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Pep Guardiola Names Luke Shaw as ‘One of My Favourite Players’

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that a surprise Manchester United star is “one of my favourite players”.

The revered Catalan coach, who has been Man City boss since 2016 and previously enjoyed huge success with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, has managed some of the greatest footballers of recent generations over the course of his illustrious managerial career.

Guardiola has been fortunate to coach the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Robert Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer, Kevin De Bruyne, Thierry Henry and many more. He knows a top-quality player when he sees one.

Pep’s a Huge Fan of Man Utd Player

Pep Guardiola

Pep was present at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium earlier this week to witness Manchester City’s youngsters defeat rivals United 2-1 in the FA Youth Cup final.

Several United stars were also in attendance, including Luke Shaw, who Guardiola revealed is one of his personal favourite players.

“[Manchester] United always plays really good,” Guardiola said in his pre-FA Cup final press conference. “Happy to see, in the stands, Omar [Berrada], Jason Wilcox – the most important part in this club for the last decade, both of them.

“Jason, in the academy, did an incredible job. Omar, the right-hand of Ferran [Soriano], had been top and seeing top-class players from United, Bruno [Fernandes], Luke Shaw – one of my favourite players – Mason Mount, the manager Michael Carrick.”


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Luke Shaw’s Career

Manchester United's Luke Shaw dribbling.
Premier League – Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – December 15, 2025 Manchester United’s Luke Shaw in action REUTERS/Phil Noble

Shaw is United’s longest-serving player, having joined the Red Devils as an 18-year-old from Southampton in 2014. Touted as a potential new Gareth Bale as a teenager, Shaw has blown hot and cold throughout his long spell at Old Trafford.

Just one year after signing for Man Utd, Shaw suffered a horrendous double fracture of his right leg during a Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven.

After many months on the sidelines, Shaw made a full recovery and has since made over 300 appearances for the Premier League giants.

Still only 30 years old, Shaw is hoping to seal a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

It was the 34-cap left-back who scored England’s goal against Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley five years ago.

While Shaw has had the backing of most managers he’s worked under, one coach who never appeared convinced was Guardiola’s long-time rival Jose Mourinho.

In 2017, following a 1-1 draw with Everton, Mourinho said of Shaw: “He was in front of me and I was making every decision for him. He has to change his football brain.”

Luke Shaw and Jose Mourinho
Luke Shaw and Jose Mourinho

One year later, Shaw revealed: “I think he got frustrated with me because he knew I could do better. When I look back, maybe he was right.

“It was a tough few years but it made me stronger mentally. I wanted to prove to him I can do what he said I couldn’t.

“I had a chat with the manager before the season and he said he wanted me to stay.

“I’ve matured. You could say I’ve gone from a kid to a man. I know what I need to do to push myself. I want to play for Manchester United, stay there and prove my worth to the team.”

Eight years later and he remains a Manchester United player, earning admirers from those involved in football – including one of the greatest managers of all time in Pep.

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Leeds Confident of Completing Deal For Shea Charles

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Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a third summer signing following the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.

Wilson joined the Peacocks as a free agent after leaving Fulham following the expiration of his contract. The Welsh attacker had been in high demand after a season which saw him post 10 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.

Leeds have made Muharemovic the second-most expensive Bosnia-Herzegovina player in history after spending £34 million on him. The young defender arrives from Serie A club Sassuolo after representing his country at the World Cup.

Leeds Close in on Shea Charles

Shea Charles in action for Northern Ireland

Next up for Leeds appears to be Southampton’s Shea Charles and TEAMtalk claim that a deal for the Northern Irish midfielder is nearing completion. There are reportedly “hopes growing that an agreement is close” and that the 22-year-old will be headed to Elland Road.

Charles caught the eye throughout last season, particularly in the FA Cup after the Saints shocked Arsenal with a 2-1 win. He is a versatile midfielder who operates mostly as a defensive midfielder.

The former Manchester City academy star appeared 38 times across competitions last season, registering six goals and two assists. The Whites’ latest proposal is believed to be a £23 million down payment, with a further £2 million in add-ons.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Leeds Spending Could Reach £99M

James Trafford applauding the Burnley supporters via Reuters

With Charles likely to be the next arrival at Elland Road, attention is likely to turn to a new goalkeeper. Ilan Meslier and Karl Darlow have both left, joining Arsenal and Manchester United as free agents.

The report claims that James Trafford is one of the serious options for Farke between the sticks, but Leeds are one of several clubs set to make a firm approach. Currently away at the World Cup with England, the 23-year-old has been deputising for Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad.

A lack of football is likely to lead to a departure and Manchester City are “anticipating some concrete offers” for the former Burnley shot-stopper. The Peacocks are showing strong interest and if they were to sign the Englishman, that could take their spending to £99 million.

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Liverpool Sources ‘Confirm’ Interest in ‘One of the Best Wingers in the World’

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David Lynch has provided an update on Liverpool‘s transfer plans and confirmed that they are keen to sign a UEFA Champions League winner.

It’s been a summer full of twists and turns thus far for Andoni Iraola since he replaced Arne Slot at the helm. Mohamed Salah has left following the expiration of his contract, and the Reds were targeting Yan Diomande.

That was until Diomande made Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination and the Merseyside outfit opted to look elsewhere. Several alternatives have been touted, and Lynch has made a huge claim over one of them.

Lynch: Liverpool Want to Sign Barcola

Bradley Barcola via Reuters

Once Diomande indicated that he wants to join PSG, speculation grew over Bradley Barcola’s future. The French winger isn’t a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique and his chances of game time decrease should they sign the RB Leipzig attacker.

Lynch has been told that the Reds are long-term admirers of Barcola and that they are one of the clubs keen on signing the Frenchman. He said on his YouTube channel:

“Quick update on Bradley Barcola and where we’re up to with that one. I’ve had Liverpool sources effectively confirm to me this week they absolutely love him as a player. There’s no doubt about that. They are one of many clubs who really, really like him. Their admiration has been long-standing, and they really do continue to admire him coming into this window.”

Barcola enjoyed a superb season with PSG despite the competition for a starting berth in Enrique’s attack. He registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions, winning the Champions League for a second consecutive season.

The 23-year-old has also been a key man for France at the World Cup, managing two goals and one assist. His displays have garnered interest from Anfield although there are several obstacles:

“It’s more about now in terms of him potentially signing for Liverpool down to kind of the numbers around that deal, what’s being demanded and the feasibility of it. Of course, then whether he chooses Liverpool versus other suitors that he might have, what kind of contract offers he’s getting as well. It’s not about whether they like the player or not. I think you can pretty much nail that down now that Liverpool really do admire Bradley Barcola and would like to sign him if the opportunity presents itself.”

Barcola, hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world”, has two years left on his contract at PSG, having joined the Parisians from Lyon in 2023. The Ligue 1 giants have yet to make a move for Diomande and perhaps Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Frenchman firmly rest on the Ivorian arriving at the Parc des Princes.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Barcola a Dream Signing For Liverpool

Bradley Barcola (France) Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters

If Liverpool are to sign any winger this summer, Barcola is the dream given his profile and obvious star power. He can play on either wing and even up top if required.

The sticking point is the potential financial implications of a deal, as reports suggest PSG value him at over £100m. The Reds then have to factor in his salary demands as he currently earns £119,224 at the Parc des Princes and will probably be demanding a high wage increase.

Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola, but the Gunners are prioritising Morgan Rogers. They have also swooped for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, paving the way for Iraola’s transfer chiefs to take control of the Barcola race.

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Sports

Liverpool Sources ‘Confirm’ Interest in ‘One of the Best Wingers in the World’

Published

on

By


David Lynch has provided an update on Liverpool‘s transfer plans and confirmed that they are keen to sign a UEFA Champions League winner.

It’s been a summer full of twists and turns thus far for Andoni Iraola since he replaced Arne Slot at the helm. Mohamed Salah has left following the expiration of his contract, and the Reds were targeting Yan Diomande.

That was until Diomande made Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination and the Merseyside outfit opted to look elsewhere. Several alternatives have been touted, and Lynch has made a huge claim over one of them.

Lynch: Liverpool Want to Sign Barcola

Bradley Barcola via Reuters

Once Diomande indicated that he wants to join PSG, speculation grew over Bradley Barcola’s future. The French winger isn’t a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique and his chances of game time decrease should they sign the RB Leipzig attacker.

Lynch has been told that the Reds are long-term admirers of Barcola and that they are one of the clubs keen on signing the Frenchman. He said on his YouTube channel:

“Quick update on Bradley Barcola and where we’re up to with that one. I’ve had Liverpool sources effectively confirm to me this week they absolutely love him as a player. There’s no doubt about that. They are one of many clubs who really, really like him. Their admiration has been long-standing, and they really do continue to admire him coming into this window.”

Barcola enjoyed a superb season with PSG despite the competition for a starting berth in Enrique’s attack. He registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions, winning the Champions League for a second consecutive season.

The 23-year-old has also been a key man for France at the World Cup, managing two goals and one assist. His displays have garnered interest from Anfield although there are several obstacles:

“It’s more about now in terms of him potentially signing for Liverpool down to kind of the numbers around that deal, what’s being demanded and the feasibility of it. Of course, then whether he chooses Liverpool versus other suitors that he might have, what kind of contract offers he’s getting as well. It’s not about whether they like the player or not. I think you can pretty much nail that down now that Liverpool really do admire Bradley Barcola and would like to sign him if the opportunity presents itself.”

Barcola, hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world”, has two years left on his contract at PSG, having joined the Parisians from Lyon in 2023. The Ligue 1 giants have yet to make a move for Diomande and perhaps Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Frenchman firmly rest on the Ivorian arriving at the Parc des Princes.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Barcola a Dream Signing For Liverpool

Bradley Barcola (France) Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters

If Liverpool are to sign any winger this summer, Barcola is the dream given his profile and obvious star power. He can play on either wing and even up top if required.

The sticking point is the potential financial implications of a deal, as reports suggest PSG value him at over £100m. The Reds then have to factor in his salary demands as he currently earns £119,224 at the Parc des Princes and will probably be demanding a high wage increase.

Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola, but the Gunners are prioritising Morgan Rogers. They have also swooped for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, paving the way for Iraola’s transfer chiefs to take control of the Barcola race.

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