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      Every leaked Premier League kit for next season including throwback Liverpool shirt and slick Man Utd away strip

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      IT’S that time of year again.With the 2024-25 season done and dusted, preparations are underway for next term.Arsenal are among the clubs to have launched their new home kit alreadyCredit: GettyAnd one thing on every Premier League club’s agenda is the roll out of their new kits.Some have already been released, while others have been leaked on social media.SunSport has looked at some of the strips we can expect to see during the 2025-26 campaign.ARSENALThe Gunners have already unveiled their home kit for next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe traditional red strip has white detailing with a gothic A print blended into the body of the shirt.Arsenal have already unveiled their home kit for next seasonCredit: GettyUnlike the Arsenal home kits of recent years, the new shirt, shorts and socks only include red and white elements, with no blue or gold.Although the club’s second and third kits are yet to be officially released, some fans have leaked them online.Arsenal’s rumoured away shirt bears similarities to the club’s 2021-22 third strip.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith a dark and light blue lightning-like pattern, the top has the Gunners’ alternative cannon badge in white.There is also some red detailing down the sides and on the sleeves and neckline.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!Finally, the club’s alleged new third shirt is a combination of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 third strips.The white shirt has maroon cannon and Adidas badge with gold detailing on the collar and sleeves.The iconic Adidas stripes along the shoulders are also maroon.Arsenal’s leaked 2025-26 away kitArsenal’s leaked 2025-26 third kitCHELSEAThe new Chelsea shirt is fairly similar to the 2024-25 edition.It is the traditional Blue colour synonymous with the club and includes a subtle print inspired by the architecture of London.The away kit also bears similarities to this season’s.Chelsea’s new away strip is the same off-white colour but features eight thin blue and red stripes down the centre.It also includes red and black detailing on the sleeve cuffs.The club have ditched their shiny badge.Chelsea’s new home shirt includes a subtle print inspired by the architecture of LondonThe 2025-26 Chelsea away kitLIVERPOOLFrom the 2025-26 season, Adidas will become Liverpool’s kit provider, taking over from Nike.Adidas previously partnered with the Reds from 1985 to 1996 and 2006 to 2012.The new Liverpool home kit is nearly identical to the 2010-11 strip with a classic red and white design.With three iconic Adidas stripes on the shoulders and a thin white line down each side, the shirt has a simple style that will likely be loved by the Premier League champions.The club’s new away shirt, meanwhile, is white with red detailing.In contrast to the home strip, the club badge is placed within a red crest.There is also a significant difference in the Liverpool badge on the third shirt.In a throwback to the 1980s, the third kit uses a retro club badge that was introduced 38 years ago.The shield crest was implemented in 1987 and was used for five years until 1992, the year of Liverpool’s 100th anniversary.It is now being used on the club’s third shirt for the 2025-26 season.The new shirt is green with faint stripes down the front.It also uses the Adidas Originals logo.The new Liverpool home shirtLiverpool’s 2025-26 away shirtLiverpool’s new third shirt has a retro lookMANCHESTER CITYManchester City have kept it simple with their 2025-26 home kit. The Sky Blue shirt has elements of white – including a sash-like diagonal strip along the front.However, the alleged away and third kits are very unique.The white away shirt has outlines of City supporters doing the poznan, with a black and red diagonal strip covering the front.Etihad Airways, the club’s sponsor, is positioned underneath the club badge as opposed to in the middle of the shirt.Two proposed third shirts have also been leaked, the first being a bright orange with a black and gold strip.The other, however, is completely different to any shirt used in the Premier League before.The grey strip includes a rain drop pattern with the City badge central above the Puma logo.It also has bright green detailing.Fans have been left less than impressed with the proposed new shirt, with one person writing: “It was bad without the rain drops. Then they added the rain drops.”While another joked: “Good punishment for the players, over this past season.”Man City’s 2025-26 home shirtMan City’s 2025-26 away kitA rumoured 2025-26 Man City third shirtA second rumoured 2025-26 Man City third shirtMANCHESTER UNITEDManchester United are yet to unveil their home shirt for the 2025-26 season.However, a leak of it has emerged online.The alleged new United home shirt is very similar to the 2023-24 edition with black Adidas stripes on the shoulders.The red strip also appears to have a pattern running down the sleeves.A photo of the Man Utd goalkeeper kit also emerged online in recent weeks.The green strip includes white detailing with the Adidas Originals logo.The United badge has also been placed inside a shield – which is not the case on the home shirt.Man Utd’s rumoured away shirt is white with hints of lilac.The traditional crest is replaced by the devil and trident synonymous with the club.And the third shirt is dark blue with yellow writing and detailingMan Utd’s leaked 2025-26 home shirtUnited’s alleged goalkeeper shirt 2025-26Man Utd’s rumoured away kitMan Utd’s rumoured 2025-26 third kitNEWCASTLENewcastle have kept it traditional with their 2025-26 home shirt. As always, the shirt has black and white alternating stripes running vertically down the front.But in a subtle change, there is a touch of blue included on the new edition.The light blue lines run around the neckline, down the sides and on the sleeve cuffs.Newcastle’s new home kit has been unveiledCredit: Instagram @nufcNOTTINGHAM FORESTThe leaked Nottingham Forest home shirt bears a retro look with thin white stripes running vertically down the front.It also has a collar, which has not featured on a Forest shirt since 2012.In addition, the club badge has also been placed in a shield, much like many of the other Adidas kits this season.Meanwhile, the alleged away shirt is white with grey Adidas stripes on the shoulders.It also has a pattern blended into the body of the top.Nottingham Forest’s leaked home shirt 2025-26Nottingham Forest’s leaked away shirt 2025-26TOTTENHAMEuropa League winners Tottenham unveiled their 2025-26 home shirt this week.The new strip is fairly different to the style adopted by Spurs in recent years.With navy on the shoulders, the Lilywhite shirt also has elements of grey running down the sides.The Spurs badge is also positioned in the middle of the shirt, above the Nike logo.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Tottenham’s away kit has been leaked.The all-black strip has faint lines running horizontally and vertically along the front and the shorts, creating a box pattern.Tottenham’s home kit has been releasedSpurs’ rumoured away kit is black More

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      Tijjani Reijnders is £46million Man City signing who worked in ALDI and is named after legendary winger

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      TIJJANI REIJNDERS is perfectly placed to lead Manchester City’s £130million supermarket sweep.The versatile midfielder used to stack shelves in Aldi but is now the first signing of a huge summer for Pep Guardiola.Tijjani Reijnders is joining Manchester City from AC Milan for £45mCredit: GettyReijnders used to work in AldiCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersThe Dutchman is a midfielder who can do a bit of everythingCredit: GettyReijnders, 26, idolises Kevin De Bruyne and will now be tasked with filling the gaping void left by the Belgian superstar.When the Holland international joined Milan he was asked about his rise to the top and said: “I recently noticed an article ‘from amateur to AC Milan’.”But when I think about it, I like ‘from Aldi to AC Milan’ even better!”Aldi to Manchester City will have an even better ring to it for Guardiola’s new midfield general.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is quite the challenge for the midfielder, though he arrives with some stellar references.Milan and Netherlands great Frank Rijkaard is convinced Reijnders is destined for the top.Speaking earlier this season, he said: “I hope that Reijnders becomes one of the best midfielders in the world… I sincerely believe he’s already on the right path.”I really like his style of play. He can cover all roles in the midfield and shows his generosity: he never holds back from a run for the team and always gives his best.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”With the quality he has, he’s excellent at creating dangerous chances for his team-mates and setting up the play well.”Reijnders can bring a bit of everything to a Manchester City midfield in need of a shot in the arm. Kevin De Bruyne given emotional Etihad send off as Man City take huge leap towards return to Champions LeagueThe former AZ Alkmaar man made more interceptions than any other midfielder in Serie A this season as well as creating the most chances from open play.He may not have the craft of De Bruyne when it comes to creating chances – there are few, if any, who do – but Reijnders can also find the back of the net.Milan’s maestro bagged 15 goals from midfield this term – two more than any other midfielder in the Italian top flight.Reijnders’ path to the top has been carefully plotted, aided by his father and agent, Martin – a former player himself who was a team-mate of Jaap Stam at Dutch side Zwolle.The family clearly planned a footballing career for their son from day one, naming him Tijjani after former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida.Younger brother Eliano also plays for his father’s former side, Zwolle.Martin revealed after sealing Tijjani’s move to Milan that the pair had decided to turn down Barcelona in order to join the Rossoneri.Barca were on the lookout for an heir to Sergio Busquets and Reijnders’ father made the brave and bold decision to tell his son that he was not quite up to the task.Reijnders’ parents named their son after former Ajax and Nigeria winger Tijani BabangidaCredit: GettyHis brother Eliano plays for ZwolleCredit: AlamyReijnders is hoping to fill the void left behind by Kevin De BruyneCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersHe told Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad: “I immediately told Tijjani, ‘You are not that type of player. Before you know it, you’ll end up on the bench. And you’d become yet another player who fails abroad.'”There was Premier League interest two years ago, but Reijnders has rapidly developed in Milan and now feels prepared to take his biggest step yet.As well as carefully planning his progression, Reijnders has studied fellow players to add as much to his game as possible.Speaking to The Athletic, Reijnders said: “When I got older, I looked a lot at Kevin De Bruyne. I watched his games, YouTube clips.“Especially the way he was scanning the pitch before he gets the ball so he always knows where the space is.”I try to do the same.”Before looking to add elements of De Bruyne to his game, City’s new man carefully studied another Guardiola stalwart in Andres Iniesta.Read More on The SunThere are few deals which can be a sure thing, not every signing is as obvious as Erling Haaland.But in Reijnders, Manchester City look to have identified a player capable of grabbing hold of a game who is primed to slot straight into a Guardiola side.Reijnders has an eye for goalCredit: GettyHe is married to MarinaCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersThey welcomed baby son Xavien in February 2024Credit: instagram @tijjanireijndersThe family regularly post snaps on social mediaCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersReijnders will provide a welcome boost for Pep GuardiolaCredit: Getty More

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      Manny Pacquiao could not stop crying after announcing retirement as legend, 46, prepares for controversial comeback

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      MANNY PACQUIAO could not stop crying after failing to cope with being a retired boxer. The Filipino great hung up his gloves in August 2021 following defeat to Yordenis Ugas. Manny Pacquiao could not stop crying after retiring from boxingCredit: APBut after a failed presidential campaign in the Philippines and a couple of exhibition bouts – Pacquiao is returning. And PacMan – who won honours in EIGHT divisions – opened up on his emotional struggles after retiring from the sport. He said: “That moment when I announced I was hanging up my gloves four years ago, I was so sad.”I couldn’t avoid the tears coming out of my eyes. I really missed boxing. READ MORE IN BOXING”For however many months, I was like, I’m not a boxer anymore?'”Pacquiao was beaten in the 2022 presidential election and then failed in a bid for a second run as a senator this year. So he is now fully focusing on boxing after juggling pugilism with politics throughout his career and retirement. Pacquiao said: “Right now, the book of politics is closed. It’s not even in my mind. I’m focusing on my career as a boxer again.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I can still do my job in boxing. I’m not done yet. The fire, the determination, the eagerness to train and work hard, it’s still there. It’s amazing.”Pacquiao faced Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in a 2022 exhibition in the first sign he was making a comeback. Fans shocked by size difference as Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios face off ahead of legend’s return aged 46 in VegasHe then returned last July for another exhibition, against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo.And despite not winning since 2019 – SIX YEARS AGO- talks were ongoing behind the scenes for a world title shot. Before long, it was announced that Pacquiao, at 46, will challenge for Mario Barrios’ WBC welterweight title. Per WBC rules, a contender must be ranked within their top 15 in order to be eligible for a championship bout.So it came as little surprise when Pacquiao sneaked back into the WBC’s top five in mid May – despite his absence from the ring.Boxing’s oldest world champ of all time is Bernard Hopkins, who won a world title aged 49. And Pacquiao said: “It would mean a lot for me to become world champion again. “Manny Pacquiao is always giving surprises to the fans. That’s my passion and it’s really important to me. “I want everyone to be happy with this fight. My goal is to leave a legacy to the boxing fans. “I want to inspire the young generation who are dreaming of becoming a champion.Read More on The Sun“July 19 is gonna be a lot of action. There’s a lot of great fights on this card. “I know what Barrios is capable of and I know that we can entertain the fans.” Pacquiao challenges for Mario Barrios WBC welterweight world titleCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Premier League side risk ruining pitch as stars race RED BULL F1 CAR in their stadium

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      LEEDS only just won the Championship title race – but have already found themselves in a new one.Players raced against a FORMULA ONE CAR at Elland Road – but the stunt risked ruining their pitch ahead of their return to the Premier League.Three Leeds players raced a Red Bull F1 car on the Elland Road pitchCredit: Red BullWilly Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Isaac Schmidt took on F2 driver Arvid LindbladCredit: Red BullLeeds are sponsored by Red Bull, whose sporting ventures also include the F1 team.And in an unlikely collaboration, club chiefs allowed the RB7 motor on the playing surface to compete in a drag race against three of Leeds’ fastest stars. The idea came about at last year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone – with the players thinking they had a chance of beating the mega engine with a few obstacles.So Willy Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Isaac Schmidt took on F2 driver Arvid Lindblad in the unique challenge.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe footballers and racing car started on the edge of the penalty box and had to go around mannequins on the 18-yard line at the other end of the pitch and come back to the starting point to finish. Lindblad suffered a nightmare start as he struggled to get the wheels going on the grass.The four involved were pretty much dead level approaching the mannequins. And the car’s turning circle meant the footballers regained their lead going into the second half of the race. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut as they began to tire – or tyre – the car closed the gap and eventually roared past to win by about 30 yards. F1 fan Largie Ramazani said of the publicity stunt: “This was a great experience, the only thing better would be getting in the car.Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke song“Before the race I was scared, but I was confident too. I think we did great, but in the end the car was just too quick. “Dan James was involved in the idea but unfortunately he’s been injured.”But I’d back my team-mate over that car any day – DJ would smoke this car.”Driver Lindblad added: “Ahead of the race I was a bit nervous. “I’d never driven on grass and had no idea how it would go.”The car has a ton of horsepower and there is not much grip on grass, so I wasn’t sure if I could go full throttle and turn the car properly.”Read More on The SunThe spectacle also featured a slalom ‘dribbling’ challenge – and it was no wonder the car left tyre marks across the pitch.No doubt the groundstaff were not best pleased… although the pitch will likely be ripped up and replaced for the Premier League campaign after winning the 2024-25 Championship under Daniel Farke. The car left tyre marks across the pitch ahead of their Premier League returnCredit: Red BullLindblad suffered a nightmare start as he struggled to get away on the grassCredit: Red Bull More

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      ‘Is it really him’ – Arsenal cult hero looks unrecognisable as he holds stein in Munich at Champions League final

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      ARSENAL cult hero Andrey Arshavin looked unrecognisable holding a stein at the Champions League final in Munich.The Russian, 44, was in town to watch Paris Saint-Germain’s historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan on Saturday.Andrey Arshavin looked unrecognisable as he enjoyed beers in MunichThe former Russia star wore glasses and a hatFormer Russia and Hull boss Leonid Slutsky (centre) also joined in the funArshavin appeared in good spirits as he toasted the occasion with a beer while also enjoying food with friends – one of whom was former Russia and Hull City manager Leonid Slutsky.But anyone walking past would have needed to do a double take.That’s because Arshavin was barely recognisable in glasses and blue baseball cap.And Arsenal supporters were left stunned as they questioned whether it really was the same man who lit up North London for over four years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “Oh f*** I can’t actually tell if it’s him or not.”Another declared: “He looks like a science teacher.”One noted: “That guy put four past Liverpool, let that sink in.”Another added: “Imagine seeing him at a beerhall and he’s like, ‘Yeah I played in the Premier League for Arsenal’.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt’s not the first time Arshavin threw fans off with his look.The icon again looked unrecognisable while being spotted in London two years ago, this time pairing some large glasses with a woolly hat.David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following two-hour meeting Arshavin spent four years playing for ArsenalCredit: Graham Hughes – The TimesHe was hard to spot in London two years agoCredit: Instagram @andrey.arshavin10The 75-time Russia international joined Arsenal in 2009 from Zenit for £15million.He went on to score 31 goals in 144 outings before returning to Zenit permanently in 2013.Arshavin ended his football career in 2018 with Kazakhstani side Kairat.And he has since held a backroom role with Zenit, while also completing his Uefa A Licence earlier this year./CW More

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      Anthony Joshua lined up to fight two heavyweight rivals in new deal… but they are NOT Tyson Fury or Daniel Dubois

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA is in talks over a new two-fight deal – but it may not include Tyson Fury or Daniel Dubois.AJ has been out since September when he was knocked out by Dubois at Wembley.Anthony Joshua is in talks over a new two-fight dealCredit: PAAn arm injury has ruled him out of returning – leaving Joshua to have surgery on his elbow in May.And promoter Eddie Hearn revealed talks with Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh have taken place in the meantime. Hearn told BoxingScene: “We are actually discussing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season.“We’ve been doing that, [Turki Alalshikh] said that on the night of Canelo [vs. William Scull, May 3], when we had our meeting, and that’s the plan really. READ MORE IN BOXING”We want to box sometime this year, October, November, December.”Joshua, 35, snubbed a rematch with Dubois, 27, the IBF champion. Dubois now rematches Oleksandr Usyk on July 19 at Wembley two years after losing to the Ukrainian.Fury, 36, was twice beaten by Usyk, 38, in 2024 and announced his shock retirement in January. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt dashes hopes of a British blockbuster with AJ but Hearn said: “We’ll see what happens with Dubois-Usyk, we’ll see what happens with Fury. “And if we don’t fight those guys, we’ll fight, and then maybe we’ll follow one of those guys next year.”Josh Kelly played against Jordan Pickford but now eyes title fight against ‘freak’ champ who’s as tall as Anthony JoshuaTwo names also on Joshua’s radar are Dillian Whyte and American Jared Anderson.Hearn said: “Two guys that have been discussed, but nothing concrete.” AJ knocked out Whyte in 2015 and they were due to meet in a rematch in August 2023. That was until Whyte returned “an adverse finding” in his pre-fight drug test – having to subsequently withdraw. He blamed the failed test on a tainted supplement and returned last year with wins in Ireland and Gibraltar.Whyte is due to return on Saturday on Fabio Wardley’s undercard in Ipswich – but is yet to have an opponent. Anderson, 25, meanwhile was KO’d by Martin Bakole, 31, last August but beat Marios Kollias in his February comeback. Joshua was due to rematch Dillian Whyte in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunAmerican heavyweight Jared AndersonCredit: Getty More

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      Former Premier League star Mark Bright marries Ian Wright’s estranged sister who MOTD pundit hasn’t spoken to in years

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      MARK BRIGHT has married his former team-mate Ian Wright’s estranged sister Dionne.Bright, 62, formed an iconic strike partnership with Wright at Crystal Palace between 1986 and 1991.Mark Bright has married Ian Wright’s sister DionneCredit: Instagram / @markbright_The happy couple beam on their big dayCredit: Instagram / @markbright_Bright, 62, posted a trio of wedding snaps to InstagramCredit: Instagram / @markbright_Wright, 61, has had a strained relationship with Dionne due to a falling out over the ex-England forward’s second wife Nancy.Amid her sibling squabble, Dionne has now tied the knot with Bright.Posting a trio of stunning pictures from their wedding day, Bright wrote on Instagram: “A great end to the season and an even better start to the summer, thank you to all our family and friends who helped make our day so special.”We created some amazing memories at a great venue, with good people, good food, and good music.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBright signed off the post “D&M”.The Palace legend has received congratulations from several footie pals, including Andy Cole, Jeffrey Schlupp and Adebayo Akinfenwa.It is unclear whether Dionne has since mended her relationship with brother Ian.But in 2019, the ex-footballer revealed that he had not spoken to his estranged sister in 15 years.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIan Wright spoke about his estranged sister in 2019Credit: ReutersBright and Wright formed an iconic strike partnership at Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex FeaturesAppearing on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! – Wright accused Dionne of being “selfish and vindictive” towards Nancy.The Arsenal legend said: “So what happens now? ‘I don’t like your vibe’ – Ian Wright calls out Paul Scholes in heated row over Arsenal”Mark Bright is somebody like a big brother and someone I respect who has guided me.”What will happen if they get married? Is she going to apologise before she walks up the aisle?“I want something to happen because my wife does not deserve to be treated like this. My sister has not found the decency to realise she should have ­apologised by now.“I haven’t spoken to my sister for 15 years. She was very ­disrespectful to my wife when we had just got together.“She ­obviously knew my ex-wife and my kids and so she felt like she had to take a side which I couldn’t ­understand, because I am her brother.”Wright married first wife Deborah in 1993, with the pair having two children together before splitting in 2004.He subsequently began a relationship with Nancy, with the pair tying the knot in 2011.’TOTALLY BLANKED HER’Appearing on The True Geordie podcast, Wright opened up on an incident between Dionne and Nancy during the filming of a Channel 4 programme.Wright said: “Nancy went to introduce herself and she totally blanked her in front of people, saying ­something about, ‘I have to be true to my niece and nephew.’”This happened when I was in the green room. So I came out and said to Nancy, ‘Where’s my sister?’Read More on The Sun”She said, ‘You understand what happened.’ When I went over to her I could feel the anger from my toes. I said, ‘As long as we live I don’t want to ever see you again. The only time I will speak to you is when you apologise to her.’“And she said, ‘I am not ­apologising to anyone.’ So I said, ‘That is good because I will never have to see you again.’”Wright married second wife Nancy in 2011Credit: Getty More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson slapped Man Utd wonderkid on the head and walked off after chat about Barcelona’s transfer interest

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Febian Brandy turned down the chance to sign for Barcelona after a cheeky slap on the head from Sir Alex Ferguson.Brandy, 36, never broke into the first team at Old Trafford after nearly 15 years on the books – but things could have been very different.Febian Brandy was one of Manchester United’s top-rated talents in the 2000sCredit: GettyBrandy (bottom row, second on the left) played alongside big names at UnitedCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe was considered one of the best youngsters around when he was coming through the ranks in the mid 2000s.And his reputation spanned across Europe too, as both Real Madrid and Barcelona were keen on trying to snatch him away from the Red Devils as a teenager.Barcelona were so impressed by Brandy’s efforts in a youth tournament that they lodged a £1MILLION bid for the youngster.The offer was rejected by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson following a slap on the head and a chat in the hallway about being loyal to his local club.READ MORE ON MAN UTDManchester-born Brandy told SunSport: “We went to a few tournaments when we were 14 to 16 years old.”One of the tournaments that sticks out was one in Spain. In the tournament there was teams like Real Madrid, PSG, Ajax, Barcelona – all the top European teams. “We didn’t qualify out of the group stages, but I must have had a worldie of a tournament because I ended up getting player of the tournament.“About two weeks after the tournament, some Spanish guy – I don’t know how he got the number – rang my mum and dad’s house phone.Most read in FootballBrandy spent nearly 15 years on the books at Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man UtdCredit: Febian BrandyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”My mum picked up and he said ‘we’re interested in your son Fabien.’“About two weeks later I went into training and Sir Alex Ferguson walked past me in the corridor and said ‘have you heard?’.”I had a feeling what he was talking about, but you have to be respectful so I played dumb. He said ‘Barcelona are interested in you, what are your thoughts?’“I said, ‘Listen, boss. I’m a local lad. I’m from Manchester and I see my career here, this is the place that I want to be’. Then he just slapped me on the head, called me a good lad and walked away.“Things started to come to fruition in the weeks that followed, and I think they [Barca] made a £1million bid which obviously Sir Alex rejected and I didn’t hear anything of it from then.”That decision meant that Brandy stayed put until 2010, leaving as a 22-year-old in search of a new challenge after coming up through the youth ranks alongside the likes of Ravel Morrison, Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck.Brandy had gone from training with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville – players he recalls being like “big brothers” to him – to trying to find his next club and the next step in his career in the lower leagues.He had lined up a deal with Sheffield United in the Championship, but broke his metatarsal in the last minute of his last game for Man Utd’s reserves – scuppering the move.From there injuries meant Brandy was never able to settle at one club, kickstarting a journeyman-like career that saw him play in Greece and Thailand as well as for the likes of Sheffield United, Rotherham and Rochdale.People ask ‘should I have signed for Barcelona?’ Don’t get me wrong, the weather would have been nicer, but I’ve got no regrets.Febian BrandyThat journey – which included 16 different clubs – ended in 2017 with non-league outfit Ebbsfleet, but Brandy has no regrets over turning down Barcelona.He said: “I always saw myself playing for Man Utd, I didn’t really know anything else. I only really knew Man Utd and England. So when it did come to an end it was hard, I was upset.“But I thought to myself, for my career, this has to happen. I didn’t want to be one of those players that was 23/24 and signing contracts just to be at a big club.”I wanted to go and make a name for myself elsewhere. I was obviously upset, but it was something that had to be done.“People ask ‘should I have signed for Barcelona?’. Don’t get me wrong, the weather would have been nicer, but I’ve got no regrets.“There’s probably a few things I took for granted. Doing extra in the gym and making myself the best footballer I could have been.”I had a lot of injuries and there’s things like that that I could have done better to have a better career. Other than that, I have no regrets.”Brandy moved to Sheffield United later in his careerCredit: BladesThe forward also represented England at youth levelCredit: GettyOne of the big reasons for Brandy being left with no regrets is that it was his Man Utd exit that led him to his latest venture – Skouted.Brandy launched Skouted when his career came to an end, an app that helps unattached players find new clubs and clubs find the best new talent.The app, which allows young players to upload clips of themselves playing for top clubs to browse through, has already helped in excess of 300 youngsters earn trials.Had Brandy not embarked on his journey through the leagues, then he may never have started the app.He explained: “When I was in my late 20s I had been battling with so many injuries and I started to think about my future.”I didn’t really want to be a coach or a manager. That’s when I started to put Skouted in place.“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and I think what really triggered it was that when I was at Man Utd, I was pretty fortunate to be there as long as I was.”I was fortunate to get a contract every year from the age of eight until I was 22.“I had friends that might not have been good enough to make it at Man Utd, but they might have been able to go and play at a lesser club.”But when they got released their parents or their guardians didn’t have the connections to pick up the phone to someone in the Championship or League One and ask for a trial.Read More on The Sun“That’s when I thought to myself, ‘I need to create something that’s going to bridge that gap between players and clubs’.”Something where football clubs can find these players and players have got a platform to present themselves in front of these football clubs.”Brandy wants Skouted to become a hotbed for talent around the globeCredit: X @febianbrandy More