Sunderland have suffered from their fair share of relegation heartbreaks over the years.

Staggeringly, when looking over the all-time records, the Wearside outfit have been relegated from the Premier League down to the EFL an alarming nine times, with the last of those coming about at the end of the gloomy 2016/17 season.

Regis Le Bris will be hoping his name won’t be added to the list of the unfortunate managers who have a relegation blotting their CV, having just experienced the opposite, the unbelievable joy of promotion last campaign.

He has certainly been handed a very impressive squad to try and secure survival with, with a reported £162m forked out on upgrades all over the pitch.

Brobbey vs Xhaka – who is the better signing?

Amazingly, Sunderland were still active all the way up until deadline day, despite the litany of new signings entering the building before the chaos ensued.

Indeed, the main headline-grabbing signing from the hectic events of deadline day was the £21.6m capture of Brian Brobbey, with the Ajax goal machine suddenly uprooting away from his boyhood club at the final hour to try and be a rip-roaring success in England.

Le Bris and Co will hope the goals start flowing from minute one to justify that lavish price tag, and with Brobbey previously being lauded for his “prolific” nature by scout Jacek Kulig, it should be millions well spent.

After all, the Dutchman can’t have fluked his Ajax senior record of 56 strikes from 163 appearances at the Johan Cruyff Arena. That sort of record is precisely what Sunderland are looking for as they attempt to beat the drop. Goals, after all, are the most important commodity in football.

He could well get the nod over Eliezer Mayenda when Sunderland clash with Crystal Palace up next, but Granit Xhaka stands proud as the most striking deal of the summer window. His experience of Premier League football and his leadership skills make him a player who could drag the Mackems to safety.

Last time out, the Swiss assisted the last-gasp Wilson Isidor winner against Brentford, with the £17m recruit proving his worth in lots more ways than just supplying the Frenchman with that late strike, having also won a whopping ten duels as a battler for the newly promoted side’s cause.

Both signings, when looking back on the season next May, should hopefully be viewed as terrific success stories.

Yet, while both purchases cost Sunderland a pretty penny, there is another standout performer worth even more than the named duo, who was plying his trade for the Black Cats last season in the Championship.

The "incredible" star worth more than Brobbey & Xhaka

Thankfully, there are still some threads of continuity from that whirlwind promotion season in Le Bris’ first team, regardless of the wholesale changes this summer.

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Both the aforementioned Mayenda and Trai Hume were regular starters for the Frenchman as promotion was eyed up, and both started the clash against Keith Andrews’ Bees.

On top of that, former loan star turned permanent purchase Enzo Le Fee also got the call to play from the get-go against Brentford, which proved to be an inspired choice by the ex-Lorient boss.

Despite it being his first ever taste of the hustle and bustle of the Premier League from the start, the cool and composed left winger tucked away his penalty with some confidence, which then gave the Black Cats the springboard to seal a late win via Isidor’s heroics.

But, going back to Le Fee, Sunderland fans just continue to fall more and more in love with their skilful ace, who managed to also notch up a solitary goal and three assists last season to steer Le Bris and Co up to the promised land.

Le Fee at Sunderland

Stat

Le Fee

Games played

22

Goals scored

2

Assists

3

Big chances created

2

Transfer valuation

£18m

After seriously impressing against Brentford, with Le Fee also winning eight ground duels to battle away valiantly for his team, Football Transfers estimates that his valuation stands at a weighty £18m.

Using the same source, that means the former AS Roma midfielder is actually worth more than both Brobbey and Xhaka, who boast reduced valuations of £17.7m and £15m respectively.

Even more could soon come from the “incredible” ace – as he was also labelled by Kulig – as the season progresses, considering Le Fee has seven goals and 14 assists up his sleeve previously in Ligue 1.

If all three players can perform to the peak of their powers, relegation shouldn’t be a worry on Wearside, as Le Bris tries to ensure a depressing tenth relegation isn’t on the cards.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Sep 7, 2025

Aston Villa’s usual top performers have been out of sorts across their side’s opening two Premier League clashes.

Both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have fired unconvincing blanks, as Villa drew 0-0 on the opening day versus Newcastle, before then tasting a narrow 1-0 defeat away at AFC Bournemouth to further pile on the early misery for Unai Emery’s men. Watkins, who was on fire in pre-season, has been particularly absent in those matches.

Emery will hope this rust isn’t visible for much longer as the games come thick and fast in the challenging division.

But, whatever does occur during his side’s next outing in the tough league, he will surely be eyeing up some new attacking additions in the transfer market to improve his team’s chances of getting out of this mini rut.

Aston Villa in pole position to sign £60m star

The West Midlands underperformers will have to get deals done at a quick pace, with September’s early deadline fast approaching.

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

In a hectic window that has been dominated by departures – with the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey leaving Villa Park behind recently – it would be a much-needed change of narrative if Villa could tempt some standout last-ditch additions through the door.

A reported deal for Marco Asensio might well be a last-gasp incoming that gets fans back on side, having previously impressed on loan at Emery’s side last season, while there is also notable interest on Villa’s end about obtaining Chelsea flop Christopher Nkunku to enhance their attacking options.

He, of course, isn’t the only Stamford Bridge asset being eyed up by Emery and Co, with a recent report from Football Insider suggesting that Villa are now in pole position to snap up Blues reserve forward Nicolas Jackson.

Jackson previously featured under Emery at Villarreal, and so the ex-Arsenal boss will hope he can get his former attacker firing at Villa Park, knowing full well that this close-knit link with the hit-and-miss 24-year-old could seal a late £60m deal.

How Jackson can become Emery's next Aubameyang

With 24 Premier League goals under his belt in West London, it’s clear that there is a lethal goalscoring gem waiting to be uncovered, and with Emery’s sublime track record, which saw him get the very best out of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Gunners, a match made in heaven might soon come to fruition.

Just before Arteta took on the Emirates reins, Emery was tasked with trying to bring success to Arsenal right after Arsene Wenger’s esteemed two-decade stretch.

While his time in North London was fraught with bumps, with a costly 20 losses suffered across 78 contests, it goes without saying that he created a clinical machine out of Aubameyang when situated in the Gunners’ dugout.

The now Marseille veteran would collect a blistering 41 goals and eight assists under the Spaniard’s wing, with 22 of those coming in league action during the 2018/19 season, which saw him share the golden boot accolade with esteemed company in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Emery would even go as far as to label Aubameyang a “killer” in front of goal off the back of these Arsenal heroics, and while it is somewhat unrealistic to expect Jackson to hit golden boot level numbers donning Villa claret and blue, the 53-year-old’s caring arm around the Senegalese forward could be just what is needed to allow him to move on from his up-and-down Chelsea ordeal.

After all, he displayed signs of raw promise under Emery’s tutelage in Spain, with six goal contributions coming his way from 27 clashes for the Yellow Submarine.

Moreover, the well-travelled manager has even gone on to hail Jackson’s attitude as “exceptional” when trying to cut his teeth at the La Liga side.

He could finally be able to get the very best out of him at Villa Park, away from just being an early believer in his potential, with Emery again working his exceptional magic on forward players in the West Midlands, as seen in Watkins powering home a mighty 58 goals during his Villa reign to date.

Games played

65

Goals scored

24

Assists

10

Big chances missed

43

Of course, the main worry will be that even in an environment more suited to him, Jackson will still regularly fluff his lines, having missed a staggering 43 big chances for the Blues over two Premier League seasons.

But, there does seem to be something in the water when it comes to Emery developing red-hot strikers, having also made Jhon Duran into a temporary animal in the West Midlands.

Therefore, landing the “unbelievable” star – as he has been previously dubbed by Peter Crouch – could be a stroke of genius, particularly if he goes on to be as potent as Aubameyang was during his Arsenal heyday.

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ByWill Miller Aug 24, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have endured some early success under Thomas Frank after the Dane took the reins during the off-season, only tasting defeat once across all competitions to date.

The 51-year-old had the opportunity to improve and strengthen the front line, subsequently making various additions ahead of his first campaign in charge of the Lilywhites.

Mohammed Kudus was the highest profile addition in such a department, costing a fee in the region of £55m from West Ham United – but a figure that looks to be a bargain given his immediate impact.

The Ghanaian has already registered four assists in his first five Premier League outings, being a part of nearly 50% of the first-team’s league goals in 2025/26.

Randal Kolo Muani was also brought into the club during the summer window, but has been restricted to just 13 minutes of senior action due to injuries and fitness setbacks.

However, the club could’ve been in a much better place had Frank had the opportunity to work with one player who managed to thrive under his guidance at Brentford.

Ivan Toney’s time playing for Frank at Brentford

During his seven years in charge of Brentford, Frank was able to rely on Ivan Toney for a four-year period, with the striker constantly producing the goods in front of goal.

The Englishman netted 72 goals in his 141 appearances for the Bees, averaging nearly a goal every two games – with 36 of his efforts coming in England’s top-flight.

Toney came up against the Lilywhites on five occasions, failing to win any of the encounters, but he did manage to find the back of the net on two separate occasions.

It was also reported that former boss Ange Postecoglou was monitoring the 29-year-old, but they decided to pursue a move for Dominic Solanke instead – with Toney subsequently joining Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.

Had the hierarchy made a move for the former Brentford star, it could’ve proved to be a blessing in disguise – especially after Frank took the reins in North London in recent months.

However, such a move will remain a case of what could’ve been, but the hierarchy may have also made a mistake in allowing one other talent to depart the club.

The Spurs star who could’ve been Frank’s next Toney

Top-level attacking talents haven’t been alien to Tottenham Hotspur supporters, as seen by Harry Kane’s decade-long spell as a first-team member in North London.

The England international racked up over 400 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring on 280 occasions – subsequently becoming the club’s record goalscorer in their history.

Whilst he didn’t win a single trophy with the club’s first-team, he produced numerous moments of magic, none more so than in the North London Derby against local rivals, Arsenal.

He managed to score on 15 occasions against the Gunners in his 21 appearances, the third-best record against any team in his professional career at present.

However, another attacker who could’ve been Frank’s next talisman is Troy Parrott, with the hierarchy potentially offloading the talisman way too soon, given his recent form away from the club.

The Irishman joined the Lilywhites at the age of 15, spending various years in the youth system, before being sent on countless loan spells away from North London.

He joined the likes of Millwall, Ipswich Town and Preston North End, but it wasn’t enough to catapult himself into the first team plans – subsequently joining Excelsior on loan in 2023/24.

Such a spell would catapult him to stardom, scoring 17 times in his 32 appearances for the Dutch outfit – a spell that saw him permanently depart Spurs for a fee in the region of £7m, with former chairman Daniel Levy sanctioning his departure.

He would join Dutch side AZ Alkmaar on a permanent basis, already making himself a fan favourite in his 12 months in the Netherlands – registering a total of 30 goals in his 54 appearances.

Appearances

30

Starts

28

Minutes

2191

Goals

14

Assists

2

Shot on target accuracy

49%

Goal involvements per match

0.53

Minutes per goal involvement

136

Parrott, who’s been labelled “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has since become one of Europe’s hottest talents, especially after netting 10 goals in his first seven outings of 2025/26.

Given such a record, Spurs must be regretting their decision to sell the talent, with the Irishman having all the tools to star under Frank had they kept hold of him a couple of years ago.

Parrott could have been the Dane’s next leading talisman, just like Toney was, but he will now remain a case of what could’ve been after his £7m departure last summer.

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ByEthan Lamb Sep 25, 2025

Lionel Messi could be faced with the prospect of demolishing his €11 million (£9.5m/$12m) mansion in Ibiza as controversy continues surrounding the 16,000 square metre property, which was built on protected land without the necessary permits. Messi bought the mansion in 2022 but has faced a series of recent issues, such as when climate activist group Futuro Vegetal vandalised the property last year.

• Messi faced with mansion demolition if situation not resolved

  The property is situated in Sant Josep de Sa Talaia on Ibiza’s western coast and was bought by Messi from Swiss businessman Philippe Amon in 2022. But it has broken planning rules as the Inter Miami star does not currently have a valid certificate of occupancy or the necessary permits for the mansion, which is situated on protected land.

  A partial demolition of the mansion ‘has not been ruled out’ if the situation is not resolved, per . The property is said to have been classified as a ‘toxic asset’ as it cannot be sold or rented out, and Messi was prevented from carrying out any further work on the property by a mayoral decree.

  The holiday home also contains a 92-square-metre swimming pool and a private football pitch, and the city council have ‘opening proceedings’ concerning the ‘illegal changes’ according to the report.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Futuro Vegetal speak after 2024 vandalism controversy

  In August 2024, climate activists Futuro Vegetal broke into and vandalised the property, painting it red and black and sharing photos of their actions on social media. Two members of the group were seen holding up a banner which read "Help the planet, eat the rich, abolish the police", believed to be in opposition to government policies which were only worsening the climate crisis.

  Futuro Vegetal explained their actions at the time in a post on X: "We tinted Messi's illegal mansion in Ibiza. The mansion is an illegal construction that the footballer acquired for the exorbitant sum of 11 million euros. While this is happening, in the Balearic Islands alone between 2 and 4 people have died as a direct consequence of the heat wave. The richest 1% of the population is responsible for the same amount of carbon emissions as the poorest two-thirds. This is only possible because public authorities support an economic-social system that threatens life. While the far right blames migrants for the crisis and displays extreme violence against them, those of us who fight for a better world are clear that the problem is social inequality. Let's tackle the problems at the root. We need a radical change of system to face the Climate Crisis."

  Messi reportedly hit the activists with a criminal damage charge and a £50,000 bill of compensation.

• Messi continues to shine in Miami as controversy rages

  The 38-year-old will see this as an unwelcome distraction as he continues to shine in the MLS for Inter Miami. The great Argentine has scored an astounding 26 goals in 27 games in the MLS in 2025, providing another 15 assists, and scored a stunning free-kick as the club co-owned by David Beckham reached the knock-out stages of the Club World Cup in the summer. He recently overtook Zlatan Ibrahimovic to become the first player to register two or more goals in nine different matches in a single MLS season.

  We may see Messi on the global stage for the final time at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico in the summer, as defending champions Argentina look to create more history. Messi created headlines when he played in potentially his final-ever game on home soil against Venezuela in September, with Messi scoring twice in a 3-0 win.

  He has yet to confirm whether he will take place in the tournament next summer, casting doubt upon whether he will take to the world stage again after all.

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• Getty
  

  An important year could lie ahead for Messi

  Updates will no doubt be set to follow as a decision is made over whether Messi’s Ibiza property is to be partially demolished, and how much of it will remain if so. In the meantime, Messi will continue to do his day job over in Miami and hope that further controversy does not derail what could prove a memorable year for the veteran superstar.

  Heading towards the latter stages of his career, Messi will be thinking about what comes next after he does ultimately finish playing. Building up a series of properties around the world is seen as smart investment by many big names, but the Argentine will need to remain careful that he stays out of the spotlight with future purchases following this recent controversy, particularly if it does ultimately end with demolition and a negative outcome for the great man.

Liverpool are “closely monitoring” a Premier League player hailed as “one of the top” players in his position, and he is even quicker than Jeremie Frimpong.

Slot discusses Liverpool's Guehi disappointment

The Reds’ failure to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on deadline day was a big disappointment, with the Eagles not allowing him to leave at the eleventh hour, despite a deal being agreed.

Now, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has opened up about the Premier League champions missing out on the England international, admitting it was frustrating for many parties.

“For us it was of course a disappointment, for the player I assume, as well, because he was expecting to come to us. I try to put myself in the player’s shoes, but that can happen with a player from us as well, maybe a player wanted to leave but in the end couldn’t because we couldn’t get a player we wanted, that happens in football many times and the good thing in football is, especially after the international break, everybody comes back, accepts the situation and knows he has to perform well.

“But if a player wants a transfer that he doesn’t get, then you always feel for him. If it’s a player of my team, you talk to him, make sure he gets his energy back and keeps going again, and that is probably what has happened at Palace with Marc Guehi.”

Liverpool eyeing Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven

According to The Boy Hotspur, Liverpool are among the clubs who are “closely monitoring Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven, as they eye a move for him in 2026.

The Reds presumably consider him an alternative option to Guehi, with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also keen on snapping up the Spurs ace.

Van de Ven is arguably one of the leading centre-backs in the Premier League currently, so the idea of Liverpool signing him is a mouthwatering prospect.

The Dutchman is famed for his lightning speed, hitting a top Premier League top speed of 37.12 km/h in 2024/25, quicker than any Reds player, including new signing Frimpong, who hit 36.34 km/h.

Rio Ferdinand also heaped praise on Van de Ven last year, highlighting his pace.

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Liverpool fans may be split over whether Van de Ven or Guehi is the best option next year, but signing either of them has to be considered priority business. In fact, if Ibrahima Konate doesn’t sign a new deal, bringing in both would be a great idea.

MatériaMais Notícias

O goleiro Carlos Miguel é alvo de algumas equipes da Europa. Esses clubes, que não tiveram o nome relevado, até o momento, procuraram o Corinthians a fim de buscar mais informações sobre questões contratuais e parte financeira relacionada ao atleta.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

O Timão acenou inicialmente que não deseja vender Carlos é que possui um projeto de carreira para o camisa 22. No entanto, internamente, o entendimento é que não há jogador inegociável no elenco e que todas as propostas são analisadas pela direção em conjunto com o estafe do profissional.

Ainda que não tivéssemos acesso sobre quais são os times que estão interessados em Carlos Miguel, o Lance! soube que eles fazem parte de ligas importantes da Europa, e não de mercados alternativos.

continua após a publicidade

Os representantes do goleiro estão cientes dos contatos recebidos e analisam as possibilidades de mercado e projetos envolvendo Miguel. Eles têm ‘carta branca’ dada pelo próprio atleta para tocar as decisões de carreira.

+ Veja tabela e simule os próximos jogos do Corinthians no Brasileirão

A tendência é que, pelo menos, um dos clubes interessados por Carlos Miguel apresente ao Corinthians alguma proposta oficial até o fim do mês, período em que a janela de transferências estará aberta mas principais ligas europeias.

continua após a publicidade

Contratado em agosto de 2021, Carlos Miguel ganhou sua primeira oportunidade com o técnico Vítor Pereira, mas desde a temporada passada desbancou Matheus Donelli, tornando-se o reserva imediato na meta alvinegra. Ao todo, o camisa 22 disputou nove jogos pelo Corinthians, com sete vitórias e dois empates.

With time running out at Ibrox for Russell Martin, Glasgow Rangers are now reportedly targeting a move to hire a former La Liga coach who they previously had contact with.

Managers that could replace Martin at Rangers

He’s had just five games in the Scottish Premiership, but Ibrox has already seen enough of Martin. Boos echoed around Ibrox when he emerged from the dressing room for the second-half last weekend and those boos only increased when Rangers were condemned to their first home defeat against Hearts since 2014.

With the writing on the wall for the former Southampton boss, the focus has instantly turned towards the candidates that could arrive to replace Martin in Scotland.

On that front, one name already mentioned has been Steven Gerrard. The last manager to win the Scottish Premiership with the Gers, having dethroned Celtic in 2020/21, Gerrard certainly knows what it takes to bring success to Rangers. Whether fans are ready to forgive him for moving to Aston Villa midway through the 2021/22 campaign is another question, however.

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Meanwhile, a move for Jose Mourinho can now be ruled out. The former Chelsea boss has moved back to Portugal to become the new Benfica manager. It goes without saying, though, that affording his wages would have been a tough task for Rangers.

So the question as to just who could replace Martin remains unanswered. With Mourinho ruled out and Gerrard perhaps a choice that will split opinion, the Gers could turn their focus towards a former La Liga coach.

Rangers eyeing summer target Davide Ancelotti

As reported by The Daily Record, Rangers are once again eyeing a move for Davide Ancelotti to replace Martin. The former Real Madrid assistant coach has found himself back on the Gers’ radar after hitting a difficult spell at Botafogo, which could yet end in his dismissal. If that does prove to be the case, then he could be available just in time for Rangers to swoop in.

Ancelotti should be someone that the 49ers are already very familiar with. It was reportedly between the Spaniard and Martin for the job in the summer, with contact made with both, before the Gers ultimately made a choice that they’ve come to regret.

That said, hiring Ancelotti would also come with its risks. In his first managerial job, Carlo Ancelotti’s son has ultimately struggled after initially getting off to a solid start. Questions would rightly be asked if Rangers hired a manager who has won two of his last eight games at his current club.

Whether it’s Gerrard, Ancelotti or another option, Rangers’ next potential manager cannot afford to get off to a poor start. Those at Ibrox already sit 10th and in an increasingly concerning position.