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RB Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff has admitted that Timo Werner is "not an easy person" to manage, revealing that all of his previous coaches have struggled with the striker. However, he defended the forward's character amid his current exile under new manager Ole Werner, while the former Chelsea man reportedly eyes a move to MLS to join Inter Miami.

• Mintzlaff offers blunt assessment

  Werner finds himself completely frozen out of the first-team picture this season. The striker, who remains the club's all-time leading goalscorer, has failed to secure any significant minutes in the current campaign, leading to intense speculation regarding his future. Amidst this backdrop, Oliver Mintzlaff, the CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, has offered a candid insight into the player's personality and his standing within the club.

  Speaking to the , Mintzlaff addressed the awkward situation surrounding the 29-year-old. While expressing sympathy for Werner's lack of game time, the club chief conceded that the forward requires a specific type of management that can be taxing for the coaching staff. He admitted that even the managers who extracted the best football from Werner found him difficult to handle at times.

  "I have a special, close, and good relationship with Timo Werner. Therefore, I'm probably not entirely objective," Mintzlaff stated. "I would have thought there might have been a way to give him a few minutes, especially since he had a decent preseason. But that's the coach's decision, that's what performance decides.

  "Timo Werner is certainly not an easy person, undoubtedly not an easy character, but an extremely fine guy to whom we owe a great deal. Every coach has had his problems with Timo Werner, whether Ralf Rangnick or Julian Nagelsmann, but they've all played him."

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  Struggles under Ole Werner

  While Rangnick and Nagelsmann navigated the complexities of Timo Werner's character to unlock his prolific goal-scoring ability, current head coach Ole Werner has seemingly decided that the output no longer justifies the effort. Since taking charge in the summer, the new manager has been ruthless in his team selection, leaving the club legend watching from the sidelines.

  The 2025-26 campaign has been particularly brutal for the former Chelsea forward. Despite being fit and available, he has played just one minute of competitive football this term, watching on as Leipzig compete in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. The "decent preseason" alluded to by Mintzlaff has not translated into competitive opportunities, signalling a complete breakdown in trust between the player and the current technical staff. It is a far cry from his first spell at the club, where his electric pace and finishing made him one of the most feared attackers in European football.

• Failed MLS move and the Messi dream

  Werner's isolation has inevitably led to him seeking an exit route, a process that began in earnest during the summer transfer window. It has been reported that the striker is keen to leave European football behind for a fresh start in the United States. However, a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS) collapsed in the summer, leaving him in limbo in Saxony.

  According to recent reports, Werner turned down a concrete approach from the New York Red Bulls. The rejection was reportedly due to the salary on offer, with the German on a healthy package in Leipzig. Instead, the striker has set his sights on a glamorous switch to Inter Miami.

  Werner is reportedly enamoured with the idea of partnering Lionel Messi in Florida. The prospect of linking up with the Argentine legend and fellow former Barcelona star Luis Suarez appeals to Werner as the ideal environment to rediscover his love for the game. However, facilitating such a move is complex given the MLS salary cap regulations and Inter Miami's star-studded roster.

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  What next for the Leipzig legend?

  For now, Werner remains an RB Leipzig player, albeit in name only on matchdays. His contract runs until the summer of 2026, presenting a financial headache for the Bundesliga club who are paying significant wages to a player who is not contributing on the pitch. Mintzlaff's comments highlight the respect the hierarchy still holds for Werner's past achievements, but they also underscore the reality that his time at the top level with Leipzig appears to be over.

  With the January transfer window approaching, all parties will be eager to find a resolution. Whether Inter Miami can make the finances work, or if Werner will have to lower his sights to another MLS franchise or a different European club, remains to be seen. Until then, the "not easy character" must continue to train, waiting for an opportunity that Ole Werner seems unwilling to grant.

It’s fair to say that Arsenal are making this Champions League lark look rather straightforward, as Mikel Arteta’s depleted side breezed past Club Brugge on Wednesday night.

Even while forced to resort to deploying Christian Norgaard at centre-back, the Gunners still secured a fifth clean sheet from six outings in this year’s edition, having conceded just once to date.

David Raya, as ever, was almost impenetrable in the sticks away in Belgium, although the major talking point was the away side’s attacking flair, as summer signing Noni Madueke notched a brace in stunning fashion.

On the opposite flank too, Gabriel Martinelli maintained his rampant Champions League form with his fifth goal on what was just his third start in the competition in 2025/26, cutting in onto his right foot before unleashing an exquisite effort into the far corner.

The Brazilian is leading the charge in Europe, albeit while having scored just once back in Premier League action, yet to truly nail down that left-sided berth.

Hopes of finally becoming a regular fixture on that flank will only be hampered further if the north London side are to do business in January…

Latest on Arsenal's search for a left winger

While Martinelli has dazzled in midweek action, Leandro Trossard remains the go-to man domestically, netting four times – alongside providing three assists – in the Premier League.

It wasn’t too long ago that the 31-year-old Belgian looked destined to depart over the summer, however, while with his newly-signed deal still set to expire in 2027, he hardly represents a long-term solution.

Indeed, with Eberechi Eze also looking somewhat lost in that role in the defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, a new addition still appears to be on the agenda heading into 2026.

According to Caught Offside, one of the targets who is ‘most high up on Arsenal’s list’ is AC Milan sensation, Rafael Leao, with the Portugal international viewed as a ‘long-term target’ in attack.

The reports suggests that despite Viktor Gyokeres’ initial teething problems, there is no desire at the Emirates to sign another striker, with a more versatile figure, like Leao, being prioritised instead.

Transfer Focus

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

While no price tag is mentioned in relation to the 26-year-old, it was reported by the same outlet last month that the Serie A side would be looking for a figure in the region of €85m (£75m), were they to cash in.

Why 'Henry 2.0' could spell bad news for Martinelli

Martinelli’s glorious effort in Brugge, to maintain his Champions League hot streak, has showcased just what he can do when at his best, having notably secured a valuable point against Manchester City earlier in the campaign.

There is a wow factor about the long-serving talent, although that nagging sense of inconsistency has yet to be shaken off, with the 24-year-old registering just a solitary goal involvement from 11 league appearances to date.

A true upgrade, unfortunately, is needed in that department, with Leao seemingly the perfect fit, with ex-Milan boss Stefano Pioli previously suggesting that he reminds him of an “early Thierry Henry”, due to his knack for drifting inside from his wide role.

Indeed, like Arsenal’s beloved Frenchman, there is an effortlessness to Leao’s game, with the former Lille man able to glide his way up the pitch in that left channel, while possessing the end product to boot.

While not quite at his scintillating best this season, the £75m man has still enjoyed a far superior record to Martinelli in league action, scoring five goals from his ten Serie A appearances, while chipping in with one assist.

That record, as per Sofascore, has also seen him create five ‘big chances’, while averaging 0.5 successful dribbles per game.

For comparison, Martinelli is yet to create a single ‘big chance’, while averaging just 0.2 for that latter metric in the Premier League.

Leao’s greater prowess when it comes to driving his side up the pitch is also seen in how he edges the Arsenal man with regard to both progressive carries (4.29 v 4.07) and successful take-ons (1.75 vs 1.36) per 90 across the last 365 days, as per FBref, ensuring he could represent an even more menacing attacking weapon for Arteta to wield.

In all, the Portuguese’s 272 games at San Siro have yielded 76 goals and 63 assists, as per Transfermart, while in the case of Martinelli, his 242 appearances in all competitions have seen him chip in with just 57 goals and 30 assists.

An Henry-esque talent, who is already proven in one of Europe’s top five leagues, Leao surely represents the left-wing upgrade that the Gunners have long been crying out for.

Arsenal flop who looks like he belongs in the Emery era must be dropped

Things are not looking great for the Arsenal star this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

3 days ago

Ever since Billy McLean became the first major league umpire in 1876, the umpire has been baseball’s Supreme Court—the highest court in the land. It helped McLean’s authority, too, that he was a former boxer. One hundred forty-nine years of absolute authority on balls and strikes ended Tuesday. The ABS Challenge System is coming next season to MLB. Think of it as an appellate court, in which players can petition technology to overrule Supreme Court Justice Umpire.

This was inevitable, and it is a good thing for baseball, both of which were obvious when the system was tested in major league spring training games this year after some lab work in the minors.

Still, change can be scary. You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

Why is it called ABS? Does it have anything to do with my car?

It’s an acronym for Automated Ball Strike Challenge System. It was approved Tuesday by the Joint Competition Committee, which is comprised of six owners, four active players and one active umpire. The vote was not unanimous, but in a mild surprise, not all players on the committee voted against it.

How many pitches will get the challenge treatment?

Each team gets two challenges, plus one in each extra inning if they have used their challenges. A team retains its challenge if it is successful. The spring training challenges averaged 4.1 per game.

[Watch: MLB Ump Ripped After Missing an Astounding 25 Calls in Brewers-Padres Game]

Wait, I thought baseball was big on keeping a faster pace. Doesn’t this slow the game?

The average spring training challenge took 13.8 seconds. At 4.1 challenges per game, we’re talking an additional 57 seconds. I think you can handle that.

What happens to pitch framing? Won’t teams just put a pair of cement hands behind the plate now that technology is the backstop?

No. Ninety-eight percent of pitches will not be challenged. The value of pitch framing will be diminished, but teams must be so judicious in when to use their challenges that presenting pitches will still be important.

Aren’t we losing the human element?

Yes, if you consider an obvious blown call as a human element worth preserving. The limit on challenges is designed with the same purpose replay is used on the bases: nobody wants to see games decided on an egregious call.

And ABS adds a new layer to the human element: the strategy and skill of when to challenge. Catchers are the best at getting a call overturned (56% in the spring training test). Pitchers are the worst (41%). Hitters were in the middle (50%). Now a catcher who is expert at judging the strike zone will have a competitive edge for his team. Judgment on the zone and when to challenge will be a huge part of the catcher skill set.

Is the strike zone changing?

No. It did change in the minors, with a lowering of the top of the zone. The major league strike zone remains the same. The height of every player, as they were last year, will be measured in spring training to determine their individual zone: 53.5% of the player’s height at the top and 27% at the bottom.

What about those strike zones we see on television broadcasts?

Good news. The strike zone you will see on TV next year will be the official ABS strike zone. Broadcasters will be using the same technology. That’s not true now, which creates confusion for viewers because they often differ slightly from the real zone.

What do the umpires think about this?

The umpires knew technology was advancing so fast that this was inevitable. Umpiring keeps improving, in part because umpires are trained with the help of technology rather than calling their personal strike zone. They want to get it right and often do. Remember, teams could challenge pitches in spring training, and because of the two-challenge limit they had to reserve their challenges for when they were convinced the call was wrong. And the umpires were right 47.8% of the time—basically a coin flip.

Is this good for fans?

Yes. Watching the video unfold on the scoreboard in real time on a challenge is terrific fan engagement. You find out at the same time as players. Strike or ball? Watching the arc of the pitch entering the zone is good theater.

Everything has a cost. What are we losing?

If you get a kick out of Yankees manager Aaron Boone blowing a gasket, I guess you’ll miss his rants directed at the home plate umpires. Got a beef with the umpire? Just challenge. Boone gets thrown out once every 26.4 games, about the same rate as all-time umpire frenemy Earl Weaver, which is amazing when you consider Boone has had replay available on calls on the bases.

Mohamed Salah has been named on the bench yet again by Liverpool manager Arne Slot for Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton at Anfield. The Egypt international has been recalled to the squad, after being left out against Inter in the Champions League in midweek following his critical comments, but has to make do with a place among the substitutes.

• Salah returns for Brighton game

  Salah is back in the Liverpool squad for the first time since claiming he had been "thrown under the bus" by the Reds and that his relationship with Slot has broken down following the team's draw with Leeds. The Egyptian's critical comments have thrown his future at the club into doubt and he was subsequently left out of the Champions League trip to San Siro. However, he is back in the squad for Saturday's match, although it remains to be seen if he will see any game time. Slot has gone with Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai in attack as he searches for victory against the Seagulls. Liverpool's fixture against Brighton is Salah's last before he is due to link up with Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations squad for the 2025 tournament.

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• Slot speaks out on selection decisions

  Slot had little to say when quizzed about his decision to recall Salah to the squad for the match. He told ahead of kick-off: "Like you said, he is back in the squad and on the bench today."

  The Liverpool boss also explained why big-money signing Alexander Isak was only on the bench: "Got a knock in both games. Games come quite fast and there is also not so much to choose from. Nice to have someone from the bench who can impact the game."

  Slot was also critical of his team's fixture list as the Reds return to Premier League action after a midweek Champions League trip to Inter, adding: "Quite proud because playing four games in 10 days – that is almost criminal for football players. Especially if you have only 13-14 outfield players that are available. We accept playing a lot of games, but four in 10 days. That is a lot to take for players."

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  Will Salah stay at Liverpool?

  Salah's situation at Liverpool means it's still unclear if he will remain at the club for the rest of the season. Slot spoke about the situation before the Brighton match at his pre-match press conference, telling reporters: "I have no reasons not wanting him to stay, if that is a little bit of an answer." Yet Saudi Pro League clubs are believed to be circling and are eager to bring the Egypt star to the Middle East.

  Saudi Pro League chief executive Omar Mugharbel has already admitted that Liverpool's talisman has emerged as a transfer target. He told the World Football Summit in Riyadh this week: "Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but it is the clubs that are responsible for negotiating with players. For sure Salah is one of them [a target]."

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• What next for Salah and Liverpool?

  Salah will depart Merseyside after Saturday's match and switch focus to international football. Egypt take on Nigeria in a friendly before AFCON starts and then face Zimbabwe, Angola and South Africa in the group phase. If Egypt make it all the way to the final, then Salah is set to be away from Liverpool until at least January 18. 

  During his absence, his agent – Ramy Abbas – is set to hold talks with Liverpool over the 33-year-old's future at the club, according to . Salah signed a new two-year contract in the summer but it remains to be seen if he will now see that out.

  In the meantime, Liverpool face a busy fixture list over festive period and into January with games against Tottenham, Wolves, Leeds United, Fulham, Arsenal and Burnley in the Premier League as well as an FA Cup third round tie against Barnsley.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham United side are showing signs of green shoots, but there is much work still to be done in the fight to stave off the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

West Ham’s inconsistencies have plunged them into the drop zone, but a glass-half-full mentality would tell you that Nuno has claimed eight points from four games and the squad’s understanding in this new system is tightening, deepening.

But this is also a precarious and anxiety-inducing position. Former technical director Tim Steidten left much to be desired on the recruitment front, and now additions are needed up top and across the backline.

West Ham need to sign a striker

Niklas Fullkrug’s £27m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to the London Stadium has not gone to plan. Injuries have been the German striker’s biggest inhibitor, but he has scored only three times across 29 matches, and a winter exit, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, looks on the cards.

The 32-year-old has indeed been slated for a January departure, probably back to his homeland, and that leaves West Ham in a sticky position, with Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson in need of support.

Help may arrive in the form of Santiago Gimenez, with Italian outlet Il Messaggero relaying that the Mexican forward is destined for a move to the Premier League, with the Irons one of the clubs who could put forward a bid of around €30m (equating to £26m).

Sunderland are also interested, and given that Milan would be open to selling the 24-year-old for around that price, the Londoners will need to be snappy in getting a deal done.

What Santiago Gimenez would bring to West Ham

Gimenez stands at 6 foot 1 and is a physical and imposing attacking profile. In this, he would be the perfect profile to replace Fullkrug, whose physicality and focal command in the box are among the finest in Europe.

After joining AC Milan from Feyenoord last winter, Gimenez made a positive start to life in Serie A, scoring five goals and supplying two assists across the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign, playing 14 times and starting only seven of those games.

However, he has petered out under Massimiliano Allegri’s wing this season, yet to score in the Italian top flight. Gimenez is still relatively young and has the athleticism to succeed in the Premier League, and he could be the perfect presence to dovetail into the front of Nuno’s system, having been hailed as a “machine” in the box by talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past.

His particular approach suggests he would be perfect for Nuno’s West Ham project, Chris Wood would bear testament to that, having been the spearhead of the Portuguese tactician’s incredible tenure at the Nottingham Forest helm, prolific and talismanic.

Wood is among the most physical and commanding strikers of recent years; certainly, his blend of clinical shooting, steely hold-up play and intelligent movement has allowed him to blossom into “one of the best in the Prem”, as claimed by reporter Jamie Martin.

And his time in Nuno’s system proved a match made in heaven for both. Now, Gimenez could make his mark as the new version, especially if given the trust and care that have been lacking throughout his year in Italy.

Under Espirito Santo’s stewardship, Wood enjoyed arguably the most productive spell of his career, scoring 20 goals from 36 Premier League matches as the Tricky Trees secured a place in Europe.

Gimenez could play a similar role in this West Ham team, the catalyst for attacking change after a tough chapter in the club’s modern history.

Finishes like Bowen: West Ham offered chance to sign "insane" Wilson upgrade

The international goalscorer could be just the player to spearhead Nuno’s West Ham project.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 6, 2025

There’s a lot of ways to hit a home run, all of them difficult. But some are more difficult to pull off than others.

On Wednesday night, Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong showed off one of the wilder ways to do it, delivering a solo shot against the Colorado Rockies that should have come with some style points.

Facing off against Rockies starting pitcher Tanner Gordon in the fourth inning, Crow-Armstrong saw a ball come in way low across the plate—it didn’t matter, he liked it enough to swing, and took it for one impressive ride.

Baseball players teeing off like that are often compared to golfers, but man oh man did Crow-Armstrong scoop that ball off the ground.

If you were thinking, “Wow that was a low pitch to send out of the park,” you were not alone. Apparently, Crow-Armstrong has a knack for this specific sort of dinger.

Shouts to MLB reporters Sarah Langs and Theo DeRosa for the info there.

As explained in the tweet, PCA now holds the impressive record of the two lowest home run shots sent out of a ballpark this year.

Here’s a shot of that May 2 home run.

Crow-Armstrong has put together an unreal start to the season, and is a surprise contender for NL MVP as we near the halfway point of the season.

As a tip to opposing pitchers who might be facing him in the near future—don’t miss low against PCA.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has addressed transfer speculation linking club legend Lionel Messi with a return to the Catalan club. The World Cup winner left the Catalan giants in acrimonious fashion back in 2021 as their financial woes meant he could not be offered a new contract, but the hope of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner returning to Camp Nou has not left Barca fans – despite Messi turning 38 this summer.

• How Barcelona lost Messi in 2021

  Messi established himself as an all-time great during a sparkling 17-year stint in Barca's senior setup, holding the club's records for most appearances and goals with 778 matches played and a ridiculous 672 strikes. He won every major honour there is to win with his former club, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues, playing alongside other legends like Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Neymar and Sergio Busquets, among others, as Barca enjoyed one of the most glistening periods in their history. 

  The fairytale eventually came to an end in 2021 as financial mismanagement resulted in Messi's departure at the end of his contract. He signed for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer but had two difficult seasons in France before joining Major League soccer outfit Inter Miami, where he has resumed his incredible goal-scoring. Barca remain somewhat strapped for cash but appear to be in a better position than they were four years ago, but sporting director Deco didn't give much away when asked about a potential return to the club for the Argentinian.

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  Deco responds to potential Messi return

  Speaking on , Deco said: "I don't think it's possible because Leo is under contract and it was never even considered. Leo is always Leo and he could still contribute something; he's a great player, but it's not something we're going to talk about," he firmly stated. 

  "The current situation is entirely speculative,” Deco added. 

• Why an imminent return seems unrealistic

  Barca fans unsurprisingly fell head-over-heels back in love with Messi when he was pictured at the club's newly-refurbished Camp Nou stadium back in early November. The legendary attacker admitted he wants to return in some capacity in the future in order to say a proper goodbye to supporters, something he was denied four years ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

  However, president Joan Laporta later revealed it was "not realistic" to consider a playing homecoming with Messi recently committing his future to Inter Miami for another three years. Their financial situation remains tight, having spent relatively little on transfers compared to some of Europe's other top teams over the past few seasons, and whether they would be able to afford Messi's wages remains to be seen.

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  What comes next for Messi and Barcelona?

  With many football supporters around the world hopeful of Messi returning to Camp Nou in the future, this is a story that is unlikely to fade away any time soon. However, the two parties have different goals to focus on in the immediate future. Messi will be hopeful of scooping more silverware on Saturday, with Inter Miami facing Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final. He could be joined by some former team-mates in the future, with Neymar linked with a switch to MLS after experiencing a difficult return to boyhood club Santos, while he could also feature in next year's World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico as Argentina look to defend the crown they won in Qatar in 2022.

  Barca, meanwhile, have opened up a four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, though Los Blancos have the chance to cut that advantage when they meet Athletic Club on Wednesday night. 

Manchester United’s £200m spending spree over the summer window was a huge statement by INEOS in an attempt to help lead the club back up the Premier League.

The vast majority of the funds were invested into the Red Devils’ forward line, which has handed Ruben Amorim a deadly trio within the final third of the pitch.

Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha were all added to the first-team ranks, with the former of the trio currently sitting as the club’s top goalscorer.

However, other areas of the pitch are also in need of investment in the near future to help Amorim in his quest for success during his tenure in charge at Old Trafford.

The midfield department looks set to be the next area to be improved in the coming months, with additions expected to be made during the upcoming January window.

Man United looking to sign £100m + midfielder

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been just one side tipped with an interest in securing a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes ahead of January.

It has been reported that the player himself would be open to a move to Old Trafford this winter, leading to a £44m price tag being mooted for his signature.

However, no contact has yet been made between the two Premier League clubs, but that’s not to say a move could transpire in the weeks leading up to the window.

He’s not alone in being identified as a potential option for the Red Devils, with Real Madrid star Federico Valverde another star currently in the hierarchy’s sights.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men are planning to make a club-record £105m bid for the Uruguayan’s signature in the upcoming window amid his struggles at the Bernabeu.

The report claims that he’s been in the middle of a dispute with current boss Xabi Alonso, and could be allowed to depart the LaLiga giants despite making 23 appearances across all competitions in 2025/26.

How Fede Valverde compares to Elliot Anderson

In United’s attempts to improve the options at the heart of the side, one name has constantly been on the tongue of a huge number of supporters – Elliot Anderson.

The Nottingham Forest star has endured quite the rise over the last 18 months, after he joined the Reds in a £35m deal from boyhood club Newcastle United in the summer of 2024.

He’s since racked up a total of 57 appearances for his current side, achieving a total of 10 combined goals and assists during that time – including a superb strike against Tottenham Hotspur last season.

The 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength in recent months, featuring in every minute of Forest’s Premier League campaign to date – leading to a consistent run in the England national team.

Such a feat is a huge credit to the player, but it’s only driven his price tag up further in recent months, with Sean Dyche’s side now valuing the youngster at around the £100m mark.

However, the aforementioned fee may be a risk given his short period of success at the City Ground, which could lead to a move for Valverde instead this January.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Uruguayan international has managed to outperform Anderson in key areas – which could make him a better option this window.

Valverde, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, with more of his efforts being defined as key passes.

Such tallies showcase he’s arguably better in possession than Anderson, handing Amorim that added ball-playing presence he craves at the heart of the side.

However, the main responsibility of any new addition will be to regain possession, something which the Real Madrid star has demonstrated in abundance this campaign.

He’s bettered Anderson for tackles won to date, whilst also making more clearances per 90 – subsequently offering a better option out of possession than the Englishman.

Other stats, such as a higher take-on success and more aerials won, showcase his all-round dominance over the Forest star – with the board needing to pursue a move for Valverde’s signature.

£105m would be a huge investment from the board, subsequently breaking the club record, but it’s a deal that would emphatically end their hunt for a new midfielder.

There’s no disputing Anderson is a top talent, but it would be rash of the hierarchy to spend such funds on him, especially when a proven talent of Valverde’s calibre is available for just £5m more.

Not Lammens: Man Utd flop is becoming their biggest liability since Onana

Manchester United have a player who has massively failed to deliver at Old Trafford since his transfer.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 27, 2025

Baseball, like all sports, puts a premium on instinct. The consensus best fielders in the game are the ones who can make difficult plays look effortless.

Sometimes, however, instinctual self-preservation turns into something more. Take a play in the sixth inning of the Houston Astros' game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.

With one out in the top half of the inning and a runner on first, Astros right fielder Cam Smith sent a screaming liner directly toward the head of Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde. Fedde, ducking, threw out his glove to catch the ball—and immediately rose to double off the runner at first.

The play earned Fedde a standing ovation from fans and left a shocked Smith with his head in his hands.

Fedde departed at the inning's conclusion having given up six hits, three walks and an earned run while striking out five. His most significant contribution to an offensively challenged night for St. Louis, however, might've been his glove heroics here.

Callum Wilson insisted that he can force his way into Thomas Tuchel's England squad despite not playing for the Three Lions since 2023. At 33, many would assume his international career has ended. But Wilson has never been one to accept the limitations and has that same self-confidence that took him to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, despite widespread scepticism at the time.

• A journal full of targets

  Wilson keeps a daily notebook filled with ambitions. One of them is 100 Premier League goals. It is that stubborn self-belief that saw him turn down eye-watering offers from Saudi Arabia last summer. Instead of chasing the last big contract, he joined West Ham, determined to reach the century mark in English football and extend his Premier League legacy. And his more pressing target is to catch the attention of Tuchel. 

  Wilson said: "I have 100 goals, that’s written down. Personal targets that I want to achieve in terms of what’s happened over the last few years, not playing as much as I like, games I want to be involved in and how many that is and being available. There’s a World Cup coming up. I still, in my head, will believe until the final squad that if I have a run of games, I can put my best foot forward.

  "The last time we went to the World Cup, I’d written there about that. Everyone said, ‘Oh, what are you doing in the winter break when the World Cup’s coming?' My journal says I’m going to the World Cup. Because some people think I’m deluded. That’s the problem. When you actually believe in yourself so much, people think you’re borderline delusional. But there’s people that have been with me throughout my career that have seen me say something and I’ve then done it. I achieve these things. And every time I get written off, I’ve come back from it."

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  A return to Bournemouth: The club that shaped him

  Wilson now sits on 90 Premier League goals. His first 41 came during his years at Bournemouth, and he is set to visit the Vitality Stadium this weekend for the first time since 2020. 

  He said: "I’m looking forward to that on a personal level in terms of just being in a place where that was the next step for me where I managed to build my name and help the team get great success over the years. I’ve scored many goals in both nets for Bournemouth, so obviously I’ll be able to do it against them. It’s the same arena."

  Wilson needs 10 more Premier League goals to enter the hundred club and he insists he stayed in England last summer for that exact reason.

  Wilson added: "I had a tricky few years previously with injuries and then Alex Isak getting in great form and then basically finding myself playing second fiddle to him. It wasn’t really how I seen my last few years in the Premier League going. I’m a fighter. I didn’t want to just give up and say, OK, it’s easy for me to just go and do a different country, collect a little bit of money and things like that. But that’s not my motivation.”

• Tuchel’s to-call List: A manager with a mission

  If Wilson is to revive his England career, the man he must impress is the meticulous Tuchel. Fresh from guiding England to a perfect World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, eight wins, zero goals conceded, Tuchel has now set himself a new task of speaking personally to every England hopeful. The number hovers between 55 and 60 players. Tuchel laughed at the length of the list, but insisted the calls are essential.

  "Players that are on our long list, 55, 60 players, to reach out to them, be in touch with them, explain to them why they were not here," he said. "Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve. Can they even do something, or is it just a choice, so this is my job in the next weeks and months.

  "Yeah, and I hate phone calls. Better on FaceTime. Then I see the expression, at least, and get a feeling for the person. Or I need to visit them, visit training grounds. We can do group visits. We can do Jude (Bellingham) and Trent (Alexander-Arnold). And visit the clubs. And some of them we will call. Let's see. Listen, we've just finished this camp and I think it's important that I reach out to everyone, even to the guys we didn't pick so regularly, to tell them where they are and give them honest feedback."

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  Will Wilson’s phone ring?

  That is the question Wilson smiles at. He knows his age will be used against him and his injury history will be raised. But he refuses to surrender his belief that a late surge of form, coupled with his relentless self-discipline, could force Tuchel’s hand.