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      How Barcelona can afford transfers like Haaland just months after announcing £1.2BILLION debt and releasing Messi

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      BARCELONA president Joan Laporta claims it is “very possible” the Nou Camp side can sign Norwegian superstar Erland Haaland this year and promised: “Barca are back.”But this was the same Catalan club that was forced to unload Lionel Messi and a string of other prized assets only last summer.
      Joan Laporta claims Barcelona will be among the sides battling to sign Erling HaalandCredit: AFP
      Sun Sport explains how Barca got into such dire straits – and why Laporta is now so bullish about what seemed a crisis club.
      Ok, so what was Barcelona’s financial position?
      The Covid-hit season of 2020-21 saw the Catalan giants post losses of a staggering £404m, due to a huge wage bill and more than an entire season without crowds.
      That meant a gross debt of around £1.2bn. In October the club announced it was “technically bankrupt” – due to debts and liabilities – when Laporta returned to the helm for the second time in March.
      That’s not good. But the Spanish giants have often been loaded with debt – after all, no bank would ever close on them, would they?
      No, and indeed both Barca and Real Madrid have benefitted from that knowledge in the past.
      But that in an era before La Liga imposed the current tough Financial Fair Play demands.
      Which are?
      Since 2013, “economic controls” have introduced squad limit costs to impose strict budgets for each season, with the aim of preventing “unsustainable debt”.
      La Liga have a group of financial analysts who go through the books of every club to assign the limits.
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      What did that mean for Barca?
      Everything!, In 2019-20, the Catalan side had a squad budget of £552m.
      The following season it was down to £322m and this term cut to just £82m, only the seventh highest in Spain – Real Madrid were allowed to spend £621m – and less than Watford’s budget in the Prem.
      And that spelled the end for Messi?
      Yes, despite Barca insisting the Argentine did not want to go and had agreed to take a 50 per cent wage cut.
      But it also forced a fire-sale, headed by the departures of Antoine Griezmann, back on loan to Atletico Madrid with an obligation to buy, Emerson Royal to Spurs for £25m and Junior Firpo to Leeds for £15m.
      In total, Barca sold players worth £82m and did not pay a transfer fee for any of the players who arrived.
      Barcelona’s budgetary issues led the club to part company with superstar playmaker Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      But they signed Sergio Aguero, didn’t they? And still have massive earners like Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.
      How can they have all them and pay out just £82m?
      They can’t. But they don’t have to. Although the salary cap was set by La Liga, the rules do not force them to sell players whose contracted salaries bust it.
      And even clubs that are over the limit can spend 25 per cent of transfer income on new salaries.
      It is understood that, despite the official limit, Barca’s current wage bill is actually in the region of £335m.
      Yes, but they signed Ferran Torres and are pushing hard for Alvaro Morata – how could they do that, even now that Aguero has been forced to retire?
      They have signed Torres, albeit only paying the £46m transfer fee in four instalments, but not registered him.
      And they can’t register him – or anybody else – until they have shipped out some of the players new boss Xavi no longer wants.
      That is why there is a desperation to find a new taker for Coutinho, Dembele, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti.
      Barca are reportedly willing to consider offers from clubs for a number of players including Samuel UmtitiCredit: Getty
      So why is Laporta so bullish?
      Probably because he has to be – especially with the Catalan fans still not happy despite Xavi’s return in place of axed Ronald Koeman.
      Champions League football next season is a must and while there seems little chance of making up 15 points on Madrid, Barca are up to fifth, within two points of third-placed Betis.
      And they have the fall-back option of winning the Europa League.
      Barca fans want Xavi to steer the club to a Champions League qualifying spot before next seasonCredit: EPA
      But what about the money?
      Gates have been restricted in La Liga so there will not be the normal cash inflow yet Laporta says the club has regained its “weight” in the transfer market.
      It could all be bluster, of course – smoke and mirrors on a grand scale.
      But Laporta also knows that there will always be someone willing to pony up the cash for Barca to spend…. More

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      Barcelona could offer Man Utd Ousmane Dembele for Anthony Martial in January swap transfer deal

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      BARCELONA are reportedly looking to prise Anthony Martial from Manchester United by offering Ousmane Dembele in a swap deal.Catalan outlet Ara claims Nou Camp boss Xavi is desperate to sign a striker following Sergio Aguero’s retirement.
      Barcelona are eyeing a move for wantaway Man Utd striker Anthony MartialCredit: Getty
      Barca are ready to offer contract rebel Ousmane Dembele in a swap dealCredit: AFP
      And Martial has now emerged as a target after Ralf Rangnick warned Barca off Edinson Cavani.
      Martial has made it clear he wants to quit Old Trafford this month after attracting interest from Sevilla.
      But Barcelona could now jump the queue by launching a bid including contract rebel Dembele.
      The winger, a target for Newcastle, is set to become a free agent next summer after failing to agree a new deal.
      United have long been linked with Dembele, and could be tempted by a swap involving wantaway Martial.
      Barcelona have already splashed the cash since Xavi’s return, shelling out over £55million for Man City winger Ferran Torres.
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      But with Aguero retiring due to a heart condition, Barca have just one recognised striker in loanee Luuk de Jong.
      And Xavi was initially hoping to add United’s veteran hitman Cavani to his squad.
      However, Red Devils boss Rangnick revealed today that the Uruguayan would be staying put until the summer.
      Barcelona have also expressed an interest in former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata.
      Juventus have told parent club Atletico Madrid they will not make his loan deal permanent.
      And Morata is reportedly eager to end his second Turin spell to link up with Xavi.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      But Juve have warned Barcelona they will not terminate Morata’s loan unless a replacement can be found.
      Ironically, Juventus were also keen on Cavani.
      But with the veteran staying put, the Italians are now said to be looking at Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauro Icardi and Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak. More

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      Man Utd fans fear Edinson Cavani ‘waved goodbye’ in win over Burnley and will leave in January transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans fear Edinson Cavani ‘waved goodbye’ to the club following yesterday’s win over Burnley.The striker, 34, started in the 3-1 win at Old Trafford on Thursday.
      Edinson Cavani waves as he leaves the Old Trafford pitch on ThursdayCredit: EPA
      Man Utd fans fear Edinson Cavani ‘waved goodbye’ after the 3-1 win over BurnleyCredit: Getty
      But supporters were taken aback by Cavani’s actions after the final whistle.
      Video footage shows the Uruguayan veteran applauding, waving and blowing kisses to home fans in the Theatre of Dreams.
      Cavani is out of contact next summer and has been tipped to leave after struggling to hold down a regular spot in the starting XI.
      Spanish giants Barcelona are reportedly plotting a January swoop following Sergio Aguero’s retirement.
      Meanwhile, fallen Italian giants Juventus and Brazilian Samba side Corinthians have also been linked.
      And some United fans reckon Cavani’s gestures after the Burnley game were goodbye messages.

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      One said: “Today was different. The matador gesture, the goodbye kisses, the lock sign (together always) and the teary face.
      “I hope he does stay but that felt like goodbye.”
      Another tweeted: “It’s most likely that he is leaving in January.”
      One noted: “We can’t let him leave right now, with Covid and injuries he’s the best 9 we have.”
      Another added: “I hope it’s not true, would be gutted if he left in January.”
      Cavani joined United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and scored 17 goals last season.
      He has two goals this term in 10 games but has struggled for consistency with injuries.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      Barcelona board and Xavi split on raiding Chelsea for Azpilicueta and Christensen despite duo ‘willing to join for free’

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      BARCELONA are pondering a move for Chelsea pair Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, Spanish reports say. The Blues defensive duo are both out of contract at the end of the season, and yet to renew their deals.
      Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are both linked with BarcelonaCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
      Unless they sign a contract extension, in January they are allowed to start negotiating a free transfer abroad.
      According to Sport, both Azpilicueta, 30, and Christensen, 25, are keen on a move to Barca, with the LaLiga giants also interested.
      But it is claimed no official offers have been made to the pair.
      Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt, 22, is said to be Barca boss Xavi’s preferred choice, but a far more expensive one at that.
      That means the club legend oculd soon be at odds with his cash-strapped bosses.
      Especially with fund now even lower after the club somehow funded the £55million deal for Man City’s Ferran Torres.
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      Chelsea also face losing Antonio Rudiger, 28, with the German also facing six months left on his deal.
      And there is growing concern from Stamford Bridge that the German will not renew, with Real Madrid a heavily linked alternative.
      Contrary to reports in Spain, club captain Azpilicueta on the other hand is willing to stay and fight for his place, The Athletic say.
      But Chelsea have long had a policy of only offering players over 30 one-year extensions.
      Christensen meanwhile could be closing in on a new deal, along with Thiago Silva, journalist  Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
      Silva, 37, signed on a free from PSG in 2019 and was handed one year with the option to extend.
      That was triggered, but the Brazilian is set to now sign another 12-month deal.
      Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger are both out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal exile Aubameyang could be offered career lifeline by Barcelona but wages could wreck January loan transfer

      by

      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG could be offered a career lifeline by Barcelona – but his wages could wreck any potential move.The £350,000-a-week striker has been training alone since Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stripped him of the captaincy last week.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could prove too costly for Barcelona next monthCredit: Getty
      The 32-year-old is expected to stay away from the first-team squad until he jets off for international duty with Gabon at the Africa Cup of Nations at the end of this month.
      Italian giants Juventus have been linked with a move for the star over recent days as his Arsenal future remains unclear.
      Now the Daily Mail states that Barcelona have joined the chase for him as well.
      The Catalans want the veteran on loan once the transfer window reopens in January.
      Barca are desperate to bolster their attack following Sergio Auguero’s retirement.
      However, the cash-strapped LaLiga club could be priced out of a swoop due to the forward’s wage demands.
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      Arsenal appear happy to get the ex-skipper off their payroll.
      But they would want Barcelona to pick up the tab in full with regards to Aubameyang’s wages.
      And that is something the Nou Camp outfit may not be able to afford currently.
      They have also been linked with a number of other attackers.
      One of those mentioned is Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani.
      The Uruguayan has only made three starts for the Red Devils this term.
      He is out of contract in June but United are believed to be keen on keeping him at Old Trafford until the end of the season.
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs More

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      Liverpool ‘ready to trigger Barcelona wonderkid Gavi’s £43m buyout clause’ as they join Chelsea in transfer race

      by

      LIVERPOOL are ready to trigger Barcelona wonderkid Gavi’s £43million buyout clause, reports say. The teen starlet has broken into the first-team set-up at the Nou Camp this season and has made a big impression in 13 LaLiga appearances.
      Liverpool are linked with Barcelona wonderkid GaviCredit: Getty
      His contract expires in 2023 but according to Elnacional, the midfielder is stalling on extending his deal.
      It comes with the club seventh in the league and still struggling even with Barca legend Xavi in charge.
      Gavi is said to have a £43m clause in his contract, which many teams are believed to be interested in paying.
      Liverpool are among them with manager Jurgen Klopp keen to add a central midfielder into his side.
      But Chelsea and Bayern Munich are two others linked with the 17-year-old.
      Barca are also said to be considering increasing Gavi’s clause to a huge sum of £840m – just as they did with Ansu Fati and Pedri.
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      The Catalans are determined to hold on to their prized assets, with Gerard Pique likening Gavi and Pedri to Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
      Pedri is reportedly keen to put pen to paper on a new deal which would extend his stay until 2026.
      But Barca face a fight to convince their current and rising stars to stay put after being dumped out of the Champions League.
      A 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich in Germany saw them fail to progress into the knockout stages for the first time in 21 years, adding further misery to their already disastrous season.
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      Bayern Munich dumped Barcelona out of the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd want Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong in cut-price £47m transfer as Ralf Rangnick looks to overhaul squad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED want Frenkie de Jong in a cut-price £47million transfer, according to reports. With Ralf Rangnick appointed interim manager until the end of the season, the German will be looking to make his mark on the squad when the window opens next month.
      Frenkie de Jong is wanted by Manchester United in a bargain January transferCredit: Getty
      And after reportedly turning down the chance to sign Philippe Coutinho from the Catalan giants, United are now being linked with his team-mate De Jong.
      According to El Nacional, the Red Devils are very keen on the 24-year-old Dutch midfielder.
      They know of Barca’s financial woes and therefore would not be willing to offer more than £47m – £18m less than the Catalan giants paid Ajax for De Jong in 2019.
      However, the report adds Barcelona would not even consider accepting an offer lower than £60m.
      De Jong is under contract until 2026 so if Rangnick really wants him at Old Trafford, the United board will need to back him with a bigger transfer fee.
      But Barcelona president Joan Laporta may have no choice but to accept the offer if his club remains in such significant debt.

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      New manager Xavi, who replaced De Jong’s compatriot Ronald Koeman, views the technician as one of his key players and wants to build the team around him.
      He started on the bench in Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Real Betis to ensure he is sharper to face Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
      Xavi insisted there are no plans to sell De Jong – but admitted new arrivals in January must be preceded by sales.
      The ex-midfielder said: “Frenkie de Jong will not leave the club.
      “He’s not for sale – we consider Frenkie as a key player for Barca.
      “The club is working to strengthen the team in the winter transfer window.
      “If a new signing arrives, someone has to leave.”
      Since Rangnick’s appointment, SunSport also revealed United’s plans to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara by activating his £32m release clause.
      And they have also renewed their interest in Aston Villa ace John McGinn as they hope to bolster the midfield options.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      All Golden Boy winners from 2003 and where they are now, including Balotelli, Renato Sanches and Haaland

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      AND the winner is…Barcelona star Pedri has beaten the likes of Man United wonderkid Mason Greenwood to the the 2021 Golden Boy following a 20-man strong shortlist.
      Barcelona star Pedri is the 2021 Golden BoyCredit: Getty

      Greenwood had been in blistering form for the Red Devils but lost out to Spain international Pedri, who has become a standout star for both club and country
      Greenwood was one of three England aces who had been nominated, with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka receiving a second nod in a row and Jude Bellingham also getting recognised for his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund.
      Other notable talents in the running were Barcelona’s Gavi and Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
      Down the years, the likes of Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney have got their hands on the trophy, as well as some underwhelming names like Anderson and Alexandre Pato.
      Even more incredibly Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard and Neymar have all failed in their bid to win it.
      But who are the other previous winners of the award since its 2003 inception? Take a look below…
      2003 – RAFAEL VAN DER VAART
      THEN at Ajax, 20-year-old Van der Vaart was already an established star in Holland – with three full seasons under his belt.
      The 109-cap Holland legend went to play for Hamburg, Real Madrid and Tottenham, as well as Real Betis, Midtjylland and Esbjerg.
      Since retiring, Van der Vaart has dabbled in professional darts – making his BDO debut in 2019.

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      2004 – WAYNE ROONEY
      AFTER exploding on to the scene in 2002-03 with Everton – with that goal against Arsenal – Rooney earned a move to Manchester United that summer.
      After winning the award around his 20th birthday, Rooney went on to win 120 caps for England, become the nation’s all-time leading scorer, while adding five Premier League titles and one Champions League crown, scoring 306 career goals.
      Rooney is now coach at cash-strapped Derby after the sacking of boss Phillip Cocu.
      Wayne Rooney won the Golden Boy award in 2004 shortly after joining UnitedCredit: Rex Features
      Lionel Messi is another big-name star to clinch the famous awardCredit: AFP
      2005 – LIONEL MESSI
      ONLY 18-years-old at the time, Messi exploded on to the scene with Barcelona only a year earlier.
      The Argentine legend has become arguably the greatest player of all time, scoring 672 goals in 778 club games, as well as 80 Argentina goals from 156 games.
      Messi also won ten LaLiga titles, four Champions League crowns – as well as a world-record SIX Ballons d’Or, amongst many, many other accolades.
      Now, he is at PSG after falling out with Barcelona hierarchy.
      2006 – CESC FABREGAS
      THEN at Arsenal, Fabregas was 19-years-old when he was given the nod.
      The Spaniard went on to star for Barcelona and Chelesa before heading to Monaco – where he now plays – with three league crowns to his name, in all.
      2007 – SERGIO AGUERO
      A MANCHESTER CITY legend, Aguero was at Atletico Madrid, aged 19, when he bagged the award.
      Aguero went on to win five titles at City, including the dramatic winner as the club won their first-ever Premier League crown in 2011-12 on the final day of the season.
      Now, he’s at Barcelona for a new challenge.
      2008 – ANDERSON
      THE list’s first true flop, Anderson had joined Man Utd in 2007, thought to be an exciting young winger.
      But issues with form and fitness saw him transition into becoming a wildly underwhelming central midfielder.
      After leaving United in 2015, Anderson turned out for Internacional and Adana Demirspor in the Turkish second tier.
      Mario Balotelli won the award shortly after joining Man CityCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Isco won the award back in his Malaga days before bagging a move to RealCredit: AFP
      2009 – ALEXANDRE PATO
      ANOTHER ‘future superstar’ who never quite became that, Pato was on fire as a 20-year-old at AC Milan, having just scored 15 Serie A goals in 2008-09.
      But injuries and a lack of form saw him move back to Brazil, before an ill-fated loan stint at Chelsea preceded time at Villarreal Tianjin Quanjian and Sao Paulo.
      At 32, Pato is playing in the MLS for Orlando City.
      2010 – MARIO BALOTELLI
      AFTER three red-hot years at Inter Milan, “Super Mario” bagged his move to Man City in the summer of 2010 before winning the Golden Boy award.
      But things never quite panned out for Balotelli as lack of form on the pitch and a series of controversies off it saw him become something of a journeyman.
      Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor are now trying to get a tune out of the erratic Italian.
      2011 – MARIO GOTZE
      THEN only 19-years-old, Gotze was being tipped for a bright future at Borussia Dortmund – and even earned a move to Bayern Munich in 2013.
      But a spate of injuries and a freak illness threatened to derail his career, as a return to Dortmund saw Gotze get back on track – even getting back into the Germany squad.
      Gotze is now at PSV Eindhoven after being released by the Bundesliga giants.
      2012 – ISCO
      AFTER swapping Valencia for Malaga, Isco instantly became a sensation in Spain, earning himself the Golden Boy award in 2012, aged 20.
      He earned a move to Real Madrid a year later, but while featuring 214 times in LaLiga across seven years, many believe he would have earned far more individual success elsewhere.
      Paul Pogba won the Golden Boy award in 2003 while at Juventus
      Raheem Sterling clinched the title while at Liverpool before his Man City moveCredit: PA:Press Association
      2013 – PAUL POGBA
      POGBA quit Old Trafford in 2012 with just three Premier League appearances under his belt – instantly becoming a hit at Juventus.
      The Frenchman quickly became one of the best and most dynamic midfielders in the world, becoming the most-expensive player in the world three years after his Golden Boy win as he rejoined United in an £89m deal.
      Pogba is still at Man Utd but is rumoured to be unhappy with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      He played a huge role as France won the 2018 World Cup.
      2014 – RAHEEM STERLING
      FROM talented star at Liverpool to one of the best players in the world at present, it’s been a meteoric rise for Sterling.
      The England ace won the award aged 19 and would join Man City the following summer – where he has won three Premier League titles.
      However, he has struggled to make Pep Guardiola’s first eleven in recent weeks – with rumours of a move away intensifying.
      2015 – ANTHONY MARTIAL
      THE now-Man Utd star swapped Lyon for Monaco in 2013 and quickly became a key squad member as they rose to the top of French football.
      Another star to see his career stall a tad at Old Trafford, Martial has been unable to score with any regularity.
      Martial won the award early in his Man Utd career after leaving MonacoCredit: Getty
      Matthijs De Ligt is the most-recent winner of the Golden Boy awardCredit: Alamy
      2016 – RENATO SANCHES
      AFTER impressing for Benfica in 2015-16, Sanches was called up to Portugal’s squad for Euro 2016 – and the midfielder starred as they stunned Europe to win the title.
      Sanches, still only 23, earned himself a move to Bayern Munich – but his career hit a brick wall and was even sent on an atrocious loan spell at Swansea.
      The Portuguese flop is now at Lille where he has managed to rebuild his career.
      2017 – KYLIAN MBAPPE
      THE France wonderkid had just joined Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco when the Golden Boy committee came knocking.
      Since making that move permanent in 2018, he has won three Ligue 1 crowns as well as the World Cup in that run, scoring 138 goals for the French club.
      The forward is a target for Real Madrid and Liverpool.
      2018 – MATTHIJS DE LIGT
      DE LIGT was in phenomenal form in 2018-19 as Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League – but even before that stellar run, De Ligt was awarded the Golden Boy award.
      His form saw seemingly every club in the world after him, with Juventus winning the race.
      Despite his big-money move, De Ligt has struggled to replicate his top form in 30 Serie A games, despite Juve winning the league in his first season.
      2019 – JOAO FELIX
      THE Portuguese ace starred at Benfica in the 2018-19 season, ultimately leading to him winning the Golden Boy gong.
      In the same year, Felix made his mega-money move to Atletico Madrid, where he found his feet after a tricky start to life in LaLiga.
      Felix has scored 11 goals in 34 LaLiga games and has won his first 13 caps for Portugal – scoring three times – since 2019.
      2020 – ERLING HAALAND
      LAST year it was Norwegian powerhouse Haaland who was victorious as the Golden Boy.
      The most wanted footballer in the world showed his worth for Borussia Dortmund by plundering 41 goals in as many games for the German giants.
      The son of Leeds United favourite Alf-Inge Håland is destined to be a legend in the game, and has been linked with moves to all the world’s top clubs.
      2021 – PEDRI
      BARCELONA may be suffering financially, as well as still recovering from the bitter blow of losing Lionel Messi.
      But with club legend Xavi returning as manager, fans have even more reasons to be optimistic after Pedri was crowned Golden Boy for 2021.
      The playmaker starred for Barcelona in his first season last term, playing an incredible 52 times.
      Pedri also only made his Spain debut at the start of 2021 but has gone on to secure an amazing TEN caps already, nailing his place in the starting XI during Euro 2020.
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