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      I’m the ex-Chelsea star who gave Enzo Fernandez his start in football… I cried when he scored at the World Cup

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ took to the field for the first time in a Chelsea shirt last night and already looked like he had a point to prove. The Premier League’s record signing was the star of the show, despite his side only managing a 0-0 draw at home to Fulham.
      Enzo Fernandez celebrates his first World Cup goalCredit: Getty
      However, the Blues may never have chosen to splash out £107m for the midfielder if it wasn’t for the work one of their former players put in.
      Back in 2020, Fernandez had made just one start for River Plate and the decision was made to send him out on loan.
      A small club from the outskirts of Buenos Aires called Defensa y Justicia would win the race for the future World Cup winner, thanks to a former River legend.
      Defensa y Justicia play in a stadium that holds just ten thousand and had never even been in Argentina’s top flight until 2014.
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      But the arrival of Hernan Crespo as coach would give them a pull they’d never had before and lead the club to unprecedented success.
      Against all odds, the team would win the Copa Sudamericana – South America’s version of the Europa League – with Fernandez at the heart of things.
      They then also beat Brazilian giants Palmeiras in the Recopa – the Super Cup – with Fernandez scoring the decisive penalty in a shootout.
      That loan would provide the platform for the midfielder to excel at River Plate before a meteoric rise which saw him join Benfica, win the World Cup and secure a Premier League record move to Chelsea in just six months.
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      When the Argentina star announced himself on the global stage with a wondergoal against Mexico, it was fitting that none other than Crespo would be watching in the ESPN studio.
      When asked about his emotions watching Fernandez score his first national team goal, the former striker teared up.
      Crespo said: “[I’m emotional] Because I know Enzo. There are things that mark you and justify the work I do today.
      “To give 0.1 per cent of what is happening, because the rest is all his… everything. Everything that we were sharing.”
      Asked about an interview with Enzo’s father following the goal, Crespo said: “The dad makes me emotional. Enzo makes me emotional. Because I know the work of a lot of them.
      “It’s nice, you can see [what can happen] from humility, from work, from seriousness.
      “He had to make a great comeback, because it’s not easy to leave the River juniors and say; ‘Well, it doesn’t matter, I’ll go to Defensa [y Justicia] and try to earn a place at Defensa.’
      Hernán Crespo got emotional talking about Enzo Fernández. Crespo coached Enzo at Defensa y Justicia where they won the Copa Sudamericana together. Crespo is now coaching Al-Duhail SC in Qatar. Via @SC_ESPN.pic.twitter.com/bErC9TuSzd— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 27, 2022

      “Because he hasn’t been given anything, but always [he earned it], with force, always serious, always educated.
      “Today, at the very least, one lives from the reflection of his players.
      “And when these beautiful things happen, and especially when it has to do with the Argentine team, it’s emotional. Emotional.”
      Crespo was one of Roman Abramovich’s first Chelsea signings with the Blues and had a mixed period in West London.
      The Argentine notched a respectable 25 goals in 73 games, including a famous last minute opening day winner at Wigan.
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      However, he was always thought of as more suited to Italian football, and went on loan to both AC Milan and Inter during his five-year Chelsea career.
      After signing an eight-year contract with the Blues, £107-million man Enzo Fernandez will hope to easily surpass his mentor.
      Hernan Crespo had a tear in his eye after Enzo Fernandez’s first Argentina goalCredit: ESPN
      Crespo holds the Copa Sudamericana trophy, which he won with Enzo Fernandez in midfield.Credit: AP
      Hernan Crespo had a mixed period at Chelsea, but did win the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP More

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      Everton ‘want Isco on free transfer to replace Anthony Gordon after ex-Real Madrid star’s Union Berlin move scrapped’

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      EVERTON want to sign free agent Isco to replace recently departed Anthony Gordon, according to reports.Ex-Spain international Isco, 30, left Real Madrid last summer at the end of his contract and joined Sevilla on a two-year deal.
      Everton are keen on signing Isco on a free transferCredit: Getty
      However, Isco made just 19 appearances, scoring once and assisting three in a season that has Sevilla sat two points above the relegation zone.
      Isco’s contract was then ripped up and the midfielder was closing in on a January transfer to Union Berlin.
      And all seemed to be going swimmingly after he arrived in Germany and underwent medical tests.
      But now Union Berlin have confirmed the deal will not go ahead after they released a cryptic statement.
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      It read: “We wanted to have Isco in Berlin, but we have our limits.
      “These were exceeded today – contrary to the previous agreement.”
      Following the breakdown in the transfer to Union Berlin, Everton have now registered an interest in Isco, according to Sport.
      The Toffees would like the five-time Champions League-winning midfielder to replace Gordon, who left for Newcastle in a £45million transfer last month.
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      Everton failed to sign a single player in the January transfer window despite being in need of reinforcements, enraging fans.
      The Merseyside club are sat 19th, and level on points with bottom-of-the-table Southampton.
      The report stats that it would only be a “matter of negotiations” with the player to get him signed to the dotted line. More

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      Juventus ‘considering selling or terminating Paul Pogba’s contract just months after joining amid injury-hit spell’

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      JUVENTUS are considering selling Paul Pogba – or even terminating his contract, according to shock reports. The French World Cup winner, 29, returned to the Old Lady in July following his release from Manchester United.
      Paul Pogba could be on his way back out of Juventus again this summerCredit: Getty
      However, seven months on, he is yet to make his debut thanks to a series of injuries.
      The midfielder required surgery after damaging his knee in pre-season and then was ruled out of Qatar 2022 with a thigh strain.
      And after being named on the bench last weekend against Monza, Max Allegri confirmed Pogba had “soreness in his flexors” to delay his long-awaited return further.
      Now the Daily Mail claim the club are weighing up the possibility of letting him leave this summer.
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      Ripping up his £130,000-a-week contract that runs until 2026 is described as “no longer an impossible scenario”.
      Another option could see Pogba sold, with the MLS a likely destination.
      By December 31, the star had cost Juventus £2.9million without playing a single minute of competitive football.
      Pogba won four Serie A titles in his four seasons with Juve between 2012 and 2016 before returning to United for a record-brekaing £89m.
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      But this 2022-23 campaign has been a nightmare for the player and the club.
      As well as his lack of action, the Old Lady are down in 13th in the table – 30 points off leaders Napoli – following their 15-point deduction following an investigation into their transfer activity.
      Allegri’s side were dumped out of the Champions League, scraping into the Europa League thanks to their solitary win over Maccabi Haifa. More

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      Man Utd flop Adnan Januzaj follows Isco out of Sevilla and joins Istanbul Basaksehir in shock loan transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Adnan Januzaj has followed Isco out of the door at Sevilla and joined Istanbul Basaksehir on loan.Januzaj joined Sevilla on a free transfer last summer after his contract at Real Sociedad came to an end.
      Adnan Januzaj has joined Istanbul Basaksehir on loanCredit: Twitter @IstanbulBasaksehir
      Januzaj is under contract at Sevilla for another three yearsCredit: Twitter @IstanbulBasaksehir
      The former Man Utd wonderkid penned a four-year deal.
      However, a move to the six-time Europa League winners hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
      Sevilla sit 13th in LaLiga and just two points above the relegation zone.
      And Januzaj has made just six appearances this term, failing to score or assist.
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      As a result, the 27-year-old has joined Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir on loan.
      Januzaj is the latest high profile star to leave Sevilla, following ex-Real Madrid ace Isco.
      Isco had his Sevilla contract ripped up just months after joining in the summer from Real Madrid.
      The five-time Champions League winner is without a club following the collapse of a free transfer to Union Berlin.
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      Everton are said to be keen on Isco.
      Januzaj was linked with a return to the Premier League in the summer.
      West Ham were said to be keen on Januzaj, with the Hammers under the management of David Moyes.

      Januzaj played under Moyes at Man Utd and Sunderland.
      His first game in Turkey could come on Saturday against Alanyaspor. More

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      Man Utd will have to pay £89m transfer fee to land Napoli’s Victor Osimhen in summer… but face battle with PSG

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly been told that they will have to pay a whopping £89million for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen – but face a battle with Paris Saint-Germain.The Red Devils have been keen on the 24-year-old for some time.
      Man Utd have been told they will have to pay £89million for Victor Osimhen.Credit: Getty
      Osimhen has helped Napoli top the Serie A, as well as beat Liverpool to top spot of Champions league Group A.
      The striker has scored 15 goals across all competitions this season, with 14 of those coming in just 16 Serie A games.
      According to ESPN, Osimhen will cost Man Utd £89m if they’re to sign the Nigeria international in the summer.
      Osimhen has two years left on his contract in Naples.
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      However, Osimhen’s form hasn’t only alerted the Red Devils as French giants PSG are also keen.
      Osimhen has experience playing in France.
      He scored 18 goals in 38 appearances for Lille between 2019 and 2020, earning a £66.9m move to Napoli.
      The report goes on to state that United have also been looking at a number of other striker targets.
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      Tottenham and England main man, Harry Kane, is also on the Red Devils’ list.
      Younger options such as RB Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic have been explored. More

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      Newcastle join Jude Bellingham transfer race along with Real Madrid as Eddie Howe targets shock deal for Dortmund star

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      NEWCASTLE have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund and England wonderkid Jude Bellingham, according to reports.Bellingham, 19, is one of the most in-demand teenagers in world football.
      Newcastle have joined Real Madrid and Co in the race to sign Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      His performances at the World Cup last November-December reaffirmed himself on the transfer wish list of some of Europe’s top clubs.
      Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been linked with the ex-Birmingham ace.
      On mainland Europe, Real Madrid hold a heavy interest in signing the midfielder.
      However, Real and Co have been joined by Newcastle in the race to sign Bellingham, according to SportBild.
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      The Magpies are flying high in the Premier League, sat third after 20 games played.
      Eddie Howe’s men are on course to secure European football of some kind for next season, with a Champions League finish on the cards.
      Newcastle also have a Carabao Cup final to look forward to at the end of the month, where they will place Man Utd.
      Dortmund intend to achieve a club record sale for Bellingham in the summer.
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      The German giants rate Bellingham at around £125million, which Newcastle may be able to pay due to their newly mega-rich status following the Saudi takeover.
      Bellingham is continuing his World Cup form back at club Dortmund.
      The midfield dynamo has ten goals across all competitions this season.
      He is also being trusted to captain the team at times. More

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      Arsenal transfer target Moises Caicedo’s agent slams Brighton for not allowing midfielder to seal Gunners move

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      ARSENAL transfer target Moises Caicedo’s agent has slammed Brighton for not allowing the player to seal a January move to the Emirates.Caicedo, 21, attempted to force a late move away from the Seagulls last month.
      Moises Caicedo’s agent has opened up on the failed attempt to leave BrightonCredit: PA
      The midfielder took to social media to publicly plead with the club to allow him to seal a dream move to Arsenal, who tabled a number of bids, with the highest being £70million.
      Chelsea were also keen on Caicedo with manager Graham Potter having previously signed and managed the player at Brighton before taking the role at Stamford Bridge.
      Caicedo’s agent, Manuel Sierra, has slammed Brighton for denying is client a dream move.
      In an interview with Marca90, translated by Ole, Sierra said: “The offers were received, you see what is on the table and Moises says that he wants to go forward, that it is the dream of his whole life, that it is an opportunity that may not be repeated in life… and we helped draft the statement.
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      “In that statement, he expresses his wish and his gratitude to the club because they gave him the chance to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League.
      “We don’t know what can happen tomorrow, maybe he trains and gets injured.
      “We can’t know what’s going to happen.”
      Sierra has also claimed that Brighton were aware that Caicedo would make a public statement.
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      Sierra added: “Moises asked the club for permission to publish the statement, he is the one who does not train and he does not go to the game (vs Liverpool) because they decide to give him the weekend off.
      “Brighton did not separate him.
      “They understand the situation and they love him very much.
      “It was a consensual agreement.”
      The wantaway star is back in training for Brighton.
      Brighton have the chance to achieve European football for the first time in their history this summer.
      Should Caicedo help them, then the next window could bring the ideal situation for everyone.
      The Ecuador international would have the pick of the best clubs in Europe and the Seagulls would be able to command a huge fee, as they often do. More

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      Man Utd activated ’emergency protocol’ to seal Marcel Sabitzer loan transfer after being offered ten midfielders

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were reportedly forced to activate an “emergency protocol” to sign Marcel Sabitzer.That’s after Erik ten Hag was offered TEN midfielders on transfer deadline day.
      Man Utd activated an ’emergency protocol’ to sign Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      United pounced late in the window to wrap up a loan deal for Bayern Munich star Sabitzer.
      The Red Devils announced earlier in the day that Christian Eriksen was out injured for around three months.
      And ESPN claims it was all hands to the pump as United’s top chiefs got involved in talks with Bayern.
      Football director John Murtough, his deputy Andy O’Boyle, director of data science Dominic Jordan and head of recruitment Steve Brown were all needed to get a deal over the line.
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      And the “emergency protocol” paid off as United submitted the paperwork to sign Sabitzer before the 11pm deadline.
      However, Ten Hag was first presented with his choice of 10 midfielders by United’s footy boffins.
      The players were all deemed “fit, available and worth investing in”, giving Ten Hag a headache the day before the deadline.
      But it was Sabitzer who the Dutchman eventually plumped for.
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      And Ten Hag revealed his delight at getting a loan deal completed once the transfer was confirmed.
      He said: “We’re really happy with the transfer because we need it.
      “To bring a quality player in on deadline day, that is difficult, but we got this opportunity.”
      Director Murtough added: “Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time.
      “The opportunity arose quickly and we knew that he was someone with the ability and character to make an impact.
      “He adds further quality to our squad and experience to the dressing room, and all of us are pleased to be welcoming him to United.” More