Category Uncategorized

A senior Tottenham first-team player has agreed to leave north London after Bryan Gil, with talks advanced and a deal now described as imminent.

Bryan Gil seals loan move to Girona as he leaves Tottenham

Gil became the latest official departure from Spurs amid a summer of many outgoings, with manager Ange Postecoglou sticking to his guns and orchestrating the overhaul he hinted at earlier this year.

Tottenham have been in talks with £100k-per-week forward's camp for months

The Lilywhites regularly contact his representatives.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 26, 2024

Postecoglou suggested that a few players would be leaving Tottenham this summer, claiming that the club need to undergo drastic change and not everybody will be along for the ride – going on to draw a comparison with Arsenal and Liverpool.

"We need change. Change has to happen," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's need to evolve.

"You can’t want to alter your course and expect the same people are going to be on that. It’s just not going to happen. We’ve had two windows and we’ve had some development of players, for sure, but when I say we’ve still got a long way to go, that’s what I’m talking about.

"It’s impossible to say you’re going to have drastic change and yet expect everyone to be on that journey. It’s not for the want of trying. It’s just that we’re going to play a certain way, we’re going to train a certain way and we’re going to have a certain mindset.

"And that’s not for everyone. Whether it’s Liverpool or Arsenal, if you look at the beginning of their journeys, by the time they win the competition or have success, the team’s almost unrecognisable."

While Gil's move to Girona is temporary on paper, the Spaniard signed a new contract which includes a release clause of around £12.6 million (Fabrizio Romano) – giving the La Liga side or any other suitors a chance to snap him up next summer for a fairly reasonable fee.

Gil's 2023/24 Premier League Statistics
Appearances	11
Minutes Played	209
Goal Contributions	0
Shots Per 90	1.72
Key Passes Per 90	1.74
Successful Take-Ons Per 90	3.48
via WhoScored

The 23-year-old will help to fill the void left by Savinho on his season-long loan, coming after the Brazilian joined Girona's sister club and Premier League champions Man City. Following Gil, it appears very likely that the next player to depart N17 will be right-back Emerson Royal.

Emerson Royal agrees AC Milan terms with Tottenham exit imminent

According to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, Emerson has agreed terms to join AC Milan and his Spurs exit is imminent.

Talks are finally at an advanced stage for the 25-year-old, with Milan having been negotiating over a deal to sign the Brazilian for a long time. The Rossoneri had a bid rejected for him "several weeks ago", but both Tottenham and the Serie A side are close to shaking hands on a total agreement.

Postecoglou has apparently deemed Emerson surplus to requirements, despite the lack of an alternative for Pedro Porro on that side of his backline.

Reports in Italy back this claim from FI and Veysey, with Gianluca Di Marzio writing that Milan have submitted an improved offer of around £11.6-12.6 million with add-ons and hope they can finalise a deal this week.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Chapecoense foi derrotada mais uma vez no Campeonato Brasileiro. Desta vez, o algoz foi o Bahia, na Arena Fonte Nova.

+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

Após o confronto, o atacante Henrique Almeida admitiu que a situação é delicada e promete luta até o fim do torneio.

‘Situação muito difícil, a gente sabe. Não estamos nos entregando, estamos lutando até o final. É honrar esse manto. É dar o melhor de cada um em cada jogo’, afirmou ao Premiere.

Com 13 pontos, a Chapecoense é a lanterna do Brasileirão e precisa de um milagre para escapar da queda.

RelacionadasFutebol LatinoAstro Mexicano marca de novo de olho na artilharia; confira os números nesta temporada pela MLSFutebol Latino24/10/2021Fora de CampoFabio Azevedo ‘surta’ com gol de empate do Náutico sobre o Vasco e viraliza; veja o vídeoFora de Campo24/10/2021BrasileirãoBahia vence a Chapecoense e empurra o Santos para o Z4 do BrasileirãoBrasileirão24/10/2021

Fabian Allen shone with both bat and ball, affecting the game at the start and finish, as the West Indies secured a hard-fought three-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the deciding third T20I in Antigua and clinched the series 2-1.After registering figures of 1 for 13 from his four overs – three of which had come in a powerplay period that saw Sri Lanka score 27 runs for the loss of three wickets – Allen applied the finishing touches with the bat to seal the game for West Indies.His unbeaten six-ball 21, inclusive of three sixes off Akila Dananjaya in the 19th over, came when Sri Lanka sniffed a chance, created once again by their bevvy of spinners.Chasing a modest 132, the home side looked to have got off to the ideal start, registering 53 for 1 in the powerplay. But the Sri Lanka spinners once again proved a handful and pegged West Indies back.Wanindu Hasaranga was once again the main threat and dismissed Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons to finish with figures of 2 for 13. Lakshan Sandakan (3 for 29) and Dushmantha Chameera (2 for 23) also reaped the benefits of the pressure created by Hasaranga but with a target that low, the West Indies batsman knew they just needed one bowler they could target, and they found that in Dananjaya.After his redemption in the second T20I following his mauling at the hands of Kieron Pollard in the opening game, Dananjaya struggled with his control this time around as he went wicketless in his four overs and gave away 53 runs.Earlier, an unbeaten stand of 85 – Sri Lanka’s highest in T20Is for the fifth wicket – between Dinesh Chandimal and Ashen Bandara had dragged the visitors to a respectable, if not quite competitive, 131 for 4.After the spin of Allen and Kevin Sinclair had limited Sri Lanka inside the powerplay, the West Indian seamers took over. On a surface that was even slower than those in the first two games, the hosts almost exclusively dealt in slower deliveries, forcing the Sri Lanka batsmen to grind out for runs.It was only because of some late hitting from Bandara that ensured the visitors scored as much as they did, but despite the best efforts of their spinners, it was always unlikely to be enough – especially with the number of match-winners the West Indies have in their ranks.West Indies out-gamble Sri Lanka
In the last game, Sri Lanka had bowled out their main bowlers by the 16th over, but it paid off in spades as by that point the game was as good as won, with all of the West Indies big-hitters back in the pavilion.Dinesh Chandimal’s half-century went in vain•AFP

This time around West Indies were a little more calculated in their approach; first they brought in an extra batsman in Rovman Powell in place of Fidel Edwards, then, aided by virtue of having a modest target to chase, they bided their time, playing out dot balls when necessary, safe in the knowledge that a few big hits were enough the turn the game in their favour.And so it panned out, with no less than six West Indies batsman hitting at least a six in their innings – a stark contrast from the two sixes hit by Sri Lanka, both by Bandara.For Sri Lanka, by the time the 19th over rolled around, they were left with having to either throw the ball to part-timer Danushka Gunathilaka, who despite conceding only 11 from his three overs could not be relied on at the death, or Thisara Perera, who was woeful in that last game, or Dananjaya, who can be effective but was off his game. In the end, they went with Dananaya – though it’s unlikely any of the other choices would have been any more effective.Chandimal and Bandara adapt to the pitch
While Sri Lanka’s top order failed to come to terms with a sluggish pitch, thankfully for them Dinesh Chandimal and Bandara were around to bring some sense back into proceedings.But aside from the odd boundary, neither batsman looked particularly fluent. As such it very much a case of getting runs however possible, especially with the West Indies bowlers taking the pace off the ball at every opportunity. The fact that Chandimal’s most productive shot was the flick, with 22 runs coming off it, speaks volumes.Their unbroken partnership of 85 from 63 deliveries took on even more importance, considering when it began Sri Lanka were teetering at 46 for 4 midway through the tenth over.Hasaranga’s reputation keeps growing
Sri Lanka’s spinners usually burst on to the scene, either with an aura of mystery radiating off them, or an unusual action in tow – or in the case of Rangana Herath, they remain hidden away in the shadow of an all-time great before a late-career renaissance. But rarely does a player improve on the job as much as Hasaranga has.Yes, he has picked up wickets in nearly every T20I game he has played, but the degree of improvement his game has seen in the past year cannot be understated. The main upgrade has been the control with which he now bowls his googly, which has accounted for a large portion of his recent wickets. In this game, it was the googly once again that brought him early success, trapping the dangerous Evin Lewis lbw.Hasaranga also showcased his adaptability, called into bowl inside the powerplay after Dananjaya failed to have the same impact as he had in the previous game. As is now almost expected, he delivered immediately. After a chance of his first ball – a low full toss to Simmons – was dropped by Danushka Gunathilaka at long-on, he dismissed Lewis three balls later. In his next over, he was the recipient of a brain-fade from Simmons, who found himself stranded down the wicket as Dickwella completed an easy stumping. But Sri Lanka simply didn’t have enough runs in the bank.

With Regis Le Bris now at the helm of Sunderland, the Black Cats are looking to provide their new manager with attacking reinforcements this summer.

Black Cats set to sign new players for Le Bris

With a new manager finally in the dugout, the big news out of the Stadium of Light now surrounds some of the names that could be making a move to the Wearside outfit this summer.

Sunderland hit gold on star who is now worth more than Ballard & Neil

Sunderland struck gold signing this star when they did.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 13, 2024

A recent report has linked Sunderland with a move for Burnely's Scott Twine, who spent last season on loan with Championship sides Hull City and Bristol City. Despite the previous interest from the Black Cats, it is claimed that no side has matched Burnley's valuation of the player.

Another name doing the rounds in Sunderland circles is that of free agent Oliver Norwood who left Sheffield United upon the expiration of his contract last month. The former Manchester United academy product has been linked with a move to Wearside ever since it became clear that he would not be renewing his terms at Bramall Lane.

If a deal for Norwood is to get over the line he would be joining Republic of Ireland international Alan Browne who joined the Black Cats in a free transfer from Preston North End earlier this month. With the Black Cats' rumour mill showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, Sunderland are now reported to have made a bid for a new striker.

Sunderland submit first bid for new striker

As relayed by Sport Witness, the French press are claiming that Sunderland have made a move for SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy. The outlet states that the Wearside outfit have made a first bid for the Guinea-Bissau forward as the Black Cats' new boss eyes attacking reinforcements this summer.

The 30-year-old has been left out of Caen's team for a recent friendly as well as their squad for their pre-season camp in Switzerland. This seems to suggest that the French outfit are resigned to the fact that Mendy will be leaving this summer, opening the door for Sunderland to strike a deal.

Despite potentially being shown the door at his current club, Mendy enjoyed a very successful campaign last season. The 30-year-old found the back of the net on 23 occasions last term, finishing as the top scorer in the French second division.

If the Black Cats are in the market for a more physical brand of striker during the transfer window, then they should look no further than Mendy. Standing at a little over 6 feet tall, the forward ranked in the 82nd percentile for aerial duels won last term, winning over four per ninety.

Despite Sunderland's clear interest in agreeing on a deal, the report by Sport Witness states that there is also interest from Saudi Arabia who could be able to better the Black Cats' offer in the salary department. Perhaps it could be Le Bris' links to the French game that helps his new side get this transfer over the line, making this one to watch.

كشف مصطفى شوبير، حارس مرمى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، حقيقة وجود أزمة بينه وبين زميله محمد الشناوي.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “النادي ليس به أي مشاكل، ولا توجد أزمة، لسنا بحاجة لتصدير فكرة أن هناك أزمة، تصدرنا الدوري بعد فوز مهم، ولدينا مباراة مهمة في كوت ديفوار، وسنحقق نتيجة إيجابية بإذن الله”.

طالع.. طاهر محمد طاهر يتغنى بزميله في الأهلي: أداؤه أوروبي.. وبكيت بسبب قرار كولر

وتابع: “إذا حدثت نتيجة غير موفقة – لا قدر الله – هناك مباراة أورلاندو في القاهرة، وسنعود للتصدر في دوري أبطال إفريقيا والدوري، لا توجد أي أزمة”.

وأكمل: “من حق الناس أن تقلق بشأن الأداء، وهذا أمر طبيعي، كل ما نريده هو أن تكون الجماهير في ظهرنا، لأننا كفريق مترابطون، نحن لا نحب أن نكون في المباراة ولا نجد الجمهور موجودًا، حضورهم هو ما نطلبه، فهو داعمنا الأكبر، نحن لسنا في أزمة، ولا نريد الدخول في مرحلة شك، لأن الشك ليس له مكان في فريقنا”.

وواصل: “بالنسبة لـ محمد الشناوي، لا توجد أي مشاكل إطلاقًا، سواء كان هو من يلعب أو أنا، فلا توجد أي مشكلة، نحن نحترم وجهة نظر المدرب، وليس هناك أي موضوع يُثير الجدل من الأساس”.

وأتم: “أريد أن أطرح سؤالًا.. إذا كانت لدينا مباراة غدًا والشناوي هو من سيلعب، لماذا (أزعل منه)؟ إذا لم ألعب، سيكون استيائي من قرار المدرب، وليس من الشناوي، لكن الناس تحاول خلق مشكلة من العدم، دون أن تعرف ما يحدث خلف الكواليس”.

Arsenal are leading the Premier League race to sign a highly-rated new attacking option, who Man City boss Pep Guardiola even called "incredible" and a "top player".

Edu and Arteta targeting new attackers for Arsenal this summer

It's been a quiet transfer window for the Gunners so far, who are yet to announce their first signing of the summer window or green-light any sales.

Arsenal now seen as most likely destination for £38m forward at Euro 2024

The Gunners are expected to make attacking additions.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2024

Amid Euro 2024, and with many weeks of the window remaining, perhaps Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta are biding their time and will make more formal moves once the tournament reaches its conclusion.

That being said, there are still plenty of rumours circulating regarding who Arsenal could strike a deal for. They were involved in a high-profile race for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but the Slovenian instead opted to remain at his current club and sign a new long-term deal.

Bukayo Saka

20

Leandro Trossard

17

Kai Havertz

14

Martin Odegaard

11

Gabriel Jesus

8

Sesko had a "big offer" to join Arsenal, according to some reports, but the 21-year-old striker is set to stay in the Bundesliga until next summer at least. Arsenal are still on the hunt for a new striker, though, and there are suggestions that Edu is working on a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.

Alongside the addition of a new centre-forward, it is believed that Arsenal are displaying a keen interest in wingers as well. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard dazzled with 37 goals between them in all competitions last term, but Arteta is thought to want more strength in depth and a potential alternative to Gabriel Martinelli following the Brazilian's dip in form.

Arsenal are targeting PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko as one option, and they've been repeatedly linked with Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams as well.

RB Leipzig sensation Dani Olmo is another possible addition, according to some reports. The £153,000-per-week attacking midfielder is very versatile, which will appeal to Arteta, and can be deployed on either flank or even through the middle, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also keen.

The 26-year-old's contract includes a tempting £51 million release clause, but Arsenal will have to be quick, as it expires midway through July.

Arsenal leading Premier League race to sign Olmo

Reports in Spain now claim that Arsenal are leading the Premier League race to sign Olmo. The north Londoners apparently want both quality and experience for their midfield, with Olmo's profile suiting Arteta down to the ground.

The Spaniard, who is representing his country at Euro 2024 right now, racked up eight goals and six assists across 27 appearances in all competitions last season. Guardiola has heaped praise on Olmo for his quality as well.

"He's a top player—he has a bright future, of course", he explained.

"His performance today shows it. About the transfer and the money he deserves, that is not the point. The point is he is an incredible player and I am pretty sure he is able to play in the strong leagues in Europe."

Arsenal lost 5-2 to Bayern Munich in their Women's Champions League group stage opener and boss Jonas Eidevall has opened up on what went wrong.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Arsenal lose 5-2 against Bayern MunichEidevall opens up on what went wrongSpeaks about upcoming Chelsea clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal were the victims of a Bayern Munich comeback after the Gunners opened the scoring half an hour into their group-stage clash thanks to Mariona Caldentey's goal. However, Glodis ­Viggosdottir cancelled out Arsenal's lead before the two sides traded goals for a 2-2 stalemate until Pernille Harder stunned Arsenal’s defence with a 13-minute hat-trick to give the German giants a 5-2 win.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT EIDEVALL SAID

Speaking to the media, Eidevall opened up on why things disintegrated in the final third of the game. "We start the first half is, in large parts, a good half of football from us," he said. "We control possession, we control them with our pressing. We have a period of five minutes where we become a little bit passive and we concede a goal as a result of that. But first half is a good half of football and maybe we were a bit unlucky to be tied 1-1.

"Second half, I think Bayern upped their intensity, they were threatening much more with runs in behind and asking more difficult questions for us. We get a bit stretched, a bit tired and a bit hesitant as a team pressing which means they play through us more often. They create some opportunities from, but not a lot. But what really strikes in the second half is how we defend the crossing situations. That is not good enough, we concede goals as a result. When it is 4-2 it is a decision to want to sit back and control the result or to go for it and I decide to go for it.

"I know, of course, that is a risk and it exposes us to concede again. But I am happy and willing to take that risk at that point because, at the end of the day, that was the only thing to have gotten us a point. So I am happy with the first half, I am not happy with the second half. We look a little bit tired, we can’t play with the same energy like we do in the first half and we definitely can’t defend like we did in the second half."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal have not had the best of starts to the season under Eidevall this season as the Gunners have only won once in their opening three Women's Super League clashes. The Swedish head coach was asked whether his message not reaching the players is a worry, to which he said: "No, it doesn’t (give him cause for concern). We are off with our timing with pressing in the second half. I think the players are trying their very best to do it but we don’t get our timing right in pressure and that’s the difference between the first and second half.

"I don’t feel like there is a misunderstanding of the message of what we need to do. I agree with you, we don’t defend well enough in the second half and I am not happy with that but I don’t think that is a result of miscommunication or a lack of clarity of the idea of what we need to do with those situations."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Eidevall's side will now take on defending WSL champions Chelsea on Saturday, October 12.

Speaking about the upcoming match, Eidevall said: " A lot of the same things we need to improve on today are going to be really important against Chelsea as well. We saw yesterday against Real Madrid what a strong team they are on crosses as well and that caused Real Madrid a problem yesterday and we need to improve defending crosses massively. That is a red line and then there are different things we will need to focus on and we have no choice but to put this game behind us and take the necessary learnings from it and getting ready for the task on Saturday."

Manchester City may have won their fourth Premier League title in a row last season, yet Pep Guardiola is constantly seeking to bolster his squad.

While there have been signings as yet, is the Spaniard looking towards the long-term future of his side? As there appears to be interest in a current English sensation…

Man City transfer news

According to Dom Smith, football reporter for the Evening Standard, City have “identified Adam Wharton as a long-term transfer target” following his impressive start to life in the top flight for Crystal Palace.

The promising youngster has capped a stunning six months by securing a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming European Championships.

Palace only signed him for a fee which could reach £22m during the January transfer window, although there have already been reports that he is now worth closer to £60m, amid interest from the likes of Bayern Munich.

Guardiola has given chances to plenty of youngsters during his reign at City, most notably Phil Foden, but selling Cole Palmer last summer to Chelsea looks like a massive mistake.

Might the Spaniard forget all about Palmer by making Wharton one of his key transfer targets in the future?

Why Man City need to sign Adam Wharton

At the start of January, Wharton was playing for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, making 29 appearances in all competitions before Palace swooped and brought him to the Premier League during the transfer window.

Between then and the end of the season, he played 16 times in the top flight, registering three assists and impressing almost everyone, notably Southgate.

Despite playing only 16 times, Wharton ranked fifth among his teammates for big chances created (five) in the Premier League, along with ranking fourth for key passes per game (1.3) and third for accurate long balls per game (1.8) as he transitioned from the second tier to the top flight with ease.

Hailed as a “phenom defensive midfielder” by analyst Jon Mackenzie recently, Wharton has everything in his locker to play at the very highest level, and he certainly wouldn’t look out of place in the current City starting XI.

Many felt selling Palmer for around £40m was a good piece of business by Guardiola last summer. Fast-forward 12 months, however, and the Chelsea gem ended the 2023/24 season with 25 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, demonstrating that even the greatest get things wrong once in a while.

Goals

22

Assists

11

Big chances created

17

Shots per game

3.2

Goal conversion rate

20%

Successful dribbles per game

1.5

Key passes per game

2.1

With this freshly on his mind, the former Barcelona manager – who admitted he was desperate to keep Palmer at the club – can perhaps fill the gap in his squad with another dazzling young left-footer in the form of Wharton.

Identifying the Palace gem as a target is a smart move and if he impresses during the Euros and into next season, might the City faithful see the 20-year-old at the Etihad sooner rather than later?

Only time will tell, but the Eagles starlet looks like the real deal, and he could be England’s secret weapon in Germany this summer as Southgate looks to end their near 60-year major trophy drought.

Man City favourites to sign £100m sensation who's "similar to Rice"

He has been a key man in the Premier League this season.

ByJoe Nuttall May 30, 2024

Reece James will take some more time before staging a comeback from his hamstring injury that he suffered during pre-season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• James' comeback delayed
• Still needs to time to fully recover
• Suffered another hamstring injury in pre-season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Chelsea skipper has been plagued with hamstring problems for the past couple of seasons and he most recently underwent surgery in December 2023. After spending the majority of the 2023/24 campaign on the sidelines, it was expected that the full-back would return fit and raring to go in the new season, however, he suffered yet another knock just days before the 2024/25 Premier League campaign kicked off.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Last month, James gave an encouraging update on his condition as he posted a photograph on Instagram of himself running on the training pitch. However, The Sun now reports that the Blues' medical team have put the defender's comeback on hold. While the player did not suffer any fresh injuries, the medics are not fully satisfied with his recovery and are not willing to rush him back.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 24-year-old has missed 82 of Chelsea's 194 Premier League games since making his debut for the club in 2019. He started just five league matches last season and has had no fewer than six hamstring injuries across the past five years.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  While the skipper continues to recover from his hamstring problem, Enzo Maresca's side will be next seen in action on Saturday as they take on West Ham in a league fixture.

Cesar Huerta is one of Mexico's rising young stars and he is already looking ahead after a move to Liverpool fell through.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Huerta reveals he was close to joining Liverpool
• Winger says botched move won't affect him
• Huerta shined for Mexico during September

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Close to joining Liverpool?

  ARLINGTON, Texas — With a brilliant smile, a carefully-kept beard, and the curls that give him the “Chino” nickname, it’s easy to see why César Huerta is quickly becoming one of Mexico’s most beloved players.

  On the field, the 23-year-old winger plays a style that draws supporters in even more, trying to pull off bold dribbles and always looking to score.

  His fan base and his career could’ve been supercharged this summer. Liverpool looked to sign the Pumas winger and loan him to Sunderland where they’d keep a close eye on his development. It’s the type of move any young player would look forward to, and Huerta was all set to move from Mexico City to North East England.

  “I had the suitcase packed, and it fell through for various reasons,” Huerta said Tuesday after Mexico’s scoreless draw with Canada.

  Despite the botched transfer, Huerta remained optimistic, though he acknowledged that the Liverpool move might have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

  “I’m 100 percent with Pumas, and I know that sooner or later if I keep doing things well, the opportunity will come for me," he said.

  “A lot of times it’s a train that only passes once, and right now I’m focused on Pumas. I come into the national team and try to do the best possible to help the team. Everything else I know will sort itself out soon.”

Advertisement

• Ascension from Chivas to Pumas

  It’s quite the rise for Huerta, a Guadalajara native who couldn’t break through with hometown club Chivas after developing in their academy. Between his November 2018 debut and his departure in 2022, he spent most of his time on loan, either in the second division or playing with teams not contending for Liga MX playoff places.

  That changed when he went to Pumas in the summer of 2022. Huerta made a few cameos off the bench but quickly earned the confidence of manager Andres Lillini and only became more critical to the squad when Antonio Mohamed arrived as manager and built much of his attack around the craft winger with a curly mane.

  He announced his ascendancy as a star in December 2023, when he faced his former team in a Liguilla quarterfinal series. After putting Pumas up 2-1 on aggregate over Chivas, he revealed an undershirt that said “Remade in CU," the Ciudad Universitaria where Pumas play on the UNAM campus. It was a nod to then Mexico manager Jaime Lozano’s “Made in CU” shirt he wore in 2004 as Pumas charged to back-to-back titles.

  It was clear. Huerta wanted to be connected to the club’s long line of stars and felt he was a new man thanks to his move from Guadalajara to Pumas.

  Huerta fits into the canon of Pumas’ swaggering standouts that include Hugo Sanchez, Jorge Campos, and Cabinho. A confident dribbler, Huerta is happy to take players on, especially when he gets the ball played to his feet in wide areas. Comfortable in tight spaces as well, Huerta finishes well with both his dominant right foot and his left. Huerta has 15 league goals with Pumas.

• Getty
  

  Focused on 2026

  While it could throw off plenty of players, Huerta insists the Liverpool links and interest from other clubs won’t distract him from his goal of lifting a trophy with Pumas, securing a place with the Mexico national team and earning a move to a top European club.

  “Mentally I’m pushing ahead, knowing it’s not easy,” Huerta said. “I now know I have to work doubly hard to be able to make this dream I have come true.”

  Huerta made it clear he wants to be part of Javier Aguirre's squad when the 2026 World Cup takes. “It’s the dream of every player who comes and puts on the national team shirt,” he said.

  Huerta had a good first match of the September international window, coming in and scoring as a substitute against New Zealand in a 3-0 victory.

  That earned a start in Tuesday’s match against Canada, against a more physically imposing team with a backline full of players on the rise. Huerta was much more bottled up, though he did create a chance and put a shot on goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair’s goal, which was saved.

  “I try to be critical of myself,” Huerta said. “A lot of times a player knows when you’ve done well or didn’t do something. It was tough for Canada and tough for us to generate more chances. I think the game was really tough for both teams. That’s normal. All this is high-level, the elite, so we’ve got to keep getting better to generate those chances.”

  Should he continue to improve on those details, Huerta will do with El Tri what he did at Pumas: Become a more and more critical piece until he’s the star. It may earn a move abroad, where that hair and that smile will only serve to increase his growing swarm of fans.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR HUERTA?

  After returning from international duty, Huerta could be called upon when Pumas travel to Estadio Victoria to face Hollywood star-backed Club Necaxa on Sept. 13.

  Mexico return to action on Oct. 12 with a rare club vs. national team friendly against Valencia.