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Celtic are consulting the managerial market in an attempt to bring in a new boss and are reportedly now ready to present a formal approach to their preferred candidate.

Undoubtedly, the feeling around Parkhead has changed dramatically in the last couple of weeks since Martin O’Neill was appointed in interim charge to lead the Scottish Premiership champions.

Joyous scenes against Falkirk and Rangers were tempered by a disappointing first-half collapse against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League last Thursday. However, Celtic signed off for the international break with a 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock to close the gap on Heart of Midlothian to seven points.

Furthermore, a game in hand will serve as an opportunity to move within four points of the league leaders, though, who will be in charge to lead the Bhoys’ defence of the Scottish top-flight crown?

Wales boss Craig Bellamy has ruled himself out of the Celtic vacancy. Nevertheless, Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy is the latest name to enter the running after his strong start to the campaign at the League One outfit.

Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Nicky Hayen, and Efrain Juarez are also on the Bhoys’ radar. Meanwhile, Wilfried Nancy is the wildcard choice after his sterling work at Columbus Crew.

With several pivotal fixtures to come and off-field tension between supporters and the hierarchy continuing to linger, there is a feeling that Celtic must get this appointment right to move forward in unison.

Difficult away clashes against St Mirren, Feyenoord and Hibernian linger on the other side of the international break, so it is fair to say time if of the essence if the Bhoys are to bring someone into the fold on a full-time basis, and they may just be about to pull off that feat.

Celtic readying formal approach for Kjetil Knutsen

According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are readying an official approach for Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen after discovering that the 57-year-old is keen to take on a new challenge and is excited by the thought of taking over at Parkhead.

The report make it clear that he is still the standout foreign candidate, albeit the Bhoys also want an interview with Ipswich boss McKenna despite the fact Dermot Desmond may have to pay £5 million to secure him from Portman Road.

Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane, a former Celtic player, has yet to receive a phone call regarding the vacant position. Still, it is said that he would ‘sprint to the table if asked’ to succeed O’Neill at the helm of the Scottish champions.

The Bhoys want to come to a resolution by December at the latest and they could now be closer to finding their next permanent manager if Knutsen was able to finalise contract terms.

An alternative Celtic manager candidate has a secret release clause

Nevertheless, nothing is signed and sealed until ink physically exists on paper, so there is still a long way to go before supporters know who their next leader will be.

It was one of those moments. Tim David, one of the best when it comes to smashing a lot of runs in not many balls, seemed to miss with a big swing against an over-pitched Mohammad Amir delivery. The Trinbago Knight Riders boys heard an edge. Nicholas Pooran reviewed. Replays showed a gap between bat and ball, but Snicko showed a spike.David had to go. That left St Lucia Kings at 113 for 4 in 14-and-a-half overs, their finisher gone in a chase of 184. Despite the best efforts from the remaining batters, they fell 18 short in their CPL 2025 game in Gros Islet.It would, however, be unfair to say Knight Riders weren’t deserving winners. Having won one and lost one that they might have won in their season so far, they came into this game determined to notch up another two points, none of them more than Kieron Pollard, who had fluffed his lines so badly in the previous game.Kieron Pollard smashed 65 off just 29 balls•CPL T20 via Getty Images

After they were sent in, Knight Riders got an excellent start courtesy their form batter, Colin Munro, despite Alex Hales’s struggles. Hales was the first to go after scoring 10 in eight balls, but Munro made sure the opening wicket was worth 47 runs in 4.1 overs, and Knight Riders ended the powerplay with 58 on the board.Munro scored 43 in 30 balls, and Pooran chipped in with 34 in 30 balls, but it was really down to Pollard’s statement innings – 65 in 29 balls – that pushed Knight Riders to what eventually proved to be a winning total.Pollard walked out at 78 for 3 in the 11th over, hammered six sixes and four fours, with David Wiese, the opposition captain, picked for special treatment – 24 runs, including three sixes in a row in the 17th over the highlight. Though Pollard fell in the 19th, in a one-run over from Oshane Thomas against the run of play, he had done enough to give Knight Riders the advantage.Johnson Charles and Tim Seifert put together 74 for the first wicket•CPL T20 via Getty Images

Kings weren’t to be outdone just yet. Tim Seifert, with 35 in 24 balls, and Johnson Charles, with 47 in 37 balls, gave the chase a rollicking start. They scored 60 in the powerplay and motored along to 74 before Seifert fell in the ninth over.They needed someone to keep the momentum going, but Roston Chase wasn’t the man for the job on the day. David might have been but couldn’t be. In the end, the onus was on the lower-middle order to do the heavy lifting.Delano Potgieter and Ackeem Auguste did play handy cameos, but Kings needed someone to bat on and finish the game. They did not come close to the finish line by the time Russell had delivered the final over.The win lifted Knight Riders to third place, with four points from three games, the same as second-placed Guyana Amazon Warriors and fourth-placed St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, while Kings were at fifth.

The first ODI of the three-ODI, five-T20I tour is set to be played at the Kotambi Stadium

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Jun-2025

Vadodara is set to host its first men’s international match in more than 15 years during New Zealand’s white-ball tour of India in January 2026. The first ODI on January 11, which kicks off the tour, will take place at the newly built Kotambi Stadium, which has already hosted three Women’s ODIs between India and West Indies in December 2024, as well as six matches during the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL).New Zealand were also involved when Vadodara hosted its last men’s international game, an ODI at the Reliance Stadium in December 2010. Current India head coach Gautam Gambhir scored a Player-of-the-Match-winning century in that game, and Virat Kohli – who has retired from T20Is and Tests but remains an ODI player – an unbeaten 63.New Zealand’s 2025-26 tour of India is set to comprise three ODIs and five T20Is. It is set to be the first meeting between the two sides since India’s victory over New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy in March.After Vadodara, the teams will remain in Gujarat, with Rajkot set to host the second ODI on January 14, before the ODI series concludes in Indore on January 18. This match starts the central-India leg of the tour, with Nagpur (January 21) and Raipur (January 23) to host the first two T20Is.The teams will then move east before travelling southwards to conclude the tour, with Guwahati (January 25), Visakhapatnam (January 28) and Thiruvananthapuram (January 31) hosting the third, fourth and fifth T20Is.As things stand, these five T20Is could be the last ones for India before the start of the T20 World Cup in February-March 2026. New Zealand, meanwhile, are scheduled to play three T20Is against Afghanistan immediately after the India tour.India, winners of the 2024 edition in the West Indies and the USA, are set to co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka.

Everton have now gone three games without a win in the Premier League, but they have eight points after six matches and sit ninth in the standings.

The corresponding point from the 2024/25 campaign? The Toffees had four points on the board, having woefully lost four straight to kick off the term under Sean Dyche’s wing.

The draw against West Ham United on Monday night was probably a fair reflection of the fixture contested. The hosts started on the front foot and were well worth their money when Michael Keane rose and powered home from James Garner’s swept cross.

But Everton let the game get away with them, and United were playing with a new sense of iron about their will, having dismissed Graham Potter days before and replaced him with Nuno Espirito Santo.

Still, not everyone in blue covered themselves in glory. Beto toiled at number nine once again, but Jake O’Brien was also culpable for a poor performance at right-back.

Jake O'Brien raises questions

Everton signed O’Brien from Lyon for just over £16m in July 2024. Formerly of Crystal Palace’s academy system, the Republic of Ireland international had been hailed by journalist Zach Lowy as a “revelation in defence” for the French side, before completing his switch.

Last season, he struggled to break his way into the team before Moyes’ appointment, but thereafter, he played consistently from the outset at right-back, starting 17 times across the second half of the season.

So far this term, he has played every minute of the Hill Dickinson Stadium side’s Premier League campaign, though the recent draw to West Ham ended up shining a light on the need for a natural right-sided defender, one who can defend and attack with equal sharpness.

The Liverpool Echo handed the 6 foot 6 Toffee a 5/10 match rating after a performance that left plenty to be desired, while former Everton writer Adam Jones criticised the deployment, saying, “O’Brien at right-back just does not work in the long term.”

The Irishman is industrious and has been a shrewd signing for the Merseysiders, but it does beg the question as to why a high-level right-back was not signed this summer, with Ashley Young gone and Nathan Patterson unable to shake persistent injury problems.

Moreover, Everton have signed Jack Grealish on loan, and while the silky playmaker is flourishing on Merseyside, it has shifted Iliman Ndiaye out onto the right flank.

Everton's Iliman Ndiaye problem

When Everton welcomed Grealish to the pack, Moyes would have known that this would limit Ndiaye’s playing time from his favoured left flank.

Last season, the Senegalese winger was Everton’s most potent threat, finishing the campaign as their top scorer with 11 goals across all competitions.

Hailed by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp for his “dynamite” qualities on the ball, the 25-year-old also ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for successful take-ons and the top 8% for tackles won per 90, data courtesy of FBref.

Four of his Premier League goals with the Blues have been struck with his left foot, but Ndiaye is clearly more comfortable arcing into space to unleash with his right, having only featured twice as a right winger across the entirety of the 2024/25 season.

Could it be said that he is being wasted in this new role? It perhaps bears testament to Ndiaye’s remarkable skill that he has hardly fallen by the wayside in this new role, but the sense that he would be performing at a higher level in his previous role cannot be shaken at this moment.

The player’s speed and athleticism lend themselves to joy across the frontline; and indeed, Ndiaye has played all around the park, though Moyes has been the principal architect of his new home in unfamiliar territory.

Grealish, too, operates at his best in a left-sided midfield zone, but Moyes will be aware that both of his mavericks can play in a centralised attacking position, and maybe that’s food for thought, especially if Tyler Dibling makes the necessary developments over the next few weeks and months and nails down a prominent role at Everton.

But this does loop back to O’Brien. Is the hulking defender the option on the right side of the defence? Does he provide the requisite creative support?

Ndiaye’s defensive focus has been sharpened since joining Everton from Marseille for £15m just over one year ago. However, he in turn needs help from the full-back behind him.

Given that Beto and Thierno Barry are struggling at number nine right now, and Ndiaye is Everton’s deadliest goal threat, there’s a chance that Moyes opts to field him as a centre-forward at some stage. In any case, appeasing the star is crucial if the club hope to stay competitive.

Ndiaye might have received a bit of criticism in recent weeks, but he’s still been dangerous across the opening weeks of the campaign, scoring two goals and assisting another.

But if Grealish becomes a permanent fixture on Merseyside, and Ndiaye is told that he will play off the right with regularity, a few more tweaks might be needed in the transfer market to achieve the kind of balance that will propel Everton into the ascendancy.

He's now world-class: Everton sold bigger talent than Ndiaye for just £22m

Everton messed up getting rid of this former star who is now worth £30m more.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 28, 2025

Thierry Henry has named an “outstanding” Liverpool star as the signing of the summer, having been left very impressed with his performances so far this season.

Arsenal close gap to Liverpool after dramatic victory at Newcastle

Back in August, the Reds sent out a statement by picking up a dramatic 3-2 victory at Newcastle United, with teenager Rio Ngumoha scoring a stoppage-time winner, and Arsenal managed to win in similar style on Sunday.

With a little over five minutes to play, the Gunners were trailing against Eddie Howe’s side, but Mikel Merino and Gabriel were the saviours, and a late double ensured Mikel Arteta’s side closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just two points.

Speaking after the match, Gary Neville was under no illusions as to just how seismic the north Londoners’ victory could be, with the former Manchester United man insisting that Liverpool and Arsenal are the only teams that stand a chance of winning the league.

Arteta’s side may be starting to believe this is the season they can go all the way, having recruited well in the summer transfer window, strengthening the spine of the team by bringing in the likes of Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera and Martin Zubimendi.

However, Henry has since made it clear that one of Liverpool’s new additions has caught his eye to a greater extent in the early stages of the campaign.

As relayed by WalkOn, when asked which new Premier League arrival he’s been most impressed by, the Frenchman said: “It’s Ekitike. People will say it’s an obvious one, but credit is due – nobody thought he was going to arrive and perform like that.”

"Outstanding" Ekitike could play pivotal role in title race

Hugo Ekitike will be very frustrated that he ruled himself out of contention for Liverpool’s defeat at Crystal Palace, after being shown a second yellow card for taking his shirt off during his celebration against Southampton.

However, the Frenchman has otherwise made a near-perfect start to life at Anfield, chipping in with five goals and one assist in all competitions.

It is not the first time Henry has singled out his compatriot for high praise, with the Arsenal legend describing the former Eintracht Frankfurt man as “outstanding” back in August, and the start he’s made to life at Anfield suggests he could play a pivotal role in the title race.

As such, Arne Slot will no doubt be pleased to have Ekitike back available for selection, despite criticising the “stupid” celebration against Southampton.

Hampshire 55 for 1 (Gubbins 23*, Worrall 1-14) trail Surrey 253 (Sibley 100*, Wheal 4-65) by 198 runsIt was just after 5pm at the Kia Oval, with Surrey nine down, having spent a gorgeous day at the Kia Oval scrapping against Hampshire, that the probable past and potential future of English Test cricket locked horns.Words were spoken. Bouncers bowled. Attempts to guide a boundary over third missed three times. Sonny Baker, just two weeks into his County Championship career, was fed up. He’d bowled well all day, each delivery at 85mph or above vindicating the ECB development contract handed to the 22-year-old in February. But with just one wicket to show for it, this was all a bit of a tease.Baker’s first wicket of this match was not Dom Sibley – a caught and bowled of Matthew Fisher instead – but it should have been. A brilliant three-over burst of short stuff had produced a rib-high fend from Sibley, on 54, which Toby Albert grassed at short leg. It would have given Albert a hand in four of the top six dismissals, having taken three smart grabs in the cordon.Two players bred in very different eras, with very different priorities, were now engaged in their own mini-session, with a Surrey innings there to finish off for good. And Sibley, the sole survivor, with a say on just how good.Related

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The 29-year old, 22 Test caps from a bygone age, has remained undimmed throughout his professional life. So it was no surprise that the sight of eight wickets falling at the other end elicited nothing other than the assumption of responsibility for what joy there was left to prise of Surrey’s homecoming in pursuit of a fourth straight County Championship title. And after engaging with Baker as the sun began setting towards Vauxhall, he set about his duty once more.A single was taken off the end of that over, digging out a well-guided yorker for a scampered single to midwicket. Baker took his cap in frustration, with little more he could have done. Sibley then smeared Brad Wheal over midwicket for six – the shorter side – before more diligent strike hogging to shield No.11 Dan Worrall. A loose wristy carve through backward point gave him a leg up to 97. Then more creeping before eventually pocketing the single that took him to a 23rd first-class century.The ovation was loud, those of the 5,639 through the gates on Friday that remained making themselves heard. Sibley skipped into a punch of the air, before removing his helmet and laying down his bat to face the dressing room and point one finger to the sky, and another to his temple.He need not have re-equipped himself. Just two deliveries later, Worrall was caught brilliantly at midwicket by Mark Stoneman to hand Wheal figures of 4 for 65 from 19.3 overs. Off Sibley went, 100* from 217 deliveries, the sixth time he has carried his bat in Championship cricket. Only Geoffrey Boycott (8) has done so more times since the Second World War.That it was the third against Hampshire – in 2017 and 2019 for Warwickshire – could have ramped up their disdain for him. But the bigger picture of dismissing the hosts for 253 inside 78 overs did them just fine.By stumps, Hampshire had chipped off 55, for the loss of just Fletcha Middleton. And beyond a few optimistic gasps, it was a relatively trouble free 16-over session. For all the positivity of a sun-soaked day in south London, not much of it belonged to those who call this home.That Wheal’s pace – allied with impressive command of length – and Kyle Abbott’s enduring class made a mess of Surrey’s international calibre top-half is nothing out of the ordinary. But Ollie Pope’s twitch outside off stump, Dan Lawrence’s cavalier driving and Ben Foakes’ misjudgement, playing on when focussing on consolidation, were familiar failings that put Surrey behind the game after the first session.Even Jamie Smith, the most productive outside of Sibley with 39, was found wanting, although his issue was being too respectful. Wheal’s short ball outside off deserved to be smoked, but Smith’s attempt to place rather than slap it into the stands at backward point counts as a misjudgement. Baker, lurking at deep backward point, pulled off a brilliant initial catch, before relaying to himself once he had confirmed his footing inside the boundary.It is easy and probably even a tad reductive to say these batters should have copied Sibley’s approach. By his own admission before the summer, Sibley’s tag as a blocker is not quite one he has to overcome. Rather, it is a “stigma” he is trying to break.The irony here is Sibley’s latest epic was a mix of speeds and shots – successful or otherwise. And even his own willingless to expand his game, which included a one-off appearance for Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League in January, is set against a constant assessment of the situation in front of him.His two sixes among the 11 boundaries illustrate this perfectly. The first, off Liam Dawson, was an attempt to to jolt the left-arm spinner out of a groove. The second, off Wheal, with the onus on quick runs in the final stand. As it happens, he struck more than Chennai Super Kings managed in their Friday IPL blowout against Kolkata Knight Riders.Having escaped with a draw from Chelmsford last week, Surrey find themselves second best once more, albeit with plenty of time to twist this game back around. As worthy as the Hampshire bowlers were for their rewards on day one, the defending champions will be a little alarmed that their stutter has carried into the second round.

Manchester United’s struggles over the last couple of years have been evident for all to see, with pressure subsequently mounting onto the shoulders of manager Ruben Amorim.

He was brought into the club back in November 2024 to try and overturn the dismal slump under Erik ten Hag, but it’s safe to say his spell at Old Trafford has been disappointing to date.

The 40-year-old has only achieved a win percentage of 39%, subsequently losing 19 of the 46 games he’s taken charge of – with one of the most recent being simply unforgivable.

His Red Devils side lost on penalties to League Two side Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup, a result which has undoubtedly fuelled speculation around his future in the role.

However, his decision-making in key moments could prove to be his demise in the Premier League, often calling upon players who have constantly fallen way below the levels the fanbase expects from a United player.

Andre Onana’s decline at Manchester United

When David de Gea was released in the summer of 2023, United decided to fork out a fee in the region of £47m for the signature of goalkeeper Andre Onana – with many supporters hoping he would be able to be the club’s number one for many years.

However, two years on, his move to Old Trafford has been nothing short of a disaster, registering nine errors leading to goals, with many more questionable moments unfolding on the pitch.

Despite his lack of form in 2024/25, Amorim decided to start the Cameroonian against Grimsby – a decision that massively backfired, as he contributed to the host’s two goals at Blundell Park.

The penalty shootout gave the 29-year-old an opportunity at redemption, but he only managed one save from 13 penalties, often parrying the ball into the back of the net.

Such a performance has led to calls from the fanbase for the player to be sold – with a change between the sticks needed if the club are to progress in the near future.

The deadline day arrival of Senne Lammens will only push Onana closer to the exit door, with another first-team member needing to join him in leaving the club in the near future.

Not just Onana: Man Utd big earner needs to go

Spending big in the transfer market doesn’t equal success, as seen by United over the last couple of years, with the hierarchy spending around £800m on new additions since the summer of 2022.

Onana was just one of those additions, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo the last duo to try and transform the club’s fortunes at Old Trafford.

The pair arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford respectively, with their transfers setting the club back around £133.5m, including potential add-ons.

Their combined tally of 35 league goals in 2024/25 has given the fanbase a reason to be positive, but other cutbacks need to be made in other areas of the club are to take the next step in their quest to return to their former glory.

Harry Maguire is another player who cost big money, joining in a £80m deal from Leicester City back in the summer of 2019 – a fee that remains the most expensive ever paid for a defender.

While the England international has racked up over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, he’s not had the impact many fans would’ve anticipated upon his move from the Foxes.

He’s come into question of the fanbase in recent times, just like Onana, with the 32-year-old falling down Amorim’s pecking order over the last few weeks.

Maguire hasn’t started a single league game so far this campaign, featuring for a total of just 13 minutes off the substitutes bench – with his extortionate wage no longer reflecting his importance to the side.

1

Casemiro

£350,000

2

Bruno Fernandes

£300,000

3

Matthijs de Ligt

£195,000

4

Harry Maguire

£190,000

5

Matheus Cunha

£180,000

6

Benjamin Sesko

£160,000

=7

Luke Shaw

£150,000

=7

Mason Mount

£150,000

=7

Bryan Mbeumo

£150,000

The centre-back is still being paid a staggering £190k-per-week, according to Capology, a figure that is higher than new additions Cunha and Mbeumo, who earn £180k and £150k-per-week respectively.

At 32, he’s undoubtedly coming to the back end of his professional career, with the hierarchy needing to clear the Englishman off the wage bill to fund moves for fresh blood at Old Trafford.

It’s clear he and Onana aren’t at the level required for Premier League success, which could see another clear-out of the squad take place in the next couple of transfer windows.

Man Utd may regret selling perfect Mainoo replacement for just £500k

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing a young star to depart Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 4, 2025

U.S. international Christian Pulisic powered AC Milan to a 2-1 win over Napoli on Sunday, recording both a goal and an assist in the clash with the defending champions. After the victory, Pulisic said it sends a strong message to Serie A, praising the team’s defense and spirit as a driving force behind their success.

'We feel incredible'

Pulisic expressed immense pride in his team's resilient performance after Pervis Estupinan 57th-minute red card forced Milan to defend their lead with one fewer player.

“We feel incredible, honestly,” Pulisic said in an interview with . “Just the spirit of the team the way we fought. Also after the red card, we really gave everything and it’s a special feeling now for us.”

The American believes to the top of the table sends a message to other Serie A teams.

"It sends a message for sure,” Pulisic said. “That we’re a good team, we’re a strong team, you know we can score goals, but we can defend like this. And we have a good spirit and I think it shows a lot for sure.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFighting against skepticism

USMNT icon Tony Meola praised Pulisic following his exceptional performance in AC Milan's victory. The American remains on the top of Serie A scoring chart, but Meola believes Pulisic continues to get treated with skepticism despite his success.

“If you remember, his first year everyone was like can he get 10 goal contributions? I said he was at least a 20-goal contribution guy throughout the season. But then the story was, can he do it again? And then the story is can he follow that up, right? It’s like people don’t want to believe in him sometimes," Meola said on . "They know he’s got it but they’re almost waiting for the other shoe to drop and he continues to get better.”

Getty Images Sport'He’s right there with Clint'

Meola suggested that Pulisic's primary motivation is being recognized for his skill rather than being evaluated through the lens of his American background.

“He has said time and time again, ‘I want to show you I’m a good footballer.' Not [just that] I’m a good American footballer, that I’m a good footballer," Meola explained. "Take the American tag off of me, look at me like everybody else. And that’s what American players are trying to do but this guy has taken the torch."

Meola's also positioned Pulisic among the pantheon of American soccer legends despite the winger being just 27 years old.

“We talk about Clint Dempsey all the time and he was incredible in Europe,” Meola said. “At some point we’re going to talk about Christian and his career and it’s going to be the top American player that’s gone over to Europe. I think he’s right there. Clint, I know that’s a different debate, but he’s right there with Clint.”

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AFPPicking up momentum

Pulisic's exceptional club form comes at an opportune moment for both Milan and the USMNT. and the American will take on Juventus on the road on Oct. 5 before the international break begins. Then Pulisic travels stateside as the USMNT will face Australia and Ecuador in friendly matches. 

Joan Garcia’s Barcelona switch has stirred debate, with Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez calling him “world-class” despite questioning his decision.

• Espanyol coach admits he wouldn’t join Barca
• Still hails Garcia as a “world-class goalkeeper”
• Started all three games for Barcelona so far

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez admitted Joan Garcia is a “world-class goalkeeper” but could not hide his disappointment over the player’s controversial Barcelona move. The Catalan giants activated his €25 million (£21m/$27m) release clause this summer, securing the 24-year-old on a five-year deal until 2030. Despite lucrative offers from the Premier League, including Arsenal and Manchester City, Garcia prioritised a switch to the reigning La Liga champions. Since arriving, he has featured in all three matches, producing standout saves and rescuing Barca in their 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Spaniard's exit struck a nerve at Espanyol, where he had been a fan favourite and homegrown star. His 146 saves last season were the highest in La Liga, playing a crucial role in keeping the club in the top flight. Now, his move to Barca is being viewed through the lens of rivalry, with Espanyol fans left disappointed. Nonetheless, Garcia’s rise has kept him in the spotlight, and his performances suggest he’s capable of becoming Barcelona’s long-term No.1.

• WHAT MANOLO GONZALEZ SAID

  In an interview with Gonzalez admitted he didn’t agree with Garcia’s decision but still praised his ability: “I understand everyone. I wouldn't go to Barcelona, but I understand everyone's decision. He sent me an audio, I replied, and we haven't spoken since. I don't share his decision, but I respect him. He's the best, he's a world-class goalkeeper, and that doesn't change just by changing teams. Everyone is free to do what they want in their life, but he's a homegrown player and was very popular, which is why he's been given so much attention. If he had come from Barcelona to Espanyol, something similar would have happened.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JOAN GARCIA?

  Garcia is expected to retain his starting spot when Barcelona host Valencia this weekend in their first home match of the new season.

Thomas Tuchel has surprisingly axed Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly from the England squad that will face Serbia on Tuesday. Lewis-Skelly played the full 90 minutes of England's World Cup qualifying clash with Andorra on Saturday as Tuchel's side ground out an unconvincing 2-0 victory.

• Lewis-Skelly omitted from England squad
• Arsenal star won't feature against Serbia
• Played 90 minutes against Andorra

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Lewis-Skelly will not be a part of the England squad that will face Serbia in their next World Cup qualifier at Belgrade's Rajko Mitic Stadium on Tuesday. Tuchel called up 24 players to the England squad for the qualifying matches, and Lewis-Skelly trained with the rest of the squad on Monday morning, but UEFA rules stipulate that only 23 players can be included in matchday squads, with the Arsenal full-back sacrificed this time around.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Former Liverpool star Jarell Quansah was left out of the Three Lions' win over Andorra on Saturday, but the centre-back has returned to the squad at the expense of Lewis-Skelly. The left-back's omission from the squad now means that Tuchel could hand Tottenham's Djed Spence his England debut, while Newcastle's Tino Livramento is also an option in that role. 

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report also adds that Marc Guehi, who picked up a groin injury during the Andorra clash, has fully recovered and will feature in Tuchel's starting lineup against Serbia. 

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LEWIS-SKELLY?

  Lewis-Skelly's early departure from the England squad is good news for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as the youngster will get an extra day off to recover and resume training with the Gunners ahead of their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.