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Hugo Ekitike is living the dream. After being cast out of Paris Saint-Germain's setup, he rebuilt his reputation in Europe, eventually earning a move to Premier League champions Liverpool. And life could not have started much better at Anfield. Ekitike has been bagging goals and thriving alongside some of the best players in Europe. Now, he has opened up on that move, what it means to him, and his relationship with team-mate Mohamed Salah.

• Ektike thriving in Liverpool colours

  Following his £79million move from Eintracht Frankfurt, Ekitike has wasted no time in adapting to the Premier League. He has already netted three goals in five appearances, surprising even Liverpool fans with how quickly he has made an impact. His form is so good that star signing Alexander Isak has struggled to break into the team ahead of him, having completed his switch from Newcastle on transfer deadline day. 

  It has been a dream start for the French international, who only turned 23 in the summer. Ekitike has formed an instant bond with his Reds team-mates, including Salah, who was recently ranked fourth in the Ballon d'Or standings. Ahead of Liverpool's trip to Chelsea on Saturday evening, Arne Slot's new forward sat down with BBC Sport to discuss his life in football, his rise to the top, and how he is settling in on Merseyside.

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  A 'proud' moment to join Liverpool

  Ekitike sat down for a long chat about his journey in the sport, and he was quizzed on his feeling after finally getting the move to Liverpool over the line. His response was: "The first feeling was that I was proud. To come here when I know where I come from. I know football is just moments – you can be at the top and go down straight. I set my mind to always be ready, work hard, improve myself and bring success to the team and help the maximum way I can to reach trophies and wins.

  "Becoming a good player is the biggest turning point in my life. That was the first moment in my life that I have known failure. It was probably half-time and it set me to be more tough in the head. I am different since I went to Paris. I am a way better player and better human. I have changed so much."

• Relishing the chance to play with Salah

  Unsurprisingly, Ekitike was also asked about Salah, and how he has formed a relationship with the Egyptian King at Anfield. Salah has been in top form once again this season, providing six goal contributions in nine games across all competitions. He has linked up well with Ekitike on the pitch, with the Frenchman seeming to have a telepathic connection with the winger that allows them to penetrate the opposition defence. His description of the veteran attacker? A "very cool" guy.

  He added: "Really good. Mo is a really cool guy, he is really open with me and is really good to talk too. He is great to play with. I was watching him on TV when he was scoring the goals and stuff but he is a really great athlete. You can just improve yourself and learn from him. It is good to share the pitch with him and I hope we are going to score lots of goals and bring some wins to the team together. He is very cool. More cool than what I have seen on TV because sometimes you see straight face and stuff so I thought he was cold… someone who doesn't talk a lot. He is really open, like all of the guys here. They are really open and want me to adapt to the team."

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  Work to do to become a champion himself

  Naturally, Ekitike was not part of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League last season. While the 23-year-old will have been gutted to miss out on a medal, it means he has fresh motivation to win something with the Reds this season, and keep the squad's hunger alive under Arne Slot. So far, it has been a relatively decent start for the champions, but in recent weeks they have slipped up. A 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace was followed up by a Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.

  It means Liverpool are now looking over their shoulder at Arsenal and Co, who are so desperate to make history for themselves. Undoubtedly, Ekitike will need to contribute at a similar rate to what he has been already this season if his side are to stay ahead of the chasing pack. That includes a huge win away to Chelsea on Saturday evening. 

There was no shortage of big names on show when Manchester City hosted Arsenal in a bumper Women’s Super League clash in early October. A quick look through the teams and most would’ve been drawn to the likes of Chloe Kelly, Khadija Shaw, Alessia Russo, Vivianne Miedema and Mariona Caldentey, especially if they were picking out a potential match-winner. In the end, though, it was a rising teenage star who took up that role, one by the name of Iman Beney.

With two minutes of the 90 remaining, the 19-year-old nipped in to steal the ball from Lotte Wubben-Moy before arrowing it beyond Daphne van Domselaar, giving Man City their third lead of a thrilling afternoon, one they would ultimately hang onto to secure a huge three points against a title rival.

It was a big game and a big stage for the teenager to announce herself on, following a summer move to the league widely regarded as the best in the women’s game. In that sense, it was also in keeping with Beney’s year, one highlighted by her starring role in Switzerland’s historic home European Championships.

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  Where it all began

  Beney was born in Yverdon-les-Bains, a picturesque town in French-speaking Switzerland, into a footballing family. Her father, Nicolas, is a former goalkeeper who represented seven clubs and won caps for the Switzerland youth teams, while her aunt, Noemie, won 45 caps for the senior women's team. Her older brother, Romeo, also currently plays for FC Basel.

  Beney started playing the sport herself when she was eight years old, first with FC Saviese before arriving at Young Boys via spells with FC Sion and Saxon Sports. It was with the Bern club that she would get her senior breakthrough, impressing so much in her debut campaign that she was voted into the Swiss Women's Super League team of the season, aged 16.

  At the same time, Beney was thriving in the Switzerland youth national teams, named to the best XI at the Under-17 Euros in 2023. Inka Grings, then head coach of the senior team, took great notice of her performances and called the teenager into camp a few weeks later, just before La Nati were heading to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

  Beney took full advantage of the opportunity, too. Granted a debut in a friendly with Zambia, the versatile forward bagged an assist and was a surprise inclusion in Grings’ World Cup squad three days later. However, a devastating ACL tear in training the very next day robbed her of the chance to star at the tournament and sidelined her for a year.

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  The big break

  Beney made up for that cruel turn of events this past summer. After missing the entire 2023-24 season, she was back with a bang for Young Boys in 2024-25, named to the Swiss league’s team of the season again after helping them win the title, and that form would be carried into the 2025 European Championships, which Switzerland hosted.

  Named in La Nati’s starting XI for all of their four fixtures, Beney showcased her versatility as a full-back and wing-back as her team made it beyond the Euros group stages for the first time. Only Spain, the eventual finalists and reigning world champions, would end a run that had captured the hearts of the nation in the quarter-finals.

  Fortunately for Man City, they had got a deal for Beney’s summer move to England done before the tournament began, otherwise they might’ve had a bit more competition for her signature, given she was one of the breakout stars of the summer.

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  How it's going

  Beney has clearly taken confidence from that huge experience, with there is plenty to like about how she has started her time in Manchester. After debuting on the opening weekend of the new season, in a narrow defeat to champions Chelsea, the teenager has looked more and more comfortable as each week has passed. That has culminated in her first goal involvements in City blue, with an assist in the League Cup win over Everton at the end of September followed up with that composed match-winner in victory over Arsenal.

  “I’m so happy for her,” City boss Andree Jeglertz said after Beney’s first goal for the club. “She’s taken so many big steps, from moving to Switzerland and coming to this big club. There’s a lot of things going on just to do that but what she’s shown, I’m so impressed.”

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  Biggest strengths

  Beney has all the traits that make a winger great. "She's fast, but not just from A to B, but also when changing direction, with or without the ball, and she can vary the pace,” Switzerland boss Pia Sundhage explained last year, referring to one of her main strengths. Perhaps unsurprisingly given her idolisation of Neymar, Beney has the skill to beat a marker as well as the speed, and despite being so young, her decision-making in the final third is quite advanced, no doubt thanks to the big experience she has already accumulated.

  Another impressive element to Beney’s game was on show at the Euros, when she brought those qualities to a more defensive role. In an interview with Blue Sport, her father revealed that the teenager had little to no experience as a full-back, making her adaptation to the position all the more impressive. “As a 12-year-old, Iman played on the right side of defence, but only for one game, then she ended up in attack,” he explained.

  To play so well there, then, highlighted Beney’s great athleticism, her team-first attitude and her footballing intelligence. With her also having played as a central striker in the past, the 19-year-old is certainly adding versatility to her game.

It has not been easy for Everton to find a suitable replacement for Anthony Gordon. The former Toffees star was once the jewel in the crown on the Blue side of Merseyside, but after forcing through a move to Newcastle United in January 2023 for £45m, he burnt the bridges he’d built.

However, Gordon’s time at Goodison Park was a fruitful one, where he showed great promise before his move to the North East. He scored seven times and assisted eight in 78 appearances for his boyhood club, after properly breaking into the first team in 2019/20.

It took the Toffees a while to find a marquee replacement on the left wing, but in Jack Grealish, they may have landed on the perfect player.

Grealish’s stunning start at Everton

After falling out of favour at Manchester City in the last 12 months or so, it was time for Grealish to depart the club for pastures anew. His start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium has been simply exceptional.

The England international has only made four appearances in that famous Blue shirt, but you can already see the sort of impact he will have on the club. He’s assisted four goals already, with two each in Premier League games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Grealish played a huge part in the first competitive goal at the Toffees’ new stadium, when he set up Iliman Ndiaye to score against the Seagulls. It was a smart piece of skill from the new Everton number 18, who managed to create space for himself and whip in a pinpoint cross.

The reaction to Grealish’s start as an Everton player has been nothing but positive. Manager David Moyes said the forward is “he’s better than I thought he was”, highlighting the real impact Grealish has made already.

It is fair to say that the England international is finally proving to be the perfect replacement for Gordon after over two years. Yet, the Toffees may have sold someone long before, who is playing like both forwards.

Alex Iwobi is now shining away from Everton

So, with Gordon now plying his trade up in the North East, and Grealish enjoying his new lease of life on Merseyside, it seems like that issue is in the past. Yet, Toffees fans may look back on a player who could have slotted into their attack and wish they’d kept him.

Described as a “world-class” operator with the ball at his feet by Statman Dave, Alex Iwobi, once of Everton, is now thriving in West London for Fulham. The versatile attacker has shone under Marco Silva, just as he once did in that famous Blue shirt.

In total, the Nigerian international played 140 times for Everton, operating on both wings and as a number ten. He contributed to nine goals and 17 assists, with his final campaign on Merseyside yielding ten Premier League goal involvements.

Since his £22m move to Craven Cottage in 2023, the versatile attacker has played 81 times for the club. In that time, he’s bagged 15 goals and assisted nine, and produced an impressive 15 goals and assists last season.

The former Arsenal academy star was putting up similar numbers to Grealish and Gordon in 2024/25, while operating in that left channel, with the latter duo noted to be statistically similar players to him in the Premier League, as per FBref.

For example, Iwobi averaged 6.44 progressive passes each game. In comparison, Grealish averaged 6.5 progressive passes and Gordon far less, with just 3.63 per 90 minutes. There are several other standout numbers, too.

Last term’s efforts were certainly impressive from Iwobi, who has seemingly gone from strength to strength after his move back to London. It seems like, with those stats, the former Arsenal academy star could have been a key player under Moyes.

Although life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is good for the moment, perhaps Toffees fans wish they had never lost a talent like Iwobi, who could have been a vital part of the side.

Silva sold "world-class" Everton star, now he's worth more than Grealish

Everton must rue letting this top star go, who is now worth more than new Toffees ace Jack Grealish.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 2, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are already set to feel the effects of their exciting new start under Thomas Frank, with Spanish giants Real Madrid setting their sights on another of the manager’s key players alongside their well documented interest in Cristian Romero.

Simons fit for Tottenham debut vs West Ham

The international break is over and so could be the wait for Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani to make their Spurs debuts. With a London derby against West Ham United set to take place tonight, both are in contention to take Frank’s frontline to a whole new level.

Simons is one that will particularly excite Spurs fans and rightly so. The Dutchman looked almost certain to head to Chelsea before the Lilywhites hijacked their rivals’ move to welcome an incredibly impressive talent. With 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions for RB Leipzig last season, fans in North London can expect quite the impact from their new star.

Whilst there was plenty of good news to enjoy during the summer transfer window, there are still some concerns on the horizon. Romero’s future is one of them. The Argentine is still attracting interest from Real Madrid despite recently signing a new contract and could yet be joined by another one of Frank’s key men in the near future.

Real Madrid now targeting Micky Van de Ven

According to Football Insider, Real Madrid are now targeting Micky van de Ven in what could be a major blow for Tottenham. The centre-back, who has returned to full fitness this season, has got off to an impressive start under Frank and has attracted interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs as a result.

Tottenham ready to double star's wages as Chelsea eye surprise move for him

Their London rivals are apparently keen.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 12, 2025

Reports have indicated that a move is unlikely at this stage, but Van de Ven is on Madrid’s list. The Spanish club have seemingly commenced their search for central defenders with the contracts of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba set to expire next summer. As such, names such as Ibrahima Konate have emerged as top options as well as Romero and now reportedly Van de Ven.

Alas, the quick Dutchman is not someone that Spurs will be keen to lose anytime soon. Former manager Harry Redknapp was one of many to hand Van de Ven plenty of praise last season, telling reporters: “He looks a great signing. What amazed me is during the Euros this year, he couldn’t get into the Dutch team.”

Cristiano Ronaldo's former Juventus team-mate has undergone a remarkable career change, with a new selfie showing that he is now working on a building site. A former youth international, the construction professional is now making a living with his hands, having previously rubbed shoulders with the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United star in Turin.

• Ronaldo's old team-mate swaps jobs

  Cendrim Kameraj played for Juve between 2017 and 2019, overlapping with the Portuguese's spell in Turin between 2018 and 2021. A former Kosovo Under-21 international, winning one cap at the age group, he also played for Switzerland at various youth levels. However, he struggled to make a breakthrough into the first-team, battling multiple injury blows. He suffered three separate anterior cruciate ligament injuries and, as a result, opted to retire, and has now taken up a fresh job away from sport. 

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• Football career never got going

  Kameraj played 23 times for Juventus' youth teams before leaving in 2019 to join Lugano in Switzerland. He also played for Kriens in Switzerland, and returned to Kosovo to play for Dukagjini but only managed 17 senior appearances. Previously a right-back, he scored twice in a youth international between the Swiss U16s and England, as his side won 3-2 at the Toulon Tournament. 

  He posted a TikTok which has since gone viral, showing him alongside Ronaldo at the Juve training ground, before it dissolves into a picture of him wearing a hard hat on a construction site. The comment read: "Life changes sometimes."

  During Ronaldo's time in Italy, he won Serie A twice, as well as the Coppa Italia. He did not actually share a pitch with Kameraj in a competitive game, but the pair would cross paths as they each trained. In total, during his time at the club, Ronaldo played 134 times for the Old Lady, scoring 101 goals and providing 28 assists. Juve have not actually won the title since the Portuguese departed the club, and last season, were forced to settle for a fourth-placed finish, 12 points off champions Napoli. 

• Ronaldo's advice for failed wonderkid

  Kameraj has confirmed what his job entails, telling Gianluca Di Marzio: "I work in an office at ICM Bau, and our boss wanted us to spend a day on the construction site to understand what the work is like there and how hard it can be.

  "It made us appreciate even more how lucky we are to work behind a desk."

  He has also confirmed that he and Ronaldo did interact during his time in Turin, adding: "It was surreal, something special, his energy pushed everyone to give more.

  "What struck me most was his mentality, he never stopped and he constantly demanded more from himself and those around him.

  "He once told me, 'Talent means nothing without consistency and hard work,' and that phrase stuck with me.

  "Watching how he prepared showed me what it really means to be a professional."

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  What comes next for retired footballer?

  While Kameraj is now adjusting to a new life, he insists he has no regrets whatsoever. 

  He said: "It was heartbreaking [deciding to retire], football had been my identity since I was a child, for a long time I didn't know who I was without it.

  "But with time I found peace, I understood that life doesn't end when your sports career ends. Without the injuries, I could have reached the top, I was on the right path and I felt like I was improving season after season.

  "However, I don't like living with 'what ifs', I gave everything I had, and that's what matters.”

  And he has not given up on one day returning to the pitch, even if he accepts that he cannot play anymore: "I keep dreaming, maybe one day I'll return to football in another role.

  "Perhaps coaching young players and helping them avoid the mistakes I made. But even outside of football, I just want to build a good life, be happy and stay true to myself."

Ruben Amorim is edging closer to his one-year anniversary since he was appointed Manchester United manager, but it’s safe to say it’s not been an easy ride in the role.

The 40-year-old was seen as the perfect man to come in and change the Red Devils’ fortunes, but his spell at Old Trafford certainly hasn’t gone the way many anticipated.

He’s only achieved a 40% win rate since taking the reins last November, losing 20 of the 48 matches he’s taken charge of across all competitions – the worst of any manager of the club post World War 2.

The 2024/25 campaign was a dismal one for all involved at the Theatre of Dreams, registering their lowest-ever Premier League finish, but he was still handed over £200m to make the changes he desired.

After just a couple of games of the new campaign, judgment may have to be reserved until the new additions are settled, but that hasn’t stopped rumours from circulating about his future in the role.

The latest on Amorim’s future at Man Utd

Despite losing two of the first five league games of the 2025/26 season, the United board have stated that they will continue to back Amorim in his quest for success at the club.

The likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe were at the training ground last week, but it’s been claimed that they still have full faith in the Portuguese boss to transform the club’s fortunes.

However, that could all be about to change in the coming weeks, especially if the latest rumours around the current managerial situation are to be believed.

GIVEMESPORT have reported in recent days that the staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford are huge admirers of Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and could be tempted to appoint him should they part ways with Amorim.

The report also states that no move or decision on either situation has yet been made, but the 51-year-old remains a boss they’re tracking in case they decide to make a change.

Why United’s manager target is an upgrade on Amorim

The new generation of United supporters have only endured disappointment and frustration, subsequently failing to reach the heights achieved during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

The Scotsman won 13 Premier League titles during his time in charge at Old Trafford, the most of any manager in the division’s history, with the former boss putting the Red Devils on the map.

However, since his retirement in 2012/13, the club have failed to win a single league title, with second-placed finishes in 2017/18 and 2020/21 as good as it’s got for the fans in the last decade.

Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping to change such a drought, but up to now, he’s failed to create a side and system that looks remotely close to even challenging for a European spot.

Such failures could lead to the hierarchy making a change in the next few weeks/months, with Glasner the leading candidate to take over, as seen by recent reports.

When comparing the duo’s respective stats in England’s top-flight, the Austrian has achieved a far better record, doing so with a shoestring budget compared to Amorim.

Glasner, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, has achieved a better win percentage than Amorim – leading the Eagles to a 12th-placed finish last season, ending the year three places higher than United.

He’s also notched a better point per game record, whilst also achieving a better win percentage, highlighting how impressive he’s been since taking the reins at Selhurst Park.

Glasner has also created new history for the Eagles, winning the FA Cup against Manchester City last campaign – subsequently claiming the club their first ever major trophy.

There’s no debating that the Austrian is a phenomenal manager, with any potential move to Old Trafford giving the fanbase an added reason to be excited in the near future.

It’s unclear at present if the 51-year-old would want to leave his current employers, but it’s certainly a situation for the fanbase to keep a close eye on.

Even though the board aren’t planning for a change, it could only take a couple of poor results to change that – with Glasner needing to be the priority if the Red Devils are to have any chance of ending their drought for a league title.

Outperforming Mainoo: Man Utd must regret losing "sensational" star for £0

Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one young talent to leave the club on a free.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 23, 2025

Real Madrid have chalked up a transfer plan for Endrick that will allow the out-of-favour striker to make a January exit, as he desperately wants more minutes under his belt to convince Carlo Ancelotti to give him a spot in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Los Blancos beat Paris Saint-Germain to his signature three years ago and forked out a massive €60 million (£52m/$64m) to Palmeiras. However, his time in the Spanish capital has not gone according to plan.

• Endrick’s Bernabeu nightmare

  After joining from Palmeiras on a six-year deal in 2024, Endrick appeared in 22 La Liga matches and nine Champions League fixtures last season. He performed consistently in Madrid’s Copa del Rey journey, where his five goals in six games made him the competition’s breakout performer. But as the 2025–26 campaign unfolds under a new boss, Xabi Alonso, he has struggled to adapt to his new methods. While a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him during pre-season and the Club World Cup, he has failed to nail down a starting berth since his return.

  Alonso has reduced him to a bench-warmer, as he has found himself among the substitutes seven times in a row, without even a late cameo. According to the club’s plan is straightforward and involves a January loan deal only, with “no intention” of selling Endrick permanently. The aim is to get him regular football, which would rebuild his confidence and help his chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

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  Bundesliga experience on the cards?

  According to Madrid now view January as the perfect moment for a reset, and a loan move to Germany is being seriously discussed. Madrid’s record with German loans is a mixed bag; Achraf Hakimi’s spell at Borussia Dortmund remains the gold standard. Two years of consistent game time with the Black and Yellows turned him into one of Europe’s finest wing-backs. Meanwhile, James Rodriguez also thrived at Bayern Munich. But then there were the disasters, as Reinier barely featured during his Dortmund stint, and Luka Jovic also failed to rekindle his earlier magic back at Eintracht Frankfurt.

  Endrick’s representatives have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of conditions that should be satisfied before a loan is sanctioned. It has been mentioned that the striker will only accept a move to one of Europe’s top-five leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, or France. And only to clubs competing in continental tournaments. Portuguese giants Benfica, Sporting CP, and Porto have emerged as alternative options if top-five league moves fall through.

• Alonso’s Message: Patience and perspective for Endrick

  With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo leading the line, opportunities are limited. Madrid boss Alonso addressed the situation head-on during an interview with offering a mixture of empathy and firmness.

  He said: "It's clear everyone wants to play. And a young player even more so. Given the context, we want to compete right now, and it's difficult depending on the match. He has to be patient, be prepared, and know that he's at Real Madrid. His time will come."

  According to the , several Premier League sides are also weighing up a January move. Manchester United, West Ham, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are among them. In France, Marseille view him as an ideal short-term replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Amine Gouiri, both of whom will depart for the Africa Cup of Nations early next year. Meanwhile, in Italy, Juventus have entered the race, exploring a loan-to-buy arrangement as they look to rejuvenate their forward line.

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  A young star at a crossroads

  Madrid’s short-term focus remains the upcoming Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, but behind the scenes, Endrick’s future is a ticking clock. Alonso’s side are unlikely to risk him in such a high-stakes fixture, which means another bench-warming role awaits the youngster. If all goes according to plan, Endrick will be packing his bags in early January, with his destination likely Germany, though England and Italy remain strong contenders.

West Ham United have a proud history of promoting youth players.

The likes of Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Mark Noble have all made their way through the Hammers’ legendary academy.

In more recent times, Declan Rice is probably the best player to come out of the club, and while he did go on to join a London rival, he did so after 245 appearances.

Since he left, the club have struggled to replace him, but that may soon be about to change with someone Jarrod Bowen rates highly.

West Ham's most exciting academy stars

The good news for West Ham fans is that, while the first team might be somewhat lacking in quality, there are plenty of promising youngsters in the academy at the moment.

In The Pipeline

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

For example, they might just have a homegrown version of El Hadji Malick Diouf soon in Emeka Adiele.

The 18-year-old left-back has been in fine form this season, and as things stand, has amassed an impressive tally of one goal and six assists in just eight appearances for the U21 side.

Described as someone “full of confidence and tenacity” by one analyst, it might not be too long until fans get to see him in first-team action.

The same could be said for one of the academy’s best goalscorers: Josh Landers.

The 18-year-old Scotsman joined the Hammers from Hibernian in February of this year and, as one analyst puts it, as one analyst puts it, has “hit the ground running.”

So far this season, the Innerleithen-born gem has already scored five goals in five appearances, totalling 269 minutes for the U21s, which is a goal every 53.8 minutes.

Finally, although he is a bit older and has now played in the first team, Callum Marshall is still someone worth keeping an eye on, having been named Huddersfield Player of the Year while on loan there last season.

West Ham's future Rice

So, while it’s clear that West Ham have a number of exciting attackers and even the odd full-back coming through, who is the youngster that might one day emulate Rice? That huge task falls to the hugely promising Preston Fearon, but what makes him similar to the Hammers’ former captain?

Well, firstly, like the England international, the 18-year-old gem joined the East Londoners from Chelsea.

More crucially than that, though, he’s someone who can play a few different positions but is primarily a midfielder. More specifically, he thrives as a six and an eight.

For example, since joining the Irons’ academy set-up, the youngster has made 39 appearances across the U18s and U21s, of which 14 have been in central midfield and nine in defensive midfield.

Moreover, on top of his defensive sensibilities, the exciting prospect is capable of chipping in with goal involvements as well, with him scoring three and providing seven assists in his career so far.

Finally, he is also seen as a player who could genuinely make it into the first team, and not just be a part of the squad, but really thrive.

For example, on top of featuring in pre-season, he has also received praise from Bowen, who described him as a “special player” and went on to tell the club’s website that he’s “never seen someone nutmeg so many people in training.”

West Ham ace who's "pure joy to watch" could become Nuno's new Gibbs-White

The international star could be the secret to helping Nuno get more out of West Ham this season.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 10, 2025

Ultimately, it’s hard to predict how a youngster will develop in football, but it does seem as if Fearon has it all, and therefore, he could end up becoming West Ham’s new Rice.

Marcus Rashford gave Barcelona another reason to sign him permanently with a goal in his side's 3-1 win over Elche on Sunday. After early strikes from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, the England forward smashed in an impressive effort to put pay to the away team's comeback. Rafa Mir had given the underdogs hope in a very competitive La Liga fixture.

The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute when Alejandro Balde intercepted a wayward pass, before setting up Yamal, who curled in a super finish from 10 yards out. It was 2-0 three minutes later when Torres tapped in Fermin Lopez's inch-perfect pass as Barca scored from both of their shots on target.

Elche, who were indebted to on loan Barca keeper Inaki Pena for keeping them in the contest, reduced their arrears in the 42nd minute when Rafa Mir rifled in a delightful shot into the corner. Mir then fizzed an excellent effort off the crossbar early in the second half as the Blaugrana held a slender lead.

But Rashford, who wants to turn his loan into a permanent move, eased Barcelona's nerves when he walloped a shot in off the bar just after the hour mark for his second La Liga goal. The result saw the Catalan outfit cut table-toppers Real Madrid's lead to five points after 11 games.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Wojciech Szczesny (7/10):

  Continues to impress in goal in place of the injured Joan Garcia. Made some good reflex saves at important moments of the match.

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  The Frenchman had his hands full with Mir but pulled off some important interceptions at the back when required.

  Ronald Araujo (5/10):

  Question marks have to be asked over his role in Elche's goal. He played Mir onside on the halfway line and then didn't close him down quickly enough as Barca's lead was cut. 

  Eric Garcia (6/10):

  Some of his covering work got his side out of trouble on a couple of occasions. But was also caught out of position on occasion.

  Alejandro Balde (7/10):

  Showed a tremendous burst of pace to pounce on a loose ball and then drive at the Elche defence, before perfectly setting up team-mate Yamal for Barcelona's opener. He does rely on his pace to get him out of trouble when out of position, though.

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  Midfield

  Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

  The Dutchman didn't quite show the quality he displayed earlier on this season but helped keep Barca's midfield ticking along.

  Marc Casado (6/10):

  Worked hard but doesn't provide the zip and swagger that the injured Pedri does.

  Fermin Lopez (8/10):

  The in-form attacking midfielder was instrumental in Barca's second as he burned past Elche's defence before firing a slide-rule pass across the six-yard box for Torres. Pulled off another brilliant assist for Rashford in the second half.

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  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (7/10):

  The teenager, who confirmed his split from girlfriend Nicki Nicole this week, took his goal brilliantly and while he showed flashes of quality, the winger had a fairly quiet outing for his team.

  Ferran Torres (7/10):

  Was in the right place at the right time for his fifth La Liga goal of the season. Could have had more but stopper Pena was equal to the former Manchester City man.

  Marcus Rashford (7/10):

  The Manchester United loanee is worthy of a place in the Barca starting XI at present, especially with Raphinha out injured. While sometimes he took a touch too many, he smashed in a classy goal to make it 3-1.

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  Subs & Manager

  Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

  The veteran didn't do a great deal when he replaced Rashford.

  Gerard Martin (6/10):

  Solid if unspectacular when called upon.

  Dani Olmo (6/10):

  Will have to do a great deal to usurp Lopez at the moment.

  Dro Fernandez (N/A):

  Too little time to make an impact

  Roony Bardghji (N/A):

  Came on in the game's dying embers.

  Hansi Flick (7/10):

  His side deserved the win but they did not have it all their own way against the spirited away team. His starting players got the job done but his subs didn't do a great deal.

The end of the ALDS between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians will come earlier than expected.

MLB is moving up the start of Game 5 between the two teams Saturday to avoid potential severe weather in Northeast Ohio, it announced Friday afternoon.

"Due to impending weather, in coordination with Major League Baseball, tomorrow's first pitch has been moved to 1:08 p.m. ET," the Guardians announced on their social channels. "Gates will now open at 11 a.m. ET."

The contest was previously scheduled to start at 8:08 p.m. ET after the New York Yankees eliminated the Kansas City Royals Thursday.

Game 5 will bring to a conclusion a dynamite series that has seen a number of surprising twists and turns. After Cleveland destroyed the Tigers in Game 1, Detroit threw the Guardians into neutral with back-to-back 3–0 wins in Games 2 and 3.

On Thursday, Cleveland topped the Tigers in Game 4 thanks to a go-ahead pinch-hit two-run home run from David Fry in the seventh inning.

The winner of Saturday's game will face the Yankees in the ALCS.