Tag Futebol

Leeds United will no doubt be disappointed after losing 3-2 against Manchester City this afternoon, but the fans can take some positives out of the clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Phil Foden’s first-minute goal could have signalled an afternoon of domination for Pep Guardiola’s men, but it wasn’t to be, with the hosts only boasting a two-goal lead at the break.

Daniel Farke’s substitutions at the break saw the Whites bring the game level within a matter of minutes, that’s despite many questioning his decision to withdraw Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto.

However, it wasn’t to be as Foden had the last laugh with his stoppage-time effort enough to secure all three points for the Citizens – resulting in a sixth Premier League loss in their last seven.

Despite the defeat, numerous players can leave Manchester with their heads held high, with one player deserving huge plaudits for his showing this afternoon.

Ethan Ampadu’s performance against Manchester City

For the 12th time in the league this season, midfielder Ethan Ampadu started at the heart of the Leeds side, doing so with the captain’s armband too.

His performance against Manchester City was one of a leader, with the Welshman putting in a phenomenal showing and one that was highlighted by his underlying stats.

The 25-year-old featured for the entirety of the contest, completing a staggering 46 passes, with such a tally the highest of any player in Farke’s squad.

He also completed 50% of the dribbles he attempted, whilst making two passes into the final third – often trying to hit the hosts on the counter in the second half.

Ampadu’s incredible showing was also evident without the ball at his feet, subsequently making four recoveries and winning 67% of his ground duels – arguably being one unsung hero at the Etihad.

He certainly wasn’t alone in producing a performance to remember against the former Premier League champions, with Farke needing to select one other player on a consistent basis.

The Leeds player who should be undroppable after City

Many people would have anticipated a dominant victory for City this afternoon, but Leeds certainly put up a fight – which is the least you can ask for given the current situation.

Farke will likely receive some criticism for failing to see out the game for a point, but ultimately, individual errors were the contributing factors to the late goal.

The supporters should also remember it was the manager’s bold call at the break that gave the side the opportunity to get back into the game in the first place.

He switched to a somewhat unfamiliar 3-5-2 system, with the impact of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the top end of the pitch certainly putting the hosts under huge pressure.

The Englishman replaced Gnonto at the interval, a decision that proved to be an inspirational one given the talisman’s impact during the second half at the Etihad.

His first goal since September certainly wasn’t the prettiest, but it was a reward for his determined efforts at the top end, before poking the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The 28-year-old was also hugely involved in the Whites’ second goal of the contest, with Calvert-Lewin caught in the area by Josko Gvardiol – leading to Lukas Nmecha’s rebounded penalty.

The substitutes’ underlying figures were also massively impressive, with the target man putting doubt into the opposition’s backline after his introduction.

He completed 100% of the dribbles he attempted, whilst also winning 80% of the ground duels he entered – subsequently offering a dominant option during the fightback.

Minutes played

45

Touches

18

Pass accuracy

80%

Dribbles completed

100%

Ground duels won

80%

Passes into final third

1

Fouls won

3

Shots on target

100%

Calvert-Lewin also completed a pass into the final third, whilst also drawing three fouls, with the former Everton man playing a huge part in the side’s ability to get off the canvas.

As a result of his showing off the bench, the striker was handed an impressive 9/10 match rating from Leeds United journalist Graham Smyth – further showcasing his impressive cameo off the bench.

After such a showing, there’s little denying the manager simply has to start Calvert-Lewin on a consistent basis, with his assets constantly causing havoc for the opposition.

Ampadu, too, has showcased this season why he’s a solid Premier League option, which could see both play a huge role in the club’s survival bid come the end of the season.

Bielsa 2.0: Leeds prepare for Farke replacement with "elite" boss in frame

Leeds are reportedly preparing to possibly replace Daniel Farke in the dugout with a LaLiga boss in the frame.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 28, 2025

Cooke makes 84 in key stand as Northants are made to work for wickets at Wantage Road

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay08-Sep-2025Asa Tribe hit a career-best unbeaten 181 to keep Glamorgan’s promotion hopes firmly alive and put his side in a dominant position on day one of this Rothesay County Championship match against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.Glamorgan were indebted to the 21-year-old Jersey international after losing four wickets before lunch after winning the toss, Luke Procter claiming two scalps. Opening the innings, Tribe never looked in real trouble, helping himself to 25 fours and two sixes in a fluent, confident innings and accounting for the bulk of the top-order runs.Sam Northeast (17) and Ben Kellaway (23) kept him company in half-century stands, but it was not until Chris Cooke’s arrival that Glamorgan mounted a substantial partnership, the keeper scoring 84 (12 fours, one six) while adding 162 for the sixth wicket with Tribe. Although Cooke fell before the close, Glamorgan were in a healthy position at 367 for six.Earlier Northamptonshire handed first-class debuts to left-arm pacer Ben Whitehouse and off-spinner Nirvan Ramesh, 17, who became the county’s third youngest debutant since the war.Zain ul Hassan was the first Glamorgan wicket to fall in the eighth over, driving outside off-stump to Procter and edging an easy catch behind.Tribe dealt almost exclusively in boundaries. He drove handsomely through midwicket against the seamers before a punch through cover point off Whitehouse brought up Glamorgan’s 50 at the end of the 15th over.Whitehouse meanwhile unsettled Northeast. After the Glamorgan skipper punched one to the boundary, Whitehouse struck him on the arm causing a short delay. Northeast recovered to slap a wide delivery from Justin Broad through extra cover to bring up the 50 partnership with Tribe off 58 balls, but the all-rounder found some late movement to draw the edge through to second slip.Tribe though looked imperious, reaching 50 off 63 deliveries. He pulled dismissively against Whitehouse who was guilty of bowling too short throughout both spells.Procter struck for the second time when he jagged one back sharply to Kiran Carlson who offered minimum foot movement and inside edged to the keeper. The impressive Ramesh then claimed his maiden first-class wicket when Colin Ingram (18) attempted to turn the ball to leg and was well caught off the leading edge by Procter in the covers, and while Tribe took consecutive boundaries off Calvin Harrison, Glamorgan went into lunch four down for 115.Tribe started positively after the interval, sweeping Ramesh over deep midwicket for six, while Kellaway eased into his work with a sumptuous cover drive off Liam Guthrie and a reverse sweep off Ramesh as Glamorgan moved past 150, Tribe bringing up the half-century partnership off 59 balls with a backfoot punch off Guthrie.With Ramesh bowling consecutive maidens at one end, Northamptonshire turned to Broad to try to force the breakthrough and he instantly troubled Tribe outside off-stump. But it was Harrison who bowled Kellaway round his legs as he went to sweep.New batter Cooke took the aggressive option against Broad but was almost undone by one that jagged back and kept low.Tribe reached three figures off 150 balls with his first false shot, under-edging an attempted sweep against Harrison, the ball running past the keeper for four. He endured a few nervous moments against Procter who beat him several times outside off-stump, but he duly moved past his previous highest score of 107 made against Leicestershire in June, despite suffering from flu at the time.After tea Cooke swung Harrison over the leg side for six to bring up the 100 partnership off 183 balls before reaching his own half-century. He continued to attack, clubbing spinners Harrison and Saif Zaib over midwicket, while Tribe hit Zaib straight for six, Glamorgan going on to pass 300 shortly before the new ball became due.Tribe steered Procter through midwicket to bring up the 150 stand off 246 balls while Cooke cut Guthrie powerfully for four. The bowler soon made the breakthrough when Cooke pulled and was well caught low down by Broad at deep backward square-leg.With Tribe still content to capitalise on anything loose and joined by Timm van der Gugten, Glamorgan secured a third batting bonus point shortly before the close.

Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico has admitted “nobody will be ready” for Lionel Messi’s retirement as speculation grows around a romantic Barcelona return. The Lyon full-back, currently on international duty, reflected on Messi’s emotional Camp Nou visit and spoke about Argentina’s World Cup ambitions while hinting at uncertainty over whether the Inter Miami star could play again for the Blaugrana.

• Tagliafico reflects on Messi’s legacy and Camp Nou surprise

  Few players have been closer to witnessing Messi’s enduring greatness than Tagliafico. As La Albiceleste prepare for their friendly against Angola, the Lyon defender spoke candidly about what Messi’s eventual farewell could mean for world football and why nobody, not even his teammates, can imagine the day he finally walks away.

  The 38-year-old's recent midnight visit to Barcelona’s newly renovated Camp Nou reignited talk of a short-term return to his boyhood club. The Inter Miami star, currently in the MLS off-season, shared an emotional post about “missing the place with his soul,” leading fans to dream of one last dance in Catalonia.

  Tagliafico, though, admitted even Argentina’s dressing room remains uncertain about Messi’s next move or when the inevitable end will come.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  ‘Nobody will be prepared for when Leo is gone’ – Tagliafico

  In an interview with , the former Ajax star spoke with both admiration and melancholy when asked about Messi’s possible retirement: “He’s been playing in Argentina for 20 years. It’s completely unusual. Nobody will be prepared for when Leo is gone. He’ll decide when he’s no longer there. Maybe once he stops playing, he’ll stay on the coaching staff or have some role with the national team,”

  Turning to Messi’s surprise Camp Nou appearance, Tagliafico confessed that the squad were caught off guard by the images shared online — and admitted even he doesn’t know what the future holds for the World Cup-winning captain.

  “There was a huge fuss about the photo he took at Camp Nou because it was a surprise. I don't know what the situation is, because of the Beckham Law. He could go during the MLS break, but I honestly don't know what he'll do . It's not easy either, especially with the World Cup so close. I don't think it will be simple.”

• ‘We have to prove it again’ – Tagliafico on Argentina’s World Cup mindset

  The veteran full-back also discussed Argentina’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup, urging calm despite their success under Lionel Scaloni and downplaying their tag as favourites.

  “On a scale of 1 to 10, I think we're about a five," he said. "Not too little, not too much. We're taking it one step at a time, like in the last World Cup.”

  He also reflected on the self-confidence and occasional arrogance that defines Argentina’s footballing culture: “We also seek it out, Argentinians, with that arrogance we have. Obviously, being world champions, we have to prove it, but that spice, that mischievousness, is also good, because in the end, they end up respecting us. They have to respect us. People know the calibre Argentina has today. We earned it with our effort. Sometimes there's a bit too much talk, but we’re fine, happy. If things are said, I don't know if it's anger or envy… Things are going well. We have to keep working.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Finalissima plans still uncertain ahead of 2026 World Cup

  Tagliafico also addressed reports of a Finalissima match between Argentina and Spain, which could take place at Lusail Stadium in Doha – the same venue where Messi lifted the World Cup in 2022.

  “There’s talk and rumors, but nothing is confirmed yet. If it happens, it’ll be a great match. Spain is one of the best teams around right now. In the end, those kinds of competitive matches will show you how the team is doing, but it’s also just one game; it might not reflect what could happen at the World Cup. I’m lucky enough to have played in World Cups, and that changes everything. The first match is a different stimulus, different motivations. You might think, ‘If we beat Spain, we’ll be in a much better position.’

  He cautioned that early results shouldn’t be overinterpreted: "On the contrary. We beat Italy in the preparation for Qatar and lost the first match. It makes a big difference. They’re a great opponent, that’s for sure. You can get a sense of their level, but it won’t change much for the World Cup.”

  While Spain’s participation depends on their qualification route, Argentina are already looking to maintain momentum heading into 2026 with Tagliafico’s words serving as a reminder that even amid speculation about Messi’s future, the Albiceleste’s focus remains firmly on defending their crown.

Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker refused to cheat the game when it came to Shohei Ohtani joining the 50-50 club.

On Thursday night, Ohtani stepped to the plate in the top of the seventh inning needing one home run to become the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season. With two on and first base open and trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-3, Schumaker was asked if he wanted to walk Ohtani. The Marlins manager refused.

It was easy to see Schumaker's response to that on the broadcast. In short, he said, "F— that."

Tipping Pitches attempted to read Schumaker's lips and seemed to have his full statement nailed, though we concede a word or two may be off. They came to the conclusion he said, "F— that. I've got too much respect for this guy for that s— to happen."

Schumaker was asked about that decision to not walk Ohtani after the game.

"That's a bad move, baseball-wise, karma-wise, baseball-gods-wise. You go after him and see if you can get him out," Schumaker said. "I think out of respect to the game, we were going to go after him."

Schumaker is a respected former player, a World Series champion and the reigning National League Manager of the Year. What he did Thursday night will make him a lot more fans that he already has.

In that situation, there was no reason to put Ohtani on, but plenty of managers would have just to ensure he didn't reach that milestone against their team. Instead, Schumaker realized the importance of the moment to the game of baseball and what it meant to Ohtani.

Ohtani not only reached the 50-50 mark, he completely buried the Marlins on the afternoon. He went 6-for-6 with three home runs, two stolen bases and 10 RBIs in a 20–4 win. Despite his team getting absolutely blown out of the building, Schumaker kept pitching to Ohtani because it was the right thing to do.

Good for him.

Cristiano Ronaldo achieved his milestone 950th career goal as Al-Nassr comfortably beat Al-Hazm 2-0 to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Saudi Arabian top-flight. Joao Felix opened the scoring in the first half with a brilliant header, while his compatriot and Portugal captain finished the job with a precise strike from close range to secure another crucial three points for his club.

• Al-Nassr edge out Al-Hazm to extend winning streak

  Al-Hazm showed resilience in the first half as they patiently defended against a more dominant Al-Nassr side. Goalkeeper Bruno Varela made a couple of excellent saves in the first half from Angelo Gabriel and Sadio Mane efforts as the hosts managed to keep a clean sheet until the 25th minute when the league leaders finally broke the deadlock. 

  Ayman Yahya received a long ball from defence and made a run down the left side before sending an inch-perfect cross inside the box. Felix was left unmarked as the Portuguese striker found the back of the net with a clinical header to finally break the deadlock for the visitors. Thereafter, Al-Nassr dominated proceedings in the remainder of the first half as Hazm's priority seemed to be keeping the scoreline at 0-1 until the half-time whistle.

  The hosts, however, bounced back in the second half as they went in search of an equaliser. Al-Nassr, on the other hand, had a quiet start to the second 45 minutes, as they found it difficult to break into the Al-Hazm box, thanks to some compact defending.

  Ronaldo did have some moments in the second half as he tried to feed Kingsley Coman and Mane with a few quality passes but the star-studded Al-Nassr attack failed to add to their tally. The Portugal legend, however, managed to get his name on the scoresheet towards the end of the match as he picked up his 950th career goal from Coman's assist. The move was initiated by Mane, who took a sudden turn near the centre circle and beat his marker before sending a through ball on the right flank for Coman. The Frenchman ran into the box and found Ronaldo with a low cross and the 40-year-old sealed the game with a quality finish from close range. 

  Al-Nassr, who turned 70 a day ago, celebrated their milestone birthday with a comfortable win over Al-Hazm as the Saudi Pro League giants maintained their 100 per cent record in the league.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The MVP

  Felix's purple patch continued in the 2025-26 campaign as he maintained his unbelievable goalscoring form by netting his ninth goal in the Saudi Pro League in only his sixth league appearance for the club on Saturday. With Ronaldo transforming himself into more of a provider, Felix has taken up the role of an out-and-out No.9 and has been delivering consistently for the Saudi giants. 

• The big loser

  Al-Nazm defenders tried their hearts out to keep the star-studded Al-Nassr silent throughout the game and, to some extent, had succeeded as the visitors did not have many positive and looked less lethal than in other matches in the 2025-26 campaign. However, they were caught napping in two crucial moments, which led to Al-Nassr's goals. In a crunch clash like this, there was never any margin of error for the defenders. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐

Northamptonshire lose regular wickets while attempting to build second-innings lead

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-May-2025Northamptonshire 238 and 140 for 6 (Balderson 2-36) lead Lancashire 276 (Harris 121, Hurst 59, Conway 3-48, Procter 3-70) by 102 runsMarcus Harris continued his fine form for Lancashire, recording his third century in nine innings on day two of this Rothesay County Championship match against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.The Australian international extended his tally as county cricket’s leading run-scorer this season to 706 with a magnificent 121 (230 balls) including 18 boundaries, making Northamptonshire pay for a rash of dropped catches.Harris stretched his overnight fourth-wicket partnership with keeper Matty Hurst (59) to 125 after both were dropped off difficult chances on Friday evening, on 28 and 0 respectively. Liam Guthrie’s determined, probing seven-over morning spell accounted for Hurst before Northamptonshire’s fielding again let them down, the slip cordon shelling three chances off his bowling, including Harris on 82.A hostile Luke Procter finally accounted for Harris and saw the Northamptonshire skipper move past 100 first-class wickets for the county before Harry Conway wrapped up the tail. Lancashire closed on 276, taking a first-innings lead of 38.Lancashire’s seamers were relentless on a wicket still offering assistance, with Northamptonshire stumbling to 65 for 4 before rallying. However, a wicket in the final over saw them finish on 140 for 6, the game hanging in the balance.Earlier Hurst pulled Ben Sanderson for four to bring up the 100 partnership with Harris before reaching his own half-century off 94 deliveries. Harris was finding the boundary too, clipping Guthrie behind square and punching Conway through point. Their partnership was finally broken when Hurst chopped a wide ball from Guthrie onto his stumps.Luke Wells was reprieved on 0 when he pushed at a short ball outside off stump from Guthrie only for James Sales to shell a simple catch at first slip.Harris played a sumptuous on drive back past Guthrie for four but flashed at a wide one on 82, the ball flying to Ricardo Vasconcelos at second slip who parried the ball for four. The luckless Guthrie then squared up Wells, but Harrison could not hold onto a low chance at third slip.Sales made amends with the ball, making the breakthrough when Wells steered him straight to Saif Zaib at gully who held a sharp, tumbling catch.Harris, meanwhile, duly advanced to his ton with a backfoot punch through backward point.Procter struck on the stroke of lunch, nipping one back to pin George Balderson lbw and send Lancashire into the interval on 242 for 6 with a narrow four-run advantage. He snared a second soon after the break when Tom Hartley was bowled, playing down the wrong line to another that nipped back.Harris was struck on the head on 117 by a short ball from Procter but recovered to clip him stylishly off his toes through midwicket for four before his near three-hour vigil ended in Procter’s next over, the ball again nipping back to trap him lbw.Conway made short work of the last two wickets, Anderson Phillip and Tom Bailey both failing to catches by a relieved Vasconcelos in the slips.Bailey gave Lancashire a dream start with the ball though, drawing the edge of Vasconcelos’ bat with some late movement, the opener caught behind without scoring. Will Williams then got one to rear up from back of a length to take the splice of George Bartlett’s bat, the ball flying to gully to leave Northamptonshire 19 for 2.Sales joined Procter in a gutsy stand of 42 to erase the deficit before they were parted. Procter edged Philip behind off the back foot before tea, with Sales following soon after the resumption, lbw to Balderson, trying to whip a straight one through midwicket, Northamptonshire now 65 for 4.Rob Keogh and Zaib showed patience as they sought to rebuild, also adding 42, Keogh playing Williams through cover for four to take Northamptonshire past 100 in the 34th over before he departed turning Williams to Harris at short square leg.Zaib (26 not out) however dug in admirably with first-innings half-centurion Lewis McManus, the pair adding 33 for the sixth wicket. Lancashire went into stumps elated though when Balderson had McManus caught behind in the day’s final over.

AC Milan captain Mike Maignan is still yet to sign a contract extension at the San Siro, giving Chelsea or Man United a chance to sign him for free in 2026.

The France number one is classed as one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, and his availability on a free transfer next year is putting Premier League clubs on red alert.

Chelsea have long been after Maignan and attempted to agree a cut-price deal in the summer window.

Enzo Maresca also personally asked Chelsea’s hierarchy to sign a world-class new goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez (Graeme Bailey), with the Blues previously sensing an opportunity to go for Maignan to grant their manager’s wish.

Mike Maignan’s career at AC Milan

Stats

Appearances

168

Bookings

8

Red Cards

1

Goals conceded

172

Clean sheets

63

Minutes played

14,963

via Transfermarkt

However, a major difference in pricing saw Milan refuse to sanction his move to Stamford Bridge, despite the 30-year-old’s eagerness to join them. Chelsea wanted him before their Club World Cup campaign, but snubbed the Rossoneri’s attempts to demand an extortionate fee because of that.

A deal for Maignan ultimately wasn’t revisited before deadline day on September 1, with Max Allegri since captaining the shot-stopper as Milan potentially give him something to think about.

They’re just three points behind Serie A leaders and Italian champions Napoli after three consecutive wins, and if Milan continue in this fashion, who knows, Maignan could be tempted to pen an extension.

In the meantime, though, he is set to leave for free at the end of the season, and reports suggest that Chelsea are ready to offer Maignan a pre-contract in January to end their reliance on Sanchez, who was sent off against Man United last weekend.

Mike Maignan decides whether he wants to join Chelsea or Man United

Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils are also after a reliable keeper, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Maignan wants to join Chelsea next year as things stand.

This comes as an almighty boost for the west Londoners, as Maignan is an arguably unmissable opportunity.

Why Chelsea need to sign Mike Maignan

All Premier League title-winning sides have one thing in common — the presence of a truly commanding star between the sticks.

Chelsea acknowledge that Sanchez has displayed improvements lately, but the jury is out on whether he can still be Maresca’s main point of call if they’re truly serious about ending their long wait for a top flight crown.

Maignan, available at zero cost, is set to become Europe’s most available, high-pedigree keeper next year, with the former Lille favourite possessing years of top-level experience and proven ability.

He’s also highly-rated by his peers, like Liverpool’s Alisson, who recently explained why Maignan is one of the best in the world.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo vai precisar ir ao mercado para contratar um novo treinador. Luís Castro aceitou a proposta do Al-Nassr (SAU), time de Cristiano Ronaldo, para comandar o clube saudita. Agora, resta saber se Textor continuará apostando em um português como técnico do Glorioso.

Botafogo vai precisar buscar técnico: veja treinadores brasileiros sem clube

Botafogo vai ao mercado: confira treinadores estrangeiros livres no mercado

Sendo assim, o Lance! mostra alguns portugueses livres no mercado da bola.

BRUNO LAGE

O treinador de 47 anos está sem clube desde que deixou o Wolverhampton (ING), na última temporada. Na sua carreira, passou por clubes como Benfica (POR), além de Swansea City (ING) e Sheffield Wednesday (ING). A sua principal campanha foi nos Encarnados, onde conquistou o Campeonato Português de 2018-19.

JORGE JESUS

Ex-técnico do Flamengo, o ‘Mister’ tem 68 anos e está livre no mercado desde que deixou o Fenerbahce (TUR). A sua carreira foi praticamente toda no futebol português, dirigindo clubes como Benfica, Sporting e Braga. Passou também no Al Hilal (SAU). No futebol brasileiro, foi campeão da Libertadores, Brasileiro, Carioca e da Recopa com o Flamengo.

PAULO BENTO

O treinador de 54 anos passou pelo Sporting (POR). Depois comandou a própria seleção portuguesa entre as temporadas de 2010 a 2014, comandando Portugal na Eurocopa de 2012. Depois, chegou ao Brasil para dirigir o Cruzeiro, mas não teve muito sucesso. Sua última experiência foi no comando da seleção da Coréia do Sul, quando disputou a Copa do Mundo de 2022.

CARLOS CARVALHAL

Sem clube, o técnico de 57 anos tem experiência em diversos países. Em Portugal, passou por Benfica, Sporting, Rio Ave e Braga. Também tem experiência na Inglaterra, em clubes como Sheffield Wednesday e Swansea.

It is fair to say that it has been an exciting summer for Sunderland since they beat Sheffield United at Wembley to earn promotion to the Premier League.

The Black Cats have not messed about in the summer transfer window, as they have splashed the cash to improve the options at Regis Le Bris’ disposal.

Possibly the most notable addition of the window so far has been the signing of experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £13m.

The Switzerland international has played over 200 games in the Premier League, over 100 matches in the Bundesliga, and over 30 times in the Champions League, per Transfermarkt, and the Black Cats are now on the verge of landing a similarly high-profile signing.

Sunderland set to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Sunderland have reached an agreement to bring Paris Saint-Germain defender Nordi Mukiele to the Stadium of Light.

Transfer Focus

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

The journalist claims that the 27-year-old is now closing in on a move to Wearside with ‘immediate effect’, and notes that he could be reunited with Xhaka after playing alongside him last season.

Fabrizio Romano adds that Mukiele has already said ‘yes’ to a move to Sunderland, which suggests that there may not be many problems with personal terms.

If the Black Cats can get this deal over the line in the coming hours, the club could have an exciting repeat of their Xhaka masterclass on their hands.

Why Mukiele is a Xhaka repeat for Sunderland

The new Sunderland captain arrived to much fanfare as a vastly experienced and well-known name in European football, particularly in England, and Mukiele would be a similar signing.

Although he does not have the same reputation in England, the France international is a well-known name to anyone who has kept up with European football in the past five years or so, as he has starred for RB Leipzig, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayer Leverkusen.

Bundesliga

115

19

Ligue 1

85

4

Champions League

35

5

Ligue 2

34

4

Europa League

7

0

As you can see in the table above, Mukiele has plenty of experience at the top level, with 200 appearances in two of the top five leagues in Europe in his career to date.

Sky Sports contributor Dougie Critchley describes the versatile star, who can play at right-back or centre-back, as a “dominant” defender and a “Champions League level player”, like Xhaka.

These comments and his statistics throughout his career show that Sunderland are on the verge of signing a vastly experienced player who has proven himself on some of the biggest stages in Europe, as was the case when they signed Xhaka from Leverkusen.

Mukiele played 15 times in the Bundesliga for Leverkusen in the 2024/25 campaign and showcased his dominant defensive work by winning 67% of his ground duels and making 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game, as per Sofascore.

This suggests that he will be an aggressive, strong, and experienced option for Le Bris to call upon at right-back or centre-back in the Premier League, given his performances in the German top-flight last term.

His experience at the top level and recent displays in the Bundesliga suggest that he will not be phased by what the Premier League will throw at him week-in-week-out, in the same way that the incredibly experienced Xhaka will be a dependable figure in midfield.

Sunderland could land their own Wirtz with move for "electric" £26m star

Regis Le Bris could soon be handed his very own Florian Wirtz at Sunderland.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 13, 2025

Therefore, this could be another exciting and impressive piece of recruitment work done by the Black Cats in their attempt to build a team that will not look out of their depth in the top-flight.

Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League last season and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

But then INEOS and Ruben Amorim know this, and are acting with the merciless intent of leaders looking to turn a ship around.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have both been plucked from Premier League rivals, reshaping Amorim’s frontline. And now, Benjamin Sesko has completed the set, signing from RB Leipzig for a £74m fee.

He’s one of the most promising young strikers in the game, but might United still plan to complete further business this month as they target a much-needed resurgence?

Man Utd aren't finished yet

Having added Sesko to their frontline, Man United have now crossed the £200m threshold this summer, but there’s more still to come.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba is right at the top of Amorim’s shortlist as he looks for a new centre-midfielder, though he would likely cost in excess of £100m.

And according to TEAMtalk, INEOS could also push forward with a deal for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who could leave the quadruple-winning side this summer.

Donnarumma, 26, is felt to be a more likely signing at this stage than Baleba, with StrettyNews also claiming that talks with the player’s agent are planned to be held this week.

PSG are willing to let the shot-stopper be sold for €30m (£26m) this month, and given the struggles of Andre Onana at Old Trafford last season, it might not be a half-bad idea to push ahead and get this one done.

Why Man Utd want Gianluigi Donnarumma

Under Luis Enrique, PSG dominated European football last season, winning their first Champions League title. Donnarumma played a significant role, with his manager even lauding him as a “titan in goal”.

The Italy international, who has entered the final year of his £212k-per-week contract in Paris, might be an incredible addition to a United team in transition, replacing Onana after the Cameroonian was labelled “useless” by former pro Paul Parker after his error-strewn performances.

It’s for this reason that getting a deal for Donnarumma done might be even more important than signing Sesko was. Though the Slovenia international marks an upgrade on the beleaguered Rasmus Hojlund, who is for sale and linked with a move to AC Milan, the additions of goalscoring wide forwards such as Cunha and Mbeumo add much to Amorim’s attacking line.

And Sesko has much still to learn at number nine. Talented he may be, but the 22-year-old has yet to produce truly clinical results, and the Man United shirt has weighed heavy on many a promising up-and-comer over the past decade.

Donnarumma, meanwhile, is already considered to be “beyond world-class”, as is the view of football commentator Matteo Bonetti, having only conceded 156 goals across 161 matches for the Parisians, keeping 56 clean sheets.

The addition of Sesko may yet prove to be a stunning signing for Man United, but the young striker may well take a bit of time to click into gear and rival the Premier League’s finest forwards.

However, given the nature of Onana’s woes between the sticks last season, and Donnarumma’s undeniable quality as one of the world’s finest shot-stoppers, there’s little question that he could be the defining acquisition of a promising summer transfer window.

Ideal Hojlund replacement: "Monster" CF wants to join Man Utd after Sesko

Manchester United could find a dream replacement for Rasmus Hojlund by signing this striker.

1

By
Dan Emery

Aug 11, 2025