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Mexico have officially confirmed upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match against the Portuguese side is set for March 28 at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte (Azteca), while the clash with Belgium will take place on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Getty Images SportRumors are over: Portugal and CR7 set to reopen the Azteca

Through an official press release, Mexico confirmed what had been anticipated for weeks: a marquee friendly against Portugal in Mexico City, followed by a matchup with Belgium, which was finally locked in for Chicago. Both opponents are currently ranked in FIFA’s Top 10 and will serve as Mexico’s final two tests before kicking off their 2026 World Cup campaign.

“The Sporting Directorate of the Mexico National Team confirms Portugal and Belgium – two national teams positioned within the FIFA Top 10 ranking – as the opponents for the March 2026 FIFA window,” the statement announced.

AdvertisementAFPRonaldo set for first match on Mexican soil

The news has generated major excitement among fans, particularly with the possibility of Ronaldo playing his first-ever match on Mexican soil, should he be called up for the fixture. The event will carry additional significance, as it will be the national team’s debut at Estadio Banorte following its extensive renovation.

Located in Santa Úrsula, the venue is undergoing a full modernization ahead of the World Cup, where it will become the first stadium in history to host three tournament openers (1970, 1986 and 2026).

Getty Images SportBelgium await Mexico in Chicago

Three days later, Mexico will face Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and company when they take on Belgium at Chicago’s Soldier Field. The two nations have met seven times, with Mexico holding a slight edge in the all-time series: three wins, two draws, and two losses. Their most recent matchup came in 2017.

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In addition to these high-profile matches, Mexico are expected to play a series of friendlies in February against Central American clubs. Only Liga MX players will be called up, as it is not an official FIFA window. These games are still pending confirmation.

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has finally shown glimpses of lift off over the last couple of weeks, with the first-team squad now adapting to the demands of his 3-4-2-1 system.

Ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, his future at Old Trafford was massively up in the air, especially after only being able to register a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

However, he maintained the backing of the board, with such a decision now proving to be the right one, especially if their recent run of form is anything to go by.

The Red Devils remain unbeaten in each of their last five outings, winning three in a row in the process, leading to the 40-year-old claiming the division’s Manager of the Month award.

However, one player who joined the club during the off-season has somewhat struggled to make the desired impact in recent weeks, leading to question marks around his future.

What former Man Utd players have made of Sesko’s start at the club

Benjamin Sesko joined United in a £74m transfer from RB Leipzig, with the fanbase having real expectations on the centre-forward to change their fortunes in the final third.

The Slovenian has already featured in 11 league outings to date, but has only managed to find the net twice, failing to score in any of the last four matches in the Premier League.

Given his lack of goals, questions have been asked about the 22-year-old’s role at Old Trafford, with many former players voicing their concern over his struggles in England.

Former right-back and now pundit, Gary Neville, spoke about Sesko early this month and gave an honest review on the youngster’s start to life at the club.

The 50-year-old stated: “The jury is out. He’s well off it compared to the other summer signings Manchester United made up front, like Cunha and Mbeumo.

“He looks awkward. He had a couple of good opportunities against Forest, but his touch wasn’t quite right. For £80 million, you can say he’s young and settling in, but you still want to see a bit more.”

He wasn’t the only former Red Devils first-team member to speak out on the striker’s lack of form at present, with Peter Schmeichel also questioning the big-money transfer.

The former goalkeeper said: “You spend £70 million-plus on Sesko, when we don’t have the number six we should have, and there’s the goalkeeping position as well.

“Why did we bring someone in that we didn’t need? Because the head of recruitment [Christopher Vivell] comes from Leipzig and he’s got to make a mark.”

However, Wes Brown has jumped to Sesko’s defence in the last couple of weeks, with the Englishman offering a more open-minded view on his early months in Manchester.

He claimed that: “The quality in wide areas is very good now, so this season can be a positive one for Manchester United. I think Sesko has all the attributes to score plenty of goals for Manchester United. He is mobile, good in the air and with his feet, so it all bodes really well for the club.”

If he is to reach the heights many anticipated earlier this summer, he will definitely need time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, with Amorim needing to show patience in the talisman.

The United star who’s becoming INEOS’ worst signing

Despite Sesko needing time to prove his worth at United, the same can’t be said about numerous other talents who were brought to the club by INEOS in recent years.

Manuel Ugarte was signed for a reported £50m from PSG last summer, but his move to Old Trafford has fallen way below the expectations many had upon his arrival.

The Uruguayan was seen as the perfect ball-winning option at the heart of the side, but he’s struggled to cement his place in the starting eleven under Amorim.

It’s evident that the manager currently doesn’t trust the 24-year-old at present, with the boss currently selecting 33-year-old Casemiro ahead of him in the pecking order.

Given his tally of just two starts in the league throughout 2025/26, it would be a surprise to no one if he was sold in January, with the club needing to recoup as much of their investment as possible.

However, he might not be alone in that aspect, with forward Joshua Zirkzee another player who has struggled with the expectations after his own move 18 months ago.

INEOS forked out a reported £36m for his signature last summer, but the Dutchman has massively struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old featured in 49 matches across all competitions last season, but was only able to register a measly tally of seven goals – an average of one goal every seven games.

This season has been a new low for the Dutchman, with the attacker only making four appearances in the league under Amorim – none of which have been from a starting position.

During those outings, he’s only featured for a combined total of 82 minutes, with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha ahead of him in the pecking order.

His struggles may be down to his own confusion, with Zirkzee even stating that he sees himself as a 9.5, often liking to drop deeper and affect the player – with the manager’s system just not suiting his playstyle.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

72%

Shots taken

1.8

Chances created

0.8

Dribble success

38%

Aerials won

29%

Times dispossessed

2.8

His performances have unfortunately fallen way below what many expected last summer, leading to one analyst dubbing him as “terrible” after being hooked before half time against Newcastle United.

Given his lack of impact, there’s no denying that his move to Old Trafford has been a failure, with the board desperately needing to offload him in the upcoming window.

Whilst Sesko has had his own doubters in recent months, Zirkzee is on another level in terms of failures at the club – potentially going down as one of their worst dealings in the last couple of years.

Their own Anderson: Man Utd to make £53m bid to sign "world-class" CM

Manchester United are set to make a January move for another top-level central midfielder.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 13, 2025

Between breakout performances and returning stars making noise, the U.S. leave November camp with momentum – and something close to genuine belief. GOAL’s writers unpack the key storylines that emerged.

Right, then – we’ve got some results. And they’re good ones, too. The USMNT have taken plenty of heat – and rightly so – for leaning too much on the good-vibes narrative. The message has long been that winning doesn’t matter all that much. That may or may not be true, but this is America, and American fans like it when their teams win.

And how about two of them? Including one emphatic battering of a top-tier team? The U.S. played two, won two, scored seven, and conceded two. They brought some old faces back into the fray and got some real promise out of new ones, too. And perhaps most importantly, there's real hope where there was once total apathy. Suddenly, we're all allowed to be excited, and that's a good thing.

But zoom out for a second, and what are the takeaways here? Sure, Gio Reyna impressed, but what does that actually mean? Is Alex Freeman good enough to, you know, be any good long term? And, on the slightly negative side, who showed that they might not be good enough for the big time? GOAL U.S. writers break it all down in another edition of… . 

GettyBiggest takeaway from the thrashing of Uruguay?

Tom Hindle: That Sebastian Berhalter can BALL. There will be a lot of chat about the depth of the player pool – and rightfully so. But the center midfield options are plentiful here, and Berhalter turned in a fine audition for a spot.   

Ryan Tolmich: The player pool is deeper than many would think. After the game, Pochettino was upset by the idea of “regular” players, and he’s right; this team is much more than a few names now. There are now so many players who will believe that they won’t just make the World Cup, but make a difference once there, and that’s a pretty damn good thing considering where this team was just a few months ago.

AdvertisementImagnIs this Mauricio Pochettino's best result?

TH: By a country mile, with the minute caveat that Uruguay were really rather bad on the day. 

RT: Certainly, and not just because of the scoreline. This was a team playing in perfect harmony with fight, energy and intention. Despite making wholesale changes, the standards didn’t drop at all. It’s a testament to the work the staff has put in to get everyone humming and on the same page.

GettyWho stood out over the course of the camp?

TH: Gio Reyna. Cooked from the start against Paraguay, balled in the second half against Uruguay. A proper player.

RT: Alex Freeman is the easy answer, and he’s also the right answer. He’s become so much more confident over the last few months, and that confidence resulted in two goals. That won’t be the norm, but it shows how dangerous he is as an attacking weapon. He's gotten much better defensively, too, so the sky seems to be the limit.

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AFPWho missed their shot to impress?

TH: Brenden Aaronson. He's clearly a talented footballer, and could really do with showing a bit more when he puts his national team kit on. This was another near miss. 

RT: No one really? If you’re nitpicking, you could say that Ricardo Pepi will really wish he buried that shot against Paraguay to put some pressure on Balogun, but at the moment, he just isn’t fully fit. Generally, though, everyone performed well enough to keep themselves in the mix.

Derbyshire romp home at Headingley after limp home effort relieved only by Dom Bess’s fifty

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2025

Seamer Ben Aitchison’s maiden T20 five-wicket haul set Derbyshire on their way to hammering Yorkshire for the second Sunday running, ending the hosts’ already slim Vitality Blast quarter-final hopes in the process.Excellent Aitchison was potent en route to a superb 5 for 29 at Headingley and Afghanistan overseas spinner Mohammad Ghazanfar miserly in returning 2 for 5 from four overs as Yorkshire were limited to 151 for 9.The Falcons won at Chesterfield last Sunday, and here they deepened their local rivals’ misery by reducing them to 17 for 4 in five overs. Ghazanfar struck twice early and returned the joint-second most-economical four-over spell in Blast history.In a clash between the bottom two sides in the North, Dom Bess’s career best 53 off 37 balls at least gave Yorkshire a fighting total. But Derbyshire eased home by eight wickets inside 17 overs thanks largely to opener Aneurin Donald’s 54 off 30 balls.Derbyshire were already out of knockout contention, but this was their fourth win in 13 games and Yorkshire’s eighth defeat in 12.Yorkshire were left shell-shocked in the powerplay, which ended with them stranded on 28 for 4 having been inserted. Jonny Bairstow was bowled for a five-ball duck playing back to the offspin of Ghazanfar, who also had James Wharton caught at short cover.Sandwiched in between, Will Luxton was caught at short third-man and Dawid Malan at short fine-leg off Aitchison’s seam.On Thursday, Derbyshire reduced Worcestershire to 10 for 4 and lost. So they will have been wary not to let their foot off the gas. And they did not.Pakistani overseas batter Abdullah Shafique was next to go for 26, caught at mid-on off a miscued pull at Zak Chappell as Yorkshire reached the 10-over mark at 55 for 5. Chappell struck again in the 16th with the score on 97 when he had Will Sutherland caught at deep midwicket following a miscued pull.Bess, who hoisted two leg-side sixes off Pat Brown’s seam, kept Yorkshire afloat with his second career Blast fifty, this off 36 balls. But he fell to his next, caught at deep midwicket off Aitchison, who struck three times in four balls in the 19th over.Either side of dismissing Bess, he had Jordan Thompson caught behind and Jafer Chohan caught at backward point in posting only Derbyshire’s second ever T20 five-for.At Chesterfield last weekend, opener Donald smashed 85 off 30 balls as the Falcons chased 201. Here, their task was much more straightforward, and Donald was in the mood again.He ramped Sutherland’s seam for six and went on to reach his fifty off 24 balls – his sixth fifty of the campaign. By the time that was recorded, Derbyshire were motoring at 70 without loss in the sixth over. From there, with Yorkshire sloppy in the field, the result was inevitable.Donald miscued to point off Dan Moriarty’s left-arm spin having shared 78 inside eight overs with Australian Caleb Jewell.Jewell went on to post 41 not out and share an unbroken third-wicket stand of 73 with Wayne Madsen, who finished 51 not out off 28 balls and reached his fifty with the winning blow – a six over long-on off Jafer Chohan.

Liverpool supporters have erupted online after Federico Chiesa was named the club’s Player of the Month for September, despite the Italian not starting a single Premier League game during that stretch. Chiesa’s recognition has reignited anger towards head coach Arne Slot, with fans questioning his team selections and labelling the forward "Liverpool’s best player" who continues to be unfairly benched.

• Chiesa voted Player of the Month by Liverpool fans

  Chiesa has been voted Liverpool’s Standard Chartered Men’s Player of the Month for September, securing 34% of fan votes in the official club poll. Alisson Becker and Ryan Gravenberch tied for second place with 18% each, but Chiesa’s impact in limited minutes proved decisive. Despite starting just one Carabao Cup fixture all month, the Italian’s three goal involvements across three appearances captured the admiration of supporters.

  Chiesa was at his creative best during the Reds’ 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Southampton at Anfield, providing an assist for Alexander Isak while earning the Player of the Match award. Days later, he came off the bench to score in Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace, though the result overshadowed his personal contribution. The 27-year-old’s spark and energy in cameo appearances have prompted many fans to demand he play a more central role in Slot’s plans.

  Collecting the award at the AXA Training Centre, Chiesa expressed his gratitude to supporters, saying: "Of course, I'm glad I won this prize. Thank you to the fans for the support and for voting for me. I would rather not get it in the future and win more games. But thank you again.

  "The support always has been amazing. I try to give my best on the pitch for the fans and for Liverpool. I love to see that the fans actually appreciate what I'm doing."

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• Supporters split on award

  On social media, Liverpool fan @luciruoc questioned: "Is this a joke! Fede is brilliant but how can you win PotM being a bench player than rarely gets more than 15 mins a match."

  @MartinEra_ joked: "Spent 500M and 13M Chiesa is your best player."

  @tsk58cc wrote: "Imagine – bench player winning it. Shows how poor the team has been and also strange that Fede doesn't get more starts."

  @eramiegbami said: "My kind of player. Head down. No complaints. Gets his chance and plays like it’s a Champions League final."

  @briggsisgreat added: "Man’s been running like he’s got rent due every week, give that guy two trophies — one for performance and one for pure chaos energy on the pitch."

  @Akmathurx concluded: "Player of the month from the bench. I can't believe he's still not starting any games. So happy for him, our most hardworking player."

• Chiesa barely getting a start under Slot

  Chiesa’s award comes amid growing tension within the fanbase over Slot’s squad management and player rotation choices. The former Juventus winger, who joined Liverpool last year, has often been seen as a game-changer from the bench yet continues to be overlooked for a regular starting berth. His performances this season have reignited calls for him to start ahead of several underperforming attackers, particularly with Liverpool struggling for consistency in the Premier League.

  His direct involvement in three of Liverpool’s goals this month despite limited game time underscores his effectiveness and sharpness in the final third. As frustration builds, many fans have taken to social media questioning whether Slot’s tactical setup is holding back one of Liverpool’s most dynamic attacking talents.

  Chiesa himself has maintained professionalism amid the debate, insisting that he remains focused on contributing whenever called upon. "Whatever the minutes are that I’m playing, I try to give my best, I try to help the team, stay positive and make an impact," he said. "That’s what I’m here for. I hope I keep on pushing and giving something back to the fans."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Could Chiesa become a Liverpool starter?

  Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures offer Chiesa another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role, especially as they face a mini-injury crisis with five games staring them down in the next 15 days.

  With the Reds aiming to end a stuttering domestic run and maintain momentum in Europe, Slot will be under pressure to reassess his lineup and reward form over reputation. Chiesa’s creative influence and eye for goal have become too evident to ignore, and fan sentiment could soon make his inclusion a necessity rather than an option.

Leeds United are already looking ahead to the January transfer window and could seek to target an international star who will currently be available for free in 2026.

Leeds trying to move on after transfer frustration

Daniel Farke has acknowledged that the Whites could’ve done more in the window as they look to stay in the Premier League, albeit the German coach will have to play with the cards he has at his disposal for the time being after a heartbreaking late defeat at Fulham on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a bizarre Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal.

Like any newly-promoted side, home form and being able to withstand barrages while on the road from elite outfits will be key to their chances of survival. Either way, the former Norwich City boss has admitted he will need to cope with the ‘reality’ of their situation.

He stated via The Independent on their transfer dealings: “I’ve got a few principles with how I work and this is crucial for me. One principle is I like openness and transparency. I like to name it how I see it.

“The second principle is once a transfer window is closed and I can’t influence things anymore, you won’t hear one bad word or comment from me in any way. I’m pretty fortunate to be allowed to work in the business. My job is to adapt to the reality and work with what I’ve got.”

Failed late Leeds moves for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin, among others, have left the Whites a little light for Farke’s liking, but that is the way of the window, and he isn’t the only top-flight manager in that situation.

Ultimately, time is the greatest healer and January isn’t a million miles away, which could see movement emerge regarding another star who was heavily pursued during the summer.

Leeds United plan move to sign Fulham's Harry Wilson

According to Football Insider, Leeds are planning a renewed move to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson in January after missing out on the Wales international in the final hours of the summer window.

Encouragingly, the £55,000 per week earner is out of contract in 2026 and the Whites are keeping a close eye on his situation, while the Cottagers may be willing to sell him should he fail to agree an extention over the next few months.

Leeds are brewing a homegrown Wilson in “very talented” 18-year-old star

Leeds United are brewing their very own Harry Wilson in this 18-year-old sensation.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 13, 2025

Labelled “outstanding” by Michael Beale, Wilson, who shares the Unique Sports Group agency with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, per Transfermarkt, scored six times in 27 appearances last term and has featured in all of Fulham’s matches so far in 2025/26, though is yet to get off the mark.

Clearly, Farke has had to deal with frustration at Elland Road in his mission to land key targets, but the chance to achieve retribution in pursuit of a player who could potentially arrive on a cut-price agreement or for free next year may sweeten his set of circumstances.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em noite de pouca inspiração, não faltou transpiração ao Botafogo ao se deparar com o Cruzeiro. O empate em 0 a 0 no Mineirão renovou a confiança da torcida em alguns torcedores, mas deixou alguns sinais de alerta para o técnico Bruno Lage na sequência da temporada.

Por mais que o Alvinegro tenha aumentado para 13 pontos sua vantagem na liderança, ainda há algumas arestas para serem aparadas.

A opção por fazer com que as jogadas de ataque passassem por Eduardo passou longe de funcionar. Diante da pressão cruzeirense, o camisa 33 era bem marcado e não conseguia tabelar com Tchê Tchê ou com o setor ofensivo. As raras investidas de Victor Sá e Júnior Santos culminavam em lançamentos para que Tiquinho Soares disputasse com a zaga adversária.

Enquanto isso, Lucas Silva tinha liberdade para distribuir passes e encontrava brechas para que William e Matheus Pereira surgissem nas costas de Marçal. Foi nesse momento que o Alvinegro começou a mostrar sua maior qualidade no confronto.

Victor Cuesta e, principalmente, Adryelson se mostraram implacáveis na marcação. O camisa 34 praticamente se atirava a cada lance para impedir eventuais investidas. A dupla de zaga honrou sua grande fase ao mostrar bom entrosamento.

No entanto, a atípica pouca inspiração ficou ainda maior depois da baixa de Tiquinho Soares. A decisão de lançar Lucas Fernandes e designar Eduardo para atuar mais adiantado não evitou que a equipe andasse em círculos e ficasse previsível diante de um adversário com meio de campo forte. A entrada de Matías Segovia no intervalo culminou no único chute alvinegro na partida, mas as jogadas botafoguenses continuaram a não sair com naturalidade.

Posteriormente, Carlos Alberto e Janderson entraram e tentaram dar mais poderio ofensivo ao Glorioso. Mas a equipe estava muito desajustada, sem sintonia e pouco criava.

Além disso, os laterais Di Plácido e Marçal também subiam pouco, devido à força que o Cruzeiro passou a impor na reta final. Rapidamente, o Botafogo foi perdendo o rumo e se atando de novo.

Mesmo em meio a tantos apuros, o Alvinegro, mais uma vez, viu sua salvação passar pelas mãos de Lucas Perri. O goleiro salvou chute traiçoeiro de Matheus Pereira. O cerco cruzeirense continuava e, nos últimos minutos, coube a Perri espalmar duas cabeçadas à queima-roupa de Rafael Elias.

Em meio a solavancos, tensões, dores e queixas do gramado do Mineirão, o ponto agarrado graças às atuações do camisa 12, de Adryelson e Cuesta. Passada a rodada na qual o Botafogo teve atuação aquém do esperado, o momento é de abrir novamente os caminhos para a criação de jogadas. Há muito em jogo.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is set to tie down star midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur to a new deal. The Uruguay international's current contract expires in the summer of 2026 and Spurs are not willing to let him leave for free next season. Bentancur has made a bright start to the season under new boss Frank and has started in four out of their first six Premier League matches.

• Spurs don't want to lose Bentancur for free

  Bentancur, who joined the north London club in 2022, has entered the final year of his Spurs contract and is yet to sign a new deal. Tottenham are desperate to hold on to the Uruguayan star and are considering offering him a new contract as they don't want to lose the midfielder for free next summer, according to .

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Frank hails Bentancur as 'top professional'

  Speaking about Bentancur's future at the club, Spurs boss Thomas Frank said: "I think, first and foremost, I’m very happy with Rodri. He’s been a very good player for us, a top professional in every aspect. I’m happy with him, he’s happy with being here. I know that for a fact. Let’s see what’s going to happen in the future."

• Bentancur's extension priority after Romero's new deal

  Frank has made it his priority to tie down Bentancur to a new deal after Cristian Romero agreed to sign a new contract earlier this season, after he was made the captain of the club. The Argentine received the armband following the departure of club legend Son Heung-min.

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  Two more Spurs stars' contracts due to expires next season

  If Bentacur agrees to sign a new deal, then only Yves Bissouma and Ben Davies would be left in the first-team squad with contracts due to expire next summer. Frank's side next face Bodo Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Tottenham Hotspur’s business within the transfer market this summer has been impressive, to say the least – subsequently handing boss Thomas Frank the tools he needs for success in the role.

Former chairman, Daniel Levy, backed the new manager with the funds to make the desired changes, leading to over £100m being spent on new additions in North London.

Mohammed Kudus was the biggest addition, costing £55m from rivals West Ham United, with Xavi Simons also making the move in a £52m transfer from RB Leipzig.

Such moves have offered the Lilywhites further quality and depth in the final third – strengthening their chances of being competitive in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

However, they’ve already made numerous departures, offloading players who are no longer in the manager’s plans and or below the levels needed for success in the near future.

Spurs’ departures throughout the summer window

Winger Heung-min Son ended his decade-long Spurs career this summer, leaving the club in a £20m deal to join MLS side Los Angeles FC earlier in the window.

The South Korean international racked up over 450 appearances for the Lilywhites, ending his tenure in North London as the club’s fourth-highest goalscorer in their history.

Yves Bissouma is another player who was constantly touted with a move away from the club – after Frank axed him from his squad for multiple disciplinary reasons.

The Malian international has also failed to appear in a single matchday squad since the Dane’s arrival, prompting huge rumours about an exit away from North London.

With the Saudi and Turkish transfer windows still open, the 29-year-old could yet leave the club, ending his three-year spell in the side – after joining from Brighton in a £35m deal back in 2022.

The former Spurs star who’s now worth less than Bissouma

Given his absence from the first-team squad, it would be a surprise to no one to see Bissouma depart Spurs in the coming days – putting a sour end to his time at the club.

However, his spell with the Lilywhites has been littered with various incidents, previously being suspended after being caught inhaling nitrous oxide during the Ange Postecoglou reign.

Despite scoring two goals and often having a positive impact, it’s his off-field antics that have negatively affected his time at the club – with the hierarchy needing to cut loose in the weeks ahead.

The hierarchy could still command a decent fee for the midfielder, similarly to the departure of former attacker Steven Bergwijn, who left the club back in the summer of 2022.

The Dutchman arrived in a £27m deal from PSV back in January 2020, with the attacker making an immediate impact after his big-money transfer to England.

He scored a superb effort in a 2-0 triumph against Manchester City in North London, but it’s safe to say his career at the club never took off after such a spectacular moment.

Bergwijn only managed to score eight goals in his 83 appearances for the Lilywhites, subsequently returning to the Netherlands after just 18 months at the club.

He subsequently rejoined Dutch outfit Ajax in a £28m deal in the summer of 2022, leading to one content creator labelling his spell at the club as “woeful”.

The winger, who now plies his trade for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, is now valued at £9.3m by FootballTransfers – showcasing the decline he’s endured over the last couple of years.

Transfer Fee

£27m

Wages (Total)

£75k-per-week (£9.4m)

Appearances

83

Cost per Appearance

£439k

Goals

8

Cost per Goal

£4.5m

Assists

9

Cost per Assist

£4m

Goal Involvements

17

Cost per Goal Involvement

£2.1m

Such a figure is lower than that of Spurs outcast Bissouma, with the Malian still valued at £15.7m despite his recent antics and lack of first-team action in North London.

Given the value of Bergwijn, there’s no denying that the hierarchy made the right call in allowing the attacker to depart the club after his unsuccessful stint in the Premier League.

As for Bissouma, it’s crucial that the board replicate such a deal in allowing him to depart, subsequently avoiding losing him for nothing when his contract expires next summer.

Not just Tel: Spurs dud who's like a "pub player" is finished under Frank

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to part ways with numerous players in the near future.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 4, 2025

Manchester United are now willing to pay whatever it takes to sign another striker, even alongside their move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to a report.

Man Utd closing in on deal for Sesko

Despite rival interest from Newcastle United, it now appears as though Man United are closing in on a deal to sign Sesko, and they are aiming to get it over the line as quickly as possible.

Alan Shearer has subsequently been left frustrated by Sesko’s decision to move to Old Trafford rather than St. James’ Park, saying: “It sounds as if Benjamin Sesko had two clubs to choose from in Newcastle and Man United. One that won a trophy last year and is now playing Champions League football this season – and one that didn’t win anything, finished 15th and had a dreadful season.”

However, it is a testament to the size of Manchester United that they have seemingly won the race for the Slovenian striker, but they may not be done there, with a report from Foot Africa revealing they are keen on signing another centre-forward.

Indeed, United are now prepared to pay whatever it takes to sign Fiorentina striker Bassidy Sanogo, who is attracting interest from a number of clubs, after impressing for the Serie A side at youth level.

It's not Sesko: "Unbelievable" £50m striker now really keen to join Man Utd

A Benjamin Sesko alternative is now ready to make the move to Old Trafford.

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 6, 2025

Stuttgart, Hoffenheim and Club Brugge are also named as potential suitors, but Fiorentina are determined to keep hold of the 17-year-old, which could make it difficult to get a deal over the line, although the Red Devils are willing to pay whatever it takes.

The teenager has been exhibiting promising signs for Fiorentina U18s, picking up six goals and two assists in 18 matches in the 2024-25 campaign, indicating that he could be an exciting long-term addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad.

However, it is far more important for Man United to bring in a ready-made striker, and Sesko could be the solution to their attacking woes, given that the 22-year-old now has two impressive Bundesliga seasons under his belt.

Lauded as “outstanding” by former United boss Ralf Rangnick, the Leipzig star has scored 27 goals across the previous two Bundesliga campaigns, while also finding the back of the net four times in the Champions League last season.

Not only that, but the Slovenia international also outperformed Rasmus Hojlund’s attacking numbers in the year before the Dane moved to Old Trafford, indicating Sesko could be a real upgrade on the former Atalanta man.