Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy played a major role in stopping one ex-Spurs star from sealing what was a dream switch to Chelsea, with the player making a candid admission.

Tottenham post-Daniel Levy as problems remain at N17

It’s been three months since the Lewis family decided to force Levy into resigning as Lilywhites chairman, following a topsy-turvy 25-year stint in the role.

Levy was barely ever away from the headlines and attracted plenty of criticism, particularly towards the end of his tenure, when fans turned out in droves to protest both his and ENIC’s stewardship of the club.

His exit marked the end of the longest chairmanship in Premier League history, a tenure defined by extraordinary infrastructure development yet marred by agonising near-misses.

His business acumen transformed Tottenham into a financial powerhouse, culminating in the £1.2 billion Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which opened in 2019 and revolutionised the club’s commercial capabilities.

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

via Deloitte Money League

Under his stewardship, Spurs competed in Europe over in 18 of the past 20 seasons, establishing themselves among England’s elite despite chronic underinvestment in recruitment compared to their rivals.

The club’s net spend during Mauricio Pochettino’s first four years totalled just £29 million, while Tottenham infamously became the first Premier League side to complete an entire summer window without a single signing in 2018.

That cautious transfer approach became Levy’s defining characteristic, and it drew fierce criticism, alongside their barren trophy haul.

Tottenham reached the Champions League final under Pochettino in 2019, only to dismiss the Argentine four months later despite Spurs’ constant transfer budget restrictions.

Levy’s final season proved very turbulent, with Ange Postecoglou sacked shortly after delivering Europa League glory. Fans had grown tired of the constant managerial churn without meaningful silverware, despite Levy’s long list of appointments including serial winners José Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

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Levy’s departure triggered a major restructuring, with former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham arriving and Thomas Frank replacing Postecoglou.

Peter Charrington assumed the newly-created non-executive chairman role to jump into Levy’s stead, though in a far less involved capacity, with co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange making up the new leadership team.

Levy, despite his unpopularity among much of the fanbase, undoubtedly left a mark on Spurs which will be remembered for decades to come.

Now, ex-Tottenham favourite Luka Modrić has revealed how the former chairman stopped him from joining London rivals Chelsea.

Luka Modrić reveals Daniel Levy blocked Tottenham transfer to Chelsea

Speaking on the Neuspjeh prvaka show, via ESPN, the now-AC Milan midfielder says that he was eager to join the west Londoners, but Levy told him there was ‘no chance’ that Modric would be allowed to go.

The Croatia legend, who went to enjoy a fantastic season at Tottenham right afterwards, then admitted that it eventually worked out for the best.

Modric is now the most decorated player in his country’s history after a glittering career at Real, with Levy eventually green-lighting his exit to the Bernabeu for £30 million in 2012.

The 40-year-old, who is incredibly still playing at an elite level, made over 150 appearances for Spurs, scoring 17 goals, and comes as one of the best signings of Levy’s tenure for just £16.5 million from Dinamo Zagreb.

AC Milan have made contact with Nottingham Forest over a deal for a £26m Nuno signing who now wants to leave.

Forest on the up under the helm of Dyche

Ange Postecoglou didn’t last long after replacing Nuno earlier this season, but Sean Dyche has really managed to turn things around, with his side now four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

The Tricky Trees edged out a 1-0 victory against the bottom-placed side, courtesy of an Igor Jesus goal with just under 20 minutes left to play, meaning they finally have some breathing room, and survival is looking increasingly likely.

Dyche praised his side’s mindset in the narrow victory, saying: “They kept going and throwing things at us. I’m pleased with our mentality. You saw the way we dug it out, they threw a lot at us second half and we dealt with it well.”

In fairness, given that Forest qualified for the Europa League last season and spent heavily in the summer, relegation shouldn’t be on the cards, but it would be fair to say some of their recent additions haven’t hit the ground running at the City Ground.

Arnaud Kalimuendo, who arrived from Rennes for £26m, has particularly struggled to make an impact, having failed to score in his opening seven Premier League games, predominantly being utilised as a substitute.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the striker could be offered an exit route soon, with it being revealed that AC Milan have made contact with Nottingham Forest CEO Lina Souloukou over a potential deal.

Kalimuendo now wants to leave Forest, amid a lack of game time, featuring for just 81 mintues across his seven Premier League appearances this season, and clubs from Italy are lining up to sign him, with AS Roma also being named as potential suitors.

Forest should sanction Kalimuendo departure this January

In truth, it is probably best for all parties if the centre-forward moves on this summer, given that he clearly hasn’t managed to impress all three of Forest’s managers this season, given the lack of game time in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has impressed at times in the Europa League, most recently scoring in the 3-0 victory over Malmo FF, but he was unable to make an impact as a substitute against Brighton in the following match, failing to register a single shot.

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By
Dominic Lund

Dec 3, 2025

In fairness, it is difficult to have a major impact coming on late in the game, and Kalimuendo may need to be given a Premier League start if he is to prove himself.

However, with Jesus recently scoring his first Premier League goal, and Chris Wood still to return from injury, opportunities are likely to be even more limited going forward, and it may be worth Forest cutting their losses in the January transfer window.

أعلنت جلوب سوكر صباح اليوم الأربعاء، عن القائمة النهائية للمرشحين لجائزة أفضل مدرب في عام 2025، حيث يقام هذا الحفل كل عام.

وكانت جلوب سوكر قد أعلنت منذ أسابيع عن قائمة مبدأية مرشحين لأفضل مدرب في عام 2025، قبل الكشف عن القائمة النهائية اليوم.

وجاء على رأس المرشحين لجائزة أفضل مدرب في جلوب سوكر لويس إنريكي، مدرب باريس سان جيرمان، إلى جانب المدير الفني لنادي برشلونة، هانز فليك. المرشحين لجائزة أفضل مدرب من جلوب سوكر

لويس إنريكي (باريس سان جيرمان).

تشابي ألونسو (ريال مدريد).

هانز فليك (برشلونة).

إنزو ماريسكا (باريس سان جيرمان).

ميكيل أرتيتا (آرسنال).

آرني سلوت (ليفربول).

كما تم الإعلان عن القائمة النهائية لأفضل لاعب وسط من حفل جلوب سوكر والتي شملت وجود 8 لاعبين.

أقرأ أيضًا .. القائمة النهائية لجائزة أفضل لاعب في الشرق الأوسط من جلوب سوكر.. رونالدو ينافس ثنائي عربي

وكالعادة سيطر باريس سان جيرمان على المرشحين لأفضل لاعب خط وسط في جلوب سوكر، حيث تواجد ثلاثة لاعبين من النادي الفرنسي، وهم فيتينها، وديزيريه دوي، وجواو نيفيز. المرشحون لجائزة أفضل لاعب وسط في جلوب سوكر

فيتينها (باريس سان جيرمان).

جواو نيفيز (باريس سان جيرمان).

ديزيريه دوي (باريس سان جيرمان).

بيدري (برشلونة).

فيرمين لوبيز (برشلونة).

فيديريكو فالفيردي (ريال مدريد).

جود بيلينجهام (ريال مدريد).

كول بالمر (تشيلسي).

وكشفت جلوب سوكر عن ستة مرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب صاعد في عام 2025، حيث تواجد أردا جولر، صانع ألعاب نادي ريال مدريد، في حين ترشح باو كوبارسي، مدافع نادي برشلونة، لهذه الجائزة كذلك.

وشهدت هذه القائمة وجود عربي بتواجد إلياس بن صغير، نجم نادي باير ليفركوزن، من بين المرشحين لأفضل لاعب صاعد. المرشحون لجائزة أفضل لاعب صاعد فمن جلوب سوكر

ديزيريه دوي (باريس سان جيرمان).

جواو نيفيز (باريس سان جيرمان).

أردا جولر (ريال مدريد).

إلياس بن صغير (باير ليفركوزن).

باو كوبارسي (برشلونة).

كينان يلدز (يوفنتوس). 

MatériaMais Notícias

O meia Matias Segovia está de volta ao Botafogo. Xodó da torcida na última temporada, o paraguaio voltou a treinar na última semana e tem dois objetivos: voltar ao time principal do Glorioso e conseguir uma convocação para as Olimpíadas de Paris.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Botafogo

Como a janela de transferência só será aberta em julho, o jogador ainda não poderá reestrear pelo Alvinegro. Até lá, o jovem irá treinar com um grupo especial. Ainda não há definição sobre o futuro do atleta. Na Europa, o jogador participou de sete partidas e contribuiu com apenas uma assistência. No Botafogo, o paraguaio havia contribuído com dois passes decisivos para gols.

Segovinha nas Olimpíadas

O torneio masculino de futebol nas Olimpíadas começa no dia 24 de julho e a medalha de ouro será disputada no dia 9 de agosto, no Parque dos Príncipes. O Paraguai está no Grupo D com Japão, Mali e Israel.

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No início da temporada, o Botafogo vetou a ida do atacante ao torneio Pré-Olímpico para que ele participasse da pré-temporada e do Campeonato Carioca.

Tudo sobre

BotafogoBrasileirãoOlimpíadas

Everton have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Champions League goalscorer in the January transfer window who Erling Haaland loves.

Everton offered chance to sign Evan Ferguson

Thierno Barry may have broken his goal drought, but that won’t be enough to stop Everton from targeting another forward in the January transfer window, according to reports. The Toffees, with their European ambitions in mind, have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Evan Ferguson if AS Roma cut his loan spell short.

Everton now ready to pounce to sign £35m Premier League striker in January

The Toffees are in the race for a new centre-forward

ByDominic Lund 5 days ago

Whether those in Rome do send the Republic of Ireland striker back to Brighton & Hove Albion is the big question, however. Just when the rumours began to arrive, Ferguson scored a brace against Celtic in midweek and Brighton released the news that Stefanos Tzimas has suffered an ACL injury.

That could see Everton drop down the pecking order in the race to sign the forward, who Roma may now want to keep and who Brighton may now need back at The Amex following Tzimas’ season-ending injury.

Following his brace against Celtic, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini told reporters: “During the game he did what he often does in training. He’s a young lad and we have to be patient. His second goal was beautiful. His performance was great, and it’s important that he plays with this spirit and shows his qualities.”

With a deal for the Brighton forward becoming more complicated overnight, Everton could decide to turn towards Bodo/Glimt star Jens Pettter Hauge when the January transfer window swings open, according to reports.

Everton join race to sign Jens Petter Hauge

According to TeamTalk, Everton have now joined the race to sign Hauge after completing their scouting mission on the Bodo/Glimt winger. The 26-year-old has rediscovered his best form since returning to Norway and is now reportedly interested in a move to the Premier League amid interest from the Toffees, Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Brighton.

After scoring in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund in midweek, it’s easy to see why Everton are interested and it’s easy to see why Haaland is such a big fan.

After disappointing stints at AC Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt, Hauge will be hoping to make it third time lucky if he secures another big move in the January transfer window.

With 11 goals and 11 assists to his name in all competitions in Norway this season, the talent is certainly there for all to see as Everton eye a potential 2026 move ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Dewsbury-Hall repeat: PL talent ready to leave his club with Everton keen

Aggressive maiden fifty ruffles England attack, before Smith, Labuschagne cement advantage

Tristan Lavalette05-Dec-2025

Jake Weatherald made his maiden Test fifty off 45 balls•Darrian Traynor/AFP/Getty Images

After Travis Head had hogged the attention in the build-up, fellow opener Jake Weatherald emerged from his shadow with a rollicking maiden Test half-century as Australia capitalised on a ragged England bowling and fielding effort in the day-night second Ashes Test.Australia ended day two well on top after half-centuries from Weatherald, Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. It was the first time in a decade that Australia put on 50-plus stands for the first four wickets in a Test innings but no batter has yet been able to kick on for a big score.Just a fortnight ago, England hustled Australia for 132 in Perth with hostile pace bowling that evoked peak West Indies but they have been undisciplined since and conceded 5.17 runs an over so far in this innings.Related

Australia wait to count cost of crazy floodlit passage

On the back of Weatherald setting the tone with 72 off 78 balls, including 59 in the first session, Australia moved into a powerful position at 291 for 3 and just 43 runs behind England’s first innings.Under major pressure after their first-Test humiliation, England appeared to be wilting amid a totally lacklustre bowling effort until Cameron Green and Smith succumbed in the same over to a short-ball ploy from Brydon Carse, who had been very expensive to that point.Leeds-born Josh Inglis was later clean bowled by indefatigable skipper Ben Stokes as England mounted an unexpected fightback after a totally underwhelming day. But Alex Carey and Michael Neser benefited from sloppy fielding – amid five dropped catches by England so far in the innings – as they finished with an unbroken 49-run partnership to steady Australia.After England were dismissed for 334 in their first innings early on day two, with Joe Root finishing unbeaten on 138, the focus immediately turned to Head following his extraordinary century in Perth as a makeshift opener.

With veteran Usman Khawaja ruled out due to a back injury, Head is playing this match as a specialist opener – a role he had only occupied previously in South Asia.There was intrigue over how he would approach the situation on a ground where he bagged a king pair in the day-night Test against West Indies in January 2024.Head had no troubles negotiating the first delivery, with Jofra Archer spraying down the leg side in a sign of things to come for England’s attack. Archer could not find the right length but Head and Weatherald were circumspect as the innings started with three maidens.Weatherald was unruffled and smacked a boundary in the fourth over to open Australia’s account and the runs soon flowed. Crouching very low, watching intently and talking to himself as the bowler approached, Weatherald was compact early before growing in confidence with a trio of boundaries off seamer Gus Atkinson.Head, meanwhile, made a watchful start and did not score until his 15th delivery. He had only made 3 of Australia’s 30 runs when Archer finally got his length right and produced a cracking back-of-a-length delivery that angled in and nipped away to catch the outside edge.But wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, playing his first day-night match, was wrongfooted and dropped a straightforward chance much to the delight of an increasingly rowdy contingent of Australian fans in the terraces.Head crawled to 4 off 29 balls before finally scoring his first boundary in the 10th over, followed by a six off the wayward Carse. It ignited Head whose trademark cavalier style returned and he was matched by Weatherald as they knocked England’s quicks off their lengths. England were either too short or full with Weatherald punishing modest bumpers with several belligerent uppercuts.Jofra Archer reacts to a dropped catch•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The wheels were quickly falling for England, reminiscent of many horror shows at this graveyard site for them, but they had a brief respite when Head on 33 threw away his wicket, holing out to mid-on in a rare bright spot for Carse.Head’s wicket did not slow down the momentum of Weatherald, who notched his half-century off 45 balls – the fastest in a Test at the Gabba in a decade.Stokes resorted to spinning allrounder Will Jacks before the 40-minute tea break but his solitary over went for nine runs. After some soul searching, England’s quicks bowled better on resumption and were rewarded when Archer trapped Weatherald plumb lbw with a fierce full delivery that hit flush on the toe.Lacking support, Archer pushed through with a seven-over spell but could not produce another breakthrough as Labuschagne and Smith built a formidable partnership.Both reached their half-centuries in 67 balls with Labuschagne judging the length superbly and unfurling the pull shot when required as he became the first batter to reach 1000 runs in day-night Tests. But he fell tamely to Stokes when he feathered an attempted cut close to the body, ending his bid for a first Test century since the 2023 Ashes.Smith, sporting black adhesive stickers on his cheekbones, looked in control and combined in another half-century stand with Green, who batted one spot higher at No. 5 than in Perth.England hoped to rally under the lights but wickets looked unlikely until Carse, who sported macabre figures of 1 for 92 from 12 overs to this point, bluffed Green by bowling a full delivery that rattled the stumps after the batter had been backing away against the short ball.Carse then delivered a brute of a delivery that hit Carey on the glove but was dropped at gully by Ben Duckett. England’s spirits quickly lifted when Smith on the next delivery was brilliantly caught at deep backward square by Jacks as Stokes threw his cap in the air in celebration.But England’s momentum was halted by sloppy fielding and they appear to be staring down the barrel.England had started the day’s play in considerably better shape after a momentum-swinging last-wicket partnership between Root and Archer. Making Australia’s weary bowlers back up amid stifling humidity, England hoped to add more invaluable runs to their overnight total of 325 for 9.With his century jinx on Australian soil over, Root looked to cross 150 but was content in taking singles and there was no need for anything outlandish like his reverse scoop off Scott Boland that registered his first ever Test six in the country.In a madcap final stretch of play on day one, Archer zoomed past his highest Test score of 30 and his bid for a maiden Test half-century started well when he cracked a superb drive through the covers off Mitchell Starc. But Archer fell on 38 when a diving Labuschagne took a blinder of a one-handed catch at deep backward square to end the 70-run stand – the highest 10th wicket partnership for England on an Ashes tour since 1951.

West Indies captain Roston Chase wants to leave New Zealand with their first Test win in the country in 30 years

Sreshth Shah12-Dec-20252:26

Roston Chase: ‘We made mistakes at crucial points in the game’

After another collective batting failure, West Indies captain Roston Chase called on his batters to convert their starts and hold themselves accountable after undoing the work of a disciplined bowling attack.West Indies made only 205 in the first innings in the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, but then restricted New Zealand to 278. However, they were skittled for just 128 in the second innings when batting conditions were in fact better, and eventually went down by nine wickets.Chase said the manner of the loss stung especially because West Indies had got into a decent position before the collapse, and rejected suggestion that conditions were to blame.Related

Duffy five-for triggers West Indies slide to give New Zealand first win of WTC cycle

“We were in a good position up to this morning, even though in the first innings, we thought that we should have got some more runs,” Chase said in the post-match press conference. “A number of batsmen getting some starts, but we didn’t really convert into anything big. We left some runs up there in the first innings, and we thought that we would have gotten those runs in the second innings, but it didn’t happen. So very disappointing for us after the bowlers really put up their hands and brought us back into the game.”I still thought that the pitch was one that we could score runs on. Personally, I thought it was not as tough as the first game. I thought the first innings in [the first Test in] Christchurch, the ball was doing a whole lot, but I didn’t think that was the case here. I just thought we just made some mistakes at some crucial points in the game, and we just never really got our foot back into the game today.”Across the tour, Chase said, West Indies’ batting malaise had been clear: players get in, and then give it away. In Wellington, seven times batters crossed 20 across both of West Indies’ innings, yet the highest score was Shai Hope’s 47. The rest, like Hope, frittered away promising starts – 44, 33 and 29 in the first innings, followed by 22, 35 and 25 in the second.

“The last time we won in New Zealand was in 1995, so we want to leave here with a win. We still think that we are capable enough to get a win, but it’s just for us to be consistent, because the bowlers have shown that they’re capable of getting us those ten wickets or 20 wickets that we need to get”Roston Chase

“You have to work very hard to get that start,” Chase said. “It’s just about buckling down and having that determination to carry it. You will get good balls, but I think sometimes we just give it away a little too easy when we get to the 30s and the 40s. But especially in New Zealand, we know the first innings is very crucial. If you can get a good first-innings total where the ball is moving around a lot more and [there’s] a lot of green on the wicket, that puts you in a commanding position to have a chance at winning the game.”When we do sit and chat after games, we sit and we discuss those things. We try to hold everyone accountable for their actions. But not only just talking, we need to find ways out there in the middle to combat what is being thrown at us.”Yet, even after a chastening defeat, Chase stressed that the squad remained driven by a long-standing ambition: winning a Test in New Zealand for the first time in 30 years. A victory in the third Test in Mount Maunganui would not only end that drought but also square the series and give West Indies their first win of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.”The last time we won in New Zealand was in 1995, so we want to leave here with a win,” Chase said. “We still think that we are capable enough to get a win, but it’s just for us to be consistent, because the bowlers have shown that they’re capable of getting us those ten wickets or 20 wickets that we need to get.”

Lionel Messi has been named Landon Donovan MLS MVP for the second straight season. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner produced 48 goal contributions – the second-highest total in league history – and carried Inter Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference. He is the first player to win the award in back-to-back years.

• AFP
  

  An all-time season…

  Messi capped his season by winning MLS Cup last weekend, delivering two assists and earning MLS Cup MVP as Inter Miami lifted the first league title in club history. That performance was the final chapter of a dominant year in which Messi also collected his second straight Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, becoming the first player in league history to win it in back-to-back seasons.

  Across the 2025 regular season, Messi produced 48 goal contributions (29 goals and 19 assists) in 28 matches, the second-highest total ever recorded, and averaged 1.78 goal involvements per 90 minutes, a mark only surpassed by his own 2.18 from 2024. He also became just the second player in league history to lead MLS in both goals and assists in the same season, matching Sebastian Giovinco’s 2015 feat.

  Messi set multiple league records during the campaign. He became the first MLS player to record 10 multi-goal games in one season and generated at least three goal contributions in nine different matches. He also scored multiple goals in five consecutive games from late May through mid-July, the longest multi-goal streak in MLS history.

  His dominance translated directly into awards. Along with MLS Cup MVP and MLS MVP, Messi won the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals, earned three MLS Player of the Month honors, and was recognized six times as MLS Player of the Matchday. Over his MLS career, he now has two MVP awards, two Best XI selections, two All-Star selections, a Golden Boot, 12 Player of the Matchday honors, and five Player of the Month awards.

  Messi’s season resulted in a landslide MVP vote. He secured 70.43 percent of the total ballot, finishing comfortably ahead of Anders Dreyer, with Denis Bouanga, Evander, and Sam Surridge rounding out the top five.

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• Getty
  

  The full MVP vote

  Name	Media Vote	Player Vote	Club Vote	Total Vote
  Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF	83.05%	55.17%	73.08%	70.43%
  Anders Dreyer – San Diego FC	6.78%	18.97%	7.69%	11.15%
  Denis Bouanga – LAFC	3.39%	6.90%	11.54%	7.27%
  Evander – FC Cincinnati	2.26%	12.07%	0.00%	4.78%
  Sam Surridge – Nashville SC	1.69%	1.72%	3.85%	2.42%

• Getty Images Sport
  

  In historic company

  Messi is only the second player in league history to win the award twice and the first to do so in back-to-back seasons. The only other two-time winner is former Kansas City Wizards midfielder Preki, who collected MVP honors in 1997 and 2003. Preki now serves as an assistant coach for the Seattle Sounders, the team that defeated Miami in the Leagues Cup final in August.

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• Getty
  

  Converting it into team success

  Despite Messi’s brilliance, Miami’s season was anything but smooth. They were eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Vancouver, lost to Seattle in the Leagues Cup final, and failed to defend their Supporters’ Shield title. But after navigating those setbacks, the Herons found form at the right time, surged through the postseason and ultimately won the first MLS Cup in club history.

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

• Harshit takes the first step in fast bowlers' race for 2027 World Cup

• Kohli, Harshit, Kuldeep star to give India 1-0 lead

• Stats – Kohli and Rohit smash records in Ranchi run-fest

• Kohli dictates South Africa's reality from within his bubble

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.”

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that renewing Neymar's contract is a major priority, days after the Brazil international admitted he was unsure where his future lies. The former Barcelona star returned to his boyhood team at the start of the year and helped them avoid what would have been an embarrassing relegation from Serie A, but his current deal is now set to expire.

Neymar facing uncertain future at Santos

Neymar has endured some difficult times since returning to boyhood club Santos, once again struggling with injuries after his spell in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal was dogged by similar issues. The Brazilian club were staring at the possibility of relegation from the country's top division, but their talismanic attacker stepped up to inspire a crucial 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro, playing through the pain of a new meniscus injury in his knee to ensure they will remain in Serie A.

However, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star immediately cast doubt over his short-term future. When asked what's next for him, Neymar responded: "I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my priority always goes to Santos."

Neymar finished the 2025 season with eight goals and one assist in 20 league games as he started to feature on a more consistent basis for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign, his last in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportClub president reveals latest on contract talks

While Neymar is unsure where his future lies, those at the boardroom level seem set in their belief that he should extend his contract.

Teixeira said: "Renewing Neymar's contract is a priority for Santos right now. Everything depends on the budget. We have a budget that is based on what we can spend. We are talking and negotiating in search of a common ground, adapting Neymar's current contract to 2026.

"There is good intention on his part, on the part of NR [the company that manages the striker's career], and on the part of Santos. That's already a good start. We need this adjustment to lead to a positive financial outcome for both sides.

"We are in talks regarding some contract renewals, especially Neymar's, and we are very confident. Neymar's project is also aimed at next year's World Cup, and we are in this dialogue to ensure he stays."

Neymar's World Cup dream in the balance

Neymar has previously featured in three World Cups for Brazil. He was their shining light in 2014, scoring four goals before suffering a tournament-ending injury. The Selecao were later eliminated by Germany in the semi-finals with a crushing 7-1 defeat. He then scored two goals apiece at the 2018 and 2022 showpieces, but Brazil were eliminated at the quarter-final stage in both competitions.

Now 33 years of age, Neymar is undoubtedly past his best, with recent injuries robbing him of his renowned agility and pace. He will hope to be part of Brazil's squad for the 2026 tournament, especially given that the only piece of silverware he has won at international level remains the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, but he has not played for his country since 2023. National team manager Carlo Ancelotti also has plenty of other options in wide positions to choose from, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Estevao, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro and Raphinha just to name a handful.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Neymar?

For now, all eyes will be on Neymar's current injury situation, with the forward set to undergo minor surgery on his knee issue. It's been reported that the legendary Brazilian attacker will soon see a 'miracle doctor', a physiotherapist by the name of Eduardo Santos, in the hope of regaining full fitness in quick time before the World Cup rolls around.

Ancelotti recently revealed he will refuse to call up players who aren't 100% fit and claimed he doesn't "owe anyone a debt" when it comes to his Brazil squad selection for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but did say Neymar would make the cut if he "deserves" it.