Had Liverpool been dispatched at the London Stadium right now, the calls for Arne Slot’s dismissal would have risen a few decibels, higher than the din that followed successive Anfield defeats against PSV Eindhoven and Nottingham Forest.

But Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over the Hammers in the Premier League, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sealing three much-needed points for the struggling Redmen.

Still, the Merseyside outfit have left so much to be desired this term, lacking all of last year’s balance and belief as Slot was crowned king in his first year in charge.

So much has gone wrong, and the forthcoming league fixtures against Sunderland and Leeds United will determine whether a true crisis has been averted.

Much more is needed. The likes of Florian Wirtz and Isak are beginning to show signs of world-class quality, but FSG must feel pretty rueful over their decision to sell Luis Diaz and opt against sealing a like-for-like replacement for the Colombian winger.

How Luis Diaz has performed since leaving Liverpool

In fairness, Diaz was set to enter the penultimate year of his Liverpool contract, and there was no sign of a resolution. The Reds cashed in for a healthy £66.5m sum.

However, the 28-year-old’s blistering performances in Germany this season have underscored the dimension that Slot has lost down the left channel. Moreover, let’s not forget that Diaz played plenty of football as a makeshift number nine last year.

Bayern score a lot of goals, and they are the dominant force in the Bundesliga. However, Diaz is impartial as to who he picks apart, having played some immense stuff in the Champions League too.

His prolificness has catapulted him to a seat at the highest table, marrying his athleticism and electricity with a new sharpness in front of goal.

Harry Kane

24 + 3

27

Kylian Mbappe

23 + 3

26

Erling Haaland

19 + 1

20

Michael Olise

9 + 10

19

Luis Diaz

12 + 6

18

This serves as a reminder that the grass is not always greener. Diaz will have no regrets over his summer transfer, but Liverpool desperately miss his speed and energy and potent threat.

And now, FSG are in danger of losing their next version of the versatile forward.

Liverpool star could be "the next Diaz"

Liverpool opted against directly replacing Diaz this summer, hoping to keep a road to the first team for Rio Ngumoha clear from clutter.

But Diaz is an elite player, and he is not easily replaced. Perhaps some of a Liverpool persuasion regret their frustrations directed toward him last season, with the clinical performances coming in pockets throughout the year.

History may repeat itself with Alexis Mac Allister, who has been described by prominent Liverpool fan John O’Sullivan as being “the next Diaz” in that he is being hounded out by some segments for his performances this year.

While it’s true that the Argentina “superstar”, as he has been called by pundit Joe Cole, has been off the boil this season, he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, instrumental for the club’s success since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023.

Few know the byways of the midfield game like Mac Allister, who is combative and creative and cerebral in his performance in the engine room. Not just a steely lieutenant, he is smart and savvy, and that sets him apart.

Matches (starts)

35 (30)

12 (11)

Goals

5

0

Assists

5

2

Touches*

55.8

49.2

Accurate passes*

35.5 (87%)

33.1 (86%)

Key passes*

1.3

0.8

Dribbles*

0.5

0.3

Ball recoveries*

4.2

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

3.3

1.6

Clearances*

0.8

0.8

Duels (won)*

4.9 (48%)

2.8 (46%)

Form is temporary, as the old adage goes. Mac Allister will surely bounce back, but if Liverpool are set for a rocky road through the 2025/26 season, the 26-year-old may be considered for sale next summer, though reports suggest sporting director Richard Hughes and the club’s officials want him to stay put.

It’s as clear as day: Mac Allister will thrive if sold to a superpower in Germany or La Liga.

And Liverpool, as with Diaz, will be left rueing their decision as they scramble to find an adequate replacement.

Semenyo upgrade: FSG enter race to sign £88m "superstar" for Liverpool

Liverpool and FSG are getting ready to sign a new forward in 2026.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

تمكن فريق مانشستر سيتي من تسجيل هدف أمام نظيره فريق فولهام، في مباراتهما الجارية حاليًا في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.

ويستضيف ملعب “كرافن كوتيج” مباراة فريقي مانشستر سيتي وفولهام، في خضم منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي.

ونجح مانشستر سيتي في تسجيل هدف أول في شباك خصمه فريق فولهام، في الدقيقة 17 من عمر الشوط الأول.

جاء الهدف عن طريق النجم إيرلينج هالاند، بعد تمريرة من جيريمي دوكو، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى النرويجي الذي سددها في الشباك، معلنًا عن هدف أول لصالح الضيوف.

ويُعد ذلك الهدف رقم 100 لـ إيرلينج هالاند في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، منذ انتقاله إلى مانشستر سيتي قادمًا من بوروسيا دورتموند في صيف 2022.

وأصبح هالاند اللاعب رقم 35 الذي يصل إلى الهدف رقم 100 في تاريخ الدوري الإنجليزي، ولكنه أسرع لاعب يحقق ذلك الإنجاز بعدما خاض 111 مباراة، متفوقًا على آلان شيرر (أقل من الأخير بـ13 مباراة).

Manchester United are now battling Tottenham Hotspur to sign a young winger who’s been compared to Neymar, according to recent reports.

Man Utd "really inconsistent", admits Amorim

Not many were more frustrated inside Old Trafford than Ruben Amorim in midweek. His Man United side have now won just once in their last five games, albeit having also lost once in that time, and failed to convert their chances yet again in a 1-1 draw against struggling West Ham United.

Amorim shared his frustration with reporters after the game, saying: “No, it’s not going backwards, the results kept going backwards. We had some moments.

“Again, that can happen when one team you were talking about, when we had that run, that the team was really perfect and I was saying, ‘We are not far from being in the perfect moment’.

“We are really inconsistent. But if you look at the goal, 83 minutes, we have a long ball. We have everything under control. We need to do better.”

Whether Man United “do better” this weekend is now the big question. They square off against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a game in which anything other than three points will not be deemed acceptable.

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The Midlands club are yet to win a game this season and sit rock bottom of the Premier League on two points. Amorim cannot hand them that first victory.

As things stand, the former Sporting CP boss retains the backing of INEOS, who have reportedly joined the race to sign another attacking reinforcement for their manager in Nilson Angulo.

Man Utd battling to sign Nilson Angulo

According to TeamTalk, Man United are now battling Tottenham to sign Nilson Angulo after completing their scouting mission. The Anderlecht star is also on the radar of Leeds United, Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion in an all Premier League race.

With four goals and eight assists to his name in all competitions this season, the 22-year-old is one of the best young wingers in Europe and it should come as no surprise that he’s attracted the interest of United.

Dubbed “dynamic” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2024, Angulo has only improved ever since and would now undoubtedly make his mark in Amorim’s United side.

Some have even reportedly gone as far as to compare the Ecuador winger with Neymar in what is the highest praise that a South American star can receive these days. If Angulo is anywhere near as talented as the former Barcelona star then United should go all out for his signature.

Fewer touches than Lammens & 100% duels lost: Man Utd flop must be dropped

Manchester United have now accelerated contacts to sign a “wonderful” Real Madrid star, who is attracting interest from a number of top Premier League clubs.

Man Utd looking to sign new playmaker despite Mount resurgence

Mason Mount hasn’t had the easiest of times at Man United, having spent a lot of time out with injuries, but there are signs the attacking midfielder is now getting back to his best, being voted Premier League Player of the Matchweek courtesy of a top display against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

With Mount showing signs of improvement, and Bryan Mbeumo hitting the ground running at Old Trafford, having already scored six Premier League goals, Ruben Amorim has some top quality attacking options at his disposal.

Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes also provided an attacking threat in the 4-1 victory against Wolves, with the latter bagging a brace, but the Red Devils remain keen on signing a new attacking midfielder.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Man United have now held talks to sign Real Madrid star Arda Guler, recently accelerating contacts to sign the Turk, who has a reported price tag of £88m.

United are in the front row for Guler’s signature, alongside Arsenal, with both clubs making moves to secure his signature, alongside Liverpool, so there could be stiff competition.

At the moment, however, Madrid aren’t planning to cash-in on the 20-year-old, so the interested Premier League clubs may have to be patient.

"Wonderful" Guler could excel at Old Trafford

The youngster has been impressing with some of his performances for Madrid this season, being singled out for high praise by The Athletic journalist Guillermo Rai earlier this month.

The playmaker already has seven assists to his name in all competitions this term, two of which came in the Champions League, while he has also provided three goals.

Xabi Alonso is also clearly very happy with the starlet too, saying: “With his quality, he’s a mix between Özil and Guti. Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal, and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much. Arda has that something special — that natural talent you can’t teach.”

Man Utd express interest in signing South American striker who tore PSG apart

United have set their sights on a new striker, with Joshua Zirkzee’s Old Trafford future in doubt.

ByDominic Lund 4 days ago

Of intrigue to United supporters may be the fact that by scoring on his European Championship debut for Turkey in 2024, he became the fifth-youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history and the youngest debutant to find the net, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record.

That said, signing a new attacking midfielder shouldn’t be a priority for Man United, given that Mount is exhibiting very promising signs, and Fernandes has continued to impress, but Guler is clearly a very talented player, with a bright future ahead.

MatériaMais Notícias

Recheado de bons jogadores, o Botafogo avançou na Libertadores, garantiu a vaga nas oitavas da Copa do Brasil e faz boa campanha no Brasileirão. Entre os grandes nomes estão Luiz Henrique, Tiquinho Soares, Savarino e Junior Santos. Mesmo com os grandes números e o apreço de Artur Jorge pelo modelo ofensivo, os atletas só estiveram em campo juntos durante 25 minutos.

continua após a publicidade

Esta minutagem está dividida em dois jogos: nove contra o Universitario, a única vez que o quarteto iniciou um jogo como titular até agora, e os outros no duelo contra o Cruzeiro, pelo Brasileirão, quando os atletas permaneceram em campo ao mesmo tempo por 16 minutos.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance!

Senhor Invisível e em todos os lados do campo, Luiz Henrique engrena

Badalado, Luiz Henrique atuou em 16 jogos nesta temporada, marcando três gols e dando duas assistências.

Elástico, rápido e inteligente, Savarino encanta

Camisa 10 do Glorioso, Savarino já caiu nas graças da galera. Em 23 jogos, marcou cinco gols e deu cinco assistências.

Forte e casca grossa, Tiquinho se recupera

Grande nome da última temporada do Botafogo, Tiquinho já fez seis gols e deu cinco assistências nos 20 jogos que atuou pelo Botafogo.

Em chamas, Junior Santos incendeia a torcida do Fogão

Incontestável em 2024, Júnior Santos já atuou em 30 jogos na temporada, marcando incríveis 16 gols e dando cinco assistências.

Tudo sobre

BotafogoBrasileirãoLibertadores

Stand-in skipper pleased with Michael Neser’s maiden Test five-for, says Alex Carey keeping performance “one of the best” he’s seen

Alex Malcolm07-Dec-2025

Michael Neser and Alex Carey were heroes for Australia•PA Photos/Getty Images

Australia’s stand-in captain Steven Smith has described Michael Neser’s performance as exceptional and Alex Carey’s keeping display as one of the best he’s ever seen as the duo combined to help Australia take a 2-0 Ashes lead following an eight-wicket triumph in Brisbane.Neser took his maiden five-wicket haul on Sunday, finishing with 5 for 42 in the second innings having broken the key partnership between Ben Stokes and Will Jacks that had given England hope on day four.Stokes and Jacks batted through the entire first session and produced the longest partnership by any pair in the series to-date, grinding for 36.4 overs to add 96 against a disciplined Australia attack and raised hopes of England setting a fourth-innings target that might trouble the home side.Related

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Neser comes back from the brink to leave England on the edge

But Neser snuffed it out with an outstanding spell with a 69-over-old pink ball. He had Jacks superbly caught by Smith at slip before Carey took a less dramatic but no less difficult catch off Stokes up the stumps to dash England’s hopes within three overs.”What he [Neser] did today and in the first innings, was exceptional, I think,” Smith said at the post-match presentation.”He offers something different to the other guys. We can bring the keeper up to the stumps and change the game that way. And the way he bowled today and last night was exceptional. Really pleased for him to get his first five. He’s been on a lot of tours. He’s worked really hard.”He obviously made our batting a little bit longer as well at number eight.”Smith also heaped praise on his wicketkeeper Carey who was flawless across the match. He took three catches in the first innings, including a stunner back with the flight while being interfered with by Marnus Labuschagne. He also nearly stumped Harry Brook off Scott Boland, showcasing some sharp takes up the stumps from both Boland and Neser.Carey’s glovework was impressive across the match•Getty Images

Carey made a crucial 63 with the bat, sharing a 54-run stand with Neser that got Australia through the night session on day two and into the daytime to allow player of the match Mitchell Starc and Boland to combine for two hours in the daylight when batting was at it’s easiest.In the second innings he completed four catches, including an incredible catch up to the stumps off Neser to remove Stokes.”He’s a freak,” Smith said. “Honestly, up to the stumps, the ball just seems to end up in his hands. It hits the batter’s pad or something, and still ends up in his hands. He’s got no fear up there. He moves so well, and his gloves are just sensational. That was one of the best keeping performances, I think I’ve ever seen.”Smith wasn’t to be outdone in the field, though, and rated his slip catch off Jacks was among the best he had ever taken. Smith took three catches in the innings and four in the match to equal Rahul Dravid for the second-most Test catches by a non-wicketkeeper.”It’s got to be up there, I reckon,” he said. “They’re pretty tough when you got a pink ball, the lights are on, I’m blindsided by Alex. I’m standing quite wide because Alex covers so much room and then, yeah, just fortunately saw it late and got down to it and it’s stuck. It was obviously at a crucial time to break that partnership. So, yeah, I’ll remember that one.”

Caoimhe Bray, the teenaged fast-bowling sensation, is expected to miss several months of cricket, likely ending her season with both New South Wales and Sydney Sixers

AAP10-Dec-2025Sydney Sixers’ teen sensation Caoimhe Bray is facing a stint on the sidelines after a re-emergence of a stress fracture in her back.Bray was on Wednesday ruled out of Sixers’ WBBL Challenger against Perth at North Sydney Oval on Thursday after scans showed a return of the stress injury. The 16-year-old is expected to miss several months of cricket, likely ending her season with both New South Wales and Sixers.It comes after the multi-sports athlete also missed the end of last summer with the stress injury.One of the most exciting prospects in Australian sport, Bray played as goalkeeper for the Young Matildas in 2024 before debuting for Sixers months later. She then became the youngest player to take a hat-trick in any of the main women’s T20 leagues, doing so against Sydney Thunder last month.

“If you don’t know the future, neither do I. I don’t know what it will be like in a few years. But I am going to try and stick to [doing both] as much as I can”Caoimhe Bray on being a two-sport athlete

But she was sent for scans this week, and they came back with bad news.Regularly compared to Ellyse Perry given her ability across football and cricket, Bray has indicated she wanted to play both sports for as long as possible.”I have to commit myself to cricket for the summer part of the season, and when winter comes around, that’s when soccer comes back,” she said last month. “So many people are asking the question: ‘will you still be playing soccer or still be playing cricket’. People have their own opinions, like ‘go into cricket, surely’.”But so much can change. I have the three years signed with the Sixers, and so much can change over that period. If you don’t know the future, neither do I. I don’t know what it will be like in a few years. But I am going to try and stick to [doing both] as much as I can.”The winners of Thursday night’s match face Hobart Hurricanes in Saturday’s WBBL final at Bellerive Oval.

Beth Mooney has led Perth Scorchers back into the WBBL finals, executing the perfect chase against Brisbane Heat and ending Melbourne Renegades’ title defence in the process.Needing 165 for victory in a must-win game at the WACA on Saturday, Mooney hit an unbeaten 94 from 61 to help Perth reach the target with seven wickets and four balls to spare. The victory ensured the Scorchers would have a home final, knocked the Renegades out of the top four and handed the Heat the first winless season in WBBL history.With one game to play in the season, Hobart are guaranteed top spot and hosting rights for next Saturday night’s final at Ninja Stadium. Perth and the Melbourne Stars are also locked into finals spots, with the winner of the Sydney Sixers and Adelaide at North Sydney Oval on Sunday morning to join them.The WBBL’s finals system has third and fourth face off in eliminator on Tuesday, before the winner of that plays against second on Thursday for a spot in the final.The Stars could have wrapped up second spot on Saturday morning had they beaten the Sydney Thunder at Junction Oval, only for them to be well beaten. Instead Perth are now in second, and will stay there if the Strikers beat the Sixers on Sunday.Facing a tricky chase after Georgia Redmayne’s 57 helped the Heat to 164 for 7, Mooney took control of the game at the WACA. Australia’s veteran opener regularly picked balls up off her pads and hit them over the legside to the rope, hitting 12 boundaries in a near-flawless knock. The Scorchers’ chase threatened to wobble late when Maddy Darke (24) and Sophie Devine (13) fell, but Mooney held her nerve and Freya Kemp’s late hitting saw Perth home.The leading run-scorer in WBBL history, Mooney now has scores of 105, 75 and 94* for the season and will enter the finals as one of the league’s most dangerous players.

Mikel Arteta has delivered a clear message to £64 million signing Viktor Gyokeres, insisting that “two things have to merge” for the Swedish striker to thrive at Arsenal. The manager believes both player adaptation and tactical integration are essential as Gyokeres searches for form. After an injury setback and a slow Premier League start, expectations remain high for the summer arrival.

• Gyokeres struggling at Arsenal post injury recovery

  Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal in the summer after scoring heavily for Sporting CP, but his transition to the Premier League has been slower than expected. The striker managed just one league goal since September and missed crucial development time after joining without a proper pre-season and then picking up an injury. Arteta has repeatedly defended the player’s progress, emphasising that adaptation to Arsenal’s system and the demands of English football takes time.

  His limited goal return has become a talking point as the Gunners battle at the top of the Premier League table, especially after their lead was narrowed following a recent defeat at Aston Villa. Despite Gyokeres’ struggles, Arsenal have remained competitive, but Arteta is aware that the No.9 position must eventually provide greater scoring output. With Gabriel Jesus returning to fitness, competition for minutes is intensifying at a key point in the campaign.

  As pressure around Gyokeres grows, questions have been raised about whether Arsenal must change their approach to suit him or whether he must mould himself to their tactical demands. Arteta, addressing this balance directly, outlined the combined responsibility needed from both sides. His explanation offers the clearest insight yet into how the club sees Gyokeres’ long-term development and what must happen for his £64m move to be considered a success.

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• AFP
  

  Arteta explains what Gyokeres has to do to succeed at Arsenal

  Speaking to the media, Arteta explained the shared responsibility between Arsenal and Gyokeres, saying: “I think the two things have to merge. I think we have to put the player in the best possible condition to explode and fulfil his potential. And there are certain things that within the role, in the manner that we play, has to be fulfilled.”

  He continued by highlighting the importance of the team around the forward, adding: “And that’s a combination of both. And then it’s not only that. I think more important is the connections and the players around him at the end.”

  Addressing Gyokeres’ progress and fitness, Arteta said: “Those interactions, that understanding, how it develops. And before the injury, I think he was in a great place. I think it took him a while at the beginning because, as you said, it’s a different league, different demands. He had no pre-season. And now he’s starting to get, again, some momentum. And the goals will come, and we’re going to be very pleased with him.” Asked what will help unlock the striker’s form, he added: “Yes, probably the thing that’s going to unlock him is goals, and he’s so used to that that I think he needs that for himself, for his confidence, and I think we’re going to judge his performances based on that as well. That’s logical, but for the rest, I think he’s in a really good place. I think physically he’s in a good place, and now he needs to start to convert the chances that he’s getting.”

• Gyokeres brought in at Arsenal to improve offense

  Gyokeres was signed to bring a more direct, physically dominant option to Arsenal’s attack, a contrast to the fluid movement provided by Jesus. The Swede’s impressive scoring record in Portugal created major expectations, but the transition to England has exposed the differences in tempo, physicality and tactical discipline between leagues. Arsenal believe his profile still fits the long-term vision, especially with Arteta seeking more vertical threat and penalty-box presence.

  His early adaptation was hindered by arriving without a pre-season, something Arteta repeatedly referenced as a critical factor in his slower start. Players who join late or return from injury often struggle with Arsenal’s high-intensity demands, which rely on timing, pressing structure and positional rotations. Gyokeres’ lack of rhythm made it difficult for him to integrate in the same way as those who completed a full summer programme.

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• Getty Images
  

  Arsenal will continue to back Gyokeres

  Arsenal plan to continue giving Gyokeres minutes as he rebuilds sharpness, but he now faces competition from Jesus, whose return naturally increases expectations for goal output. Arteta is convinced that Gyokeres will eventually “explode” once adaptation and tactical cohesion fully align, but patience will be required from fans and analysts alike.

  If Gyokeres can begin converting chances, the long-term outlook changes dramatically, as Arsenal believe he has all the tools to become a top Premier League striker. Should the drought continue, pressure will inevitably increase, but Arteta remains publicly unwavering in his support.

Manchester United and Bayern Munich have reportedly locked horns in a battle to sign Liga de Quito’s 16-year-old sensation Ederson Castillo. The midfielder has attracted serious interest from the European heavyweights after dazzling displays at youth level, though they face stiff competition from Atlético de Madrid and Anderlecht who are also tracking his progress.

European giants circle Ecuadorian wonderkid

According to reports emanating from and , the teenage midfielder has become the primary target for a host of Europe's most prestigious clubs. Castillo, who is currently plying his trade with Liga de Quito (LDU), has seen his stock rise meteorically following a breakthrough campaign with the youth sides.

Despite being just 16 years of age, he was an instrumental figure in LDU’s recent triumph in the Ecuadorian U-19 tournament. His performances were marked by a maturity that belies his years, prompting the club’s hierarchy to invite him to train with the senior squad on multiple occasions. Reports indicate that both United and Bayern have moved to the front of the queue, registering concrete interest in the player as they look to secure his services before his valuation skyrockets. The battle for his signature is expected to be fierce, with European scouts now a regular presence at LDU's Pomasqui training complex, analysing every touch and pass the youngster makes as they prepare their final reports for club directors back in Manchester and Munich.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportUnited and Bayern face stiff competition

While the financial might of United and Bayern often clears the field, this transfer battle is far from a two-horse race. Atlético de Madrid are reportedly monitoring Castillo closely. The Spanish giants, led by Diego Simeone, have a long history of success with South American players who possess the requisite grit and technical quality. 

Furthermore, Belgian outfit Anderlecht are firmly in the mix. While they cannot compete financially with the likes of United or Bayern, they offer a compelling sporting project: a proven pathway to first-team football in a development-friendly league. Anderlecht have already successfully recruited from Liga de Quito in the recent past, signing Nilson Angulo, which could give them a unique advantage in negotiations. The Belgian route is often seen as a smarter intermediate step for South American talents before making the jump to the Premier League or Bundesliga, allowing them to adapt to the European game away from the blinding spotlight of the very top tier.

Ecuador's golden generation spurs interest

This developing transfer saga is emblematic of a wider shift in the transfer market. Ecuador has rapidly established itself as the new "gold mine" for elite talent in South America. The unprecedented success of players like Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, and Pervis Estupinan in Europe’s top five leagues has convinced top clubs that the region is producing "best-in-class" athletes who can adapt physically and technically to the rigours of European football.

For United, a move for Castillo would be entirely consistent with the club’s revamped recruitment strategy under their new sporting structure. The Red Devils are keen to move away from paying exorbitant fees for established stars, focusing instead on identifying high-ceiling teenagers. Bayern share this philosophy, with their "Bayern Campus" project designed to integrate top international talents into the first team at a young age. Both clubs are desperate to find the "next Caicedo" at source, rather than paying a British record fee for him years later as Chelsea did.

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Getty Images SportFIFA regulations delay potential move

Despite the intense speculation, any potential deal for Castillo comes with a significant logistical caveat: FIFA’s regulations on the international transfer of minors. Under current rules, Castillo cannot officially register and play for a European club until he turns 18. This means that any agreement reached in the coming months would likely mirror the structure of Chelsea’s high-profile deal for Kendry Paez, who is now on loan at Strasbourg.

The fellow Ecuadorian wonderkid agreed to join the Blues at 15 but remained at Independiente del Valle to continue his development until he was old enough to move in June this year. For Castillo, a similar "pre-contract" arrangement is the most likely outcome. He would theoretically sign for a European giant but remain on loan at LDU for the next two years. This period would allow him to gain vital experience in the Ecuadorian Serie A and potentially the Copa Libertadores before crossing the Atlantic, ensuring he arrives in Europe ready to compete for a first-team place immediately.