Boucher “stunned me with the conversations he had with me” during IPL 2008, Kohli says

ESPNcricinfo staff06-May-2025When a young Virat Kohli first came to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2008, in a dressing room filled with the Indian greats like Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, it was South Africa’s Mark Boucher who had the biggest impact on him.Speaking on RCB’s podcast , Kohli said Boucher “stunned him” with the conversations he had with him. Unprompted, Boucher told Kohli what his weaknesses were and worked with him on them.”Out of all the players that I played with initially, Mark Boucher had the biggest impact on me as a young kid,” Kohli said. “He was the only guy I saw who came with the mindset that ‘Okay, I’m going to come in and help some of the young Indian players’.Related

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“He saw me play and saw a bit of potential. He figured out what my weaknesses could be, like if I wanted to go to the next level, this is what I need to do, without me asking him anything. He said, ‘Okay, I’ve seen you play this and we need to work on this, that, and a couple more things.’ So he took me to the nets, he said, ‘You need to work on the short ball. No one’s going to give you a chance in international cricket if you can’t pull the ball.'”He was hitting these tennis balls at me at a pace where I was like, if this is what it’s going to take, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the next level. But he really kept at it. I started becoming better. I remember a game we were playing in Chennai or Kolkata, and he told me, ‘When I come to commentate in India in four years from now, if I don’t see you playing for India, you would do a disservice to yourself.'”He really stunned me with the conversations that he had with me. And that really pushed me in the direction where I said I needed to start looking at how I could keep becoming better.”

“I just could not sleep. I was awake till five in the morning, staring at the ceiling. I was like, this is it. I’ve been called after a year and I’ve just messed it all up”Kohli, after the Pakistan match at the 2009 Champions Trophy

Later that year, Kohli made his ODI debut in Sri Lanka. He came into the side in place of Sachin Tendulkar, who was out with a niggle. But once Tendulkar returned, there was no place for Kohli.Kohli knew he was not the “most technically sound” batter but his willingness to improve and to fight it out in the middle helped him raise his game. His next big opportunity came when Yuvraj Singh got injured ahead of the 2009 Champions Trophy, and he was called up just before India’s opening game, against Pakistan in Centurion.”That was my first India-Pakistan game. I scored about 16. I tried to hit Shahid Afridi for a six straight down the ground and got caught at long-on [long-off], and we lost that game. It was an important moment in the game. And my heart was beating so fast through the whole innings. I could not process everything that happened within those four days.Virat Kohli was full of self-doubt after falling to Shahid Afridi at the 2009 Champions Trophy•Getty Images”It was a big loss, and I just could not sleep. I was awake till five in the morning, staring at the ceiling. I was like, ‘This is it. I’ve been called after a year and I’ve just messed it all up. I don’t know how this is going to shape up.’ I had a lot of moments like that where I really, really doubted myself and I had to again kind of recalibrate and find a way to slowly build up again.”On 2024 T20 World Cup: ‘I was walking in with no confidence’From looking to hit the ball instinctively to being the best anchor in the world, the journey for Kohli came full circle a couple of years ago, when he decided to shed inhibitions to keep pace with T20 cricket.”In the last couple of seasons, I have consciously made an effort to evolve my game,” he said. “And I’ve seen the results of it. Again, to the point where I had to let go of people wanting to see me, this is who I am, and just go and hit the ball.”You start from wanting to hit the ball and then you go through this whole journey of becoming someone. Expectations, this and that, to a point where you feel like this is actually pulling me back. And you have to push through and again get to the point where you say, just hit the ball. That’s the only constant that remains for a cricketer.Kohli hit three boundaries in the first over of the 2024 T20 World Cup final•ICC/Getty Images”I looked to make a few changes, which I’m very happy about, because I had to kind of go out of my comfort zone and try different things. Again, the fear of failure cannot enter that space. So I knew that I was going to get out a few times [cheaply] and that’s okay. I’m not going to expect myself to get 70, 80, 90 every game. Even an impactful 35-40 that helps the team is good enough for me.”Kohli went into the 2024 T20 World Cup with this mindset. However, he had just 75 runs in nine innings before the final. In the final against South Africa, with India 34 for 3 in the fifth over, Kohli switched back to his natural game. He scored 76 off 59 balls as India posted, and just about defended, 176.”I was not able to get runs through the tournament and I am grateful that I was put in that pressure situation again. I was walking in with no confidence, and then when things are supposed to unfold for you, I get three balls, I get three boundaries and I’m like, what is this game? One day you feel like you can’t get a run and suddenly you walk into one of the biggest days of your career and things just start happening.”And then you are put in this situation where the team needs you, and this performance happens through you. And you’re like, how? And that’s when you kind of understand, okay, this is the amount of hard work, and then you arrive at the ground. And then whatever has to take place will take place. The preparation is in my hands. The results are not in my hands. I just have to stay true to my instinct. If I have to hit the ball, I have to hit the ball. That is my only responsibility. Where that ball goes, how the execution will happen – that all depends on [other factors] because there are other people playing as well. We tend to forget this.”

Despite being the top scorers in the Championship last season, Leeds United put a real focus on strengthening their attack. The Whites found the back of the net 95 times in 2024/25, far more than any other side, but still brought three new forwards to the club over the summer.

They only paid for one of those attackers, with the versatile Noah Okafor joining from Serie A giants AC Milan for £18m. One of their free signings was former Manchester City academy player Lukas Nmecha, who moved to Elland Road from Wolfsburg. Both Okafor and Nmecha have already scored this season.

The same can be said for their other attacking addition this summer, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin’s start to life at Leeds

The signing of former Everton star Calvert-Lewin was certainly a huge coup for the Whites. He will bring Premier League experience to a team that need to cement themselves as a Premier League side.

Already, the former Toffees number nine has found the back of the net.

He’s played four times across all competitions for the club, and scored in their 3-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend to get off the mark.

Yet, his start to life in Yorkshire has not been as simple as that for Leeds’ new number nine. His debut against Sheffield Wednesday, which saw the Whites crash out of the Carabao Cup, was disappointing. Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Lee Sobot described it as a “debut to forget” for the England striker.

His stats from the 2025/26 Premier League season so far also leave a bit to be desired. In 178 minutes so far, Calvert-Lewin has had four shots, with three of those on target, and missed one big chance.

Whilst he is only a short way into his Leeds career, the former Everton star will be hoping his goal against Wolves can be a catalyst for his form to improve. If not, they may have an academy star waiting in the wings to steal his number nine shirt.

Leeds’ potential future number nine

The Whites’ most exciting academy star in recent seasons is surely Archie Gray. The 19-year-old played 52 games for his boyhood club before moving to Tottenham Hotspur last summer, where he became a Europa League champion.

Well, the midfielder might have some competition when it comes to the best talents at Leeds. His younger brother, Harry Gray, is also on the club’s books and is another highly talented prospect to come out of his family.

Unlike his brother, 16-year-old Gray is a centre-forward and has shone for the club’s academy, leading the line at both under-18 and under-21 level.

He’s also made his first-team debut, with his sole appearance coming last season off the bench against Stoke City in the Championship.

This season, the youngster has been on fire already. Representing Leeds in the Premier League 2, he’s found the back of the net four times in just three games.

He’s also chipped in with two assists, one in the league and the other in the EFL Trophy. Gray even bagged a hat-trick against National League side Scunthorpe United.

Indeed, his record across both the Premier League 2 and the Under-18s Premier League shows the killer instinct Gray has in front of goal. In both divisions combined, he’s scored 15 goals in 21 games.

Games

11

10

Minutes

819

758

Goals

8

7

Assists

0

1

If Gray continues on his trajectory, it is easy to see how he can snatch the number nine shirt from Calvert-Lewin at some stage. He’s already played for his boyhood club, and if he can carry that academy form into first-team football, he could be a deadly centre-forward at the top level.

With his older brother Archie now plying his trade down in North London, there is certainly an argument to be made that the striker is Leeds’ most exciting talent.

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ByKelan Sarson Sep 21, 2025

Chelsea’s approach to recruitment has long revolved around stacking their squad with some of the brightest young prospects in world football.

In the past few years, they have paid significant sums to secure teenagers such as Estevão, Kendry Páez and Mamadou Sarr.

This summer alone, they have added some of the most exciting youth prospects in Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United and Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

The logic is simple: bring in rising stars before their price goes up and commit them to long contracts, typically seven years or more.

By doing so, Chelsea not only protect themselves against paying premiums later – as they did with Enzo Fernández’s £107m transfer in 2023 – but also keep themselves compliant with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) by spreading transfer fees across the length of those deals.

The result is the youngest squad in the Premier League, with an average age of just 23 years and five months.

Not all of these gambles work out, however. A number of players have grown frustrated at limited minutes and moved on.

This summer alone saw exits for Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Christopher Nkunku.

And in previous years, Chelsea have made high-profile misjudgements by letting go of talents like Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, Declan Rice and Romelu Lukaku too early.

Yet there are also success stories that show the model can deliver.

Nowhere is that clearer than with Cole Palmer.

Cole Palmer's stunning Chelsea stint so far

When Chelsea paid Manchester City £40m for Palmer in 2023, the deal was met with scepticism.

Could a player who had mostly been used sparingly by Pep Guardiola truly justify such a fee?

Two years on, the answer is an emphatic yes. Palmer is now the beating heart of Enzo Maresca’s side and widely regarded as the club’s most important player.

Since his arrival, Palmer’s market value has soared from €32m (£28m) to €120m (£110m), as per Transfermarkt.

He was central to Chelsea’s resurgence last season, guiding them to a fourth-place finish, a UEFA Conference League triumph and a Club World Cup title.

His influence was decisive in both finals, scoring twice against PSG in the Club World Cup and picking up man of the match awards in each.

Palmer’s output has been remarkable: 45 goals and 29 assists in his first 100 appearances for the club.

Beyond numbers, his creativity and ability to dictate games in the final third have been transformative.

It is no surprise he won the PFA Young Player of the Season award, or that he broke into the England team in 2023, scoring in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

Statistically, Palmer excels across multiple areas.

Cole Palmer – 2024/25

Matches Played

37

Goals

15

Assists

8

Progressive Carries

120

Progressive Passes

214

Source: FBref

His 2024/25 season included 37 appearances with 23 goal involvements, averaging 6.03 progressive passes per 90 and 5.70 shot-creating actions.

He is not just scoring and assisting, but consistently advancing Chelsea’s play in possession.

For all the criticism of the club’s scattergun transfer policy, Palmer stands as proof that sometimes they get it spectacularly right.

How Jamal Musiala compares to Palmer

For every Palmer success story, there is a cautionary tale.

Jamal Musiala’s departure is one Chelsea fans continue to regret.

Having been part of the Blues’ youth system, he left for Bayern Munich in 2019 for just €200k (£175k).

Today his market value is estimated at €140m (£130m), and he is widely considered among the best attacking midfielders in world football.

At Bayern, Musiala has blossomed into a superstar.

In 207 matches, he has scored 64 goals and provided 39 assists, while also cementing his place in the German national team with 40 caps and eight goals.

Former England youth teammate Jude Bellingham once roomed with him, and Musiala’s decision to represent Germany over England has only heightened the sense of loss.

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes summed it up simply: Musiala is “one of the best number 10s in the world.” The statistics underline his world-class profile.

In 2024/25, he managed 14 goal involvements in 25 Bundesliga matches, with 1.55 shots on target per 90 and an outstanding 45.6% accuracy, as per FBref.

He edges Palmer in dribbling influence too, recording 39.6 carries per 90 compared to Palmer’s 33.0.

While Palmer is the superior progressive passer (6.03 per 90 to Musiala’s 5.35), Musiala’s ability to destabilise defenders with his direct running offers a complementary, if different, threat.

The irony is stark: Chelsea now pay premiums to secure players like Palmer, while having allowed Musiala to leave for a fraction of his current worth.

Injuries have unfortunately stalled his 2025/26 campaign – a broken leg at the Club World Cup means he will miss large portions of the season – but his trajectory remains upwards.

The Palmer-Musiala contrast highlights the dual nature of Chelsea’s youth model.

They are capable of landing gems that transform the team, but just as easily let diamonds slip through their fingers.

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كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية رد فعل نادي ريال مدريد تجاه التصريحات النارية التي أدلى بها نجم فريق برشلونة، لامين يامال، في الساعات الأولى من صباح يوم الجمعة، ضد الملكي.

جاءت تصريحات لامين يامال قبل يومين من مباراة الكلاسيكو بين فريقي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”، الأحد المقبل، في الجولة العاشرة من الدوري الإسباني.

طالع | ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني بعد هدف مبابي في مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة

وسخر لامين يامال من ريال مدريد حيث اتهمهم بكونهم “يسرقون ويشتكون” على حد قوله (لمطالعة التفاصيل كاملة من هنا).

وذكرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية أن تصريحات لامين يامال لم تمر بشكل جيد على ريال مدريد، حيث تعتبر مثل تلك التصريحات سخيفة في العادة وتنعكس سلبًا على صاحبها.

وأوضحت أن ريال مدريد يعتزم التحدث مع لاعب برشلونة، لامين يامال، في هذا الصدد، حيث سيجري القائد داني كارفاخال تلك المحادثة مع مواطنه عقب انتهاء مباراة الكلاسيكو المرتقبة.

وأشارت إلى أنه بغض النظر عن كون ما قاله لامين يامال يُعد غبيًا، فإن ريال مدريد يعتبر كلماته تفتقد للاحترام، سواء كان يشير إليهم أو أي نادِ آخر من الدرجة الأولى.

وأفادت بأنه بخلاف ذلك، فإن ريال مدريد يدرك أن تصريحات لامين يامال تهدد التناغم الكبير داخل المنخب الإسباني، حيث ستبقى أن نرى ما إذا كان ذلك الموقف سيؤثر على معسكر شهر نوفمبر، استعدادًا لمباراتي لا روخا الأخيرتين في تصفيات كأس العالم ضد جورجيا وتركيا.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta quarta-feira (2) é dia de Atlético-MG x Palmeiras no Mineirão e Belo Horizonte amanheceu um dia lindo.

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+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Tudo propício para nós desfrutarmos de mais um jogo histórico desse Verdão de Abel Ferreira pelo nosso continente, e quem pensou que a torcida do Palmeiras não estava muito crente na classificação, pensou errado.

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+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

A capital mineira deve receber nessa noite um pouco mais de 2 mil palestrinos que viajaram para apoiar o Verdão neste primeiro jogo das oitavas de final da Libertadores 2023.

Dono da melhor campanha da primeira fase, o Palmeiras viveu nas últimas semanas um ambiente de muita pressão e protestos da torcida contra a diretoria do clube, uma vez que o atual campeão brasileiro foi o único time que não se reforçou nessa atual janela de transferências.

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Se a diretoria não fez o seu trabalho, a torcida seguirá fazendo sua parte e confiando muito que esse elenco pode nos dar o tetracampeonato da América neste segundo semestre de 2023.

+ Atlético-MG x Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, horário e escalações do jogo de hoje pela Libertadores

A gente sabe como esse time cresce em jogo grande e confiamos muito nos nossos jogadores para que possamos eliminar o Galo pelo terceiro ano consecutivo da Libertadores.

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Assim como ano passado, será no gogó e a ‘hinchada’ alviverde não vai desistir tão fácil da nossa camisa em uma noite de Copa.
Jogadores e principalmente Abel Ferreira não merecem que a temporada ‘acabe’ em agosto.

Partiu, Mineirão. Hoje nós viemos te apoiar, e saindo vencedor ou não, lutaremos sem parar.

Orlando City reportedly attempted to sign Brazil and Tottenham forward Richarlison last summer, but their pursuit stalled after being quoted a transfer fee at $46.4 million, according to ESPN. The MLS club viewed the 28-year-old as a potential face of the franchise ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Richarlison remains under contract with Spurs until 2027.

AFPA hefty price tag

Orlando City were eager to strengthen their attack last summer, and targeted Richarlison as their top choice. The Brazil forward had established himself as a regular starter at Spurs after a tough start to his tenure, and at 28, figured to be a significant piece for Orlando going forward. But Tottenham's asking price ultimately deterred their efforts. The signing would have smashed the MLS transfer record set by Son Heung-Min's reported $26 million arrival to LAFC.

AdvertisementOther clubs interested

They weren't the only club interested, though. Tottenham were in the midst of a significant squad overhaul in the summer, bringing in a number of top talents in attacking positions. Richarlison was reportedly on the trading block all summer, and had his options. But he also spurned interest from the Saudi Pro League.

The impact of a World Cup year

Part of Richarlison's reasoning was reportedly his intent to play a significant role for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. New manager Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear in his selection that he has no problems rotating and trying different options. Richarlison featured in both the June and September camps for the Selecao, but started two of four games as Ancelotti shuffled his pack. He has been named to the October squad as Brazil gear up for friendlies against South Korea and Japan. 

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Getty Images SportA playoff appearance secured

Without bringing any major attacking additions this summer, the Lions managed to secure a playoff spot for the second straight year. They finished fourth in 2024, and could push as high as sixth if results go their way. The attacking duo of Luis Muriel and Marco Pasalic has offered attacking production, combining for 27 goals. But there is no doubt that Richarlison would have provided another threat. 

After an unprecedented summer of spending, the pressure is really on for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

On deadline day, the Gunners completed the signing of Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen, the Ecuadorian arriving in North London on a season-long loan but with a £45m obligation to buy.

He becomes the Gunners’ eighth new recruit of the summer, following Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga and, most excitingly of all, Eberechi Eze.

Around £300m has been spent on these new recruits, while very little was recouped by the departures of Nuno Tavares, Marquinhos, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson, Fábio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Despite the big money spent, this is a squad built around a foundation of Hale End graduates, namely Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka, 15 year old wonderkid Max Dowman and, of course, the returning Eze.

However, did they let the best Hale End kid leave when he was just nine years old, one that surely would’ve fired the Gunners to that illusive Premier League title had he stayed?

What Eberechi Eze will bring to Arsenal

Eze made his Arsenal debut during Sunday’s disappointing defeat at Anfield, introduced in the 70th minute to replace Gabriel Martinelli.

If the Gunners are going to wrestle the Premier League title away from the Reds, they’re going to need to become more creative in the final third, as the table below documents.

Two caveats first and foremost; we’re only three games into this Premier League season, so that offers a very small sample size, but, on the flip side, Arsenal did demolish Leeds 5-0 last weekend, potentially actually skewing their data in a positive sense.

Those aside, it has to be a concern that the Gunners rank 16th for both big chances created and passes into the final third so far this season, rarely threatening at Old Trafford or Anfield in open play.

Thus, Arteta will hope the arrival of Eze will solve their creativity issues, and it was genuinely spine-tingling to be present when he was presented to the crowd last weekend, a completely surreal moment for the player, while the reaction of the supporters was like nothing else the Emirates has ever witnessed; Thierry Henry’s return, also against Leeds, coming closest.

Eze himself has spoken about the fact that, when he was released by Arsenal at the age of 13, he thought his dream was over, but, after spending time at Fulham, Reading, Millwall, Wycombe, QPR and Palace, he’s finally home.

However, there is another former Hale End kid currently plying his trade at the highest level of world football, someone you may have heard of.

Arsenal's biggest academy regret

Famously, Tottenham supporters sing “Harry Kane, he’s one of our own”, which is very much true, there’s no denying that, but that wasn’t always the case.

During the 2001/02 season, when Kane was just eight years old, he spent a year in Arsenal’s academy but was released, with then academy director Liam Brady later admitting that he was deemed “a bit chubby” and not “very athletic”.

Well, he would certainly prove them wrong, joining Tottenham in 2004, starting a 19-year association with Spurs, scoring 280 goals in 435 appearances for their first team, breaking Jimmy Greaves’ all-time goals record by netting against Manchester City a couple of months before his departure.

Then-Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou labelled him an irreplaceable “generational” talent, while another former Tottenham manager Antonio Conte simply described him as a “world-class striker”.

Now with Bayern Munich of course, a move to Bavaria has not stopped Kane from continuing his scoring spree against Arsenal, converting a penalty in North London as they dumped Arsenal out of the Champions League back in April 2024.

That was his 15th career goal against Arsenal, only on target against Leicester (20) and Everton (16) with greater frequency.

As one might expect, Kane has started the new season on fire, scoring six goals in four appearances, most notably bagging a hat-trick as die Rekordmeister demolished RB Leipzig 6-0 on the opening Friday night of the season.

This takes his tally to 91 goals in 100 appearances for Bayern, averaging a goal every 91 minutes, which isn’t bad.

As a result, despite the fact he’s now 32 years old, Kane’s estimated transfer value remains £65m, compared to Eze’s which stands at £48m, also higher than the £60m the Gunners paid to secure his signature.

Tottenham supporters were not happy a fortnight ago when Eze did a last-minute U-turn, snubbing them to join their hated North London rivals.

So, could you imagine if, once he’s finished hoovering up multiple Meisterschale in Munich, Kane returned to the club with whom he began his academy career?

That would be the event that would finally break the internet.

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By
Matt Dawson

Aug 31, 2025

One Manchester United coach has been impressing those inside Carrington and is thought to be heading towards the top level of management.

Romano shares update on Amorim’s Man Utd future

The Red Devils may soon have a big decision to make regarding Ruben Amorim’s position as first-team manager after another woeful start to the Premier League season.

Saturday’s 3-1 defeat away to Brentford has piled the pressure on the Portuguese boss, who is refusing to alter his tactics in search of improved results.

As a result, there have been a number of names that have emerged in recent days as potential replacements for Amorim.

Sir Gareth Southgate has been in direct contact with Sir Jim Ratcliffe over a possible move to Old Trafford, whereas former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is another mooted target and thought to be among the favourites.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner would also be open to the idea of taking over from Amorim, whereas former Old Trafford coach Kieran McKenna is another manager admired by the Red Devils.

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Fabrizio Romano recently shared a latest update on Amorim’s Man Utd future, admitting his job is not safe as things stand.

Should a short-term caretaker manager be required in the near future, similar to how Man Utd have operated in the past, then the club may look to a former midfielder.

Darren Fletcher impressing at Carrington as Man Utd U18 manager

At Under 18 level, Man Utd have ex-star Darren Fletcher in charge, and he has been catching the eye at Carrington.

After taking over in the summer, Fletcher, 41, has seen his side win five of their six U18 Premier League games, sitting joint top alongside Manchester City. The Red Devils U18s did fall to their first defeat of the campaign last time out, though, losing to City.

The Daily Mail revealed that Fletcher actually had surgery on a knee injury which he picked up in the recent Man Utd Legends match away to Celtic but returned to work just one day later.

They claim that ‘many observers of United’s academy sides have been blown away by Fletcher’s work ethic’ and that ‘it was simply the latest indication he is destined for the top level of management’.

Fletcher’s twin sons, Jack and Tyler, have followed in his footsteps by signing their first professional contracts at Man Utd in 2024, so who knows, we may see the trio in some capacity at first-team level in the coming years.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has downplayed the impact of a proposed salary cap rule in the Premier League, saying England's top tier will "always be a strong league". The 20 clubs will vote on the new regulations next month. It is believed that City and their local rivals Manchester United are opposed to the idea, and are expected to go against the proposal.

Premier League salary cap: What you need to know

The new rule would see spending on player wages and transfer-related fees "anchored" to the revenues of the Premier League's bottom club. Teams would be limited to spending five times the lowest earner's revenues generated by prize money and broadcast income.

Based on current revenues, that would see Premier League clubs' spending capped at £550m ($728m) per year on their playing staff, as 20th-placed Sheffield United earned around £110m in the 2023-24 season. City's latest wage bill stood at £412m ($553m). However, it is possible that some clubs would already be in contravention of the new rules, if they are voted in. Suggested sanctions would include "a minimum six-point deduction plus a point for every £6.5m of overspend", according to an insider quoted in .

Clubs in England already operate under Profit and Sustainability Rules, which allow them to post losses of £105m ($141m) across a three-year timespan. 

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) is considering legal action if the new rule is introduced, as it could negatively impact players' wages. Several clubs are against the idea, with both Manchester sides and Aston Villa, voting against the original proposal when it was floated in March of last year. Chelsea abstained.

AdvertisementGuardiola unfazed by salary cap discussions

Despite the protests of his employer, Guardiola does not feel the proposed regulations would severely impact the Premier League's ability to compete on the continent. Speaking ahead of City's league clash with Everton on Saturday, the Catalan suggested he has had little input into the club's response to the vote.

"I have my (own) opinion about that," Guardiola said. "I didn't speak with my CEO, Ferran (Soriano). We'll wait. I think what the clubs decide will be fine. In the end every decision, every rule, always there are positives and negatives. We'll see. I think the Premier League will always be a strong league. In many things it is the best, in other things it can be better. What the clubs decide will be fine."

Further reaction to proposed Premier League salary cap

Guardiola's level-headed response is in a wildly different key compared to other voices in the football worlds. An insider is quoted in as saying: “If we bring in these anchoring rules, it could dramatically affect the Premier League’s ability to attract the world’s best players. How can that be in the best interest of English football?”

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe took a similar line when the plans were first introduced in March 2024. He suggested the Premier League could be giving up it's competitive advantage over Europe's elite if they voted through the proposal. "The last thing you want is for the top clubs in the Premier League not to be able to compete with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG – that’s absurd. And if it does, it then ceases to be the finest league in the world," he said. 

While those other 16 clubs that appear to be broadly in favour of the new rules have not been as forthcoming with their opinions, another insider quoted in has suggested many of those organisations are "sleepwalking" into the potential new era.

 “Many clubs don’t have a particularly strong view on this issue because they don’t think it will affect them given their current spending levels. It feels like we are actually sleepwalking into this," they said.

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GettyNo easy answers on sustainable financing in English football

It's hard to think of a proposed rule change that could have higher stakes for the competitive balance of the Premier League. With clubs at the lower reaches of the table unable to match the revenue-generation of the elite teams, this proposal will look enticing. However, with many of the most powerful executives in the land and the PFA against the proposal, even if the motion is passed it is unlikely that will be a telling conclusion in the ongoing debate over financial fair play in the world game's most lucrative domestic competition.

Next month's vote could be the most important result in the Premier League this season. Far more important than any fixture played between two teams.

Cristiano Ronaldo has linked up with another sporting GOAT in the form of Novak Djokovic. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner CR7 is still going strong at 40 years of age with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Djokovic, the most decorated player of all-time in men’s tennis, has spent time in Portugal of late. That allowed him to meet Ronaldo, as gifts were exchanged between the pair.

• Sporting GOATS: Ronaldo & Djokovic dominate their professions

  Ronaldo has boldly billed himself as the greatest of all-time in football circles, with the Portuguese icon of the opinion that he sits above eternal rival Lionel Messi on that list. Many share that opinion, with the evergreen frontman already assured of a spot among the immortals.

  Djokovic enjoys a similar standing in his chosen profession, with the Serbian superstar claiming a historic haul of 24 Grand Slam titles over the course of his remarkable career. Djokovic is still going strong himself at the age of 38, with there no plans to call it a day any time soon.

  He continues to seek those marginal gains that keep elite performers at the top of their game, with Ronaldo having been doing that for several years on the football field. They are both born winners, with relentless drive ensuring that they are forever in pursuit of perfection.

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• Swapping gifts: Jerseys and a racket change hands

  They are likely to have discussed what keeps them coming back for more after rubbing shoulders in Lisbon. Ronaldo and Djokovic made a point of swapping signed jerseys, with the former passing over an Al-Nassr top sporting his famous No.7 while taking ownership of a red Lacoste shirt. Djokovic also passed over a signed racket, onto which he scrawled the iconic ‘Siuuu’ line that Ronaldo screams when celebrating his many goals.

  Djokovic has spoken on a regular basis down the years of how he looks to the likes of Ronaldo for inspiration. He recently said at the Joy Forum in Riyadh of trying to emulate the longevity of other sporting greats: “Longevity is one of my biggest motivations. I really want to see how far I can go. If you see across all the global sports, LeBron James, he's still going strong, he's 40, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady played till he was 40-something years old. I mean, it's unbelievable. They're inspiring me as well. So I want to keep going and that's one of the motivations I have.”

• How Djokovic uses Ronaldo as inspiration

  He had previously said on the podcast hosted by Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios: “I identify with Tom Brady as well. And Serena [Williams] is first of all, the incredible mind of a champion, just incredible hunger for success, for improvement. Cristiano Ronaldo is also like that. But just willing on a daily basis. To take your body, your mind, your character, your emotions, to a different level. To be a better version every single day. And to crush the borders and limits that everyone imposes on you.”

  Djokovic has broken out Ronaldo’s celebration in the past, and said in 2018 of playing in front of the man himself at the ATP Finals: “It’s great to have big football star, a sports star like him, court-side watching tennis. He used to come and watch a lot in Madrid. He used to come watch Rafa [Nadal], Roger [Federer] and myself. He’s a fan of tennis. It’s really, really nice as he’s one of the biggest sports stars in the last decade. It’s great for our sport to have him there.”

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• Getty/GOAL/IG:@djokernole
  

  Djokovic is also a big fan of Argentine great Messi

  It is not just Ronaldo that Djokovic is a fan of, though, having also spoken of his respect for Messi in the past. He said at the 2025 Miami Open, with the Argentine icon now plying his trade in South Florida for MLS side Inter Miami: “It’s a great honour to have King Leo in the stands. I think it’s the first time I’ve played in front of Messi, and honestly, I was a little nervous. I am very grateful for his attendance with his family. I have always been a fan of him, as most of the world has, throughout his career.”

  Djokovic has also billed Messi as a “phenomenon” and a “huge champion”. The same can be said about Ronaldo, with there a budding friendship there which will seemingly continue for many years to come as both delay any thought of retirement.