£70m Tottenham star will tell Levy he wants to leave as club make offer

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is facing the prospect of a key Spurs player asking for a transfer, according to reports, with one club said to have already made an offer.

£60m star sees "great opportunity" to join Tottenham with Levy in contact

Spurs have held talks.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2025

Thomas Frank’s first-ever season managing a ‘big six’ club will be fraught with challenges, not least their European campaign, and there is a lot more expectation surrounding the north London club after they clinched the Europa League title in May.

Son Heung-min

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James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

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via WhoScored

Ange Postecoglou, despite guiding the club to their first major trophy in 17 years, paid the price for Tottenham’s poor domestic form last term – with the Lilywhites losing more Premier League games in a single season than they ever had in previous years (22).

However, their 1-0 triumph over Manchester United in Bilbao has gifted Frank something hugely significant to build upon ahead of 2025/2026, and the significant financial windfall acquired from qualifying for the Champions League stands to seriously assist them in this summer’s transfer market.

As per Sky Sports reporter Micheal Bridge, Spurs won’t have to adopt a sell to buy policy, with their place in Europe’s most elite competition described as “huge” when it comes to their recruitment drive over the next two months.

That being said, there are certain big names who could still depart N17 over the coming weeks.

Son Heung-min is attracting serious interest from the Saudi Pro League, and there are suggestions that the 32-year-old may be sold for a profit. Levy will reportedly demand around £50 million to sell the Spurs captain, who’s entered the final 12 months of his contract, with star defender Cristian Romero also earning a few admirers from abroad.

The Argentine won last year’s Europa League Player of the Season and played a major role in helping Tottenham lift the trophy. Atlético Madrid are known admirers of his, as confirmed by Diego Simeone, but some reports they’ve reached an agreement in principle to sign Romero appear wide of the mark.

TottenhamHotspur's CristianRomeroreacts

Their cross-city rivals, Real Madrid, are also believed to be keen on Romero, with Xabi Alonso’s side expected to make a “concrete” approach (CaughtOffside).

Cristian Romero to ask Daniel Levy for Tottenham exit

It does appear Atlético have advanced further along in a potential move for the 27-year-old, though, as explained by journalist Ruben Uria.

The reporter told ‘Derbi en USA’, via El Desmarque, that Simeone’s side have made an offer of around £56 million for Romero, including add-ons, but this is nowhere near Levy’s price tag.

Spurs have apparently slapped a £70 million valuation on the centre back’s head, but Romero will tell Levy he wants to leave Tottenham once he returns from holiday.

“He wants to come to Atlético,” said Uria.

“Cholo is in direct contact with him. What he’ll do is come back from vacation to talk to Daniel Levy and tell him he wants to leave. From there, we’ll see what happens. Tottenham are asking for €82 million to let him leave. They value him like Fofana or Van Dijk, with an expensive transfer fee.

“They’ve [Atletico] made an offer of €55 million plus €10 million in variables. I think it’s a very good offer.”

Romero has two years left on his contract, so acquiring £70 million for his signature would be excellent business by Levy, but the South American stalwart would also be a very tough figurehead to replace.

Frank surely won’t be keen on losing Romero, but as things stand, nobody is near Tottenham’s requirements to let him leave, so this will be an intriguing story to follow.

Chelsea considering "incredible" Club World Cup star after scouting mission

Chelsea are through to the quarter-final of the Club World Cup, but they have also been keeping up on the transfer front while progressing in the tournament.

Chelsea see off Benfica to reach Club World Cup quarter-final

While their Premier League rivals are preparing for pre-season, Chelsea are in action over in the States, and they progressed to the Club World Cup quarter-final in dramatic fashion against Benfica despite having to endure extra time and a two-hour delay due to thunderstorms.

Speaking after seeing off the Primeira Liga giants, Enzo Maresca hit out at the lengthy stoppages the Blues had to navigate in their 4-1 victory despite eventually claiming the outcome they wanted.

“It’s a joke. That’s why I said it. if they’re already suspended six games, probably there is something that is not working. I’m not here to decide the rule. I’m no one to decide the rule. I’m the last one. I’m talking as a manager. As a manager, it’s difficult to manage two hours suspended.

“There is some problem for me personally. But I’m not talking – I’m talking as a manager. Because when you are two hours inside and you try to keep them in the game, but for two hours, they are speaking with the family outside for safety reasons.”

Nevertheless, Chelsea could face Manchester City in the semi-final if both sides progress that far.

The Blues have also encountered some alternative good news off the pitch as Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens has agreed a move to Stamford Bridge and they have also agreed a deal for Brighton star Joao Pedro. The Brazilian is said to be ready to pen a seven-year contract and join the Blues in a deal in excess of £50m.

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

Imaginably, Chelsea are set for an exciting summer as they prepare to re-enter the Champions League for the first time since 2021/22, and they could now be set to ramp up their interest in their next target.

Phillips: Chelsea add Antonio Silva to defender shortlist

According to Simon Phillips on Substack, Chelsea have added Benfica defender Antonio Silva to their shortlist after scouting him for the duration of the season.

Of course, they got an additional opportunity to watch him up close in their 4-1 victory over the Portuguese giants in the Club World Cup last 16, while his teammate Tomas Araujo is another potential recruit now on their radar.

Chelsea’s two new defensive targets in 2024/25 – all competitions

Antonio Silva

Appearances – 46 Goals – 2 Assists – 3

Tomas Araujo

Appearances – 44 Goals – 1 Assists – 3

Araujo primarily features as a right-back, which has somewhat deterred the Blues from making a move in their pursuit of an ‘out-and-out central defender’ at Stamford Bridge.

Nevertheless, Silva, who has been labelled “incredible” by former Manchester City assistant coach Lillo, is said to have heavily impressed scouts while competing against Chelsea and is now under consideration by the club’s hierarchy.

With Maresca claiming Conference League glory alongside a top five finish last term, Silva could be the man to take Chelsea to the next level in their hunt for further silverware.

Sunderland now want "exceptional" £37k-p/w star who could cost £30 million

Sunderland are back by popular demand and could now look to make a statement signing to kick off their latest Premier League era in style, according to a report.

Sunderland look to establish themselves in the Premier League

The Black Cats are a recognisable force in the top-flight, albeit their lengthy absence from competing against the elite may mean consolidation will be needed before thoughts of further progress under Regis Le Bris.

Unfortunately, Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund has created a sizeable void in midfield, something that has left ex-Sunderland man Darren Williams feeling a tinge of regret.

He stated: “We brought him in at a low cost and two years later we’re making a good amount on him – I’d have love to see him play for us in the Premier League and test himself.”

Later, he added: “I wish him all the best. It’s fantastic money. The club has made good money from the last four players sold.”

It can’t be disputed, an initial £27 million sale is good business for Sunderland, but who do they bring in to replicate his impact? Reports suggest Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra could be on his way to the Black Cats to strengthen their engine room.

Everton fighting Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland for free agent signing

The Toffees are lining up a bargain transfer…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 11, 2025

On the same token, Sunderland want to complete a transfer for Tommy Doyle from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Cherry-picking targets from familiar environnments will be important to ensure the North East giants are ready for the top-flight, though they will want to balance that with finding value for money on the market.

Speaking of which, the newly-promoted side have now put their hat in the ring for a defender who has won four back-to-back titles and featured in the Champions League.

Sunderland looking to sign Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers

According to journalist Graeme Bailey in conversation with 67 Hail Hail, Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is a target for Sunderland and could be on the move for a fee between £25 million to £30 million this summer.

He explained: “As we know, every player has his price in this Celtic squad. And I think there’s a real danger that Carter-Vickers leaves.

“That won’t go down well, but Celtic could probably get good money for him. What would he cost, £25-30m to sell him?

Cameron Carter-Vickers for Celtic in 2024/25 – Scottish Premiership (Fotmob)

Duels won

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Tackles won

20

Recoveries

131

Accurate long balls

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“That’s a lot of money for a centre-half at the moment. And I think there’s a real chance that he’s not at Celtic come the start of September. Leeds like him a lot, and Sunderland. I know that he was on West Ham’s radar as well. To be fair, he’s got three, four, even five (clubs interested).”

Lauded for his ‘exceptional’ few years by Bailey, Carter-Vickers is Celtic’s joint-highest earner on £37,000 per week and definitely wouldn’t come cheap given he has four years left on his deal at Parkhead.

Nevertheless, Sunderland, alongside Leeds United, have faith that they can land him, so it remains to be seen how this one plays out.

Newcastle now move ahead of Chelsea in race for "amazing" £50k-a-week star

Newcastle United have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for an “amazing” Premier League defender, having taken concrete action to secure his signature, according to a report.

Magpies set sights on new centre-back

With current centre-back options Fabian Schar and Dan Burn now in their 30s, bringing in a new defender is expected to be a major focus for Newcastle this summer, and there has been a positive development in their pursuit of AS Monaco’s Wilfried Singo.

Paul Mitchell is now increasingly confident that a deal for Singo will be possible this summer, having previously sent scouts to watch the Ivorian defender in action, and there is a feeling the 24-year-old would be keen on a move to the Premier League.

Singo is not the only option on the shortlist, however, with it recently being revealed the Magpies have now joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who is set to leave the German club on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

Newcastle could now keep Tonali and still sign £135,000-p/w Juventus star

The Magpies are making some smart moves…

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

Newcastle are also weighing up defenders who have already proven themselves in the Premier League, and TEAMtalk have now provided a positive update on their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has been a long-term target.

According to the report, Eddie Howe’s side have now moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race for Guehi, and his price tag has now been drastically reduced, with the Eagles now willing to sanction a departure for a fee of just £46m.

Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match

The Tynesiders have now taken concrete action to sign the England international, placing them in the driving seat, as the Blues have not taken any steps towards securing his signature, but the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest could also provide competition.

"Amazing" Guehi could be ideal signing for Newcastle

Schar and Burn have played a major role in transforming Newcastle into major contenders for trophies, with the latter even scoring in the EFL Cup final, but with both players now approaching their mid-thirties, a younger option may be required at centre-back.

At 24-years-old, the £50,000-a-week Palace captain fits the bill in that regard, and the defender’s vast Premier League experience could make him an ideal option, having now made 132 top-flight appearances.

During that time, the Englishman has caught the eye of compatriot Harry Maguire, who described the Palace star as “amazing”, which is underlined by the fact he is among the Eagles’ most consistent performers in the Premier League this season.

Guehi could be the perfect addition to the Newcastle squad this summer, and the fact that he is now set to be available for just £46m is an added bonus for the Magpies, given that the Ivory Coast-born star has previously been valued at around the £75m mark.

Arsenal deal "done" as Berta awaits Kroenkes green-light for £51m signing

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly waiting for a green-light from the Kroenkes to seal his first major signing at the club, with an agreement for the player described as “done”.

Arsenal transfer plans as Mikel Arteta prepares for PSG

With their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace done and dusted on Wednesday evening, Mikel Arteta can now put full focus into their far more important Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG next Tuesday.

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal "really" want £50m player, talks already held

The north Londoners are very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2025

The Gunners face France’s champions in a mouthwatering European encounter which has the power to make or break Arsenal’s season, and Arteta’s side now have six days to prepare for their most crucial match of the season so far.

Arsenal’s final Premier League games of 2024/2025

Date

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Arteta’s mind will only be on how to ge the better of Luis Enrique’s high-flying PSG side, who’ve seriously impressed both domestically and in Europe, but he’ll take comfort from the fact Aston Villa very nearly upset them in the last round.

Off the field, Berta and co are already making transfer plans for next season.

Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a second-choice keeper, full-back, midfielder, left-winger, right-winger and striker (GiveMeSport). It was also reported that they could bring in two midfielders, with Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes linked.

However, it has since come to light that the north Londoners could extend Thomas Partey’s contract instead, following an impressive end to the campaign.

It is unclear how this will impact their ongoing attempts to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, but given Jorginho is still likely to leave the Emirates, Arteta will still be in need of reinforcements for the engine room.

Arsenal have been in talks to sign Zubimendi for months, and there is confidence that the Spain international will eventually arrive and depart his boyhood club for the Premier League, one year after he rejected a switch to Liverpool.

Arsenal agree Martin Zubimendi deal as Berta awaits green-light

According to journalist Juan Castro, writing in a column for Marca (via Sport Witness), Arsenal’s deal for Zubimendi actually seems to be “done”.

However, there are a few things holding up despite the alleged agreement, with one of them being Arsenal’s owners – Josh and Stan Kroenke. Berta is believed to be waiting on the club’s board members to sanction Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause payment, while Real Madrid could still come in to mount a late hijack.

If the Kroenkes refuse to green-light a move, it could collapse, with Los Blancos also posing some threat in the background, even if it is still unlikely Real pose a threat at this stage, with a deal very far down the line.

Zubimendi would be a stellar capture for Arteta, and has been described as the “perfect” midfielder for Arsenal, so supporters will be hoping the Kroenkes eventually give the go ahead.

Amorim blown away by Man Utd star who’s amazing “around Carrington”

Manchester United’s topsy-turvy campaign continued on Monday night but fortunately, it was all smiles in the end as they demolished a dreadful Wolves side 4-1 at Molineux.

Bruno Fernandes was in supreme form, scoring twice and registering an assist but he wasn’t the only player on the away side who stood out.

Bryan Mbeumo ended his run of games without finding the net while Mason Mount continued his impressive form as one of the leading men in Amorim’s attack.

Amorim speaks out after Wolves win

There has been a lot of debate surrounding the position of Fernandes this season. The club captain is an attacking midfielder by trade but has been used as a deeper-lying figure under Ruben Amorim.

That said, he’s still impacting things and arguably had one of his finest games under the young Portuguese manager to date when they travelled to Wolverhampton.

Speaking after the game, Amorim was delighted with the performance, although he was critical of the opening 45 minutes.

He told the press: “I think, once again, after we scored a goal we were a little bit sloppy on the ball and that gave a little bit of hope to the opponent.”

Amorim continued: “But, we created a lot of chances in the first half also. We should have finished that half in a different way and then at half-time they understood that we have everything to win the game, to win three points. And they did that.

“I think the pace, the quality that we showed in the second half, understanding that the moment of Wolves is really hard as a team, as a club, so we took advantage of that.”

Mount receives the acclaim from Amorim

This has been a season of rejuvenation for Mount whose time at Old Trafford has been a difficult one to date, largely due to injury.

However, after scoring against Wolves, it means the England international has now scored three goals in his last seven outings for United. Not jaw-dropping numbers sure, but it’s a return to some sort of prominence for a man who’s been on the periphery for so long.

Amorim was seemingly ecstatic with Mount post-game, telling reporters: “He can defend, he can attack, the quality when he touches the ball is really good, so it’s not a surprise for me,” Amorim said.

The manager continued: “He’s a different type of leader. It’s not like Licha (Lisandro Martinez), for example. It’s a guy that leads by example.”

Amorim concluded by summarising how the former Chelsea man is around the training ground: “It doesn’t matter the situation, Mason Mount is always the same thing – training, talking, dealing with people around Carrington. That is not easy, so he’s a very, very good player.”

While Mount has played as a striker on the odd occasion this term, he featured in an attacking midfield role with Matheus Cunha leading the line instead against Wolves. It seemed to work a treat for United on Monday evening.

100% pass success & 100% duels won: Man Utd star is as undroppable as Bruno

Manchester United have unearthed another star after yesterday’s win over Wolves at Molineux.

ByEthan Lamb 3 days ago

Man Utd plotting "bargain" deal to sign "imposing" Ligue 1 defender who scouts love

Manchester United have now reportedly set their sights on signing an impressive Ligue 1 defender, who has left their scouts blown away.

INEOS draw up 2026 transfer plan

To their credit, Man United got their summer transfer window fairly spot on. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens all look like solid signings, whilst Benjamin has shown flashes of his true quality. And results proved before the international break that a turnaround under Ruben Amorim is still possible.

Even if Monday’s 1-0 loss against the 10 men of Everton brought them back down to reality, one defeat in their last five games represents much-needed improvement.

INEOS have never stopped backing their manager and recent reports have claimed that they’re ready to return to the transfer market to improve his squad even further in 2026.

The plan, according to the Express, is to sign two wing-backs and a midfielder next summer, with the likes of Elliot Anderson among their top targets.

The Nottingham Forest star has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season even as his side sacked Nuno Espirito Santo and then Ange Postecoglou before hiring Sean Dyche.

Thomas Tuchel has been impressed enough to grant Anderson a starting place next to Declan Rice in his England side, which is now his to lose ahead of the World Cup.

The unfortunate news for Man United is that his price will only increase if he enjoys a successful tournament, even though reports have already claimed he’ll cost them over £100m.

The midfielder is also not the only name on United’s shopping list. INEOS have also reportedly set their sights on signing Ligue 1 defender Jeremy Jacquet.

Man Utd plotting "bargain" Jeremy Jacquet move

According to Caught Offside, Man United are now plotting a move to sign Jacquet from Stade Rennais after the young defender impressed their scouts in France.

The Red Devils have reportedly joined Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace in the race to sign the 20-year-old and it’s easy to see why.

Dubbed “imposing” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, Jacquet is reportedly available for as little as €30m (£26m), which Caught Offside’s Mark Brus described as a “bargain” deal.

Having already signed Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in recent years, adding Jacquet to their ranks would complete Amorim’s back three for years to come.

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The Red Devils have received a proposal ahead of the January transfer window, with a sale now edging ‘closer’.

1 ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025

With Harry Maguire still yet to sign a new contract ahead too, the young centre-back may have the chance to come straight into Man United’s starting side next summer in an attempt to make an instant impact.

Worse than Bruno & Casemiro: Amorim can't start Man Utd duo together again

Kuldeep, Axar and Abhishek lead India to thumping win

India extended their dominance over Pakistan to 11-3 in T20Is with a comfortable seven-wicket win in the first of three possible meetings at the Asia Cup. It was one-way traffic right from the time Hardik Pandya removed Saim Ayub with the first legal ball of the match.India’s superior bowling attack proved to be too much for Pakistan, who were frequently forced to play low-percentage shots to be able to score at a respectable pace. Still, 63 balls went unscored off, the scoring rate went past a run a ball only in the last over of the innings, and 128 was hardly a target for a power-packed India line-up.Related

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  • Suryakumar: Staying not out at the finish is 'one box I always wanted to tick'

Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel two each, and Hardik and Varun Chakravarthy one apiece in a performance with no let-up.

Hardik, Bumrah strike, but Farhan fights

Taking the new ball ahead of Bumrah, Hardik started with a loose delivery, but Ayub hit him straight to Bumrah at backward point. In the next over, Mohammad Haris tried to impose himself on Bumrah, and managed only to hole out to Hardik at long leg.Sahibzada Farhan, though, went on to do something no Pakistani had ever done: hit a six off Bumrah in an international match. He then hit another in the final over of the powerplay, making him only the sixth batter to have hit more than one six off Bumrah in all T20Is.However, 42 for 2 was still only a strictly fighting score for a powerplay. It was to be Pakistan’s last bit of joy in a long time.

India’s spin strangle

The trio of Varun, Kuldeep and Axar immediately shut out all the scoring after the powerplay. It took Pakistan 31 balls to hit their first boundary after the powerplay. In the intervening period they scored just 12 runs for the loss of two wickets. Both were shots borne out of desperation, resulting in the wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Salman Agha.2:20

How big is the gulf between India and Pakistan?

These two wickets came off slogs, but Kuldeep now began to go past defensive shots as well, his wrong’un to consign Mohammad Nawaz to a golden duck leaving him on a hat-trick.Pakistan’s struggles were summed up by their best-looking batter, Farhan, going into the death overs on 40 off 43, and getting out off the first ball of that phase. Shaheen Shah Afridi snatched that honour away from Farhan immediately with some clean striking for a personal T20I best of 33 not out off 16 to give Pakistan some hope.

Abhishek, Gill end Pakistan’s hopes

That small ray of hope was snuffed out immediately by Abhishek Sharma, who charged at Afridi first ball and hit it back over his head for four. He then hit the second for a six over long-off. Shubman Gill then hit successive boundaries off Ayub. Even though Ayub got his own back with the wickets of both openers, India had raced away to 41 for 2 in 3.4 overs.India themselves struggled to score freely once their second-best powerplay against Pakistan ended, but the quality difference between the sides was still palpable. Pakistan’s bowling didn’t ask as many questions as India’s did, and India’s batting was able to keep finding runs.The seven overs immediately after the powerplay produced just 39 runs and Tilak Varma’s wicket, but India were still comfortably placed. All it took was a small final push from Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube to seal the win with 4.1 overs to spare.

'I feel for him' – AC Milan's Christian Pulisic shows support for Gio Reyna amid his USMNT return

Christian Pulisic has voiced strong support for USMNT teammate Gio Reyna, acknowledging the challenges the young midfielder has faced while expressing confidence in his future. Speaking ahead of the November international window, the AC Milan star offered insight into their relationship and Reyna’s potential impact on the national team.

  • Getty Images Sport

    'He’s a really, really good player'

    During his comments, Pulisic acknowledged that while he and Reyna don't maintain frequent communication, they have developed a positive professional relationship through their time with the national team. The Milan forward expressed empathy for Reyna's situation, noting that the 23-year-old has endured significant challenges, particularly with injuries that have disrupted his development at both club and international levels.

    “Yeah, I mean, we don’t talk a bunch,” Pulisic told CBS Sports Golazo. “But we’ve had a good relationship, and I think he has had a really tough time, and kind of unfairly in a lot of ways. I feel for him, it’s not difficult what we go through. Some of the injuries he’s dealt with are really hard. And with the national now, also seeing him on the roster, I think it’s really exciting for him.

    “I will say, when I have him on the field with me on the national team, I always feel a lot more relaxed. I feel like he’s a really, really good player, and I think that’s not a crazy take. I think a lot of people see that.”

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  • 'Stay patient'

    Pulisic argued that Reyna has faced a run of bad luck and unusually high expectations since his early breakthrough, saying the player’s recent troubles have not been solely of his making. He urged patience while Reyna finds form and rhythm again.

    “I just tell him to stay patient,” Pulisic said. “I mean, he’s a guy that’s gone through a bit of a tough time, he’ll admit that, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t have really good things ahead. And people put pressure, and I get that too, because he had such a crazy start to his career where he was doing unbelievable things at 17 years old, and then you expect the same thing.

    “Then all of a sudden, you go to the national team and people are like, ‘You need to be that guy. You need to perform for us right away.' And it’s like it’s not that easy, there are a lot of factors and things that he has to work out. And I do think it's been unfair, but I think he’s going to come around, and people are going to see that soon.”

  • A slow start to the season

    After joining Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer, Reyna has struggled to secure consistent playing time, making just six Bundesliga appearances while continuing to battle fitness issues. 

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    November friendlies await.

    Reyna has been picked as a part of the November international break for the USMNT and could earn his first cap since March 2025 when the team gets back to action this Saturday against Paraguay. 

Endrick's father goes biblical in support of struggling Real Madrid star following red card controversy and January transfer links

Real Madrid's crisis escalated on Sunday as Endrick was sent off from the bench during the defeat to Celta Vigo, sparking a furious reaction from his father. With the Brazilian forward starving for minutes under manager Xabi Alonso, his parent turned to the bible to find encouraging words for the teenager, intensifying rumours of a January loan exit just months before the World Cup.

Bernabéu boiling point: Red card from the sidelines

The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu was already toxic as Celta Vigo raced into a 2-0 lead, but the frustration on the Real Madrid bench spilled over in spectacular fashion. Endrick, who had been left out of the starting XI yet again by Xabi Alonso, did not even need to step onto the pitch to make headlines. In the dying moments of the match, the Brazilian teenager was shown a straight red card by the referee for dissent, reportedly launching a verbal tirade at the fourth official as tempers flared.

It was the third dismissal of the night for Los Blancos, following red cards for Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras, but the striker's expulsion is symbolic of a deeper malaise. Having played fewer than 20 minutes of La Liga football under Alonso, the 19-year-old’s discipline snapped. The suspension will likely rule him out of the upcoming clashes, further alienating a player who was supposed to be the future of the club but currently finds himself as a spectator to their implosion.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEndrick's father vents his fury

The fallout from the match was immediate, with the player's father, Douglas Ramos, taking to social media to defend his son and fire a not-so-subtle dig at the Madrid hierarchy. He posted a picture of his son sitting on the Madrid bench and cited a bible verse as encouragement for the 19-year-old. He wrote: "Matthew Chapter 23:12. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

This "poisoned dart" appears squarely aimed at the management. It is not the first time the Brazilian's camp has hinted at dissatisfaction. Previously, he had accused Madrid of trying to "dim" the striker's spark. He wrote on social media: "I know, my son, how hard you work and how much you dedicate every minute of your day. I know everything you're capable of. You're a winner and you're showing everyone that you're a true warrior. Your star will continue to shine, even though some try to dim your light. I believe your future lies right there."

Frozen out by the manager

The relationship between the forward and his manager appears to be non-existent. Since taking over the reins, Alonso has largely ignored the Palmeiras academy graduate, preferring to utilise Kylian Mbappe centrally or even turning to academy product Gonzalo García as a backup option. The data is damning: the teenager has not started a single league game under the coach and has often been left warming the bench even when the team is chasing a game.

Tactically, the manager seems unconvinced by the youngster's discipline and positional play, favouring more versatile forwards who can drop deep. However, with the attack looking blunt against Celta, the decision to leave a prolific goalscorer unused – and then watch him get sent off for frustration – has raised serious questions about Alonso’s man-management. The "dimming of the light" quote suggests that the player believes this exclusion is personal rather than tactical, a dangerous narrative for a coach already under pressure.

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With the situation becoming untenable, a January departure now looks inevitable. The red card may have been the final straw for both parties. Reports in France and Italy indicate that Lyon, Juventus, and even Manchester United are monitoring the situation closely, ready to offer a six-month loan deal.

For the player, a move is essential. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he cannot afford to spend a season in the shadows. Real Madrid may be reluctant to weaken their squad depth given their injury crisis, but keeping an unhappy, suspended, and vocal teenager in a fracturing dressing room might be a luxury they can no longer afford.

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