The Yankees made a move to fortify their pitching staff Thursday, signing veteran righty Paul Blackburn to a major league deal, per a team announcement.
Blackburn, 31, was designated for assignment by the Mets earlier this month, and has made seven pitching appearances, including four starts, in 2025. He struggled during his time with the Mets, leading to his release. This season, he owns a 6.85 ERA with 18 strikeouts and 18 earned runs in 23 2/3 innings.
The right-hander was an All-Star as recently as 2022, when he pitched for the Athletics. That year, Blackburn had a 4.28 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 30 walks across 21 outings.
In a corresponding move after signing and activating Blackburn to the active roster, the Yankees optioned right-handed pitcher Allan Winans to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Blackburn is in his ninth MLB season, and the Yankees will be the third team he's played for in his career. He's made a total of 93 appearances and 86 starts in the league, and owns a 4.96 ERA.
Blackburn will likely pitch out of the bullpen in the Bronx, and he'll join a bullpen consisting of Luke Weaver, David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Mark Leiter Jr., Tim Hill and Yerry De los Santos.
“I feel such things [about Kohli making it to the 2027 World Cup] shouldn’t even be spoken about after the way he plays and performs,” Sitanshu Kotak says
ESPNcricinfo staff01-Dec-20252:15
Kotak: We don’t need to talk about Kohli’s future
Virat Kohli has the most centuries in ODI history, and yet, each time one sees him bat in the only format he is still active in internationally, thoughts turn to the 2027 World Cup. Kohli is 37 now. Will he still be playing two years on? For Sitanshu Kotak, India’s batting coach, “there’s no point talking about all this” and fans should stay in the moment.”I don’t know why we need to look at all this – he’s really batting well, and I don’t see any reason we need to talk about his future,” Kotak said after Kohli’s 135 from 120 balls took India to victory in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday.”Just the way he’s batting, it’s just brilliant. The way he’s performing, [and] his fitness – there are no questions about anything,” Kotak said. “I feel such things [the 2027 World Cup] shouldn’t even be spoken about after the way he plays and performs. That is something which is two years away. There’s no point talking about all this. For us, once the team arrives and we start practice, we just enjoy.”Related
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Vastly experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who is a year older at 38, add value to the dressing room even otherwise, Kotak pointed out. And it’s not like they aren’t performing. Rohit’s last three innings in ODIs have been worth 73, 121* and 57.”Obviously, they do share their experience with others,” Kotak said. “I don’t think we’re talking anything about the 2027 World Cup. They are just brilliant, and they are performing. They are contributing to the team, which is a great thing for us.”Like Kohli, Rohit is also active only in ODIs internationally. That leaves both of them with very limited game time. But, despite that, for the second successive match, Kohli and Rohit showed good form while stitching together a match-winning century stand.After adding an unbeaten 168 against Australia in Sydney last month, they had a stand of 136 in the first ODI against South Africa. While Kohli followed 74* in Sydney with 135 in Ranchi, Rohit scored 57 at better than a-run-a-ball against South Africa after hitting 121* in a win over Australia.”They are such experienced players; it’s always great to have them,” Kotak said. “The way they bat – like today also, that partnership – it makes a huge difference. Obviously, they batted really well.”
If you ignore his underwhelming display on Sunday, it has largely been a positive start to life at Arsenal for Eberechi Eze.
Despite it taking him a little while to get up to speed with what Mikel Arteta wants from him, the former Crystal Palace star has already amassed five goals and four assists for the team in 18 games.
Moreover, he’s already etched his name into the club’s history books by scoring an unreal hat-trick in the North London Derby, the first anyone has scored since 1978.
Eze’s Arsenal Record
Appearances
18
Starts
14
Minutes
1216′
Goals
5
Assists
4
Goal Involvements per Match
0.5
Minutes per Goal Involvement
135.11′
Points per Game
2.50
All Stats via Transfermarkt
So, fans should be delighted about reports linking Arsenal with someone who could be the club’s future Eze.
Arsenal target their future Eze
With the transfer window reopening next month, Arsenal have once again begun being linked with a host of talented players.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For example, Nottingham Forest’s £79m Murillo has been touted for a move to the Emirates, as has his £120m teammate Elliot Anderson.
Yet, as talented and potentially game-changing as the two Forest men are, neither one could be described as Eze-like, nor a long-term heir to him, unlike Holger Quintero.
Yes, according to a recent ESPN report, Arsenal are looking to sign the highly rated teenage talent.
In fact, the report has revealed that the club have already agreed a deal in principle for the midfielder and his twin brother, Edwin Quintero.
The two 16-year-olds are said to be in London at the moment to iron out the final details of the move, with an official announcement to come at a later date.
They will then move to the Emirates in August 2027, when they are both 18, due to rules around foreign-born youngsters.
Holger Quintero is unlikely to make an impact on the team for some time, but based on what those in the know say about him, he could prove to be Arsenal’s next Eze.
Why Holger Quintero will be Arsenal's next Eze
Now, the first thing to say is that given Eze is still just 27 and in fine form, there is little chance of Quintero coming in to replace him.
However, five or six years from now, when the former is ageing out, the latter could be the ideal player to step in and add creativity to the midfield.
At least it sounds like that is the case based on what those in the know are saying, like Ben Mattinson.
The Como scout has described the 16-year-old as a “skilful attacking midfielder with 1v1 prowess to take on players,” which sounds an awful lot like the former Palace star.
Moreover, he highlights that, in addition to his close control, the teenager also has an “excellent weight of pass” and is a “decisive creator with a killer final ball.”
That combination of being a direct threat while also creating ample opportunities for teammates is just like the Englishman at his best.
It’s not just Mattinson raving about the young phenom, though, as U23 scout Antonio Mango has described him as someone who is blessed with “high technical & intellect qualities” and is “effective in all thirds of the pitch.”
Finally, if that still isn’t enough, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig has been bold enough to describe the midfielder as “one of the most exciting U17s in South America.”
Ultimately, while it is too early in his career, Quintero looks like an exceptional superstar in the making, and his combination of incredible close control and game-breaking passing means he could be the perfect long-term heir to Eze.
Rice was fuming with him: Arsenal's "future captain" has regressed big time
It has been a season to forget for the Arsenal star so far this year.
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness says the club gained a “huge advantage” by deciding against pursuing big-money moves for Benjamin Sesko, Xavi Simons and Jamie Gittens. The Bundesliga heavyweights were strongly linked with all three players before their respective switches to Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the summer.
Sesko, Simons and Gittens still finding their feet in English football
Sesko, Simons and Gittens were seen as three of the most eye-catching new arrivals in the Premier League ahead of the 2025-26 season. The trio had earned rave reviews for their performances in the Bundesliga – Sesko and Simons at RB Leipzig and Gittens with Borussia Dortmund – which led to United, Tottenham and Chelsea forking out huge sums of money to secure their respective signatures.
However, the youngsters are still yet to find their feet in England. On the back of moving to United for £74 million (€84m/$97m), Sesko – who is currently on the sidelines with a knee injury – has scored just two goals in 11 league appearances for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Meanwhile, Simons – who joined Spurs for £52m (€60m/$70m) – is still looking for his first league goal for the club, though the Netherlands international has recorded one top-flight assist for Thomas Frank’s men.
On the other hand, Gittens is also looking for his first league goal since joining Chelsea in a £55 million (€63m/$75m) deal. However, the 21-year-old did find the back of the net in the Blues’ 4-3 win over strugglers Wolves in the Carabao Cup on 29 October.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportBayern chief Hoeness aims jibe at struggling Premier League trio
And while Sesko, Simons and Gittens try to acclimatise to English football, Bayern chief Hoeness has aimed at a dig in their direction. The 73-year-old – who was part of the iconic Bayern team that dominated the 1970s including winning three successive European Cups in 1974, 1975 and 1976 – has praised the club for not giving into supporters’ wishes to spend big in the summer, insisting they have gained an edge over their rivals as a result.
In an interview with German newspaper Hoeness said: "For months we were accused of not buying enough top-class or experienced players. That's precisely what's now a huge advantage for us, because we all decided together not to buy expensive players like Xavi [Simons] or [Jamie] Gittens, who had been discussed, or [Benjamin] Sesko, who costs €80 million.
“Instead, we said, come on, let's do nothing, let's just loan [Nicolas] Jackson from Chelsea. And that's how we ended up with a relatively balanced transfer budget. And we also have a coach [Vincent Kompany] who agreed to giving young players a chance.
“The Thomas Muller decision [letting the forward leave upon the expiration of his contract] was also extremely tough, but important. Because one thing is clear: if Thomas Muller had stayed, he would have been on the bench – and then the whole stadium would have chanted 'Muller, Muller' every time someone was substituted. And then [Lennart] Karl and [Tom] Bischof would have been relegated to the sidelines.”
Getty Images SportGerman giants labelled Newcastle 'idiots' for Woltemade signing
It is not the first time a Bayern board member has sent a jibe towards a Premier League club this season, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge having earlier labelled Newcastle United as “idiots” for spending £69m (€79m/$93m) on striker Nick Woltemade – another player who was linked with a summer move to the Allianz Arena.
He told German publication in September: “When the story with Woltemade and Stuttgart's demands came up, at some point I said to Uli [Hoeness], Herbert Hainer, Jan Dreesen and Max Eberl: 'Guys, we're getting into sums of money that I simply don't find acceptable anymore’."
Bayern supervisory board member Rummenigge – who also played for the club in the 1970s – then joked that one could only “congratulate Stuttgart for finding an idiot [Newcastle] who paid so much money,” adding: "Because we certainly wouldn't have done that in Munich.”
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Getty Images SportSesko, Simons and Gittens could return to PL action this week
Woltemade, 23, has been in excellent form since arriving at Newcastle on 30 August, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances in all competitions for the club. Eddie Howe’s side return to league action against Simons’ Tottenham on Tuesday, while Gittens will be hoping to feature when Chelsea travel to Leeds United on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, United head coach Amorim confirmed before his side’s 2-1 league victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday that Sesko is unlikely to feature against West Ham United on Thursday evening.
He said: "Sesko is going to take a little bit more time [than Matheus Cunha]. It will take a little bit longer and we are taking care of him."
قالت تقارير صحفية خلال الفترة الماضية إن برشلونة تلقى عروضاً للاستغناء عن حارسه الألماني مارك أندريه تير شتيجن خلال سوق الانتقالات الشتوية في يناير.
وأشارت التقارير إلى أن بشكتاش التركي قدم عرضاً للتعاقد مع تير شتيجن على سبيل الإعارة مع خيار الشراء بقيمة 8 ملايين يورو، مما يترك القرار للألماني وإعطائه فرصة الرحيل عن البارسا وسط مخاوف على مركزه في حراسة مرمى منتخب ألمانيا.
ونفى روجر توريلو صحفي “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية هذه الشائعات وأن برشلونة لم يتلق أي عروض للاستغناء عن مارك تير شتيجن.
أقرأ أيضاً.. مدرب الكاميرون عن إيتا إيونج: لديه إمكانات يامال.. ويمكنه اللعب مع برشلونة
ولا يزال برشلونة ينتظر استعادة تير شتيجن كامل لياقته البدنية، وبمجرد أن يصبح لائقاً وقادراً على اللعب بشكل أساسي فإنه من المتوقع أن تتواصل معه أندية أخرى لضمه خلال سوق الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة.
ويبقى خوان جارسيا حتى ذلك الوقت هو الحارس الأساسي لنادي برشلونة ومن المتوقع عودته ضد أتلتيك بلباو، ويجلس له بديلاً الحارس البولندي المخضرم فويتشيك تشيزني.
ويسعى تير شتيجن حارس مرمى برشلونة لترسيخ مكانه كحارس مرمى لمنتخب ألمانيا متفوقاً على باومان، والذي قدم مستويات رائعة وحافظ على نظافة شباكه في المباريات الأربع الأخيرة وساعد المانشافت على التأهل لكأس العالم 2026.
O São Paulo viaja para Curitiba neste sábado (28), rumo ao confronto contra o Athletico-PR no domingo (29). Com algumas mudanças na escalação, o Tricolor pode ter uma novidade: Raí Ramos relacionado.
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‘Esquecido’, Raí Ramos chegou ao São Paulo em março. Na época, era visto como uma contratação necessária tendo em vista o grave problema que o time estava enfrentando na lateral-direita. No momento em que Raí Ramos chegou, o time contava com três opções lesionadas: Rafinha, Moreira e Igor Vinícius.
Mas com o retorno de Rafinha e a volta de Nathan, Raí Ramos se tornou uma terceira opção para a equipe. Neste domingo (29), por sua vez, o cenário é diferente.
Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo
Por conta da expulsão no clássico contra o Palmeiras, Rafinha não poderá ser relacionado. A opção imediata para substituir é Nathan – como visto em outros jogos em que o veterano não esteve presente. No banco, Raí Ramos deve estar presente, e assim, ser uma das novidades.
Embora tenha sido relacionado contra o Goiás recentemente, esteve com o elenco em somente quatro partidas nos últimos três meses. A última vez que jogou foi em agosto, contra o Flamengo, quando esteve em campo por 18 minutos.
Assim, uma provável escalação para o jogo pode ser formada por Rafael, Nathan, Diego Costa, Beraldo e Caio Paulista; Pablo Maia, Alisson, Rodrigo Nestor e James Rodríguez; Luciano (Wellington Rato) e David (Erison). Vale destacar que o São Paulo busca sua primeira vitória fora de casa no ano pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.
Visitors will have Mehidy Hasan Miraz back and could go with three spinners at SSC
Madushka Balasuriya24-Jun-2025
Dhananjaya de Silva hinted that three seamers were likely for Sri Lanka at SSC•AFP/Getty Images
Big Picture: WTC points at stake for both sidesAfter a draw in the first Test in Galle, the action moves to Colombo with more World Test Championship (WTC) points on the line for a Test arguably more important for Sri Lanka than Bangladesh. As their remaining two home series in this cycle are against India and South Africa, two Tests without a win against a lower-ranked Bangladesh might leave the hosts feeling like they left points on the table.As for the visitors, they were the closer of the two sides to getting a positive result in Galle, and will be heading to Colombo with the belief that they can go one better. And with their remaining two away series this cycle against WTC 2025 finalists Australia and South Africa, the points might prove more valuable than most.It is also Sri Lanka’s first Test of the post-Angelo Mathews era, with the search for his replacement now moving into full gear. The first to get a go looks likely to be spin-bowling allrounder Sonal Dinusha, whose slow left-arm spin makes him a handy option – particularly in home conditions. With no Tests on Sri Lanka’s cards until next year, he’ll be itching to make this opportunity one to remember.Related
Dhananjaya de Silva bets on pace in second Test against Bangladesh
Focused Shanto regains form despite instability all around him
If Sri Lanka opt to throw all their spin eggs in the Prabath Jayasuriya basket, then one of Pavan Rathnayake, Pasindu Sooriyabandara or even Oshada Fernando could come in.Bangladesh, meanwhile, welcome Mehidy Hasan Miraz back after he missed the first Test with fever. You would expect the No. 2-ranked allrounder in the world to be welcomed back with open arms. But his replacement Nayeem Hasan was arguably the best bowler on show in the first Test.With the SSC surface expected to be dry and batter-friendly, both teams will be trying to decipher the ideal combination. Dhananjaya de Silva hinted that three seamers were likely for Sri Lanka – which could potentially mean a debut for Isitha Wijesundara – but if Bangladesh were to follow suit, it might mean Nayeem misses out.Bangladesh, though, have the seam options to go with a three-pronged spin attack, with both Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain available for selection. With Ebadot just returning from an injury layoff, Khaled could get the nod, particularly owing to his proficiency with the new ball.Form guideSri Lanka: DLLLL Bangladesh: DWLWLLAnamul Haque fell for 0 and 4 in the Galle Test•Associated Press
In the spotlight: Dhananjaya de Silva and Anamul HaqueFor most of his career, Dhananjaya de Silva has batted at No. 6 or lower. He was tried at No. 5 for the entire 2021 as well, and to some success. But with Mathews retired, Sri Lanka’s Test middle order is getting its first real shake-up in over a decade. The biggest beneficiary of that might be the Sri Lanka captain himself. Dhananjaya looks set to slot into that No. 4 role – at least initially – a position he has batted in on only six prior occasions, and one where he averages just 20.33. DDS, as he’s commonly known, has always been the man for a crisis in Sri Lanka’s lower order, and Sri Lanka will be hoping that crisis-management mode kicks in upon the retirement of one of the country’s stalwarts.Anamul Haque’s Test career hasn’t been one to write home about. Having made his Test debut back in 2013, he was in the wilderness from 2014 to 2022. Anamul’s return to the national team was brief, though, as he was dropped after a single Test for another three years. At 32 years of age, his return against Zimbabwe this April was less comeback, and more a reintroduction. He scored 39, his highest Test score, the only time he batted in that game. The Galle Test brought Anamul scores of 0 and 4, not ideal either. But on an SSC track that is expected to be as batter-friendly – if not, more – now, if ever, is the time to deliver.Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be back in action after a fever•AFP/Getty Images
Team newsSri Lanka will be pondering Mathews’ replacement, as well as whether to play three seamers. Milan Rathnayake’s injury has left open a spot for a bowling allrounder, and Dinusha seems likely to fill that role. Tharindu Ratnayake will be the one to make way if Sri Lanka go for an extra seamer.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Lahiru Udara, 3 Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Sonal Dinusha, 7 Kusal Mendis (wk), 8 Prabath Jayasuriya, 9 Vishwa Fernando, 10 Kasun Rajitha/Isitha Wijesundara, 11 Asitha FernandoBangladesh will have to decide how to slot in the returning Mehidy, while also pondering whether to go with three seamers or an extra spinner. It could be Nayeem who misses out if the extra seamer does come in. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto also picked up a finger injury at training, but it doesn’t look likely to rule him out.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Shadman Islam, 2 Anamul Haque, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Jaker Ali (wk), 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Nayeem Hasan/Khaled Ahmed/Ebadot Hossain, 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Nahid Rana, 11 Hasan MahmudOf active Sri Lanka players, Prabath Jayasuriya’s ten wickets are the most at SSC•AFP/Getty Images
Stats and trivia Sri Lanka have lost four of their last eight Tests at the SSC. Prior to that, they had gone 21 Tests without defeat at the venue. Of active Sri Lanka players, Jayasuriya’s ten wickets are the most at the SSC. Bangladesh have beaten Sri Lanka just once across 27 Tests.Quotes”Runs in the first innings is the key. Then we can try and take 20 wickets in the game. Toss will not be a major factor. Even in Galle, we were able to score the same number of runs as them.” “To leave Naeem out is difficult. But we make sure everyone is on the same page, and if a decision has to be made, people understand that it’s what’s best for the team.”
A vitória do Vasco sobre o Fluminense por 4 a 2, no Nilton Santos, neste sábado, além de manter o time vivo na luta contra o rebaixamento no Campeonato Brasileiro, encerrou algumas sequências negativas da equipe na competição e na temporada. Principalmente ofensivas.
Desde 2018 que o Vasco não vencia um jogo de Série A marcando quatro gols. A última vez havia sido na goleada por 4 a 1 sobre o América Mineiro, em São Januário, no dia 5 de maio daquele ano. Depois disso, o único jogo em que o Cruz-Maltino marcou quatro vezes foi no 4 a 4 com o Flamengo, no dia 13 de novembro de 2019.
Na temporada, aliás, essa foi apenas a quarta oportunidade em que o time marcou quatro ou mais gols – a primeira no Brasileirão. Antes, somente Resende (5×0), Trem (4×0) e Boavista (4×1) haviam sofrido tanto com o ataque vascaíno. O Vasco, inclusive, não marcava mais de um gol numa partida desde a derrota por 4 a 2 para o São Paulo, no dia 20 de maio. Foram 14 jogos consecutivos marcando nenhum ou apenas um gol.
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New Zealander takes three-for before Patterson leads hosts’ reply with half-century
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay23-May-2025
Nathan Smith chipped away at the Essex order•Surrey CCC/Getty Images
Surrey dismissed Essex for 217 as events on day one at the Kia Oval followed a familiar pattern.Having won the toss, the champions fielded first on a well-grassed surface and despite Michael Pepper’s 75 they bowled Essex out in two sessions.Australian left-hander Kurtis Patterson led the reply with 51 as Surrey reached 94 for three at stumps, 123 behind.Pepper provided much of the resistance in front of a crowd of 5,861 and helped Essex’s last three wickets add 71 while at the start of the day Surrey didn’t use the new ball particularly well. But Surrey have got themselves into a familiar position and will try to bat into the third day before putting Essex back under pressure in their second innings.There had been the promise of a different story unfolding in the first half hour when Dean Elgar and Paul Walter helped themselves to ten boundaries in the opening eight overs as they posted a half-century stand with few alarms against some unusually indifferent new-ball bowling by Dan Worrall and Nathan Smith. But when Sam Curran, who was making his first Championship appearance of the season, replaced Worrall at the Vauxhall End he broke through with his second ball, which darted off the seam and Elgar edged it to second slip.From 50 without loss Essex slipped to 95 for four as the Surrey seamers profited from bowling a better length. Walter played well for his 38 but was one of three wickets to fall in 7.4 overs for seven runs as the champions tightened the screw before lunch.Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes snapped up a simple opportunity when Walter poked at Jordan Clark’s outswinger but there was nothing ordinary about his next intervention when he dived in front of first slip to remove Charlie Allison after Smith had switched ends – a fine way for Foakes to claim his 450th catch in first-class cricket.Smith had a second wicket before lunch and Foakes a third catch after skipper Tom Westley was surprised by extra bounce and Essex would have been in further strife had Jamie Overton, like Curran playing his first Championship game of the season, not dropped straightforward catches at slip to reprieve first Pepper and then Matt Critchley off successive deliveries. Overton took himself out of the cordon but Pepper apart, Essex failed to make the most of their good fortune.Critchley, aiming to leg, was beaten by Tom Lawes’ late inswing and Foakes had his fourth catch – and Worrall his first wicket – when Noah Thain followed an away swinger. Simon Harmer was lbw unwisely offering no shot when Curran switched ends.But from 146 for seven Pepper led a tail-end revival, first with Shane Snater with whom he added 51 in 65 balls. Snater contributed 28 before edging to second slip in Overton’s third over but Pepper brought up Essex’s 200 by driving Overton handsomely over long-on for six while adding another 24 with Sri Lankan Kasun Rajitha. Rajitha eventually played on to Smith and Pepper holed out to deep mid-wicket for a season’s best 75 from 94 balls with nine fours.Burns was caught at slip aiming an expansive drive at Jamie Porter and Surrey suffered a setback when Patterson was squared up by Porter shortly after the Australian left-hander had reached an attractive half-century. Nightwatchman Lawes fell in the penultimate over but Surrey are still well placed.
Liverpool’s summer transfer window was defined by big spending, but also by letting some of their most promising youth talent depart.
While the Anfield hierarchy pursued marquee signings such as Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike, a quieter narrative was simultaneously unfolding.
Several academy graduates, once thought of as future first-team players, left the club in search of regular gametime and development opportunities that Liverpool could not immediately guarantee.
Harvey Elliot went on loan to Aston Villa with a £35m obligation next summer, Jarell Quansah moved to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m, and Ben Doak joined Bournemouth for £25m.
These departures, while financially reasonable, highlight the ongoing challenge Liverpool face in balancing youth development with immediate competitiveness.
Sometimes, trusting homegrown talent pays dividends, as 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha demonstrated with his 100th-minute winner on Premier League debut against Newcastle, reminding the club of the potential locked away in its academy.
For one player, however, leaving Liverpool has opened the door to a role that is allowing him to flourish at one of the European elite in a role that had long been earmarked for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who ultimately moved to Arsenal for £60m.
The lesson for Liverpool's youth talent
Liverpool’s history of allowing talented youngsters to leave and succeed elsewhere is not new.
Raheem Sterling’s departure is one of the most notable examples.
Former Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.
Sterling left Anfield in 2015 for Manchester City at just 20 years old in a £44m deal, making him the most expensive English player at the time.
His career trajectory underlines the risks of selling promising youth too early, even at a premium.
Sterling went on to score 131 goals and register 86 assists in 339 appearances for City, winning four Premier League titles and earning inclusion in the 2018/19 PFA Team of the Year.
Sterling’s success serves as a benchmark for evaluating the club’s current youth departures which include the likes of Dominic Solanke, Neco Williams and most recently Jarell Quansah.
Quansah, however, was not the only Kirkby graduate to flee Merseyside for Europe in the summer of 2025.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
From Liverpool to Lyon
Tyler Morton, a 22-year-old local talent, joined Liverpool’s academy at just seven years old.
After progressing through the ranks, he experienced loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City before making his Premier League debut against Arsenal and his Champions League bow against Porto.
During his time at Liverpool, Morton made 14 appearances in all competitions, gaining valuable experience in a squad filled with international stars, while also contributing to the U21 European Championship victory over the summer.
This summer, Morton left Liverpool for Lyon in a £15m deal, a move that has allowed him to start playing consistently in Ligue 1 as a deep-lying playmaker.
This role mirrors the one Martin Zubimendi excelled at in La Liga before his £60m transfer to Arsenal, making Morton’s progression particularly noteworthy.
Liverpool had a bid for the Spain international rejected last summer, even though they may have already have their equivalent in the squad. Ultimately, Zubimendi went elsewhere, and Liverpool lost one of their most promising academy graduates too.
Regardless, Lyon and Morton have started the season strongly, winning three games from three, with the ex-Liverpool midfielder earning praise for his performances.
Against Metz, he played the full 90 minutes, recorded 84 touches, completed 63 of 69 passes (91%), delivered four key passes, three accurate crosses, four long balls – all successfully executed – and won four ground duels.
Bence Bocsák described Morton as a “quality midfielder,” highlighting the attributes Liverpool’s coaching staff have long admired, while Jurgen Klopp labelled him as an “outstanding” player.
His ability to control tempo, execute progressive passes, and contribute defensively makes him a versatile asset, one that Liverpool could have nurtured as in-house but instead allowed to blossom elsewhere.
Statistically, Morton’s style closely mirrors the deep-lying playmaking role that Zubimendi has excelled in.
Matches Played
36
Goals
2
Assists
1
Progressive Carries
38
Progressive Passes
195
Both operate in the transitional midfield zone, blending defensive awareness with progressive passing and the vision to influence play across the pitch.
While Zubimendi’s high-profile switch made headlines, Morton’s development in Lyon represents a potentially missed opportunity for Liverpool to cultivate a similar talent internally.
The youngser’s exit also underscores a recurring theme at Anfield and within the wider Premier League.
Clubs are increasingly letting promising youngsters leave only to see them thrive elsewhere.
Sterling set the precedent; Morton is now another example of Liverpool’s academy producing talent that, for reasons ranging from tactical fit to financial prudence, finds success beyond Merseyside.
While investing in high-profile signings is essential for immediate results, the club continues to face the delicate task of integrating its academy graduates into a star-studded first team.
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