the Daily Briefing - Rafael Leao's future at AC Milan, Mykhaylo Mudryk on playing in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Jude Bellingham, and much more
My exclusive Daily Briefing, featuring Rafael Leao's future, Pep Guardiola on Jude Bellingham and more.
Today’s top stories:
AC Milan
Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his retirement: "If I see a player stronger than me, I will be ready to retire. But I haven't seen any player stronger than me yet,” said Ibrahimovic.
"AC Milan have signed a top player with Charles de Ketelaere - give him some time.”
AC Milan director Paulo Maldini: “Chelsea haven’t sent any official bid for Rafael Leão — but they made a verbal proposal… and we rejected, of course.”
“He knows that staying here is the best way to improve. We want to do great things with Rafa Leão in our project.”
Barcelona
Official, confirmed. Gavi has signed a new contract with Barcelona until June 2026.
Gavi has a €1bn release clause in his contract.
Did Gavi have any interest in him before signing the new contract?
Borussia Dortmund
Pep Guardiola: “Jude Bellingham is an exceptional, great player. I think everyone knows it, not just because the manager of Manchester City tells you!”
“Everybody knows it, Bellingham is a top player.”
Bellingham opened the scoring for Borussia Dortmund against Manchester City.
Juventus
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri on his future at the club: “I don’t feel my job here is in danger. It’s normal to have these moments in football. We need to work hard and change the situation — also, we have many important players injured.”
Manchester City
26 goals in 21 Champions League games for Erling Haaland. Oh, and what a goal guys, as you can see below.
…and, he already scored 13 goals for Manchester City in one month.
Pep Guardiola: “The moment Erling scored the goal… I thought: “Ah, like Johan Cruyff!”. Cruyff scored that kind of goal at Camp Nou vs Atletico Madrid.”
What position will Manchester City strengthen next?
Olympiakos
James Rodriguez has successfully completed medical tests in Greece. He will sign on loan with a buy option for Olympiakos.
Rodriguez will link up with his former Real Madrid teammate Marcelo.
PSG
This is the reason we love this game. The reaction when some young mascots notice Lionel Messi.
Is there any truth in Kylian Mbappe to Manchester United?
Real Madrid
Federico Valverde. Signed for just €5m. Man of the Match against RB Leipzig. Valverde is one of Carlo Ancelotti’s favourites.
Valverde has never been discussed on the market despite links to Premier League clubs. He is simply untouchable.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Mykhaylo Mudryk tells CBS Sports: “Every guy dreams about the Premier League. It's a top league — but speculation has passed, I focus on Shakhtar so in winter we will see what will happen.”
“There was a lot of discussions about a transfer and clubs who want me.”
Tottenham
Destiny Udogie’s agent: “Inter and Juventus wanted to sign him, it’s true — but Tottenham have decided to pay €20m plus €6m add-ons so it was not possible for other clubs.”
“Spurs wanted him to stay in Italy on loan, it’s part of the strategy.”
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