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Tottenham have reportedly held initial talks over signing a Real Madrid star who’s becoming disenfranchised with life under Xabi Alonso, but it’s actually not the often linked Rodrygo or Arda Güler.

Spurs were linked with surprise summer move for Rodrygo

Thomas Frank’s side, ideally, wanted to bring in two new star wingers during the summer.

While Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani arrived at N17, with all three capable of playing out wide, Spurs were widely reported to be pursuing another forward towards the final days of the window.

Tottenham saw two bids rejected for Man City winger Savinho, and they were tipped to potentially go back in for the Brazilian in January (Dean Jones), until he decided to sign a new contract at Eastlands recently.

The former Girona star was a top personal transfer target for Frank, who believed he could be “huge” for Spurs, according to Fabrizio Romano, but all hope of signing Savinho in the near future has been quashed by the 21-year-old agreeing an extension until 2031.

With City’s rising star now off the table, it could be worth revisiting a potential bid for Rodrygo.

Tottenham were also linked with a move for the Real forward towards the back end of August, with reports in Spain claiming that Spurs made an approach for Rodrygo amid their pursuit of world-class attacking players (Mundo Deportivo).

The 24-year-old has started just one La Liga match under Xabi Alonso this season and was on the bench yet again for Real’s 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League on Tuesday.

With the 2026 World Cup looming and competition rife for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, Rodrygo may not be satisfied with his bit-part role for much longer — which could open the door for Tottenham to swoop.

There were suggestions in the summer that Real could be open to loaning Rodrygo out, and that would suit Tottenham down to the ground, as CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, technical director Johan Lange and the new-look Lilywhites boardroom maintain their plans to sign another wide player in January.

Tottenham are also reportedly targeting Guler, but given his newly-found prominence at the Bernabeu, a move for the Turkey international could prove very difficult.

However, as per a new report, Guler and Rodrygo aren’t the only Real players on Tottenham’s radar.

Tottenham hold "preliminary talks" over signing Federico Valverde

As per reports from Spain, £280,000-per-week Real midfielder Federico Valverde has emerged as a “priority” target for Lange and co.

Unlike Rodrygo, their vice-captain has been selected regularly by Alonso, with Valverde notching three assists from midfield already and playing a key role at times.

That being said, a Spanish media source reports that Valverde is being slowly left in the dark by Real’s new manager, who wants more disciplined midfielders to maintain control of the park.

Valverde struggled in their 5-2 derby loss to Atlético Madrid last weekend, and the Uruguayan is apparently losing some faith in the dressing room.

Lange could take full advantage of this, with the report claiming that Tottenham are “leading the way in preliminary talks” for Valverde despite interest from other top Premier League sides.

Real’s board are also split over selling Valverde, as some believe he could still have a role to play under Alonso, while others think it could be the right time to sell in January and reinvest the funds into more squad upgrades.

The 27-year-old, who boasts over 70 caps for the Uruguay national team, has racked up 32 goals and 34 assists from 331 appearances for the Whites, with Ancelotti previously calling Valverde the “most complete player” in world football.

Oftentimes in football, a team considered out of sorts need to get three points on the board before worrying about the slickness and style of the performance.

This isn’t the case for Liverpool, whose start to the season has seen them win plenty of matches, but lack any semblance of the control or snap of the previous title-winning campaign under Arne Slot’s wing.

So, against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, the Reds need to bounce back from back-to-back defeats with a strong performance, especially with the Blues’ backline ravaged by injuries and suspensions.

Liverpool avoided any real fitness setbacks across Slot’s first year, but a few issues have crept in over the past few weeks, with Giovanni Leoni out for as long as a year after rupturing his Achilles against Southampton, and Alisson Becker now back for his habitual stay in the infirmary after landing awkwardly during the recent defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Less severe is the issue that Hugo Ekitike is dealing with after that midweek match, but it’s a concern all the same for Slot, who needs the in-form Frenchman as he looks to build consistency.

The latest on Hugo Ekitike

Since leaving Eintracht Frankfurt this summer and joining Liverpool in a £69m deal, Ekitike has established himself as one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League.

Nine games into his Merseyside career, the France star has scored five goals and assisted one. He has only played 582 minutes for the Reds, marking a direct contribution every 97 minutes.

However, the 23-year-old overreached for the ball in Istanbul after the hour mark and left the field with muscular discomfort. Fears that he has suffered significant damage have been allayed, but there is certainly concern over his availability for the weekend.

When Liverpool completed their summer of spending with the addition of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a record-breaking £125m fee, it was widely expected that he would be at the top of the pecking order.

Perhaps the Sweden striker still is, but his positional rivals incredible start will certainly have provided Slot with food for thought.

And with Isak, 26, still not quite match fit after his turbulent summer transfer window, Slot might even be inclined to keep the deadly number nine on the bench, instead unleashing another in his place at centre-forward.

Liverpool's left-field Ekitike replacement

Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool during the win over Southampton, and many more euphoric moments are sure to come for the Sweden star, but the Reds do have an alternative pick for this upcoming clash against Chelsea, should Slot choose to utilise them.

That would be Federico Chiesa, who missed out against Galatasaray due to an injury precaution but is raring to go ahead of the weekend. The Italian, 27, is enjoying something of a resurgence in England, having already scored two goals for the club this season in the Premier League, assisting both strikes against Saints too.

Described by journalist Carlo Garganese as one of Italy’s “generational talents” before devastating knee injuries, the versatile forward looks like he’s bouncing back, having sat on the fringe for most of the 2024/25 campaign, arriving last summer for a bargain £12.5m fee.

Given Liverpool’s proclivity for late goals at the moment, Isak might find that another cameo might not be the worst thing in the world, entering the fray with the Reds possibly seeking out a winner.

Chiesa, of course, has proven himself to be something of a menace in the last embers for Liverpool so far this season, but he was immense during the win over Southampton and could apply his energy and creativity and dynamism from the outset, ensuring Liverpool don’t toil their way through the first half of the tie in west London.

Revived and hungry to leave his mark on the English game, Chiesa has been deployed three times off the bench as a striker in the top flight this term, and he scored on the first and last of those appearances.

The £150k-per-week talent played a central role for Juventus across the 2023/24 season, before moving to Liverpool, and FBref record that he complemented his steady goal return with some interesting underlying numbers, ranked among the top 2% of positional peers in Serie A for shot-creating actions and progressive carries per 90.

Given that he has played such limited football this season, albeit more than he was receiving each week across his first year at the club, there’s every reason for Slot to hand his utility weapon a first Premier League starting berth of the year, perhaps knocking Chelsea’s tactical preparations out of kilter while doing so.

Hailed for having a “finisher’s DNA” by sports editor Danny Gallagher, Chiesa is the perfect alternative option for Liverpool to deploy at the front of their ship.

In fact, Chiesa has registered a goal contribution every 96 minutes at Liverpool, underlining his natural potency. Whether this is sustainable in the longer stretch remains to be seen, but it’s curious to note that this eclipses even Erling Haaland’s record at Manchester City, with the unstoppable Norwegian having scored 135 goals and supplied 22 assists across 154 games in sky blue, equating to a rate of 1.01 contributions per game.

Given that Salah was dropped to the bench against Galatasaray, it goes without saying that Liverpool will start with the Egyptian King on the right flank.

And with Florian Wirtz perhaps being placed down the left channel to bring Dominik Szoboszlai into the midfield, restoring a measure of robustness to Liverpool’s engine room, this could be a move to finally restore Liverpool’s form, with Isak gearing up to enter the fray after a lively opening-half display from the Italian.

Not Isak: Liverpool star is their own version of Arsenal icon Thierry Henry

Liverpool have enjoyed incredible success with this talent in their mix.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 29, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain are exploring a potential move for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia, with Luis Enrique keen on a reunion with his former Spain international. The 24-year-old centre-back has been a standout performer under Hansi Flick this season, and PSG’s growing injury list has accelerated their search for a versatile defensive addition.

• PSG weigh up winter move for in-form Barcelona defender

  With injuries piling up across their backline, Les Parisiens are assessing defensive reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, and Eric Garcia has emerged as a leading target. According to , Luis Enrique is pushing to reunite with the defender, whom he coached during his tenure with the Spain national team. The PSG boss is said to admire Garcia’s composure, ball distribution, and tactical intelligence, traits he believes fit perfectly into the club’s high-possession style.

  The French champions are reportedly exploring a deal that could see the 24-year-old arrive in January, either through a negotiated fee or a pre-contract agreement for next summer, when he enters the final six months of his Barcelona contract. Enrique’s side were already monitoring versatile defenders before Achraf Hakimi’s ankle injury against Bayern Munich, but the Moroccan’s absence has increased the urgency for a flexible signing capable of operating both centrally and on the right.

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  Garcia's resurgence under Flick draws attention

  After struggling for consistency in previous campaigns, Garcia has enjoyed a revival under Hansi Flick, becoming one of Barca’s most reliable performers this season. 

  Initially used as a makeshift midfielder and occasional right-back, he has since reclaimed his preferred centre-back role forming a strong partnership with Pau Cubarsi following Inigo Martinez’s departure. Garcia has already made 15 appearances this season, accumulating over 1,100 minutes of action, more than any other outfield player in the squad. Flick has repeatedly praised his tactical awareness and discipline, viewing him as an example of professionalism for the younger defenders.

  That consistency has reignited interest from Europe’s elite, with PSG, AC Milan and Napoli all monitoring his situation. For Enrique, however, the interest is personal, he views the ex-Manchester City man as a system-ready player capable of immediately strengthening PSG’s defensive transitions and build-up play. Garcia made his debut for the Spanish national team under the coach in September 2020 and made 19 appearances under him. The defender has not been back in the squad since Enrique's departure after the 2022 World Cup.

• Barcelona reluctant to sell despite PSG interest

  While the Spaniard's growing profile has made him an attractive target, the Catalan giants have no intention of sanctioning a sale, particularly to a Champions League rival. Club sources insist that Flick and sporting director Deco both consider him part of the long-term defensive rebuild.

  The Blaugrana club are also optimistic about extending Garcia’s contract beyond 2026, with initial terms discussed earlier this year. Talks have slowed since September, but the club remain confident that his resurgence and regular playing time will convince him to commit. 

  That said, PSG’s approach could test Barcelona’s resolve. The Parisian club have proven adept at prising away high-profile talent in the past, and with Garcia’s stock rising, they may see a window of opportunity before the renewal is finalised.

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  Luis Enrique’s plan and PSG’s defensive dilemma

  The European champions' pursuit of Garcia fits a broader strategy to add tactical balance across the backline. Lucas Hernandez provides depth on the left, but Enrique wants a similarly reliable option on the right to support Marquinhos. The Spaniard’s ability to switch seamlessly between centre-back and full-back positions makes him an ideal candidate especially given PSG’s demanding schedule and defensive vulnerabilities exposed in recent weeks.

  However, much will depend on Barcelona’s stance and Garcia’s own willingness to consider a move mid-season. Despite PSG’s growing interest, sources close to the player suggest he remains focused on maintaining his form under Flick.

  With Hakimi sidelined and fixture congestion looming, the Ligue 1 giants may yet accelerate their efforts. But for now, Garcia’s name remains firmly on Enrique’s wishlist – a potential reunion that could reshape the French champions’ defensive outlook heading into 2026.

Following the success of Nick Woltemade, Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to spend big once again to sign an impressive midfield star in 2026.

Newcastle's 2026 transfer plans

The Magpies have unfinished business in the transfer market. The majority of their summer window was spent searching for much-needed strikers before Yoane Wissa and Woltemade both arrived to replace the firepower of Alexander Isak. Now, with that problem solved, the Magpies have the chance to think about improvements elsewhere.

Just what that could entail is the big question. The transfer rumours are already coming thick and fast, with ambitious moves for the likes of Julian Brandt and Arda Guler mooted. The latter would be a particularly impressive signing, but given how he’s burst into life under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, there’s no doubt that it would be a difficult one to get over the line.

Whoever arrives should be keen to follow the Woltemade path. The towering striker has scored three goals in six games and has already earned the praise of manager Eddie Howe more than once.

The Newcastle boss told reporters in the build-up to Newcastle’s 4-0 thrashing of Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League: “We’re very pleased to have Nick with us. I think he’s started very strongly in what has been a difficult period for him because he’s been thrust straight into action with no training time of note with us.”

Adding further creators around the German should now be among Newcastle’s top priorities when 2026 arrives and that could yet see a big-money midfielder arrive.

Newcastle preparing £60m+ Sancet offer

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now preparing a €70m (£61m) offer to sign Oihan Sancet from Athletic Club in 2026. The midfielder reportedly has a release clause of €80m (£70m) in his current deal and the Magpies plan to get close to that with their first offer.

"Stupid" – £150k-a-week Newcastle star slams "weird" news on Magpies teammate

He wasn’t impressed.

By
Charlie Smith

Oct 2, 2025

Those at St James’ Park reportedly see Sancet as the perfect player to partner Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of Howe’s midfield, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll match his release clause to skip any negotiations with Bilbao in 2026. Looking at the numbers, it’s clear to see the talent that they would be signing.

Whilst Sancet isn’t as combative as Joelinton, he would offer Newcastle a fresh goalscoring outlet from midfield. It’s the one trait that the Magpies occasionally lack in the middle of the park, but something that the Bilbao star would provide after netting 15 goals in La Liga last season.

Dubbed “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Newcastle should do everything to sign Sancet if the opportunity arrives in 2026. The Spaniard would take Howe’s midfield to yet another level.

Ruben Amorim has heaped praise on Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha as a "maverick" who "has an aura about him," praising the Brazilian's fearless style and mental edge since joining from Wolves. The United boss believes Cunha's unpredictable brilliance and psychological impact on opponents have transformed his side's attacking play during a promising start to the season.

• Man Utd's new attacking signings helping Amorim

  Cunha has quickly established himself as one of Manchester United’s standout performers following his £62.5 million ($82m) summer move from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 26-year-old Brazilian has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford, with his blend of flair, aggression, and creativity earning him comparisons to former club icon Eric Cantona. While his goalscoring numbers remain modest, with one goal in 10 games so far, his influence on matches has been undeniable, sparking the Red Devils’ offensive setup.

  Amorim has built his front line around Cunha and fellow new arrival Bryan Mbeumo. The pair have injected final-third dynamism into United’s attack, helping the team recover from an inconsistent start to the season. Amorim’s tactical setup has given Cunha the freedom to roam between the lines, link play with midfielders, and exploit gaps between the defensive line 

  Cunha’s performances have also coincided with a noticeable improvement in United’s pressing and transition play in the last month. His relentless energy and willingness to press from the front have added a new dimension to Amorim’s system.

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  Amorim hails 'maverick' Cunha and Mbeumo

  Speaking to the media network, Amorim was full of praise for his summer signing’s influence. "Cunha is a maverick who does things that are hard to find in some players," the United boss said. "He plays with the ball, but he has an aura that can do something to the opponent's heads. And that is really important."

  Amorim went on to explain that Cunha’s unpredictable qualities bring something unique to his side’s attack. "It’s not just about scoring goals – it’s about the energy and the confidence he gives the team. Players like him make everyone around them believe they can do something special."

  The Portuguese coach also highlighted the mentality of his other major summer signing, Mbeumo, crediting the pair for their elite work ethic and tactical awareness. "Bryan is really direct, and we missed that last year," Amorim continued. "You can sense when the ball is going to our defender; he is already running to position. This kind of small thing that people don't see is massive to turn our team into a more dangerous team."

• Cunha and Mbeumo arrived as part of offensive overhaul

  Cunha and Mbeumo's arrival at Old Trafford was part of a wider summer overhaul under Amorim aimed at reigniting United’s attacking identity. The Brazilian forward was viewed as the invigorating spark and psychological presence the club had been missing. Meanwhile, the Cameroonian's signing was aimed at solving the Red Devils' lack of creativity and chance creation.

  While Cunha's goal tally might not yet reflect his influence, the underlying numbers tell a different story. Cunha ranks among United’s top players for dribbles completed, shots taken, and chances created this season, underlining his role as both creator and catalyst. His physicality and technique have allowed him to thrive in Amorim’s pressing system.

  Off the ball, his presence has been equally impactful. Cunha’s work rate and willingness to engage defenders create space for teammates like Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to exploit. In many ways, he embodies the mentality Amorim has sought to instil since his arrival.

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  Man Utd in fight to return to Europe

  The challenge now for United lies in sustaining the momentum their new attacking core has generated. With Cunha and Mbeumo leading the line, Amorim’s side has rediscovered its rhythm after a stuttering start to the campaign, climbing steadily up the Premier League table.

  However, questions remain about the team’s consistency in front of goal. While Mbeumo’s tally of five goals and an assist has provided much-needed end product, Cunha’s finishing still needs refinement if he is to reach the next level.

  As United prepare for a demanding winter schedule, the importance of maintaining squad fitness and tactical sharpness will be crucial. Mbeumo’s expected absence during the Africa Cup of Nations could further elevate Cunha’s responsibility as United’s attacking talisman.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series champions once again, and they won this one in style, rallying back from a 5-0 deficit in Game 5 on Wednesday night to beat the New York Yankees, 7-6. This is the franchise's eighth championship overall and its first since 2020.

The Dodgers got back in the game with a five-run fifth inning that was helped out by three brutal fielding mistakes by the Yankees, which included a horrible drop by Aaron Judge in center field.

They then took the lead in the eighth inning by scoring two runs, with Mookie Betts knocking in the winning run with a sacrifice fly to center.

Walker Buehler, who started Game 3 for the Dodgers, came in for the ninth inning and shut down the Yankees in order. He clinched it with a strike out of Alex Verdugo.

During the celebration Dodgers catcher Will Smith was approached by MLB to authenticate the ball that got the final out.

"I gotta give it to Walker," he said to the MLB official.

That moment is near the end of this video:

MLB fans loved that:

What a teammate.

If it wasn't already clear, Fernando Tatis Jr. loudly made it known on Tuesday night that Petco Park is not just where he works, but also his place of residence.

Tatis wasted no time proving that point—and getting his San Diego Padres on the board—in the bottom of the first inning of the club's 4-0 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the wild-card round.

After a single from teammate Luis Arraez, Tatis, facing Braves righthander AJ Smith-Shawver, crushed a fastball down Broadway on the first pitch of the at-bat, sending the ball into the left field seats for a home run.

As the crowd erupted, Tatis, while admiring his home run, shouted out, "This is my house!"

The homer gave the Padres an early jolt—and starting pitcher Michael King an early lead he would not relinquish, as the righthander struck out 12 and blanked Atlanta over seven innings en route to the win.

This is just the second time Tatis has experienced postseason baseball. The club missed the postseason in '19, '21, and '23, bowed out in the National League Division Series in his second year in '20. In '22, the Padres made their deepest run since Tatis's arrival, which included a trip to the NLCS, but the star missed the entire run due to a performance-enhancing drug suspension.

Despite his limited experience in such moments, Tatis believes he is built for October.

"It's beautiful energy," Tatis said. "I love this type of situation. It definitely brings the best out of me. And just looking forward to way more experiences like this."

He and the Padres will take on the Braves in Game 2 on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves hat-tricks helped a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal qualify for the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic 9-1 win over Armenia on Sunday. The Seleccao were without their iconic forward following his red card against Ireland, but virtuoso displays from Fernandes and Neves ensured they topped UEFA Group F thanks to a thumping victory.

After their shock loss to Ireland in midweek, Portugal seemed determined to right the wrongs of what happened in Dublin, and it took just seven minutes to ease fans' nerves when Fernandes' free-kick was pushed onto the post by Armenia goalkeeper Henry Avagyan, and Renato Veiga was on hand to head into the empty net. Boos were soon ringing around Sporting CP's stadium, however, when Eduard Sperstian bundled the ball home from close range after the Portuguese defence was cut open in the 18th minute. 

Not long after supporters held a minute's applause for the late Diogo Jota, Goncalo Ramos pounced on a poor back pass by Artur Serobyan to restore the home side's advantage, and less than 90 seconds later, Neves smashed in a first-time beauty from the edge of the box on the half-hour mark. Hopes of a comeback were well and truly over when Neves bent a brilliant curling free-kick in off the bar from 25 yards out to make it 4-1 four minutes before half-time, and moments after Joao Cancelo's effort was deflected onto the post, Portugal were awarded a penalty when Ruben Dias was hauled down in the box, and Fernandes duly dispatched the subsequent spot-kick in first-half stoppage time.

Portugal's relentless march forward continued when Fernandes swept home his side's sixth in the 51st minute after good, determined work from Ramos, and the Manchester United captain had his third goal of the day when he scored his second penalty after substitute Carlos Forbs was felled in the area. The 104th-ranked side in the world, Armenia seemed ready to put this game behind them when Neves grabbed his hat-trick with an acrobatic finish nine minutes from the end, and substitute Francisco Conceicao made it 9-1 at the death.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio do Dragao…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Diogo Costa (6/10):

  Was a virtual spectator for the majority of the contest, other than picking the ball out of his net for Armenia's goal. 

  Nelson Semedo (6/10):

  Was guilty of losing his man for Armenia's shock equaliser as he switched off at the crucial moment.

  Ruben Dias (7/10):

  Won his side a penalty just before the interval and led a defence that never really looked troubled, apart from the odd opening. 

  Renato Veiga (7/10):

  Was in the right place at the right time as he calmly headed Portugal into the lead. Will need to face stronger opposition to be a guaranteed starter, though.

  Joao Cancelo (5/10):

  The former Manchester City man was shrugged off too easily for Armenia's equaliser and also made some rash challenges. May need to improve to tie down a World Cup starting spot.

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  Midfield

  Joao Neves (10/10):

  Rifled in a terrific strike from 18 yards out to give Portugal a two-goal cushion and then backed that up with an even better goal, this time with a sumptuous free-kick. Scored a classy third for one of the best hat-tricks you are likely to see.

  Vitinha (8/10):

  The Paris Saint-Germain talisman ran the show in midfield. He danced past would-be tacklers with ease and looked so calm on the ball.

  Bruno Fernandes (9/10):

  Fired in a dangerous free-kick that directly led to Portugal's early opener and took his penalties well with a stuttering run-up. Executed a first-time finish with aplomb for his second, and could have had five goals rather than three.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Bernardo Silva (6/10):

  Linked up nicely with his team-mates but left others to rip apart their overpowered opponents. 

  Goncalo Ramos (8/10):

  The striker showed good anticipation and clarity of thought to make it 2-1 with his interception goal and neatly assisted Fernandes as Portugal ran riot.

  Rafael Leao (6/10):

  His pace and power caused Armenia trouble, but he didn't get that many clear-cut chances during his 55-minute outing.

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  Subs & Manager

  Carlos Forbs (7/10):

  Won his side a penalty not long after being introduced, as his speed and agility came to the fore.

  Francisco Conceicao (8/10):

  Was full of purpose and was a proper livewire off the bench. Worked hard for his goal, which he took very well, to make it 9-1 at the death.

  Joao Felix (5/10):

  Came on for his 50th Portugal cap but didn't do a great deal right.

  Ruben Neves (N/A):

  Didn't have much of the ball.

  Matheus Nunes (N/A):

  Had too little time to make an impression on the game.

  Roberto Martinez (7/10):

  Would not have been pleased with how his team conceded but was clearly delighted by the margin and manner of the victory. His substitutes had a positive impact, too.

While Sunderland stole many of the plaudits in the summer for their outrageous transfer activity, with £100m+ splashed out on new recruits, Leeds United were arguably a tad more methodical in their approach when winning themselves some gems from all around Europe.

Daniel Farke and Co. are already thanking their lucky stars that they gambled on acquiring both Anton Stach and Noah Okafor from Hoffenheim and AC Milan, respectively, with a combined four goal contributions already picked up by the promising midfield duo in Premier League action.

In defence, Gabriel Gudmundsson also already looks like a steal in the left-back spot, having only cost £10m to snap up from Lille, while Lucas Perri was agonisingly close to his first clean sheet in his new location up against West Ham United last time out.

But, away from all these names mentioned, Sean Longstaff rightly sticks out as the best bit of business Leeds signed off on over a bumper summer, with the Premier League-experienced 27-year-old very much allowing the Whites to tick so far this season from the middle of the park.

Why Longstaff is one of Leeds' best signings

Already, the £12m summer purchase feels as if he has been in and around Elland Road for some time.

Longstaff has played a part in all nine of Leeds’ league matches so far this season on their return to the daunting top-flight, and while there have been some nerves on display as they navigate the choppy waters of the top division, the Newcastle-born midfielder has cut a cool and composed figure throughout.

Having seen his career at his boyhood Magpies fizzle out, Longstaff clearly knew – from the get-go at his new employers – that he needed to prove himself, and he has certainly done that when looking at the table above.

Already, the brand-new number eight has chipped in with one goal and two assists from a central position on the pitch, but he has offered up far more than just a goal threat, with an average of five duels won per contest enabling Farke’s men to see out some tight contests.

Accumulating five big chances being created, too, has even led to some bold shouts that Longstaff is Leeds’ second coming of Pablo Hernandez, as Farke now potentially attempts to recreate the magic of this shrewd deal in January by landing another classy top-flight veteran when the transfer window swings back open.

Leeds considering another Longstaff-style signing

It has been some turnaround for Longstaff since ditching the home comforts of Tyneside, with zero goals or assists falling into his lap during his final campaign at Eddie Howe’s Toon.

Ross Barkley will hope he can similarly breathe life back into his waning playing days at Elland Road if rumours are to be believed, with a report from The Leeds Press revealing that the West Yorkshire outfit is considering a move for the reserve Aston Villa presence, who even once had a short-term loan stint at Leeds way back in 2013.

Now, he could be returning, again on loan, but this time as a far more experienced option, as Leeds reportedly weigh up a move for an attacking midfielder in the window, and while he has struggled to break into Emery’s first team picture as of late, he is certainly a classy operator on his day.

Indeed, this fiercely struck effort against Leicester City earlier in the year is just one of seven goals Barkley has put away for the Villans, meaning he definitely has a similar eye for a goal to that of Longstaff.

More importantly, too, the 31-year-old has also shone before in a team that is attempting to beat the drop in Luton Town – as seen in his weighty five goals and seven assists for the then troubled Hatters – and became a beloved fan favourite, subsequently, with one of his teammates in Andros Townsend at Kenilworth Road even hailing him as “unbelievable” to play alongside.

It could well be, much like Longstaff, that Barkley comes back into his own in West Yorkshire, with the well-travelled attacking midfielder also being dubbed as “exquisite” by his former Everton manager in Roberto Martinez, for his skilful approach on the pitch.

The £60k-per-week star is somewhat fading away at Villa Park, though, with just 30 minutes of action handed to him this season.

Yet, if he relocates to Leeds this coming January, he could end up rebuilding his career before it’s too late, just as Longstaff has already done this season.

Forget Longstaff: £10m star is now Leeds' best signing since Bielsa left

This Leeds United star could now be considered the best signing the Whites have made since Marcelo Bielsa left.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 28, 2025

Blake Snell unsurprisingly had a number of teams interested in him when he entered free agency after the 2024 season. What was surprising was that none of those teams were the San Francisco Giants, who Snell played for in 2024.

“The Giants didn’t even talk to me. It was surprising—I thought they really liked me," Snell said, via Susan Slusser of the .

Snell said that he didn't even hear back from Giants manager Bob Melvin, his manager on both the San Diego Padres and Giants, despite their close relationship.

“I know Bob loves me, and I’m really close with Logan and Chappy," Snell said, via Slusser. "So I was shocked. I thought they’d come after me right away. I really liked it there. I was happy there. But they never even said anything to me.

“I texted Bob and he didn’t reply, and Bob always replies to me, so I kind of had a feeling," he added. "But it was weird, especially with all the other teams that were interested in me. … There were a lot of teams after me. I just thought it was weird the Giants weren’t one.”

Snell did have a strong season with the Giants, too, particularly during the second half of the year. The two-time Cy Young award winner posted a 1.23 ERA over his final 14 starts of the season, and also recorded a no-hitter on Aug. 2 against the Cincinnati Reds. Overall, he finished the 2024 season with a 5-3 record, 3.12 ERA and 145 strikeouts over 20 starts.

Still, the Giants opted not to pursue bringing Snell back, and he instead signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Though Snell might have felt snubbed by the Giants not pursuing him, he has sounded excited about joining the Dodgers.

"It was really easy, just because me and [partner] Haeley wanted to live here," Snell said of the Dodgers in December, via ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. "It's something we've been talking about for a while. And when you look at the team, you look at what they've built, what they're doing, it's just something you want to be a part of."