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The Spanish champions are edging towards completing their second major summer signing, but how exactly will he fit into Hansi Flick's starting XI?

It looks like Barcelona will finally get their man. After more than 12 months of intense speculation, Nico Williams has reportedly agreed to a six-year deal with the Catalan giants, who are now set to trigger the €58 million (£50m/$67m) release clause in his Athletic Club contract.

Work must be done to ensure Barca can fit Williams' salary within La Liga limits, with sporting director Deco expected to sanction several sales in the coming weeks. Ansu Fati and Ronald Araujo are among the outfield players likely to be on the chopping block, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen seems increasingly certain to depart after the arrival of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

There should, then, be no repeat of the Dani Olmo registration fiasco that provided an unwanted sideshow for so much of Barca's 2024-25 campaign. Bayern Munich and Arsenal have also been linked with Williams, but he's made it clear that Catalunya is his first-choice destination, with even claiming he is willing to take a wage cut.

Barca certainly feels like a natural next step for Williams after four seasons of impressive growth at Athletic Club. The 22-year-old has become one of the most consistent performers in La Liga while also earning a regular role in the Spain national team, and should have little trouble making the transition to Hansi Flick's side.

The only question mark is how exactly Flick is planning to tweak his line up to accommodate Williams. Barca were the most scintillating attacking team in Europe last term, and there is a risk of the frontline being thrown out of balance if the manager doesn't get this decision right…

• Getty Images
  

  Yamal kinship

  It's not difficult to understand why Williams has been a long-term priority target for Barca. He's registered an impressive haul of 18 goal involvements for Athletic over the past year, and has also been a tremendous sidekick for Lamine Yamal at international level.

  Yamal usually steals the headlines when Spain play, his dazzling two-goal display against France in the semi-finals of the Nations League being the latest example, but Williams also plays a vital role in Luis de la Fuente's set-up. Williams is not quite as unpredictable as the Barcelona wonderkid, but he is equally as adept at stretching defences and providing teasing crosses.

  Indeed, it could even be argued that Williams outshone Yamal during Spain's run to Euro 2024 glory, as he capped a stellar tournament by scoring in the final against England. At club level, Williams' numbers don't yet match up to his compatriot, but that could easily change at Barca.

  The main thing, from the Blaugrana's standpoint, is that both youngsters bring the best out of each other. Despite being separated by roughly 70 meters across the pitch, Williams and Yamal have a natural kinship that has helped transform Spain back into the most feared national team on the planet again, and Barca will be hoping it can get them over the line in the Champions League next season.

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  Straight swap

  For the money being paid, there is no chance of Williams being just a squad player at Barca. He is being touted to be a starter on the left wing, a role currently occupied by Raphinha.

  Last summer, Barca's pursuit of Williams left Raphinha disillusioned. At that stage, the Spain attacker looked like an obvious upgrade on the Brazilian, who had endured a largely frustrating 2023-24 campaign under Xavi.

  But when the deal didn't go through, Raphinha stopped sulking and set about proving Barca's recruitment team wrong. Flick put the former Leeds United man's versatility to far better use than Xavi ever did, and he quickly became the driving force behind the team's assault on all three major trophies.

  In 55 appearances across all competitions, Raphinha recorded a combined total of 56 goals and assists. The 28-year-old finally unlocked his world-class potential as Barca clinched a domestic double and reached the Champions League semi-finals, setting a shining example with his work rate and professionalism. Raphinha's influence was so great he may even be rewarded with the 2025 Ballon d'Or. As such, after such a glorious redemption story, it would be incredibly harsh if Barca go through with their original plan to drop him for Williams.

  There is, however, no doubt that Williams is more of an old-school left-winger than Raphinha. In Flick's system, the Brazil international has taken on more of a playmaker role while tucking inside to lead Barca's press from the centre. In stark contrast, Williams will hug the touchline and look to attack his marker at every opportunity.

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  Raphinha in the Ronaldinho role

  The obvious solution, then, is for Flick to make Raphinha Barca's new Ronaldinho. He featured as a No.10 in six games last season, with his standout display coming in a 5-0 Champions League demolition of Young Boys, in which he produced a magical pass for Robert Lewandowski's opening goal before scoring the second himself.

  Raphinha is quite capable of dancing past multiple defenders and conjuring up incisive through-balls from nowhere, while he also boasts the agility and control to change direction quickly under pressure. Barca can rely on Raphinha to be their creator-in-chief, just as they did with Ronaldinho in the Frank Rijkaard era.

  Interestingly, though, Raphinha sees himself more in the mould of another of the club's iconic Brazilian No.10s. "Off the pitch I am a bit more like Ronaldinho and on the pitch a bit more like Rivaldo, more focused, more serious," he said when quizzed on comparisons with Ronaldinho in March.

  It would be more accurate to describe Raphinha as a hybrid of the two, combining Ronaldinho's flair with Rivaldo's goal-scoring instincts. But the bottom line is: he is far too good to sit on the bench. Raphinha can continue to evolve alongside Williams, Flick just has to make the necessary adjustments.

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  Midfield implications

  Flick has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation in his time at Barca so far, risking an ultra-high backline so as to focus on suffocating the opposition to regain possession quickly and look for the most direct route to goal. The No.10 position has, for the most part, been shared between Olmo and Fermin Lopez, who have both excelled.

  They will, though, be relegated to a place among the substitutes if Raphinha is moved into the middle. Dropping them deeper won't be an option, because of the brilliant partnership that Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have formed just in front of the defence, with Gavi currently serving in a back-up capacity.

  Doubts would inevitably be raised over Olmo and Fermin's futures if this happens, and Flick could switch to a 4-4-2 so as to put one of them in the centre next to Pedri or De Jong, with Raphinha supporting Lewandowski, but that could adversely affect Barca's pressing game.

  One way or another, Williams' arrival is going to upset the apple cart. At least one key player is going to be phased out, with Yamal perhaps the only untouchable figure in Flick's ranks.

Tottenham Hotspur and Daniel Levy have splashed the cash on a number of attacking players in recent years after losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

The likes of Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson joined in big-money deals from Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest respectively, but before the duo moved to north London, Richarlison was a marquee signing from Everton.

Costing in the region of £60m, big things were expected from the Brazilian, but it hasn’t worked out for Richarlison at Tottenham. The attacker, who has been used through the middle and on either wing during his time at Spurs, has also suffered various injury problems and is on the treatment table again as the run-in begins.

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2

By
Barney Lane

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Richarlison did hit double figures for goals in the Premier League last season, but he failed to hit these heights in his other two campaigns for Spurs and was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last year and a return to the Toffees in 2025.

And with Tottenham’s forwards drawing another blank in their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in midweek, another striker will surely be on Levy’s wishlist in the summer.

Here, we’ve looked at a handful of centre-forwards Spurs could target to replace Richarlison.

1

Jonathan David

Lille

One centre-forward set to be a man in demand this summer is Jonathan David, who is on course to become a free agent at the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Lille star has scored more than 100 goals for his current employers, taking his overall career tally to over 170 goals. He’s been linked with a move to Tottenham in recent times. The Canada international appears to be keen on a move to Barcelona, though, so Spurs may find it difficult to persuade David to move to north London.

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By
Ross Kilvington

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2

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

Liam Delap has been a shining light in a struggling Ipswich Town side this season and looks set to be on the move even if the Tractor Boys avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The former Man City youngster is into double figures for top-flight goals this season and starred at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a 2-1 win for Ipswich in November, grabbing a goal and an assist.

Spurs have since been linked with a move for Delap, who could prove to be a long-term upgrade on Richarlison.

3

Ademola Lookman

Atalanta

Ademola Lookman appears to be at the peak of his powers and has starred in Italy for Atalanta in recent years, including scoring a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

The Nigeria international came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic, but struggled to make a telling impact at Everton and RB Leipzig, as well as during loan spells at Fulham and Leicester City.

However, with Atalanta, Lookman has impressed in a new central role as a second striker or as a centre-forward, finding the net regularly in Serie A and the Champions League.

He’s been linked with a Premier League return, and perhaps Spurs should be in the race if they want to replace Richarlison adequately.

4

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

Another attacking star playing for Atalanta is Mateo Retegui, who is the current top scorer in Serie A with 24 goals in 28 games at the time of writing.

The Italy international is averaging a goal every 79 minutes and one of the best goal conversion records in the league, resulting in rumours of a £50m move to Arsenal.

At 25 years of age, he could be an ideal replacement for Richarlison, though Spurs may need to act fast if they want his services.

5

Randal Kolo Muani

PSG & Juventus

Before signing Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich, Tottenham were heavily linked with a move to sign Randal Kolo Muani, only for the Frenchman to join Juventus on loan.

There is an option for Juventus to make their move for the forward permanent in the summer, but if they don’t and Spurs decide to send Tel back to Bayern with an upgrade on Richarlison on their shopping list, they could look at returning for Kolo Muani.

He scored five goals in his first three games as a Juventus player, showing his quality in front of goal – something Richarlison has struggled with during his time with Spurs.

6

Evann Guessand

Nice

Another forward who was recently on Tottenham’s radar was Evann Guessand of Nice, who, at 23 years of age, could be a smart signing in the long term in north London.

Like Richarlison, the Ivory Coast international has played across the front three and is having his best career to date in terms of both goals and assists. He appears to be a star in the making, so Spurs could be on to a winner with Guessand should they go back in for him this summer.

7

Serhou Guirassy

Borussia Dortmund

If experience is what Spurs feel they need in the final third, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy could be the man to replace Richarlison.

The Guinea international was reportedly open to joining Spurs before his move to Dortmund in 2024 and has continued to score goals on a regular occurrence at the Signal Iduna Park.

Now in his late 20s, Guirassy has already scored more than 10 goals in the Bundesliga and 10 in the Champions League this season, so he could be an excellent addition at the right price.

8

Moise Kean

Fiorentina

One forward who already has Premier League experience is Moise Kean, albeit during a period in his career he’d probably want to forget.

While playing alongside Richarlison at Everton, Kean struggled at Goodison Park, but has since found form once again in Italy, firstly with Juventus and now with Fiorentina.

Still only 25 years of age, Kean has already enjoyed the best goalscoring campaign of his career in 2024/25, and he may feel he has unfinished business in the Premier League.

9

Brian Brobbey

Ajax

Spurs reportedly made a late enquiry for Ajax forward Brian Brobbey during the January transfer window, with some claiming he could be a dream addition for Dejan Kulusevski.

A powerful striker who has been dubbed as a future star by many, Brobbey now has more than 50 goals for Ajax in over 150 games, hitting double figures in the last two Eredivisie campaigns.

With Tottenham keen, he could be another to keep an eye on heading into the summer.

10

Lois Openda

RB Leipzig

Lois Openda was mooted as an “interesting Richarlison replacement” in 2024, but as we know, a move never materialised.

Plying his trade for RB Leipzig, the Belgium international has continued to impress in the Bundesliga, reaching 21 goals and assists combined in 2024/25 heading into April.

Primarily an out-and-out centre-forward, Openda could form an eye-catching partnership with Solanke, with the former’s pace and the latter’s strength possibly causing havoc for defences.

Pat Nevin has tipped Chelsea to make a summer transfer move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, likening him to a club legend at Stamford Bridge.

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• Branthwaite compared to Chelsea legend
• Has impressed with Everton
• Terry enjoyed glittering Blues career

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pundit Nevin has tipped Chelsea to make a move for Everton defender Branthwaite, comparing him to Stamford Bridge legend Terry. The Toffees centre-back has attracted a number of interested parties since breaking into the team, though the Merseyside club are said to have put an enormous price tag on his head to ward off potential suitors.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea are expected to invest heavily in their squad again this summer as Enzo Maresca looks to build on their finish of fourth in the Premier League alongside their triumph in the Conference League. They already have a number of centre-back options, including Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, new signing Mamadou Sarr and the injured Wesley Fofana.

• WHAT NEVIN SAID

  Speaking to , who offer the latest jackpot slots, Nevin said: "I've said before that centre-backs don't come into their own until they turn 24, 25 or 26. Levi Colwill is 22 and has everything you want in a defender. Chelsea must stick with him in their current model.

  "Someone like Marc Guehi is coming into his prime at 24. Would I like to see him partnered with Colwill? Oh yes, definitely. I would love to see that. I've been saying for quite a while that Dean Huijsen is one of the best defenders in the world and, if I were Chelsea, he would have been the one I would have gone for. I thought he could replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool, so I was surprised to see him end up at Real Madrid.

  "The other defender Chelsea need to consider signing, and I don't want it to happen, is Jarrad Branthwaite. He's young, but acts way beyond his years, and is growing into something special. Out of all the current defenders out there at the moment, I think he's the closest there is to John Terry when it comes to leadership and his style of play. My Evertonian hat hopes it will not happen though."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Branthwaite signed for Everton from Carlisle in 2020 and spent time on loan with Blackburn and PSV Eindhoven before breaking into the Toffees lineup. He made his England debut last year as a substitute during a 3-0 friendly victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Liverpool are now ramping up their interest in a defender who’s been likened to Eder Militao, with Trent Alexander-Arnold looking increasingly likely to move to Real Madrid this summer, according to a report.

Trent's time at Anfield coming to an end

With just a matter of months remaining on Alexander Arnold’s contract, the right-back looks set to leave at the end of the season, and Real Madrid is in his sights, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Conor Bradley is the obvious choice to replace Trent, with the Northern Irish youngster stepping in at right-back on a number of occasions this season, but there is a feeling the Reds could also look to bring in another option this summer.

Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento is one of the latest defenders to be linked with a surprise move to Anfield, while contact has also been made over a deal for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza, who has a release clause of just £17m.

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By
Dominic Lund

Apr 1, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, another target has also now entered the frame, with Liverpool ramping up their interest in SC Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia, who is also on the radar of Premier League rivals Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton.

Sildillia is deemed likely to leave Freiburg this summer, amid interest from a number of England’s top clubs, having put in some top performances at right-back this season, although he is also able to slot in at centre-back when required.

The Reds have watched the defender on more than one occasion in recent weeks, such is their level of interest, with his contract set to expire in 2026, making this summer Freiburg’s last chance to cash-in.

"Revelation" Sildillia could be upgrade on Trent defensively

Liverpool would be hard-pressed to find any full-back capable of replacing Trent’s attacking numbers, but there are signs the Freiburg ace could be an upgrade from a defensive point of view.

The Frenchman has outperformed the Reds’ academy graduate on a number of key defensive metrics over the past year, ranking very highly, when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues.

Not only that, but the full-back, who has been a “revelation” in the Bundesliga, is capable of contributing going forward, ranking in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals. The 22-year-old’s versatility could also be of use to Arne Slot, with scout/analyst Jacek Kulig likening him to Real Madrid’s Militao, who is able to play at both centre-back and right-back.

There is theoretically still time for a late U-turn from Trent, but with it looking ever more likely he will move to Madrid this summer, Sildillia has proven he could be a solid signing.

Lionel Messi has been savaged by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo in an Instagram post celebrating his 38th birthday, with the GOAT receiving a Smurfs cake.

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• Messi savaged by wife
• Instagram post celebrates his birthday
• Smurfs cake for special day

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Messi celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, with his wife poking fun at him and celebrating his best qualities on social media.

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• WHAT ROCCUZZO SAID

  Roccuzzo wrote: "Happy birthday grumpy old man! Best dad, best partner, best everything!!! How lucky we are to have you! We love you." Among the pictures in the post was one of the GOAT enjoying a special Smurfs birthday cake.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi is currently playing for Inter Miami in the Club World Cup, where his magical free-kick in the win against Porto inspired his side's qualification into the last 16.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

  By finishing second in Group B, Inter Miami have set up a mouthwatering reunion between Messi and his former club PSG. They must overcome the champions of Europe to progress into the quarter-finals.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been caught on the camera urging Yassine Bounou to join Pep Guardiola's side on the back of the Al-Hilal goalkeeper's spectacular performance in the Club World Cup. The Citizens are said to be in the market for a goalkeeper this summer amid Ederson's lack of form and uncertain future at the Etihad, with the Brazilian is linked with a departure.

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• Haaland and co. thwarted by Al-Hilal's Bounou
• Haaland looks to ask the keeper to join Man City
• Ederson's spot in City under question this summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal pulled a surprise on Guardiola's Manchester City in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup as they ran away with a 4-3 win. The Premier League side managed to dominate the proceedings of the game; however, Morocco goalkeeper Bounou was on top form and kept out Haaland and co. away from the goal. At the end of the match, Manchester City's Norwegian striker was spotted telling Bounou to join him at the Etihad.

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  Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ederson has long been linked with a departure from Manchester City, thanks to his inconsistent showing under Guardiola. However, earlier this week, the Brazilian claimed that he is going to stay put at the Etihad. He said: "Some friends send me a lot of news but 99% is fake news. I understand you guys.

  "You need the news to put a like on social media, or rant for the news. I understand but there's a lot of fake news around my name."

  "My head is here. It stays with the city. It gives me everything to go back to the Premier League again and try to win the Champions League as well.

  "My mind is staying in the club."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  Guardiola's side are now out of the Club World Cup and will have to prepare for the next season, and it is possible that Ederson may have already played his final game in Manchester City colours. They are said to be interested in signing Porto's Diogo Costa.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is waiting to discover if Napoli will increase their bid for him as he aims to leave Anfield this summer.

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• Nunez eyeing Liverpool exit
• Napoli want striker
• Yet to meet Reds' asking price

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per Corriere dello Sport, Nunez is waiting to see if Napoli will increase their offer to sign him this summer, as he is prepared to leave Anfield in this transfer window. The Serie A club have thus far made an offer of €55 million (£47m/$64m) plus €5m (£4m/$6m) in bonuses. The report claims that the Reds want €60m (£52m/$70m), so the two sides are not far apart when it comes to their valuations.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Nunez is reported to earn a salary of €5.5m (£5m/$6m) at Liverpool, which equates to around £91,000-per-week. The Uruguay international wants to improve that salary if he moves to Napoli, but it is currently unclear if Antonio Conte's side would be willing to meet both the club's and the player's demands.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 26-year-old struggled last season as he attempted to lead the line for Arne Slot's side. He scored five goals and provided three assists in the Premier League and was limited to just eight starts.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The ball appears to be firmly in Napoli's court when it comes to the direction of this transfer. Nunez is willing to move, and Liverpool have set their price; it remains to be seen if the Serie A side take the steps required to get this deal done.

Manchester United have confirmed that, following his £71 million ($96m) transfer to Old Trafford, Bryan Mbeumo will be taking their No.19 shirt.

• Big-money transfer completed
• Excited by new challenge
• Has taken familiar squad number

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Cameroon international has moved to the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ from Brentford in a deal that is worth an initial £65m ($88m) up front, with a further £6m being made up by a number of potential add-ons.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbeumo will be filling a familiar jersey with United, with the 25-year-old forward keeping the number that he wore with such distinction when registering 70 goals through 242 appearances for Brentford.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  He inherits that squad number from Real Madrid legend Raphael Varane, who severed ties with the Red Devils at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. It has previously been worn by the likes of Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford, James Wilson, Danny Welbeck and Dwight Yorke, as well as fellow countryman Eric Djemba-Djemba.

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  WHAT MBEUMO SAID

  Mbeumo has said: “As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up.

  “My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.

  “Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies.”

Everton are reportedly working on a deal to try and sign Juventus flop Douglas Luiz.

• Everton eye Juventus' Luiz
• Linked with Man Utd among others
• Brazilian eyeing transfer move

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mediaset journalist Gianni Balzarini claims Everton are pursuing the former Aston Villa man and are prepared to offer €30 million for his services. Juventus, however, want around €40m but Balzarini believes a deal could be struck, with the Brazilian heading for the exit door.

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• 'LUIZ IS ON HIS WAY OUT'

  Balzarini said: "So we talked about the exit options. There’s Douglas Luiz, who Everton are acting quite seriously for. Juve want to make €40m. A guarantee of €10m plus €30m. Everton are currently reaching €30m overall. I think an agreement will be reached there too. Everyone has their own opinion, for some he’s very strong, for others he’s a dud, you see how in football there are a wide variety of opinions, one diametrically opposed to the other, so everyone has their own opinion, but Douglas Lewis is officially on his way out."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In recent weeks, Manchester United, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest have been linked with the midfielder, who struggled in his first season at Juventus following a €51.5m (£44.6m) move from Villa. West Ham are said to be keen on a loan deal but Everton's offer may convince Juve to sell him to the Merseyside outfit instead. Either way, Luiz may need to move on to reignite his career.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Former Vasco da Gama ace Luiz, who chalked up 27 appearances for Juventus last season but just six of those were starts, is running out of time to find a transfer or loan exit as the summer window slams shut in just under six weeks.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has put the brakes on discussions regarding a contract extension, sparking growing uncertainty about his long-term future in the Spanish capital. The Brazilian has less than two years remaining on his current deal, and at this stage, his representatives have decided to step away from the negotiating table entirely, at least for the foreseeable future.

• Vini has a contract with Real until 2027 
• The forward wants to be among the highest-paid players
• Has turned down a proposal close to €20m 

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Vinicius is frustrated with the unfounded assumptions that an agreement was imminent and is now signalling that the matter is not even up for discussion right now. He believes his contributions warrant a much higher figure and has stated that accepting the €20 million (£17.5m/$23m) annual salary proposal would not be in line with his market value, as revealed by journalist Toño García during a segment on

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sources close to Vinicius say he is looking to earn over €25m (£22m/$29m) net per season. His stance is not based on internal comparisons with teammates, especially with Kylian Mbappe, but rather a reflection of what he believes his status and impact deserve. He is not seeking special treatment but simply wishes to be compensated fairly for his role as one of the club’s most important players.   

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In anticipation of a possible departure, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is already laying the groundwork for a contingency plan. According to , Perez has set his sights on Manchester City star Erling Haaland as the ideal replacement should Vinicius depart. He dreams of a formidable frontline featuring Haaland alongside another Galactico, Mbappe. While signing the Norwegian striker would require a massive outlay, Madrid’s leadership sees it as a necessary move if they lose one of their most marketable and effective players. 

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS AND REAL MADRID?

  Any chance of a contract breakthrough appears unlikely soon. Both sides have reportedly agreed to pause negotiations entirely until at least 2026. While there is optimism that the situation could be revisited more productively in the future, a significant gap remains between the club’s offer and Vinicius' expectations. For now, he remains a central figure in Madrid’s plans, but with tension bubbling beneath the surface, the coming season will be decisive.