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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been told that a $475m (£352m) valuation of Wrexham is “bonkers” and reflects the “Disneyification” of the club.

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• Hollywood stars bought club for £2m
• Record-breaking run of three promotions
• Now one step away from the Premier League

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney acquired the Red Dragons for just £2m when completing a stunning takeover in 2021. They have overseen a historic run of three successive promotions, which have lifted the Welsh club into the Championship.

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  More money will be required in order to reach the Premier League Promised Land, with the door being left open for more investors to enjoy a remarkable sporting adventure – one that is being played out in front of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary cameras.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It has been suggested that Wrexham have now reached the £350m mark when it comes to market value, given the success that they have been enjoying on and off the pitch, but a sports finance expert is not convinced that Reynolds and McElhenney are at that point just yet.

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  WHAT SPORTS FINANCE EXPERT SAID

  Dr Rob Wilson has told : “It’s bonkers, it's just a massive valuation and reflects the Disneyification of Wrexham. So, it reflects their kind of a blend, let's say, of their asset base, their projected earnings, their projected media exposure based on what they've been able to get the kind of Disney Plus series, the global following, the kind of promotion boost that they will have achieved, really helps just amplify it.

  “But that valuation is nuts. But then football as a product is nuts sometimes. If people want to be involved in that story then it's a great way of raising an additional bit of capital. It's a great way of accelerating your team progression. My eyebrows went up a couple of times and I keep seeing people commenting on the same posts that I see on social media and I'm like this is still nuts.

  “But they are running a very smart business operation behind the scenes. Which is naturally amplified because of the ownership. I don't know what the ceiling is but a club valuation four times that of Sheffield United is really optimistic.”

Leeds United’s sole focus rests on winning promotion up to the Premier League come the end of the gruelling 2024/25 Championship campaign, knowing full well the crushing low of missing out on a return to the top-flight.

Last season, Daniel Farke’s Whites slipped up in the second-tier playoff final to Southampton by a single goal, despite boasting some absurd talents for the level in the form of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter among other standout performers.

Now, automatic promotion is the desired goal, with Leeds managing to lick their wounds at a lightning quick speed courtesy of a new breed of star emerging, as Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon continues to stick out as a fresh, blistering attacker.

Manor Solomon's heroics at Leeds this season

Solomon had previously proven his class back at parent employers Spurs, with the 25-year-old winger picking up a promising two assists from six first-team appearances after bagging five goals from 25 games playing for Fulham.

Unfortunately for Solomon, injury difficulties sustained in North London has resulted in him being chucked out on loan to Elland Road, but he has managed to cause second tier defences all sorts of bother from minute one of his arrival.

In total, the slick number 14 has picked up a sizeable seven goals and seven assists from 31 league encounters, with only Daniel James and Joel Piroe bettering that amount in Farke’s entire camp.

If promotion was to be sealed, it wouldn’t be implausible to suggest that Leeds go in for Solomon on a permanent deal, with talk floating about already that the Whites could land his services for around the £20m mark.

Everton are also allegedly keen to snap up the skilful 5 foot 7 attacker, with Leeds presumably keeping their options wide open as to whether they could be able to strike up this deal, or whether they’d look in alternative places to replace Solomon’s firepower.

One other option might see the West Yorkshire outfit bump up a talented youth product to the senior side.

Leeds could replace Solomon with homegrown star

Like a permanent swoop for Solomon wouldn’t be out of the realms of possibility here, neither would the potential of Leeds deciding to uncover their next homegrown gem as his immediate replacement.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Lucas Thomas might well be the lucky 20-year-old starlet to benefit if the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man does just return to Spurs at the end of the campaign, with the academy prodigy capable of playing all across the forward positions if called into action.

Thomas will now return to his boyhood employers at the end of the season having been exposed to the tough demands of men’s football, but the exciting attacker hasn’t receded into his shell out on loan at York City and FC Halifax Town, with the Crewe-born forward picking up a promising four strikes and two assists from 20 total appearances.

Coupled with his electric six strikes this campaign in Premier League 2 action with the Leeds U21s, he could soon be ready to bang down Farke’s door for some senior opportunities, especially with his versatility in the forward areas seeing him line up as a striker, on top of also coming into the side down the flanks.

It’s those qualities, coupled with praise from York boss Adam Hinshelwood, that generate excitement the most. “He has got a lovely left foot and definitely knows where the back of the net is,” Hinshelwood stated. Versatility? Check. Lovely left foot? Check. Can score goals? Check. This could be a mini Raphinha in waiting for Leeds.

Looking at the table above, it would not be a huge surprise if Farke chooses to unleash Thomas into his lineups as a second-in-command presence to Piroe.

After all, the German never looked back when first gifting Archie Gray senior chances, with Leeds perhaps saving some invaluable cash down the line by trusting Thomas to be another top star off the Thorp Arch conveyor belt.

No need for Kalvin Phillips: Farke must unleash Leeds teen who's Gray 2.0

Leeds United can dismiss the idea of going back in for Kalvin Phillips by gifting this homegrown gem some first team chances.

By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 17, 2025

Liverpool reportedly fear further transfer interest in Luis Diaz despite sending a stern hands-off warning to Barcelona over the Colombian winger.

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• Liverpool remain firm on Diaz
• Turned down Barcelona's offer
• Saudi Arabia may enter race

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  La Liga's champions reportedly inquired about Diaz's availability, only to be met with a swift and definitive response – he is not for sale. While Barcelona have been officially rebuffed, Liverpool remain cautious of potential overtures from other suitors as Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr are monitoring Diaz’s situation closely and could table a significant offer later this summer, as revealed by the

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  Arne Slot has reportedly earmarked Diaz as a vital piece in his blueprint for the 2025–26 season. The manager is believed to have no intention of parting ways with the Colombian unless an exceptional offer is made, one that would not only match his quality but also provide the financial flexibility to find a suitable replacement.

• WHAT DIAZ SAID

  Amid swirling speculation, Diaz himself has spoken out to cool transfer talk: "I'm very happy at Liverpool. They've treated me well since the first day. We're talking with other clubs. It's the transfer window, it's normal. If Liverpool renews my contract, or if I have to stay the two years I have left, I'll be happy. It's up to them."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Manchester City reportedly considered making a move for Diaz last summer but ultimately chose to focus their efforts elsewhere. The winger’s current deal, signed after his move from FC Porto in January 2022, still runs well into his thirties, giving the club no urgent need to negotiate new terms at this time.

Kalvin Phillips will go down as a Leeds United legend, given his time as a player at Elland Road, whilst also departing the club for a mammoth price tag.

The 29-year-old ended up making over 220 appearances during an eight-year stint in the first-team after developing through the ranks after joining the club as a 14-year-old.

He joined Manchester City for a fee in the region of £45m back in the summer of 2022, but he’s struggled to make a huge impact at the Etihad, spending the past two seasons out on loan.

Phillips has only registered 31 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, before linking up with West Ham United in 2023/24, whilst spending the current year on loan at Ipswich Town.

It’s a shame to see such a decline after being a pivotal member of the first-team squad during the promotion-winning season under Marcelo Bielsa, but he could be set for an emotional return this summer.

Leeds’ move to re-sign Kalvin Phillips this summer

Over the last couple of days, reports have emerged linking Phillips with a return to Yorkshire in the summer transfer window regardless of promotion from the Championship.

Journalist Graeme Bailey confirmed to Leeds United News that he “firmly believes” that the 29-year-old will return to his boyhood side in the upcoming transfer window – with the familiar surroundings allowing him to get his career back on track.

However, negotiations will be needed to have with City regardless of whether the deal is permanent or temporary, with the midfielder allowed to leave for a fee in the region of £20m.

Such a fee could be too expensive should Daniel Farke’s side fail to end their two-year stint in the second tier, opening the door to a loan move, but a compromise will need to be made given his £150k-per-week wages.

Should they be priced out of a deal, the German could turn to the academy setup, opting to utilise one player who could follow in Phillips’ footsteps and thrive with regular minutes in Yorkshire.

The Leeds teenager who could be the next Kalvin Phillips

The Leeds academy has played a key role in the club’s success over recent years, as seen with Phillips, but also Archie Gray, with the teenager breaking through the ranks last season.

The 19-year-old was a key member of Farke’s side last campaign, before departing in a £40m deal to join Tottenham Hotspur, with Phillips and Gray leaving for a combined £85m.

However, the club could be about to unleash another talented teenager in the form of 17-year-old midfielder Ollie Pickles, who has caught the eye with his form this campaign.

Whilst the youngster is yet to make a senior appearance in his career, he’s managed to rack up 22 games across various youth levels in 2024/25, impressing with his box-cashing style of play.

Pickles has registered five goals and two assists to date, with the star having “immense potential” according to one analyst, as seen by the previous interest in his services.

Spurs and Newcastle United have previously both been keen on a deal for the teenager, looking to prise him away from Elland Road, but the Whites have so far been able to deter any attempts.

However, Pickles has the talent to succeed, as seen with his goalscoring ability, potentially dropping into a deeper role should he make the first-team, just like Phillips did under Bielsa.

Whilst many fans would want a reunion with the current Manchester City man this summer, it may be a deal that’s not financially responsible, undoing all the excellent work conducted in recent times.

Their academy has shown time and time again that it’s capable of producing talent, with Farke needing to put faith in the likes of Pickles to shine and follow in Phillips’ footsteps of thriving in Yorkshire and potentially making the club a fortune down the line.

He's worth £20m: Leeds have already sold "unbelievable" Firpo replacement

Leeds United have made a mistake in selling a player who could have replaced Junior Firpo.

By
Ethan Lamb

Mar 21, 2025

Leroy Sane admits his decision to leave Bayern Munich was not easy but the winger is open to new challenges in Turkey.

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• Sane signs for Galatasaray on a three-year deal
• Calls the separation from Bayern not easy
• Winger wants to play for Germany in 2026 World Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sane decided not to renew his contract at Munich, opting to join Galatasaray to start a new chapter of his career. The change was not easy for Sane, he says, but he revealed his hopes of performing at a high level for the Turkish club with his sights set on playing for Germany at the 2026 World Cup.

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  The Bavarians tried to negotiate with the German winger but were unable to match his requirements. With Sane's appointment of a new agent, Pini Zahavi, the negotiations became more complicated. In the end, the winger decided to join the Turkish giants and has signed a three-year contract with them. Starting a new chapter in Turkey wasn't an easy decision, but the 29-year-old is open to challenges and looks to compete for a leadership role at his new club.

• WHAT SANE SAID

  Sane said to : "The decision wasn't easy for me. My time here wasn't always easy, but there were also many highlights. I felt at home here, I enjoyed last season a lot, and I've been able to make many friends within the team over the years."

  Speaking on the breakdown in negotiations with Bayern, Sane admitted his agency change affected the situation. He added: "Even if the media portrayed it that way, there was never a 100 percent agreement." Unfortunately, in my opinion, that put unnecessary pressure on all parties involved. But it is what it is now – I'm not angry with anyone."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SANE?

  The 29-year-old is set for a surprise final run with Bayern. The winger will play his last few games for the Bavarians as the club travel to Colorado to kick off their Club World Cup campaign. They face New Zealand club Auckland City on 15 June.

Arsenal are now willing to meet the £30m asking price for a “flamboyant” forward, and they hold an advantage over another Premier League club in the race for his signature, according to a report.

Gunners' striker search continues

After taking up the role of sporting director last week, Andrea Berta has wasted no time searching for a new striker, with a number of Europe’s most exciting forwards on the shortlist, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The groundwork has already been laid for Berta to sign the Slovenian, should the Italian wish to do so, with Sesko keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but he is not the only target the Gunners have in mind.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is also of interest to the north Londoners, and there is a feeling Berta could get a deal wrapped up early doors in the summer, with a move possible for a fee of around £70m.

Not only is Mikel Arteta keen to bring in a new striker, but the manager may also look to bolster his options out wide, given that he has lacked depth at times this season, with Bukayo Saka spending large parts of the season sidelined due to injury.

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now willing to meet the £30m asking price to sign Deportivo de La Coruna winger Yeremay Hernandez, having set their sights on the 22-year-old due to his performances in the Spanish second tier this season.

Fulham are also in the race for Hernandez, but the Gunners should have the advantage in the race for his signature, given the project on offer at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta wants to reduce the burden on Saka next season, and the Spaniard could be the man to do so, with a move to the Premier League deemed to be an attractive proposition for the winger.

"Flamboyant" Hernandez impressing in Spain

Albeit in the second tier, the Deportivo star has been very impressive this season, picking up 11 goals and four assists in 30 La Liga 2 appearances, which is a solid tally, given that he is playing for a mid-table side.

The winger has most commonly been deployed on the left side, but he is also capable of playing on the right, potentially making him a solid back-up option for Saka, although his performances this term indicate he could also push for Gabriel Martinelli’s starting spot.

£60m speedster "keen" to join Arsenal with groundwork laid for Berta deal

He’s got one eye on a move to the Emirates.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 5, 2025

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described the forward as “flamboyant”, while also praising his pace and dribbling ability, with his attacking numbers this season demonstrating he has a keen eye for goal too.

It may be viewed as a risk to shell out £30m on a player who’s unproven in a major league, but Hernandez’s performances indicate he could be capable of making the step up to a top club.

GOAL brings you details of all of Man City's fixtures for the 2025-26 Premier League season

Manchester City turned their back on the 2024-25 campaign as soon as they lost the FA Cup final and completed a rare trophyless season under Pep Guardiola.

But with the Cityzens splashing the cash this summer, there is hope that the blue half of Manchester can once again compete on all fronts when things kick off in August.

The teams around them are only getting stronger, and Guardiola knows there is no room for error if his side are to be top flight champions again.

GOAL brings you the full month-to-month breakdown of all of City's Premier League matches in 2025-26.*

• AUGUST

  Date	Kick-off time (UK)	Fixture
  16/08/2025	17:30	Wolves v Man City
  23/08/2025	15:00	Man City v Tottenham
  30/08/2025	15:00	Brighton v Man City

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• SEPTEMBER

  Date	Kick-off time (UK)	Fixture
  13/09/2025	15:00	Man City v Man Utd
  20/09/2025	15:00	Arsenal v Man City
  27/09/2025	15:00	Man City v Burnley

• OCTOBER

  Date	Kick-off time (UK)	Fixture
  04/10/2025	15:00	Brentford v Man City
  18/10/2025	15:00	Man City v Everton
  25/10/2025	15:00	Aston Villa v Man City

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• NOVEMBER

  Date	Kick-off time (UK)	Fixture
  01/11/2025	15:00	Man City v Bournemouth
  08/11/2025	15:00	Man City v Liverpool
  22/11/2025	15:00	Newcastle v Man City
  29/11/2025	15:00	Man City v Leeds

Manchester United are close to finalising Bryan Mbeumo's transfer from Brentford. The two clubs have already agreed on the initial transfer fee and are now negotiating the add-ons that could take the overall amount of the transfer close to Brentford's £65 million ($87m) valuation of the player. The Bees expect to finalise the details of the transfer soon.

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• Man Utd agree on initial fee for Mbeumo
• Discussions are being held over add-ons
• Red Devils likely to beat Spurs in the transfer race

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  also reports that Mbeumo's salary at Old Trafford is likely to be £150,000 per week, which is similar to what Matheus Cunha will pocket after securing a move to the Red Devils from Wolves earlier this summer. The Cameroonian's transfer will take United's total spending to £125m in the summer transfer window.

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  Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals in the 2024-25 campaign, had also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur; however, it has been reported that the attacker reportedly prefers to join United. Spurs have already identified Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze as an alternative if they lose the battle for Mbeumo to Manchester United.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Red Devils are also keen on signing Chelsea outcast Christopher Nkunku as they look to further bolster their attack after a nightmare last season. The club, though, are yet to submit a formal offer to the Blues.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  The United stars are currently on holiday after a hectic season and tour in Malaysia and Hong Kong. The squad will reconvene next month before heading back to Asia for the first part of their pre-season schedule.

Liverpool fans visited Anfield to pay heartfelt tributes to their star player Diogo Jota who tragically passed away aged 28 on Thursday in a devastating car accident. The fans laid flowers outside the Reds' home as a mark of respect for the Portuguese player. Jota is survived by his wife Rute Cardoso and their three children. The couple got married on June 22.

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• Liverpool fans laid flowers outside Anfield
• Wolves fans paid tribute at Molineux
• Jota and his brother passed away in car accident

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Jota was killed along with his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in Zamora, north-western Spain, shortly after midnight on Thursday. Spain's Civil Guard told the BBC the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini, which left the road and caught fire due to a tyre blowout while overtaking. Witnesses, who called Spain's emergency services, told the media they saw the car burst into flames.

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  As the tragic news came out, Liverpool fans turned up at Anfield and left flowers and messages of tribute for their beloved star. One of the messages from a fan read: "Ooooh he wears the number 20! RIP Diogo YNWA! Forever Red!"

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Wolves fans also turned up at their home, Molineux, to pay tribute to their former player. Jota joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid in 2018 and spent two seasons at the club before heading to Anfield in 2020.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The football world mourned the tragic passing of the 28-year-old striker and his brother. Former players like Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville condoled Jota's death, while Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to his compatriot and national team colleague.

Ousmane Dembele paid a touching tribute to the late Diogo Jota after scoring in PSG's 2-0 Club World Cup victory over Bayern Munich.

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• Dembele's celebration paid homage to Jota
• PSG beat Bayern 2-0
• Liverpool forward tragically passed on Thursday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dembele struck in stoppage time to seal PSG's victory and recreated Jota's iconic celebration, which he famously did after scoring a 94th-minute winner in a memorable 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur for the Reds in 2023.

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  JOTA TRIBUTES FLOOD IN

  Liverpool and Portugal forward Jota tragically died on Thursday after a car crash in Cernadilla, Spain. He passed alongside brother Andre Silva, and tributes have been flooding in from across the footballing world and beyond. Aged just 28, Jota was in his prime and viewed by many as one of the nicest people in football. Silva was even younger at 25 and both leave behind a grieving family but a legacy which will live on.

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• DEMBELE SENDS CONDOLENCES

  Dembele said a few words on Friday about the tragedy: "As you saw yesterday, this has been a difficult moment for the world of football. For everyone, even those outside of football. We also support our [Portuguese teammates], because they knew the player very well. Our sincere condolences go out to the whole family. We hope things will get better."

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  PSG CONTINUE AT CLUB WORLD CUP

  PSG will face either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup semi-finals on July 9, with only one more step to go before the final four days later. From a personal standpoint, Dembele will know that a decisive impact in winning the trophy could further aid his case for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, for which he is touted as a frontrunner.