David Alaba has regained full fitness after overcoming an injury nightmare and is now prepared to fight for a regular place in the Real Madrid starting lineup under Xabi Alonso. The Austrian defender no longer wants to be the team's fifth-choice centre-back behind Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio after working so hard to get back on the pitch.
Alaba's injury-plagued Madrid journey
Since joining Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2021, Alaba has frequently been sidelined due to a series of muscular and hamstring injuries. The situation worsened for him in December 2023 when the experienced centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. The injury kept him out of action for more than a year, and since then, he has faced a frustrating succession of muscle and knee issues, including a recent meniscus tear that forced him to miss the Club World Cup in the summer.
The constant setbacks have led to Alaba falling in the pecking order in the Madrid backline, as players like Asencio emerged from the youth team, while the club spent heavily to sign Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window.
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Light at the end of long tunnel
So far in the 2025-26 campaign, Alaba has featured in only three matches for Alonso's side, a start against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League and cameo appearances in La Liga fixtures against Real Sociedad and Levante, where he clocked only 10 minutes on the pitch. However, in the October international break, Alaba played for 153 minutes in the two World Cup qualifiers Austria played against San Marino and Romania.
reports that the 33-year-old is finally feeling 'himself' again and is now prepared to fight for a place in Alonso's starting lineup alongside the rest of Madrid's centre-backs. He has trained normally for the last two months like any other first-team squad member and physically, he is at his best. The report also adds that the former Bayern star has come back from the international break with a lot of confidence and in the dressing room, his hunger is visible. With Rudiger out of action at least until the next international break, Alaba will be hoping to be re-integrated into the starting lineup.
'I'd be able to play 90 minutes'
In September, Alaba opened up about his condition and his recovery from the injury setback. In an interview with , he said: "I feel very good and have made good progress in the last few months. I think I'd be able to play 90 minutes for the national team right now. don't know if it would make sense. The next few games will show how it is. In the last few weeks, I had to go through a certain process to be fit to play again. The process isn't over yet; the next steps will come with the games. My goal is to play games, to be on the pitch."
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Alaba into final year of his contract
Alaba was strongly linked with a move away from the Spanish giants during the summer transfer window. Serie A side Fiorentina were reportedly plotting a move to sign the Austria international, while he also had offers from the Saudi Pro League. However, Alaba eventually decided to stay put and fulfil his contract, which runs until the summer of 2026.
reported ahead of the new season that Alonso was reportedly planning to incorporate Alaba into a new role in his system that would guarantee him regular game time. The Spaniard, who played alongside Alaba at Bayern Munich, was considering deploying the 33-year-old in a more advanced role in the midfield, a position he played on occasion at Allianz Arena.
Los Blancos are back in action in La Liga on Sunday as they take on Getafe away from home. Following the away fixture, they are scheduled to host Juventus in a key Champions League clash in midweek, before they start preparing for the first Clasico of the season against arch-rivals Barcelona on October 26, and Alaba will be aiming for a healthy chunk of minutes.
Manchester United have been here before. And they are here again. Ruben Amorim was brought in from Sporting Lisbon to replace the floundering Erik ten Hag but his Red Devils side have sunk to a new low since his appointment.
Sunday’s chastening defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad kept United in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
It is, in fairness, just four matches into the new season, but with Chelsea travelling to Old Trafford next weekend and no European football on the cards, it’s crucial that an upswing is made and quickly.
Already dumped from the Carabao Cup by League Two’s Grimsby Town, United haven’t quite collapsed this term but they do need to right the wrongs, especially since Amorim’s win percentage is the lowest of any manager at the club in 80 years.
After finishing 15th last season and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, the summer transfer window felt crucial, but much has been left to be desired.
Man United's missed summer targets
Man United did address a series of issues in the summer transfer market, welcoming Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, arguably the Premier League’s two standout forwards beneath the Champions League zone last season.
However, INEOS failed to sign a centre-midfielder, and scrambled to replace Rasmus Hojlund at number nine, eventually landing on Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, signing him for a £74m fee.
Sesko ghosted throughout United’s recent drubbing by Man City, and while the talent is undeniable, it’s clear there’s much work to be done.
Does Amorim have the time on his side to nurture the Slovenian’s skillset over the coming months, years?
The deadline day signing of goalkeeper Senne Lammens adds further cause for optimism, with Andre Onana now gone, but Altay Bayındır stood between the sticks against Pep Guardiola’s side, still trusted despite his wobbles, two years on from his £4m move from Feyenoord in Turkey.
Lammens and Sesko are both 23, and both first-teamers might bloom into superstars at Old Trafford.
However, Amorim needs a fast turnaround, and he may well be frustrated that his side didn’t manage to sign two of their biggest targets instead of the developing talents.
Amorim wanted his own Donnarumma and Haaland at United
Both of those targets, coincidentally, remain at Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez.
At the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Martinez bid farewell to Villa Park. Teary-eyed, the distinguished shot-stopper appeared to be gearing up for a move away, and Man United were heavily linked.
But it wasn’t to be, with United opting to settle for Bayindir and sign Lammens instead. Thus, the Argentina hero is staying in the Midlands.
No doubt, Amorim has got his hands on an exciting up-and-comer, but Martinez is “genuinely world-class”, as said by Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell, and has 198 Premier League appearances and a World Cup gold medal to his name.
The 32-year-old’s distribution is good, but it’s his shot-stopping and command in the box that draws the plaudits. With Gigi Donnarumma standing in the opposing box at the weekend – another United summer transfer target – it’s perhaps frustrating to some that an established keeper has not been welcomed to Amorim’s project.
Watkins might also have been a top-class addition. The 29-year-old isn’t on the level of the finest striker in the league, the brace-bagging Erling Haaland, but he’s certainly got the skills to lead the line with confidence at Man United, actually described as “one of the best 9s in the world” by Statman Dave.
The England striker was reportedly really keen on joining Man United this summer, but ultimately, that wasn’t the track INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe headed down.
One that got away
The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast’s One That Got Away series.
Still, a powerful runner with sharp intelligence and silky link-up play, Watkins could have been an invaluable addition to this United side, certainly bearing the experience and know-how to have made more of himself against City, whereas Sesko let the game pass him by.
Players like Haaland and Donnarumma make up the benchmark for a team like Amorim’s United, chasing something greater than they’ve achieved in recent years.
But it’s easier said than done, and there’s little to suggest that the signings made have what it takes to propel the club back into the ascendancy with the speed that is required.
Gigi Donnarumma and Erling Haaland
Man United’s strategy has been tailored toward a new emphasis on Prem-proven players, and though they haven’t clicked into gear yet, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have both shown flashes of brilliance so far this season; they look well-oiled and comfortable within the English game.
Sesko is a raw striker, and that’s why Jason Wilcox and co may be kicking themselves for failing to sign someone like Watkins. Older the Three Lions star may be, but he knows his game inside and out, and he’s a high-level goalscorer.
Watkins’ Premier League Career
Season
Apps
Goals (assists)
24/25
38
16 (8)
23/24
37
19 (13)
22/23
37
15 (6)
21/22
35
11 (2)
20/21
37
14 (5)
Data via Sofascore
Viktor Gyokeres is the same, and did so well under Amorim’s wing at Sporting Lisbon. You can certainly see why the Portuguese tactician wanted to sign him this summer.
Ultimately, United have to cope with the options at their disposal, and while the likes of Lammens and Sesko have plenty of potential yet untapped, there’s no denying that this was not a season that could afford a transitional period.
Instant results are still expected, and Martinez and Watkins, both so accomplished in the Premier League, might have proved the icing on the cake to achieve that.
Man Utd have two players to blame for Sesko's nightmare first start
Benjamin Sesko was an isolated figure during his first start for Manchester United.
Leeds United’s summer rebuild is gathering pace, and it could soon involve a high-profile departure from one of their Premier League rivals.
It has been reported that Leeds and Daniel Farke are preparing a formal offer for Everton striker Beto, in a deal expected to cost between £20–22m.
The Guinea-Bissau international, who joined the Toffees from Udinese last summer for €25m (£21m), is now set to leave after a behind-the-scenes fallout.
Sources suggest manager David Moyes has been left unimpressed by Beto’s attitude during pre-season.
While Everton will sanction a sale, they will not do so without lining up a replacement.
Beto’s departure would leave a void up front for the Merseyside club, but it could open the door for a fascinating tactical development at Leeds.
Farke already boasts new signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who spurned interest from Sunderland to join the 49ers-owned project, but the club wants a second striker who can both complement and compete with the England international.
And it’s here where a certain Greek international could come into play.
Leeds targeting another striker after Calvert-Lewin
According to BBC Sport, Fotis Ioannidis, the 25-year-old Panathinaikos striker, has emerged as another leading target, with the Yorkshire side closely tracking the player amid their bid to bolster the centre-forward ranks.
FotisIoannidis
The Greek forward stands at 1.87m, slightly shorter than Beto but with a more rounded technical skill set.
He has been capped 17 times by his national team, scoring six goals, and has built a reputation in Greece as a “complete” centre-forward, as per analyst Ben Mattinson.
Over his Panathinaikos career, he has netted 51 goals and registered 15 assists in 188 games, including four strikes in last season’s Europa Conference League.
The player is also attracting interest from Norwich City, Sporting Lisbon, and Porto, underlining his growing reputation.
Why Ioannidis could outshine Beto & thrive with Calvert-Lewin
For all of Beto’s physical attributes – 1.94m tall, 5.81 aerials won per 90, and a 46.9% shot accuracy – his spell in England has been marked by inconsistency.
In 60 league appearances for Everton, he has scored just 11 goals.
While his eight strikes in 30 games last season suggest improvement, his game remains limited when it comes to interplay and creating for others.
Beto – PL record
Stat (*per game)
23/24
24/25
Games
30
30
Goals
3
8
Big chances missed
8
12
Goal frequency
324min
193min
Assists
0
0
Big chances created
3
2
Key passes*
0.4
0.4
Total duels won*
44%
44%
Possession lost*
5.3
8.1
via Sofascore
Ioannidis, by contrast, offers a more complementary skill set to Calvert-Lewin.
The former Everton man is at his best when receiving service into the box or operating as a focal point for crosses, using his strength and leaping ability to dominate in the air.
To maximise his output, he needs a partner who can stretch defences horizontally, combine in tight spaces, and carry the ball into dangerous areas.
Fotis Ioannidis
Ioannidis fits that mould.
Where Beto offers aerial dominance (ranking in the 97th percentile for aerials won per 90), Ioannidis brings more intelligent link-up play and positional versatility.
His movement allows him to drop deep, combine with midfield runners, and create space for a partner – attributes that could prove invaluable alongside a target man like Calvert-Lewin.
According to FBref, Beto outshoots Ioannidis (2.87 shots per 90 compared to 2.13), but the Greek forward’s higher involvement in build-up phases and his intelligent off-ball runs suggest he would allow Calvert-Lewin to remain central, rather than drifting wide to link play himself.
That could be the key to Leeds getting the most out of their marquee forward signing. And this isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about the fit.
Leeds’ Championship dominance last season was built on fluid attacking movements, rapid transitions, and a willingness to commit players forward.
In the Premier League, they will face more organised, physically imposing defences, making quick combinations and creative runs even more essential.
Ioannidis’ ability to operate between the lines could be the tactical tweak that helps Farke’s men bridge the gap in quality.
The financial element also plays a role. At a market value of €15m £13m), as per Transfermarkt, Ioannidis would cost significantly less than Beto’s original fee, allowing Leeds to invest in other key areas.
Beto scoring for Everton.
That value could rise sharply if he adapts quickly to English football, making him a potential long-term asset rather than a short-term gamble.
If the move happens, it would also carry symbolic weight.
Leeds’ return to the top flight has already been marked by ambition – the arrival of Calvert-Lewin, the free transfer of Lukas Nmecha, and continued pursuit of talents like Noah Okafor and Manor Solomon signal intent.
With Everton set to visit Elland Road on the opening weekend, there is a subplot in the making.
Beto could be lining up in white rather than blue – or perhaps not at all – while his potential replacement is unveiled as the man to lead the line alongside Calvert-Lewin.
Should the Greek forward adapt as well as Leeds’ recruitment team believes, this could be the start of a formidable partnership.
Calvert-Lewin’s aerial power and hold-up play, paired with Ioannidis’ mobility and link-up ability, would give Leeds a blend of physical presence and tactical intelligence few Premier League sides could match.
For Farke, who has shown a willingness to tweak his system to suit his personnel, it could be the difference between another fight for survival and a push towards mid-table respectability.
And for Leeds fans, who have seen enough false dawns in recent years, it might finally be a strike duo worth getting excited about.
West Bromwich Albion could be set for a dramatic finish to the window and have now put forward a loan bid for a talented attacker who could bolster their wide areas.
West Brom earn impressive victory at Stoke City
Continuing their impressive league start, the Baggies earned a valuable 1-0 victory over Stoke City to move second in the EFL Championship standings courtesy of a Nat Phillips effort early on in proceedings.
Ryan Mason has bred some early optimism that a positive campaign could be on the horizon at the Hawthorns, and sought to lavish praise on West Brom’s match-winner for his solid defensive display at the bet365 Stadium.
Tottenham's Ryan Mason
He stated: “Obviously he scored the winner but probably more importantly, in our defensive box as well. He was outstanding, the sort of performance you get when you bring in a man ready to compete.
“He was mature and led by example but Chris alongside him was outstanding as well. He’s had one training session and a performance like that makes me very happy.”
While Toby Collyer impresses behind the scenes, it remains to be seen if the Baggies will dip into the transfer market before the close of play, and who could be next to walk through the door after Chris Mepham’s arrival from Bournemouth.
Building on positive momentum by striking while the iron is hot will be at the top of West Brom’s agenda ahead of Monday’s deadline, where incomings and outgoing are expected to freshen things up for the bulk of a long campaign.
Now, Mason could be about to put that into practice as his side court a star who has previously been bought for a sizeable amount due to his potential.
West Brom submit late loan bid for Samuel Iling-Junior
According to The Express & Star, West Brom have submitted a late loan bid for Aston Villa star Samuel Iling-Junior and retain optimism that they can sign the England Under-21 international before the deadline passes.
Capable of featuring out wide or at wing-back, the 21-year-old spent time on loan at Bologna and Middlesbrough last season, registering three goals and two assists in 32 appearances.
West Brom gem fans have barely seen is wowing Ryan Mason behind the scenes
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ByCallum Kemp Aug 22, 2025
Brought to the West Midlands for over £14 million in 2024, Iling-Junior won 69 duels in the Championship last term, per Fotmob, and appears to have been identified as an alternative to Tom Fellows after the latter joined Southampton.
Seeking reinforcements to strengthen their promotion bid, West Brom could offer the youngster a platform to fulfil his undoubted potential, though it remains to be seen whether he would be utilised as a defender or in a more advanced role should an agreement be found.
Everton are “plotting” a move for a “highly-rated” young talent in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update from journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Moyes demanding more from Everton ahead of new season
The Blues lost 1-0 at home to Roma at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with more fans given the chance to see their impressive new ground. Everton manager David Moyes was far from delighted after the game, however, wanting improvements heading into the new Premier League season, even though he was full of praise for certain new signings and the stadium.
“First half, I thought we were OK but we didn’t play well enough in the second half. We missed a couple of opportunities to get in front; we didn’t take them. We have got a lot to do, haven’t we? I thought Kiernan done well. I thought he gave us some quality, and we could see the difference in his level. Some of the things he did was very good. Really pleased with that part.
“I thought Thierno Barry had moments as well. It’s a brilliant football ground, it’s a great stadium, and hopefully it gets a chance to see some really good players and teams in the future.”
More business between now and September 1st will allow Everton to grow further as a team, with right-back an area of the pitch that needs reinforcements, and a potential addition has been linked with a move there.
Everton eyeing move for "highly-rated" defender
According to Football Insider’s O’Rourke on X, Everton are now “plotting” a move for Norwich City right-back Kellen Fisher this summer.
Not a huge amount may be known about Fisher amongst Blues supporters, but he is a young player who has already blossomed at Norwich, starting 34 out of 46 Championship matches last season, and featuring as a substitute at home to Millwall over the weekend.
Appearances
38
Starts
34
Minutes played
2707
Clearances per game
1.7
Tackles per game
1.6
Yellow cards
10
Goals
0
Assists
4
Pass completion rate
88.3%
Not only that, but the 21-year-old registered four league assists in 2024/25, which is more than any Blues defender managed in the Premier League, with midfielder Dwight McNeil (six) the only player to bag more than him.
This highlights the attacking quality that Fisher could provide from right-back, and his age means that Everton would be signing a long-term prospect who should only go from strength to strength.
Shades of Barkley: Big-money "magician" now "in agreement" to join Everton
Everton could soon sign a new playmaker who possesses shades of Ross Barkley’s exciting game.
ByKelan Sarson Aug 11, 2025
For too long, the Blues have had ageing starters at right-back, from Seamus Coleman to Ashley Young, and it is important that Moyes now focuses more on youth.
Pakistan will turn up with just one fast bowling option in Aamer Jamal
Danyal Rasool14-Oct-2024
Kamran Ghulam will make his Test debut on Tuesday•PCB
Pakistan have ripped up their home template ahead of the second Test starting Tuesday, naming three specialist spinners in their starting XI alongside seam bowling allrounder Aamer Jamal. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, legspinner Zahid Mahmood and offspinner Sajid Khan have all been called up in a radical shift away from the green-top seaming tracks Pakistan have recently said they aspire to produce at home.Part of this has been borne of necessity, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah have both been released from the squad for fitness or form reasons, and England’s batters, at any rate, appeared supremely untroubled against Pakistan’s pace battery for large parts.However, with Pakistan going through a dearth of quality spin bowling of late combined with their frontline spinner Abrar Ahmed ending up in hospital during the first Test, the decision to double down on spin remains a remarkable turnaround. Just two months earlier in Rawalpindi, against Bangladesh, Pakistan had contentiously fielded an all-seam attack, pointing at least in part to sort of pitches they had asked for at home.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
With Pakistan’s first class-season yet to begin, none of the three incoming spinners has the sort of recent red-ball experience that would be useful with a challenge as formidable as this England side. Noman last played a first-class game in October 2023, while Mahmood and Sajid have not played one since January this yearKamran Ghulam will make his debut to replace Babar Azam, who was released from the squad after an extended run of poor form. The batting line-up is otherwise unchanged, with Jamal at eight continuing to give them the security of batting depth Pakistan have desired. However, it also means he is the only seam bowler in the side, potentially placing a huge bowling responsibility on his shoulders should conditions appear partial to seam at any stages in this Test.If captain Shan Masood (or Mohammad Rizwan) doesn’t roll his arm over in Multan, it will be the first time that Pakistan will have only one pace-bowling option in a men’s Test.ESPNcricinfo has learnt there was a spirited debate among the selection committee members about the final composition of the squad, which had not been announced when assistant coach Azhar Mahmood came out for the pre-match press conference. He even acknowledged the reason for the delay in the squad announcement was discussion on the “11th” name in the squad; the selectors had considered fielding one more pace bowler. Ultimately, though confidence that the pitch would take excessive turn won out giving Pakistan’s bowling attack a drastically different look to the one that started the season three Tests earlier.Pakistan XI for second Test vs EnglandAbdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (capt), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood.
Three-wicket burst gives Middlesex boost but rain and resistance keeps Gloucs afloat
ECB Reporters Network10-Sep-2024Ollie Price and the weather combined to frustrate promotion-chasing Middlesex on the second day of their Vitality County Championship Division Two clash at Lord’s.Right-hander Price showed guts a-plenty to post 56 not out, his fifth score of 50 or more in the first-class game this season, as the visitors battled to 154 for 5, 223 in arrears of their hosts, on a day when only 41.4 overs were bowled due to bad light and rain.Not many of the Durham University graduate’s seven fours came off the middle of the bat as the home bowlers found plenty of movement through the air and off the pitch, the inside edge past leg-stump being a profitable source of runs.However, Price’s grit came in the wake of Middlesex skipper Toby Roland-Jones’ burst of 3 for 12 in 16 balls either side of lunch and served to take Gloucestershire from 74 for 4 to calmer waters, albeit needing a further 74 to save the follow-on. Roland-Jones had taken 3 for 56 and Ryan Higgins 2 for 47 when bad light, followed by rain, drove the players off for the second and final time at 3:15pm.The bad light, accompanied by some light rain delayed the start by 40 minutes before under still largely leaden skies with the lights on batting proved a hazardous occupation from the off. The first ball of the day from Roland-Jones to Cameron Bancroft was edged between third slip and gully for three, so setting the tone.Roland-Jones and Higgins constantly challenged both edges of the bat in ideal seam conditions, Ben Charlesworth edging the former just short of wicket-keeper Jack Davies when he’d made eight. He wouldn’t prosper for long, soon nicking a beauty from Higgins to Sam Robson at first slip.For a while Bancroft rode his luck, the majority of his 25 coming behind the wicket, before he was undone by one from Roland-Jones which jagged back between bat and pad to trim the bails.Bad light soon intervened again to drive the players off for an early lunch and when they returned Roland-Jones made whatever new batter Miles Hammond had consumed all-but indigestible by hitting him mid-ships first ball.The batter continued after treatment, crashing one sumptuous four through cover only to then edge another snorter from Roland-Jones to Tom Helm at third slip.When the veteran seamer, whose contract was extended for another year only yesterday, removed James Bracey caught behind two balls later, Gloucestershire were 74 for 4 and in peril.Price dug in using all parts of the bat to survive, an authoritative on-drive off Helm the pick of his shots.Graeme Van Buren joined him in a stand of 50 from 67 balls broken by Higgins who trapped his man on the crease.Price’s older brother Tom then joined him in the middle, surviving a blow on the head from a short one from Helm to keep vigil until the weather had the final word.
So far this summer, the Gunners have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, with the latter unveiled on Thursday.
Meantime, a £52m move for Noni Madueke appears to be close, while the Gunners continue the chase for both Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres.
It was clear that Mikel Arteta needed to add plenty of attacking firepower to his squad, but do they now have a new defender in their sights?
Arsenal's pursuit of a new centre-back
Earlier in the window, as noted by Stuart James and Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Arsenal, amongst many other clubs, held a genuine interest in signing Dean Huijsen, before the Spain international chose to move to Real Madrid instead.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Thus, despite having William Saliba and Gabriel, who Oliver Hopkins of Opta’s the Analyst notes is arguably the best duo in the Premier League, the Gunners recognise they require greater depth in that position.
Thus, as reported by Football London, Arsenal remain interested in signing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, adding that the Spanish youth international is ‘keen to sign’ for the Gunners, so much so that he has rejected a new contract with los Murciélagos.
Arsenal'sGabrielMagalhaes and WilliamSaliba
Ed Aarons of the Guardian has previously reported that the “monster” defender would cost around £16m, so could he swap Mestalla for North London?
How Cristhian Mosquera would improve Arsenal
Mosquera has been with Valencia since the age of 12, his senior debut coming against Atlético Baleares in the Copa del Rey in January 2022, accumulating 90 appearances for los Che’s first team, scoring his first-ever senior goal against Leganés in February.
He was also part of the Spain squad at this summer’s under-21 European Championships, starting three of their four matches in Slovakia, having also helped la Rojita win Olympic Gold in Paris 12 months ago.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
Analyst Spencer Mossman praises Mosquera’s ‘tenacious tackling’ and ‘impressive’ improvement when it comes to his ‘ball playing’ ability, while also left impressed by his versatility.
Meantime, Jonas Bartsch of Total Football Analysis adds that the youngster has an ‘outstanding footballing IQ’ and ‘exceptional situational awareness’, so let’s assess his statistics from La Liga last season.
Cristhian Mosquera 2024/25 La Liga statistics
Statistics
Mosquera
La Liga rank
Minutes
3,319
5th
Tackles
56
42nd
% of dribblers tackled
77.5%
3rd
Blocks
37
33rd
Interceptions
35
26th
Clearances
128
26th
Ball recoveries
190
2nd
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com
As the table outlines, Mosquera ranked generally very highly for all defensive metrics in La Liga last season, especially when it comes to the percentage of dribblers tackled and ball recoveries, made all the more impressive by the fact that Valencia spent the campaign battling against relegation.
Now though, let’s assess how he compares to Arsenal’s first-choice target – and Mosquera’s compatriot – Huijsen.
Mosquera vs Huijsen 2024/25 comparison
Statistics (per 90)
Mosquera
Huijsen
Passes attempted
54.2
59.5
Passing accuracy %
91.2%
84.2%
Duels contested
5.9
7.7
Ground duel success %
70.5%
51.5%
Aerial duel success %
45.2%
60.7%
Clearances
3.4
7.3
Interceptions
1
1.9
Touches
66
76
All statistics courtesy of Squawka
As the table outlines, Huijsen’s statistics are pretty much all more impressive than Mosquera’s, but this is to be expected considering the former Bournemouth man is a full-Spain international, and is the one of the two who has just joined Real Madrid.
Valencia defenderCristhian Mosquera.
Nevertheless, Mosquera’s statistics are still impressive, ranking higher for passing and ground duels, ensuring he is an exciting, high-potential Spanish defender in his own right.
Thus, it is clear that the 21-year-old would be an excellent addition to the Arsenal squad, joining Madueke and co in bolstering Arteta’s already talented ranks.
Fabrizio Romano: Player set for imminent Arsenal medical after deal agreed
Sunderland are looking to bolster their ranks ahead of returning to the Premier League and could now be close to completing another impressive capture, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Sunderland look to add more faces after Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra
Enzo Le Fee became Sunderland’s first permanent signing of the window following his successful loan spell from Roma, and the Black Cats have also brought in Habib Diarra from Strasbourg to solidify their engine room.
Speaking after his arrival, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman stated: “Habib is an exciting talent, and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC. At 21, he already has more than 100 senior appearances on his resume, and he’s been a captain in one of Europe’s elite leagues.
“This underlines his undoubted quality and immense potential, and it reflects our progress and ambition that we have secured a player of his calibre.”
Free agent left-back Reinildo is also set to join Sunderland following three years at Atletico Madrid, providing experience at left-back as they also pursue a deal for Chelsea youngster Ishe Samuels-Smith.
Charlie Cresswell has been lined up to bolster the Black Cats’ defensive spine, lending credence to the fact Regis Le Bris wants to make sure the centre of his side is watertight enough to secure Premier League survival.
Biggest talent since Le Fee: Sunderland plotting to sign £21m “phenomenon”
Sunderland could soon seal a deal that’s even bigger than Enzo Le Fee’s statement addition.
ByKelan Sarson Jul 2, 2025
Plenty of optimism is starting to emanate on Wearside due to the high calibre of individuals being linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland’s pedigree in the top-flight an attractive draw for potential recruits.
With that in mind, Le Bris and company are now reportedly closing in on a major signing between the sticks ahead of the new season.
Sunderland close in on Chelsea's Djordje Petrovic
Taking to social media platform X, Sky journalist Tavolieri has confirmed Sunderland are closing in on Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic for a fee in the region of £21.5 million.
Rumoured to be coming in on a five-year contract, it is expected that the Serbia international will now compete with Anthony Patterson for the number one jersey at the Stadium of Light.
Labelled a “great goalkeeper” by Liam Rosenior, the 25-year-old spent last campaign on loan at Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg and kept ten clean sheets in 31 appearances across all competitions, conceding 38 times in total.
Petrovic was left out of the Blues’ Club World Cup squad to seek a move elsewhere, and Sunderland may well be the ideal platform for the Požarevac-born man to gain regular first-team football after spending two years on the periphery at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle United are now trying to get ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign a “fantastic” forward on loan for the 2025/26 season, according to a new report.
Newcastle chasing multiple targets after rejected Elanga bid
Earlier this week, the Magpies saw a bid in the region of £45 million turned down straight away by Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga. Forest have made it clear they have no intention of selling the Sweden international, and now Newcastle are said to be weighing up whether to make another move.
Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga
As they decide what to do next in their pursuit of Elanga, Newcastle are already working on other potential arrivals in the meantime. The Premier League side are already in advanced talks to sign James Trafford from Burnley in a deal that is worth £30 million, and the transfer news doesn’t stop there, as the Magpies have agreed personal terms with forward Joao Pedro.
Newcastle are now said to be preparing a bid to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion attacker, but Chelsea’s interest has made the player think about where he would like to play his football from next season and beyond.
Newcastle now contact representatives of imposing 6 ft 4 Spanish defender
The Magpies have emerged as a new contender.
BySean Markus Clifford Jun 25, 2025
A move for Pedro may depend on several factors, as a continued pursuit of Elanga could cool their interest in the Brighton man, but there is also another player who is firmly on their radar, and he could be seen as an alternative to both attackers.
Newcastle trying to beat Barça to Rashford
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are making “serious moves” to sign Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United.
The Magpies are laying the groundwork to sign the Englishman, though with Rashford fully expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, there is set to be a race for his signature. The winger’s preference is to join Barcelona, but it remains unclear if the Spanish side are going to make him a priority despite Hansi Flick’s public interest.
Rashford, who earns £300,000 a week at Man United, spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils have already brought Matheus Cunha to the club this summer and are now closing in on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, which makes the case stronger that Rashford doesn’t have a future at the club.
Apps
25
Starts
16
Goals
6
xG
4.77
Total shots
1.4
Chance conversion
17%
Assists
3
xAG
3.45
Big chances created
8
United would ideally like to sell Rashford, as they have placed a £40 million price tag on his head. But given his wages and the transfer fee, the Red Devils may have to accept what Newcastle are willing to offer, and that is a loan deal.
A move to St James’ Park would see Rashford, who was dubbed “fantastic” by Unai Emery and even “world class” by teammate Rasmus Hojlund, come up against the likes of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak for a starting spot in Eddie Howe’s team.