Whilst Spain did manage to return to their European throne last summer and are among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, it’ll take some doing to match the dominance that they enjoyed in the 2000s.

As Barcelona and Real Madrid battled it out for the club throne, it was Spain who benefitted on the international stage. Stars such as Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique put their rivalries aside to put the very best to the sword and leave several countries in their wake. It was the era of the El Clasico at its best from September to May, but collective Spanish dominance from then onwards.

With Vincente Del Bosque in charge, the Spaniards defeated the Netherlands in last-gasp fashion to win the World Cup in the 2010 World Cup. They then thrashed Italy two years later to win Euro 2012 in their second-consecutive European Championship win after victory in 2008. And it was in that 2012 game that Xavi particularly starred.

The Barcelona legend was often at the centre of the beauty that was Spain’s side at their peak. He was their controller – the conductor of a side so capable of ending summers with the perfect crescendo – and without him, there may have been no World Cup and there may have been no European Championships. He was that influential.

Yet, even one of the best midfielders of all time had no choice but to admit that another star man is the most talented player in Spain’s history. Simply put, as good as Xavi was, another star stands tall as the best that the country has ever seen.

Xavi: Iniesta is Spain's "most talented" player ever

From Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi to Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, Barcelona enjoyed some incredible combinations during their best years, but perhaps none as perfect as Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The Spanish duo were untouchable when together with Sergio Busquets and all three took that invincibility to the international stage.

As good as all three were, however, Xavi only had one answer when selecting Spain’s “most talented” player in history – claiming that Iniesta is the country’s true standout.

Whether the likes of Lamine Yamal eventually overtake Iniesta’s legacy is a debate for another time. Of course, if he does intend to do so, then he’ll need to find a way to beat the former midfielder’s iconic winning goal against the Netherlands in 2010. Over to you, Lamine.

Sunderland marked their return to the Premier League with a statement 3-0 win over West Ham. While some of the new signings, like Granit Xhaka, put in excellent performances, it was the players who got promoted that won them the game.

Following goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard and Wilson Isidor, manager Regis Le Bris spoke about their significance to the team: “It’s really important for two reasons at least, the first one they showed they can step up today. We’ll see later, but today it was the case. At the same time, they are really important because they keep the identity of the club and the way we worked last season.”

One of the ways Sunderland were most impressive against West Ham was defensively, with the London side only managing shots that valued a total of 0.56 xG.

However, Le Bris is looking to strengthen his defensive unit even further as the club readies a second bid for their top centre-back target.

Sunderland is not giving up on signing Lucumí

Sunderland are planning to put in a second bid for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí. Le Bris’s side previously placed a bid worth just over £24 million for the Colombian, which the Italian side rejected.

The bid that Sunderland placed was equal in value to the release clause that Lucumí’s contract previously held. This clause expired in mid-July, and the Black Cats are now expected to place a bid of higher value, according to Italian reports, via Sports Witness.

Bologna have already sold Lucumí’s centre-back partner, Sam Beukema, to Napoli this summer, and there are reports that because of this, the club see Lucumí as unsellable. The report goes on to say that Bologna are hoping to extend the defender’s contract, but as a “contract renewal appears complicated”, the Serie A side may be willing to let Lucumí go for a high enough bid.

On the personal side of the deal, Lucumí is reportedly “keen” on the move, and Sunderland already has a history with Lucumí’s agency, as he is with Wasserman, who also represent three current Sunderland players – Simon Moore, Dennis Cirkin and Dan Neil.

Why Sunderland might make Lucumí their club-record signing

Six of Sunderland’s top ten most expensive transfers have come in this window, and if they sign Lucumí, that number will rise to seven. The first bid they placed for the Colombian would have made him the club’s second most expensive player, and depending on the increase in value of the second bid, he could become the club’s record signing.

Last season, Lucumí stood out in Serie A as a ball-playing centre-back who excelled at stopping opposition counter-attacks. For Serie A centre-backs, he ranked in the top 9% for passes completed per 90 and accurate long balls per 90. Additionally, Lucumí averaged just over six ball recoveries per 90, which was in the top 4% of centre-backs. This means that when his side lost possession, he was often there to rectify the situation.

After the opening match, West Ham boss Graham Potter spoke about Sunderland’s performance and somewhat dismissively said, “It wasn’t a result – with the greatest respect – of Sunderland pushing us back and playing well. It was an action, a cross from 30 or 40 metres we should be happy to defend.”

While Sunderland didn’t dominate possession, only having 37% of it, they got the result from well-executed moments and hitting West Ham on the break.

Lucumí’s skill set will allow them to pull off this kind of result more often, as he is both accurate and progressive with the ball, allowing his team to counter quickly, and he specializes in stopping opposition counter-attacks, which will allow his team to exploit them in the transition of play.

New Zealand white-ball captain will play alongside Nathan Smith at The Oval

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Feb-2025Surrey have filled the main gap in their T20 squad with the signing of New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner for the majority of the Vitality Blast season. Santner is available for eight group-stage games and the knockouts in September, if Surrey qualify.Batting allrounders Dan Lawrence, Cameron Steel and Will Jacks were Surrey’s spin options in the Blast last year, but the addition of Santner brings them a frontline option with more than 200 appearances in the format. Surrey have been losing semi-finalists two years in a row, and have not won the trophy since its inaugural season back in 2003.Santner, who recently became New Zealand’s white-ball captain, will arrive in London after the IPL, where he is due to play for Mumbai Indians. He will miss the end of the group stages on international duty but should be available for the knockouts in September. He is also likely to feature in the Hundred again this year, having spent last season with Northern Superchargers.Related

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“I’m really looking forward to connecting with the players and coaching staff at Surrey,” Santner said. “I’ve heard quality things about the environment and have thoroughly enjoyed playing at the Kia Oval previously. I’ve been fortunate to play against many of the squad so it will be great to share the same changing room and play some entertaining cricket.”Alec Stewart, who remains involved with Surrey’s recruitment in his new role as a ‘high performance cricket advisor’, said: “Mitch will bring quality and experience to the Surrey side. He’s a proven international cricketer who plays T20 cricket all over the world and has built an excellent skillset.”Santner will play alongside his international team-mate Nathan Smith at The Oval, with Smith due to play in both the County Championship and the Blast from the start of May until the end of the season, around his New Zealand commitments.

Nottingham Forest have now submitted an offer for a defender who has “great speed”, with negotiations currently ongoing.

Business as usual at Forest despite Nuno uncertainty

Nuno speaking negatively about his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis has caused instability at Forest, and there have been suggestions that Ange Postecoglou could be brought in as a replacement for the 51-year-old.

However, there is said to be an air of business as usual at the City Ground, with Forest focusing on having a strong end to the summer transfer window, having already made major improvements to their squad.

One position in which the Tricky Trees are yet to strengthen, however, is full-back, and Nuno clearly feels more depth is required on both sides ahead of the upcoming Europa League campaign.

Requested by Nuno: Nottingham Forest make offer for £6m "big-game" player

The Tricky Trees have tabled a bid for a new signing, with negotiations currently ongoing.

ByDominic Lund Aug 27, 2025

Earlier this week, it was revealed that talks over a deal for Leicester City left-back Victor Kristiansen are progressing, and now Nuno’s side are looking to strengthen on the opposite flank too.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Nottingham Forest have now submitted a €12m (£10m) offer for Juventus right-back Nicolo Savona, which was knocked back, with the Italian club looking for a total package worth up to €20m (£17m).

The Serie A side are open to a sale, with information from journalist Gianluca di Marzio also being relayed, who reports that negotiations between the two clubs are currently ongoing, and they are likely to meet somewhere in the middle.

Savona is being targeted as an alternative to Sevilla’s José Ángel Carmona, who has made it clear he would prefer to remain at his boyhood club, rather than moving to the Premier League this summer.

Carmona should remain Forest's number one target

The aforementioned report states Carmona could still change his mind about a move to the Premier League, which would be good news for Forest, given that he has vastly outperformed Savona from a defensive point of view over the past year.

Average per 90

Jose Angel Carmona

Nicolo Savona

Tackles

2.42

1.42

Interceptions

1.96

0.58

Blocks

1.22

0.75

Clearances

2.88

2.04

The Spaniard is also far more experienced at senior level, having made 96 appearances across spells with Sevilla, Getafe and Elche CF, while the Juventus defender has just 40 first-team appearances to his name.

Juventus boss Igor Tudor has praised his defender in the past, saying: “He is professional and has great football intelligence. He understands what is happening on the pitch, and he has great speed. So we’re talking about a player with so many skills.”

“He is a humble guy who listens to advice. These are things that may seem obvious, but they are not at all. He has those values ​​that are getting a bit lost, so they are precious now.”

However, Forest should work on changing Carmona’s mind before the transfer deadline, as there is every indication he would be a better signing than the Italian.

حلل باو فيكتور، مهاجم نادي برشلونة السابق وسبورتينج براجا الحالي، مشاكل الفريق الكتالوني خلال هذا الموسم وتراجع مستوى النادي الإسباني.

برشلونة تراجعت نتائجه بشكل ملحوظ خلال الفترة الأخيرة من هذا الموسم، حيث تعرض البلوجرانا إلى خساراتين متتاليتين، أمام باريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا، ثم السقوط بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف واحد أمام إشبيلية الأسبوع الماضي بالدوري الإسباني.

ورحل باو فيكتور عن صفوف نادي برشلونة خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير، حيث وقع مع براجا في عقد مدته خمس سنوات، مع خيار إعادة الشراء من جديد للنادي الكتالوني.

أقرأ أيضًا .. ناد أوروبي يهدد ريال مدريد في صفقة شلوتربيك

ويعتقد فيكتور في تصريحات لإذاعة “كادينا سير” أن كثرة الإصابات جعلت برشلونة يعاني، موضحًا أن البلوجرانا سيعود إلى الطريق الصحيح.

وقال فيكتور: ”برشلونة؟ أراهم يقدمون أداء جيدًا، في مباراتهم الأخيرة ضد إشبيلية لم يقدموا أفضل أداء لهم، ولكن هناك تحديات مثل مشكلة الملعب، لا أحد يعلم أي ملعب سيلعبون عليه وفي البداية، لعبوا ثلاث أو أربع مباريات خارج أرضهم”.

وأضاف فيكتور: ”لديهم العديد من الغيابات المهمة، ولكن عندما يكون الجميع مستعدًا لا أشك في أن برشلونة سيعود إلى ما كان عليه في الموسم الماضي، الصبر مطلوب”.

كما وجه فيكتور الشكر إلى مدرب نادي برشلونة، هانز فليك، على الدعم الذي قدمه له حيث أوضح المهاجم الشاب: ”أنا ممتن جدًا لفليك، لقد كان دائمًا يولي اهتمامًا كبيرًا لي”.

واختتم: “جاء لتشجيعي، عندما غادرت أكد لي أنه سيكون مهتمًا بمشاهدتي للغاية”.

Despite already welcoming Callum Wilson, West Ham United have now reportedly made contact to sign another striker target who’s keen on a move to the Premier League.

Hermansen: West Ham step "great" for career

Following a quiet start, West Ham’s summer is finally beginning to heat up. With around two weeks until deadline day arrives, the Hammers have now welcomed El Hadji Malick Diouf, Wilson, Kyle-Walker Peters, Daniel Cummings and, in their latest deal, Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen. The latter is a particularly impressive arrival and was full of anticipation after putting pen to paper.

Just how many of West Ham’s new arrivals feature in their opening day clash against Sunderland is now the big question. In a game against one of the three newly-promoted sides, the Hammers have the chance to lay down a marker against any potential relegation battle ahead of what needs to be a much improved campaign.

Most exciting player since Payet: West Ham now want to sign £20m "menace"

West Ham are looking to sign an attacker this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 14, 2025

Meanwhile, away from the pitch, the London club are still reportedly on the hunt for attacking reinforcements.

West Ham make contact to sign En-Nesyri

According to reports in Spain, West Ham have now opened talks to sign Youssef En-Nesyri from Fenerbahce this summer. The Turkish club reportedly value their forward at more than €40m (£35m), with negotiations now underway between themselves and the Hammers.

Of course, it’s not the first time that En-Nesyri has found himself on West Ham’s radar. Before he completed a move to Fenerbahce last season, the 28-year-old was targeted by the London club during his time at Sevilla, who won the Europa League with the Moroccan leading the line.

Now, after just one year in Turkey, En-Nesyri could finally be on his way to the Premier League and the London Stadium. As the numbers highlight too, West Ham’s interest should come as no surprise.

Minutes

2,001

370

Goals

20

0

Assists

4

0

Dubbed “exceptional” by Jose Mourinho, En-Nesyri is at the peak of his powers and would be an instant upgrade on an ageing, injury-prone Wilson.

For around £35m, the Fenerbahce star would prove to be an undeniable striker given how difficult it is to find 20-goal strikers at an affordable price in today’s market.

Nico O'Reilly said it is very "special" to sign a new long-term deal with Manchester City. The 20-year-old has been at the club since the age of eight and has become an important player in Pep Guardiola's first-team. Following him putting pen to paper on a deal until 2030, the versatile talent spoke about how important his mum has been in support of his football journey and career.

• The rise of O'Reilly at Man City

  O'Reilly joined City 12 years ago and in the 2022-23 campaign, he captained their Under-18 side to a third successive national title and ended the season by winning the Players' Player of the Year award. The youngster, who has played at left-back and in central midfield over the past year, made his senior City debut in the 2024 Community Shield and has since gone on to make 27 appearances, scoring five goals in the process. The England Under-20 international admitted that he wouldn't have got to this point without his mum, Holly.

  He told City's website on Friday, "I'm so happy, I feel really good to have signed this contract with this amazing club. It's made my family proud and yeah; it's an amazing day. My mum has been making sacrifices for me since I was a baby, and she has put her life into mine and I'm so happy she was able to do this and just hope one day I can pay her back. She's so proud and obviously she has to take a lot of credit as well because I wouldn't be here without her, so I'd like to say thank you to my mum."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  New Man City contract for O'Reilly is very 'special'

  After signing this five-year deal, O'Reilly thanked the club, his family, manager Pep Guardiola, and more.

  He added, "This is a day I will never forget. I have been at City since the age of eight, and to have made it into the first team and have played matches is a dream come true. To be rewarded with a new contract really is special. I am really proud and so is my mum!

  "But in truth, this is just the beginning for me. I have come so far, but I want to keep pushing now, improving every day, and become the best player I can be. Here at City, with Pep as manager, I know I can do that. This is the best place for a footballer to be. I want to thank everyone who works in the Academy, all my teammates, Pep, the coaching staff and the City fans because without all those people supporting me along the way, none of this would have been possible for me."

• O'Reilly a shining example for Man City academy

  City's director of football, Hugo Viana, believes that the 6ft 4in player is a great role model for many other youth players dreaming of graduating to the club's first team. 

  He said: "Everyone at Manchester City is proud of our Academy, and Nico is a great example of why that is. Any young City player should look to Nico and learn from how he conducts himself on and off the pitch. If they do that, they won’t go far wrong.

  "He is technically assured, intelligent, and a brilliant reader of the game. His progress since stepping into the first team has been excellent, and we feel he has so much more to offer. He really does have huge potential. Nico is also a fantastic person. He is so focused on his football, which is what we want from our young players. I am delighted for him and his family, and we are looking forward to seeing him develop further in the coming years."

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  More to come from O'Reilly at Man City

  O'Reilly has made six appearances for City this season, four of which have been starts. He has his sights set on becoming a regular under Guardiola and it is clear he has no intention of just making up the numbers. 

  He said: "I'd just like to say thanks for all the support I've had so far, and there's a lot more to come. Hopefully, I can keep [our fans] happy, win games, win lots of trophies and we'll all be happy.

  "It's crazy how fast things have gone but I know my ability. I don't just want to be a squad player, I’m here to fight for my place and I want to be in the team week in, week out.  That's my aim and that's what I'm going to try and do. I think I've improved. Playing in big games in big stadiums and crowds, it's something you're not used to in the Academy.

  "The experience has helped me a lot and playing a new position, learning how to defend properly. It's all helped me massively. [My target is to] play as much as I can. I want to play every game, win trophies and titles, try and get an England call-up and make the squad in the summer. I've got a lot of goals this season and I'm going to try and achieve them."

Manchester United have secured their first signing of the summer, agreeing a pre-contract deal for highly-rated Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco, who will officially join in July after he has turned 18. The club have also handed a trial to Senegal U17 captain Mouhamed Dabo, signalling their intent to reshape midfield options for both the present and future.

Man Utd to sign Orozco next summer

As per the , United have secured the services of 17-year-old Orozco from Fortaleza after his performances at youth international level caught the eye. The teenager helped Colombia reach the CONMEBOL U17 Championship final earlier this year. In a deal similar to the one that saw Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon recently join, he will move to Old Trafford once he turns 18 and is expected to begin in the youth setup before pushing for senior minutes.

AdvertisementRed Devils also set to hand trial to Senegal U17 captain

Alongside Orozco’s arrival, Senegal U17 captain Mouhamed Dabo has been given a trial with United. The Be Sport Academy talent is seen as a player with leadership qualities and potential to develop into a future first-team option. African scouting and recruitment efforts previously unearthed Malian midfielder Sekou Kone, who arrived in Manchester last year.

Getty Images SportAmorim wants to strengthen midfield depth

Ruben Amorim has been keen to add energy and depth to a midfield that has faltered this season. Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo have struggled to consistently impose themselves, while Bruno Fernandes has often been moved out of his best attacking role. Casemiro’s recent red card against Chelsea and current suspension further underlined the need for reinforcements in squad depth.

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AFPMan Utd looking to build a young core under INEOS

Orozco will complete his move in July, with staff set to monitor his progress closely in the academy. Dabo, meanwhile, must impress during his trial period to earn a permanent contract. Both moves highlight United’s push to build a younger core under Amorim while planning beyond the current campaign.

Australia will qualify for the semis with five points if they beat Afghanistan on Friday

S Rajesh25-Feb-2025

England vs Afghanistan in Lahore is a must-win for both teams•Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

South Africa
If South Africa beat England, they will qualify for the semi-finals, and could take top spot even if Australia beat Afghanistan, as long as their net run-rate tops Australia’s. However, a defeat to England could knock them out if England and Australia both beat Afghanistan.For South Africa to stay in contention with three points, Afghanistan will have to win at least one match. If they beat England and lose to Australia, then Australia and South Africa will qualify; if Afghanistan beat Australia and lose to England, then South Africa and Australia will be fighting for second place; if Afghanistan win both matches, then Afghanistan will top the group, and second place will again come down to the NRR between Australia and South Africa.Related

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Australia
Australia will be through with five points if they beat Afghanistan on Friday. If they lose, their qualification chances will depend on the two remaining England games. If England win both games and Australia lose theirs, then either Australia or South Africa will finish second in the group, depending on NRR.Thanks to their 107-run win against Afghanistan, South Africa are currently sitting pretty on the NRR front. Even if Australia lose to Afghanistan by just one run chasing 301, South Africa will have to lose to England by at least 87 runs chasing the same target for Australia to sneak ahead on NRR.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

England
England need to win both their remaining games to qualify; a defeat against either Afghanistan or South Africa will knock them out. Given that the weather forecast looks fine for both their matches – though Lahore is expected to be overcast for their Afghanistan contest – sharing points in either of them looks highly unlikely.Afghanistan
Like England, Afghanistan need two wins to be sure of qualification. If they beat England and their match against Australia is washed out – there is forecast for some rain in Lahore on Friday – then they will finish on three points. In that case, they can qualify only if England beat South Africa, and if Afghanistan trump South Africa on NRR.

MatériaMais Notícias

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O meia Paulo Henrique Ganso permaneceu no Rio de Janeiro e será mais um desfalque para Diniz. Com isso, Keno concorre com Lelê pelo posto de titular. Os tricolores devem ir a campo com: Fábio, Guga, Nino, Manoel e Pirani; André, Martinelli e Lima; Arias, Lelê (Keno) e Cano.