Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur haven’t been afraid to splash the cash in the transfer market, in an attempt to try and achieve Premier League glory.

The Lilywhites have a net spend of over £500m in the last five years alone, a figure which puts them fourth out of any team in the division for the same time period.

Daniel Levy was often criticised for his lack of spending in North London, but it’s clear that the 63-year-old did financially back various managers during his two decades at the club.

However, it’s clear in the modern game that money doesn’t equal success – especially in the Premier League – with numerous players often failing to live up to their big-money transfer fees.

The likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Roberto Soldado and Steven Bergwijn have all cost a pretty penny in recent years – with many of them leaving North London in deals much lower than what they arrived for.

In 2025/26, Thomas Frank has a couple of examples already within his first-team ranks, with two of his players arguably going down as some of their additions in recent history.

Richarlison & Simons’ form for Spurs in PL during 2025/26

Back in the summer of 2022, Spurs forked out a staggering £60m, including add-ons, for the signature of Richarlison from fellow Premier League side Everton.

Undoubtedly, given the nature of the transfer fee, his transfer generated huge excitement among the supporters in North London, but over three years on from his transfer – it’s safe to say it’s been a disaster.

The Brazilian has registered a total of 108 appearances for the Lilywhites, but has only scored 24 times – with half of his efforts coming in 2023/24 alone.

However, Frank has kept faith in the 28-year-old this season, but he’s failed to return the favour, as seen by his measly conversion rate of just 21% in the Premier League this season.

He’s also missed six big chances in his 11 outings to date, often being a wasteful option in attacking areas and falling way below the standards expected of a £60m addition.

Richarlison isn’t the only big-money addition to struggle under the Dane’s guidance this season, with Xavi Simons also unable to match the expectations many placed on him after his own move to North London.

The Dutch international, who cost a total of £52m in the summer, has racked up a total of 14 appearances across all competitions, but has only registered two assists in such a period.

The attacking midfielder is yet to find the back of the net, but has also struggled to provide the creative nature many would have expected, given the nature of the fee.

Simons has only achieved a total of 0.8 chances completed per 90, whilst also only completing 38% of the dribbles he’s attempted – showcasing his inability to impress with the ball at his feet.

He’s also only registered a tally of 0.17 shots on target per 90, a figure which ranks him in the bottom 14% of all attackers in the division – further highlighting his lack of quality in the final third.

The Spurs star who’s becoming their worst signing in recent history

After Spurs’ measly 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last season, Frank was always going to have a huge task on his hands to push the club back in the right direction.

The Dane has settled on a 4-3-3 system over recent weeks, but it still appears as though he’s yet to figure out his best starting eleven – as seen against Manchester United last weekend.

He utilised Richarlison in a wide-left position, leaving the likes of Wilson Odobert on the bench – with such a decision undoubtedly costing the side all three points in North London.

The Brazilian has mainly struggled to take the responsibility of leading the line for the Lilywhites, with Randal Kolo Muani also yet to find the back of the net after his loan move on deadline day.

However, the manager has been unable to call upon Dominic Solanke during the vast majority of his time at the club, with the Englishman massively struggling with constant injury setbacks.

The 28-year-old cost a club-record £65m from Bournemouth last summer, with his signature providing the side with the replacement to Harry Kane they were crying out for.

It has not all been plain sailing for the striker, with his tally of just nine goals in the Premier League throughout his debut campaign ultimately falling way below the standards many expected.

Other figures, such as 71% passes completed and just 33% aerials won last season, showcase his inability to operate as a target man – often struggling to offer an imposing figure at the top end of the pitch.

However, Frank’s arrival in North London will have given the talisman a new lease of life, but as seen by his recent setbacks, he’s so far been unable to make the desired effect under the Dane.

Games played

27

Goals scored

9

Pass accuracy

71%

Shots on target

0.9

Chances created

0.5

Dribble success

35%

Aerials won

33%

Fouls committed

1.5

Solanke has been suffering continuously with an ankle issue over recent months, subsequently undergoing surgery that has kept him on the sidelines for an extended period.

He’s not featured since the 2-0 triumph over Manchester City on the 23rd of August, with the Englishman subsequently missing a total of 81 days of first-team action.

As a result of his fitness issues, he’s only accumulated a total of 31 minutes of league action this campaign – an unacceptable tally given the fee forked out for his signature.

Solanke has only racked up 29 league appearances for the Lilywhites in his near 18-month stint at the club, something which is nowhere near the level expected given the mammoth price tag paid for his services.

In that time, he’s also managed to register a goal in every three matches, with Solanke so far being unable to fill the boots vacated by Kane a couple of years prior to his move.

Given his transfer fee and lack of form in North London, the 28-year-old has so far been a huge waste of money, with a new centre-forward desperately needed in the near future if Frank is to be a success at the club.

Frank can end Bentancur's Spurs career by unleashing "future £100m" talent

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge talent on their hands, but his progress is being halted by Rodrigo Bentancur.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 12, 2025

Surrey stumble despite resistance from Kalea Moore and Alexa Stonehouse

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay07-Sep-2025

Lancashire Women stayed on course for the Metro Bank Cup semi-finals with a four-wicket win over Surrey at Beckenham.Grace Potts took 3 for 31 as Surrey were bowled out for 225, while Hannah Jones took 2 for 33 and was unlucky not to get two more. Kalea Moore was dropped twice off her bowling and she cashed in to make a career-best List A score of 67, while Alexa Stonehouse was the next highest scorer with 48.Seren Smale anchored the visitor’s reply with 67 not out, as they closed on 227 for 6, victory secured with 24 balls remaining. Stonehouse was the pick of Surrey’s bowlers with 3 for 34.Lancashire chose to bowl and quickly made inroads, reducing them to 60 for 5. Ailsa Lister dropped Bryony Smith off Potts when she was on 14 but two balls later Potts dismissed Smith with an outstanding one-handed return catch.Kira Chathli then went for 17, driving Kate Cross straight to Smale. Alice Capsey was run out by Fi Morris for 5 and Paige Scholfield was bowled by Hannah Jones for just a single.Jones then had Alice Davidson-Richards caught for 20 by Cross at mid-off, after she’d initially dropped her drive, but Phoebe Franklin and Moore responded with the biggest partnership of the innings to that point, putting on 61 before the former cut Phoebe Graham to Emma Lamb and was out for 25. Morris then had Alice Monaghan caught behind for 4.Moore cut Jones for a single to reach 50 and she was on 53 when she heaved Jones to the midwicket boundary and was dropped over the rope by Lister.In Jones’ final over Moore was put down again, this time on 67 and this time when Gaby Lewis missed a far more difficult chance at square leg. This time she couldn’t profit as Moore was lbw to Lamb in the next over, the 42nd.Stonehouse, who’d put on 55 with Moore, blasted a huge six off Cross but fell to Potts in the final over, holing out to Graham at mid-off and Potts then ended the innings one ball early when she had Danni Gregory caught, also by Graham, for 18.Lancashire’s openers put on 74 for the opening wicket before Lewis tried to pull out of a hook shot and edged Monaghan behind for 39.The visitors seemed to be coasting at 117 for 1, when two quick wickets opened a window for Surrey. Lamb tried to reach for a Stonehouse delivery and was brilliantly caught by a diving Franklin at backward point and Morris lofted Stonehouse to Scholfield for 6.Ellie Threlkeld went to an even better catch by Smith, who almost pirouetted to take a one-handed grab off Moore, but she made a useful 21 and by then Lancashire only needed 47.Smale eased past 50 by clipping Moore for four through midwicket.The target was down to three when two wickets gave the scoreline some respectability: Lister skied Stonehouse to Scholfield and although she was dropped, she hit the next delivery straight to Smith for 23. Collins ramped Franklin to Tilly Corteen-Coleman for a duck, but this merely allowed Cross to hit Franklin back over her head for the winning boundary.

Innings By no means the perfect innings for Pakistan, but 160 should be enough on this Dubai wicket. A fiery return to form for Mohammad Haris, who scored 66 off 43 deliveries, was the primary contribution that helped Pakistan to that figure.Either side of him, Pakistan struggled. They managed just two boundaries in the first five overs, which produced just 31 runs, with Saim Ayub falling for a golden duck. Sahibzada Farhan, put down early, scratched through his innings for 29 off 29, and it was left to Haris, promoted up the order, to inject impetus into the innings.Sixteen came off the final powerplay over, and that was the start of the onslaught. Until then, Haris had 16 off 18. His next 25 balls would produce 50 as Pakistan raced up close to eight runs per over, but once again, Oman pegged them back. Aamir Kaleem, the left-arm spinner, was the pick of the bunch as he had Haris drag on, before Salman Agha lapped a full toss off his first delivery to deep midwicket.It produced another barren spell for Pakistan and the boundaries dried up again. Fakhar Zaman struggled for timing and Hasan Nawaz, so often a hammer at the death, couldn’t get himself in, and holed out off his 15th ball for nine runs. It wasn’t until Mohammad Nawaz arrived in the 17th over, his cameo ensuring Pakistan got past the 150 mark. On a slow wicket in Dubai, that might just do the job, but Oman’s bowlers have ensured their batters get a sniff.

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has declared his ambition to win "everything," including the World Cup, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or, after receiving the Di Stéfano Award for the best player of the 2024-25 season by Marca. The 18-year-old star, who recently returned to partial training after a pubalgia issue, also expressed his excitement for Barcelona's historic return to Camp Nou against Athletic Club.

Yamal eyes historic treble and Ballon d'Or

Despite being only 18, the Barcelona winger has already begun amassing individual accolades, surpassing established stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., as well as teammates Pedri and Raphinha, for the award.

When asked about his goals for the upcoming 2026 season, which includes challenges with Barcelona in La Liga and the Champions League, and with the Spanish national team at the World Cup, Yamal did not mince words. "I want it all. I hope I achieve it all, and as long as we can play, it's possible," he stated to , confirming his target to win the league, Champions League, World Cup, and the Ballon d'Or.

Reflecting on his individual success, Yamal emphasised the importance of collective effort, adding: “All the individual titles indicate that it has been a great season for the team. For me, it brings me happiness and pride. Accumulating awards at my age is very positive. I'm going to keep working and fighting to achieve things like this."

AdvertisementAFPCamp Nou return: 'History will be written'

Yamal also expressed his excitement about Barcelona's imminent return to the iconic Camp Nou stadium after more than 900 days away. The club's temporary move to the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Montjuic is about to end, with their match against Athletic Club marking the first fixture in the partially renovated Camp Nou, which has been cleared to host 45,401 fans.

Yamal has been actively building anticipation for the return on social media. He changed his Instagram profile picture to an image of himself clutching the Barca badge and added the caption: “Montjuic was the beginning. Camp Nou is where history will be written.”

He highlighted the significance of the return for the team. “The fans mean a lot. We've been playing in a stadium that wasn't ours. Montjuic was fine, but it wasn't what we wanted. Camp Nou will be a huge support for everyone and will be a big boost for the rest of the season.” 

For many players in the current squad, including Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, Dani Olmo, and Pau Cubarsi, the match against Athletic Club will be their first-team debut at the historic venue.

Injury update: Yamal targets Chelsea return

Despite his ambitions and the excitement surrounding the Camp Nou return, Yamal is currently navigating a tricky recovery from pubalgia, a chronic groin injury that forced him to withdraw from Spain’s recent World Cup qualifiers. Barcelona have implemented a detailed two-phase treatment plan, involving invasive radiofrequency therapy and a meticulous rehabilitation schedule.

According to , the club's priority is to have Yamal fully fit for the crucial Champions League clash against Chelsea. While a cameo appearance against Athletic Club has not been ruled out, his involvement will likely be minimal. Yamal returned to partial group training on Wednesday, marking a significant step in his recovery.

Club doctors have warned that mishandling the injury could lead to months on the sidelines, describing it as "tricky." Yamal has reportedly responded with full commitment to his rehabilitation, reducing media appearances and focusing exclusively on his recovery. Barcelona brought in a renowned Belgian specialist for evaluation, and surgery was ruled out in favour of the conservative treatment plan.

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Lamine Yamal and Barcelona?

Barcelona face a critical period with their return to the Camp Nou against Athletic Club in La Liga on Saturday. Yamal's participation in this historic match remains uncertain and will likely be limited if he features at all. The main objective is his full availability for the high-stakes Champions League encounter against Chelsea, a match vital for Barcelona's hopes of securing a top-eight finish in the league phase. The club will continue to monitor his progress closely over the coming days, alternating between individual work and controlled group sessions to ensure his recovery continues without setbacks.

West Ham chiefs are understandably making moves ahead of the looming January transfer window, and their winter recruitment could end up being crucial as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to maintain the club’s Premier League status.

The Hammers have finally found something to smile about after securing back-to-back Premier League victories, providing some much-needed optimism they stand a chance of avoiding the drop.

Nuno’s side ended their miserable nine-month wait for a home league win by beating Newcastle 3-1 before following that up with a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Burnley at the London Stadium.

The Newcastle triumph represented Nuno’s first win in charge and provided a crucial boost for a side that had been languishing dangerously close to the foot of the table.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Against Burnley, West Ham demonstrated their newfound resilience by fighting back from Zian Flemming’s early header. Callum Wilson levelled just before the break with his eighth career goal against the Clarets, before substitute Tomas Soucek once again proved decisive – bundling home from close range.

Kyle Walker-Peters then wrapped up the three points with his first goal for the club, and you can argue that this international break comes at a terrible time for the east Londoners, considering they were just starting to find good form.

However, while West Ham are currently basking in a ray of sunshine following their dismal start to 2025/2026, Nuno realises that his current options just aren’t enough.

According to reports, West Ham are actively preparing for the transfer window with several targets identified. The club have PSV Eindhoven’s attacking midfielder Ismael Saibari, who has scored 10 goals in 17 matches this season, on their radar alongside many other options.

The 24-year-old Morocco international is viewed as the ideal player to add creativity and goals to Nuno’s struggling attack (Football Transfers), with David Sullivan and co also looking to bring in a new striker and defender amid links with former Brentford star Ivan Toney.

Brazil could be an interesting market for Nuno as well, following reports that West Ham have been offered both Pedro and Kaio Jorge ahead of the winter.

West Ham make approach to sign Brazilian sensation Allan Elias

Now, according to journalist Eduardo Burgos for AS, as translated by Sport Witness, they’ve also joined the race to sign one of Brazil’s most exciting young talents.

West Ham are said to have made an approach for young Palmeiras attacking midfielder Allan Elias.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a prime target for several Premier League clubs, with the Hammers joining Fulham and Everton in making enquiries about his availability. The trio have apparently established contact over the versatile starlet, who has been turning heads across European football, and it is believed that an offer north of £17.5 million could be enough despite Elias’ £84 million release clause.

What makes Allan particularly intriguing is his potential. He is a product of Palmeiras’ famed academy system – the same development setup that produced Chelsea sensation Estevao Willian, who has taken the Premier League by storm since his summer arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The academy, renowned as one of South America’s finest talent factories, has also produced stars like Endrick, who was also a reported target for West Ham before Lyon entered the fray.

Allan joined Palmeiras’ youth ranks in 2019 from hometown club Figueirense and has worked his way through the system to become a key figure in the first team.

His great form this season, with 10 goal contributions across 50 appearances in all competitions, seems to have caught the attention of scouts, with West Ham among the sides taking notice.

Burgos describes Allan as yet another “diamond” to come through at Palmeiras, and amid his dream of playing for Brazil, a move to the Premier League would surely appeal to him ahead of next year’s 2026 World Cup.

Dominik Szoboszlai has denied taunting Ireland players after the Liverpool midfielder became embroiled in a social media storm following Hungary's World Cup qualifying loss against Heimir Hallgrimsson's side. Ireland dramatically clinched a 3-2 victory in the dying moments as Troy Parrott completed his hat-trick to help his nation secure a spot in the play-offs.

• Szoboszlai accused of mocking Irish fans

  Liverpool star Szoboszlai was visibly distraught at full-time as Hungary twice gave up the lead to an Ireland side that refused to give in. Daniel Lukacs handed Hungary a third-minute advantage before Parrott scored an equaliser 12 minutes later. Barnabas Varga then made it 2-1 in the 37th minute as Hungary went in at the break with their noses in front.

  Former Tottenham forward Parrott, however, had a different plan as he once again equalised in the 80th minute before scoring a last-gasp winner. With three points, Ireland finished second in their group behind Portugal and progressed to the qualifying play-offs, which will be played in March.

  After Varga's goal, Szoboszlai was seen making a tear-wiping gesture. The video went viral on social media after the clash, as many believed the Reds midfielder attempted to mock the Irish fans. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Szoboszlai speaks out

  However, the Hungary international has claimed his gesture was a joke between his Hungary team-mates. 

  Speaking to , the 25-year-old said: "It is still difficult to accept what happened. Unfortunately, we have to live with it and move on. There is certainly a reason why this always happens to us. But we try to take the positives out of the most difficult times. We had a chance until the end; we believed that we could make the playoffs. This (the celebration) is a joke between my own teammates, András Schäfer, Barnabás Varga and Péter Szappanos. If it was meant for the Irish, I would tell them."

• Ex-Premier League star's live TV gaffe

  Former Ireland international Kevin Doyle, who represented the likes of Wolves and Reading in his playing days, was helping to cover the game for RTE Sports. At full-time, after Parrott scored the match-winning goal, the 42-year-old celebrated wildly inside the studio. RTE posted an edited version of his celebration, but the full scenes were captured off camera – with an uncut video making its way onto social media. 

  In that, Doyle appeared to bellow in the direction of Szoboszlai: "Suck on that, you Liverpool c***!" He, however, quickly apologised to former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann, who was also on punditry duty.

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• AFP
  

  When will Ireland play in the World Cup play-offs?

  Ireland will now take their place in the play-off draw, which will be held on Thursday, November 20. The semi-finals are set to start on March 26, 2026, with the finals taking place five days later.

  There are 16 teams that are fighting for just four places at the World Cup finals in North America. Having kept themselves in the hunt for tickets, Ireland could be paired with the likes of Wales, Slovakia, Scotland, Czechia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Kosovo. 

“Leave the football before the football leaves you.” That was the sentence Jamie Carragher reserved for a certain Manchester United player by the name of Casemiro back in May 2024.

It’s safe to say that the Brazilian, once a football legend, a serial winner at Real Madrid, had seen his powers wane.

He was making countless mistakes, looked like he was running through treacle and was the shadow of a player who had featured on 336 occasions for Madrid.

18 months on and Casemiro looks like a legandary player again. He may not be capable of featuring for a period of 90 minutes but the 2025/26 campaign has arguably been his best since moving to Old Trafford.

The 33-year-old is making a huge impact, notably scoring on three occasions and registering an assist. He’s finally come good in United colours.

However, the fact that he can’t last 90 minutes is the problem. His backup in the shape of Manuel Ugarte continues to struggle.

Why it's time for Ugarte to leave Man Utd

In the summer of 2024, INEOS spent a great deal on bringing the bullish Uruguayan to Old Trafford, as much as £42m.

He was seen as the heir to Casemiro, someone who could fix their lack of energy and tenacity in the middle of the park.

The big Brazilian was floundering and the more minute Ugarte was here to fix the problem. Yet, he has been more of a hindrance, particularly as Casemiro has returned to form.

So far this term, the midfield veteran has only completed one 90 minutes in the Premier League and in a bid to see out the game, Ruben Amorim has usually tried to rely on Ugarte. However, the South American has been anything but reliable.

Arsenal

65

Fulham

53

Burnley

72

Man City

Did not start

Chelsea

45

Brentford

Suspended

Sunderland

85

Liverpool

58

Brighton

70

Nott’m Forest

Was not subbed

Spurs

72

With the 24-year-old out of the team, the Red Devils have scored 15 goals at a rate of twice per 90 and have conceded eight times, once per 90 minutes.

However, with Ugarte in the team, Amorim’s side have scored just four times, 1.3 per 90 minutes and have shipped ten goals, a whopping 3.2 per 90.

The data is clear; United are a poorer side when the big-money midfielder is in the team. While he has come on and helped his teammates to victories over Chelsea, Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton, he has also come on and been a hindrance.

When he entered the action at the weekend in the 2-2 draw with Spurs, it was 1-0 to United at the time. In the 3-1 defeat to Brentford, he came on at 2-1. During the 1-1 draw with Fulham, Amorim’s charges were leading 1-0 when Ugarte was brought off the bench. To make matters worse, he also started the 3-0 loss to rivals Manchester City.

So, why do things go so wrong when he’s on the field? Well, his inability to break up the play and anticipate what happens on the field is a huge issue. That was seen during the draw with Spurs on Saturday when Ugarte simply let Wilson Odobert breeze past him in the build-up to Mathys Tel’s equaliser.

With Kobbie Mainoo on the bench, it does beg the question, why Ugarte? While the Uruguay international is the more traditional holding midfielder, they need more energy and legs when Casemiro heads to the bench. Mainoo would bring that in abundance.

Saying that, the academy graduate isn’t the only Ugarte solution up Amorim’s sleeve. Another future superstar at Carrington is getting ready to make an impact.

Man United's surprise Ugarte replacement

Cutting their losses on the former PSG player would be disastrous from a business point of view but it really does feel as though United need a refresh in midfield.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Casemiro has made great improvements this term but he is not getting any younger and if INEOS are planning to spend big in the future then it must be in a central area.

Players like Brighton superstar Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Geordie midfielder, Elliot Anderson, have both been linked with a move. They would be fabulous signings too.

Yet, a ready-made solution could present itself at Carrington. In the form of 19-year-old Sekou Kone, United may well have already signed their dream replacement for Ugarte.

Kone arrived at Man United in the summer of 2024. He was not a marquee arrival, far from it. There was very little fanfare for a teenager who had signed in a £1m deal from Malian side Guidars FC.

An exciting midfield player, the youngster had attracted the attention of United scouts during Mali’s run to the semi-finals of the U17 World Cup in 2023. Since then, he has failed to earn any senior game time under Amorim but he looks like a mighty fine prospect.

Kone featured on 14 occasions for the U21s last season but his prospects of football in 2025/26 have so far been dampened by a fractured eye socket. He has played just one match in the opening exchanges of the ongoing campaign but he is now back in training and first-team training at that. Amorim has already shelved plans of a loan spell, such is the potential in this young midfield player.

So, what’s he all about? Well, a defensive midfielder by trade, he is “uber composed on the ball and so press resistant” in the words of Como scout, Ben Mattinson.

Mattinson continued: “He’s got a tight turn radius and rides challenges well when carrying the ball.” On that evidence, he certainly sounds more promising than Ugarte.

He possesses an exciting ball-winning prowess and has an enormous physical ceiling that Mattinson suggests “is something Manchester United need more of in order for Amorim’s man-to-man press to work effectively.”

On that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise that fellow scout, Antonio Mango, has explained that Kone has “the skillset to be a beast under Amorim.”

This is a player who doesn’t just look capable of ending Ugarte’s career at Old Trafford, but potentially also Casemiro’s.

Circle May 16 on your calendars, baseball fans.

That's the day New York Mets—and former New York Yankees—superstar Juan Soto will play in his first game at Yankee Stadium in a Mets uniform since departing the Bronx for the Queens via free agency and a record contract this offseason.

And Soto, when asked about what he expects to hear from Yankees fans that day, said he is "expecting the worst" from the Bronx Bombers' scorned fanbase.

"You know Yankees fans, they can surprise you with anything," Soto told Max Goodman of following the 6-6 tie with the Yankees in the Mets' spring training finale on Monday. "So I'm expecting the worst."

Soto received an appetizer from Yankees fans who attended Monday's spring training game at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Fla., as some loud boos could be heard, along with some cheers from Mets fans, when his name was announced for his first at-bat of the afternoon.

Soto was acquired by the Yankees in a seven-player trade with the San Diego Padres in December of '24. From his first public comments as a Yankee, the Dominican Republic slugger made it clear that he intended to test the free agent market after the conclusion of the '24 campaign. Though Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, as well as star slugger Aaron Judge, both expressed the hope that Soto's debut season in the Bronx would be successful enough to convince him to stay long-term.

Batting ahead of Judge in the Yankees lineup, Soto authored the best season of his career and finished third in the American League MVP voting. He helped lead the Yankees to their first AL pennant since '09, but the club was defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

After the Fall Classic, an all-business Soto immediately began fielding questions about his free agency. After weeks of rumors and meetings with the likes of the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, Soto shocked the sports world and inked a record, $765 million contract with the Mets.

Yankees fans felt jilted by Soto, who only exacerbated such feelings, when, in some of his first public comments as a Met boldly declared that New York "has been a Mets town for a long time."

Of course, some Yankees fans will likely give Soto a cheer, a form of thanks for his stellar year in the Bronx. But it's a safe bet that the Mets star will overwhelmingly hear loud boos when he steps onto the field—and up to the plate—as a visitor at Yankee Stadum on May 16.

And he's preparing for it.

West Ham have been handed an injury update on Crysencio Summervile after the winger missed their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last weekend.

The Hammers have rediscovered hope in their battle against relegation after an impressive three-game unbeaten streak that has breathed new life into their campaign under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

The turnaround began with a crucial 3-1 home win over Newcastle at the start of November, ending a dismal 248-day wait for a London Stadium victory. Lucas Paqueta’s strike and Sven Botman’s own goal overturned Jacob Murphy’s early opener before Tomas Soucek sealed the points in stoppage time.

The victory was significant not just for the three points but for demonstrating resilience after falling behind early, a scenario that had previously prompted capitulations against Chelsea, Tottenham and Brentford.

Six days later, West Ham delivered another comeback against Burnley, grinding out a vital 3-2 victory. After Zian Flemming’s header put the visitors ahead, Callum Wilson equalised before halftime with his eighth career goal against Burnley. Soucek then produced another crucial intervention, bundling home with thirteen minutes remaining before Kyle Walker-Peters wrapped up all three points just minutes from full-time.

The momentum continued at Bournemouth, where Wilson tormented his former club with two excellent first-half goals. Although Nuno’s side surrendered their two-goal advantage through Marcus Tavernier’s penalty and Enes Unal’s late equaliser, the 2-2 draw extended their unbeaten run to three matches.

West Ham have now got eleven points from their last twelve games, climbing out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Striker could join West Ham for £30m after giving Bayern Munich and Man City nightmares

He’s emerged as one of their arguable best options.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 26, 2025

Nuno has brought defensive organisation and tactical discipline that was absent under his predecessor Graham Potter. Wilson’s form has been crucial too. Despite initially not being fancied by West Ham’s boss (ExWHUemployee), the summer signing has now bagged four goals in his last three matches.

Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman have improved recently as well, among others, with vice-chair Karren Brady’s decision to push for Nuno’s appointment now paying dividends.

Nuno is on record suggesting that Summerville will be a crucial player for West Ham, and the winger had started every Premier League game for West Ham’s new boss before last weekend’s draw.

ExWHUemployee shares Summerville injury update out of West Ham

Nuno will be keen to have him back to face Liverpool this weekend, and the consensus is that may well be likely.

However, ExWHUemployee has shared an update erring on the side of caution.

Writing via his Patreon, Ex claims that, while Summerville’s injury is perceived as minor, an eight-word message from one of his sources suggests that there is a degree of uncertainty.

If Summerville isn’t fit enough to take part against Liverpool, Nuno will likely call upon Brazilian talent Luis Guilherme, as he did against Bournemouth last Saturday.

In an attempt to get one over on their rivals, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping close tabs on Ajax youngster Jorthy Mokio, who’s already been a given a guarantee by Manchester United.

The Lilywhites have set their sights on getting back into the Premier League’s top six and much more in the coming years. The departure of Daniel Levy was completed with that ambition in mind and this weekend’s North London derby against Arsenal hands Thomas Frank the perfect opportunity to prove that he’s the right man for the job.

An unexpected victory over Arsenal, who sit top of the Premier League, would see Tottenham move to within five points of their rivals to continue what has been a solid start.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s clash, Frank shared how excited he is to take charge of the fixture for the first time in the Premier League, saying: “Super excited. Of course, before I stepped into the club, of course, I knew about the north London derby, but it’s when you are in it, you sense it and feel that this is important.

“You feel it from the fans, you feel it from the staff members, the players, the people that have been working here for years. This is the big one.

“I always say the next game is the most important game and we always have that, but I’m very, very, very aware there are two games in a year that are even more important – and this is the first of them. We are ready, we are up for it, we are looking forward to it and we will do everything we can to win.”

It’s not just Arsenal that Spurs are looking to get one over on, however. Away from the pitch, they could also beat Man United to the signature of rising star Mokio.

Tottenham keeping close tabs on Jorthy Mokio

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham are now keeping close tabs on Mokio, who is looking to leave Ajax in 2026. The 17-year-old has also attracted the interest of Man United, who are already reportedly preparing a project which will offer him a guarantee of game time.

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The Red Devils are currently the reported favourites to sign the defensive midfielder, but Tottenham’s presence at least gives them a fighting chance to land the latest Ajax sensation.

A well-connected source told Caught Offside: “Manchester United are leading the chase for Jorthy Mokio. They are already working on a project that could offer Mokio guaranteed minutes and a clear development path.”

Dubbed “special” by scout Jacek Kulig, Mokio has already got his name in the history books at Ajax and could now be on his way to the Premier League to make his mark once again.

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