Tottenham lead race to sign £13m AC Milan target, Spurs hold key advantage

Tottenham Hotspur are now leading the race for an “excellent” player, who is also being targeted by AC Milan and one of their Premier League rivals.

Spurs keen on new defender after Bournemouth defeat

Tottenham suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday afternoon, coming up short in a 1-0 loss at home to AFC Bournemouth, and Thomas Frank wasn’t impressed with his side’s defensive performance.

The Spurs boss criticised his side’s ability to deal with balls in-behind, saying: “Not a shock if I’m honest but not what I expected. I hoped for more. We played against a good Bournemouth team. I don’t think we handled the balls behind and the second ball game very well for whatever reason.

“They play behind as soon as they can and have willing runners. A few passes and they play the ball behind. That’s difficult to play against.

“In football, it goes so quick. We can still find good bits but overall, it’s not a good performance.”

Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match

Defensive issues plagued the north Londoners throughout the 2024-25 campaign, given that Ange Postecoglou was known to be uncompromising on his attacking principles, but Frank is well-known to be more pragmatic.

As such, the Dane’s side have kept two clean sheets in their opening three Premier League games, but the manager still remains keen on bringing in another centre-back, who could provide competition for Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Tottenham have now moved into pole position in the race for Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, who is also being targeted by AC Milan and Crystal Palace.

Tottenham expected to bid for £150k-a-week England international after Simons

The Dutchman is unlikely to be their only late signing.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 30, 2025

Crucially, Spurs have Champions League football on offer this season, which gives them a key advantage over rival suitors in the race for Akanji’s signature, and City are only looking to receive a fee of €15m (£13m) plus bonuses.

"Excellent" Akanji could be solid signing for Spurs

Lauded as “excellent” by The Telegraph’s James Ducker, the 30-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, making a combined 59 appearances for City as they secured back-to-back titles in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns.

The Switzerland international’s experience could make him a solid signing for Frank, and his versatility would also be of great use, with Pep Guardiola praising his player for being able to play in a multitude of positions.

Guardiola said: “He is a lovely guy, can play in different positions. Normally a central defender but (he can play) right back, holding midfield. He is open minded, well educated, so intelligent.”

Although Akanji is now 30-years-old, he would be a low-cost addition to the Tottenham squad at just £13m, and the defender’s versatility would make him a useful option for Frank, in what is set to be a congested campaign.

Forget Solanke: Spurs can soon unleash Kane 2.0 in "relentless" 18-year-old

Dominic Solanke has struggled to match the demands placed upon him at Tottenham Hotspur after joining in a big-money transfer back in the summer of 2024.

The Englishman cost a club-record £65m from AFC Bournemouth a little over 12 months ago, but he’s failed to put a regular run together within the first team squad.

He’s made 49 appearances in his two years in North London, only two of which have come in 2025/26, with his outings only totalling a dismal 31 minutes.

Solanke may have netted 16 times across all competitions last campaign, but ultimately, such a record is way below what was expected upon his big-money transfer to join the Lilywhites.

However, the fanbase could have a reason to be excited, with the prospect of the players who Solanke replaced potentially being teed up for a return to the club in the near future.

The latest on Kane’s potential return to Spurs

Club-record goalscorer Harry Kane left Spurs in an £82m deal back in the summer of 2023, joining German giants Bayern Munich in an attempt to win trophies.

It’s safe to say he’s been a success in the Bundesliga, scoring 98 times in his 103 appearances for the club – catapulting Vincent Kompany’s side to the title last season.

However, the 32-year-old could be set for a dream return to his boyhood club in the near future, with the Lilywhites having first priority if he is to move back to the Premier League.

Such news has led to current boss Frank stating that he would welcome the talisman back to North London with open arms – but cast doubt that such a move would happen anytime soon.

Kane is likely to have a release clause worth £56.7m becoming active in the summer of 2026, further generating excitement among the fanbase – understandably so given his tally of 280 goals for the club.

However, regardless of whether he does rejoin the Lilywhites in the near future, the club already have another talent in their ranks who could emulate his success in the capital.

The Spurs star who could be the new Harry Kane

In an attempt to battle for Premier League glory, Spurs have shifted their recruitment focus over the last couple of years, subsequently targeting young talent over recent years.

Lucas Bergvall is just one example of such a talent, joining in a £8.5m deal from Swedish side Djurgarden back in the summer of 2024, subsequently having an immediate impact despite his tender age.

The 19-year-old has since racked up over 50 appearances across all competitions, starring in key moments and arguably being one of Frank’s most important players in the 2025/26 campaign to date.

However, they’ve already got another impressive youngster lined up, with Irish striker Mason Melia set to join the club from St Patrick’s Athletic in the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old has already made a name for himself in his homeland, scoring 12 times and registering three assists in his 30 league outings during this calendar year.

His latest showing against Cork City saw him bag two goals in just 64 minutes, now currently sitting as the division’s second top goalscorer despite his tender age.

Padraig Amond (37)

13

Mason Melia (18)

12

Moses Dyer (28)

10

Owen Elding (19)

10

Michael Duffy (31)

9

Liam Boyce (34)

8

Rory Gaffney (35)

8

Ademipo Odubeko (22)

7

Such form has seen him even be included in the Ireland U21 squad over recent times, subsequently scoring twice in as many appearances – already starring against players multiple years above his age group.

Melia himself spoke glowingly about Kane upon his agreement to join the Lilywhites, stating that the Englishman was a player he looks up to in his career.

The teenager, who’s been labelled “relentless” by analyst Ben Mattinson, is currently averaging 0.5 goals or assists per 90 in Ireland, a simply remarkable feat given his teenage years.

His tally of 1.5 shots on target per 90 further demonstrates the clinical edge he possesses when in front of goal, potentially being a key first-team member in North London for many years to come.

It’s unclear upon his transfer in January whether Melia will be a first-team player or originally link up with the academy – but it’s clear he is a talent who does possess huge amounts of potential. As noted by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he is the “Irish Harry Kane”.

If he can make the same impact as Kane in North London, he will certainly go down as one of the best talents in their history – but he could also link up with the Englishman if he returns to join Frank’s side in the near future.

The best since Kane: Spurs talent could steal the #10 shirt from Maddison

Tottenham Hotspur may already have a star who could be Thomas Frank’s new number ten.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 23, 2025

Arya and Prabhsimran propel PBKS to 201 against KKR

The two opening batters did quite well on an Eden Gardens pitch that was slow and gripping

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Apr-2025

Prabhsimran Singh took Varun Chakravarthy for 19 runs in an over•BCCI

Punjab Kings 201 for 4 (Prabhsimran 83, Arya 69, Arora 2-34) vs Kolkata Knight RidersPriyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh scored half-centuries to take Punjab Kings to 201 on a pitch that almost everyone said was “very, very slow”. They were almost obsessed with not over-hitting, holding their shape and relying more on their timing, adding 120 for the first wicket, PBKS’ only century stand this IPL. Arya scored 69 off 35, Prabhsimran 83 off 49, and even though the last six overs produced only 42, PBKS were confident they had scored an above-par total.On the slow track with grip available for those bowling into the pitch, PBKS took 74 off the eight overs of spin between Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. Even Harshit Rana, Kolkata Knight Riders’ slower-ball specialist, was allowed to bowl only two overs for 27 runs.Arya, in particular, was clever in his targeting of the bowlers. He took 50 off 20 balls off pace, and just 19 off 15 balls of spin. Prabhsimran took the spinners on, taking 41 off 22 balls bowled by them. Both openers were measured in the first couple of overs, getting used to the pace in the pitch, before targeting the fast bowlers. Arya preferred timing – his first four fours were driven between mid-off and cover – and Prabshimran struggled early, getting to only 34 off 32 at one point.With an audacious switch-hit six off Narine, Prabhsimran turned his innings around, in the process consigning Narine to a 22-run over. His worst has been 23 in all T20 cricket. Prabhsimran scored 49 off the last 17 balls he faced; Shreyas Iyer managed only five in a 40-run stand with him.That the death overs were not easy to hit will only encourage PBKS. Andre Russell managed reverse-swing, Narine and Varun conceded just 13 in their final overs, and Vaibhav Arora drew purchase when he bowled slower balls. KKR were left hoping for heavy dew.

فيديو | فادي فريد يسجل هدف الاتحاد الأول أمام الأهلي

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الاتحاد السكندري، من تسجيل الهدف الأول أمام الأهلي، في اللقاء الجاري بينهما الآن.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع الاتحاد السكندري على ملعب استاد القاهرة ضمن منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز

طالع.. فيديو | زيزو يسجل هدف الأهلي الثاني أمام الاتحاد السكندري

وتشير النتيجة بتقدم الأهلي بهدفين مقابل هدف، حيث سجل ثنائية الأحمر أشرف بن شرقي وأحمد سيد زيزو.

وسجل فادي فريد، مهاجم زعيم الثغر هدف تقليص الفارق في الدقيقة 68 من عمر اللقاء.

وجاء الهدف بعد تمريرة رائعة من أبو بكر إليادي لاعب الاتحاد السكندري إلى فادي فريد داخل منطقة الجزاء والذي أسكنها الشباك. هدف الاتحاد السكندري الأول أمام الأهلي

Jacob Duffy duffs up Essex on 14-wicket day

New Zealand seamer’s four-for gives Worcestershire the upper hand on lively deck

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Apr-2025Jacob Duffy and Matthew Waite took advantage of a seam-friendly pitch to skittle Essex for 179 in the Rothesay County Championship at Chelmsford.New Zealand’s Duffy led the way with a fine display of fast, accurate bowling that was rewarded with figures of 4 for 39 while Waite took out three middle-order wickets as Essex were dismissed inside 59 overs.Only Simon Harmer’s innings lasted more than 47 balls and 68 minutes – his obdurate 77-ball 28 spanned nearly two hours – as no one got to grips with a hybrid pitch that had plenty of grass on it and provided extra lift, carry and lateral movement. The toss was crucial and Brett D’Oliveira won it for Worcestershire.Not that the visitors fared much better when it was their turn to bat. Though Essex were without England pace prospect Sam Cook on instruction from the ECB, they still managed to reduce Worcestershire to 22 for 4 before they revived to 98 for 4 when bad light ended play with nine overs remaining.A knee injury to Michael Pepper, that necessitated a runner when he came back to bat, meant Jordan Cox had to take the wicketkeeping gloves earlier in the campaign that he had planned.Essex never recovered from a poor start. Paul Walter was the first to go when Duffy left just his leg-stump standing as he played across the line. Duffy had a second wicket in eight balls. Charlie Allison had already three times driven Tom Taylor exquisitely straight before playing around one to fall lbw.Cox might have gone in his first over from Tom Taylor, an involuntary edge sneaking through the slips for four. Unfazed, Cox then came down the wicket and lofted Ben Allison over his head for six.Tom Westley had earlier hit Taylor out of the attack with three boundaries in an over, but the bowler gained revenge when he returned to have the Essex captain caught behind after a 60-run partnership with Cox. Cox followed 10 balls later, though, beaten by one from Duffy that nipped off the seam and took a leading edge through to the wicketkeeper.Pepper was injured before lunch, but came out to continue his innings after the break but lasted one ball before rearing up in agony and immediately retiring hurt. It was 106 for 5 soon after that when Matt Critchley sauntered down the wicket to Waite and could only deflect the delivery that followed him. Waite collected a second when he had Noah Thain trapped by a straight one that hit his back pad.Shane Snater slammed Waite for 14 from an over, including a straight six. He was determined to repeat the feat but perished with a wild top-edge against Duffy to be caught at deep third.Pepper returned with Allison as his runner, but his dismissal initiated the beginning of the end of Essex’s innings as the last three wickets fell for two runs. Pepper was trapped lbw before Allison came to the party with two wickets in three balls. Harmer finally departed to a fourth catch at the wicket by Roderick, and then Porter lost his off stump to his former team-mate.The wickets continued to clatter when Worcestershire batted. Jake Libby pushed a delivery from Snater into Critchley’s right hand at third slip and Roderick fell to the same combination, though the catch was taken low down this time.Essex’s debutant overseas bowler Kasun Rajitha made an instant impact by knocking Roderick’s bat out of his hand with his second ball. The Sri Lankan had his first wicket soon after when Cox snaffled Rob Jones behind the stumps.Porter then had Kashif Ali taken by Thain diving forward at fourth slip, before Adam Hose and D’Oliveira pieced together the biggest partnership of the match so far with an unbeaten 76 added for the fifth wicket.

Barcelona schedule Frenkie de Jong contract signing with midfielder all set to pen long-term deal with massive release clause

Frenkie de Jong is set to secure his Barcelona future by signing a new contract extension until 2029, with an enormous €500 million release clause. The Dutch midfielder will put pen to paper on Wednesday alongside club president Joan Laporta. His renewal marks a major boost for Barca, who view him as a central figure in Hansi Flick’s long-term project.

De Jong to sign new Barcelona contract

According to , the Dutchman has reached a full agreement with the Catalan club that will see him stay for the next four years, with the contract set to be signed on Wednesday. The new deal comes with a massive €500m (£426m/$547m) release clause, up from €400m (£341m/$438m) in his previous contract, reflecting his importance to the team.

Under the updated terms, De Jong will continue to earn his current salary for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with the revised wage structure kicking in from July 1, 2026. The midfielder’s renewal had been delayed due to a change of agents earlier this year but is now complete. At 28, De Jong is set to remain at the heart of Barca’s midfield until at least the age of 32, ensuring continuity for Hansi Flick’s evolving project.

AdvertisementLaporta & Deco both happy with Dutch midfielder

The signing ceremony will take place in the presence of president Laporta, who has personally overseen the negotiations to keep one of Barca’s most valuable assets at the club. Sporting director Deco also praised the midfielder’s contribution, describing him as “a key player for the project” in a recent interview.

De Jong has been a mainstay in Flick’s system, forming a reliable asset alongside Pedri. The duo’s control and creativity have been crucial to Barcelona’s build-up play this season, particularly amid the team’s struggles with injuries and form.

GettyDe Jong’s long road to renewal

The extension marks a dramatic turnaround for De Jong, who in 2024 was widely expected to leave amid ongoing tension with the board and financial pressure on the club. Barcelona had even considered selling him to Manchester United to ease wage concerns, but the player remained steadfast in his desire to stay. De Jong has since made over 260 appearances and won six trophies, including two La Liga titles.

His previous deal featured deferred payments that inflated his later wages, causing issues as Barca sought to restructure their finances. Despite those challenges, De Jong’s performances remained consistent, evolving from a promising youngster to one of the squad’s senior figures.

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AFPFocus turns to Girona clash as Hansi Flick's side seek rebound

With De Jong’s renewal now sealed, Camp Nou can focus on matters on the pitch as they prepare to face Girona on Saturday, October 18. The Blaugrana will be looking to bounce back after disappointing defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla before the international break. The Dutchman, fresh from international duty with Netherlands, is expected to play a leading role in midfield once again.

Barca will be without several key players including Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, while youngster Lamine Yamal, who returned to training, but may be rested as he returns from injury. However, the return of Fermin Lopez provides a timely boost for Flick’s side as they aim to reclaim top spot in La Liga.

Pep Guardiola feels "bad" for "incredible" £150,000-a-week Man City player

Pep Guardiola admits he feels bad for not giving Kalvin Phillips more playing time at Manchester City.

The midfielder made a big-money move from Leeds to the Etihad in 2022 but has made only two Premier League starts for Guardiola’s side, while loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich have also proved difficult.

Games

31

Goals

1

Assists

0

Yellow cards

3

Minutes played

914

Phillips, on £150,000-a-week, has not played for City since December 2023, but is now back training with City after an Achilles injury scuppered his chances of a summer move.

Asked why it had not worked out at City for the 29-year-old, Guardiola said:

City have had a stuttering start to the season, with Sunday’s draw against Arsenal leaving them eight points behind leaders Liverpool after only five games.

Guardiola believes the biggest difference to their years of dominance is a change in the prevailing playing style of the majority of teams.

The Catalan cited veteran Italian coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who spent nine years with Atalanta before moving to Roma this summer, as the key influencer in a more combative era.

Guardiola spoke about his players’ fatigue after the Arsenal draw, and he said: “More than the physicality, it’s the way that the opponents play.

“They are more and more aggressive in all departments, more man marking, don’t leave you spaces. In the last one or two years, it changed a lot. I don’t know if it will come back (to) what it was before and the teams have to adapt in a different way.

“You see Bournemouth, you see Brentford with Thomas Frank and now with Tottenham, going a lot in that way. And that’s why football is so nice, not always is it the same and you have to adapt with the players you have, the way you’re thinking, and especially in the way you want to attack.”

Next up for City is a trip to Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, where Guardiola will change his side for the first time in four games.

He confirmed James Trafford will start in goal but one player who will not feature is defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who is expected to miss three games with the injury he picked up against Arsenal.

The young Uzbek has started the last four games, and Guardiola spoke glowingly about his potential.

“He’s been really, really good against the tough, tough opponents we faced,” said the City boss. “He’s so young. He came in a season that was difficult for us. He’s incredible, he’s learned quick. You smell that he’s an incredible top signing for the next many, many years at this club. This guy will make a career in this club.”

ATUAÇÕES: Lucas Moura marca primeiro gol após volta, e São Paulo empata com Flamengo pelo Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo empatou em 1 a 1 com o Flamengo no Maracanã, em jogo válido pela 19ª rodada do Brasileirão. O destaque da partida fica por conta de Lucas Moura, que marcou o gol do Tricolor aos 38 minutos da primeira etapa. Esta foi a primeira vez que Lucas balançou as redes desde que retornou ao Brasil. Já nos acréscimos, Michel Araújo cometeu um pênalti infantil, que resultou no gol do Rubro-Negro, e levou a pior nota. Veja as avaliações do Lance!.

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Graham Clark picks up where he left off to take Durham past 500

Graham Clark bagged a career-best 160 as Durham scored 511 on a Utilita Bowl batting paradise in the Rothesay County Championship.Batter Clark continued Durham’s heavy run-scoring in the sun, with George Drissell scoring 69 and Codi Yusuf 44 not out.Liam Dawson toiled away for 48 overs and was rewarded with his first five-wicket haul of the season.Hampshire replied by reaching 112 for one at close, 399 runs in arrears, with Mark Stoneman grinding out 54.Durham resumed on 330 for 5 and by lunch had added another 104, with only two more wickets lost, in a run-fest session.While the heat had gone out of the sun, the sky was still dominated by blue, and any moisture that had started in the pitch had long since evaporated. Simply, it was perfect conditions for batting, and Durham didn’t fumble their elemental good fortune.Hampshire’s only means of trying to negate a constant flow of runs was by bowling straight with negative umbrella fields. Their main hope of taking wickets was through batter error, rather than relying on their skill.Clark had proved on day one he was not giving his wicket away. He started the day on 110 and bedded in for the long haul again.The first landmark on his bucket list was beating his first-class best of 128, before going past older brother Jordan’s Championship high of 140 and quickly his own professional best of 141, then came 150 – which was surpassed in 287 deliveries.In the Clark household, he now has the bragging rights of highest score and more centuries – five v four. Surrey all-rounder Jordan will likely never relinquish his wicket-taking lead thought (261 against two with the red ball).During his 309-ball stay, there were just seven appeals against him, none of them were more than half-hearted.Clark’s innings was chanceless and high-quality, but facilitated by those around him.Ollie Robinson had recovered Durham’s innings – having been 82 for 4 – with 124 in alliance with Clark, before George Dissell continued his pre-season form with 165 for the sixth-wicket and a solid 69.After that, Matthew Potts and Codi Yusuf both put on 41 with Clark.Patience was the name of the game for Hampshire, waiting for rare missteps, with Dawson the man taking advantage.The left-arm spinner sent down an exhaustive 48 overs, with absolutely no spin to help him, but with perseverance came wickets.He’d dismissed Robinson on the opening day before bowling a reverse-sweeping Drissell and had Potts caught at short fine leg off a top edge.Dawson finally saw the end of Clark for 160 with a sensational one-handed caught and bowled, ahead of Callum Parkinson edging to first slip to bring up his 15th first-class five-for.Durham’s tail wagged, with Yusuf wagging the hardest with an unbeaten 44, as Durham’s fun in the sun was finally ended when Brendan Doggett turned Felix Organ around the corner.Given 43 overs to negotiate after tea, Fletcha Middleton took Potts for four boundaries, before the England fast bowler – who yesterday was selected for the Test against Zimbabwe later this month – exacted his revenge by finding an edge to first slip.Doggett sent down three maidens in a row before conceding his first run, but soon after landed on a ball while fielding and had to go off.Like the Durham batters before them, Stoneman and Nick Gubbins were completely untroubled, especially as the ball aged.Stoneman reached fifty for the 105th time in his career as his partnership with Gubbins went in overnight unbroken on 95.

Man Utd's hopes of keeping 'Kid Messi' talent JJ Gabriel given massive boost as Arsenal interest considered 'premature'

Manchester United's hopes of keeping teenage sensation JJ Gabriel, nicknamed 'Kid Messi', have been given a massive boost as Arsenal's supposed interest in the player has been labelled as "premature". The 15-year-old, widely tipped as one of the most gifted players to emerge from United's academy since Marcus Rashford, has agreed to commit his immediate future to Old Trafford after a tense behind-closed-doors meeting with United chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada.

  • JJ Gabriel: Turning heads across Europe

    Gabriel’s reputation has exploded in recent months. Known for his dazzling dribbling, lightning-fast feet, and a swagger that has seen him compared to the Argentine legend himself, the teenager has already drawn interest from across Europe. Despite being just 15, he has been starring for United’s Under-18 side, racking up seven goals in six matches this season. His performances have left scouts stunned, with insiders calling him a 'once-in-a-generation' talent. But while the hype around him grows, United’s internal message is clear: keep him grounded, keep him focused, and keep him in Manchester.

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  • Getty/GOAL

    Arsenal cool their interest in teenager

    Reports in recent weeks suggested Arsenal were plotting a bold move to lure the teenage sensation to North London. However, according to the those rumours were "premature" and no formal approach has been made. United have already poached Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi from Arsenal's youth system, and the prospect of the Gunners hitting back still looms large. For now, it’s United who can breathe a sigh of relief, having secured a commitment from Gabriel that will see him remain at Carrington until at least his 16th birthday. He will be eligible to put pen to paper on his first professional contract in the summer of 2027, which will come into play from October of that year, following his 17th birthday. 

    Recognising Gabriel’s unique potential, United recently arranged a meeting between the youngster and manager Ruben Amorim, who shared his coaching philosophy and spoke passionately about discipline, dedication, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic. Amorim's motivation, echoing Ronaldo’s famous mindset, appears to have resonated deeply with Gabriel, who is now more committed than ever to breaking through at United.

  • The YouTube star who became a Red Devil phenom

    A viral YouTube video titled "Eight-year-old Kid Messi is unbelievable (better than the real Lionel Messi)" catapulted him into the spotlight, clocking up over 4.8 million views and 110,000 likes. More recently, the teenager was seen juggling a tennis ball, keeping it off the ground for nearly a minute using flawless control and footwork. However, it was his move to United’s academy in 2021 that turned promise into progression. He quickly caught the eye of scouts, formed a close bond with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., and began living up to the online hype in real matches. Now, just a few years later, he’s being spoken about as the most exciting English-based prospect of his generation. The club’s coaching staff are said to be in awe of his ability, with several senior players privately admitting the kid is miles ahead of his age.

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    A future in red for Gabriel?

    If United’s loyalty strategy wasn’t already clear enough, they’ve reportedly gone one step further by promising Gabriel his very own hospitality box at United's new stadium once it's completed by 2030. The new £2 billion project, led by Foster + Partners architects, will become the largest stadium in the UK, surpassing Wembley’s 90,000 capacity, and second only to Barcelona’s Camp Nou in Europe. The futuristic design, part of a regeneration project set to pump £7.3 billion annually into the UK economy and create over 90,000 jobs, will symbolise the dawn of a new era for United, one where homegrown stars like Gabriel could become the face of the club’s future.

    Initial plans featured a dramatic canopy supported by three masts, representing Manchester’s industrial skyline. However, reports suggest the canopy may be scrapped due to ongoing land acquisition issues.

    Gabriel’s story is still in its early chapters, but if the past few years are any indication, the ending could be something spectacular. From YouTube sensation to United’s most prized academy jewel, the "Kid Messi" tale is one of talent, tenacity, and timing. And now, with Arsenal backing off and United doubling down, the stage is set for Gabriel to shine brighter than ever.