Major League Baseball remains the only major North American professional sports league without a salary cap in place. MLB's current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire in Dec. 2026 and commissioner Rob Manfred is reportedly pushing for that to change in the next round of negotiations.
In a recent episode of , MLB Players Association deputy executive director Bruce Meyer said the players hold "the right amount of skepticism" about a potential cap according to a new report from 's Evan Drellich.
“The league and some of the individual owners have made no secret that they would like to see a system that they tried to get for 50 years, which is a salary-cap system,” Meyer said on via .
Drellich's report noted that the skepticism from the players stems from the push for a salary cap coming from Manfred and team ownership groups, who have pitched a cap numerous times in prior negotiations.
“The pitch is like, ‘Hey, this is really good for the players,’” Meyer continued via . “One of the things players immediately seize on is, ‘Well, if this is so good for us, then why are they pushing it so hard? Why do they want it so desperately? Why did the other leagues lock out players to get it?’ Guys immediately understand that the reason they want that system is not because they want to pay players more.”
Reports surfaced in April that MLB officials were considering both a salary cap and floor in the next CBA. The defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers have become one of the most dominant teams in baseball in part because there is no limit on how much money they can spend to sign the best players. This has agitated other owners, presumably because they don't have endless cash to put down on massive contract after massive contract.
The MLBPA, understandably, likely doesn't want to put a limit on how much cash can get handed to players. They would be interested in a salary floor—a minimum amount each team must spend annually—but that may only come at the cost of an added cap. We'll see where conversations land when CBA negotiations heat up following this season.
Real Betis are in talks with Isco a new bumper contract that could see him remain at the Benito Villamarin until at least 2028. His new deal will also see him become the club's joint highest-earning player, pocketing a salary in line with what Brazilian star Antony is currently taking home. The ex-Real Madrid star is nearing his recovery from an injury.
Betis keen on extending Isco's contract
According to a report from Spanish publication , Real Betis are close to finalising a lucrative contract extension with iconic midfielder Isco, whose current deal with the Andalusian outfit runs until June 30, 2027. The report claims that both sides are hoping to announce the news of the renewal before next weekend's high-voltage Andalusian derby against bitter rivals Sevilla. Betis president Angel Haro is personally overseeing negotiations and is keen to ensure Isco remains committed to the club beyond the length of his ongoing deal, with the only detail left to be agreed upon being the expiry of the proposed new contract.
Isco, for his part, is really happy at Betis and doesn't see himself leaving the club anytime soon. Last week, at a press conference at the release of his documentary 'In Silence', he said: “I don't want to retire without winning a title with Betis. The renewal is still up in the air, it will be easy. Both Betis and I want to extend our journey together. Hopefully, it will be for many more years. I want to play in the new stadium. I hope they reach an agreement soon regarding the construction, otherwise I won't have time to arrive. Playing in the new stadium would be a very important and wonderful challenge."
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
New contract will see Isco match Antony as Betis' highest-paid player
The plan initially was to extend Isco's contract by another until 2028. The new deal would have included a pay rise reward for his performances and overall influence in the 2024-25 season, which would have seen him become the highest-paid player at the club alongside Antony. The Brazilian, signed permanently from United on a five-year deal over the summer, earns €7.8 million gross per season, including bonuses.
However, he has shown a willingness to commit to Betis beyond 2028. Options on the table include extending the contract to 2028 or 2029, either on a fixed or optional basis, or even structuring a deal that would allow the midfielder to remain at Betis until the end of his career, depending on his performances.
Despite the fact that Isco turned 33 earlier this year, there are reportedly no reservations over his renewal. Betis are extremely delighted with his on-field displays as well as his brave determination to overcome physical setbacks, which have exceeded the club's expectations. His stature as an icon of the club and the fact that he's now the captain add further weight to his case. The most widely supported proposal, as things stand, is an extension through 2028, with the possibility of adding further years based on performance triggers — such as reaching a set number of matches — similar to clauses used for other players.
Isco nearing his return to the pitch
In August, Isco suffered a huge blow after fracturing his fibula, which ruled him out for three months. However, the good news now is that he returned to training earlier this month. Head coach Manuel Pellegrini told reporters that the midfield wizard "will be available for selection after the international break." It remains to be seen whether he regains fitness in time for this weekend's clash against Girona at home.
At the same event, Isco opened up on the fears of a relapse, saying: "The fear doesn't disappear, just because of the history behind it. Today, in my second training session, I took a knock that scared me, but that's all it was. It's about living with that fear, letting it affect you as little as possible, and adapting like with everything else. When you get injured and start from scratch, it's a constant learning process, and this is just another injury."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images Sport
Isco's international future far from over
In June, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente called up Isco for the Nations League finals, marking his return to international future after six long years. With the World Cup set to take place next year, it could be the 33-year-old's last chance to represent La Roja at the highest level. De la Fuente has not closed the doors.
"We have a very good relationship with Isco," the Spain manager told reporters recently. "We spoke at the time. We hope he recovers well. Like many others, he is there, among the players we consider for a call-up when he’s recovered. I wish him a speedy return to football."
Leeds United travelled to the City Ground on Sunday with just one away win under their belt this season in the Premier League.
Thankfully, they were about to do battle with a Nottingham Forest side who had only won once on their patch all season long in league action.
But, come the end of the frantic affair, the Tricky Trees collected their first home victory since August, as Sean Dyche’s men comfortably got the better of Daniel Farke’s visitors in a 3-1 win, having notched up 14 efforts at Lucas Perri’s shaky goal.
Journalist Graham Smyth labelled Leeds’ overall performance at the final whistle as “desperately poor” as the West Yorkshire side now hang precariously above the dreaded relegation zone.
Jaka Bijol – in particular – had another afternoon to forget in the heart of the away team’s leaky defence.
Bijol's poor performance vs Forest
Bijol’s day wasn’t completely pitiful, with the Slovenian centre-back coming away from the 3-1 defeat with four of his six duels being successfully won.
Unfortunately for the £15m summer recruit, regardless of having some positives to latch on to, he was still caught out by a moment of ball-watching to hand the hosts the decisive 2-1 lead, as Morgan Gibbs-White evaded his marker to head home.
It was a nicely executed move by Forest, with Omari Hutchinson getting the better of Gabriel Gudmundsson’s lax marking, before putting it on a plate for Gibbs-White.
But, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker was given far too much room to head past Perri, off the back of Bijol being caught in no man’s land.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Having also struggled against Brighton and Hove Albion on the road, before this slip-up in Nottinghamshire, when winning zero tackles and just one duel, it could well be time for Farke to move the former Udinese man back to the bench, for the more Premier League-ready Pascal Struijk to take over.
Bijol isn’t the only defensive option who could now be dropped by Farke, however.
Leeds dud had his worst game of the season
In all fairness, nobody donning Leeds’ changed strip of blue was trudging off at the end of the 3-1 loss, overjoyed with what they offered up.
Ethan Ampadu definitely won’t have been thrilled with what he conjured up as Farke’s supposed midfield anchor, with the Welshman both uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball at his feet and surprisingly weak when launching himself into duels.
Minutes played
90
Shots
2
Key passes
0
Dribbles
0
Touches
57
Accurate passes
31/41 (76%)
Possession lost
15x
Tackles won
1/2
Fouls
3
Total duels won
4/9
The promotion-winning captain fell way below the standards he had previously set when lining up for the West Yorkshire giants, with Ampadu coming away from the 3-1 loss with only 76% of his passes reaching their chosen target. On average, this season, so far, he typically completes 86% of his passes.
Moreover, the below-par number 4 would lack his usual bite and drive, with only one of his tackles being successfully won, which led to Ampadu barely laying a glove on the tricky Dan Ndoye early on, before his quick feet down the flank led to Ibrahim Sangare firing home the equaliser.
Ampadu also didn’t help Bijol out when Gibbs-White sent the City Ground into raptures, with the former Chelsea midfielder also guilty of idly watching the ball, before the match-winning effort was prodded home.
For a defensive option that usually prides himself on winning duels and being energetic – as seen in him averaging 4.3 duels won this season – it really did feel like a low point for him against the Tricky Trees on Sunday afternoon, as Farke now contemplates whether dropping one of his “indispensable” promotion heroes, as he was once labelled by scout Jacek Kulig, is the correct call.
Ampadu faced the media after, calling for togetherness as Leeds attempt to navigate the choppy seas of a relegation battle, with his concrete starting spot now up for grabs, as the likes of Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev eye up a spot in defensive midfield, instead.
Farke must ditch Calvert-Lewin to unleash the "best finisher" at Leeds
This Leeds star can get them scoring goals again, amid Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s woes.
The Pakistan players remained at the hotel beyond the scheduled departure time until they were given the go-ahead by the PCB from Lahore to leave for the venue
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Sep-2025The ICC has retained former Zimbabwe batter Andy Pycroft as the match referee for Pakistan’s must-win fixture against UAE in the Asia Cup on Wednesday. It did so despite the PCB’s insistence on having him removed, an insistence which eventually delayed the start of the game by an hour; there had been worries through the day that Pakistan may pull out of the game and tournament altogether. The match eventually began, the PCB claiming Pycroft apologised for the “miscommunication” in the India-Pakistan game on Sunday that led to the handshake controversy.The PCB issued the apology statement minutes before the delayed toss at 7pm local time, though by then it had been confirmed that the game was going ahead.”Andy Pycroft had barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during their match,” the statement said. “The Pakistan Cricket Board had strongly reacted to Andy Pycroft’s actions. Andy Pycroft termed the September 14 incident a result of miscommunication and apologised. The ICC has expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the September 14 match.”Once the match between Pakistan and UAE had begun, the PCB and ACC head Mohsin Naqvi held a press conference where he said there had been a “crisis” following the India-Pakistan match on September 14. “We requested the ICC to do an inquiry on the code of conduct violations on 14th September,” he said. “Politics and cricket shouldn’t be mixed. Leave cricket as a sport.”It brought to an end days of uncertainty during which Pakistan cancelled their pre-game press conference on Tuesday, though the subsequent training session went ahead as planned. Later that evening, around midnight, the PCB issued a statement that said “consultations were underway” regarding Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup as the fallout from the handshake controversy after their loss to India continued. The board said a decision would be taken keeping the “interest of Pakistan” in mind.On Wednesday, there was fevered speculation of what the PCB might do ahead of the game against UAE. The first signs of trouble came in the afternoon, when the Pakistan players were told to stay at their hotel beyond their scheduled departure at 4.30 pm local time. At the same time came news that Naqvi would announce a decision in a press conference in Lahore. Soon it emerged that Naqvi had invited former PCB heads Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi to Gaddafi Stadium to discuss the situation. The PCB did not expand on what decision they reached but Naqvi eventually announced at 5.45 pm local time that the Pakistan team had been told to leave for the venue. They arrived just before 6.30 pm, with the toss scheduled for 7pm and the start for 7.30 pm.The PCB had blamed Pycroft following the conclusion of Sunday’s clash between India and Pakistan, during which the Indian players refused to shake hands with the Pakistanis at the toss and at the end of the game. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest, though the coach Mike Hesson did appear at the post-game press conference.The PCB claimed Pycroft had told Agha that there would be no handshakes at the toss, which it argued in its complaint was in breach not only of the Spirit of Cricket but also of the ICC’s code of conduct regulations. In the complaint to the ICC general manager Wasim Khan, the PCB insisted that he be removed from the remaining Asia Cup fixtures. ESPNcricinfo understands the ICC rejected that request and conveyed it to the board the following day, though discussions between them and the PCB continued.Soon after they put out the statement claiming Pycroft had apologised, the PCB also released a video of the meeting in which Pakistan’s manager Naveed Akram Cheema, captain Agha and coach Hesson are seen talking to Pycroft, with the ICC’s Wasim Khan also in attendance.
Rawalpindi will host two games and Lahore will host five, including the final
Danyal Rasool07-Sep-2025Pakistan will host a T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in November. The series will begin on 17 November, with all teams playing each other twice. The first two games will game place in Rawalpindi, with the other five, including the final on 29 November, in Lahore.This is the second time this season that a bilateral T20I series Pakistan were scheduled to host has ended up being a tri-series. Afghanistan were scheduled to play a three-match T20I series in August, which was later converted into a tri-series involving the UAE, the final of which takes place later today.Similarly, Sri Lanka were scheduled to play a three-ODI, three-T20I bilateral series in Pakistan, but the T20I series has now been replaced by yet another tri-series. ESPNcricinfo understands those bilateral T20Is will no longer happen, though a three-match ODI series is still scheduled to go ahead, with a schedule expected in due course.Schedule
17 Nov – Pak v Afg 19 Nov – SL vs Afg 22 Nov – Pak vs SL 23 Nov – Pak vs Afg 25 Nov – SL vs Afg 27 Nov – Pak v SL 29 Nov – Final
This is set to be the first time Afghanistan play Pakistan in Pakistan. Afghanistan have played in Pakistan before in 2023, when they competed in two matches of the Asia Cup, as well as earlier this year for the Champions Trophy. However, they did not face Pakistan on either of those occasions, and this series comes amidst a general deterioration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.The series begins nine days after the conclusion of South Africa’s all-format tour of Pakistan. Pakistan have made no secret of their desire to play as much T20I cricket as possible ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing all their games in Sri Lanka.”We look forward to hosting Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for Pakistan’s maiden T20I tri-series, PCB COO Sumair Ahmed said in a statement on the PCB website. “This event will not only offer excellent preparation for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but also present fans with exciting cricket across venues.”
A sprint to victory or a draw for the win. Pick between two opposite games as we begin to identify The Greatest Test of the 21st century
ESPNcricinfo staff04-May-2025Update: This poll has ended. The IND-ENG 2008 Chennai Test moves to the round of 16.
India’s triumph of belief vs England – Chennai, 2008
It was not a match India were supposed to win. For three days and two sessions at the Chepauk, England were on top. India were staring at a target close to 400, when nothing above 300 had ever been chased before in the country (and the highest target chased at the venue was 155).But then the English bowlers were met with a belligerent Virender Sehwag, who laid down the platform for India to push for the win on the fifth day. Gautam Gambhir put in the grind at the top. And then Yuvraj Singh, with his Test credentials under the scanner, joined Sachin Tendulkar at the crease to take India over the line on a pitch with awkward bounce.Tendulkar applied the icing on the cake, hitting the winning runs – which also brought up a fine fourth-innings century. Only six higher totals have been chased in Test history than the 387 by India in Chennai, only two of which have come in Asia, and none in India. It was a win, as ESPNcricinfo’s Editor-in-Chief Sambit Bal noted at the time, forged by unwavering belief to go for the jugular and not just settle for a draw.
South Africa’s blockathon vs Australia – Adelaide, 2012
If this Test was part of a video game, you’d autoplay the final innings once South Africa were 45 for 4. There were 110 overs to go, Nathan Lyon – who had been the curator at the Adelaide Oval, had a two-for. Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle almost hypnotically kept hitting a good length.Faf du Plessis, on Test debut, joined AB de Villiers with a South Africa win out of the window. So, they abandoned the search for runs and committed to the blockathon for 408 balls despite nervy moments.Du Plessis was given out lbw twice but overturned the decision using DRS; he also survived a sharp caught-behind chance with Matthew Wade standing up to the stumps. De Villiers faced 220 balls but when he was bowled by a nip-backer from Siddle, 60 overs still remained in the day.The partnership between Jacques Kallis and du Plessis – 99 runs in 235 balls – wasn’t as stoic but took up nearly 40 overs. Lyon got turn and bounce to dismiss Kallis and Siddle got a couple of tailenders. High resilience and hyper-aggressive fields led to 71 maidens in 149 overs, but couldn’t stop du Plessis from getting a maiden ton and staying unbeaten as Morne Morkel played out Siddle.For nearly four days, only one result seemed possible. Australia had done everything right. They made 550 at a run rate of 5.12 in their first innings on the back of Michael Clarke’s 257-ball 230 and Michael Hussey’s 137-ball 103. They had taken a 162-run lead and set a 430-run target which should have ensured a win.There were no caveats or rain, just a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of defensive batting that denied Australia a series lead. South Africa went on to win the next game and became the first team in the 21st century to win back-to-back Test series in Australia.
A Swiss journalist has delivered a brutal verdict on Leeds United star Noah Okafor, claiming that the forward is “not a team player” and that he “prioritises his own interests”.
The £3.7m-a-year man arrived at Elland Road in the summer and has since settled in well, but couldn’t avoid the criticism from media in his home country. Daniel Farke will be hoping that Okafor is able to quiet any of the noise this Sunday when Leeds square off against Nottingham Forest in a crucial relegation six-pointer.
Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, Farke urged his players to “enjoy this challenge” at the City Ground this weekend.
It’s the type of challenge that Leeds have already overcome more than once this season. Since returning to the Premier League, those in Yorkshire have picked up 11 points and have done enough to avoid the bottom three at this stage.
Leeds told "dangerous" striker could be open to January move with 49ers keen on deal
Recent reports have indicated that the Whites hold an interest in this impressive Championship forward.
By
James O'Reilly
Nov 6, 2025
Having been eased aside by Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, however, the pressure is likely to increase with a similar defeat against a struggling Forest side. It’s an early relegation six-pointer and another chance for Okafor to prove any doubters wrong.
Swiss journalist slams selfish Noah Okafor
After the forward was left out of the latest Switzerland squad, Swiss journalist Tobias Wedermann has claimed that Okafor is “not a team player” and “prioritises his own interests” in a shock rant.
The Leeds star has been in an ongoing dispute with Switzerland manager Murat Yakin since Euro 2024 and was once again snubbed for an international call ahead of the November break.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Okafor hasn’t been called up since last November and recently had his say on the situation, saying: “Since then, I never spoke with the coach, not even a phone call or a message, also with the (Swiss Football Association’s) sporting director Pierluigi Tami.
“They don’t even call me or ask me. For me, it makes no sense. I can say it makes me sad because they don’t even text me or call me to see how I am. For example, when I moved to Leeds, ‘Congrats’ or something like that, because I play now in the best league in the world.”
With two goals in seven Premier League games as one of Farke’s starting attackers, Okafor’s absence for Switzerland continues to become more baffling, and he now faces the prospect of missing the World Cup.
Farke already has his answer to Gibbs-White in "underrated" Leeds star
Sussex 228 for 5 (Coles 102, Simpson 62*) lead Worcestershire 123 (Lategan 41, Robinson 6-68, Unadkat 4-43) by 105 runsOllie Robinson produced a reminder of his capabilities with a stunning six-wicket haul as Sussex took charge on day one of their Division One clash against Worcestershire.Taking two wickets in the first over of the match, Robinson went on to finish with season-best figures of 6 for 68 as he and Jaydev Unadkat combined to skittle Worcestershire for 123.James Coles then registered a measured century during a dominant afternoon session for the visitors, in which skipper John Simpson made 62 not out as Sussex finished the day 228 for 5, leading by 105 runs. Earlier, Dan Lategan (41) top-scored for the home side, with contributions from Matthew Waite and Gareth Roderick the only other scores of note.Returning to action for the first time since Saturday’s One Day Cup final triumph, already relegated Worcestershire were brought back down to earth with a bump, as a searing spell from Robinson saw the former England seamer take four wickets in the first hour of the match.Youngster Rehaan Edavalath was caught behind with the third ball of the match, before Pears skipper Jake Libby’s off stump was sent cartwheeling after facing just one ball as the Pears fell to 1 for 2.19-year-old Lategan provided a classy counter-attacking cameo for the hosts, easing the ball through the vacant offside whenever the opportunity arose, but Robinson continued his unrelenting start to the morning, claiming two further scalps, including that of first-class debutant Isaac Mohammed who was pinned lbw. A sobering opening hour was rounded off with the dismissal of Rob Jones, who suffered the same fate, leaving his side in a heap at 36 for 4.Lategan continued to regroup, but Worcestershire’s woes deepened with Gareth Roderick (22) caught behind after an encouraging start to his innings off the bowling of Unadkat. Robinson then collected his fifth wicket of a superb spell by removing the key man, Lategan, for his resolute 41.Robinson almost secured his sixth wicket in a morning session dominated by the bowlers, but the umpires were not convinced Simpson had held onto a rebound catch behind, as lunch was taken with Worcestershire 91 for 6.Unadkat picked up where he left off after the resumption as Ethan Brookes became his second victim with a regulation catch provided to Coles at slip.Unadkat took his season tally of wickets to 13, after removing Tom Taylor caught behind for nine and trapping Ben Allison in front without scoring as the Pears’ landslide continued.Robinson completed his six-fer with the wicket of Waite, who was the last man out for 33 as Worcestershire were dismissed for 123.Worcestershire hit back in resilient fashion as Ben Allison led the way in an inspired early spell, taking three wickets to help reduce Sussex to 67 for 4.The seamer first trapped Hughes lbw for 24, then took a stunning one-handed caught-and-bowled to remove Carter, before bowling Alsop for just one. At the other end, Taylor took his 51st Championship wicket of the season to drag the hosts back into the contest.Simpson and Coles led the Sussex revival however, dominating an afternoon session that saw the fifth-wicket pair add 90 runs before tea, with Coles reaching a fluent fifty in the process.Both batters moved past 1,000 first-class for the season during the evening session, with Coles reaching his century from 105 balls, before he was bowled by Ben Gibbon as Simpson and bad light closed out a dominant day for the visitors.
Following his mid-season arrival at Manchester City, Nico Gonzalez went through the strange experience of being hailed as an oven-ready replacement for Rodri during his first week at the Etihad Stadium, only to then be ignored by Pep Guardiola during the most important stretch of the campaign. Any fears, however, that he would become an expensive flop have since disappeared, with Gonzalez having stepped back in to anchor City's resurgence as they emerge as Arsenal’s main rivals in the Premier League title race.
The midfielder, who is known just as Nico to his team-mates even though he has a namesake in the squad in Nico O’Reilly, looked like a luxury signing when he arrived from Porto for £50 million ($65m) on transfer deadline day back in February 3. The son of Deportivo La Coruna legend Fran and a Barcelona academy graduate, Gonzalez arrived as a barely disguised stand-in for Rodri while the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder continued his recovery from an ACL injury.
Guardiola did not try to hide it, hailing the new signing as ‘Mini-Rodri’ after an excellent Premier League debut against Newcastle in which he towered above everyone else in midfield and laid the platform for fellow January addition Omar Marmoush to shine in a crushing 4-0 win. It has not been an entirely smooth ride since, but in the last couple of months Gonzalez has developed into one of City’s most important players as they prepare to face the Magpies again on Saturday.
Getty Images SportBig presence
Although he was raised in Barcelona’s La Masia academy and raised by one of Spain’s most technical footballers in his father, Guardiola appeared to value Gonzalez’s physical attributes the most when he first watched him up close.
"The presence of Nico helped a lot, the 50-50s. If there are 10 balls. he wins seven of them," the coach said after the Spaniard’s impressive debut against Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium. "He's like a mini-Rodri. It's a big compliment. He's miles away from Rodri, he's the best, but we have the feeling he'll help us in the last part of the season with his presence."
Guardiola started Gonzalez in City's next five league games, although he couldn’t quite build on his exploits against Newcastle, as the dethroned champions lost to Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, leaving them with a fight on their hands to finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League.
AdvertisementGetty Bottom of the pile
Yet in the thick of that battle, Guardiola preferred other options. Gonzalez was an unused substitute for the derby at Manchester United in April and for the crunch game with Aston Villa later that month, which was effectively a shootout for a place in the top-five. In the end, he started just three of the eight matches in the Premier League run-in.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, played a grand total of 37 minutes in City's run to the FA Cup final, getting one minute in the semi against Forest and none in the defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley – and that was despite Mateo Kovacic being out injured. Gonzalez’s situation did not improve at the Club World Cup, where he appeared in just one of City’s four games as Rodri returned to the fold.
Gonzalez’s lack of playing time led to reports that the player was open to cutting short his stay and leaving in the summer. However, that is understood to not be true, with sources insisting Gonzalez had no interest in leaving. City instead decreased their squad size by offloading Ilkay Gundogan, among others.
GettySeizing his chance
Gonzalez started the first two games of the new season before retaking his place on the bench at Brighton when Rodri came back in following another injury setback. But with the 29-year-old’s return from knee surgery continuing to be disrupted by a series of niggling issues, Gonzalez got another chance and seized it.
He has started nine of City’s last 12 games in all competitions and has arguably been their most important player in the last two months, with the obvious exception of Erling Haaland.
"It’s not easy sometimes arriving in a new club and playing a different style to maybe playing in the past," Guardiola said of Gonzalez last month. "But we’re really pleased with his behaviour and I’m pretty (sure) he’ll get better and better."
Gonzalez is far from the first player to need a transition season when getting to grips with Guardiola's methods. Jack Grealish, Josko Gvardiol and even Rodri are just some of the big-money signings who took their time to adapt to City’s way of playing. Gonzalez, though, appears to close to cracking the code within 10 months of first playing under the Catalan coach.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Fundamental
While Gonzalez fell behind Kovacic, Gundogan and occasionally Bernardo Silva and even Kevin De Bruyne in the holding midfield role last season, he is now only second to Rodri, who last started a game on October 5 and who has only played 60 or more minutes on five occasions this season.
"Right now, the first option when Rodri cannot play is absolutely Nico Gonzalez," Guardiola said before City’s game against Bournemouth earlier this month. He went on to dominate that match, playing important roles in both of Haaland’s goals by progressing the ball.
Gonzalez also impressed in City’s 2-0 win over Everton in October and in the Carabao Cup win over Swansea City, brushing off an error that led to the opponents scoring by shepherding City to a comeback win.
"Now he’s fundamental for us," said Guardiola after City’s win in South Wales. "He’s so young, a lovely guy. I’m really pleased because these types of football players that are incredibly coachable – they deserve the best."
Tottenham Hotspur’s squad in 2025/26 is packed with numerous midfield stars, but it’s apparent that boss Thomas Frank is yet to work out his best combination in such an area.
The Dane has utilised a three-man midfield in the vast majority of his 11 Premier League outings to date, often varying between two deep-lying options with a ten and a flat three.
Joao Palhinha arrived in the summer on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich and has started all but one, with his ball-winning presence a real component to the Lilywhites’ side.
The same can’t be said for £52m addition Xavi Simons, as the Dutchman has struggled to nail down a starting position in his attacking midfield role – subsequently being named in the starting eleven on just six occasions.
However, there’s little denying that one player would have easily walked into the current squad had he still been on the books after his previous spell in North London.
Spurs’ most underrated player in the last decade
When talking about Spurs’ most underrated players in numerous years, many players will be mentioned, but one will always rise to the top – with that man being Mousa Dembélé.
The Belgian midfielder joined the Lilywhites from Fulham for just £15m back in the summer 2012, with very few supporters anticipating the levels he would produce in the capital.
He would go on to rack up a total of 249 senior appearances during his seven-year spell at the club, often catching the eye with his physicality and dazzling feet.
Standing at 6’1, you wouldn’t expect a player to easily get past the opposition, but Dembele used to glide past his men – leading to his tally of 10 goals and 11 assists.
Many of his former teammates have sung his praises in recent years, even labelling him as one of the most underrated players they have played alongside in their careers.
Former right-back Kieran Trippier is just one player to sign his praises, with the Englishman stating: “He was a remarkable player. He was unbelievable, I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves for being such an unbelievable player.”
Since his move to Guangzhou City back in 2019, the Lilywhites have massively lacked a player of his quality, with Frank and the supporters undoubtedly wishing they had a player of Dembélé’s talents at present.
The Spurs star who was tipped to be the next Dembele
In the last six years since Dembele’s departure from Spurs, the hierarchy have spent upwards of £300m on the midfield department alone – a simply staggering amount of money.
Numerous of their additions still remain on the books in North London, with the aforementioned Simons just one of the options Frank is still able to call upon.
Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall are two other young stars who have been brought to the club in the last few seasons, with both cementing themselves within the first team ranks.
The latter of the duo joined for just £8m from Swedish side Djurgarden last summer, but has already racked up a total of 60 appearances despite being just 19.
However, Yves Bissouma is another midfield addition that remains in North London, but his time at the club has been far from successful in the last few years.
The Malian joined for a reported £25m from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022, leading to journalist Alasdair Gold claiming he’s just “like Dembele”.
In the three years with the Lilywhites, the 29-year-old has already racked up a century of appearances – even finding the back of the net on two separate occasions.
Yves Bissouma – PL stats (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
28
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
89%
Tackles won
2.1
% of tackles won
63%
Duels won
5.2
Interceptions made
1.2
Recoveries made
5.4
Stats via FotMob
However, it’s been a period that has been littered with controversy, with Bissouma being suspended by the club back in August 2024 after being pictured inhaling laughing gas.
Frank’s arrival has seen the downward spiral continue for the Malian, with the Dane leaving him out of the UEFA Super Cup clash with PSG after being consistently late for training.
In the three months since the final, he’s failed to make a single appearance for the Lilywhites, even being left out of the Premier League and Champions League squads for the first half of 2025/26.
Such an omission is a sign that the manager simply doesn’t see the 29-year-old as part of his long-term plans – with the hierarchy desperately needing to offload him in January.
Bissouma currently earns a reported £55k-per-week in North London, with the club paying him a staggering £1.4m since his last competitive outing in the first-team.
Not only has he failed to reach the levels many anticipated upon his move, but he’s also bleeding the club dry of crucial funds that will be needed in January.
His lack of action, current earnings and disciplinary record all point to an exit for the midfielder in the upcoming winter window, with the club needing to make his departure a priority.
Frank will no doubt want to clear him off the books, raising funds for the January market, which is no doubt a crucial point of the season in his quest to secure Champions League football a second successive year in North London.
Spurs have "one of Europe’s best finishers" & he could end Richarlison's stay
Tottenham Hotspur can offload Richarlison if Thomas Frank shows faith in one other squad member.