Predicting a wonderkid’s future – so often a feckless task, and yet a game that football fans are all too eager to play. It’s impossible to know what might happen to young players, especially when they carry the burden of representing some of the biggest clubs on the planet.
Some, like Lamine Yamal, take to it like a duck to water. The pressure doesn’t seem to weigh them down, and they have the technical prowess to match. However, there are plenty of sure-fire future stars who look destined to rise to the top but ultimately fall well short. Manchester United fans know all about this, having watched the likes of Federico Macheda and Ravel Morrison fail to reach the heights they once promised.
Another name with a similar story to tell is Adnan Januzaj. The Belgian international was the talk of European football as a teenager, not only attracting interest from several top clubs, but also finding himself at the centre of a tug-of-war between multiple national teams. Now in his early-30s, Januzaj is in what most would consider the prime years of his career. However, his journey has taken a path that few would’ve foreseen.
Januzaj’s Manchester United Career
Having been born in Belgium, Januzaj started his youth career at Anderlecht before being snapped up by the Red Devils in 2011 at the age of 16. Fans would’ve first seen him in and around the first team during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game in charge of the club, as the teenager was an unused substitute in the 5-5 draw against West Bromwich Albion.
With David Moyes at the helm the following campaign, some fleeting appearances came Januzaj’s way before he was finally handed his big break. In his first Premier League start against Sunderland, the winger scored twice – including an incredible volley – to hand his side all three points in a scenario he would’ve been dreaming of the night before.
From that point on, Januzaj became a beloved starlet at Old Trafford. Fans purchased his shirt in their droves and sang his name as they celebrated the emergence of their next great star.
He finished his first full season with four goals and six assists in 35 games and was given the number 11 shirt that once belonged to Ryan Giggs as a sign of the faith the club had in him.
However, his breakthrough season wasn’t welcomed by all. Many of his teammates were reportedly unhappy with the way Januzaj had quickly become a fan favourite during a difficult period for the club. It was also claimed that his closeness with Moyes – who claimed that the Belgian reminded him of Johan Cruyff – alienated him from the rest of the dressing room, according to Andy Mitten:
“Januzaj’s rise caused problems among the other players. They were already reeling under Moyes’ tenure and the drop in form. Players didn’t like it when a cocksure, cap-wearing kid broke into the first team and started being serenaded in a glorious song by fans desperate to salvage some positive from the car crash of United’s 2013-14 season.
“Januzaj behaved like he had won the jackpot, full of himself as you probably need to be to break into United’s first team as a teenager. He was also seen as Moyes’ man and given that the manager was having struggles with his players as the team fell apart, that wasn’t a positive.”
When Moyes left, things were never the same. Louis van Gaal didn’t take to the youngster, who failed to score the following term. A loan spell at Borussia Dortmund in 2015 lasted just half a season before he returned to United, having failed to make an impact. The same can be said of his time at Sunderland the following year, again under Moyes
By 2017, Januzaj’s race at United was run, and he joined Real Sociedad on a permanent deal – signalling the end of his Old Trafford hopes.
Januzaj’s Career Post-United
The move to Sociedad did at least bring a positive change in fortunes for Januzaj. He spent five years at the club and even won the Copa del Rey in the 2019-20 season. His performances during that time were strong enough to earn him a place in Belgium’s 2018 World Cup squad – years after they had initially won the tug of war to have him represent them internationally, amid interest from the likes of England, Albania, Serbia, and Kosovo.
He would go on to score against the Three Lions that summer as the Red Devils finished third in the tournament. However, that spell would ultimately prove to be the peak of his career. He joined Sevilla in 2022, but by the midway point of the season was sent out on loan to Basaksehir FK in Turkey.
In 2024, he moved to Las Palmas on loan, but continued to struggle for game time. He made 20 appearances for the club, with only three of those being starts, as he battled recurring injuries. He was unable to prevent them being relegated to Spain’s second tier at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Adnan Januzaj’s Career Ranked by Appearances
Club
Games
Goals
Assists
Real Sociedad
168
23
22
Manchester United
63
5
6
Sevilla
30
2
1
Sunderland
28
1
3
Las Palmas
20
2
1
Basaksehir
17
3
3
Belgium
15
1
2
Borussia Dortmund
12
0
2
Januzaj returned to Sevilla in the summer of 2025 but only made 13 appearances for the Andalusian outfit last term. His contract expired this summer and he now finds himself without a club after being released, with his market value standing at just €1 million.
Rewind 12 years and this scenario would have sounded inconceivable to most Manchester United supporters and, indeed, the wider football community. A player with his talent and ability could – and probably should – have achieved far more in the game.
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt – accurate as of 19/08/2026.
Celtic are set to accelerate their quest for another goalkeeper this summer as the transfer window edges towards a close.
The Hoops are reported to be exploring a move for Southampton shot-stopper Gavin Bazunu this week, with a £4 million deal also said to have been agreed with a different Championship target.
Martin O’Neill is in the market for competition to push current first choice Viljami Sinisalo, who is without a serious rival for his place following the departure of Kasper Schmeichel this summer.
The Finland international has done a respectable job since replacing Schmeichel between the sticks at the end of last season and the rise of the 24-year-old has led to speculation that Celtic could calm their search for another experienced goalkeeper.
Celtic ‘explore’ move for Southampton goalkeeper
However, that does not seem to be the case, with several goalkeeping targets emerging this week. In a latest roundup of transfer ongoings at Southampton, the Daily Echo claims that Celtic are ‘exploring’ a move for Bazunu, who is expected to leave St Mary’s Stadium. Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb are also linked and could provide competition for the Glasgow giants.
Bazunu was first choice for Southampton over the first half of the 2025/26 campaign but lost his place to Daniel Peretz in January. Bazunu was then sent on loan to Stoke City, but managed just six appearances due to a persistent thigh injury.
The 6ft 2in Republic of Ireland international is still just 24 years old, with his best years as a goalkeeper ahead of him. Bazunu has not yet featured in a matchday squad for Southampton this season, Tonda Eckert persisting with Peretz and back-up George Long.
Celtic have also been credited with serious interest in Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth. Similarly to Bazunu, the Rovers man’s departure from his club appears inevitable before the close of the window.
The Hungary international is in the final 12 months of his contract and Tony Mowbray has opened the door for him to join a ‘Champions League club’, amid links with Celtic. Reports from Hungary this week have claimed that the Hoops have agreed a £4 million fee with Blackburn Rovers for the deal.
Either arrival will have to oust Sinisalo from the starting XI, but that is a competition that O’Neill will relish. Speaking about the goalkeeper’s rise to first team star in March, the Celtic boss said: “I have been pleasantly surprised. It’s nice to see him try to take this chance in difficult circumstances for a goalkeeper regardless of what happens, with the shadow of what’s going on in the background.
“He’s been wanting to do well and he’s been thrown into some big games. Apparently he did well at Ibrox last season too.
“I’ve been really pleased with him, really pleased. That [being No 1 next season] may be a decision for someone else to make, but I’m really delighted with him.”
Sinisalo has started all three of Celtic’s fixtures so far this season, conceding just one goal and managing two clean sheets.
Transfer Verdict: Gavin Bazunu v BalazsToth
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
If Celtic are to add another goalkeeper to the squad before the end of the transfer window, it appears that their shopping will be taken to the Championship. Both Bazunu and Toth offer O’Neill very similar profiles.
At 24 years old, Bazunu would offer the Hoops a younger option compared to 28-year-old Toth. Both have similar levels of playing experience, although the latter’s 111 appearances in Hungary come at a lower level than the Southampton man, who has tasted the Premier League.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Both deals look easy to pull off for Celtic. Bazunu is surplus to requirements at St Mary’s Stadium and Mowbray appears ready to drive Toth to a new destination himself.
The verdict? If both offer ultimately the same product, Celtic must opt for the younger of the two in Bazunu, who has the potential to cement himself in the starting XI for seasons to come.
Inter Milan have reached an agreement to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones for €35million (£30million), according to Fabrizio Romano.
Jones spent last season on the periphery of Arne Slot’s squad at Anfield, starting just 18 Premier League games for the Dutch manager. This has prompted the player and his representatives to explore potential moves, and Inter have subsequently emerged as the team to pry him away from his boyhood club.
A verbal agreement has been reached between the two clubs, although a consensus on personal terms is yet to be reached.
However, the deal is expected to materialise, with a medical for the player being planned.
Jones will leave Liverpool having made 228 appearances for the Merseysiders, winning two Premier League titles in the process.
It’s set to be a busy end to the transfer window at Anfield. The Reds have already recruited Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz but Andoni Iraola is yet to add an experienced forward to his front line following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
All signs point towards that being Paris Saint-Germain star Barcola, who has refused to sign a new deal at the Parc des Princes and subsequently been left out of the matchday squad by Luis Enrique. The Frenchman’s arrival at Liverpool could trigger the sale of Gakpo.
Tottenham Hotspur prepare £70m Liverpool bid
Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof has provided the latest on Gakpo’s future when speaking to The Redmen TV. The reporter claims that discussions about the player are already underway behind the scenes between Liverpool and Tottenham.
The things that I’ve heard around the player and Tottenham Hotspur is that he’s open to the move. Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so he’s not desperate to leave, but when they come over and make him a star player and all the things are set up… I think it could be a very quick transfer.
“Spurs have already announced to Liverpool that they are coming in with a bid when Barcola or another striker is coming in [to Anfield].
“They already know what Liverpool are demanding, around £70million. With Barcola already coming in – and Barcola is not coming for the bench, he’s coming to play on the left wing.”
Gakpo made 52 appearances across all competitions last season under Arne Slot, and managed just nine goals and six assists across those outings. Those 15 goal contributions were a fall from the 25 the winger hit over the 2024/25 campaign.
Cody Gakpo goal contributions at Liverpool:
Goals
Assists
Goal Contributions
2022/23
7
3
10
2023/24
16
7
23
2024/25
18
7
25
2025/26
9
6
15
The £250,000-a-week forward enjoyed an impressive World Cup with three goals and an assist for the Netherlands, but faces serious competition on the left flank should Barcola arrive at Liverpool. Iraola also has rising star Munoz competing for a place, following his £34.5 million move from Osasuna.
Those arrivals are believed to have led to Gakpo believing his long-term future is not at Liverpool and, while he will not press the club for an exit this summer, the chance to be a starting XI shoo-in under Roberto De Zerbi is a tempting prospect.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
It would be another marquee addition for Tottenham, who have already spent considerably over £200 million on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke this summer.
Spurs spent significant sums on Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel last summer but the trio of forwards failed to impress as the North London side flirted with relegation under Thomas Frank.
Gakpo only signed a new deal with Liverpool last year and is under contract at Anfield until 2030. The Reds paid around £40 million to sign the player from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
