La Liga

10 thoughts from this week's Champions League action

The Champions League rumbled on this week with a dramatic slate of action. Below, we dissect the biggest talking points from Matchday 2 in Europe’s premier club competition.

Besiktas’ reserves do themselves proud

“Besiktas are looking for a miracle,” major Turkish newspaper Hurriyet declared when previewing Tuesday’s trip to Ajax. And it wasn’t an outlandish statement.

Sergen Yalcin’s side traveled to Amsterdam off the back of a sobering defeat to Altay and, most critically, with 11 first-team players unavailable for the tie. The manager had to improvise, nudging promising left-back Ridvan Yilmaz into a more advanced role ahead of Umut Meras, who was starting for the first time this season. Berkay Vardar – an 18-year-old who was making his senior debut and represented the club in the UEFA Youth League earlier in September – later replaced Meras.

Ajax, on the other hand, were flying. In addition to the 5-1 win over Sporting CP to open their Champions League campaign, the Dutch giants boast 30 goals in seven Eredivisie matches.

So, was a 2-0 defeat really so bad given the circumstances? True, Besiktas have no points after their first two matches of the group stage. But collecting four points from their two meetings with Sporting CP plus a point from either of the return fixtures against Ajax (at home) or Dortmund (away) is attainable and would be enough to parachute them into the Europa League knockout rounds.

The performances from Besiktas’ backup players should serve as encouragement for the next four contests.

By the numbers: Sheriff’s historic victory

Naturally, much of the focus will be on Real Madrid suffering arguably the greatest upset in Champions League history. But Tuesday was Sheriff Tiraspol’s day.

Below are some standout numbers from the Transnistrian club’s incredible feat.

1 – Sebastian Thill became the first Luxembourger to score a Champions League goal when he smashed in the 90th-minute winner at the Santiago Bernabeu.

4 – Sheriff are the fourth team to win their first European Cup or Champions League match at Los Blancos’ home. Juventus (1962), Arsenal (2006), and Liverpool (2009) beat them to it.

10 – Goalkeeper Georgios Athanasiadis made an incredible 10 saves in Real Madrid’s backyard, significantly boosting his reputation during a loan spell from AEK Athens.

24 – Sheriff defenders Gustavo Dulanto and Danilo Arboleda bludgeoned 24 clearances between them. Real Madrid players have collectively cleared the ball 20 times over their past three Champions League fixtures.

€12,000,000 – Approximate value of Sheriff’s squad. Real Madrid’s David Alaba earns around the same amount in a year.

Florentino Perez takes a big ‘L’

When the ill-fated European Super League was birthed – before crumbling in record time – in April, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, the most outspoken proponent of the breakaway competition, confidently proclaimed that the Champions League group stage was a waste of time.

“The Champions League is attractive from the quarterfinals, that’s all,” he told Spanish talk show El Chiringuito, via ESPN. “We play against small teams that aren’t attractive. Young people prefer to entertain themselves with other things.”

Ask any young football fan, though, and they almost certainly found Tuesday’s miraculous upset in Madrid entertaining. How could you not?

In Perez’s ideal world, the likes of Sheriff Tiraspol would never get the chance to sniff the same air as Real Madrid, let alone bring the 13-time European champions to their knees. At the Santiago Bernabeu, no less.

It served as a stark reminder that the sport, at its core, is for everyone and has the potential to be a great equalizer. That’s a point that Perez, more than most, should be reconciling with right now.

More to come from Messi, PSG

Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 victory over fellow Champions League hopefuls Manchester City, while encouraging, didn’t exactly answer all the questions that have been hanging over Mauricio Pochettino’s team since the club’s lavish summer. The vaunted attacking triumvirate was extremely isolated – PSG often defended with an amusing 7-0-3 formation – and City dominated for large stretches of the match despite being shut out.

There’s work to be done for Pochettino, who knows as much.

Marc Atkins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Tuesday’s win, however, did provide a glimpse into just how terrifying PSG can be when all the pieces come together. Lionel Messi’s gorgeous goal, his first for the side, had some hallmarks of his Barcelona days as the little Argentine went on a long burst, linked up with a fellow attacker on the edge of the box – in this case, Kylian Mbappe – and picked out the top corner.

It was always going to take time for Messi to get acclimated after spending his entire career – and the majority of his life – at Barcelona. It’s still very early, but the signs suggest it’s just a matter of time.

“I am gradually adapting to my new team, to my teammates,” he said after the contest. “The more we play together (with Neymar and Mbappe), the better it will be. We must all grow together, increase our level of play.”

Liverpool flying under the radar

The shock of Sheriff’s triumph in the Spanish capital and the brilliance of Messi’s maiden strike for PSG dominated the headlines on Tuesday, meaning Liverpool’s stupendous 5-1 victory at FC Porto didn’t get the attention it deserved.

It’s not exactly a new storyline – Jurgen Klopp’s outfit won its previous two visits to the Estadio do Dragao 5-0 and 4-1 – but there was an understanding among the Reds players and some individual performances that suggest the Merseyside club could go deep in this competition.

Maybe it’s time to consider Liverpool as one of the competition’s favorites.

Mohamed Salah was incredible once more, bagging a brace in 66 minutes of work. Fabinho made the most of the space Porto afforded to him and spread the ball well from the base of midfield. And Curtis Jones – called into the lineup after Harvey Elliott, Thiago Alcantara, and Naby Keita were injured – was the best of the bunch, having a hand in each of Liverpool’s five goals while working hard off the ball to reduce Porto’s threat.

Referees get too much protection

Video replay is a good thing. But the people reviewing the footage can’t ignore what they’re seeing.

Referee Cuneyt Cakir made two dubious calls in AC Milan’s 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid that deserved greater scrutiny from the Video Assistant Referee. Cakir issued a second yellow card to Franck Kessie for a foul that rarely results in a booking at the best of times, but the VAR on duty decided not to recommend a correction, and Cakir chose not to review the footage or verify if he’d made the right interpretation. So Kessie was essentially sent off for clipping a player – or, in other words, doing something that happens several times a game.

(Courtesy: DAZN)

Later in second-half stoppage time, Atletico’s Rodrigo De Paul got away with a clear stamp on Sandro Tonali’s foot. To be consistent, Cakir had to give De Paul a yellow card here. He didn’t even give a foul.

(Courtesy: DAZN)

Finally, Cakir called a penalty in the 93rd minute based on what he determined to be a handball by Milan defender Pierre Kalulu. But replays showed Thomas Lemar had moved his hand toward the ball before Kalulu even made contact.

Impazzisco #ACMilan @UEFAcom pic.twitter.com/ErkkcG7h7i

— ? George Weah ?? (@dhomash) September 28, 2021

Instead of taking ownership of the situation and reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, Cakir let the VAR relay the information to him. He made no attempt to confirm a call that could’ve eliminated Milan’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage. Cakir had the duty of care to check the penalty himself.

Of course, neither he nor UEFA explained what led to the decision, and there was no attempt to be transparent about the call. Referees, as Brighton captain Lewis Dunk said in February, “hide behind their bubble,” while coaches and players have to give interview after interview about it.

Ole’s United take time to get going, again

There should’ve been no better motivation than the Aston Villa defeat. Not only was Saturday’s Premier League setback unexpected and embarrassing for Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed an offside when Kortney Hause’s header found the net, and Emiliano Martinez’s antics unsettled Bruno Fernandes before he skied his last-gasp penalty.

These apparent injustices should’ve fueled United from the first whistle against Villarreal.

But Manchester United’s response to the Villa result was slurred, particularly in the first half. Wednesday’s 2-1 home win delivered the three points the Red Devils craved after their group-opening loss to Young Boys, but the relief was palpable at Old Trafford.

Villarreal deservedly led at the interval after Arnaut Danjuma dizzied Diogo Dalot with the United midfield largely non-existent – two clear problems that indicated major glitches in Solskjaer’s system. United roared back with Alex Telles’ beautiful 60th-minute strike and Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic 95th-minute winner, but it was once again individuals stepping up rather than an all-around team performance.

What could United achieve if they had that late-game intensity from kickoff? Is their tendency to start games poorly a motivational or tactical issue?

Barcelona stuck in reverse

Things are going to get much worse at Barcelona before they get better.

Ronald Koeman’s side looked dull and uninterested in Wednesday’s 3-0 shellacking against Benfica. In fact, the Portuguese hosts were so superior it hardly felt like an upset. Barcelona showed little desire to win second balls or create anything other than hopeful crosses into the box. Poor Frenkie De Jong, one of the only bright spots in Barcelona’s sad-sack midfield, tried to increase the tempo with a couple of defense-splitting passes, but the rest of the team played like it had no intention of winning the match.

Nothing seemed to work. Benfica’s second goal came mere seconds after Koeman brought on Philippe Coutinho, Ansu Fati, and Nico Gonzalez, a triple change that should’ve injected life in Barcelona’s attack. It instead destabilized the team.

Lionel Messi papered over the cracks in this side for so many years, and now, we’re seeing just how deep they are. Koeman’s probably going to lose his job, but what happens after that? A number of players don’t belong at Barcelona, including new signing Eric Garcia, whose blundering performance against Benfica ended mercifully with a red card. Busquets doesn’t have the same presence in midfield, and striker Luuk De Jong is too ineffective to lead the line.

Chiesa has taken the leap

There were some eyebrows raised when Juventus opted to allocate €60 million to sign Federico Chiesa in 2020. Undeniably skillful in the extreme, there were factions of fans and pundits who were unsure if the rapid winger could make the jump required to be the guy at one of Europe’s top sides.

Less than two full seasons into his Juve career, any lingering concerns have been firmly put to rest.

After announcing himself to the world at Euro 2020, Chiesa has elevated his game at club level, too; the 23-year-old is arguably Juventus’ most important player already, providing a unique spark with his combination of blistering pace, trickery, hustle, and an improved finishing ability that he lacked at Fiorentina. All of the Italian’s talents were on display Wednesday as he carried an understrength Old Lady to a rousing 1-0 victory over Champions League holders Chelsea, scoring a clinical goal seconds into the second stanza.

Federico Chiesa’s game by numbers vs. Chelsea:

91% pass accuracy
7 duels won
5 ball recoveries
2 take ons attempted
2 take ons completed (most)
2 shots (=most)
1 goal

Great performance. ? pic.twitter.com/QSLUyIPLbl

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 29, 2021

“My game has to develop even more and I have to show a lot more,” he told Jason Burt of The Telegraph prior to the match. “The demands are getting higher because I have just won a tournament, I am playing at Juve but that is also what I want. I want to give my best.”

He’s doing just that. Without him, Juve look slow and turgid. With him, there’s always a chance he can make something magical happen.

Just a blip for Chelsea?

After looking invulnerable in the opening weeks of the season, Thomas Tuchel is getting his first taste of adversity at Chelsea.

The Blues came out on the wrong end of 1-0 results to Manchester City and Juventus in the last four days, an exceedingly difficult two-game stretch that has coincided with an ill-timed spate of injuries and absences; Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, and Reece James were all unable to feature in Turin on Wednesday.

The German bench boss has built up more than enough goodwill to weather this mini storm – winning the damn Champions League will do that for you – but Chelsea’s checkered managerial history shows even a grand accomplishment won’t save you forever if things deteriorate. Just ask Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked, coincidentally, after a defeat to Juventus just months after he delivered the big-eared trophy.

A return to full strength will almost certainly see the Blues recover their mojo, but Tuchel has to find solutions for the inevitable stretches of the season when key players are missing. Chelsea, despite dominating possession, managed just a single shot on target at the Allianz Stadium and struggled to get Romelu Lukaku involved until too late in the affair.

There’s no reason to panic in west London, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement for a team that expects to win multiple trophies this year.

La Liga

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

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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.)

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

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

La Liga

Transfer window preview: 50 players who could move in January

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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)

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)

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)

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
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30. Bellingham takes down Barca ?

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 ?

I played against myself in fantasy fb today ?

— Travis Etienne Jr?? (@swaggy_t1) October 8, 2023

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 ?

(16) FDU UPSETS (1) PURDUE ???

MARCH. KEEPS. ON. GIVING. #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/4T0K3n13Er

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 18, 2023

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’s fight night in Cleveland ? pic.twitter.com/3NEIpBEbSf

— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) August 6, 2023

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 JAMES IS IN #PLAYOFFMODE

CLUTCH AND-1 AS GAME 4 COMES TO A CLOSE ON TNT. pic.twitter.com/mRmbgssUzQ

— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2023

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

William Karlsson just gave one of the greatest speeches ever, absolute all-timer#VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/DeWcncvNJr

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) June 18, 2023

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

Let us know what your favorite sports moments were in the comments!