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Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has ignited pre-Clasico controversy by claiming Real Madrid “steal” during a cheeky exchange on Twitch. The 18-year-old made the remark while chatting with streamer Ibai Llanos, comparing Madrid to a Kings League team known for benefiting from refereeing decisions. The comment comes just days before El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

• Yamal stirs controversy ahead of El Clasico

  Barca sensation Yamal has sparked uproar in Spain after boldly accusing Madrid of benefiting from refereeing decisions, describing them as a team that “steals and complains.” The Barcelona prodigy made the explosive remark during a broadcast on Kings League, just days before Clasico against Los Blancos.

  When asked by Ibai Llanos, owner of Kings League side Porcinos FC, whether his team reminded him of Real Madrid, Yamal didn’t hesitate. “Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…” he said, prompting laughter and disbelief from those on the stream. Llanos, a well-known Madrid supporter, immediately pushed back, asking, “Real Madrid steals?” To which Yamal doubled down, laughing nervously before reaffirming, “Well, let’s see, let’s see.”

  The comment has since gone viral across Spanish media and social platforms. The timing, however, could not be more controversial, just days before Barca travel to the Bernabeu in a high-powered La Liga clash.

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  Inside Yamal’s cheeky exchange with Ibai Llanos

  The exchange came as part of a lighthearted discussion between Yamal, Llanos, and Gerard Pique, the former Barca defender who co-founded the Kings League. Yamal, who co-owns the Kings League club La Capital FC, was discussing his upcoming fixture against Ibai’s team, Porcinos, when the topic of Real Madrid naturally arose.

  Pique jokingly stoked the rivalry, while Yamal’s response carried a sting. “They steal, they complain, and they do things…” said the Barcelona winger, alluding to what many Barca fans have long believed, that Real Madrid receives favourable treatment from referees.

  Despite his youthful tone and playful delivery, Yamal’s remarks have added extra spice to an already heated build-up to Clasico. His comments follow a long line of pre-Clasico mind games.

• Focus on Clasico showdown at the Bernabeu

  Barca will face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu this Sunday in a match that could decide early leadership of La Liga. Hansi Flick’s side currently trail Xabi Alonso’s men by two points, and a victory would see the Catalans leapfrog their rivals into first place.

  Yamal’s comment, while made in jest, could add pressure ahead of one of the most-watched games in world football. The 18-year-old is expected to start on the right wing after producing a string of impressive performances this season, including eight direct goal contributions in just seven La Liga appearances.

  Yamal’s self-assurance underlines his growing importance in Flick’s system, where his creativity, pace, and composure have made him one of the defining faces of Barcelona’s new era.

  Madrid, meanwhile, have remained silent publicly, focusing on preparation under Alonso after a tough-win in the Champions League game against Juventus. The club’s fans, however, are expected to make their feelings known when Yamal steps onto the Bernabeu turf this weekend.

  With tensions high, form stakes tight, and personal rivalries simmering, Clasico once again promises to deliver football, theatre, and controversy in equal measure, and Yamal finds himself right at the heart of it all.

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  Mbappe vs Yamal – the new Clasico duel

  This weekend’s encounter will also renew the rivalry between two of football’s biggest generational stars, French superstar Kylian Mbappe and Yamal. The pair have already faced off eight times across club and international competitions, with Yamal holding an extraordinary record of seven wins to Mbappe’s single victory.

  While Mbappe has outscored the Barcaa youngster in those meetings, eight goals to six, Yamal’s teams have consistently come out on top, including a memorable 5-2 Supercopa de Espana victory and a 3-2 Copa del Rey triumph. The French forward, now spearheading Madrid’s attack, will be eager to rewrite that record in front of home fans.

  Yamal’s form heading into the Clasico has been impressive despite Barcelona’s mixed start to the campaign. With three goals and eight assists already this season, he continues to showcase the balance between flair and maturity that has made him Europe’s most exciting teenager. His performances have not only drawn praise from Flick but also earned him a runner-up finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or at just 18 years old.

Leeds United's automatic promotion hopes were hit with another blow as they were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Whites are competing to secure an instant return to the Premier League, having been relegated at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, but missed out on the chance to return to the top two at the weekend.

Sammie Szmodics' second half goal was enough to land all three points for the away side, which has left the Yorkshire-based outfit in third place – behind Leicester City and Ipswich Town, who also both failed to win.

Daniel Farke's side still have time, with three matches left, to work their way back into the top two places, or else they will have to go through the lottery of the play-offs to earn promotion.

Despite not knowing what division they will be playing in next season, Leeds are reportedly already looking at targets to potentially sign in the upcoming summer transfer window – including one current Championship star.

Leeds' interest in striker from rival club

A recent report from TEAMtalk earlier this month named the Whites as one of the teams interested in a swoop to land Southampton centre-forward Che Adams.

The Saints, who can move level with Leeds on points if they win their two games in hand, are competing with Farke's men to earn promotion back to the Premier League, but could lose one of their key attackers in the summer.

His current contract at St. Mary's is due to expire at the end of the season and the report claimed that no extension has been agreed between the two parties as of yet.

The outlet named Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers as the other team keen on a deal to sign the soon-to-be free agent, as they have been long-term admirers of the Scotland international.

It also stated that European clubs have been made aware of his potential availability, but no names outside of Leeds and Wolves have been provided.

TEAMtalk claimed that Leeds want to improve their attacking options for the 2024/25 campaign, and believe that Adams would be a valuable addition to their team whether they are in the Premier League or the Championship.

However, it still remains to be seen whether or not the former Birmingham City marksman will put pen to paper on an extension with the Saints before the end of the current season.

If he is available for £0 in the summer, Farke could snap him up as a bargain signing to be an upgrade on Leeds number nine Patrick Bamford.

Patrick Bamford's struggles this season

The former England international has struggled throughout the campaign, barring a run of form at the start of 2024, and has let the side down with his wasteful finishing at times.

Bamford started the season on the bench behind Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe and failed to score a single goal during the first half of the term in 2023.

He then produced eight goals and two assists in his first 13 appearances of 2024 in all competitions, which suggested that the former Chelse prospect was on course to finding his best form at the top end of the pitch as Leeds chase promotion back to the top-flight.

Instead, the goals have dried up for the 30-year-old dud. He is currently on a run of six Championship games without a goal for the Whites, and the team have only won two of those matches, as Bamford has missed a staggering five 'big chances' in that period.

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds number nine has been one of the most wasteful players in the squad with the chances that have come his way.

He has only found the back of the net seven times from an xG of 10.2, and his recent missed 'big chances' have clearly had an impact on results – with two wins in six during the business end of the season for the club.

Why Che Adams could be an upgrade on Patrick Bamford

Farke could land a dream upgrade on Bamford by securing a deal to sign Adams, who has proven himself to be a useful player in the Premier League and the Championship.

Last season, the Scottish marksman scored five goals from 6.63 xG across 28 appearances in the Premier League for Southampton, just underperforming his xG overall. Whereas, the Leeds forward only scored four goals from 8.61 xG in 28 matches in the top-flight.

This immediately suggests that the Saints star could be more reliable, albeit not prolific, in front of goal in the Premier League if the Whites win promotion this term.

Their respective form in the Championship this season also indicates that Adams, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions, has the edge over Bamford, both in and out of possession.

As you can see in the table above, the 27-year-old marksman, whose streaky scoring was once described as a "ketchup bottle phenomenon" by former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, has scored more goals, provided more assists, and overperformed his xG in comparison to the Leeds man.

Bamford has also lost 60% of his duels against opposition defenders in the Championship, which shows that players have found it too easy to get the better of him in physical contests.

Whereas, Adams has won 52% of his duels in the division for Southampton and this indicates that the Scottish ace would provide more of a physical presence to hold off centre-backs to bring his teammates into play in the number nine position, to go along with his superior play in the penalty box.

Same agent as Bamford: Club will now accept bids from Leeds for £15m star

The Whites would “love” to get a deal done, claims the report.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 15, 2024

Therefore, Farke could improve his attack by signing the Saints star for £0 this summer as his statistics suggest that he is a better finisher, creator, and battler than Bamford at Championship level, which is why the impressive dynamo could be a fantastic signing for the club.

Sebastien Haller’s return to Utrecht hangs in the balance amid a bitter dispute with Borussia Dortmund over a multi-million euro severance package.

• BVB want to part ways with Haller this summer
• Contract runs until 2026 but termination talks ongoing
• Striker earns around €10m annually at the club

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dortmund are locked in talks with Haller over ending his contract, which runs until 2026, a year early. According to , the club have offered a €2 million severance package, but the striker is demanding €6m, over half of his annual salary, before agreeing to the move.

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  Haller’s exit would free up significant wages, with Dortmund’s pursuit of Fabio Silva, currently a hot candidate for a move reportedly depend on reaching an agreement with the Ivorian. The 31-year-old would also gain the chance for regular football again. Injuries, illness and dips in form have defined his Dortmund spell, with the striker falling behind Serhou Guirassy and Niklas Fullkrug in the pecking order. Both parties previously agreed on a termination, but the size of the payoff has now become a stumbling block.

• TELL ME MORE…

  Haller joined Die Schwarzgelben from Ajax for €31m (£27m/$36m) with high expectations but faced a life-changing cancer diagnosis soon after arriving. After returning, he enjoyed a strong second half of the 2022-23 season, but his missed penalty against Mainz on the final day saw Bayern clinch the Bundesliga title. A later loan spell at Leganes failed to reignite his form, though a return to Utrecht, where he played last season, remains his most likely next step.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Negotiations between Haller and Dortmund will continue in the coming weeks. If a severance deal is reached, he is expected to sign for Utrecht, but unless the financial gap closes, his future could remain in limbo heading into the new season.

West Ham United officials have been left "hugely impressed" by an 18-goal forward and are now looking at signing him this summer, with David Moyes' side casting their eyes on a new target.

Steidten summer transfer plans taking effect at West Ham

The uncertainty surrounding Moyes' future is likely to be a big topic of discussion over the next few months, as the Scotsman slowly moves towards the expiry of his Hammers contract on June 30.

West Ham desperate to tempt defender as they ready salary offer

He could be a very astute option.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 5, 2024

In the mean time, though, West Ham and Steidten are believed to be making transfer plans – which will take effect with or without Moyes at the helm next season.

Concerns have surrounded the Irons backline at points this season, with Nayef Aguerd attracting criticism for some of his displays alongside Kurt Zouma. Clubs in Saudi Arabia are thought to be maintaining an interest in both Aguerd and Zouma, but if either of the duo depart, West Ham will need to source a replacement.

West Ham have been linked with Atletico Madrid ace Mario Hermoso, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, and it is believed Steidten is personally keeping tabs on Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo.

Further forward, the club also need more options. Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen stand out as West Ham's world-class attacking options, but if injury were to befall either of the star duo, they'd be in big trouble given the lack of quality alternatives.

As such, it is believed West Ham are keen on bringing in a new forward this summer, and the Championship could well be a fruitful source of talent for them – as evident by Bowen's rise since he signed from Hull City. This is where their interest in Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville comes in.

West Ham blown away by Summerville as they enter summer race

According to HITC, West Ham officials have been left "hugely impressed" by Summerville – amid a season where he's bagged 18 goals and nine assists in all competitions.

Steidten and co have been scouting the winger for months now, and are one of the many top flight sides looking at signing him for next season. Summerville has been lavished with praise over 2023/2024, with Leeds boss Daniel Farke holding him in very high esteem.

“He is playing an outstanding season in terms of performances, end product and also his willingness to work for the team, to be there and deliver on a daily basis even in training, otherwise you can’t deliver consistency in this league,” said Farke on Summerville.

“You have to be on it each and every day on the training pitch but also with good habits in nutrition, sleep and recovery. We don’t have to speak about the potential of Cree, the sky is the limit with his potential but to show consistency this is crucial. It’s no coincidence he has delivered many end products.”

The Reds swept everyone aside last season but still went out and spent a colossal amount of cash on new players this summer

It's almost go time! After what has felt like a ridiculously short summer break, the Premier League returns on Friday, when Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield. The Reds romped to the title last season, and the concern for all of their rivals is that Arne Slot now has an even stronger squad at his disposal, with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) having spent big on a number of top talents, including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

Of course, Viktor Gyokeres is being touted as the prolific striker Arsenal have long needed to get them over the line, Chelsea are newly crowned 'world champions', while Manchester City have continued strengthening their squad. Consequently, a tighter title race is anticipated.

The big question is, though: can anyone stop Liverpool from winning a record-breaking 21st English championship? GOAL writers pick their title winners and top-four finishers.

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  'New era of success at Anfield'

  Mark Doyle: Liverpool will win the league again – but they won't run away with it like last season. Arsenal finally have a prolific No.9, Manchester City haven't stopped spending since January, while Chelsea's Club World Cup win proved there is method to the transfer market madness at Stamford Bridge. Still, while the title race will be a lot closer, Liverpool should still finish first, just ahead of Arsenal, City and Chelsea (in that order). The Reds have not only spent big, they've also bought wonderfully well. Injuries could obviously change things – particularly if the Reds go deep in the Champions League this year – but Slot won the title with one new signing; he could claim multiple trophies with the significantly strengthened squad at his disposal. We really could be witnessing the dawn of a new era of sustained success at Anfield.

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  'City will fall to fourth'

  James Westwood: Liverpool were comfortably the best team in the league last season, and that will be the case again after their £300m splurge in the transfer window (even if Alexander Isak doesn't complete their summer business). Meanwhile, Arsenal's long-awaited purchase of a proper No.9 in Viktor Gyokeres should get them second for a fourth year running, and Chelsea will break back into the top three after significantly bolstering their own attack. But Manchester City will drop to fourth as Pep Guardiola continues to fumble his first proper rebuild.

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  'Liverpool to get even stronger'

  Amee Ruszkai: Liverpool are my favourites to win the Premier League again this year. The Reds were excellent last season, I like their transfer business and expect that they will get stronger in Arne Slot's second campaign. Manchester City and Arsenal have also made strong signings and both should push Liverpool close in a better title race, but I was really impressed with the champions last year and think it will take something special to usurp them. Chelsea, who should kick on after Enzo Maresca's first year in charge, complete the set, with their Club World Cup triumph showcasing their potential.

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  'Difficult to back against Liverpool'

  Sean Walsh: There's a world where Liverpool's big spending backfires and disrupts the flow of their squad-building, but that's not a prospect I'm willing to bet on right now. I'd rather predict they win the league and have them prove the world wrong. The rest of the top four feels like it picks itself at this stage, though after-effects of the Club World Cup could drag Chelsea and Manchester City back into a Champions League scrap.

The batsman’s long-time mentor Trent Woodhill says the opener remains hungry for runs across all three formats

Andrew McGlashan30-Aug-2020David Warner’s long-time mentor Trent Woodhill believes the batsman remains fully motivated to continue across all formats of the game as he prepares to resume international cricket after a five-month break.Speaking recently, Warner suggested that the hub and bio-secure lifestyle of cricket in the Covid-19-ridden era, and the likelihood it will keep players away from their families for long periods of time, could lead him to reconsider his workload.Before Covid-19 brought cricket to a halt in early March, Warner gave a strong indication that he would consider moving aside from the T20 format after the back-to-back T20 World Cups, which had been originally scheduled for Australia this year and then India in 2021.ALSO READ: Back in Australia set-up, Marcus Stoinis wants to ‘change the dynamic’ of his battingHowever, the pandemic has forced a reshuffle, meaning the Australia event is in 2022, and if Warner wants another home World Cup, he would need to go beyond a 2021 cut-off.”Mentally he’s as strong as ever and as bullish as ever,” Woodhill said from Australia’s base at the Ageas Bowl. “I haven’t been given any indication he’s not hungry for more runs across all formats.”A year ago, Warner was in the midst of an Ashes series that would bring a record-breakingly low return of 95 runs – 61 of which came in one innings at Headingley – as he was dismissed by Stuart Broad seven times in 10 innings.But the 2019-2020 season brought a prolific return to form across all formats: 786 runs runs in Test cricket at 131.00, 277 runs in ODIs at 46.16 and 415 runs at 138.33 in T20Is. It was enough to earn him the Allan Border Medal as the Men’s Player of the Year.Woodhill took huge satisfaction from seeing how Warner responded to his travails in England, but the manner of the revival did not surprise him.”He has amazing mental capacity to bounce back,” Woodhill said. “I was so proud of him with the 300 in Adelaide [against Pakistan] just because of that bouncing back from adversity. That’s champions worldwide, whether it’s someone I know or someone I don’t, it’s always great to see. David worked really hard after the Ashes to regroup and he came back firing. Watching him back the other day in the trial match he’s in a really good place with his cricket.”I think when players reach early 30s, their game is about being consistent and the challenge is not short-cutting preparation and, if you watch David train, whether it’s from a skill set or physical standpoint, he doesn’t take any shortcuts.”For Woodhill this tour is a return to the international coaching set-up for the first time since he worked for New Zealand in 2012. “Being back in international colours is really good, there’s a definite edge to it; the players’ focus is on one team rather than seven or eight teams is an enjoyable experience,” he said.Warner made 42 off 35 balls in Australia’s first intersquad match of the tour on Friday before the contest was cut short by rain. They were due to play a 50-over match on Sunday before further inter-squad games early next week ahead of the opening T20I on Friday.

Although much of their focus will be on promotion, which is likely going to have to be through the Championship play-offs, Southampton have reportedly begun work on summer incomings, which could see them land a bargain deal.

Southampton transfer news

The Saints are in an awkward position when it comes to the summer window, with automatic promotion unlikely and the play-offs always an unpredictable route. But they must still plan for the best-case scenario, which would see them make an instant return to the Premier League this season.

Martin must now unleash Southampton machine who won 100% duels vs Boro

Russell Martin will want a response from his Southampton troops this Easter Monday.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 1, 2024

A place in the top-flight would undoubtedly up the quality in potential targets, with reports already linking the Saints with the likes of Karamoko Dembele, who has starred at Blackpool this season, and Juventus youngster Samuel Illing-Junior. Both of those deals would make an impact on Russell Martin's current side as well as in years to come, but the attraction of Premier League football may be key.

The flip side to that, of course, are the consequences if Southampton were to miss out on promotion, which would likely lead to a battle to keep hold of some of their star players. It would also stand in the way of one particular deal.

According to Record via Sport Witness, Southampton are following Vizela captain Samu ahead of a potential summer deal alongside Leeds United, with promotion an important part in the pitch needed to convince the midfielder. Out of contract at the end of the season, Samu will be available on a free deal and could provide Southampton with the ultimate bargain ahead of the next campaign.

It will be a tough battle against Leeds for the 27-year-old's signature, however, given that they're currently on course for automatic promotion compared to the Saints' likely battle to go up through the play-offs this season.

"Massive" Samu can add top-flight quality

The last thing that Southampton need if they do return to the Premier League this season is to head straight for relegation under Martin. And signing players such as Samu would go a long way in preventing that. The midfielder finally looks destined to leave Portugal, having spent his entire career in his home country, and take his biggest step yet into English football.

A move to St Mary's would also offer the midfielder the chance to form quite the partnership with Stuart Armstrong, who has been an important part of Martin's side this season.

What's most interesting to note when the two players are compared is the balance they could provide each other. Samu has been statistically better off the ball and can provide that cover for Armstrong to push on and pull the strings with his work on the ball.

Zach Lowy will be among those pleased if Samu gets his move, having praised the midfielder in the past, dubbing him as a "massive" player for Vizela.

Dean Henderson paid £1,000 to cover the bar tab of Crystal Palace supporters after delivering penalty shootout heroics in the Community Shield.

• Spot-kick save helped Eagles to FA Cup triumph
• Landed another trophy after battling past Liverpool
• England goalkeeper a fan favourite at Selhurst Park

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England international goalkeeper has forged quite the reputation when it comes to repelling spot-kicks. He kept one out from Omar Marmoush in the 2025 FA Cup final to help Palace claim a historic piece of silverware.

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  The Eagles were back at Wembley for the traditional new season curtain-raiser when facing Premier League title winners Liverpool. An entertaining contest saw the Reds lead on two occasions, only to find themselves pegged back.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  A penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta and late equaliser from Ismaila Sarr took the Community Shield beyond 90 minutes and into a shootout. Mohamed Salah fired over the crossbar, before Henderson saved efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott.

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• TELL ME MORE

  Palace prevailed 3-2 on spot-kicks, sparking more wild scenes of celebration. Many supporters spilled out of Wembley and into local pubs. Henderson made a point of stopping off at one and covering the cost of the drinks that were flowing.

“When I fell, I felt more frustration than pain,” says Delhi Capitals spinner

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Sep-2020R Ashwin might be back in action for Delhi Capitals sooner than expected after dislocating his left shoulder in his team’s IPL 2020 opener against Kings XI Punjab, with his scan reports “encouraging”. He also said, on social media, between Monday and Tuesday, that the pain in the injured shoulder has “settled down” and “the stiffness and inflammation around it, I hope, will go away”.The incident took place on the last ball of the sixth over of the Kings XI innings on Sunday, Ashwin’s first over of the game, in which he had already sent back Karun Nair and Nicholas Pooran to give the Capitals a distinct edge. Glenn Maxwell, the new man in at the fall of Pooran’s wicket, drove the ball, Ashwin dived, and looked in pain straightaway after landing awkwardly. Patrick Farhart, the team physio, reached Ashwin on cue, and the bowler went off with his left arm in a makeshift sling, fashioned from his team jersey.For him, as Ashwin put it in a video on his YouTube channel on Tuesday, it was “more frustration than pain”, the injury coming as it did immediately on his return to action.ALSO READ: Injurywatch – when will Williamson, Ashwin, Marsh return?“My shoulder bone popped after I fell, so I was in a lot of pain. But the beauty of it was our physio and team doctor made me lie down and clicked my shoulder and popped it back into the ball socket,” Ashwin said. “During the last six months, I was bowling at home, and I know I was looking forward to the tournament. When I fell, I felt more frustration than pain. Maybe because of that you would have seen those emotions on my face.”The scan, which Ashwin was encouraged by, was conducted on Tuesday morning. “I had a scan this morning. Usually when the ball pops out of the socket, there can be a tear or damage. But the ball popped back into its place since my shoulder and elbows are hyper-mobile, so the stiffness and inflammation around it, I hope, will go away.”The Capitals won that game after it ended in a tie and Kagiso Rabada bowled a Super Over to remember, and Shreyas Iyer, their captain, sounded a positive note on Ashwin after the game. “I briefly spoke to Ashwin, and Ashwin said he’ll be ready for the next game, but at the end of the day it’s the physio’s decision. He [Ashwin] is a strong-minded guy, and hopefully he’ll be available,” he told the host broadvaster.The Capitals’ next game is against Chennai Super Kings on September 25 in Dubai.

Gonzalo Garcia is set to stay at Real Madrid after his heroics at the Club World Cup, with talks progressing over a new contract and shirt number.

• Club World Cup form earns long-term place
• No.9 shirt lined up for local strike
• Endrick injury may have cleared path for promotion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid are in advanced talks to extend the contract of academy striker Gonzalo, who is set to remain with the first team for the 2025-26 season and is being lined up to wear the club’s iconic No.9 shirt, as per senior journalist Fabrizio Romano. The 21-year-old impressed during the Club World Cup this summer and is now viewed as a long-term part of Xabi Alonso’s squad.

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  Madrid’s decision not to sign a new striker this summer reflects a clear shift: instead of investing in another big name, they’re betting on in-house talent. Garcia’s rise from Castilla to first-team prominence echoes past success stories from La Fabrica, and aligns with Madrid’s strategic focus on nurturing players who understand the club’s DNA. He appears set to step into the number left vacant by Kylian Mbappe, who recently switched to No. 10, and will see him follow in the footsteps of French forward Karim Benzema and Brazilian legend Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo also had the No. 9 shirt for one season.

• TELL ME MORE

  Garcia’s emergence has taken many by surprise as just months ago, he was a relatively unknown figure outside Madrid circles, with only a late Copa del Rey winner against Leganes to his name. But after scoring four goals and registering an assist during Madrid’s strong Club World Cup campaign, he has become a fan favourite and a tactical option for Alonso. With Endrick out injured and a loan move to Real Sociedad collapsing, Garcia has leapfrogged the Brazilian in the pecking order with his decision to stay and desire for the the No.9 jersey. 

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Garcia has been at Real Madrid since 2014, joining the academy as a teenager. A Madrid native, his local roots have endeared him to fans, especially as he looks to break into a squad stacked with global superstars. Despite limited first-team experience, Madrid believe his profile, a classic centre-forward who can hold up play and finish in the box, offers a unique tactical weapon, similar to how Joselu was used in 2023-24.