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10 thoughts after brilliant, bonkers round of 16 at Euro 2020

And breathe. The Euro 2020 quarterfinal stage is all set, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t spend some time discussing the incredible action on display during the last 16. Below, we examine the biggest takeaways from a truly spectacular round of matches that had a little bit of everything.

There’s nothing like tournament football

Club football is great. We all love it. But at times, especially this past season when the fixture list was compressed and players everywhere were pushed beyond their physical limits, it can all feel like a grind. An international tournament was the perfect tonic. Euro 2020 has gone above and beyond, delivering the ideal blend of quality, tension, and drama you can only get at a competition like this. Even “bad” games are good because of the stakes, and the “good” games are true spectacles. This tournament has produced screeches and screams many of us didn’t know we had inside.

Monday may go down as the most thrilling day in the history of tournament football. Two matches, 14 goals – both of the stunning and bizarre variety – underdogs grabbing last-gasp equalizers, extra time, penalties, and a heavy favorite being knocked out. You couldn’t script it. Here’s hoping there’s still plenty in the tank for the remaining matches.

A perfect test for Italy

Italy was catapulted to “legitimate contender” status after being the standout performer of the group stage, but the Azzurri’s narrow extra-time win over Austria in the last 16 showed that the opening round of the tournament matters little. Everything changes when you reach the knockout stages, and absolutely anything can happen. It was also oddly reassuring to know this adventurous unit that’s been rebranded under Roberto Mancini still retains the national team’s historic penchant for making everything a little bit more difficult and nervy than it needs to be.

BEN STANSALL / AFP / Getty

The 2-1 victory at Wembley, against a resolute Austrian side that pressed and harried all over the pitch, should serve Italy well going forward. If the Italians are going to reach the final, the path, starting with Belgium, is daunting. Diving right into the deep end after breezing through the group stage is unnerving – for fans, mostly – so it was important, as many Italian coaches like to say, for the team to “suffer” through a hard-fought win and show some mettle. Nobody rolls through an entire tournament unscathed. Better to learn that now than in, say, the grand finale.

Denmark isn’t just a feel-good story

Since the harrowing Christian Eriksen incident in its opening match of the tournament, Denmark’s entire run at Euro 2020, unsurprisingly, has been framed around the team’s incredible resilience, togetherness, and mental fortitude. And that’s all extremely valid. That the players have not only persevered but succeeded is a remarkable accomplishment after so nearly losing a teammate and friend right in front of their eyes.

But it’s also important to acknowledge that this is much more than a group just riding an emotional wave, being spurred on by boisterous supporters both in Copenhagen and beyond. Denmark is a legitimately good football team, as it proved in the 4-0 dispatching of Wales in the round of 16. The defense, anchored by Simon Kjaer, is solid, and so too is the midfield pivot in front of it. Mikkel Damsgaard has provided some trickery on the ball, Kasper Dolberg and Yussuf Poulsen are both credible scoring threats, and Joakim Maehle has been one of the standout performers of the competition.

At this point, there’s no reason why Denmark, based purely on footballing merit, can’t capture a second European crown.

The Netherlands laid an egg

Remember when we considered giving Frank de Boer some credit after the Netherlands looked so explosive in the group stage? Yeah, natural order has now been restored. The ridiculed manager, whose reputation has cratered since leaving Ajax, is once again leaving a job in shame, parting ways with the Netherlands after the team’s shocking 2-0 defeat to the Czech Republic in what was the tournament’s first big upset. He was an unpopular hire to begin with, and this always seemed the likely conclusion.

Alex Livesey – UEFA / UEFA / Getty

In fairness, the loss wasn’t all De Boer’s fault; the Netherlands’ best players were anonymous, and the match was turned on its head by a whirlwind 30-second spell that, on another day, could have resulted in the Dutch scoring and Matthijs de Ligt not being sent off. Instead, Donyell Malen spurned his big chance and De Ligt, usually so assured, slipped and panicked. De Boer’s substitutions afterward were questionable – of course they were – but the Oranje were toast after the red card, and finished the match without a shot on target.

Fernando Santos failed Portugal

Managers’ insistence on shackling their extremely talented squads has been a theme of this tournament, and Fernando Santos is arguably the chief culprit. Yes, his defensive scheme and conservative approach delivered Portugal the title five years ago, but you can’t always go back to the well and expect the same results. Particularly when you’re at the helm of such a talented group of players; the current edition of the Selecao is far more skilled than the victorious 2016 outfit. Someone forgot to tell Santos that, though, and he persisted with his cautious scheme, simply hoping for results rather than pressing the issue and playing on the front foot.

Yes, Portugal outshot Belgium and created better chances, but that big push didn’t come until late – when the Belgians were 1-0 up and sitting on their lead. Had Portugal showed that same attacking vigor from the opening whistle, and had the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix been on the pitch earlier, we’d likely be talking about what Portugal needs to do to topple Italy right now. Instead, the nation’s title defense is over.

Spanish resilience shines through

It would have been easy for Unai Simon to shrivel up and crumble after he allowed one of the most baffling own goals in European Championship history early in Spain’s clash with Croatia. Many others would have. That type of bizarre, meme-worthy error could crush any player, but especially a goalkeeper, who spends much of the match standing alone with nothing to do but think. But the 24-year-old, like his team, didn’t throw in the towel in the face of adversity and ridicule.

STUART FRANKLIN / AFP / Getty

Indeed, it was Simon who ensured that Croatia’s madcap comeback didn’t bleed into extra time; the netminder made a brilliant reactionary save to keep the contest tied at 3-3 early in the extra frame, and that was the springboard for La Roja to regain control and ultimately earn a wild 5-3 triumph. Alvaro Morata, himself the subject of intense criticism during the tournament, scored a thunderous winning goal, adding another layer to the redemption narrative that underlined Spain’s success.

France pays for Deschamps’ sins

How do you say “hold my beer” in French?

For all of Fernando Santos’ aforementioned failings, Didier Deschamps outdid his Portuguese counterpart, making a drastic lineup decision that was at least partially responsible for France’s stunning defeat to Switzerland. His hand was forced by injuries to his two best left-backs, but the shift to an unfamiliar system that shoehorned midfielder Adrien Rabiot into a left wing-back role was, simply put, a disaster. That he ditched it so swiftly during the match was a clear indication Deschamps made a mistake. His decision to start the unconvincing Clement Lenglet as part of a back-three baffled, too.

France recovered – having unrivaled talent can do that – and should have seen out the win after holding a 3-1 lead with under 10 minutes remaining. That part isn’t entirely Deschamps’ fault. But the primary role of a manager is to set up players, and teams, for success. You need to give them the best possible chance to thrive. Instead, Deschamps set France up for failure, and for once, the most skilled collection of stars on the planet couldn’t overcome that. It’s a shame, especially for Paul Pogba, who was putting in a tournament performance for the ages that will now be forgotten.

Switzerland hits new heights

As much as the focus has been on France’s implosion – and rumblings of discord within the French camp – since Les Bleus’ surprising ouster, let’s not forget Switzerland’s role in all of this. The Swiss have long been a fixture at major tournaments, but are rarely expected to make any real impact; that’s been underlined by three consecutive losses in the last 16 at recent tournaments. Solid but unspectacular has been this team’s calling card for over a decade. We can throw that description out the window now. The staggering win on Monday was the exact opposite of what we’ve been accustomed to from Vladimir Petkovic’s team over the years.

JUSTIN SETTERFIELD / AFP / Getty

Switzerland took full advantage of France’s tactical uncertainty, exploited spaces down the flanks, and, crucially, never backed down even when it seemed all but certain the reigning World Cup champion would coast through the final 10 minutes of the contest. For that, the Swiss, led wonderfully by Granit Xhaka, have been rewarded with a spot in the quarterfinals of a major event for the first time since 1954.

Vindication for Southgate

It actually happened. The curse has been lifted.

England finally beat Germany in a knockout match for the first time since the 1966 World Cup final, thanks largely to Gareth Southgate’s conviction and belief in his players.

The manager’s decision to shift to a three-man defense for the last-16 clash caused extreme consternation within an already pessimistic fan base, especially as the tactical switch relegated national darling Jack Grealish to the bench. The prematch concern wasn’t unjustified – all things being equal, a team should play its best players – but Southgate’s decisions were vindicated as the Three Lions earned a famous 2-0 win at Wembley.

Unlike Deschamps, Southgate made his changes with a clear, familiar plan in mind. The England manager had employed it many times before, so a more defensive setup wasn’t foreign to his players. That manifested itself on the pitch as England largely shut Germany down. It wasn’t swashbuckling football, but it was precisely what Southgate wanted. Grealish made a massive impact off the bench, too, ticking off another box for the manager.

Given England’s potential path to the final, it really could be coming home now.

Group of Death, indeed

First Portugal. Then France. And finally, Germany. All three heavyweights emerged from Group F, and all three were sent packing at the next available opportunity. The Germans, in particular, went out with a whimper, ending Joachim Low’s long reign in disjointed, disappointing fashion.

ANDY RAIN / AFP / Getty

“Group of Death” was almost too apt a description.

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Look: Adidas drops huge collection of new kits for Euro 2024, Copa America

Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.

It’s time to bulk up your wardrobe for the upcoming glut of international football.

With Euro 2024 kicking off in 92 days and Copa America starting six days later, Adidas has revealed two new kits for 12 different national teams. These teams are guaranteed to wear their new uniforms on pitches across Germany and the United States this summer, with the exception of Wales, which must emerge from the Euro 2024 playoffs to ensure top tournament billing.

Adidas will also reveal fresh kits for Jamaica and Costa Rica in the near future. Both national teams face one-off playoffs March 23 to determine whether they’ll compete at Copa America.

(All images courtesy of Adidas.)

Euro 2024

Belgium

Home

The usual combination of colors for Belgium. The Royal Belgian Football Association’s crest features repeatedly in the shirt’s pattern.

Away

It’s the Tintin kit! The blue shirt is accompanied by brown shirts and white socks in homage to the iconic Belgian comic book character. It drew worldwide attention before its release.

Germany

Home

Germany opts for a classic look.

Away

The away threads’ marriage of pink and purple is intended to celebrate the diversity of Germany’s new generation.

Hungary

Home

Adidas leaned on the national flag and patterns of the national team’s crest for ideas for Hungary’s home jersey.

Away

Hungary will wear a simple alternative shirt in Germany.

Italy

Home

There’s nothing daring about this look, but incorporating the flag colors in the Adidas stripes is a nice touch.

Away

Does Italy’s away shirt look too much like training gear?

Scotland

Home

The patterns are a nod to Scottish tartan and heritage.

Away

Tartan graphics also leak into Scotland’s away kit.

Spain

Home

A very basic red-and-yellow theme for Spain’s main outfit.

Away

An interesting dash of blue on the side panels and at the base add intrigue to Spain’s away shirt.

Wales

Home

The curled spikes of green, yellow, and red up the side panels neatly round off this classic Welsh top.

Away

This kit is directly influenced by the Welsh bucket hat, which is a popular item worn by supporters at recent tournaments.

Copa America

Argentina

Home

In addition to the shield acknowledging Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, there are further gold details to really drive its global dominance home. And why not?

Away

Argentina went quite safe for its away design.

Chile

Home

A mosaic of squares forms a star in the middle of Chile’s red home shirt.

Away

Is this model’s pose foreshadowing Chile’s performance at Copa America?

Colombia

Home

The patterning on the sides brings a unique touch to an otherwise classic Colombian look.

Away

A strong orange tone lifts another dark base for Colombia’s away kit.

Mexico

Home

This is probably the best of the bunch. Mexico is always open to trying something different with its main jersey. Instead of green, El Tri will don a uniform with a burgundy-red base.

Away

This mint-green effort is another original look for Mexico at Copa America.

Peru

Home

Peru’s red sash is one of the most celebrated adornments of any international jersey, but are the red embellishments rising from the hip a bit too much?

Away

A simple design is spruced up with patterns intended to refer to the cajon, which is a Peruvian percussion instrument.

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Transfer window preview: 50 players who could move in January

Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.

With the January transfer window set to open on the first day of the new year, we’re teeing up the wheeling and dealing by presenting 50 players who could be on the move.

LEAGUE DEADLINE DAY
Bundesliga Feb. 1 (12 p.m. ET)
Ligue 1 Feb. 1 (5 p.m. ET)
Premier League Feb. 1 (6 p.m. ET)
La Liga Feb. 1 (6 p.m. ET)
Serie A Feb. 1 (7 p.m. ET)

Note: Estimated transfer values provided by transfermarkt.com.

Premier League ?gbeng

Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Age: 25
Position: Goalkeeper
Estimated value: €28M

Unseated by the arrival of David Raya, Ramsdale’s future is a little murky. Arsenal are unlikely to sanction a loan move, especially to a Premier League rival, but with an eye on Euro 2024, the netminder needs more minutes.

Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth)

Age: 25
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €16M

Bournemouth don’t want to lose him, but with Kelly’s contract set to expire in the summer and no sign he’ll renew, defender-needy clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are circling in the hopes of sealing a midseason signing.

Ivan Toney (Brentford)

Age: 27
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €35M

Toney’s eight-month ban for betting breaches ends in January, and his return to the pitch could precipitate a transfer. He’s a proven scorer with 32 goals in 68 Premier League appearances, and plenty of clubs need help up front.

Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Age: 25
Position: Left-back
Estimated value: €25M

Despite his recent injury, Cucurella headlines a trio of defenders who may leave west London this winter – Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah could also depart. Chelsea, as ever, will be fascinating to watch when the window opens.

Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)

Darren Walsh / Chelsea FC / Getty

Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €42M

One of the window’s most intriguing names. Only Axel Disasi has played more minutes for Chelsea this season – Gallagher has even worn the armband – but he represents the Blues’ best chance of making a sizeable profit in January.

Noni Madueke (Chelsea)

Age: 21
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €25M

January is about finding opportunities to bolster your squad or, in some cases, find a piece to push your team over the top. Madueke, clearly very talented but getting few chances to shine at Chelsea, could fit the bill.

Joao Palhinha (Fulham)

Age: 28
Position: Defensive midfielder
Estimated value: €60M

After coming agonizingly close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer – Palhinha was literally in Bavaria waiting, in vain, for a deal to be closed – the excellent midfielder will once again be a hot, though expensive, commodity.

Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)

Age: 28
Position: Defensive midfielder
Estimated value: €28M

Nobody needs a January transfer more than Phillips, whose career has derailed since joining Manchester City; Pep Guardiola has repeatedly apologized for his lack of opportunities. Juventus are reportedly interested.

Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

Age: 28
Position: Forward
Estimated value: €15M

Erik ten Hag may say that Manchester United aren’t looking to move Martial, but the Frenchman’s limited amount of playing time this season speaks louder than the manager’s words ever will.

Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

Matthew Peters / Manchester United / Getty

Age: 23
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €23M

With Sancho and Ten Hag perpetually at odds, it’s in everyone’s best interest to just part ways. A loan seems most likely in January, with United having a better chance of recouping some of his huge transfer fee in the summer.

Raphael Varane (Manchester United)

Age: 30
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €25M

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich need help in central defense, and Varane could represent excellent value. His familiarity with the Spanish club would make his transition seamless, which is always a key consideration in January.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur)

Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €28M

Hojbjerg has only started three Premier League matches this season under Ange Postecoglou. In what will become a common refrain on this list, the Dane could depart in search of more regular playing time ahead of Euro 2024.

La Liga ??

Ferran Torres (Barcelona)

Age: 23
Position: Forward, winger
Estimated value: €35M

Despite getting consistent opportunities since joining the club, there’s always been a sense that Barcelona don’t truly believe in Torres. Already fierce competition for minutes will be more extreme following Vitor Roque’s arrival.

Miguel Gutierrez (Girona)

Age: 22
Position: Left-back
Estimated value: €20M

Gutierrez has been one of the breakout performers helping to fuel Girona’s fairy-tale title push. Real Madrid reportedly have an €8-million buyback option on the youngster, who seems destined for a big move soon.

Juan Miranda (Real Betis)

Fran Santiago / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Age: 23
Position: Left-back
Estimated value: €9M

Miranda, a product of Barcelona’s famed academy, is another soon-to-be free agent who could yet leave in January if his club wants to procure a transfer fee. AC Milan, seeking defensive depth, are working to sign the Spaniard.

Rafa Mir (Sevilla)

Age: 26
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €5M

Sevilla are among the most obvious candidates for a big January shakeup following a dismal opening half of the season. Mir’s struggles – just two league starts and one goal – are emblematic of the rough campaign in Andalusia.

Serie A ??

Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)

Age: 22
Position: Forward
Estimated value: €30M

Zirkzee’s been one of the revelations of the European season, helping power Bologna’s top-four push. The Dutchman reportedly has a €40-million release clause, and Bayern Munich retained a buyback option worth half that.

Radu Dragusin (Genoa)

Age: 21
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €20M

A physically imposing center-back with the necessary on-ball skills to thrive in the modern game, Dragusin is garnering interest across Europe. Atalanta, perhaps anticipating Giorgio Scalvini’s summer exit, are reportedly keen.

Samuel Iling-Junior (Juventus)

Age: 20
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €20M

The Englishman has received little playing time after breaking into Juventus’ senior side last season. If Juve decide to sacrifice one of their young talents to generate funds, Iling-Junior seems the likeliest candidate at the moment.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty

Age: 24
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €110M

Osimhen may have just signed a contract extension with the ailing Italian champions, but that won’t stop the rumors, especially with his reported €130-million release clause. Chelsea remain in desperate need of a proper No. 9.

Lazar Samardzic (Udinese)

Age: 21
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €20M

Looking for something – anything, really – to help jump-start their miserable title defense, Napoli have apparently turned their attention to Samardzic, who provides silky dribbling and playmaking ability from midfield.

Bundesliga ??

Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen)

Age: 21
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €35M

It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to leave red-hot Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen right now, but Xabi Alonso’s preferred back-three doesn’t include the Ecuadorian, which could facilitate a January transfer.

Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)

Age: 21
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €20M

Reyna must move to get his once blossoming career back on track. A variety of factors contributed to his recent status as a bit-part player at Dortmund, but he’s flashed enough potential in the past to earn a chance elsewhere.

Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund)

Age: 24
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €35M

Dortmund tumbled down the table following a rough run into the winter break, leaving Edin Terzic on thin ice. Against that backdrop, parting with one of your few scoring threats would be a tough sell, but rumors about Malen persist.

Manu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Christian Verheyen / Borussia Moenchengladbach / Getty

Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €35M

After several clubs, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool, were linked with his services in the summer, the trail has gone a little cold on Kone of late. That’s sure to change in January. A deadline-day deal is a distinct possibility.

Fabio Carvalho (RB Leipzig)

Age: 21
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €14M

Carvalho’s loan move to RB Leipzig simply hasn’t worked out as anyone had hoped. He’s made just three starts, prompting Liverpool to explore the possibility of recalling and sending him elsewhere in January.

Serhou Guirassy (VfB Stuttgart)

Age: 27
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €40M

Scoring 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga games doesn’t go unnoticed. A January move for the Guinean is complicated by his expected involvement in AFCON, but his extremely modest €17.5-million release clause has clubs salivating.

Ligue 1 ??

Tiago Djalo (Lille)

Age: 23
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €15M

Instead of losing the Portuguese defender for free in the summer, Lille are reportedly considering cashing in now. With Inter, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid all in the mix, the French outfit could incite a decent bidding war.

Leny Yoro (Lille)

Age: 18
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €25M

Already one of the standout defenders in France despite his tender age, Yoro is someone Lille will fight to keep for as long as possible. PSG, now trying to scoop up every emerging talent in the country, will need to pony up.

Khephren Thuram (Nice)

Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €40M

Thuram, despite interest from England and Italy in the summer, remained in the French Riviera – who could blame him? Both he and teammate Jean-Clair Todibo will feature prominently as the January rumors swirl.

Hugo Ekitike (Paris Saint-Germain)

Age: 21
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €15M

Ekitike’s big move to the French capital went sour very quickly. PSG tried to offload him in the summer, to no avail. Stuck behind Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos, he’s played a measly nine minutes in Ligue 1 this season.

Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Age: 25
Position: Forward
Estimated value: €180M

What, you thought we’d get through a transfer window without rehashing Mbappe’s flirtations with Real Madrid? The saga will inevitably heat up again now that Madrid can negotiate openly with the impending free agent.

Around the world ?

Jota (Al-Ittihad)

Age: 24
Position: Forward, winger
Estimated value: €9M

Jota’s move to Saudi Arabia has been an unmitigated disaster for everything but his bank account thus far, sparking rumors that the ex-Celtic star could be one of the first players to make a swift return to Europe from the Middle East.

Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)

Age: 22
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €27M

It’s simply a matter of when Almada makes the leap to Europe. The only question is whether the diminutive Argentine will break Miguel Almiron’s €24-million record as the most expensive outgoing transfer in MLS history.

Antonio Silva (Benfica)

Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Age: 20
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €45M

Enzo Fernandez’s mammoth move to Chelsea proved that Benfica aren’t afraid to sanction sales of vital players in January if the offer is sweet enough. Silva, whose price tag is only rising, could be next in line.

Valentin Barco (Boca Juniors)

Age: 19
Position: Left-back
Estimated value: €13M

Chelsea are reportedly keen on Barco. Strasbourg, the French side also owned by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium, could be used by the Blues as a means to beat the likes of Manchester City to the Boca starlet.

Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge)

Age: 24
Position: Winger, wing-back
Estimated value: €8M

Inter are reportedly advancing in talks for the rapid Canadian, who’s viewed as the ideal replacement for the injury-ravaged Juan Cuadrado. Buchanan would serve as Denzel Dumfries’ backup in Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 formation.

Benjamin Rollheiser (Estudiantes de La Plata)

Age: 23
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €10M

Newcastle United, decimated by injuries and in search of reinforcements, are reportedly tracking the electrifying dribbler, who’s lighting things up in Argentina. Not to be outdone, Benfica and Atletico Madrid are also circling.

Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati)

Age: 25
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €8.5M

Vazquez was unable to replicate his breakout 2022 campaign this past year, but that hasn’t deterred clubs intrigued by his blend of power and scoring prowess. Brentford, given the uncertainty around Toney, could make a move.

Nico Gonzalez (FC Porto)

Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €9M

Things haven’t quite worked out as planned after a summer move to Porto, with the former Barcelona midfielder spending most of his time on the bench. An immediate return to La Liga shouldn’t be ruled out.

Mehdi Taremi (FC Porto)

Diogo Cardoso / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Age: 31
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €12M

Inter continue to show strong interest in Taremi, who was one of their targets in the summer window before they settled for a low-cost option in Marko Arnautovic. The Iranian striker is a free agent at the end of the season.

Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord)

Age: 22
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €50M

The prolific Mexican is one of the game’s most coveted scorers after a sensational 2023 in which he broke Luis Suarez’s record for most Eredivisie goals in a calendar year. Feyenoord will demand a fortune, and rightly so.

Andre (Fluminense)

Age: 22
Position: Defensive midfielder
Estimated value: €25M

The Brazilian, who was scouted by some of the Premier League’s top teams over the summer, put them all on high alert when he recently said his “big dream” is to play in England. How long can Fluminense hold on to him?

Denis Bouanga (LAFC)

Age: 29
Position: Forward
Estimated value: €10M

On the heels of capturing the MLS Golden Boot in 2023, Bouanga suggested he could soon return to Europe. Any move would require a “hugely expensive” transfer fee, according to LAFC general manager John Thorrington.

Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven)

Age: 20
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €40M

Wingers who excel at beating their defender and teeing up teammates inside the penalty area are always in high demand, so the collection of big clubs eyeing Bakayoko should come as no surprise. An opulent transfer beckons.

Georgiy Sudakov (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Quality Sport Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Age: 21
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €18M

Already a regular for his national team, the Ukrainian is being monitored by Juventus, who are looking for more guile and creativity in midfield amid the continued absences of Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli.

Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)

Age: 25
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €45M

Sporting made out like bandits when they signed Gyokeres from Coventry City for a modest €20 million this past summer. The Swede is now worth more than double that amount after going on a tear since arriving in Portugal.

Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)

Age: 22
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €40M

Like his compatriot Silva at Benfica – a player to whom he’s often compared – Inacio has been scouted by some of the continent’s heavyweights. The defender reportedly has a €60-million release clause in his contract.

Claudio Echeverri (River Plate)

Age: 17
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €12M

Manchester City are working hard to beat Barcelona to Echeverri’s coveted signature. The ascendant Argentine was one of the standout players at the recent Under-17 World Cup and could reportedly cost up to €25 million.

Arthur Vermeeren (Royal Antwerp)

Age: 18
Position: Defensive midfielder
Estimated value: €30M

Chances are your favorite club has been linked with Vermeeren at some point in recent weeks. Judging by his displays in the Champions League, the prodigious Belgian already looks capable of handling a big transfer.

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theScore's 50 favorite moments of 2023: Titles, twists, and one epic speech

This year in sports was defined by inspiring stories, historic achievements, and surreal events that not even Hollywood could script. We loved them all. With 2023 drawing to a close, theScore is looking back on 50 moments that resonated most with us over the past 12 months. Our five-part series, which counts down every Friday in December, continues below with moments 30-21.

Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29
50-41 40-31 30-21 20-11 10-1

30. Bellingham takes down Barca ?

NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty

Jude Bellingham was already hailed as the second coming of Cristiano Ronaldo before he led Real Madrid to victory in his first Clasico. The English midfielder morphed into one of the best finishers in the world after joining the club from Borussia Dortmund. His 13 goals in his first 10 games – including various winning strikes – were two more than Ronaldo scored to start his iconic career in Madrid. But nothing compared to Bellingham’s heroics against Madrid’s bitter rivals, Barcelona. After scoring a spectacular equalizing goal from 30 yards out, the 20-year-old further endeared himself to fans with an opportunistic winner in the dying minutes. – Gordon Brunt

29. Etienne’s Pyrrhic performance ?

Everyone loves a big fantasy football performance – unless you’re on the wrong side of it. Imagine how Travis Etienne felt after posting one of the best games of his career while playing against himself in fantasy football. The running back exploded for 136 rushing yards, four receptions, 48 receiving yards, a pair of touchdowns, and a two-point conversion against the Bills in Week 5. His opponent surely appreciated the 30+ fantasy points, but Etienne was likely happier winning the game in real life on the back of his dominant outing. – Andrew Dixon

28. PGA TOUR, LIV Golf join forces ?

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. After more than a year of legal battles, the PGA announced a surprise merger with Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf, shocking just about everyone. While LIV golfers like Phil Mickelson rejoiced, many PGA golfers found out about the merger through a leaked press release on social media, and members of Netflix’s docuseries “Full Swing” found out on camera. Those who refused LIV Golf’s massive payouts were angered by the PGA’s lack of loyalty, and Tiger Woods was “frustrated” with the lack of player involvement. The tours have until Dec. 31 to finalize the agreement but, regardless of the outcome, June 6 will go down in golf history as a day stranger than fiction. – Sarah Wallace

27. FDU stuns No. 1 Purdue ?

Five years after No. 1 Virginia lost to No. 16 UMBC, New Jersey’s Fairleigh Dickinson handed Purdue an opening-round loss in the same setup. The Knights had to win in the First Four to qualify, while the Boilermakers lost four games to end the regular season before winning the Big Ten title. FDU held off No. 1 Purdue with two clutch blocks in the final minute of play to advance the Knights to the second round. Meanwhile, No. 4 Virginia lost to No. 13 Furman, marking the second time in three years the Cavaliers lost in the first round. – Donald Higney

26. Aces breathe rarefied air ?

The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty were on a collision course to meet in the WNBA Finals all season long. Both teams were loaded with stars and dominated in the regular season to earn the top seeds in their respective conferences. The Aces took the first two games at home before the Liberty responded with a victory in Game 3. Las Vegas lost starting point guard Chelsea Gray and starting center Kiah Stokes to injuries before Game 4 but withstood their absences to claim a 70-69 victory. The win made them just the third repeat champion in WNBA history, and the first since 2002. – Josh Goldberg

25. José Ramírez decks Tim Anderson ?

It was a bad, bad year for Tim Anderson. The former batting champ struggled through injuries and underperformed in the most disappointing campaign of his career. But the worst night of his dreadful season came on Aug. 5 when he picked a fight with the wrong guy. The White Sox shortstop hurled his glove to the ground and put his dukes up after getting into a verbal dispute with Guardians slugger José Ramírez – which turned out to be a poor decision. Anderson hit the dirt like a ton of bricks after catching a wild overhand right from Ramírez. The fight led to a bench-clearing brawl and Eloy Jiménez even got stepped on as Anderson was sidelined recovering from embarrassment. – Bryan Mcwilliam

24. Nuggets, Jokic claim 1st title ?

Garrett Ellwood / National Basketball Association / Getty

For the fifth straight season, the NBA got a new champion. The Denver Nuggets won their first championship after taking down the Miami Heat in June. Nikola Jokic dominated the playoffs, averaging 30 points, 13.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game – elevating his game as the competition and stakes increased every round. Denver got a boost from Jamal Murray, who put up 26.1 points and 7.1 assists in the postseason as he played in his first campaign after an ACL tear. With this tandem, the Nuggets look to be a formidable championship contender for the foreseeable future. – Higney

23. Coco conquers US Open ?

Greatness was expected of Coco Gauff ever since she made her professional debut at 14 years old. But those expectations quickly became a burden, weighing her down even as she spent her high school years winning various 500- and 1,000-level tournaments. So when she came back from a set down against Aryna Sabalenka to win the US Open in September – clinching her first major title at the grand old age of 19 – Coco had a few things to say. “To those who thought they were putting water on my fire, you were really adding gas to it, and now I’m really burning so bright right now,” she said as the 28,000 at Arthur Ashe Stadium erupted in support. Now it’s no longer about whether Coco can win majors, but how many victories she’ll collect. – Anthony Lopopolo

22. You come at the king … ?

LeBron proved that you can’t count him out, even during his 20th NBA season. After then-Memphis Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks sent him numerous taunts and a hit in the groin, LeBron got his revenge. Leading by three points in overtime of Game 4 in their opening-round playoff series, the dueling players found themselves matched up – with LeBron driving past Brooks and drawing a timely foul to help put the lower-seeded Lakers up 3-1 in the series. In a cathartic moment, King James burst into emotion as the Lakers crowd went crazy. L.A. went on to win the series, while the Grizzlies declined to re-sign Brooks, allowing him to join the Houston Rockets. – Higney

21. Wild Bill’s legendary parade speech ?

Warning: Video contains coarse language

There have been some incredible Stanley Cup parade speeches over the years, but Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson gave one for the ages in June. The moment he took the mic shirtless and drenched in sweat, it was clear he was about to deliver an all-timer. It’s two minutes of absolute gold: Karlsson initially censoring himself but dropping an actual F-bomb 22 seconds later. The Arizona Coyotes catching a stray. That poor woman trying in vain to get him to wrap it up with a tap on the back, the hand-across-the-throat gesture, a plea of “let’s go,” and finally dragging him across the stage. Perfection. – Josh Gold-Smith

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