Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has now identified an “incredible” midfielder as one of his main targets in central midfield.

Guardiola looking to sign new midfielder with Gonzalez struggling

Nico Gonzalez is yet to establish himself as a key first-team player for Man City, often being limited to appearances as a substitute in the Premier League so far this season, and the midfielder has received criticism for some of his performances.

City’s first major setback of the campaign came in the 2-0 defeat at home against Tottenham Hotspur back in August, and former Chelsea man Frank Lebouef claimed Gonzalez was at fault for the visitors’ second goal.

The commentator said: “Yes, Trafford made a mistake of giving the ball, but what about Nico [Gonzalez]?”

“Why did Nico ask for the ball? And you can see that again when he really asked for the ball, when he has two guys behind him and forces the goalkeeper to give him the ball.”

He's perfect for Pep: Man City now rivalling Real Madrid for "pacy" £52m star

City are set to battle it out for a new defender, who is regarded as ideal for Pep Guardiola.

ByDominic Lund Oct 15, 2025

Since then, the Spaniard has continued to struggle, giving away the penalty in the 2-2 draw against AS Monaco in the Champions League, which was converted by Eric Dier in the 90th minute.

With fellow midfielder Rodri struggling on the injury front, Man City are now looking to strengthen their options in the middle of the park, according to a report from Spain, which claims Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlovic has been identified as one of Pep’s main targets.

The City manager is looking to revamp his midfield, and Pavlovic is described as his ‘favourite’ target, having put in some outstanding performances for Bayern, who are extremely reluctant to sanction a departure.

As such, a ‘significant offer’ will be required to prise the 21-year-old away from the German club, with it previously being revealed the Blues could be willing to shell out over £43m.

"Incredible" Pavlovic could be the "next Toni Kroos"

The central midfielder is held in very high regard by journalist Manuel Veth, who has suggested he could be capable of emulating a former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid star.

It is vital that any midfielder playing under Pep is an assured passer of the ball, and the Bayern star certainly ticks the box, having shown a remarkable ability to pick out his teammates over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Passes attempted

97.42 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

92.6% (98th percentile)

Progressive passes

8.39 (95th percentile)

It is clear to see that Pavlovic could be the perfect signing for Man City, given that he shares similar traits to Rodri, who attempted 95 passes in just 60 minutes during the 2-0 win over Napoli, and the young German could be the ideal successor.

Considering Ryan Mason is still a novice in the main managerial game, he has started life in the West Bromwich Albion dug-out with some promise.

Entering the international break, the Baggies only find themselves five points off the top of the tree in the Championship, with four victories picked up from their opening nine second-tier outings.

Still, just a quick glimpse doesn’t quite tell the full story, with West Brom picking up a concerning three defeats from their last five games, leaving Mason with plenty to sort out during this enforced break from fixtures.

Isaac Price will also view the break as time to assess where it has all gone wrong for him in recent weeks, after a blistering start out of the blocks from the Northern Ireland international helped the Baggies be in and around the promotion spaces straight away.

Price's up-and-down form

Even if the 22-year-old has found his form has gone off the boil in the Championship, he will also know he can be a hero for his nation away from the Hawthorns, having scored a wonderfully taken strike against Germany during the last international stretch of matches.

Bagging a much-needed strike for Northern Ireland could reignite his faltering league form, therefore, with Price now without a goal for Mason and Co. in league action across their last six up-and-down matches in the topsy-turvy division.

The ex-Everton youth prodigy, before experiencing this crisis in confidence, started the season with an unbelievable four goal contributions from his opening three league clashes, with scout Jacek Kulig once noting that the Baggies’ number 21 was a “fantastic” asset for the future.

For Price’s sake, he will hope he can breathe life back into his wavering campaign, sooner rather than later.

However, he isn’t the only rising star catching the eye in the West Midlands currently, with this other exciting youngster perhaps being seen as an even bigger talent than Price now.

Why Mason has a bigger talent than Price

While it’s undoubtedly true that Price is a Championship-level star, he has had to deal with some turmoil in his early career so far to be where he is today.

Indeed, the 22-year-old would have to relocate to Standard Liege to rebuild his senior playing days after making just three senior appearances for Everton.

On the contrary, Toby Collyer – who is now Price’s midfield teammate for the season – is already 13 appearances down for Manchester United at a senior level and is already turning heads in the West Midlands.

Since making his Red Devils’ men’s debut at just 20 years of age under Erik ten Hag, Collyer has never looked back, with this off-the-line clearance against Fulham last year backing up claims made by one of his former youth coaches in Mark Beard, that the three-time England U20 international is “like a Kante” when it comes to his energy and drive to succeed for his team.

Further lauded as being a star that “plays like two men” by Beard, it would have been viewed as a coup by West Brom when they won his loan signature this summer, and – although it hasn’t gone to plan completely for the 21-year-old yet in his fresh location – he did still manage to stand out last time out against Millwall, even when Mason and Co. were on the recieving end of a 3-0 battering.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

66

Accurate passes

41/47 (87%)

Clearances

4

Interceptions

2

Tackles

4

Total duels won

7/10

While Collyer’s introduction into the first team fold couldn’t inspire a win at the Den, it’s safe to say the new number 13 could trudge off at the end with his head held somewhat high, with a bite present in his game when winning 70% of his duels, on top of also only misdirecting six of his 47 passes on the day.

Price, on the other hand, would only register a meagre 17 accurate passes during the 3-0 collapse, with a worry on his end that he could be dropped when Championship action returns later this month.

Collyer will be hopeful of more starts moving forward, away from Price’s form falling off a cliff, as the youngster aims to use this formative loan stint as a way to boost his long-term Old Trafford future.

West Brom star who has "everything" looks like their new Tom Fellows

Ryan Mason could now have his very own Ryan Fellows in this exciting West Bromwich Albion star.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 7, 2025

Success is yet to arrive, but Mikel Arteta has built a squad full to bursting with incredible talent at Arsenal.

The Spaniard has turned what was a fallen giant struggling in mid-table into a side that will surely get over the line in the Premier League sooner rather than later.

When it comes to the best player in the squad, it’s hard to look past the talismanic Bukayo Saka, and while he had a poor season last year, club captain Martin Odegaard was starting to look back to his best before his MCL injury.

There are other match winners all over the pitch, though, and Arteta even has one youngster who could be described as something of a hybrid between the Englishman and Norwegian.

What makes Saka & Odegaard so special

What is it about Saka and Odegaard that makes them so special, and two of the best players in Arsenal’s squad?

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Well, when it comes to the former, it really is multifaceted.

For example, his development at Hale End gives him a connection with the club and fans that few other players can match, and he marries that with an incredible willingness to improve and work rate.

On top of these brilliant foundations, the 24-year-old has also become a consistent scorer of goals and provider of assists over the last few years, so much so that he produced his 100th Premier League goal involvement on his 200th appearance in the competition last weekend.

Moreover, the Ealing-born monster has developed the ability to score all sorts of goals, from sensational far-post curlers to powerful drives off his weaker foot and even the odd tap-in off the back of a well-timed run.

The Emirates poster boy really is one of the most well-rounded attackers in the game and can be compared to any right-winger in Europe.

Odegaard, on the other hand, had an undeniably lacklustre campaign for the club last season, but with back-to-back Player of the Year awards in the two seasons before that, his ability cannot be denied.

The Norwegian is unlikely to ever be as prolific as Saka, but at his best, he is one of the most aesthetically pleasing midfielders to watch in world football.

He is someone who can collect the ball deep, beat an opposition player with a quick shimmy and then play the ball into space for his attackers to run onto and score.

This was what fans were seeing in his last two performances before, only for another knee injury to halt his momentum.

Overall, both Saka and Odegaard are sensational footballers, and it looks like Arsenal have someone who could develop into a hybrid of both.

Arsenal's Saka & Odegaard hybrid

While this description could fit Max Dowman in a year or so, given his age and the limited time he’s spent with the first team, it’s difficult to predict what kind of player he could become in the future.

This is less true for Ethan Nwaneri, who made his debut for the first team over three years ago and put his stamp on things last season.

When it comes to the young Englishman, it’s quite easy to see the ways in which he emulates both Saka and Odegaard.

For example, when in the team last season, he spent most of the time on the right, covering for the former, doing well in the process.

In fact, in his 37 appearances, totalling just 1378 minutes, the Enfield-born monster managed to score nine goals and provide two assists, which works out to a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes.

Nwaneri in 24/25

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, a couple of the goals looked similar to Saka’s trademark far-post curlers.

The similarities to the club captain, on the other hand, are starting to show this season and will likely continue as the campaign progresses.

After all, while he did well on the wing, he is primarily a central player, and that is reportedly how the club view him.

On top of that, while the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, hasn’t quite got the same weight of pass as the Norwegian just yet, he is improving.

Ultimately, while Nwaneri isn’t on the level of Saka or Odegaard at the moment, it’s easy to see parts of them in his game, and with time, he could well get there.

Related Not Saka: Arsenal have future England hero who's "humiliating" PL stars

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 10, 2025

Odsonne Edouard has launched a scathing attack on Ruud van Nistelrooy, claiming the Manchester United legend’s managerial ability fell well short of his playing career after a miserable spell together at Leicester City. The French striker, who barely featured during the Foxes’ relegation season, says he “didn’t get along” with the Dutchman and was frozen out for seven months.

Edouard and van Nistelrooy's row

Edouard has broken his silence on his doomed loan stint at Leicester City, pointing the finger squarely at former boss Van Nistelrooy. The Crystal Palace forward joined the Foxes on loan last summer and featured sparingly under Steve Cooper before being completely sidelined once Van Nistelrooy took charge in late November. Despite Leicester’s growing goal drought, the Dutchman ignored Edouard for most of the campaign, with the striker making just six appearances as the Foxes crashed out of the Premier League.

Van Nistelrooy’s tenure proved disastrous, with only five wins in 27 matches and eight consecutive games without a goal at one stage. Edouard’s exclusion puzzled many, especially given his experience in English football and Leicester’s lack of cutting edge up front. By the end of the season, the Frenchman was out of favour, the team was relegated, and relations between the two had completely broken down.

The fallout from Leicester’s relegation ultimately cost Van Nistelrooy his job**, as he departed the club in June without another managerial offer on the table since. His failure to revive Leicester’s fortunes, and his handling of senior players like Edouard had become a focal point in post-season reflections. For Edouard, however, the experience appears to have served as both a frustration and a lesson in resilience.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEdouard's dig at Man Utd legend

 “The Premier League is indescribable. You have to experience it to understand it, but at Leicester, things went wrong for me. I didn’t get along with Van Nistelrooy,” Edouard told L’Equipe.

“I was stuck for seven months without playing. Being a great striker doesn’t necessarily make you a great manager,” he added, in what can only be described as a brutal assessment of his former coach.

He continued: “After training, I would do an even harder session with my fitness coach. I didn’t give up. Leicester had a professional impact on me. I don’t really have any reasons. At the beginning, I played a little [under Steve Cooper], then things didn’t work out with Van Nistelrooy. I didn’t get along well with him. I found myself blocked for seven months without playing.”

Edouard’s honesty underline a sense of betrayal and wasted opportunity, particularly as Leicester’s lack of goals could have used his experience. His claim that van Nistelrooy’s coaching pedigree did not match his playing legacy has since sparked debate about the Dutchman’s coaching prowess.

Edouard back in France

Edouard’s spell at Leicester ended in disappointment, but his career has taken a sharp upward turn since returning to France with Lens. The 27-year-old has rediscovered his scoring touch, recently netting a penalty in a 2-1 win over Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille that lifted Lens to second in Ligue 1. The Frenchman has spoken about feeling “liberated” in his new environment, where he has been trusted to lead the line rather than fight for scraps of playing time.

Leicester, on the other hand, continue to rebuild under the leadership of Marti Cifuentes following their relegation nightmare, with the club still counting the cost of poor managerial decisions from last season. Van Nistelrooy’s reputation has taken a significant dent, and whether he can restore it will depend on his next move, if one comes at all. 

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 For Edouard, the focus now lies firmly on maintaining his resurgence with Lens and possibly forcing his way back into the conversation for the French national team. His performances in Ligue 1 suggest he has rediscovered the confidence and rhythm that deserted him in England.

Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy’s post-Leicester career has been far less eventful. After his sacking in June, the Dutchman remains without a managerial post despite previous success at PSV Eindhoven, where he lifted the KNVB Cup. His short, unbeaten stint as interim boss at Manchester United last season now feels a distant memory as questions grow over whether he can rebuild his coaching reputation.

Lionesses starlet Michelle Agyemang has suffered a torn ACL, it has been announced. It's a diagnosis which confirms the worst fears of the teenager after she was stretchered off with a knee injury during England's 3-0 win over Australia on Tuesday night and one that spells the end of her 2025-26 season, which she had started well on loan at Brighton again from Arsenal.

• Official: Agyemang's season is over after ACL diagnosis

  Many feared an ACL injury would be the outcome when Agyemang went down off the ball during the Lionesses' friendly at Derby County's Pride Park on Tuesday. It's something which is unfortunately extremely prevalent in the women's game, with England team-mates Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly among the many stars in the sport to have had to endure the long road to recovery it entails. In the best cases, it can take around nine months for a player to return from this setback, though the likes of Sam Kerr and Catarina Macario, who both spent closer to two years on the sidelines, can attest to the fact that it is not always that straightforward.

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• Agyemang's first words after devastating injury news

  In a post on Instagram confirming the news, Agyemang wrote: "Disappointed that results show a torn ACL. I am so grateful for all the kind words and the support from everyone. Recovery starts now, I will be back stronger than before. In all things I give thanks to the most high God, this test will surely turn into a testimony."

  Statements from England, Arsenal and Brighton added words of support for the 19-year-old. "As a member of the Lionesses family, she has the full support of the FA and everyone associated with our England teams," the Football Association's update said. "Lionesses staff will remain in regular contact with Michelle and her club and be on hand to aid any aspect of her rehabilitation."

  Arsenal and Brighton, meanwhile, both wrote that the clubs are "in close contact" as they strive to "determine a treatment and recovery programme for Michelle".

• Huge blow to England, Brighton & Agyemang sours teenager's incredible 2025

  The news is a serious blow to all parties. Agyemang has emerged as a game-changing talent for England in what has been an incredible six months for the forward. After scoring 41 seconds into her international debut back in April, which only came about after the Lionesses' squad was hit hard by injuries during that camp, she was then included in the squad for the European Championship and would score in both the quarter-finals and the semi-finals on her way to becoming a European champion and being named the Young Player of the Tournament. She looked set to only add to that experience and continue her growth as a talented prospect over the next few months, but will now be sidelined for a significant period instead in what is a horrible way for what had been an excellent year to end.

  Agyemang will miss out on those development opportunities at club level, too. Despite some believing her breakthrough at Euro 2025 could be the springboard for a greater role at Arsenal this season, the teenager returned to Brighton on loan for the 2025-26 campaign, a move which guaranteed more game time and, with it, chances to learn. It felt like the right decision for all parties and the early knockings of this season seemed to confirm as much. Now, though, her focus will turn to an entirely different challenge which lays ahead in what is also a real blow for a Brighton side she has been a central figure in.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What research is being done into ACL injuries in women's football?

  This devastating news only reaffirms what a huge problem ACL injuries are in the women's game and how important it is for more research to be done in trying to prevent them from happening as incredibly frequently as they are. FIFA is funding a year-long study at Kingston University London into the issue, which began back in May, while England star Lucy Bronze is one of those who has shown support for 'Project ACL', a collaborative effort between FIFPRO, the PFA, Nike and Leeds Beckett University to accelerate research on the injury. 

  "Project ACL is important because we need to start fine-tuning the information that we're putting out," Bronze said of the three-year task. "There is already research, but I think there's just so much talk and a lot of wrong information out there. There isn't a quick fix to eradicate ACL injuries in women's football. We need to finely tune research so that we can identify the key factors."

  The sooner that happens, the better it will be for the entirety of the women's game as it watches yet another player, in Agyemang, fall victim to a setback that continues to impact far too many.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo vive o clima de ansiedade na véspera do jogo mais importante desta temporada. Em um clima especial, Rafinha, capitão do Tricolor Paulista, vive a expectativa de levantar a taça da Copa do Brasil.

Como sempre, a Lance! Betting preparou uma promoção interessante para te fazer lucrar! Apostando R$10, seu retorno pode ser de R$62,50! Para isso acontecer, basta que Calleri abra o placar e o São Paulo vença!

Além disso, existe o gosto especial do lateral poder levantar a conquista frente ao Flamengo, seu ex-clube.

+ Voltamos às bancas! Cadastre-se para retirar a revista pôster do Lance! com o campeão da Copa do Brasil! É Grátis, aproveite!

Apesar do ótimo momento e de ser titular absoluto pelo São Paulo, Rafinha ainda não possui definição sobre seu futuro na equipe paulistana. O lateral possui vínculo apenas até o final deste e, com a chegada do fim da temporada, afirmou estar cada vez mais perto do fim da sua trajetória como jogador.

– Estou vivendo momento a momento. Não vou me precipitar nem falar nada, mas não é novidade que estou caminhando para o final da minha carreira. Isso está claro. Não coloco uma data, mas não vou ser hipócrita: estou caminhando para a reta final – contou o jogador.

PASSADO COM O FLAMENGO

Pelo Rubro-Negro, Rafinha esteve em um dos melhores momentos da história do rival. Integrante do inesquecível elenco de 2019, o jogador conquistou dois Cariocas, um Brasileiro, uma Libertadores, uma Supercopa e uma Recopa Sul-Americana.

A GRANDE DECISÃO!

A finalíssima da Copa do Brasil entre São Paulo e Flamengo ocorre neste domingo (24), às 16 horas (de Brasília), no Morumbi.

Compton, Muyeye notch half-centuries as Lancashire toil after inserting visitors at Blackpool

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 22-Jun-2025James Anderson’s first day as Lancashire’s interim skipper was spoiled by Ben Compton and the rain as Kent dominated the first day of the Rothesay County Championship match at BlackpoolHaving lost the toss, the visitors were 213 for 3 when heavy showers caused play to be abandoned shortly after the scheduled tea interval. At that point, Compton was 86 not out and his 126-run stand with Tawanda Muyeye, who made 63, had been the centrepiece of the day. Anderson, on the other hand, might have been regretting his decision to insert Kent on what looks a true pitch.Even in the first few overs of the day, the signs were not propitious for Lancashire. Opening in place of Zak Crawley, Jaydn Denly batted with pleasant ease to put on 55 with Compton in exactly an hour before he top-edged a sweep off the spinner, Chris Green, and was well caught at deep square leg by Mitchell Stanley for 34.Daniel Bell-Drummond then made 13 before he edged George Balderson behind, where Matty Hurst took a good catch standing up to the stumps. However, Compton and Muyeye took their side safely to lunch, when Kent were probably reasonably content to be 105 for 2 after 33 overs.Rain then prevented play for 90 minutes but Compton reached his half-century only four overs after the restart when he drove Anderson through mid-on for two. The Kent opener had faced 100 balls and had hit six fours to reach a landmark that also prompted a marked acceleration in the run rate.Compton and Muyeye extended their third-wicket partnership to a hundred in only 19.5 overs although Lancashire had only themselves to blame for dropping Compton on 54, Jennings putting down a straightforward slip catch off Green. Batting in a most enterprising fashion, Muyeye reached his own fifty off 66 balls and made light of the cloudy conditions that should have aided Anderson’s seam attack.But Lancashire got the breakthrough they needed in the penultimate over before tea, when Muyeye, having made 63, sought to hit Balderson down the ground but only skied the ball to cover, where Stanley took his second catch of the day.That ended Muyeye’s 126-run stand with Compton and as things turned out, the wicket fell ten balls before rain forced the players off a couple of deliveries before the scheduled tea interval. Umpires David Millns and Sue Redfern abandoned play at 5.20om with Compton 14 runs short of his fourth first-class century of the season and Jack Leaning unbeaten on 4.Balderson was the most successful Lancashire bowler with 2 for 37. Anderson bowled nine wicketless overs for 36 runs.Lancashire came into this match between the bottom two sides in Division Two four points ahead of their opponents and as the only first-class county yet to record a Championship win this season. If the weather forecast is anything like accurate, they will have done well to change that situation come Wednesday evening.

علق محمد عبد الكريم، المدرب العام لفريق سيراميكا كليوباترا، بعد فوز ناديه على حساب بتروجيت في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري.

وتمكن فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا من الفوز على نظيره بتروجيت، بهدفين مقابل هدف، باللقاء الذي أقيم على ملعب هيئة قناة السويس، ليعتلي صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري.

طالع | فيديو.. سيراميكا كليوباترا يعتلي صدارة الدوري بثنائية أمام بتروجيت

وقال محمد عبد الكريم في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر “قناة اون سبورت”: “الحمد لله حققنا فوزًا صعبًا جدًا، والفوز بهذا الشكل لا يتحقق إلا للفرق الكبيرة، الفريق يتعب واللاعبون يتعبون، والجهاز الفني والإدارة أيضًا يبذلون جهدًا كبيرًا، وكل المنظومة تبذل مجهودًا عظيمًا، ولذلك كافأنا الله في النهاية أمام فريق محترم”.

وأكمل: “هذه خامس مباراة على التوالي نحقق فيها نتيجة إيجابية، وهذا لا يمكن أن يتحقق إلا مع الفرق الكبيرة، وقدرنا أن نوصل هذه الرسالة للاعبين، والكابتن علي ماهر استطاع أن يغرس فيهم فكرة الاستمرارية، وهذه مسألة مهمة جدًا”.

وأردف: “قلنا للاعبين إننا نريد السفر إلى الإمارات ونحن سعداء، وأكرمنا الله حقًا بأجمل فرحة وثلاث نقاط ذات قيمة كبيرة”.

وواصل: “الحمد لله، الفضل كله يعود إلى الله، ومبروك لمنظومة سيراميكا كليوباترا كاملة من إدارة ولاعبين وجهاز فني وطبي، كل هؤلاء تعرضوا للإرهاق”.

وزاد: “أشكر اللاعبين على الأداء الرجولي، سواء الذين شاركوا أو كانوا على دكة البدلاء أو حتى المصابين، الحمد لله لم نتأثر بالغيابات، وهذا أمر يحدث في الفرق الكبيرة”.

واستطرد: “الجهاز الفني يؤدي عمله بجهد كبير، والله يكافئنا على تعبنا، الوصول إلى هذه الحالة بين اللاعبين ليس سهلاً، لكن بفضل الله كل فرد في المنظومة ملتزم بالعمل”.

وأتم: “الكابتن علي ومعتز البطاوي، وإدارة النادي جميعنا لدينا طموحات كبيرة، والموسم الماضي كافأنا الله ببطولة، وهذا الموسم طموحنا أكبر، واليوم سنفرح قليلاً، ثم نغلق الصفحة، وغدًا بإذن الله نبدأ التفكير في القادم”.

It has certainly been a positive start to the 2025/26 campaign for Leeds United. Daniel Farke’s side were tipped by many to go straight back down to the Championship, with more than half of ESPN’s pundits predicting they’d finish in the bottom three.

Of course, there is still plenty of time left this season, but the Whites have made an excellent start to their return to the top flight. They currently sit in 12th in the Premier League, having won two and drawn one from their five games. They already have a four-point cushion on the relegation zone, too.

A large part of why Leeds have started so well is their summer business. One of the most impressive additions so far has been Anton Stach.

Stach’s start to his Leeds career

German international Stach made the move to Elland Road from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim over the summer. He cost the Whites £17m, which seems to have been a bargain given his performances already.

The versatile midfielder, who can also operate at centre-back, has played five times in the Premier League.

He’s already chipped in with two goal involvements, including that sublime free-kick at Molineux against Wolves last time out.

The 26-year-old has certainly caught the eye during his short time at Elland Road so far. Former Watford captain Troy Deeney has been full of praise for the German, explaining that he has “been impressive”, describing him as “a very physical, very demanding player.”

Some of the numbers Stach has put up so far show just how well he has performed. For example, he’s averaged 2.6 combined tackles and interceptions and 1.8 accurate long balls per 90 minutes, as per Sofascore.

Indeed, Leeds’ new midfield gem has already become a key component of their midfield. However, there is another player in Farke’s side who is arguably even more important under Farke.

The Leeds star who's more valuable than Stach

If Stach could already be considered a pivotal cog in the works at Elland Road, then it shows the sort of quality he has brought to Farke’s side, both in and out of possession.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

He has slotted seamlessly into the starting lineup.

He is arguably on the right trajectory to match the importance of club captain Ethan Ampadu. The Welshman has long been viewed as an “indispensable” member of the Leeds side, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

So far, this season has been no different. Although he missed two games during the 2025/26 campaign, the former Chelsea star has started both of Leeds’ wins and the narrow 1-0 loss away to Fulham.

He’s operated in the heart of their midfield alongside Stach.

The quality Ampadu has brought to the centre of the park has been clear to see, and he’s played a huge part in both of their victories. Against Everton on the opening day of the season, he won six duels and completed 81% of his passes.

In their recent win at Molineux, the Welsh international won seven duels and four from four tackles.

With that in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that the Leeds skipper is one of the highest-valued players in their squad. According to Transfermarkt, he’s worth £17.4m, bettered only by attacker Wilfried Gnonto.

That is also a higher value than what Stach is deemed to be worth. The German midfielder, who cost the club a fraction less than Ampadu’s value over the summer, is only said to be £12.2m by Transfermarkt.

That certainly shows the importance Ampadu has in the Leeds side. Their skipper, who can play as a centre-back or in midfield as he has done this season, is an integral member of Farke’s side. The fact that he is worth more than Stach highlights his quality.

Leeds are brewing the next Kalvin Phillips in exciting 17-year-old starlet

Leeds United is now brewing their next Kalvin Phillips in this 17-year-old starlet.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 25, 2025

Former Arsenal and Wales international Aaron Ramsey is enduring a difficult period in Mexico after the abduction of his dog during a short family trip. The incident has kept him out of Pumas’ recent matches, with Ramsey and his family sharing emotional posts expressing their distress. With no timeline yet for his return, his future in the Auriazul shirt remains uncertain.

AFPAway from the team

Following Pumas’ 1-1 draw against Club León, head coach Efraín Juárez addressed Ramsey’s prolonged absence, a situation that has raised growing uncertainty around the veteran midfielder’s future at the club.

Since the last international break, Ramsey has not reported to the team’s training facilities at Cantera. Although he is also dealing with an injury, Pumas granted him permission to remain absent in order to handle personal matters.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'We’re monitoring it'

Juárez confirmed that the situation remains unresolved but refrained from going into detail, pointing to the emotional weight Ramsey is currently carrying:

“We’re monitoring it. I said it on Wednesday – let’s see what happens in the coming days. He’s dealing with his situation, which we all know about, involving his dog. Also, there was an issue before he left during the FIFA break. So, we’ll have to wait and see what happens in the next few days," the manager said. 

Getty Images SportChallenging for both sides

Ramsey’s time in Mexico has been far from what Pumas envisioned when they signed him as a high-profile marquee arrival. Despite being announced as a major coup for Liga MX, the Welsh midfielder has struggled to meet expectations. So far, he has scored just one goal across eight appearances.

Meanwhile, Pumas are currently outside of the Play-In spots, sitting 12th in the table with 15 points. Ramsey’s absence only adds to the club’s concerns as they fight to salvage their season.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

Pumas will face Tijuana on Sunday in a must-win match if they hope to stay in contention for a Play-In spot. Anything less than a victory would severely diminish their chances, especially with a tough season finale against Cruz Azul looming.