Another Camp Nou setback for Barcelona as La Liga champions issue statement on upcoming Champions League clash

Barcelona's much-anticipated return to Camp Nou has been delayed once more. The club have officially confirmed their upcoming Champions League clash with Olympiacos will be held at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, citing administrative hurdles. Financial and logistical factors also play a part, with a November homecoming now looking the most likely scenario.

  • Is Camp Nou dream over?

    Barcelona have confirmed their Champions League group stage match against Olympiacos on October 21 will be played at the stadium in Montjuic, officially delaying the planned reopening of the Camp Nou. In a statement released on the club's website, Barcelona announced they are still working to obtain the necessary administrative permits to return to their renovated home.

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    Barcelona confirm Montjuic for Olympiacos clash

    The club’s announcement puts an end to speculation that they would return to Camp Nou this month. UEFA had previously listed the revamped stadium as the venue for the Olympiacos fixture, fuelling optimism for an imminent homecoming. However, Barcelona have now clarified the match will remain at their temporary home in Montjuic as they continue to work through "new amendments that Barcelona City Council shared with the Club last week." The decision impacts ticketing, with season pass holders from the last two seasons at Montjuic receiving a 48-hour priority window to purchase tickets for the European tie.

  • Why the Camp Nou return is delayed again

    While administrative hurdles are the official reason, the delay also aligns with financial and logistical considerations. A mid-October return would have seen Camp Nou operate with a severely restricted capacity of just 27,000. By comparison, Barcelona's temporary home at Montjuic can accommodate over 50,000 spectators, making it a more viable option for now. The club are weighing the benefits of waiting until more sections of Camp Nou are complete, which would allow for a significantly larger crowd and greater matchday revenue.

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  • UEFA regulations and new target date

    The situation is complicated by UEFA regulations, which state a domestic league game must be played in a new stadium before it can host a European fixture. Furthermore, teams are typically required to play all group stage home games at a single venue, meaning Barcelona would need special dispensation to move from Montjuic mid-campaign. With the October return now off the table, reports suggest their upcoming La Liga match against Athletic Club on November 23 is the new target date for the grand reopening. A return then could see capacity rise to between 45,000 and 62,000.

Rauf backs Pakistan's youngsters: 'Give them 10 to 15 matches, that is how they become players'

He also agreed that Pakistan cricket has been on a decline but is confident of bouncing back

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Mar-2025Haris Rauf has thrown his weight behind the young Pakistan top order suggesting that they should not be judged based on one or two matches and be given a longer rope.Pakistan once more shuffled the deck in their bid to find the right combination as they left out Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. In came Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz at the top of the order alongside Irfan Khan at No. 4. However, they’ve failed to get going in the first two T20Is, with Pakistan also going down both times.”You talk about criticism, I think it has become common in Pakistan,” Rauf said after Pakistan lost their second game in three days by five wickets in Dunedin. “These are young players. You go to any place, any team in the world, they give the youngsters full freedom. If they give the youngsters a chance, they make sure to give them 10 to 15 matches at a stretch. That is how they become players.Related

After NZ's T20I dominance, will the ODIs offer Pakistan some respite?

Pakistan slide feels like a terminal, slow decline

Stats – Pakistan's T20 batting hits a low point in Christchurch

New Zealand look for 2-0 as 'high-risk' Pakistan's search for rewards continues

“Everyone who comes into international cricket struggles initially. You talk about criticism, it’s become a norm. Everyone just sits and waits for the Pakistan team to lose so that they can talk about it. They have their opinions, but we are trying to build our team. We are trying to draft the youngsters in, the seniors are also there. As seniors, we motivate our juniors, and advise them about what’s required to succeed in international cricket. The quicker they learn, the better it will be for them.”It’s been a rough few weeks for Pakistan cricket. After being knocked out in the league stages of their home Champions Trophy, they’ve gone down heavily in the first two T20Is against New Zealand under new captain Salman Agha. While they were skittled for 91 in the first T20I in Christchurch, they put up a marginally better show in the second, managing 135 for 9 in the rain-shortened 15-overs-a-side affair.New Zealand, however, hardly broke a sweat in the chase. While Rauf credited the way the hosts went about their batting, he also felt that the Pakistan bowlers were unlucky to not pick a few more wickets.”All players have put in the effort. The kind of grounds we have here, we generally get high-scoring games,” he said. “It’s not like we didn’t bowl well, we were unlucky as well. There were a few top edges that went for six, some went over the ropes due to the wind and small ground. We were putting in the effort as a bowling unit, but we didn’t get the desired result. We were a bit unlucky in the beginning.”We tried using the conditions to our advantage, but we were unlucky. The kind of cricket they played, they hit good shots, so we should credit them.”While Rauf had a decent day with the ball, picking 2 for 20 in his three overs, the rest of his fast-bowling counterparts have struggled. Shaheen Shah Afridi went for 31 off his three overs despite bowling a maiden, while Mohammad Ali conceded 34 runs off his two overs. Rauf agreed that there has been a decline in Pakistan cricket, but is confident that they are trying to build a team which will challenge top sides in future.”There is no doubt that our cricket has declined. But we are building as a team and trying to forge a combination and play cricket that’s required at the top level,” Rauf said. “We are trying different things, and when we try things, there will be failures, but we will learn. And there will come a day in future when you will get to see good cricket from the Pakistan team.”

Player ready to join Tottenham after Ian Wright called him "unbelievable"

Tottenham Hotspur have been given a late-summer transfer boost as Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites recruitment team scramble for reinforcements.

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Spurs want to sign a centre-back, playmaker and a new winger (Sky Sports), but bringing in all three is perhaps unlikely at this stage of the window and with such little time remaining.

The north Londoners have found it notoriously difficult already, having seen high-profile blockbuster deals for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze fail in dramatic fashion.

After weeks of talks, Spurs have also got nowhere with their bid for Savinho, as Man City make it crystal clear that the Brazil international is not for sale.

It remains to be seen who they target as an alternative to the 21-year-old, but it is evident who has become their top playmaker target during this final stretch.

According to numerous sources, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is in London right now, with both Chelsea and Tottenham pursuing a deal for the highly-rated Netherlands international.

The 22-year-old is valued at around £60 million, which is a similar price that Spurs were once prepared to pay for Eze and Gibbs-White. With there being precious few available playmakers who could truly make a difference for Thomas Frank, Simons has emerged as their potential saving grace.

He racked up 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig last term, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes that Simons is an “unbelievable” player.

Tottenham have now submitted a near-£60m bid for Simons, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, with journalist Graeme Bailey also sharing the player’s stance on joining Frank’s side.

Xavi Simons ready to join Tottenham after talks with his camp

As per the reporter, it is believed that Simons is ready to join Tottenham, who’ve held talks with his representatives, after Chelsea began stalling their deal – with the attacking midfielder growing impatient.

The west Londoners have been in talks for weeks, but there are complications with player sales.

They also haven’t found a full agreement with Leipzig in all of that time, and that has allowed Spurs to move in to hijack their negotiations. Right now, Simons is happy to stop pausing on a move and sign for Tottenham instead, despite already agreeing personal terms with Chelsea.

This flurry of promising developments, including Levy’s offer, means that they could be on the verge of finally signing their desired number 10. However, as we’ve seen with Tottenham, no supporter should celebrate until the ink is dry.

“I think he’s going to have a really good career at the highest level,” said Bayern Munich sporting director, Christoph Freund.

“He has everything, mentality, character and is just an exceptional player.”

Litton Das out of PSL with injury, Karachi Kings call up Ben McDermott as replacement

Litton Das has been ruled out of the PSL after he sustained a blow to the thumb during training. Karachi Kings announced the Bangladesh wicketkeeper, who was drafted in the Silver Category this year, will be replaced by Australian wicketkeeper Ben McDermott.”Unfortunately, I couldn’t be part of this tournament, even though I was really looking forward to it,” Litton said in a statement on Karachi Kings’ website. “Life can be unpredictable – just my bad luck.”McDermott has never played in the PSL before but does have recent T20 form coming into the league. He was a member of the Hobart Hurricanes side that won its first BBL title earlier this year, getting his runs at a strike rate just under 145 in the tournament, including a cameo in the final.Related

  • Fakhar and Billings open Qalandars' account with resounding win

  • Can Karachi end playoffs jinx, and will spin issues cost Lahore?

  • PSL@10: The purest and least problematic fun to be had in Pakistan

  • PSL in numbers: Peshawar's unique feat, Shaheen's first-over strikes, and Usman's tons

Meanwhile, Karachi also confirmed Kane Williamson would be partially unavailable during this campaign. Williamson is expected to join the Kings after the Karachi leg of the tournament ends on April 21, meaning he will miss the first five of his side’s games this tournament. He will be replaced for that period by Saad Baig, currently captain of Pakistan’s U19 side.Peshawar Zalmi also bolstered their ranks in the lead-up to their first game. Fast bowler Ihsanullah, who was ruled out for an extended period of time with a career-threating elbow injury which the PCB acknowledged was mishandled, makes his return to the league for the first time since 2023. He has been signed by Peshawar Zalmi, who play their first game against Quetta Gladiators on Saturday.

Canada's Nicholas Kirton granted bail in Barbados

Cricket Canada monitoring situation after Nicholas Kirton charged with possession of cannabis

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Apr-2025

Nicholas Kirton has played 49 internationals for Canada•AFP/Getty Images

Canada captain Nicholas Kirton has been granted bail after he pleaded not guilty to drug-related charges at a court in Barbados, according to reports.Kirton was detained by police on landing in Barbados on Sunday. According to a report in he has been charged with possession, trafficking, importation and intent to supply cannabis. He appeared in court on Friday morning and was granted bail. He has to return to Barbados for a court hearing on June 2.Kirton, born in Barbados, played for West Indies Under-19 and Barbados before moving to Canada. He has since played 21 ODIs for Canada, scoring 514 runs, and 28 T20Is, scoring 627 runs. Kirton didn’t lead Canada in the 2024 T20 World Cup, but he did end up the side’s top-scorer with 101 runs in three matches, at a strike rate of 140.27. He was Player of the Match in their only win, against Ireland, when he made a 35-ball 49. In 2020, he played three CPL games for Jamaica Tallawahs.Though Kirton will return to Canada, what impact it has on his position in the team is not yet clear. Canada are due to play in the inaugural North Americas Cup this month, against Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and USA.On Friday, before his bail was granted, Cricket Canada said it was “actively monitoring” his situation. “Cricket Canada has been made aware of the recent allegations and detainment involving national team player Nicholas Kirton,” the board said in a statement. “We are actively monitoring the situation and closely following developments as they unfold. Cricket Canada is committed to ensuring transparency and will provide updates as more details become available.”We take this matter seriously and remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the sport. While this situation is being addressed, we would like to assure the public that our national men’s team is fully focused on their preparations for the upcoming North America Cup, set to begin on April 18th in the Cayman Islands.”

Shades of Xhaka: Big-money target to sign for Arsenal in the next 24 hours

Arsenal fans were promised an unprecedented summer. They have got an unprecedented summer.

The Gunners came into this window needing to strengthen big time. Last season was full of ifs, buts and maybes. What if they had a centre-forward? Enter Viktor Gyokeres. What if they had a backup for Bukayo Saka? Enter Noni Madueke.

What if they had a maverick playmaker? Enter Eberechi Eze. Andrea Berta has had a remarkable first transfer window at the Emirates Stadium and as the north Londoners gear up to face Liverpool, another new signing could be on the horizon.

After the confirmation of Eze’s move eight days ago, it looked as though Arsenal were done. Berta had other ideas.

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Arsenal's late arrival before the deadline

Arsenal’s spending this summer is heading in the direction of £300m. Pundits will say that they now have no excuses when it comes to winning a major trophy. They may well be right.

Berta wasn’t just required to add first-team-ready players to the squad this summer, but it was a crop of players that simply needed adding to.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Injuries ripped through Mikel Arteta’s side last term like a knife through butter and together, they have now made the squad bulletproof for 2025/26. Saka will miss the trip to Anfield but it says a lot that the Arsenal fanbase are still confident. Fear not, Madueke and Eze are here now.

At the back, the depth has only got stronger and that’s where Arsenal are set to add next. Jakub Kiwior is on his way to complete a permanent move to Porto.

His replacement is well documented now. It’s Piero Hincapie of Bayer Leverkusen.

On Friday evening, the news broke that Arsenal had now agreed an initial season-long loan for the player with a move then set to become permanent next summer for a fee of around £45m.

So, what’s the latest? Well, Hincapie was on the bench for Leverkusen on Saturday but didn’t play a single minute. He then waved farewell to the supporters at full-time.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the defender will now sign for the club “in the next 24 hours”, with club insider Hand of Arsenal, reporting that Hincapie will travel to London on Sunday and undergo a medical. Exciting times indeed.

Why Hincapie is shades of Granit Xhaka

How nice is it to see Granit Xhaka back in English football? After the Swiss left Arsenal behind in 2023, incidentally heading to Leverkusen, it looked as though his days in the Premier League were over.

Xhaka enjoyed a fine time of it in Germany, winning the Bundesliga and very nearly winning the Europa League too, only downed by a remarkable hat-trick by Ademola Lookman in the final.

Xhaka’s PL Arsenal career

Year

Games

Goals

Assists

2016/17

32

2

2

2017/18

38

1

7

2018/19

29

4

2

2019/20

31

1

2

2020/21

31

1

2

2021/22

27

1

2

2022/23

37

7

7

Figures via WhoScored

It was a brilliant stint, but he’s back in England for one last go at it, and he’s having fun at Sunderland who have six points from their first three games.

But, it was at Arsenal where he made himself a household name, sometimes for the wrong reasons. Who can forget that moment against Crystal Palace? It should have been a point of no return for Xhaka. He tossed the armband to the floor and his career in north London looked done.

But, the midfielder’s warrior spirit shone through. Xhaka is no mug and he bounced back in incredible fashion. He may not have been wearing the armband anymore but his leadership skills were in evidence during every game. The Switzerland international was the beating heart of the team, he was the voice on the pitch.

That campaign in 2022/23, where he scored nine and assisted seven, will not be forgotten in a hurry.

So, what’s the relevance here? How is a midfielder similar to Hincapie, a defender by trade? Well, there are technical differences, of course, but the 23-year-old has a similar mentality.

Last winter, the player’s agent stated that Hincapie, like Xhaka, is “a warrior, he’s a leader”.

He continued: “Hincapie is, for me, one of the best left central defenders in the world. One of the best left-backs and the best hybrid players for sure.”

Xhaka may not be South American like Hincapie is, but the 32-year-old certainly has the same never-say-die attitude that we associate with a lot of players from that part of the world.

Arsenal’s Ecuadorian recruit undoubtedly has that about him. He’s strong in the duel like Xhaka too. When playing at left-back, only 17% of positionally similar players in the Bundesliga won more tackles than he did throughout 2024/25.

Albeit from a different position on the pitch, he’s a fantastic progressive player. In 2023/24, no player made more progressive passes in the entirety of the German top-flight than Xhaka.

This is an area Hincapie also thrives in. Compared to centre-backs last season, he ranked inside the top 18% and versus left-backs, he ranked among the best 15%.

There’s plenty to like about Berta’s latest target here. He’s not just a flying full-back, he’s a colossal centre-half, and he possesses the Xhaka-like trait of battling until the last minute for every ball. As his agent outlines. he’s a true warrior.

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Eze 2.0: Arsenal now chasing Spurs target who's "one of the best in the PL"

The talented international would help make Arsenal even stronger this season.

2

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 27, 2025

The belief is there!' – Alexander Isak claims Liverpool will bounce back from another late loss as Arne Slot's men head into international break on run of three straight defeats

Liverpool’s worrying slump continued with a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, their third consecutive loss in all competitions. Alexander Isak, who assisted the Reds’ only goal at Stamford Bridge, admitted it was “the worst” way to lose but insisted belief remains strong within Arne Slot’s side as they enter the international break under mounting pressure.

Liverpool suffered third straight defeat on Saturday

Liverpool suffered another heartbreaking defeat as Chelsea’s Estevao struck deep into stoppage time to snatch victory at Stamford Bridge. The Reds had fought back through Cody Gakpo after falling behind but were undone once again in the dying seconds. It marked their third straight loss following setbacks against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray; however, new signing Isak has claimed that the Merseyside club have "belief" that they will bounce back soon.

AdvertisementAFPIsak has 'belief' that Liverpool will bounce back

Isak admitted Liverpool were far from their best but backed his team-mates to respond. “I think we started off pretty bad,” he said. “In the end it's obviously tough conceding in the last minute like that. In the same way that winning like this is the best feeling, I think it's the worst to lose in this type of way. We just have to keep working hard, bounce back and get back to winning ways. I think the belief is there that we can. This team has shown many times. It’s never easy of course but hard work and working on details and getting back to our best — we have that belief.”

Isak gets first goal involvement in his second PL start

The Swedish forward was handed just his second Premier League start since joining Liverpool and provided the assist for Gakpo’s equaliser. Isak is steadily finding rhythm after a dramatic pre-season at former club Newcastle United. His growing involvement offers Slot another attacking option as the Reds seek consistency in the final third.

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Getty Images SportLiverpool enter the international break needing a reset

Liverpool will hope the international break offers a much-needed reset after a bruising run of results. Slot’s side have slipped off the top spot in the Premier League and will need a strong response when domestic action resumes. All eyes will be on how the Reds regroup mentally and physically to reignite their title challenge.

آس: صمم على اللعب.. لاعب ريال مدريد خاض كلاسيكو برشلونة وهو مريض للغاية

كشفت تقارير صحفية أن أحد لاعبي فريق ريال مدريد اضطر إلى خوض مباراة الكلاسيكو ضد برشلونة، مساء يوم الأحد، وهو يعاني من حالة مرضية سيئة.

واستضاف ريال مدريد خصمه برشلونة في قمة منافسات الجولة العاشرة من الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”، حيث فاز بهدفين لهدف.

وذكرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية أن فيدي فالفيردي خاض مباراة ريال مدريد أمام برشلونة في الكلاسيكو وهو يعاني من حمى، وليست إصابة، حيث كان لديه شعور بالضيق ملحوظ، إلى جانب الصداع والالتهاب المعوي.

وأوضحت أنه على الرغم من كل ذلك، قرر فالفيردي اللعب وخوض المباراة أساسيًا في مركز الظهير الأيمن وأن يرتدي شارة القيادة.

وأفادت أن كل شئ بدأ عشية المباراة حيث عانى فالفيردي من وعكة خفيفة، وتفاقمت تدريجيًا، وصولًا إلى المباراة، ولكن الوضع لم يكن يُحتمل في الدقيقة 72، حيث نظر آنذاك إلى دكة البدلاء في إشارة لكونه يرغب في الخروج، وهو ما تم بالفعل ودخل داني كارفاخال مكانه.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ماتيو لاهوز: لولا الكلاسيكو لتحصل برشلونة على ضربة جزاء واضحة أمام ريال مدريد

وأشارت إلى أن الأعراض الأولى ظهرت على فالفيردي، يوم السبت، ولكن بدرجة خفيفة جدًا وليست مقلقة، وتفاقمت صباح يوم الكلاسيكو، ودار حديث مع تشابي ألونسو حيث أكد أنه يتطلع إلى اللعب ومستعد لذلك رغم الانزعاج المرضي.

وأكدت أن فالفيردي تناول المسكنات قبيل المباراة، حيث كان يعاني من حمى، تعرق والتهاب معوي، وكان لها تأثير ما ولكن دون جدوى، ولكنه لم يتراجع وأصر على موقفه، اللعب دون شيء آخر.

وبذل فالفيردي قصارى جهده في مباراة الكلاسيكو حتى جاءت لحظة خروجه، ولكن ليس قبل أن تظهر عليه علامات الانزعاج الواضح، حيث أجرى كارفاخال الإحماء المكثف بين الشوطين، بعدما تبين أن الأوروجواياني يعاني من وعكة صحية شديدة.

وفي الدقيقة 60، استلقى فالفيردي على أرض الملعب وطلب المساعدة الطبية، حيث لم يكن يعاني من إصابة، بل الحمى، وخضع كارفاخال للإحماء مجددًا، ولكن زميله قرر استكمال اللقاء حتى تبين أنه لم يعد قادرًا بعد مرور ما يزيد عن 10 دقائق أخرى.

Starc's three wickets restrict KKR to 204

Despite a blazing start, KKR’s run-rate kept declining after the ninth over and they could add only 45 runs in the last five overs

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Apr-20252:32

Jaffer: Russell will find a way to score if he bats up the order

Kolkata Knight Riders posted the second-highest target set in Delhi this IPL, but hosts Delhi Capitals had reason to believe they had held them back. This was the best batting track produced by Delhi this year, KKR got off to their second-best powerplay of the year with 79 off 36, but their run-rate kept declining after the ninth over, when their score was 111 for 3. Axar Patel, who had to delay bringing himself on because of the adverse match-up against Sunil Narine, bowled four straight overs for 27 runs and two wickets.Teams have been wary of the Delhi track this year, but this one was the friendliest for the batters. Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ajinkya Rahane could hit through the line at the top, but they all fell in the late 20s. The 48-run stand between Narine and Gurbaz was their best opening partnership of the season.Even though the ball didn’t turn or grip much, the introduction of spin provided DC with an immediate comeback into the contest. Vipraj Nigam got Narine lbw in the seventh over, which meant Axar could now bowl. He got Rahane lbw in the eight, and Venkatesh Iyer on the slog-sweep in the tenth. Both the balls went straight on.Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh now had to pipe down the aggression a bit to make sure Andre Russell wouldn’t get too many balls to face. They added 61 off 7.3 overs for the fifth wicket, even negated the threat of Kuldeep Yadav by taking 27 off his three overs, but in a chaotic finish KKR lost their way. Nigam had Rinku caught at long-on in the 18th, Dushmantha Chameera bowled good wide yorkers in the 19th, and Mitchell Starc got two wickets in the 19th. Starved of strike, Russell was run-out in the final over for 17 off 9. KKR added only 45 in the last five overs.

Celtic may have their biggest talent since Doak in "lightning" 19-year-old

With Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah among those to depart Parkhead in recent times, Celtic have frustratingly had to witness some of their best and brightest move on to pastures new, instead of sticking it out for the long haul in Glasgow.

Those who have moved on haven’t always enjoyed the best of fortunes, however, with the club’s record departures a case in point.

Indeed, Kieran Tierney – sold to Arsenal back in 2019 – has returned to Scotland this summer after six injury-hit years at the Emirates. Jota, meanwhile, is also now back on the books after enduring a miserable time in Saudi Arabia and France.

Celtic’s record sales

Player

Club

Fee

Matt O’Riley

Brighton

£25m

Jota

Al-Ittihad

£25m

Kieran Tierney

Arsenal

£23m

Moussa Dembele

Lyon

£19m

Nicolas Kuhn

Como

£16m

Odsonne Edouard

Palace

£14m

Kristoffer Ajer

Brentford

£13.5m

Virgil van Dijk

Southampton

£13.5m

Victor Wanyama

Spurs

£12.5m

Figures via Transfermarkt

In the case of Matt O’Riley, the elegant playmaker has joined Marseille on loan after just a solitary season at Brighton. Kuhn, now at Como, is yet to start a Serie A game since his £16m switch.

Even Kyogo – who departed for Rennes in January in the hope of securing a more prominent role for Japan – has found himself now operating in England’s Championship rather than the Champions League, with the grass certainly not always greener.

That being said, there are those who go on and flourish elsewhere after leaving the Premiership side, with young Ben Gannon-Doak proving a prime example.

Ben Gannon-Doak's display in numbers vs Belarus

Every club has a tale of ‘one that got away, with Gannon-Doak the most prominent name in recent times with regard to Celtic and their academy production line.

Handed two senior appearances by Ange Postecoglou as a mere 16-year-old, the flying winger could not be tempted to stay put in Scotland, instead moving to Premier League giants Liverpool for a compensation fee of just £600k.

While the intense competition at Anfield has seen the now 19-year-old move on to Bournemouth this summer, the nature of the £25m price tag emphasises just what a talent he truly is – a fact that he again showcased on Monday night away at Belarus.

The man who previously tormented Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol, Gannon-Doak is emerging as a real outlet for Steve Clarke and for Scotland despite his relative youth, with new Cherries teammate Ryan Christie highlighting just why he has become such a firm favourite for the Tartan Army:

That positivity was on full display on Monday, with Gannon-Doak – unleashed from the start by Clarke – proving a constant menace down the left flank, having been the away side’s ‘brightest creative spark’, according to GIVEMESPORT.

In his 74-minute outing, the youngster notably completed three of his four attempted dribbles, enjoyed a 93% pass accuracy rate and registered one key pass, as per Sofascore, having produced a performance of real authority off the left.

There was also steel to match the silk, however, a fact emphasised by a crunching challenge on the halfway line, that resulted in a yellow card, as he also notably won seven of his 11 total duels.

A player who looks like the complete package, Celtic will rue having let him slip from their grasp. That is in the past, however, with there now a new shining light to enjoy at Parkhead…

Callum Osmand could be Celtic's answer to Gannon-Doak

Too often in recent times have Celtic had to watch as their academy products have been snapped up by top-flight clubs south of the border, with teenage goal machine Daniel Cummings notably making the switch to West Ham United this summer.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

That being said, there are times where the Hoops are able to get their own back, with Brendan Rodgers and co memorably poaching a young Moussa Dembele from Fulham back in the summer of 2016.

Such a coup looks like it could well have been replicated this summer too, with the Scottish champions having managed to prise another teenage striker from Craven Cottage, in the form of Callum Osmand.

The 19-year-old may have yet to enjoy a taste of senior football in west London, although he has flourished at youth level in recent years, scoring 23 goals in just 38 U18 games, alongside netting 20 times in 35 games for the U21 side.

In one outing for Celtic ‘B’ team, the prolific teen has already got off the mark, emphasising just why he is so “highly-rated”, in the words of Rodgers:

Having discussed the potential move with another Fulham product, O’Riley, the Welshman will be looking to try and emulate the playmaker’s impact in green and white, with a starting berth seemingly up for grabs amid the uncertainty surrounding Celtic’s number nine berth.

Much like Gannon-Doak, the rapid talent appears to have that fearless quality to his attacking game, a point that has been emphasised by Fulham expert Jack Kelly:

While Celtic have had to witness Gannon-Doak flourish at international level, perhaps they could well get their own back with the case of Osmand, with it set to be intriguing to see if he can make a first-team impact under Rodgers this season.

There is a centre-forward vacuum to be filled in the wake of Idah’s departure – could Osmand now fill it?

Celtic struck gold signing £1.5m "beast" who's now worth more than Dolberg

Following Celtic’s failed pursuit of Kasper Dolberg, who joined Ajax instead, the Hoops do have an attacker with a higher value.

By
Ben Gray

Sep 9, 2025

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