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      Where Lionel Messi’s 15 wonderkids he thought would be future superstars are now, from Mason Mount to Joao Felix

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      IN 2020, Lionel Messi picked out 15 young stars to watch – but where are they now?The Argentina World Cup winner, 35, named his favourite wonderkids for a Topps ‘Lionel Messi Designed Set’ card pack.
      We look at how the 15 youngsters Messi picked out as ones to watch have fared in the year that followedCredit: Reuters
      Messi selected a hatful of young English talent among his crop – with no fewer than FOUR Three Lions stars making the grade.
      But the 15 youngsters have endured very different years since Messi’s announcement.
      Take a look at where they are now.
      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
      Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit for consistency since his epic riseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MESSI got a first-hand view of the Liverpool right-back’s talent in the 2018-19 Champions League.
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      Alexander-Arnold, 24, was in blistering form as the Reds thumped Barcelona 4-0 in the second-leg of their semi-final clash – and even took the corner leading to Divock Origi’s winning goal to send them to the final.
      Still Liverpool’s No1 right-back, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism over his defensive ability in the last few seasons.
      However, he reinvented himself in midfield for England in the recent win over North Macedonia.
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      HOUSSEM AOUAR
      Houssem Aouar excelled for Lyon in his first full seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
      LINKED with a move to Arsenal, Aouar captained Lyon and has already won caps for France.
      Technically superb, the versatile midfielder, 24, was expected to complete a big-money move to another of Europe’s giants in 2021.
      However, a loss of form and questions about his temperament emerged and he failed to make the World Cup squad.
      He recently signed for Roma on a free transfer, where he will play next season.
      FRENKIE DE JONG
      Frenkie De Jong is still waiting to find his top form at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A former team-mate of Messi, the Argentine knows all about De Jong.
      The Dutchman, 26, moved from Ajax following their run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.
      While De Jong is yet to replicate his top form at the Nou Camp – time is certainly on his side.
      Man Utd thought so, anyway, and were desperate to sign him last summer. However, he snubbed their offer – preferring to stay at Camp Nou.
      MOUSSA DEMBELE
      Moussa Dembele moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in 2021Credit: Alamy Live News
      THE French striker, 26, joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move back in 2021.
      But, he failed to impress Diego Simeone – and was soon back to France.
      The ex-Fulham and Celtic forward was rated one of Europe’s most-sought-after stars after a sensational three-year spell in France.
      Dembele has scored 70 times in 172 matches in all competitions for Lyon.
      JOAO FELIX
      Joao Felix is slowly starting to find his feet at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
      ANOTHER Atleti forward, Diego Simeone added Felix to his squad for a record £113million in 2019.
      But the 23-year-old has failed to live up to the hype expected of him.
      A poor return of 34 goals in 131 games and has meant Simeone is ready to cut his losses.
      Man Utd are one of the clubs that have been linked with the fallen wonderkid.
      A loan move last season to Chelsea in January, where he scored just four goals in 20 games, won’t have helped his cause for a future move.
      PHIL FODEN
      Phil Foden has been in exceptional form for Man CityCredit: AFP
      THE Manchester City star, 23, is making a name for himself across Europe.
      As well as Messi, Foden has garnered praise from the likes of Arsene Wenger.
      Under Pep Guardiola, Foden has flourished and become a full international.
      The clamour for him to be England’s main man at the World Cup was too much for Gareth Southgate to resist – and he inspired the Three Lions to a 3-0 win over Wales.
      KAI HAVERTZ
      Kai Havertz has struggled mightily since his £70m move to Chelsea last summerCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      AFTER Messi’s comments, Havertz teased clubs across Europe by showing off his unquestionable talent at Bayer Leverkusen.
      After Chelsea opted to splash £70m on the midfielder/forward, Havertz, 24, was expected to take the next step.
      The German star blew hot and cold for the Blues, showing glimpses of his talent – but never on a consistent level.
      This summer, Arsenal have taken a punt on Havertz who will hope to rediscover his form at the Emirates.
      LUKA JOVIC
      Luka Jovic tried to rekindle his form back at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: EPA
      SIGNED by Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, Jovic’s career has really stalled.
      The Serbian, 25, scored just twice in 21 LaLiga games before being shipped back on loan to Frankfurt last year.
      Jovic scored twice off the bench in his first game back in the Bundesliga – but didn’t exactly pull up trees.
      Los Blancos cut their losses in the summer – flogging him to Fiorentina where he scored 13 goals in all competitions last season.
      JOSHUA KIMMICH
      Joshua Kimmich continues to prove he is one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP
      HARDLY a wonderkid at the time of Messi’s revelation – Kimmich was already 25. He’s now 28.
      The German feels like he’s been around for a decade already and is easily one of the best players on the planet.
      The versatile star can play in midfield or at right-back and has already won 79 international caps, while helping Bayern Munich to a famous Treble last season.
      Kimmich was part of the Bayern team who trounced Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-final, even getting on the scoresheet.
      KYLIAN MBAPPE
      Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best striker on the planet at presentCredit: AFP or licensors
      QUITE possibly the best striker on the planet right now, Mbappe has scored a sensational 212 goals in 260 league games for Paris Saint-Germain.
      The 2018 World Cup winner, 24, was set to move to Real Madrid last summer, but snubbed the LaLiga giants for a bumper £300million contract with the French club.
      However, he has now revealed he won’t be extending his contract beyond 2024 and has reportedly agreed a contract with Real Madrid.
      EDER MILITAO
      Eder Militao is yet to earn himself a regular spot in the Real Madrid XICredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HAVING moved to Real Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2019, huge things were expected of the Brazilian, who was handed a SIX-YEAR contract.
      Militao, 25, has shown flashes of talent after breaking into the first team.
      But Militao can’t dislodge Thiago Silva and Marquinhos in the Brazilian national team.
      MASON MOUNT
      Mason Mount has been in superb form for a struggling Chelsea this seasonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian
      A FUTURE Chelsea – and possibly even England – captain, Mount has been superb for the Blues.
      Mount, 24, bizarrely seems to split fans – but has shown grit, determination and extraordinary talent in a struggling Chelsea team.
      The midfielder has gone from strength-to-strength since Messi comments.
      It’s expected Mount will go on to forge an incredible partnership with the likes of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Phil Foden for England in what’s increasingly looking like another ‘Golden Generation’.
      Although, Chelsea seemingly see him as surplus to requirements – as they negotiate a move away from Cobham to Man Utd.
      BENJAMIN PAVARD
      Benjamin Pavard is a key member of Bayern Munich’s rampant squadCredit: EPA
      MESSI was never going to leave the Bayern Munich man out of his list.
      After all, Pavard, 27, scored the goal of the tournament as France knocked Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup at the last-16 stage with a sensational strike in a 4-3 win.
      The versatile defender is now a regular in the Bayern XI, playing 162 Bundesliga games since joining from Stuttgart in 2019.
      CHRISTIAN PULISIC
      Christian Pulisic needs to fully recover from his injuries to show his true talentCredit: PA
      DESPITE struggling with injuries, Pulisic has shown fans – and Messi – just what he can do.
      Chelsea always seem to look more dangerous with the American, 24, in the team.
      Pulisic also led the USA’s charge in Qatar admirably at the World Cup last year.
      JADON SANCHO
      Sancho starred at Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled since moving to Man UtdCredit: EPA
      OF all the players on Messi’s list, Sancho has arguably been the most disappointing
      The Man Utd star, 23, was the subject of the longest-running transfer saga ever, seemingly in 2021.
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      Sancho eventually joined in a deal worth a staggering £73million.
      Back in January, he admitted to having to overcome “physical and mental” issues. More

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      Arsenal set to miss out on snapping up the ‘Turkish Messi’ as Ajax poised to complete bargain £15m transfer

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      ARSENAL face losing out to Ajax for Arda Guler — the wonderkid dubbed “the Turkish Messi”.Barcelona, in addition to the Gunners, were among the big clubs to have been tracking the Fenerbahce attacking midfielder.
      Arsenal are interested in signing Turkish teen sensation Arda GulerCredit: GETTY
      Ajax are on the verge of pipping the GunnersCredit: GETTY
      But it is understood that Dutch side Ajax are most likely to win the race for Guler if Fenerbahce fail to persuade him to sign a new contract.
      The 18-year-old had enhanced his reputation with a stunning goal for Turkey against Wales in last week’s Euro 2024 qualifier victory.
      The teenager recorded six goals and seven assists in 35 appearances for Fener last season.
      He has two years left on his current contract, which is thought to include a £15million release clause.
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      Guler – who has also attracted interest from Real Madrid – is highly rated in Turkey.
      And he’s held in supremely high regard by retired Turkish-born Germany international and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
      In fact, Ozil believes the teenager is BETTER than he was at the same age.
      He said of his former Fenerbahce team-mate: “Is there a number 10 better than me?
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      “I can think of a name, I have a brother that I believe in, may God protect him: his name is Arda Güler.”
      Guler is also on the radar of Italian big boys AC Milan, whose former midfielder Andrea Pirlo recently hailed the teen.
      The former Fatih Karagumruk boss said: “Arda Guler is a very talented player.
      “He has the potential to play anywhere in the world.
      “He has quality, he can read the game well, and he has great technique.
      “If he keeps developing his game, there is no limit to his potential.” More

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      Barcelona fans hail ‘our new queen’ as it emerges Gundogan’s stunning wife is to thank for his Arsenal transfer snub

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      BARCELONA fans thanked Ilkay Gundogan’s wife after reports she helped convince her husband to sign for the Spanish champions.Gundogan, 32, is said to have reached an agreement with the Catalan giants as he prepares to complete a free transfer.
      Ilkay Gundogan’s wife Sara Arfaoui has been praised by Barcelona fansCredit: Getty
      She is said to have been integral in her husband moving to the LaLiga championsCredit: Getty
      His Manchester City contract expires at the end of June.
      The German international was heavily linked with a move to City’s Premier League rivals Arsenal.
      But Spanish media have now claimed his wife Sara Arfaoui – a French model and TV presenter – has been calling on Gundogan to join Barcelona “for years”.
      She is said to have been the “one who pushed the hardest to make it happen”.
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      And supporters of the LaLiga winners were quick to praise her for helping complete her husband’s transfer – which is set to be a two-year deal.
      One said: “Our new queen.”
      Another added: “Ladies and gents, we have a new favourite 💐.”
      A third responded: “Her Majesty The Queen. Thank you for your service.”
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      Sara married Gundogan last yearCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      She is understood to have wanted to move to Barcelona for a number of yearsCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Sara has immediately received positives messages from Barcelona fansCredit: Rex
      And a fourth replied: “Legend in my book.”
      Gundogan, 32, who came to England from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, was instrumental in Man City’s historic Treble-winning season – in which they captured the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
      The former Borussia Dortmund lit the blue touch paper in the FA Cup final against Manchester United with a superb volley after just 12 seconds – before he added the winner in the second half.
      But he was coy about his future after helping City secure their second of three trophies.
      He said: “To be honest, I don’t need these kinds of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club.
      “I know that, that’s why I’m here seven years, all the ups and downs that I’ve had so far.
      “Nothing is decided yet, so we’re going to see what is going to happen.”
      Sara is a French model and TV presenterCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Sara has nearly 650,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira More

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      lkay Gundogan’s transfer to Barcelona ‘CONFIRMED’ in bitter blow for Arsenal as LaLiga giants swoop in at eleventh hour

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      BARCELONA have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Ilkay Gundogan, it’s been claimed.The Manchester City midfielder is set to become a free agent at the end of the month following the expiration of his contract at Eastlands.
      Ilkay Gundogan will become a free agent at the end of the monthCredit: GETTY
      Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly swooped for the Germany internationalCredit: REX
      The 32-year-old is said to have agreed a two-year deal at the Nou CampCredit: REX
      Gundogan was offered a new one-year deal at the Etihad but snubbed the offer in order to move onto pastures new.
      And according to reports, the Germany international has decided to join Spanish giants Barcelona.
      It’s claimed Gundogan has inked a two-year deal at the Nou Camp with the option of a further 12 months.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, here we go!
      “Final approval arrived on [the] club side to register him as [a] new signing, green light from the player.
      “It’s done deal, signed [a] few minutes ago.
      “Gundogan has agreed a two-year deal valid until June 2025 with option for [a] further year.”
      Barcelona’s reported snapping up of Gundogan will be a hammer blow to City’s Premier League rivals Arsenal.
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      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was hoping to lure the City fan favourite to the Emirates this summer to boost his side’s chances of Prem glory next season.
      But the prospect of playing his football at the Nou Camp and winning a third domestic title in as many countries has seemingly been too much for the midfielder to resist.
      Gundogan, 32, was instrumental in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning season – in which they captured the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
      The former Borussia Dortmund lit the blue touch paper in the FA Cup final against Manchester United earlier this month with a superb volley after just 12 seconds.
      Ilkay Gundogan lifted the Champions League trophy in his final Manchester City appearanceCredit: GETTY
      But he was coy about his future after helping City secure their second of three trophies.
      He said: “To be honest, I don’t need these kinds of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club.
      “I know that, that’s why I’m here seven years, all the ups and downs that I’ve had so far.
      “Nothing is decided yet, so we’re going to see what is going to happen.” More

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      Tottenham flop closes in on shock Barcelona transfer as Xavi seeks ‘low cost’ option after missing out on Neves

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      BARCELONA are closing in on a transfer for Tottenham flop Giovani Lo Celso, according to reports.The LaLiga giants are keen to bolster their midfield this summer.
      Giovani Lo Celso could join Barcelona from Tottenham this summerCredit: PA
      And Mundo Deportivo state Xavi has identified Lo Celso as a suitable low-cost option and ideal addition to the squad.
      Ruben Neves was a target but the Catalan club have set their eyes on Lo Celso after Wolves sold their captain to Al-Hilal for £47million.
      The Argentine playmaker, 27, has spent the last 18 months on loan at Villarreal and has impressed with his performances.
      And it is unlikely Tottenham would stand in his way of leaving this summer, two years before his contract expires.
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      The former PSG and Real Betis star has managed just nine goals in 84 appearances, initially joining Spurs on loan in 2019 and then completing a £27m transfer a year later.
      Lo Celso would be up against the likes of Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie for a place in the Spanish giants’ midfield.
      But the news of Barcelona’s interest will come as a big blow to Aston Villa.
      Unai Emery was keen to be reunited with Lo Celso after getting the best out of him at Villarreal.
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      But the chance to join the LaLiga champions and compete in the Champions League at the Nou Camp could be the perfect move for Lo Celso to end his struggles in the Premier League.
      And Barcelona could sweeten the deal for Tottenham by offering Clement Lenglet to the North Londoners.
      French defender spent last season on loan at Spurs and the club are keen to make the switch permanent.
      Barca, though, may try and land 44-cap Lo Celso – who missed the World Cup with injury – on loan instead due to their financial struggles. More

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      Neymar ‘is not giving up on sensational transfer return to Barcelona’ with PSG eager to ‘get rid of Brazilian’

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      NEYMAR has not given up hope of a sensational return to Barcelona this summer.This comes despite Barcelona manager Xavi brutally shutting down rumours of Neymar’s return earlier this month.
      PSG are encouraging Neymar to find a new club this summerCredit: Getty
      Commenting on rumours that Neymar would offer himself to Barcelona, Xavi said: “I’m surprised… he’s not in our plan.
      “I really like Ney as a friend, but we have different priorities.”
      Despite this, Spanish outlet Sport report that the forward has not given up hope and is “insistent” on a move.
      This being despite rumoured interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Saudi Arabian sides.
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      It is not the first time Neymar has attempted to return to Barcelona.
      In 2018, just a year after joining PSG, the forward pushed to leave.
      He also told Brazil legend Ronaldo that he “tried everything” to return to Barcelona in the summer of 2019.
      Both times his exit was blocked because PSG were unwilling to sell after signing the winger for a world record £198million transfer fee.
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      But circumstances are different this time around as the Paris club are desperate to get the 31-year-old’s salary off their wage bill.
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      The club have told Neymar he is free to leave and have encouraged him to find a club.
      His preference is a move to Barcelona and he has hired super agent Pini Zahavi to help broker the move.
      Zahavi is a close friend of Barca president Joan Laporta according to Sport.
      Given Barcelona’s delicate financial situation it is unlikely that any transfer would be permanent.
      But given PSG’s need to get the striker off the wage bill a loan move could be an option.
      Neymar is also willing to lower his wages in order to get his dream move back to Barcelona this summer. More

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      Jordi Alba ‘in concrete transfer talks’ to reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami but Barca star has TWO Saudi offers

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      JORDI ALBA could reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami – but has TWO offers from Saudi Arabia.The Barcelona legend is reportedly in talks with David Beckham’s Miami – as Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid also hover.
      Jordi Alba could soon join fellow Barca legend Lionel Messi to MiamiCredit: REUTERS
      Barca are letting the Spain left-back exit for free this summer rather than see out his contract until 2024.
      And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the 34-year-old joining Miami is a “concrete possibility”.
      The says the 91-cap star is in “active negotiations” with the MLS club.
      Former Nou Camp team-mate Messi, 35, rejected a world record contract offer from Saudis Al-Hilal in favour of Miami.
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      The Argentinian World Cup winner admitted he was unhappy “on a personal level” during his two years at PSG.
      And he revealed he chose the MLS for family reasons – insisting money was never an issue.
      Alba’s not quite in the same league financially.
      And it’s understood he won’t decide his future for at least another week.
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      One reason is because he’s on international duty as Spain face Italy in the Nations League semi-finals on Thursday.
      He might be tempted to stay in Europe as his wife is due to have their third child in July and Germany host Euro 2024. More

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      Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies claims he nearly joined Barcelona but president didn’t want him for shocking reason

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      BAYERN MUNICH star Alphonso Davies has claimed his proposed move to Barcelona fell through because he is Canadian.Davies has played for Bayern since 2019 after arriving from Vancouver Whitecaps.
      Alphonso Davies claimed Barcelona rejected him because he is CanadianCredit: Getty
      He has won five Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2020, leading to transfer attention.
      The left-back revealed Barcelona showed interest in signing him, but ultimately decided against the transfer due to his nationality.
      He told the Say Less podcast: “Barcelona actually reached out but the president said they didn’t want me.
      “They said they didn’t want me because I was Canadian. I’m not gonna lie that kind of crushed my feelings a little bit.”
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      Davies, 22, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent months with Carlo Ancelotti in need of a left-back.
      However, it is believed they will wait until 2024 to try and sign the full-back.
      This would enable them to try and purchase him for a cut-price fee.
      It is a tactic Los Blancos have used in the past to acquire the likes of Toni Kroos from Bayern and Eden Hazard from Chelsea.
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      Davies could be keen on a move too after revealing he struggles with loneliness in Germany.
      He said: “Life as a professional footballer is very cool, no doubt.
      “You can chill and enjoy life, but, after training, there’s nothing to do.
      “For me, because I don’t have a family and my girlfriend is not living with me, I’m by myself.
      “It’s a little bit worrying not having something to do and especially when all your friends have work.
      “I probably have like five friends. I’m a popular loser.” More