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The defending champions suffered one of the most remarkable collapses in history

AAP25-Oct-2024Western Australia lost an incredible 8 for 1 – with their one run coming from a wide – in a batting collapse for the ages that has left their One-Day Cup defence in tatters.They were bowled out for 53 in 20.1 overs at the WACA Ground on Friday against a rampant Tasmania attack led superbly by Beau Webster (6-17 off six overs).It was the second lowest score in One-Day Cup history, only narrowly bettering the 51 posted by South Australia against Tasmania in Hobart in 2003.Tasmania chased down the paltry victory target in just 8.3 overs to secure a seven-wicket victory and a vital bonus point.WA’s bid for a fourth consecutive title now hangs by a thread. At one-and-three, WA need to beat Victoria, South Australia and Queensland in their remaining three games – and rely on other results to fall their way – in order to secure a top-two spot and a berth in the March 1 final.WA were crawling at 52 for 2 in the 16th over before suffering one of the worst batting collapses witnessed in professional cricket. In the space of 28 legal deliveries, WA lost eight wickets and registered just one run – in the sundries column – as Webster and Billy Stanlake ran rampant.

What just happened in Perth?

Western Australia went from 52-2 to 53 all out, with as many as SIX ducks https://t.co/hoC5crTksw #WAvTAS pic.twitter.com/jSJWftHZOq

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 25, 2024

It meant WA went from 52 for 2 to all out for 53, with not a single run scored by the players batting at No. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.The out-of-form Cameron Bancroft was the first to fall in the collapse when trapped lbw by Webster. Ashton Turner also fell lbw to Webster three balls later, and Josh Inglis was bowled by a Stanlake pearler one ball after that.Cooper Connolly, Hilton Cartwright, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson and Joel Paris all posted ducks as WA’s innings was brought to a crashing end.Opener D’Arcy Short top scored with 22 in a sorry looking scoreboard for the three-time defending champions. WA fell short of their previous lowest score, the 59 they posted against Victoria at the MCG in 1969.Webster was the hero for Tasmania, claiming the early scalp of Short before kick-starting the collapse in a career-best display. Stanlake was also hugely effective, with his removal of Inglis among the highlights of the innings.In reply to WA’s embarrassing total, Tasmania raced to 27 without loss after three overs as opener Mitchell Owen let loose with a series of powerful heaves.Tasmania lost 3 for 1 as Caleb Jewell, Jordan Silk and Owen fell in quick succession, but Matthew Wade guided them home.The result marked Tasmania’s first win of the season, after a loss and a no-result from their first two games.

Leeds United are still in the market to add more quality to their squad before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of September.

The Whites have set about bolstering their defence and midfield so far, with the additions of Jaka Bijol, Lucas Perri, and Sean Longstaff, among others, and now it is time to focus on the attack.

It will be interesting to see what areas of the attack the Championship champions look to strengthen in, as it may be telling as to who Daniel Farke believes has the quality to make the step up as a regular starter in the Premier League within the current squad.

Anton Stach’s brilliant strike against AC Milan on Saturday, as shown in the clip above, suggests that he could offer a goal threat from midfield, but Leeds also need goals from their forward line.

Leeds eyeing deal for Bundesliga winger

The Whites are reportedly looking at a move for a new attacking option who could come in to trouble Dan James for his spot in the team on the right.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to The Boot Room, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs that are lining up a potential deal to sign Nathan Tella from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The report claims that the West Yorkshire outfit sent scouts to watch the Nigeria international in action against Chelsea in a friendly on Friday, with a view to a possible move for him.

It adds that Forest, Brighton, Brentford, and Burnley also had scouts in attendance, although Forest are the only side specifically said to be keen on Tella, along with Leeds.

Why Leeds should sign Nathan Tella

The Whites should swoop to bring the forward, who was signed for £20m from Burnley in 2023, to Elland Road because he could come in as an upgrade on Dan James.

As aforementioned, Leeds need to find players who can score goals in the Premier League next season, and Tella’s form for Leverkusen and Burnley suggests that he has the potential to provide more than the Welshman in front of goal at the top level.

The Nigerian forward has scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in the last two seasons in all competitions, including seven goals in the Bundesliga in that time.

James, meanwhile, scored two goals and provided one assist in 24 matches in the Premier League in his last season at the top level with Fulham in the 2022/23 campaign.

Appearances

39

36

Goals

17

12

Big chances missed

7

7

Conversion rate

24%

12%

Minutes per goal

148

218

Goals from inside the box

15

10

Goals from outside the box

2

2

As you can see in the table above, the Leverkusen forward’s season in the Championship with Burnley was far more prolific than the Leeds winger’s last term.

Tella, who was described as “sensational” by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his time with the Clarets, has shown in a top five league – in the Bundesliga – and in the Championship that he has the potential to offer a greater threat in front of goal than James.

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ByDan Emery Aug 10, 2025

Although he is unproven in the Premier League, the 26-year-old wing wizard appears to have the potential and pedigree to come in as an upgrade on James on the right flank as a goalscoring threat.

Arsenal’s rise back into title contention has received some praise in recent years, but former defender Gael Clichy has voiced concerns that Mikel Arteta’s tactics show a “lack of ambition”. After three straight runner-up finishes, Clichy believes the Gunners are focusing more on avoiding defeat than pushing for victory, particularly in big away matches.

Gael Clichy questions Arsenal’s lack of ambition 'Invincibles' star claims Gunners focus too much on avoiding defeatTitle hopes may hinge on Viktor Gyokeres’ attacking impactFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners’ unbeaten start to the season ended against Liverpool at Anfield before the international break. Clichy criticised Arteta’s ultra-cautious approach, arguing that Arsenal no longer look to dominate top rivals away from home. Instead, he feels the team has become overly focused on grinding out points rather than seizing statement wins.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT CLICHY SAID

Speaking to , Clichy said: "Arsenal is coming to a place where the idea and identify of Arsene Wenger’s football is not seen much anymore.

"We don’t talk about how well Arsenal played these days, we talk about how difficult they are to break down or how impressive they are on set pieces. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fantastic and it’s part of the game you need to exploit but if we talk about what Arsenal used to be and what Arsenal is today, there’s nothing to compare anymore.

"We have to accept the manager wants something different. And maybe with the wingers and striker we have, we see more of this old-school way. But we also have to tell it like it is – we have also maybe seen a lack of ambition from Arsenal as a club and from Mikel.

"When you look at that game against Liverpool, you can see a team that is not concerned about winning but a team excited not to lose a game. This is very subtle but this is a massive difference for a team that is competing for the title. So hopefully this will change with the players they have now.

"Liverpool started the season very fragile, giving up opportunities. But Arsenal did not exploit that, they did not want to hear it. This is the part where Mikel needs to adjust. Yes, you will win points, I have heard him saying how they are the team who have won the most points over the last three years. But you haven’t won anything. It is not a question about points, it is going to those places and getting the win."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Clichy’s remarks underline a wider debate about Arsenal’s transformation under Arteta. While their defensive solidity and tactical discipline have been praised, their reluctance to take risks has cost them key points against rivals. Success this season may hinge on whether their new striker, Viktor Gyokeres, can provide the cutting edge in decisive games, with a prolific No. 9 having been something they have been eagerly missing.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arsenal return to Premier League action after the international break, determined to keep pace with Liverpool. Arteta will be under pressure to show greater ambition in big matches, starting with the clash against Nottingham Forest. 

Test will be hosted at the MCG where the first and Centenary Test were played

Nagraj Gollapudi22-Nov-2024The one-off Test between Australia and England to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket will be played from March 11 to 15 in 2027.The dates were mentioned by IPL in an email to franchises on Thursday informing them about the window for the tournament for the next three seasons (2025-27) along with the availability of overseas players each year.The fixture, which was announced by Cricket Australia (CA) earlier this August, will replicate the Centenary Test of 1977 which Australia won by 45 runs, matching the margin of victory in the first Test played in 1877, which was also won by Australia.Related

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The Test will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which also hosted the other two milestone Tests in 1877 and 1977.This 2027 Test will clash with the start of the IPL season with the tournament window earmarked between March 14 to May 30 that year. In the email to franchises, the IPL said that players from Australia and England would join their teams post the one-off Test.Before this, these two teams will also take part in the Ashes which begin next year on November 21 in Perth with the final Test in Sydney on January 4, 2026. England will host the 2027 Ashes.

It might sound a little hyperbolic, but it feels like West Ham United are currently in a crisis.

Graham Potter’s side have lost all three of their games so far, and while they’ve scored three goals, they’ve conceded a whopping 11.

It’s crystal clear that the East Londoners are in desperate need of quality reinforcements who can help make them a far tougher proposition to play against if they are to still be playing Premier League football next year.

Fortunately, it appears that the club are incredibly close to bringing in someone who could be just what they need and the perfect teammate for the promising El Hadji Malick Diouf.

West Ham close in on the perfect teammate for Diouf

Arguably, the area of the team West Ham are most in need of reinforcing before the window closes next week is in the midfield.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The middle of the park was already looking a little weak at the start of the summer, but with Edson Alvarez now in Turkey, Potter and Co are in serious need of fresh legs and quality.

Not only do the Hammers need someone who can help with the offensive side of things, but someone who can come straight into the side and make them a nightmare to play against.

Fortunately, it appears that the East Londoners are incredibly close to signing a player who would not only fit that description, but also be able to get more out of fellow summer signing Diouf.

At least that is according to a recent update from Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, who has revealed that West Ham are closing in on Soungoutou Magassa.

Furthermore, Thomas has confirmed that the young Frenchman will be flying into London on Wednesday to undergo a medical ahead of his £17.3m move from AS Monaco, a switch that Thomas suggests is set to be done in the “next 24-48 hours”.

Magassa might not be a household name, but he looks like just the sort of player West Ham need at the moment, and someone who could get even more out of Diouf.

Why Magassa would be a dream signing for Diouf

The first and most significant reason Magassa could help get even more out of Diouf is the same reason he’d be a brilliant teammate for the rest of the West Ham team: his defensive and athletic qualities.

For example, even though he can play in central midfield and at centre-back, he’s been at his best in recent seasons playing as a defensive midfielder, where he can utilise both to break up play and harry opposition attackers.

You can best see how elite he is at the defensive side of the game through his underlying numbers.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 2% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for tackles plus interceptions, tackles in the middle third, and dribblers challenged, as well as the top 6% for passes blocked and more, all per 90 minutes.

In other words, the 21-year-old could be trusted to do the bulk of the defensive work for the Irons, which in turn would allow Diouf more opportunities to maraud down the wing and supply the frontline with chance after chance from his brilliant crosses.

Yet, there is another way in which the Monaco ace would be able to help get more out of the Senegalese gem: his passing ability.

On top of being a defensive monster in the middle of the park, the “elegant” Frenchman, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also far more accomplished with the ball at his feet than you might imagine.

Dribblers Tackled

1.88

Top 1%

Ball Recoveries

7.59

Top 1%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.81

Top 2%

Dribbles Challenged

3.62

Top 2%

Tkl+Int

5.22

Top 2%

Tackles

3.48

Top 3%

Interceptions

1.74

Top 4%

Passes Blocked

1.39

Top 6%

Switches

0.77

Top 7%

Through Balls

0.42

Top 10%

Blocks

1.74

Top 10%

Successful Take-Ons

1.11

Top 12%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

1.25

Top 14%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

42.70

Top 14%

Passes into Final Third

5.78

Top 18%

Tackles Won

1.60

Top 18%

In fact, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has praised him for his “forward-thinking mindset” and his impressive ability to “spray passes wide out to the wings,” which suggests he would be able to find the former Slavia Prague ace with ease.

Once again, we can see skills in 6 foot 2 titan’s underlying numbers, as FBref ranks him in the top 7% for switches and the top 10% for through balls per 90.

Ultimately, West Ham appear to be making an excellent signing in Magassa, as not only will he add some defensive steel to the midfield, but he will also allow Diouf to flourish out wide.

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ByBen Gray Aug 27, 2025

Karim Adeyemi and Kenan Yildiz shared a light-hearted exchange in the pulsating 4-4 Champions League draw between Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. The pair, who once attended the same school in Germany, traded words after each scored spectacular goals. Both later clarified their comments, with Adeyemi jokingly telling Yildiz not to score again, while the Juve youngster recalled admiring his old friend as a role model.

Verbal skirmish between Adeyemi and Yildiz

A heated-looking moment between Adeyemi and Yildiz during Juve’s clash with Dortmund quickly became a talking point. The two were seen in a centre-circle exchange after scoring stunning goals, sparking speculation of tension. However, the 23-year-old Dortmund star dismissed any hostility, telling it was nothing more than banter between old acquaintances.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAdeyemi explains exchange with good friend Yildiz

“We know each other. I went to school with him. He was younger than me, a very, very good boy and a very good footballer,” the Dortmund winger said of the 20-year-old Turkey international. “I scored, he scored, and then we played a little joke. I told him not to score any more goals and not to run backwards. That’s football. I get along well with him.”

'He was a role model' – Yildiz on Adeyemi

Juve starlet Yildiz also downplayed the incident, revealing the exchange was partly in Turkish. 

“Those were a few jokes in Turkish. He knows a few words. I think he sometimes feels better than me,” he laughed.

“We went to the same school in Unterhaching. I was in fifth grade, he was in 10th. People looked up to him, he was a bit of a role model back then.”

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Getty ImagesEight-goal thriller lights up Turin

The friendly chat was just one subplot in a chaotic Champions League opener. Adeyemi’s strike put Dortmund ahead, before Yildiz’s long-range effort levelled things. Felix Nmecha and Dusan Vlahovic traded goals in a frantic four-minute spell, while Yan Couto and Ramy Bensebaini seemed to seal the win for the Germans after the 86th minute. However, late strikes from Vlahovic and Lloyd Kelly rescued Juventus in stoppage time.

The 4-4 draw equalled the record for the highest-scoring Champions League draw and highlighted both sides’ attacking flair as well as their defensive fragility. Juve will next face Villarreal in their group campaign, while Borussia Dortmund meet Athletic Club on October 2. With Yildiz’s rise continuing and Adeyemi back in form, both clubs will hope to turn entertainment into consistent results.

“These guys are still hungry, and still have the passion to play for the country and deliver for the country”

PTI01-Feb-2025India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both have “massive roles” to play for the team in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Gambhir said that both players still have “so much value” to offer, despite their recent poor run of form.”I think both Rohit and Virat, they add so much value to the dressing room. They add so much value to Indian cricket as well. They’ve got to play a massive role (in the Champions Trophy),” Gambhir said in Mumbai on Saturday, at the BCCI annual awards.”And I’ve said it before as well, those guys are so hungry, they want to play for the country. They have the passion to play for the country and deliver for the country.”Gambhir said India cannot afford to relax even for a moment in the Champions Trophy because they have just three league matches, unlike the 2023 50-over World Cup where there were nine each.Related

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“Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is a make-or-break, so you can’t stop anywhere in this tournament.”So hopefully we’re going to start off really well, because ultimately, if you want to go on and win the competition, you have to win five games.”Gambhir played down the hype surrounding the India vs Pakistan match, which is scheduled to be played in Dubai on February 23.”Look, we don’t go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think five games, all the games are important. The mission to go to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not only win one particular game. But yes, if that is one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we’re going to try and take it as seriously as possible.”And more importantly, I think when two countries, India and Pakistan, play against each other, obviously the emotions are really high, but ultimately the contest remains the same.”Gambhir also hailed Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, for infusing fresh ideas into the squad following the retirements of Kohli and Rohit from the shortest format after the T20 World Cup last year.”Me and Surya have been on the same page when we talk about selflessness and fearlessness. But yes, we want to be more smart going forward, because that is how we’re going to grow as a T20 team, and hopefully in all the other formats as well.”But I think the guys have been absolutely phenomenal. They’ve got the skills, they’ve got the temperament, they’ve got all the ability. And what they’ve done in the last six months, I think that’s been incredible.”I think the foundation of this T20 team was based on two principles. That is selflessness and fearlessness. I think that is something which we want to create in that dressing room, and these young boys have responded really, really well.”

Captain Mitchell Santner is pleased with the depth in the squad for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE

Andrew Fidel Fernando12-Jan-2025Between Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, and Will O’ Rourke, New Zealand’s mens’s side have their high-pace, high-bounce options covered. These are the kinds of bowlers that tend to find ways to trouble batters on any surface you roll out for them.But what if, in Pakistan and Dubai, through the course of the Champions Trophy, it is spin that makes the difference? We’ve seen how tournaments in Asia tend to play out. Through the course of a packed schedule, the squares wear substantially, and by the end you’re playing on tired decks, the average scores nosediving by the business end.New Zealand will play in Karachi in the tournament opener, have a game in Rawalpindi, and their final group match in Dubai. They’ve got to be ready for whatever comes, though they will also have the additional preparation of a short-and-sharp tri-series in Pakistan in the lead-up to the big event. So, they’ve packed their squad with players who offer serious versatility.The three main spin options in the side are captain Mitchell Santner, who has developed into an excellent bowler over the past decade, plus Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips. There is also Rachin Ravindra, who bowled almost 66 overs through the course of the 2023 World Cup, in India. The headline news is that all four of these players can bat (with Ravindra and Phillips, that is very much their foremost skill). In fact, if the pitch shows signs of taking turn, they could all play in the same XI.”If there is a little bit of turn, we can have Bracewell bat at No. 7, and I can go at No. 8,” Santner said. “We have options, which is great for our squad. We’ve got raw pace, we’ve got the spin, and the allrounders as well.”Related

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Although all four are fingerspinners (Ish Sodhi has not been picked), there are two left-armers and two offbreak bowlers. New Zealand fielded all four in the third ODI against Sri Lanka, on Saturday. Though they were beaten by 140 runs in that match, thanks largely to the top order having crashed to 21 for 5, their spinners had been excellent. Sri Lanka had been 155 for 1 after the 27th over, before New Zealand’s spinners imposed themselves on the match, and prompted something of a middle-overs collapse from Sri Lanka.Santner took two wickets through this period and Bracewell had also struck. Phillips had snuck in three cheap overs, conceding just 12 in this three overs. Santner compared his two offspin options.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”They’re both very good offspinners in their own right. They’re both different, I think. On a wicket like that, Bracewell can get a bit more bounce – a little more over the top. Even the three overs that GP bowled were good for us, and Glenn has worked a lot on his bowling, as we’ve seen, in the longer format.”New Zealand’s general strategy for global tournaments has been to stack their side with players who are capable of making vital contributions at some point through the course of the campaign, and they appear to be following this template again. All four of these spin bowlers are outstanding fielders – Phillips worthy of being recognised as one of the best in the world at the moment.There is also the sense that by packing their XI with all-round talents, they have players to call on, whatever the match situation they are posed with. Two finals appearances and a semi-final berth in the last three ODI World Cups suggest that versatility has worked for them.”We like to stick to the same team once we’ve picked it, but that’s conditions-dependent,” Santner said. “Karachi could play a lot different to Rawalpindi, which could play different to Dubai. With the short nature of the tournament, if you’re happy with your XI, you want them to perform for all three games. But we’re open to changes.”

West Ham United have now intensified contact to sign a “phenomenal” player, who is also being targeted by rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

West Ham keen on attacking midfielder amid Paqueta uncertainty

There have been widespread reports that West Ham could now be willing to cash-in on Lucas Paqueta this summer, should they receive an offer of £60m, and Tottenham have now joined the race for the Brazilian’s signature.

Indeed, with Spurs missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, they could now look to raid their London rivals once again, having already signed Mohammed Kudus earlier in the transfer window.

The Hammers have a big decision to make when it comes to Paqueta’s future, having stuck by the 27-year-old during the investigation into spot-fixing allegations, which he has now been cleared of.

However, during that time, the 55-time Brazil international hasn’t exactly been at his best, failing to kick on last season after impressing in his opening two campaigns at the London Stadium.

Season

Appearances (all comps)

Goal contributions

2022-23

41

12

2023-24

43

15

2024-25

38

6

With Paqueta’s future up in the air, West Ham are now stepping up their efforts to sign a new attacking midfielder, having intensified contact over a deal for AS Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini, according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness).

Pellegrini, who is also being targeted by Tottenham, is set to be allowed to leave Roma for just €10m (£9m) this summer, making him a low-cost addition to Graham Potter’s squad, and the Irons have now made an approach.

Roma sporting director Frederic Massara has confirmed the decision to sanction the 29-year-old’s departure, saying: “As soon as I arrived, I informed Pellegrini that we would not be renewing his contract; it’s a decision we shared. For this reason, in order not to lose the player for free and because of Lorenzo’s wishes, we are seeing if there are opportunities for him.”

"Phenomenal" Pellegrini has impressive record at Roma

In many ways, it is a surprise that Roma have been unwilling to extend the Italian’s contract, given that the playmaker has been a regular source of goals and assists throughout his time with the club, chipping in with 114 goal contributions in 316 outings.

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However, the Rome-born midfielder fell below his usual standards in the 2024-25 campaign, picking up just two goals and two assists in the Serie A, which suggests he may not be much of an upgrade on Paqueta.

That said, it could still be worth pursuing the 36-time Italy international, given that a deal would not break the bank, and the maestro is versatile, having regularly featured in both attacking and defensive midfield roles throughout his career so far.

As such, while West Ham shouldn’t sanction Paqueta’s departure, especially to Tottenham, Pellegrini could be a solid addition to Potter’s squad, which evidently needs a fresh injection of quality, given the torrid start to the campaign.

Alexia Putellas has reportedly made a decision on her future after Paris Saint-Germain expressed their desire to trigger the €1.1m release clause in her Barcelona contract. Not only were they prepared to meet the buyout, but reports suggested they were also lining up a salary package far greater than what she currently earns in Catalunya.

Putellas makes her call

According to Putelas has made it clear to Barca’s hierarchy that her future lies with them, not in Paris. She has no intention of leaving the club where she rose from academy talent to global icon, and she has directly communicated that stance to the decision-makers at Camp Nou. For Putellas, the pull of home is too strong. She feels she is still at the peak of her powers, and with her contract running until June 2026, plus the option of another year, she remains determined to chase more silverware in Blaugrana colours.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFuelled by unfinished business

Putellas isn’t just staying for comfort. There’s appears to be a fire in her belly after last season’s heartbreak in the Champions League final, where Barcelona fell short of reclaiming Europe’s crown to Arsenal. Sources close to her say she’s desperate to erase that sting and bring the trophy back to Catalunya. Her motivation is not only to keep winning, but to lead.

Barcelona dressing room's feelings

Inside the Barca dressing room, there’s little appetite for even entertaining PSG’s approach. For players and coaches, losing Putellas isn’t just about losing a midfielder; it’s about ripping out the heartbeat of the side. Team-mates see her as the glue holding the squad together. Her influence, both tactically on the pitch and emotionally off it, is considered irreplaceable.

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GettyDilemma for Barcelona's decision-makers

In the boardroom, though, the debate has been more complicated. revealed that some executives quietly acknowledged the €1.1m clause could bring a hefty financial boost at a time when clubs across Europe are under pressure to balance their books. But even those faint murmurs of financial temptation have been drowned out by the overwhelming sentiment that she should not be sold.