester could sign "outstanding" Vardy heir as first Potter signing

Leicester City could show they mean business in the Premier League with this striker swoop.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 17, 2024

Manchester United have tabled an early summer offer for a "quality" new goalkeeper, with sources close to him positive that he will leave his current club.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils need new signings everywhere you look this summer, with either ageing figures or a lack of quality holding them back this season, as well as injury-prone stars.

Ramsus Hojlund has been a success story overall, including scoring in his last two appearances, but he is still a raw talent who shouldn't necessarily be starting every week. For that reason, a rival striker will surely come in, and Brentford ace Ivan Toney has been linked with a move to United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is even believed to have submitted a bid for the England international's services.

Casemiro's form has nosedived this season, with the Brazilian looking a shadow of the player who was once arguably the world's leading defensive midfielder, and Benfica starlet Joao Neves has been lined up as a replaceent for him this season. At just 19, the Portuguese gem would be viewed as both an immediate key man and long-term acquisition, having made an impressive 51 appearances in all competitions this season.

Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella is also being looked at as an option for United, even though he struggled against Antony in one meeting this season, with the winger completing six out of seven dribbles on the day. With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia suffering injury-plagued campaigns, added depth is required in that position.

Man Utd make offer for "quality" shot-stopper

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United have made an offer for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, as they look for a possible upgrade on Andre Onana this summer. The update claims that the £46k-a-week Ukrainian's performances have seen his current club "present him with a generous offer but to date they have had no response", and "with a very important offer from Manchester United, his future could change in just a few weeks".

Lunin "knows that he will not be able to advance in his career" being in the shadow of Thibaut Courtois" and "those around the player see his exit getting closer and closer".

The 25-year-old could be a really astute addition by United this summer, although some may feel that it is harsh on Onana, who has largely recovered well after a poor start to life at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe may feel that he needs to be ruthless, however, and if he thinks the Madrid man can help the Red Devils reach greater heights than the current United stopper, he should be trusted.

The 6 foot 3 ace has been hailed for his "quality" by manager Carlo Ancelotti, and he is still a young goalkeeper with so much more improving to do.

9/10 star just had one of his best games in a Man Utd shirt

The Man United ace was even better than Diogo Dalot vs Brighton.

ByTom Lever May 19, 2024

Lunin is too good to be warming the substitutes' bench, which will happen now that Courtois is fit again – the latter is set to start the Champions League final clash with Borussia Dortmund on June 1st – so a move to United could appeal greatly.

An in-form player who will cost upwards of around £43 million is "certain" to seal a move away this summer, and Arsenal are now the "main contenders" for his signing.

Edu and Arteta draw up summer transfer plans at Arsenal

Sporting director Edu and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta work in tandem when it comes to the club's transfer activity, as is well known, and the former has already stated publicly that Arsenal have their targets in mind for the summer window.

£40,000-per-week star hints at exit after claim Arsenal are preparing a bid

He’s been in scintillating form this season.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 7, 2024

"I understand what the fans are asking for but we already have our targets,” said Edu on Arsenal's transfer plans for 2024 to TNT Sports.

“We have planned a lot ahead and I will be worried if we don’t score a lot of goals and if we’re not creating chances, which is the opposite because we create a lot and score a lot of goals. The plan is to try to get better every year and I think we are in a good moment. Let's see if we can keep improving.”

On the field, Arsenal are currently chasing down a first Premier League title in 20 years after a campaign of excellent goalscoring form. No other side in the top flight have scored more this season than the north Londoners, but Arteta is still relying on a slip up from Man City, who hold all the cards mathematically heading into the final few games of 2023/2024.

Arsenal's remaining matches	Man City's remaining matches
Man United (away)	Fulham (away)
Everton (home)	Tottenham (away)
	West Ham (home)

Having to contend with Pep Guardiola's City side, who many believe could be one of the best footballing teams the sport has ever seen, is a mightily unlucky spot to be in from Arsenal's perspective. But, whatever the outcome of this title race, it's safe to say Arsenal can hold their heads high – as they could be on for a whopping 89 points if they win their final two matches.

The summer window will be a crucial one, regardless of whether they go into it as champions of England. To maintain their place among the country's most elite sides, it is believed Arsenal are set to try and sign an "important" new striker (Fabrizio Romano).

Players like Kai Havertz, who's shone in a makeshift forward role over 23/24, will feel hard done by – but Arsenal's goalscoring form hasn't altered their plans to bring in a new natural number nine. Gabriel Jesus could even make way for Arsenal to bring in a world-class centre-forward, and one name who repeatedly gets mentioned is Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres "certain" to move with Arsenal "main contenders" for deal

The Sweden international, who's bagged an incredible 41 goals in all competitions this season, also has an £86 million release clause in his contract. However, that doesn't necessarily mean Arsenal will have to pay it, as some reports suggest Sporting could consider offers upward of around £43 million (La Gazzetta).

That would be a bargain by all standards, with newspaper Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness) sharing an update on his situation and Arsenal's interest. Indeed, they write that Gyokeres is "certain" to leave this summer and Arsenal are the "main contenders" to strike a deal.

Arsenal chiefs are also said to be "very impressed" by the 25-year-old's form this term, which isn't exactly surprising.

كشفت رابطة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم “لاليجا”، عن رجل مباراة برشلونة وريال بيتيس في الدوري الإسباني.

وتعادل برشلونة بنتيجة 2/2 أمام نظيره ريال بيتيس، خلال المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين على ملعب “بينيتو فيامارين”.

اقرأ أيضاَ.. فيديو | برشلونة يسقط في فخ التعادل بالوقت القاتل أمام ريال بيتيس بـ الدوري الإسباني

وتوج لامين يامال لاعب برشلونة بجائزة رجل المباراة، المقدمة من رابطة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم “لاليجا”.

وحصل اللاعب البولندي، على تقييم 8.3 من 10 في مباراة اليوم بحسب شبكة “فوت موب”، وهو الأعلى بين لاعبي الفريقين.

وتمكن يامال من صناعة هدف برشلونة الثاني من خلال تمريرة ساحرة مقدمة لـ فيران توريس عند الدقيقة 82.

وسدد ليفاندوفسكي على مرمى الخصم في محاولتين، ووصلت دقة تمريراته إلى 68%، وقام بـ لمس الكرة في 51 مرة من بينهم 4 مرات داخل منطقة الجزاء.

The left-arm spinner is also working on improving his batting to firm up his place in white-ball cricket

Firdose Moonda07-May-2020

Keshav Maharaj prepares to send one down•AFP

Keshav Maharaj has put himself forward as a wildcard candidate to take over as South Africa’s Test captain. The position remains unfilled following Faf du Plessis stepping down in February, even though South Africa have appointed Quinton de Kock as their white-ball captain.Maharaj has not been among those named as likely future Test leaders – a status reserved for Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar – but he wants the captaincy, and not just in red-ball cricket.”I really want to captain the Proteas. It’s been my dream. Not many people know that, but those close to me know that I do want to captain the South African team across all three formats,” Maharaj said. “And I want to raise the World Cup trophy in my hand as the leader of the side.”Apart from wanting to play for the Proteas as a childhood dream, captaining the team to a World Cup-winning campaign would be everything I have ever dreamed of and my life would be fulfilled from a cricketing perspective.”While Maharaj’s goals may seem ambitious to those who follow South African cricket, he has previous experience on which to make his case. Maharaj led his franchise, the Dolphins, in last season’s one-day cup, where they were declared winners after the competition was suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Dolphins finished top of the points’ table with seven victories from 10 matches. Maharaj was their leading wicket-taker and fourth-highest overall, numbers that earned him an ODI recall against Australia after an absence from the team for 18 months.Maharaj had only played four ODIs before that, two in England in 2017 and two against Sri Lanka in 2018, and was considered to be behind Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi in the national pecking order. But with Tahir’s ODI retirement after the 2019 World Cup and South Africa open to playing XIs with more than one spinner, Maharaj knew he could establish a regular place and the team management even gave him a blueprint for how to do it. “I got told that apart from bowling, you need to work on your batting.”Though he only batted five times in the tournament, Maharaj finished with the Dolphins’ second-highest average, and scored his maiden List A half-century, which helped his team to a match-winning total in a low-scoring game against the Cobras.Keshav Maharaj punches off the back foot•Associated Press

That knock came after Maharaj scored two Test fifties, in Pune against India and in Port Elizabeth against England, innings that showed why he had initially been spoken about as someone with all-round potential. “I have a lot more ability than the numbers I have been showing,” he said.Maharaj had two first-class hundreds and seven fifties to his name when he made his Test debut in 2016, but his early international displays, which often involved wild swings, did not indicate he could be considered an allrounder. However, he showed a more measured approach last summer, and now wants to work his way up the Test line-up. “In India, I got a taste of what it’s like to score an international fifty. I wanted to really kick on but it was a bit unfortunate to get out,” he said. “I really want to take my batting seriously and move to a bowling allrounder or a fully-fledged allrounder so I can contribute evenly. I know I am capable of scoring bigger runs. My biggest problem was getting the first fifty so I now I want to try and kick o from that and get big hundreds and match-winning hundreds.”Maharaj hopes that if he scores runs in the longest format, it may also help him get into the international scene in the shortest one; he has not yet been capped in T20Is. “I do want to break into the T20 format but I know I have to bide my time in ODI cricket and score some big runs in Test cricket to improve my chances of selection,” he said.Until then, he is happy to put in the hard work, under de Kock, who has changed the way South Africa approach their limited-overs cricket. “It’s a different dynamic to when I first debuted in terms of the aggression. It’s exciting,” Maharaj said. “You’ve got a younger leader and with youth comes a lot of flair.”Maharaj has spent the lockdown working on developing flair of his own, as he looks to become a multi-format international regular. He will have more time to do that over the next few months after his overseas deal with Yorkshire was canceled as the counties look for ways to cut costs in the face of Covid-19. That means the earliest Maharaj will play is if South Africa’s July-August tour to West Indies goes ahead, a tour they will undertake with a new Test captain. Whether that is Maharaj remains to be seen.In the meanwhile, he also has a wedding to reschedule. Maharaj and his fiancee Lerisha were due to tie the knot last Saturday but had to postpone their big day with the ban on social gatherings still in place. Even though he is disappointed not to have been able to say his “I dos”, Maharaj can see the silver lining. “It was tough accepting [the postponement] but it gives us some extra time to make the wedding even more perfect than what it was going to be.”

A manager who Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already spoken with is reportedly now being lined up to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Man Utd manager rumours

The Red Devils haven’t had a successful season so far, sitting sixth in the Premier League, being knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage and failing to defend the EFL Cup.

However, United and Ten Hag are still competing in the FA Cup and are preparing to take on Coventry City in the semi-final at Wembley.

There is still something to play to salvage the season, but there has been plenty of speculation over who could possibly take over from Ten Hag ahead of Ratcliffe’s first full season as co-owner.

Man Utd want 4-2-3-1 manager who plays “sublime football” to oust Ten Hag

The Red Devils have concrete interest in him.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 3, 2024

Recent claims have suggested Ten Hag’s future is a 50/50 call at this moment in time, with initial talks already held with Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi. England boss Gareth Southgate has also been linked as a candidate alongside Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou who is another mooted option. Surprisingly, Brentford’s Thomas Frank has been named as another top target.

However, it is a boss who Ratcliffe has been linked with previously who has been making waves in the media once again.

Graham Potter in line for Man Utd job with Ten Hag resigned to sack

According to The Sun’s Neil Custis, a number of Man Utd players believe that Ten Hag has resigned himself to the sack at the end of the season. It is believed that the Dutchman has changed in recent weeks, with Ratcliffe failing to give him the vote of confidence in public.

Another manager to be linked with a move to Old Trafford over the last six months has been Graham Potter. The former Chelsea boss has already spoken with Ratcliffe and recently turned down the job at Ajax, with Custis now again saying Potter is in line to take over.

The 48-year-old has now been out of work for over a year after parting ways at Stamford Bridge. He did come in for praise at the start of his Chelsea tenure from Darren Bent, who said: "What Graham Potter is doing there with the Chelsea players and the English contingent is fantastic and it bodes well for England.

“All he can do is get the players playing well, playing to his system and I still think there’s more to come. If you watch the game against Villa you have to say that they didn’t look at their best. It was two goalkeeping mistakes but they still got a result."

It was Potter’s work at Brighton that caught the eye of Chelsea, playing an attractive style of football, and you’d expect the 3-4-2-1 manager has been hard at work over the last 12 months ahead of a return to the dugout.

It looks as if a move to Old Trafford for Potter is one to keep an eye on once more, with Ratcliffe a huge fan.

Mikel Arteta has been warned that he “has to win” this season, with another title failure set to see star men look for a way out of Arsenal.

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Gunners have become City's closest challengersSecured back-to-back runners-up finishesNeed silverware to keep talismanic figures happyGOALWHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners have emerged as the biggest threat to Manchester City’s dominance of the Premier League crown, with Pep Guardiola overseeing a record-breaking run of four successive triumphs. Arsenal have fallen agonisingly short in each of the last two campaigns.

AdvertisementWHAT PETIT SAID

They are determined to right those wrongs in 2024-25, with ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit – who savoured title glory in 1997-98 – telling of why Arteta is under pressure to deliver: “I think Arsenal are going to keep the pressure on Manchester City this season. City are still the reference point, but some of their key players are coming towards the end of their careers – including Kevin De Bruyne. I saw cracks appearing during the Community Shield, with Pep Guardiola visibly upset with Ederson at points. I see Arsenal growing step-by-step, but they need to add a couple more players in order to reach City’s level because their squad rotation is so good. Some of Arsenal’s big players looked physically and mentally exhausted towards the back end of last season. I don’t think City will be as strong this season. I see Arsenal getting stronger and the gap reducing.

“I think this is the season where Arsenal will win another trophy under Mikel Arteta. If Arteta wants the players to trust and follow him then he has to win something. You cannot convince the players that you are going to achieve more and be even more competitive every season if you never win anything. If you don’t win silverware, you can lose players. This season will be Arteta’s most important at Arsenal so far.”

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Arteta has shown that he is ready to go toe-to-toe with former coaching mentor Guardiola when it comes to title battles, with Petit adding on the emergence of another passionate Spanish tactician: “Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world. But he knows that the competition for the Premier League is fierce. It will be even more difficult for him to win it than it was last season, when they had Liverpool and Arsenal both fighting for the title.

“Arsenal look very confident and you can see the work they’re putting in. Guardiola is the main man but Arteta has shown over the past few seasons that he’s here to stay and he wants to win the Premier League. You can see the rage and the passion on the touchline. He gives the players ambition and vision and they’re willing to follow him. Guardiola has been exactly like that at City for the past few seasons, and now Arteta is doing it at Arsenal.”

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WHAT NEXT?

City are set to open the defence of their title away at Chelsea on Sunday, while Arsenal will be action 24 hours earlier when they welcome Wolves to Emirates Stadium. Both sides will be desperate to get off to a winning start , allowing early momentum to be established.

Manchester United are reportedly looking at a replacement for current defensive midfielder Casemiro ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team are eyeing up players to bolster the club's midfield, and to take over from the £70m signing from Real Madrid in 2022.

The Brazil international, who FFC urged Erik ten Hag to drop after his 5/10 display against Liverpool, has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer, as Ratcliffe looks to revitalise the squad.

A fresh report has now named one of the players the Red Devils have identified as a possible replacement for the Champions League winner this year.

Man Utd's interest in Brazilian brute

According to FootballTransfers, United have a 'concrete' interest in Fluminense defensive midfielder Andre ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the club have an interest in him and Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Neves, but they have yet to make an official bid for either of them.

It states that Wolves could demand a fee of at least €50m (£42.3m) for their midfielder, who has not received an offer from fellow Premier League side Arsenal contrary to reports elsewhere.

FootballTransfers claims that Andre is a more likely target for the Red Devils as they have a better chance of securing his services than they do with Gomes.

It states that the club were interested in signing the Brazilian ace as a replacement for Casemiro last summer, and that the English giants are now set to return with a swoop for him this year.

The outlet adds that a fee of around €30m (£25.6m) could be enough to get a deal over the line for the Fluminense star, although they claim that the Serie A side could demand closer to €40m (£34.2m) before eventually lowering their asking price.

Why Andre could be a good signing for Man Utd

The 22-year-old dynamo is a combative defensive midfielder who offers quality in and out of possession in the middle of the park, which is why he could be a good signing to replace Casemiro.

In the 2023 Serie A, Andre showcased his ability to make an impact on and off the ball with a duel success rate of 59% and a pass success rate of 95%, which shows that he is a dominant physical force in duels and is ultra-reliable with his passing.

Appearances

31

18

Pass accuracy

95%

83%

Key passes per game

0.6

0.7

Ball recoveries per game

6.9

5.1

Dribbled past per game

0.7

2.2

Duel success rate

59%

49%

As you can see in the table above, Casemiro has not had the same success in the Premier League as he has lost more than half of his duels and has only completed 83% of his attempted passes, which means that opponents find it easier to gain possession from him.

Andre, who ranked within the top 1% of Serie A midfielders for pass completion rate last year, was once hailed as "fierce" in the tackle by South American expert Tim Vickery, and his aforementioned success rate in individual battles backs that up.

It now remains to be seen whether or not United will follow up on their concrete interest in the 22-year-old starlet with a formal offer for his services.

Last weekend's FA Cup victory over Leicester should have been a happy moment for Chelsea and their supporters.

Among the goalscorers were Noni Madueke and Carney Chukwuemeka, two players who are the future of Stamford Bridge.

However, after a remarkable own goal from Axel Disasi and a rather dismal game for Raheem Sterling, negativity still engulfed a football club desperate to wipe away toxicity.

You feel that may well not happen until Mauricio Pochettino is gone. However, his name isn't the only one on the chopping block with the Blues in need of somewhat of a clear-out in the summer transfer window.

One name that should arguably become less prominent in 2024/25 is Sterling.

Raheem Sterling's season in numbers

At Manchester City Sterling had become world-class. This was a winger at the very peak of their powers, notably scoring double figures across seven straight seasons. He had also found the net on more than 20 occasions in three straight campaigns, even finding the net 31 times during 2019/20.

Where has that form gone then? Sterling isn't reaching the end of his career. He's still 29. The attacker should be at his peak still.

Unfortunately, the Stamford Bridge scenery doesn't help one bit. The England international has been a phenomenal player across the last decade of Premier League football but at Chelsea he is anything but.

The clash with Leicester last weekend just about summed it up. The former Liverpool man took a penalty from Cole Palmer's grasp only to miss and then sunk a close-range free-kick high, wide and handsome. It ended up in the crowd, a crowd that would then boo him.

Sterling was later substituted to warm applause but it was a game that rather aptly typified his lukewarm performances in the capital to date. It may be somewhat of a surprise to learn, therefore, that he is their second-best contributor of attacking involvements this term behind Palmer, scoring eight times and supplying ten assists.

On a rather ridiculous salary of £325k-per-week, trying to shift the forward will be troublesome but they can soon start to cast him aside courtesy of a very exciting wonderkid.

Chelsea's readymade Sterling replacement

In 2025, Chelsea will welcome one of the finest young talents in world football to the capital.

That happens to be Kendry Paez, a 16-year-old Ecuadorian who has been garnering quite a reputation throughout the globe for his stunning performances at such a young age.

The Blues agreed a £17.2m deal last year to sign the player but he is legally not allowed to move until he turns 18. As a result, it's unlikely we'll see him plying his trade with the club until the summer of 2025 at the very earliest.

Related Chelsea: Poch's stunning starting XI in 2025 built around Kendry Paez

Chelsea’s starting XI in 2025 which includes the exciting Kendry Paez is a mouthwatering prospect.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Oct 23, 2023

So, Sterling's place will be safe for the time being but considering Paez's ability to play on the flanks, he could be coming for the Englishman's place before too long.

What makes him so exciting? Well, he possesses a deft touch and simply awe-inspiring ball control. His dribbling ability is mesmerising too. Described as a 'technical magician' by Total Football Analysis, one of their writers noted the following: 'His attributes when it comes to dribbling, ball control, and general attacking contributions already make him a big threat.'

There is quite the hype surrounding Paez with talent scout Jacek Kulig once adding: "Every time Kendry Paez touches the ball you can almost feel his incredible class through the TV/computer."

Scoring on your senior debut at the age of 15 has no doubt spread the appeal from a young age but he's not slowing down and he's not going away.

The teenage sensation is one of the best wonderkids on the planet and has been labelled as such by GOAL's NXGN list for 2024. The Ecuadorian sensation sits at 14th this year, a position he will no doubt improve upon once he sets foot in English football.

NXGN 2024: Best 15 wonderkids

Player

Club

#15 Guillaume Restes

Toulouse

#14 Kendry Paez

Independiente del Valle

#13 Roony Bardghji

FC Copenhagen

#12 Jorrel Hato

Ajax

#11 Antonio Nusa

Club Brugge

#10 Leny Yoro

Lille

#9 Claudio Echeverri

Man City (River Plate loan)

#8 Kenan Yildiz

Juventus

#7 Kobbie Mainoo

Man United

#6 Vitor Roque

Barcelona

#5 Arda Guler

Real Madrid

#4 Mathys Tel

Bayern Munich

#3 Warren Zaire-Emery

PSG

#2 Endrick

Palmeiras

#1 Lamine Yamal

Barcelona

List compiled by GOAL.

So far this season Paez has one goal across three appearances, but his tally at senior level is already so mightily impressive. For his club, Independiente del Valle, he has found the net on six occasions in 30 outings.

Chelsea fans will have to wait their turn to get a proper glimpse of the exciting winger but once they do, it may finally be time to wave farewell to an underperforming and frustrating Sterling.

Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 campaign after they spent three years in the top-flight of English football.

The Whites failed to escape the drop one year after they sold star midfielder Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City for £45m and Brazil international Raphinha to Barcelona for £55m, with the latter being a club-record fee for the Yorkshire-based outfit.

Comparing those fees to sales from the past, however, does not provide the full context, as football fees have been affected by inflation over the years.

If you adjust for footballing inflation, using the Totally Money index, you could argue that the sale of Rio Ferdinand is the club's most-valuable departure, when they sold him to Manchester United in the summer of 2002.

How much Leeds paid to sign Rio Ferdinand

Per Totally Money, Leeds paid £23.4m to sign the central defender from West Ham United ahead of the 2000/01 campaign, which would be worth £59.7m in 2024 money.

It was a deal that made him the most expensive defender in world football and the most expensive British signing in history at that point – making him a record-breaking signing for the club.

They swooped to sign the Rolls-Royce of a centre-back after he came through the academy set-up with the Hammers to make 149 first-team appearances, and he had already been capped by England.

Ferdinand played 73 matches across two seasons with the Whites and excelled in his second campaign with the club, during the 2001/02 term.

The England international was named in the PFA Team of the Year, alongside the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pires, for his performances over 31 Premier League games for Leeds.

This shows that his peers viewed him as one of the two best central defenders, alongside Liverpool's Sammi Hyypia, in the English top-flight that term.

How much Leeds sold Rio Ferdinand for

The English colossus' displays in the division convinced Manchester United to swoop in for a fee at the time – per Totally Money – of £41.4m in the summer of 2002.

However, when inflation throughout the years is taken into account, that fee works out as a staggering £158.7m – rounded up to £159m – in 2024 money, which shows that Leeds hit the jackpot when they signed Ferdinand from West Ham two years prior.

They brought in a talented young defender, albeit for a significant fee at the time, and got a Team of the Year worthy season and a mammoth fee for his services from the Red Devils.

Rio Ferdinand to Manchester United

£41.4m

£158.7m

Raphinha to Barcelona

£55m

£55m

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to Atletico Madrid

£15m

£51.8m

Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City

£45m

£45m

Harry Kewell to Liverpool

£9m

£37.8m

As you can see in the table above, Ferdinand is far and away the most expensive sale in Leeds history when you adjust for footballing inflation, per Totally Money's index.

This suggests that the Whites played a blinder with their decision to make him the most expensive defender in world football when they signed him from the Hammers, given that they then raked in a gigantic fee from their Premier League rivals just two years later.

Therefore, Leeds hit the jackpot with the England international, who went on to play 455 times for the Red Devils, and may hope to repeat that trick in the future if they return to the top-flight and have the chance to splash the cash again.