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Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton had front row tickets to the Paul Skenes show throughout the 2024 MLB season, and he was clearly impressed by what he saw.

Skenes didn't debut in MLB until May, and made only 23 starts throughout the season, but he's already on the track to stardom after taking the league by storm as a rookie. During a recent appearance on , Shelton was asked about Skenes's early dominance, and he offered a bold claim about the potential of the flame-throwing right-hander.

"Yeah, I mean, he's impressive. If you've been around him at all as a human being… he's so talented. The way he carries himself, the way he presents himself, it's definitely special," said Shelton.

Host Chris Rose then asked if it was possible that Skenes was the best young pitcher in the last 40 to 50 years.

"Yeah, I think he has all the tools and I definitely think he's in the conversation… I think with the tools he has, the mindset he has, the way he works, he's definitely in that conversation with the best young pitchers we've seen over the last 40 years. The pure stuff is as good as I've seen at this young of an age since I've been in the big leagues," Shelton said.

Despite starting just 23 games last season, Skenes, 22, finished third in NL Cy Young voting. He started the All-Star Game for the National League after making just 11 starts. He ended the campaign with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts across 133 innings on the mound.

Skenes has all the makings of a generational talent, and it seems his manager is well aware of that heading into his second season in the bigs.

Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign in-form left-back Alejandro Grimaldo from their Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports from Germany. The Spanish international has been enjoying great form in recent years and was linked with a return to Spain over the summer, but eventually opted to stay with Die Werkself for another year.

• Bayern ready to poach one of Leverkusen's biggest stars

  Bayern have already started planning for the 2026-27 season and beyond by shortlisting one of the most impactful full-backs in the Bundesliga and Europe for next summer. According to a report from German publication , the reigning German champions have set their sights on Grimaldo, who is currently plying his trade for Bayern's Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen. The report claims that the 30-year-old left-back's name is being mentioned "more and more frequently" in Bayern's offices at Sabener Street, with the club having already begun to monitor him. 

  It remains to be seen whether the move will materialise. Bayern Munich only extended left-back Alphonso Davies’ contract until 2030 earlier this year, signalling the club’s confidence that the dynamic Canadian international can fully recover from his long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and rediscover the form that defined his breakout, treble-winning 2019–20 season.

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  Grimaldo's unfulfilled dream of a return to Spain

  Over the summer, reports strongly suggested that Grimaldo would call curtains on his Bayer Leverkusen career – which began in 2023 – by marking a return to Spain. Speculation indicated that he would reunite with former Bundesliga-winning Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso, who signed a three-year deal with 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid. With Ferland Mendy, who played a pivotal role in Madrid's Champions League and La Liga double successes in 2021-22 and 2023-24, dealing with recurring injury issues, and Fran Garcia not nearly convincing enough to seal his spot in the starting lineup despite being impressive at the Club World Cup. Ultimately, they opted to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, with the €50 million (£44m/$58m) signing enjoying a brilliant start to the season. 

  On the other hand, there were also rumours of a return to his former club Barcelona, with media reports indicating a strong possibility of the defending La Liga champions triggering his cut-price €18m (£16m/$21m) release clause. The Catalans wanted to reinforce the defensive depth, but financial constraints prevented them from making any move.

  "There was always the possibility of going with Xabi, but in the end it didn't happen," Grimaldo said back in October. "They signed Carreras. There was also the possibility of going to Barcelona, which also didn't happen. You have to face the challenge of being here with a lot of motivation. There are always options, things are talked about. But if they don't happen in the end, it's because they weren't meant to be.

  "Atletico is the same; there have been talks, but practically nothing has happened. In the end, in the transfer market, when left-backs are needed, they talk to agents and there may be a possibility, but it hasn't happened."

• Leverkusen keen on renewing Grimaldo's contract

  Despite missing out on a return to his homeland, the 30-year-old Spaniard has continued to be one of the shining lights for the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions. He has become a deadly free-kick taker and is currently Leverkusen's top scorer in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals in 15 games along with four assists as well. 

  “I did think about a transfer. But in the end, I told myself: I’m staying. And that’s the right decision,” he told in September, before adding: “I thought to myself: at least one year here will do me good, so I’ll enjoy this season and give everything.”

  According to a report from earlier this season, Die Werkself are determined to renew Grimaldo's contract, which expires in June 2027. Next summer, there could be a strong possibility of the La Masia graduate seeking greener pastures. However, Leverkusen want to keep hold of Grimaldo for the long term, especially after seeing him emerge as a leader within the dressing room following a mass exodus of players in the summer.

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  Bayern ready to part ways with Raphael Guerreiro

  There is immense uncertainty surrounding the future of Portuguese international Guerreiro at the Allianz Arena, who has entered the final year of his deal with expires next summer. reported in October that his future was recently a point of discussion among the club's hierarchy, but no final decision was reached. Bayern's higher-ups believe it's too early to hold any discussions over the versatile left-back's future, with the season having only begun three months ago. 

  Even though there's a possibility of the 31-year-old leaving Bayern for free, the club is not worried about not receiving a transfer fee. There is interest from Serie A giants Juventus, but Bayern would rather wait until the end of the season before reaching any conclusion.

Manchester United have been known over recent years to invest heavily in youngsters who can make an immediate and long-term impact at Old Trafford.

Part of their £800m spending spree in the last four years has seen numerous big-money talents arrive at the club – with Leny Yoro making the move to join the Red Devils last summer.

Despite being just 18, the hierarchy forked out a reported £52m for the teenager’s signature, even fending off competition from Real Madrid for his services.

He’s since become a key component of Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad, already racking up 42 appearances in the last 12 months or so since his big-money transfer.

However, whilst he still has bags of time to reach world-class status, the Frenchman would do very well to hit the heights of one player during his own stint at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man Utd’s best ever young first-team addition

Back in the summer of 2004, eyebrows were raised across England after United paid a staggering £27m for the signature of teenage sensation Wayne Rooney from Everton.

Such a fee was a mammoth investment for an 18-year-old, but over two decades on, it’s clear the transfer is one of the Red Devils’ best in their 146-year history.

He would spend 13 successful years as a star player at Old Trafford, winning countless individual awards along with team success under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The now 40-year-old won England’s Player of the Year award on five separate occasions, even winning the PFA Player of the Year award back in 2009/10 after scoring 34 times in all competitions.

Under the management of Sir Alex, he won five Premier League titles and a Champions League – subsequently making himself one of the most decorated English players of all time.

Individually, he was just as impressive, scoring 253 times for the Red Devils, a tally that ranks him top of the club’s all-time goalscorer charts – sitting ahead of Sir Bobby Charlton.

His talents were also there for all to see at international level, scoring 53 times, a record that saw him top the list for the Three Lions until Harry Kane came along.

Alongside his tangible contributions, Rooney made a name for himself as a warrior on the pitch, with one current player currently possessing a very similar playstyle.

The United player who is becoming the new Rooney

After scoring just 44 times across the 2024/25 campaign, Amorim made it abundantly clear to the United hierarchy that he wanted reinforcements within the final third.

Bryan Mbeumo was just one of the signings made during the off-season, arriving in a staggering £71m transfer from fellow top-flight outfit Brentford.

The Cameroonian international has already made a stellar start to life in Manchester, scoring five times and registering one assist in his first ten outings for the club.

His latest appearance against Brighton and Hove Albion was arguably his best to date, subsequently scoring twice and helping secure the manager’s third Premier League win in a row.

He was also joined at the Red Devils by Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian also costing a pretty penny at £62.5m including add-ons from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian international has occupied the number ten role with Mbeumo at Old Trafford and has undoubtedly played a key role in the recent revival under Amorim.

Unlike the Cameroonian, he’s had to wait to make the desired impact, only registering his first goal for the Red Devils in this weekend’s convincing win over Brighton.

However, he’s still received key praise from former first-team member Patrice Evra, who claimed Cunha “has the same raw chaos as Rooney” – certainly high praise indeed.

His underlying stats at Old Trafford showcase the reasoning behind Evra’s comments, with the Brazilian currently creating 1.2 chances per 90 in the Premier League.

Other figures, such as 1.6 shots on target per 90 and 1.9 dribbles per 90, showcase his ability within the final third, which has already seen the forward become a fan-favourite.

However, his chaos without the ball is reflected in his tally of 0.7 ball regains per 90 in the final third – a tally which ranks him in the top 25% of all attackers in the division.

It’s certainly early days in his career at Old Trafford, but the signs are all positive for Cunha to become an influential figure in any success endured in the years ahead.

Should he continue on his current path, there’s no reason why he can’t have a similar impact to Rooney during his own period at the Theatre of Dreams.

Forget Cunha & Mbuemo: Man Utd star was the shining light against Brighton

Manchester United secured their third win in a row against Brighton & Hove Albion last night.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 26, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts said all the right things after one of the more bizarre incidents in World Series history took place at Yankee Stadium in Game 4. And really, he didn't say all that much after some overzealous fans manhandled him in equal parts comedic and troubling fashion.

“When it comes to the person and play, it doesn’t matter," Betts told reporters after the Dodgers lost Game 4, "We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine, he’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game, that’s what I’m kind of focused on. We got to turn the page and get ready for tomorrow."

After helping Los Angeles make history by becoming the first team to claw back from a five-run deficit to clinch a World Series crown, Betts was asked by FOX's David Ortiz about the incident and could finally speak freely.

'That was wild, man," Betts said. "That was really wild. I’ve never experienced anything like that. I was telling my wife, that was like the second time in my life I’ve ever wanted to fight someone. I get it, man. I get it. I don’t know if he was trying to get the ball, I don’t know what he was really trying to do but he had to do what he had to do and it is what it is."

Winning is the best because no one can say anything about it and you can finally say how you really feel. Betts wanting to respond in the moment highlights just how ridicuous the situation was. These two fans were—and still are—being treated as fun new celebrities whereas Betts would have had his career altered forever had he grabbed them back. And that's why it was so ridiculous it took so long for adults in the room to come out and say they wouldn't be welcomed back for Game 5.

All is well that ends well, though. Betts is a champion and the interferers get to be on podcasts. A win-win for all involved, except the Yankees.

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to initiate contract talks with Dominik Szoboszlai, as the club looks to secure the future of the Hungarian. It has been revealed that Arne Slot is eager to tie down the playmaker, alongside teammate Ryan Gravenberch, with the Reds preparing for the long haul.

• Liverpool ready to secure Szoboszlai’s future

  According to Liverpool are preparing to open formal negotiations with Szoboszlai over a new long-term contract. Despite Liverpool’s recent inconsistencies, Szoboszlai has maintained his performance levels and been a benchmark of quality and determination. While summer signing Florian Wirtz continues to struggle, Szoboszlai has started every Premier League and Champions League game this season to cement himself as a vital cog in Slot’s evolving midfield system. 

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  Szoboszlai contract update from Romano

  Romano confirmed on Friday evening that Liverpool have begun early talks over a new deal. Writing on X, he said: "Liverpool have started talks over new deal with Dominik Szoboszlai, after exclusive story 2 weeks ago. The plan was clear: Szobo and Gravenberch to discuss new contracts soon, as talks started with the Hungarian. Club super happy + top performances."

  Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are currently believed to earn around £270,000 a week between them, with both contracts running until 2028. The new deal is expected to extend those terms further by a couple of years and also bring a significant pay rise for both.

• Gravenberch’s rise from undesirable to undeniable

  Gravenberch’s development has been equally impressive. The Dutchman arrived from Bayern Munich for £40m ($53m) and, after a slow start, he has quietly established himself as one of the team’s most reliable performers. The 22-year-old has contributed three goals and two assists in 11 appearances, and he is regarded as one of the most improved players under Slot’s guidance. 

  Meanwhile, Szoboszlai’s performance in Liverpool’s recent 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid was hailed by the fans. He put in a brilliant shift while operating as the engine of Slot’s side, and his teammate Virgil van Dijk reserved high praise as he brought out his best against one of Europe’s toughest opponents. 

  "What you see is what you get from Dom," Van Dijk told reporters. "He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible and the quality that he has is outstanding. Like you said, he is learning each and every game and he is developing into the player we all feel like he could be. He is already showing that for the country he is playing for and it is about keeping on doing it for the rest of the season. So far he has had a great start to the season and he has to keep going. Keep your head down and keep performing."

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  Several contract decisions lined up at Liverpool

  Slot’s new-look midfield has been a work in progress, but the trio of Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister has provided a dynamic foundation. All three are expected to be tied down with fresh deals to fend away suitors, with the Argentine already linked with a move to Real Madrid. This approach is part of a wider strategic overhaul at Anfield as they are prioritising locking down key talents early rather than risking future contract stand-offs; a lesson that they learnt in a bitter way by losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for just £10m before the Club World Cup. 

  Beyond the midfield, Liverpool have other pressing contract matters to resolve. Centre-back Ibrahima Konate and vice-captain Andy Robertson are both entering the final year of their current deals. Discussions with Konate are understood to be ongoing, while Robertson’s future remains uncertain as the club weigh their long-term options.

  After a brief, turbulent period under Slot, they have begun to find their rhythm again. Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League table with 18 points from their first 10 matches. They are seven adrift of leaders Arsenal, but within striking distance as the season enters a crucial phase before the festive period. Next up is a monumental clash with Manchester City at the Etihad. Szoboszlai is certain to feature, and his tireless presence coupled with his creative force, will once again be key to Liverpool’s hopes.

The club might still be down in the Premier League relegation zone, but there is some renewed optimism around West Ham United at the moment.

New boss Nuno Espírito Santo has only been in the dugout a few weeks and already seems to be making an impact.

The fightback away to Everton is just one, and he has also clearly made the decision that James Ward-Prowse is no longer needed.

The Englishman might not be the only one on borrowed time, though.

Ward-Prowse's West Ham career is finished

When West Ham splashed around £30m to sign Ward-Prowse from Southampton in the summer of 2023, there was a fair bit of excitement among the fanbase, and understandably so.

After all, here was a massively experienced Premier League star who had played for England and was, at the time, arguably the best set-piece taker in the country, so much so that there were constant comparisons between his record and David Beckham’s.

However, while there were certainly positives from his first season in East London, notably his final tally of seven goals and 12 assists in 51 games, things began to go wrong last season, as new boss Julen Lopetegui sent him on what was supposed to be a season-long loan to Nottingham Forest.

Yet, with the then-Forest boss Nuno clearly not fancying the Englishman, he returned to the capital in February of this year with just ten appearances for the Tricky Trees under his belt.

Things would only get worse from there, as while Graham Potter seemed intent on playing the 30-year-old as often as possible, it was crystal clear that he was no longer up to the job.

By the start of this season, the Portsmouth-born star wasn’t remotely effective at the defensive side of the game and found it increasingly difficult to create any attacking chances for the side.

So when Nuno was appointed, it felt like a matter of when and not if the 11-capped ace was frozen out of the squad, and it didn’t take long at all, with the Portuguese coach leaving him out of his first squad entirely.

It’s now clear that Ward-Prowse will have to leave the club in January if he wants to play a significant amount of football this season, and another West Ham player could face a similar situation if he does not improve quickly.

The next West Ham star who could get the Ward-Prowse treatment

There are, unfortunately, a few West Ham players who should probably get the Ward-Prowse treatment, like Niclas Füllkrug when he’s fit again and maybe even Mads Hermansen.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, as things stand, the player who looks most likely to be frozen out of the squad over the coming months is Jean-Clair Todibo.

Similar to the Englishman, there was plenty of excitement in the fanbase when it was announced that the Frenchman would be moving to the London Stadium on loan with an option to buy, as he was seen as a star in the making by many.

In fact, respected talent Scout Jacek Kulig went as far as describing the former OGC Nice gem as the “complete package” and “one of the most underrated CBs in Europe” at one point.

However, the Hammers faithful haven’t really been able to see that player.

Even though his talent is undeniable, he made just 29 appearances across all competitions last season, and this year, he’s only made three, totalling 213 minutes.

Worse yet, while some of those absences have been down to fitness issues, there have been reports of him having a poor attitude in training and around the club.

This would explain the recent instances of Nuno taking him out of the squads entirely, as he did with Ward-Prowse.

Ultimately, with Todibo still being just 25, there is time for him to turn things around. However, considering how much football he missed last season and the fact that he was recently dropped from the team, the most likely conclusion is that he will leave in January.

Nuno can fix Fullkrug blow by starting "electric" West Ham gem in new role

The West Ham United ace could be the perfect solution to Nuno’s Fullkrug problem.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 17, 2025

Jonas Urbig has brushed aside any talk of anxiety over Manuel Neuer’s Bayern Munich future, insisting he is focused on developing under Vincent Kompany’s guidance. The 22-year-old goalkeeper will start against boyhood club Koln in the DFB-Pokal this week, determined to prove he belongs at Germany’s biggest club while learning from one of the best.

• 'I'm not worried about anything' – Urbig on Neuer and his future

  The 39-year-old Neuer's future remains uncertain, with many expecting him to retire at the end of the season when his contract expires. However, recent reports claim Bayern may open talks about a possible extension at the end of the year. Both the club and the veteran goalkeeper are reportedly open to continuing their iconic partnership for another 12 months, with the possibility of Neuer staying at the Allianz Arena until 2027.

  Urbig joined Bayern last winter as part of a long-term plan by the club to groom a successor for Neuer. While Sven Ulreich remains an able backup, Bayern’s coaching staff view Urbig as the natural heir to the No.1 jersey, whenever Neuer decides to step aside.

  The speculation around Neuer's future suggests he may have to wait even longer before he fully takes over as the undisputed No. 1, but the 22-year-old is not concerned. 

  “These are things I don't really concern myself with,” he told . “Because it's not my place to comment on the decisions Manu makes, or the club makes. I concentrate on the day-to-day work with Manu, the goalkeeping team, and the squad.”

  For Urbig, competition with one of football’s greatest ever goalkeepers is an opportunity, not a burden. “Our relationship is good; we work well together,” he added. “It’s important to me to emphasise that we have a good relationship within the entire goalkeeping team. Manuel and Sven simply have an incredible amount of experience, which I can learn a lot from.”

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  Urbig returns home for special cup clash

  It’s a homecoming like no other for the German prodigy Urbig, who will line up against his former club Koln in the second round of the DFB-Pokal this week. With Neuer suspended for the tie, Urbig will again take his place between the posts, a moment that carries personal and professional meaning in equal measure.

  After starring in Bayern’s 3-0 win at Borussia Monchengladbach, Urbig now heads into a midweek showdown at RheinEnergieStadion, where his footballing journey began. “I’m looking forward to the game, that’s for sure, even if I wasn’t specifically hoping for Koln as my opponent,” he told ahead of the clash. “I followed the draw completely neutrally.”

  The 22-year-old smiled broadly after the Gladbach win, calling it “a small derby victory” because of his past ties to Koln. “For me as a former Koln player, it was a small derby win today,” he said. Now, he’s eager to carry that energy into a match that could define his growing Bayern career.

• Kompany's influence and Urbig's development

  Urbig’s adaptation at Bayern has been swift, helped by the influence of boss Kompany, as the Belgian has already impressed many within the dressing room, and Urbig is no exception. “He’s a truly great coach and a great person,” the young keeper said. “You can tell he wants to make every player better. He takes everyone along, and everyone feels included.”

  Kompany’s new contract until 2029 signals Bayern’s belief in his project. For Urbig, it’s a perfect environment to grow under a coach who values unity and structure. “You can tell that he also has great experiences as a player and celebrated great successes at Manchester City. He has a very good connection with the team,” he explained.

  That trust has already translated into chances, as Kompany has rotated Neuer strategically this season, ensuring Urbig gains valuable game time in both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. His clean sheet against Gladbach showcased composure beyond his years, something Bayern see as key for the next generation of leadership at the club.

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  Urbig enjoying training with Harry Kane

  Urbig says he is thriving in Bavaria and says training alongside elite players like superstar Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala has given him a daily education in excellence.

  "Harry Kane is currently beating his own personal bests with his performance,” he noted. “We can learn a lot from that, how good and precise he is in finishing.”

  All eyes will now be on shot stopper as Bayern travel to Cologne to face his former team. “They have a good team, a good coach. We’re preparing very professionally because they will demand everything of us,” he said.

  Bayern have made a flawless start to the season under Kompany, winning all of their competitive games. But their DFB-Pokal form has lagged in recent years, the German champions have not lifted the trophy since 2020. As they aim to end that drought, Urbig could play a defining role in a campaign where every performance counts.

Things have gone a bit mad at Chelsea since Todd Boehly completed his £2.45 billion takeover back in 2022. The Blues currently have a whopping estimated annual payroll of £164,216,000, with the average Blues player earning more than £4.5m per season.

A clear out in the summer helped things a bit, as the likes of Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Ben Chilwell headed for the exits, however, the Blues still spent more than £250m on new signings for Enzo Maresca.

Football FanCast has ranked every Chelsea player in the first-team squad in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages for the 2025/26 season, with the help of Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

Here's a detailed look at the top 10 Chelsea earners…

10

Tosin Adarabioyo

£120,000 per week

After securing the services of Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham in 2024, Chelsea were able to offer the defender a big contract.

Those at Stamford Bridge handed Adarabioyo a four-year deal on more than £6m a year, and he has gone on to become a regualr under Maresca.

9

Joao Pedro

£125,000 per week

Chelsea splashed the cash on Joao Pedro early in the 2025 summer transfer window, with the Brazilian even able to jet out to the USA and play a part in the Blues’ Club World Cup triumph.

Pedro scored some important goals at the CWC and cost an initial £55m from Brighton.

8

Cole Palmer

£130,000 per week

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout signing under Boehly, going from strength to strength at Stamford Bridge after struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side.

Some may have questioned the Blues for paying £40m to sign Palmer, but he’s been the star man and was rewarded with a new extension to his £130,000 per week deal through until 2033 last year.

7

Moises Caicedo

£150,000 per week

Moises Caicedo is Chelsea’s second most expensive signing of all time after they pipped Liverpool to a deal back in 2023.

Arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in a transfer worth a whopping €116m, Caicedo looks set to play an important role over the coming years as he looks to justify that price tag.

6

Pedro Neto

£160,000 per week

Another big-money signing, Pedro Neto swapped Wolverhampton Wanderers for Chelsea in Maresca’s first transfer window to add yet another attacking star to the Blues’ ranks.

He starred at Molineux and was arguably their most important player when fit, and he’s been a reliable performer so far in London.

5

Marc Cucurella

£175,000 per week

Left-back Marc Cucurella is next on the list, picking up £175,000 per week. The Spaniard was another to swap Brighton for Chelsea and has had his ups and downs in west London.

He now appears to be first choice under Maresca, though, so he’ll be hoping to become one of the first names on the teamsheet while under contract.

4

Enzo Fernandez

£180,000 per week

Chelsea’s club record signing, Enzo Fernandez is only the fourth highest-paid player at Stamford Bridge, something which may surprise some.

The Blues did fork out a whopping €121m for the Argentine’s services from Benfica, and now, they’ll be hoping Fernandez and Caicedo can star in midfield over the coming years.

3

Wesley Fofana

£200,000 per week

On £200,000 per week is central defender in Wesley Fofana. Signed from Leicester City in 2022, Fofana has also had his injury issues at Stamford Bridge.

He managed just 29 Premier League appearances across his first two seasons with the Blues.

2

Reece James

£250,000 per week

Club captain Reece James picks up £250,000 per week. The right-back has struggled to stay fit in recent seasons but is under contract until 2028.

His injury history appears to be a cause for concern for the Blues, so it’ll be interesting to see what they do with one of their top earners if he can’t remain fit.

1

Raheem Sterling

£325,000 per week

Top of the charts is Raheem Sterling, who actually isn’t in Maresca’s first-team plans at Stamford Bridge. The winger spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Arsenal, however, the Gunners didn’t want to make a move permanent.

Sterling is still under contract until 2027, picking up just under £17m a season with the Blues.

Am I crazy to be fading the winningest team in baseball at home?  Maybe. But, by now, you know my style, so stay with me for a bit. Our bankroll has been growing. 

Yes, the Yankees are the best team in baseball right now and the only team with 50 wins. They will also be sending Nestor Cortes to the mound, and he's been stellar at home.   When pitching at home this season, Cortes has a mere 1.77 ERA. That's dominant.  

Juan Soto is back in the lineup, and Aaron Judge is doing Aaron Judge things. He's batting .300 with 26 home runs, which is on pace to match and possibly eclipse his record-setting 62 home run MVP season.   

Barcelona fell five points behind Real Madrid at the top of La Liga as they slid to a 2-1 defeat in Sunday's Clasico. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham proved the difference for Los Blancos as Lamine Yamal failed to produce much of note at the other end for the injury-hit Blaugrana.

Madrid started quickly, and thought they had won a penalty when Vinicius Jr went down in the box under pressure from Lamine Yamal, only for the VAR to intervene. The officials were in the spotlight soon after, too, as Mbappe struck from distance after Fermin Lopez lost the ball inside his own half, but the Madrid striker was found to be fractionally offside.

Mbappe eventually broke the deadlock when he ran onto Bellingham's superb through-ball and finished expertly, and Wojciech Szczesny then had to be at his best to keep out efforts from Mbappe and Dean Huijsen. Those saves kept Barca in the game, and they capitalised when Arda Guler surrendered possession on the edge of the Madrid box and Marcus Rashford squared for Fermin to equalise.

Madrid got themselves back in front before half-time when Bellingham tapped in from Eder Militao's header across the penalty area, and had the opportunity to double their advantage shortly after the break when Eric Garcia was punished for a handball in the penalty area, only for Szczesny to save Mbappe's spot-kick.

Barca huffed and puffed in search of a second equaliser, but their lack of options off the bench was exposed as they failed to create much of note to test Thibaut Courtois, and their frustrations were summed up in stoppage time when Pedri earned himself a second yellow card.

GOAL rates Barca's players from Santiago Bernabeu…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Wojciech Szczesny (7/10):

  Made a couple of good parries in the first half before saving brilliantly from Mbappe's penalty. Had no chance with either goal.

  Jules Kounde (4/10):

  Ripped to shreds by Vinicius on more than one occasion and failed to offer Yamal the support he needed to thrive in attack.

  Pau Cubarsi (5/10):

  Allowed Mbappe to run off the back of him for the opening goal. Made a couple of blocks but still has work to do against elite-level forwards.

  Eric Garcia (5/10):

  Enjoyed his best moments when making forays forward from centre-back. Gave away the penalty, though it was a very harsh handball decision.

  Alejandro Balde (5/10):

  Made some good forward runs but wasn't always found. Perhaps should have done better up against Militao for the second goal.

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  Midfield

  Frenkie de Jong (4/10):

  Kept things too simple in possession while he failed to keep track of Bellingham when out of it, most notably when he lost the Madrid midfielder as he scored the second goal.

  Pedri (5/10):

  Created space for himself at times with quick feet and did well to rob Guler for the Barca equaliser. Fooled by Bellingham in the build-up to the opener and was outmuscled by his opposite number on occasion, too. Grew more and more frustrated before getting himself sent off for a second yellow in stoppage time.

  Fermin Lopez (5/10):

  In the right place to score the equaliser but lacked conviction when he was presented with other opportunities. Lucky that Mbappe strayed marginally offside after he carelessly lost possession early on.

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  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (3/10):

  Miles off his best as almost everything he tried didn't come off. His passing and shooting was wayward throughout while he left Kounde isolated up against Vinicius in defence.

  Ferran Torres (3/10):

  Given the chance to lead the line but was nowhere near the level required. Replaced by holding midfielder Casado with Barca chasing a goal, which summed up his lack of threat.

  Marcus Rashford (6/10):

  Looked the most dangerous of Barca's attackers as his pace caused panic at times, which he showed good composure to assist Fermin.

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  Subs & Manager

  Ronald Araujo (6/10):

  Made a couple of important blocks while being left exposed at the back as Barca chased an equaliser.

  Marc Casado (5/10):

  One of the few senior players who Flick could throw on, but he didn't offer much.

  Roony Bardghji (N/A):

  Thrown on in the final 10 minutes to boost the attacking numbers.

  Gerard Martin (N/A):

  On in stoppage time.

  Hansi Flick (5/10):

  His options are admittedly limited, but he may have been better served using Ferran off the bench as a game-changer given his lack of impact. Title defence already looks in real jeopardy.