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CRB e Fortaleza se enfrentam neste domingo (9), pelo jogo de volta da final da Copa do Nordeste. O Leão do Pici tem a vantagem por dois gols e CRB precisa buscar o resultado para impedir o tri do Tricolor. A bola vai rolar a partir das 16h30 (de Brasília), no estádio Rei Pelé (AL), com transmissão da ESPN e Star+.

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Clique e assista final da Copa do Nordeste na Star+

Confira todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre CRB e Fortaleza (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
CRB X Fortaleza
Final – Copa do Nordeste
🗓️ Data e horário: domingo, 9 de junho de 2024, às 16:30 (de Brasília);
📍 Local: Estádio Rei Pelé (AL);
📺 Onde assistir: SBT (Nordeste); ESPN e Star+.
🟨 Árbitro: Emerson Ricardo de Almeida (BA);
🚩 Assistentes: Alessandro Álvaro Rocha (BA) e Daniella Coutinho (BA);
🖥️ VAR: Pablo Ramon Gonçalves (RN).

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⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES:

CRB (Técnico: Daniel Paulista)
Matheus Albino, Hereda, Saimon, Fábio Alemão e Matheus Ribeiro; João Pedro, Falcão e Gegê; Facundo Labandeira, Léo Pereira e Anselmo Ramon.

Fortaleza (Técnico: Juan Pablo Vojvoda)
João Ricardo, Brítez, Kuscevic e Titi; Yago Pikachu, Matheus Rossetto, Zé Welison, Moisés e Bruno Pacheco; Lucero e Pochettino.

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Copa do NordesteCRBFortalezaOnde assistirSTARPLUS

The role of a central defender has changed over time, with those at the very top now not just world-class in the air and in a tackle, but also brilliant in possession with the ball at their feet.

The new generation of centre-backs are crucial to their team’s build-up play and, in some cases, pass more than most midfielders, but who is the best in the world at the back at this moment in time?

Ranking factors

To help rank the centre-backs in order, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well a player has been performing Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their team Role – how unique their skillset is Reputation – what others are saying about them 15 Willian Pacho PSG and Ecuador

Willian Pacho has gone from strength to strength after joining PSG from Frankfurt in 2024 and now appears to be a regular at the Parc des Princes.

The Ecuador international is still only 23 years of age and has been described as the ‘wall nobody saw coming’ next to Marquinhos.

The €40m fee PSG paid for Pacho is now looking like a smart piece of business, with the player’s market value already increasing to €65m.

Champions League

2025

Ligue 1

2025

UEFA Super Cup

2025

French Cup

2025

French Super Cup

2025

Belgian Pro League

2023

Belgian Cup

2023

Belgian Super Cup

2023

Copa Sudamericana

2019

Ecuadorian Serie A

2021

14 Antonio Rudiger Real Madrid and Germany

Antonio Rudiger has gone from strength to strength after joining Real Madrid from Chelsea back in 2022, so much so that he was linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.

Over the last 18 months, Rudiger has been praised by Carlo Ancelotti and Mesut Ozil, who have said the German “is playing at his best” and in his “prime”.

However, he has missed the majority of the 2025/26 season so far with a hamstring injury which has dropped him down the rankings.

La Liga

2024

Champions League

2021, 2024

Europa League

2019

FA Cup

2018

Copa del Rey

2023

FIFA Club World Cup

2022, 2023

UEFA Super Cup

2021, 2022, 2024

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

2024

Spanish Super Cup

2024

Confederations Cup

2017

13 Eder Militao Real Madrid and Brazil

Dropping down the list due to serious injuries in recent years is Real Madrid’s Eder Militao. The Brazilian was dubbed the “best in the world” at the back by Carlo Ancelotti in 2023 and has won multiple honours at the Bernabeu since 2019.

At the age of 27, Militao should still have plenty of high-level years ahead of him and will be looking to remain fit over the coming seasons.

Champions League

2022, 2024

La Liga

2020, 2022, 2024

Copa America

2019

Copa del Rey

2023

FIFA Club World Cup

2023

UEFA Super Cup

2022, 2024

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

2024

Spanish Super Cup

2020, 2022, 2024

12 Dayot Upamecano Bayern Munich and France

Transformed into Bayern Munich’s Mr. Reliable under Vincent Kompany has been Dayot Upamecano, who has partnered Kim Min-jae at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has said in 2025 that the Frenchman “has become a leader” who “plays strongly and consistently at a high level.” At the age of 26, Upamecano appears to be entering his prime.

Nations League

2021

Bundesliga

2022, 2023, 2025

Austrian Bundesliga

2016, 2017

Austrian Cup

2016, 2017

German Super Cup

2021, 2022

11 Josko Gvardiol Man City and Croatia

Josko Gvardiol stars as a centre-back and sometimes as a left-back for Man City and Croatia.

Used as a centre-back in the Nations League for his country, Gvardiol turned out centrally under Pep Guardiola in the latter stages of the 2024/25 season, with City winning five out of six Premier League games with the 23-year-old at the heart of the defence.

Premier League

2024

HNL

2020, 2021

FIFA Club World Cup

2024

UEFA Super Cup

2023

DFB-Pokal

2021, 2022

Community Shield

2024

Croatian Cup

2021

Croatian Super Cup

2019

10 Alessandro Buongiorno Napoli and Italy

At the top of his game with a career-high €45m Transfermarkt valuation is Napoli and Italy’s Alessandro Buongiorno.

The 25-year-old is “extraordinary in one-on-one situations” and has been key for Napoli under Antonio Conte, winning the Serie A title in 24/25. Should his rapid rise continue, Buongiorno could climb up this list in years to come.

9 Dean Huijsen Real Madrid and Spain

One of the most in-demand defenders of the 2025 summer transfer window was Dean Huijsen, with Real Madrid winning the race to sign the Spaniard from AFC Bournemouth.

Wanted all across Europe, Huijsen starred in the Premier League after leaving Juventus and Tiago Pinto even said he “will be the best central defender in the world in two years”.

Coppa Italia

2024

8 Marquinhos PSG and Brazil

Paris Saint-Germain icon Marquinhos has been leading a new generation of stars at the Parc des Princes under Luis Enrique and has still remained at an extremely high level himself.

Now 31, Marquinhos continues to be a regular in a young PSG side and even became the first player in the club’s history to start 100 matches for PSG in the Champions League.

Ligue 1

2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Copa America

2019

Champions League

2025

Coupe de France

2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024

Coupe de la Ligue

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020

French Super Cup

2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025

Copa Libertadores

2012

7 Ruben Dias Man City and Portugal

Ruben Dias is coming up to five years as a Man City player and continues to be a regular under Pep Guardiola, with Transfermarkt having the Portugal starvalued at €65m.

Rated as good as Virgil van Dijk by Jamie Carragher 12 months ago, Dias’ displays have dipped slightly at the Etihad in 2024/25, however, there is no denying his quality.

Premier League

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Nations League

2019

Champions League

2023

FA Cup

2023

League Cup

2021

UEFA Super Cup

2023

Community Shield

2024

FIFA Club World Cup

2024

Liga Portugal

2019

Portuguese Super Cup

2020

6 Marc Guehi Crystal Palace and England

Marc Guehi is becoming one of the most in-demand centre-backs in world football after his move to Liverpool from Crystal Palace collapsed in the summer of 2025.

Now a regular for England and starring at Selhurst Park, Guehi is on course to become a free agent in 2026 and is being linked with the biggest clubs in Europe.

It shows just how good Guehi has been under Oliver Glasner, lifting the FA Cup and Community Shield with Palace in 2025.

FA Cup

2025

Community Shield

2025

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move for an exciting winger compared to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, with Arsenal and Barcelona also in the mix.

Mohamed Salah’s struggles this season continued on Sunday afternoon, with the Egyptian largely ineffective in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat away to Manchester City in the Premier League.

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has now even called for the 33-year-old to be dropped by Arne Slot, following a dramatic dropoff from last year’s title-winning brilliance.

“The guy is not giving you anything! You could look at it the other way and say: ‘He’s going to be away for two or three months so we may as well try and figure something out now. Why am I going to wait on a guy who’s giving me nothing? I need to be proactive here. I can’t just sit on my hands and let it happen and hope and pray that all of a sudden somebody waves a magic wand and he becomes the Egyptian King again.’

“I absolutely think he needs to do something and my own person opinion, I would sit him.”

Salah’s form is increasingly showing the importance of Liverpool finding a successor to him, and it looks as though Fofana could be a leading option.

Liverpool keen on signing Malick Fofana

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are tussling Arsenal and Barcelona for the signing of Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who has emerged as one of the most talented young attacking players in Ligue 1.

It is claimed that Barca have made contact with the 20-year-old’s agent over a potential switch, but the Reds and the Gunners are showing the “most interest” in him from the Premier League. He could cost as much £44m, with Lyon refusing to budge on their asking price.

It is easy to see why Liverpool like Fofana so much, with scout Jacek Kulig comparing him to Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, as well as describing him as “magnificent”.

The Belgian is a left winger by trade, so he could be seen as an upgrade or long-term replacement for Cody Gakpo, but he can also shine on the opposite flank, allowing him to provide competition for Salah.

More than Wirtz: £36m Liverpool star is becoming a "serious issue" for Slot

Liverpool were condemned to a fifth defeat in six Premier League matches at the Etihad.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 10, 2025

Fofana has already bagged 17 goals and eight assists in 74 appearances for Lyon, and those numbers should only improve as he matures with his end product.

As bad as Salah: Liverpool flop who lost 100% duels vs. Man City must be on borrowed time

Pink-ball cricket at Adelaide Oval must be the stuff of Starc’s dreams, and today they added up to career-best figures against an opponent that has traditionally had the better of him

Andrew McGlashan06-Dec-2024It was the roar. Mitchell Starc has celebrated plenty of wickets across his decorated career, but it felt as though this one had a bit more meaning than many. The first delivery thudded into Yashasvi Jaiswal’s pad as the left hander played across it and, for the third time in his career, Starc had a wicket with the first ball of a Test match.The last time a wicket fell to the opening delivery of a men’s Test was when Starc extracted Rory Burns’ leg stump with the opening ball of 2021-22 Ashes at the Gabba. That brought a wild celebration, too, but with the context of this match Jaiswal’s wicket was quite the moment. The noise from a yet-to-be-full Adelaide Oval as he departed was something to behold.There has been a lot said and written both during and after the first Test about Australia’s performance; plenty of it has been fair and balanced – it was a defeat of rare proportions on home soil – but there were extreme views and the usual collection of hot takes among it. Alex Carey talked of some surprise at the reaction, Nathan Lyon said he found parts of it humorous. But the bottom line was, Australia needed a quick response.Related

• Stats – Starc gets to Adelaide fifty, Bumrah to 2024 fifty

They could not, therefore, have asked for a better start than removing the batter who had made 161 in the second innings in Perth. Jaiswal had shown his willingness to get into a duel by suggesting to Starc that he wasn’t bowling fast enough, although in the subsequent press conference spoke of his respect for Starc and thrill of facing him. He had, however, begun Perth with a duck courtesy Starc before making his presence felt. It is shaping as one of the battles of the series.For a little while after the early breakthrough, it appeared as though Australia were losing their way. Scott Boland denied himself a first-ball wicket in his first home Tests for two years when he overstepped having removed KL Rahul – in a bizarre twist Snicko suggested there was no nick despite the batter beginning to walk before the no-ball call. Later in the same over, Usman Khawaja spilled a catch at first slip to give Rahul a second life.Mitchell Starc is a pleased bowler, walking off with a career-best 6 for 48•Associated PressIndia reached 69 for 1 by the final half an hour of the session when Starc returned, having Rahul fending into the gully and then drawing Virat Kohli into edging a rising delivery to second slip in a similar manner to his dismissal in the first innings in Perth. Both Kohli and Starc love Adelaide Oval, but it was the latter who took the honours this time. When Boland trapped Shubman Gill lbw with a full delivery, India were 81 for 4 at the dinner break.On the one hand it was no surprise that Starc was Australia’s main man, but on another it went against the grain. He has a phenomenal record in pink-ball Tests – by the end of innings it read 72 wickets at 17.81, including 4 for 53 in the corresponding Test in 2020-21 – but overall against India in Tests it’s been more of a struggle: before today he had 51 wickets at 38.72 and never more than five in a game. They are comfortably the opponents he’s been least productive against.So, in a sense, it was using one of his favourite combinations – Adelaide and the pink ball – to overcome a more stubborn obstacle. He has been in excellent rhythm this season even if he took some punishment during India’s big second innings in the first Test. “I said last week in Perth, I thought he looked as good as he’s looked in a long time,” Ricky Ponting said on .Midway through the second session Starc returned and for the third time in the day and struck in his opening over in a spell when he trapped R Ashwin lbw with a full delivery which swung back (and also caused some damage to Ashwin’s foot). The movement was again on show when he ripped one through Harshit Rana as he continued producing significant shape with a ball 39 overs old.”Ash’s dismissal was a very good example of why he is so effective with the pink ball,” India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said. “He’s someone who presents the seam nicely. He obviously uses that other ball very well in setting up batters. When the ball swings back to a certain degree – a lesser degree – the batters can generally figure it out. But when you’re guessing on both sides, it makes him far more effective.”When Starc closed India’s innings by ending Nitesh Kumar Reddy’s boisterous counterattack it gave him new career-best figures of 6 for 48. It bettered the 6 for 50 he took against Sri Lanka, in Galle, in 2016, which in a neat twist was the first occasion he had taken a wicket with the first ball of a Test. With his Jaiswal wicket, Starc became the second bowler to achieve the feat three times after Pedro Collins, who has the wonderfully quirky distinction of removing the same batter – Bangladesh’s Hannan Sarkar – on each occasion.Scott Boland got among the wickets after Mitchell Starc started the collapse•Getty ImagesIt was also notable that Starc’s best analysis came in his 91st Test. Only two frontline bowlers have achieved a new high watermark later in their careers in terms of matches played: James Anderson in his 128th outing and Glenn McGrath in his 103rd.But while 180 all out looked like a job well done, we’d been here a couple of weeks ago in Perth when India were bowled out for 150 leaving Australia with the final session to bat. That did not go well for the hosts and here they not only had to contend with Jasprit Bumrah, but also the night-time session.The outcome was as good as could have been hoped for. Usman Khawaja edged Bumrah to slip – meaning his form remains a watching brief – but the inexperienced Nathan McSweeney, on his adopted home ground, and the under-pressure Marnus Labuschagne made it through to the stumps.McSweeney, who was dropped on 3 by Rishabh Pant, had been goaded by Rana during the early stages of his innings, which appeared to lure him into a pull that wasn’t far from being dragged on, but he retained his composure impressively beyond that, even when the floodlights twice when out in quick succession. As the final half hour approached, McSweeney slotted away consecutive boundaries against Reddy, and in the closing moments pulled the chirpy Rana for another.A day that started with a roar for Starc, ended with cheers for a local star doing the hard yards to make sure Starc’s work didn’t go to waste. Australia needed a good day; they had an excellent one.

Manchester United’s 15th-place finish in the Premier League last campaign was a glaring example of the mess the club have found themselves in over recent years.

Ruben Amorim was unable to have the desired effect after taking the reins 12 months ago, as seen by their unacceptable standing in England’s top-flight during 2024/25.

However, his side have shown glimpses of their quality over the last few weeks, subsequently enjoying a four-game unbeaten run – the joint best of the manager’s tenure.

Players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have all stepped up and produced goods, with the trio being involved in the vast majority of their recent efforts.

The same can’t be said for one other first-team member, with questions now starting to be asked about his long-term future under Amorim at Old Trafford.

Diogo Dalot’s decline at United in 2025/26

Just a couple of seasons ago, full-back Diogo Dalot would have been one of the first names on the United teamsheet to many supporters – but he’s massively failed to reach such heights in recent months.

Amorim’s arrival saw the wide switch to a 3-4-2-1 system, which placed a huge emphasis on wing-backs who are able to get up and down – allowing for a positive impact at both ends of the pitch.

However, such a formation doesn’t suit the Portuguese international’s playstyle, with the 26-year-old a more defensive option – as seen by his tally of eight goals in 148 appearances.

His latest outing against Nottingham Forest highlighted his lack of impact, featuring for 68 minutes before being the first Red Devils player to be replaced.

His withdrawal was warranted when delving into his underlying stats, with Dalot being unable to complete any of his attempted dribbles or crosses at the City Ground.

The full-back also only managed to win three of the eight duels he entered, often struggling to deal with the threat posed by Reds winger Dan Ndoye on Saturday.

The United star who’s becoming a bigger problem than Dalot

Given their current unbeaten run in the Premier League, it may come as a surprise to many to see numerous players disappoint and fail to contribute to their recent revival.

However, like Dalot, multiple first-team members have come into question for their lack of impact and disappointing showings over the last couple of game weeks.

Patrick Dorgu was once seen as the starting left-back after his £30m switch last January, but he’s since been dropped to the bench and had to settle for substitute appearances in each of the last four games.

The Dane may now be handed his chance to shine in the weeks ahead, especially after the poor performances produced by Dalot during the winning spree.

Benjamin Sesko was just one of the big-money additions made by the Red Devils hierarchy during the summer, forking out a staggering £74m to RB Leipzig for the centre-forward’s signature.

The Slovenian arrived with huge expectations at Old Trafford after netting 21 goals across all competitions last season, but it’s safe to say he’s yet to reach such heights in the Premier League.

He may have already netted twice in his first 11 appearances, but like Dalot, he failed to deliver and has now gone three games without a goal after scoring two in a row.

Sesko’s showing against Forest last weekend was yet another to forget, as he only registered 21 touches of the ball – the fewest of any player on the pitch.

He also only managed to complete nine passes and lost 100% of the duels he entered – leading to one analyst labelling his showing against Sean Dyche’s side as “anonymous”.

Benjamin Sesko – stats against Forest
Statistics	Tally
Minutes played	90
Touches	21
Passes completed	9
Duels lost	100%
Shots on target	0
Possession lost	7x
Dribbles completed	0
Chances created	0
Stats via FotMob

The 22-year-old’s lack of impact was highlighted in his inability to direct any of his efforts on target, subsequently failing to provide the clinical edge Amorim requires in front of goal.

Whilst he’s shown glimpses of his quality to date, it’s clear he’s lacking confidence in attacking areas, which no doubt will be a huge concern to the manager.

Given the amount spent on his signature, many will have been expecting a rapid start to life at Old Trafford, but up to now it’s not meant to be, with Sesko needing to find his feet quickly to avoid being the next in a long line of failed signings at United.

Casemiro isn't the only Man Utd star who has saved his career under Amorim

Manchester United drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 1, 2025

The Mets and Rangers pulled off the first blockbuster trade of the MLB offseason on Sunday, as the two sides are swapping expensive, big-name players to fill needs.

ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan reports New York and Texas are finalizing a deal that would send infielder Marcus Semien to Queens in exchange for outfielder Brandon Nimmo. It’s a deal that seemingly came out of nowhere, as neither player was considered a prime trade candidate this winter.

The additions will mark big changes to each team’s lineup. Here’s a look at what each team is getting and who came out on the better end of the deal.

Mets Acquire: Marcus Semien

The Mets got older with this deal, but filled a pretty massive hole in the infield. Jeff McNeil has underperformed since signing a four-year, $50 million deal before the 2023 season. He isn’t unusable at second base, but Semien could represent a marked improvement at the position.

Semien is coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons at the plate, but he has more upside than McNeil, and is a far better defender. The 35-year-old won his second Gold Glove in 2025.

The issue here is Semien’s bat, which has gone quiet since he won a Silver Slugger while leading the Rangers to a World Series title in 2023. During that season, he slashed .276/.348/.478, with 29 home runs, 100 RBIs, a wRC+ of 128, and tied a career-high with 6.5 fWAR. In the two seasons since, he has failed to top a .700 OPS.

In 2025, Semien slashed .230/.305/.364, with 15 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a full-season career-low wRC+ of 89 in 127 games. He produced 2.1 fWAR, but most of that came from his exceptional defense at second base, where he had seven outs above average.

Semien just turned 35, and still has three seasons remaining on the seven-year, $175 million deal he signed with the Rangers in December of 2021. He’s under contract through 2028 and will make $26 million in each of the next two seasons, before making $20 million in the final year.

The Mets desperately wanted to improve defensively this offseason. This deal did this. But they’ll need Semien’s bat to improve, or he’ll just be an expensive, aging contract. The good news is, they moved off of Nimmo’s deal, which will make room for Semien’s, and have several different paths to replacing Nimmo in the outfield.

Grade: B-

Rangers Acquire: Brandon Nimmo

Texas had an aging roster with a lot of money committed to a few players. Semien, Corey Seager, Jacob deGrom, and Nathan Eovaldi were all set to make more than $25 million in 2026. The team is looking to cut payroll. While this deal takes on more long-term money, it cuts the yearly bill down while adding a power bat to the outfield, something sorely needed.

Nimmo has played his entire career for the Mets, and his best full season came in 2022, when he slashed .274/.367/.433, with 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, 102 runs scored, and a 132 wRC+. That 5.5 fWAR season earned him an eight-year, $162 million deal from New York. The former first-round pick has been a solid contributor, but hasn’t quite hit that high since.

In 2025, he slashed .262/.324/.436, with career-highs in home runs (25), and RBIs (92), and a 114 wRC+. Thanks to average to below-average defense in left field, his fWAR was only 3.0. He’s a corner outfielder-only at this point, and his value will largely come from his bat moving forward.

Nimmo is owed $102.5 million over the next five seasons, but at $20.5 million per year, the Rangers will actually save money over the next three years.

After the Rangers non-tendered Adolis Garcia on Friday, they had an opening in the outfield alongside Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter. Texas needed to save money and find a solid outfield bat to fill that role.

Perhaps a knock-on effect of this deal is that moving Semien opens a spot on the infield—and top prospect, shortstop Sebastian Walcott, is almost big league ready. This could be the move that gets him to the majors.

Grade: B

Harry Kane has directly responded to reports linking him with a transfer to Barcelona. The England captain has also revealed that talks over a new Bayern Munich contract are yet to begin, at least raising the possibility that his career could take another step, but he insists there is no reason for fans in Bavaria to be worried about an imminent departure.

• Bayern contract talks yet to begin

  Kane has responded to links with Barcelona while admitting that formal talks with Bayern Munich about extending his current deal have yet to begin.

  "I haven't had any contact with anyone, nobody has contacted me," he told . "I feel very comfortable in the current situation, even though we haven't yet discussed my situation with Bayern."

  Crucially, from a Bayern perspective, he added: "There's no rush. I'm really happy in Munich. You can see that in the way I'm playing. If there's contact, then we'll see. But I'm not thinking about the new season yet. First up is the World Cup in the summer. And it's very unlikely that anything will change after this season."

  His response to a question on whether Bayern fans should worry was: "I don't think so."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Barcelona eye Lewandowski's successor

  Kane has been heavily linked with Barcelona as the Catalans weigh up a potential future without Robert Lewandowski, who is out of contract at the end of this season and will turn 38 in August.

  Barcelona have enjoyed tremendous success by putting their faith in the veteran Pole, even at this late stage of his career, and could try to replicate that model with Kane, himself 33 in July.

  The former Tottenham Hotspur star is believed to have a release clause in his Bayern contract set at €65 million ($75m/£57m). It makes Kane eminently affordable in this market and could secure the No.9 position at Barcelona for the next three or four years. The only catch is that the clause has to be activated by Kane himself, obviously requiring him to be at least a little unsure about his future in Munich, and it needs to be done by the end of January.

  Local reports in Barcelona have claimed that Kane is "considering" the idea.

• Kane's consistent message about Bayern

  Kane has openly said multiple times how happy he has been, and continues to be, with Bayern.

  "I've said throughout my whole career, I'm not someone who likes to think too far ahead. I'm extremely happy here," he told in April of this year.

  "I think we have a fantastic team, fantastic coaching staff and I just feel like whilst I feel like I'm in the best condition, I wanna play at the highest level possible, and this is as high as it gets, So I know a lot can change in football in a short space of time and things can happen, but ultimately my focus is here. I'm not thinking about any other league or any other team. And with football, I like to just go the flow and at the moment the flow is here at Bayern Munich."

  Just last month, Kane told the that he considers Bayern his "second home". 

  He said: "We've got a great chance for all the trophies this year. Whenever you start a season with Bayern, you're favourites. We haven't had great cup runs since I've been here so we want to try and put that right. Then in the Champions League, it's still early stages but ultimately it's about trying to win the competition. And going into the World Cup, you want to be at your best.

  "Bayern are known around Europe every year as one of the best and one of the favourites to win the Champions League. I wanted to test myself at that level and I’ve loved it on and off the pitch. It feels like my second home now. I'm enjoying every moment of it and hopefully it continues."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Barcelona need urgent decision from Kane

  Given Kane's comments about being happy where he is, it doesn't give Barcelona the best chance. That could feasibly change if Bayern contract talks aren't forthcoming, although his current terms don't run out until 2027 and, like the player himself said, there is "no rush" on that front.

  Conversely, Barcelona need it to be a rush because of the deadline in the release clause activation. But whether there is enough time for that when Kane's mind is firmly on the remainder of the season with Bayern and then the summer's World Cup with England, feels unlikely.

Lalit Rajbanshi, who missed the Top End T20 series in Australia, is also back in the side

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Sep-2025Nepal have recalled allrounder Mohammad Aadil Alam and middle-order batter Sundeep Jora for the historic three-match T20I series against West Indies in the UAE later this month. This will be Nepal’s first bilateral series against a Full Member.Alam last played for Nepal in August 2022, and Jora in June 2024. Rohit Paudel will lead the squad, which was announced last week; Dipendra Singh Airee will be his deputy. The bowling attack will revolve around legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane. Left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi, who missed the Top End T20 series in Australia last month, is also back in the side.”We are confident and positive,” Paudel said. “The last two years of exposure playing against Test nations has also brought good experience, and the team is balanced with the presence of Jora and Aadil Alam.”Related

Five uncapped players in Akeal Hosein-led WI squad

In April 2024, West Indies A had toured Nepal for a five-match T20 series, which they won 3-2. For the upcoming series, West Indies have included five uncapped players in their squad, and will be led by Akeal Hosein.The series starts on September 27, with all three games to be played in Sharjah. After that, Nepal will head to Oman for the Asia and East-Asia Pacific Qualifier for the 2026 T20 World Cup.Nepal squad for West Indies T20IsRohit Paudel (capt), Dipendra Singh Airee (vice-capt), Aasif Sheikh (wk), Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Lokesh Bam, Kushal Malla, Mohammad Adil Alam, Aarif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulsan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sompal Kami, Shahab Alam

What were you doing at 18 years old? Lamine Yamal is lighting up the world stage and gradually marching towards football’s throne left behind by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He is the most talented star that Barcelona’s La Masia academy has uncovered since Messi and could be about to use that stardom to move into a stunning £12.5m mansion.

It seems a matter of when and not if Yamal will win the Ballon d’Or. The teenager finished as high as second in the 2025 competition, with Ousmane Dembele’s Champions League win with Paris Saint-Germain enough to give him the edge.

In 2026, however, Yamal could become the youngest-ever player to win the coveted award. And if recent months are anything to go by, European football will be well aware of the winger’s place at the top.

He recently stole the headlines in controversial fashion once again. This time, it was rivals Real Madrid who were left angered when Yamal seemed to suggest that their players rob and moan ahead of the El Clasico. In the end, it was those at the Bernabeu who got the last laugh as Madrid secured a 2-1 victory and the teenager failed to score or assist.

Thrust into the headlines at just 18 years old, it’s no real surprise that Yamal hasn’t acted with the greatest maturity at times. Like most top players, that will come with age – especially under a manager like Hansi Flick.

In the meantime, the world will continue to stay at his feet and his €17m-a-year (£15m) pay cheque will continue to arrive as he sets his sights on a stunning mansion.

Inside Lamine Yamal's potential £12.5m mansion

In a recent Instagram post, Yamal seemed to confirm plans to buy a £12.5m mansion which was previously owned by popstar Shakira and former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. The stunning property initially featured three separate buildings when built in 2012, spreading across 3,800 square feet.

It included both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, private tennis courts and a recording studio used by Shakira, but has been up for sale since Pique and the singer split in 2022. Now, although one of the smaller buildings has been sold following an initial £12.5m market listing, Yamal could land the mansion for £9.5m.

Reports have suggested that the Barcelona star plans to move into the property with his cousin and a close friend, before renovating it to his own lifestyle.

Other reports have claimed that the mansion includes six bedrooms, five bathrooms and a view which looks over the Mediterranean. So, all in all, it’s fair to say that Yamal can’t have many complaints.

It’s another string to the bow of football’s next biggest star, who is wasting no time before spending the money gained from his recent Barcelona contract. Although, it does remain to be seen whether he puts Shakira’s recording studio to use…

Where Yamal ranks in 2026 Ballon d'Or Power Rankings

Newcastle United have a tough run of fixtures to contend with for the rest of November, before the bumper Christmas schedule weighs heavily on the calendar.

Indeed, the up-and-down Magpies have a tricky home clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City up next, as Eddie Howe no doubt worries already as to how his porous defence will deal with a free-flowing Erling Haaland.

Then, it’s back-to-back away fixtures at Marseille and Everton in the Champions League and Premier League, with Howe, presumably, under even more intense pressure if he fails to pick up a win or two across this stretch of contests.

Far too many players Howe has relied on over the years have failed to deliver the goods across recent matches, with many of those underperformers also falling into the high earners bracket at St James’ Park.

Assessing Newcastle's current wage bill

Newcastle’s highest earner currently continues to lead by example for the most part in club captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Understandably, during losses on the road against West Ham United and Brentford, the Brazilian wasn’t at his liveliest.

But, the £160k-per-week “talisman” – as he has been recently labelled by Michael Carrick – does still have three goals next to his name this season, when bailing his topsy-turvy side out of some sticky situations, which included this wonderfully taken strike breaking the deadlock against Nottingham Forest last month in a much-needed 2-0 win.

The same adoration isn’t being extended to Joelinton and Anthony Gordon – who both take home a hefty £150k-per-week pay packet – with the pair notably struggling in league action this season. Neither player has scored a single goal or registered an assist from a combined 16 Premier League outings.

Thankfully, Nick Woltemade has lived up to his club-record £69m price tag, and his high £132.5k-per-week wage, on the contrary, with four league goals already next to his name.

There will be some grumbles about Anthony Elanga’s £55m fee and £100k-per-week wage, though, with the ex-Manchester United attacker dubbed a “massive overpay” by analyst Raj Chohan, with the Swede yet to show off his exhilarating best on the wings. He remains goalless so far on Tyneside.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The likes of Elanga and Gordon are not the only players being hounded.

A "legendary" star must be ditched by Newcastle

Elanga will also surely have the benefit of patience on his side, with the 23-year-old only 17 games down for his new employers. In time, the hope will be that the expensive £55m purchase does come good.

Whereas, in the case of Joe Willock, the peak of his Newcastle career looks to be very firmly behind him now, with his drop-off in form on Tyneside a very concerning tale.

Towards the start of his Newcastle playing days, Willock perform the role of a bright spark in front of goal from the midfield ranks expertly, much like Guimaraes now provides Howe and Co.

Staggeringly, he scored in seven straight Premier League matches during his initial loan spell from Arsenal during the 2020/21 season, as Willock lived up to Mikel Arteta’s words of being a “special” talent.

Ex-Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell even went as far as to state that Willock had achieved “legendary stats” at St James’ Park with this unbelievable goalscoring run, further hailing the number 28 as “god-like” to the Tyneside masses.

Games played

133

Goals scored

10

Assists

9

Transfer fee

£25m

Wage per week

£80k-per-week

Willock has, arguably, become a victim of his own successes at Newcastle, with the former Arsenal midfielder only managing to cough up two more goals across 133 games, away from exploding onto the scene with a breakneck eight goals during his first 14 outings.

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has simply labelled the 26-year-old as a major “disappointment” over the past couple of seasons, with only 100 minutes of Premier League action handed his way this campaign, really bringing into view his lavish £80k-per-week wage.

Wildly, that means summer arrival Malick Thiaw earns less than Willock, despite being an ever-present part of Howe’s defensive unit in the Premier League so far this season, with the German only banking a £70k-per-week salary.

It’s far from the most uplifting story seeing the decline of Willock in real time, but if Howe is to turn around his side’s fortunes right now, he will have to consider shelving the EFL Cup-winning midfielder for good very soon, alongside other previous regulars who have now fallen off the horse.

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