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Newcastle United transfer target Hugo Ekitike has been told that he is allowed to leave French side Reims, reports reliable journalist Lee Ryder.

The Lowdown: Winter target

The 19-year-old was the subject of a big transfer saga involving the Magpies in January after the Premier League side lodged a huge bid for the Frenchman.

The U20 France international chose to stall on the move, leaving Eddie Howe with the arrival of Chris Wood from Burnley as the side’s main striking option.

Wood scored just twice and was immediately usurped once Callum Wilson returned from injury, so it would be no surprise to see another striker come in this summer.

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The Latest: Allowed to leave

Reliable journalist Lee Ryder took to Twitter to share the latest update on Ekitike, where he claimed: “Newcastle’s winter target told he can leave”.

In the adjoining article, Chronicle Live report that Reims club president Jean-Pierre Caillot has admitted defeat that the striker will leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer.

Speaking in an interview, Caillot said: “The amount should be more than €20million (£17m). Afterwards, you have to know how to be reasonable.”

According to Chronicle Live, it is presumed that ‘afterwards’ means the potential add-ons, and there is talk of a 25% sell on fee.

Discussing a potential move to Newcastle, he asserted: “It’s typically the kind of environment where he could continue to grow and move on.”

The Verdict: ‘Huge’ potential

Reims’ reserves coach Franck Chalençon told Eurosport France that Ekitike is a player with “huge potential”, as “in front of the goal, his ratio is excellent” (via Eurosport).

When compared with positional peers across Europe, the 19-year-old ranks in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals, illustrating his natural finishing ability in the final third (via FB Ref).

Therefore, if Newcastle go all in for the Frenchman again this summer, this could be a fantastic signing for Howe.

In other news: Newcastle United: Journalist shares Eddie Howe’s transfer priorities

Alasdair Gold has dropped a claim on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Weston McKennie.

What’s the talk?

In a recent Q&A on football.london, the journalist revealed that Fabio Paratici has already held talks with the Juventus midfielder’s representatives regarding a move for the 23-year-old in the summer transfer window, with further reports suggesting the Serie A side would demand a figure in the region of €40m (£34m) in order to part with the USA international.

In response to a question concerning Tottenham’s interest in the former Schalke starlet, Gold said: “Weston McKennie is someone Paratici is a big fan of and I reported back in January that he held talks that month with the player’s representatives about a potential summer move.

“I wouldn’t bet against him following up on that this summer but much depends on how willing Juventus are to let him go after a season in which he was a regular starter before suffering a metatarsal fracture in February which all but ended his campaign until the final match.”

Kulusevski 2.0

Considering McKennie’s extremely impressive positional versatility, undoubted ability and potential for future growth – not to mention his previous relationship with Paratici – it is not difficult to understand why the Tottenham sporting director would be interested in a deal to bring the 23-year-old to north London this summer.

Indeed, with the signing of a forward-thinking central midfielder reported to be one of Antonio Conte’s priority targets ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, the £60m-rated American appears to be something of a perfect fit for the 52-year-old’s requirements.

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According to FBref data, the £53k-per-week talent ranks in the top 14% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 5% for non-penalty xG.

Furthermore, he is in the top 14% for shots, the top 15% for npxG+xA, the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 2% for progressive passes received over the last 365 days.

On top of that, the 23-year-old ranks in the top 4% of attacking midfielders for interceptions per 90, in addition to the top 1% for clearances, the top 10% for blocks, the top 8% for aerials won, the top 16% for tackles and the top 40% for pressures over the last 12 months.

The 31-time capped international’s ability to operate from defensive, central, attacking and right midfield would also come as a huge bonus to Conte, with David Wagner previously commenting on the American’s impressive positional ability, stating back in 2020:

“In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.”

As such, should McKennie indeed be available for a figure of just £34m this summer, it would seem highly advisable for Paratici to sanction a swoop for the Juventus playmaker, as the 23-year-old could very easily go on become Spurs’ next Dejan Kulusevski success story at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops “serious” Spurs transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Everton suffered a heavy 5-1 loss away at Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League, but they will not care too much after securing their survival.

Still, Frank Lampard would have expected a better performance from his players, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to now analyse who their three worst performers were on the day:

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Dele Alli

Admittedly joint with second in terms of overall rating (6.0), Alli ranks in third here as he did not play the whole game.

Still, the former Tottenham Hotspur ace lost out on five of his duels in total, and also failed to record a single shot on goal, interception, tackle, cross or long ball, losing the ball nine times.

Jarrad Branthwaite

Also given a 6.0 rating, Branthwaite ranks in second having played the full match.

The youngster conceded five goals as a central defender, and also lost three duels, while he recorded no interceptions and lost possession eight times.

Alex Iwobi

Unfortunately for Iwobi, it was not a happy return to the Emirates Stadium as he ranked as the Toffees’ worst player with a 5.6 rating.

The Nigeria international gave away the penalty for the Gunners’ first goal, while he also lost four duels, and recorded no shots on goal, interceptions, crosses or accurate long balls, losing it 11 times in total.

In other news, find out which ‘unbelievable’ colossus could now leave the Blues here!

Manchester City have seen numerous important players leave in recent years such as Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Vincent Kompany among others who have all been crucial to the club’s previous domestic dominance.

Now that their latest Premier League season is almost over and the club have the chance to add another league title to their cabinet, the next summer transfer window is also close to opening.

While it has been confirmed that Fernandinho will be waving goodbye to the club after nine years of service, an update has emerged regarding the future of another important figure in the squad which will surely have Pep Guardiola buzzing.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from ESPN, the Citizens are “expecting” midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to remain at the club this summer after it was recently reported that he had been told by the club’s hierarchy that he could leave.

The report also said that “sources close to the club insist the midfielder has not expressed a desire to leave and the expectation is that the 31-year-old will stay until at least the end of his deal in 2023.”

Good news for Pep

Since joining the Manchester club back in the 2016 summer transfer window, the midfielder has gone on to make 252 appearances across all competitions.

In those appearances, the former Borussia Dortmund star has scored 47 goals, provided 33 assists and helped his side win several trophies in the process.

To further highlight the German’s importance to City, out of the 11 Premier League games that he hasn’t appeared in this season, Guardiola’s side have dropped points in six of them.

This shows that the Citizens are arguably a better side with him in the team rather than out of it.

With that in mind and the fact that City will already have to be on the lookout to bring a new midfielder in to replace Fernandinho this summer, having Gundogan stay in the squad for another season will be a big weight off the club’s shoulders

With the midfielder’s current contract at the Etihad Stadium set to expire in the summer of 2023, it’ll now be up to the club to decide when they discuss what the future could hold for the long-serving German.

In other news: Man City eyeing swoop for “immense” £60m “destroyer”, he’s better than Fernandinho

Liverpool could well end up extending the contract of midfielder James Milner for another season, a move which could please many Reds supporters.

What’s the word?

Pete O’Rourke has dropped that massive claim on the 36-year-old’s future and said that Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the player.

When asked whether he understands why the manager is keen to retain the veteran’s services, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “He’s such a great servant to the club. Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of James Milner as well, not just because of what he does on the pitch but also off the pitch.

“He can probably see James Milner as being a future manager because of the way he is. I think a lot of people have said that because he’s just so absorbed with football and he’s always been available for Liverpool whenever needed.”

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A one-year contract extension would take Milner to 37 years of age, and then it’s likely that he would retire from professional football.

Kopites will be delighted

Klopp has led Liverpool to the brink of a trophy quadruple this season, with the Carabao Cup already in the bag, FA Cup and Champions League finals still to come and the mathematical possibility of winning the Premier League, so it could end up as one of the most successful seasons in the club’s illustrious history.

Milner has featured for the Reds 36 times in all competitions this term, contributing three assists as Klopp has utilised his squad to the best effect.

His versatility across the midfield and even the defence has been extremely useful during the campaign, and it’s no wonder that the manager reportedly wants to extend the veteran’s contract.

The Englishman has been a key component of the German’s Liverpool team ever since signing for the club in the summer of 2015 and has played 286 times for the Reds during this spell, winning every major club honour during his playing career.

Whilst Klopp is aiming to continue his fine form in the transfer market, with moves for Aurelien Tchouameni and Calvin Ramsey being touted, it’s a sign of praise that the manager still wants to keep the 36-year-old at the club in a playing capacity.

His experience and maturity could well be vital next season as Klopp aims to reduce the average age of his team slightly, and there’s perhaps nobody better in the squad than Milner to pass on advice to young talents.

This development will surely please not only the Liverpool manager but also the supporters, many of whom regard the 36-year-old as a Kop idol.

AND in other news, Klopp faces Liverpool disaster on “sensational” £85k-p/w gem, supporters will be livid

And how much did Tim David’s drop cost Mumbai Indians? Luck Index puts it at 23 runs

Sampath Bandarupalli26-May-2023129 – Shubman Gill’s score against Mumbai Indians, the highest by a batter in the IPL playoffs, bettering Virender Sehwag’s 122 for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Chennai Super Kings in 2014.It was also the third-highest score in a T20 playoffs game, behind Chris Gayle’s 146* for Rangpur Riders in 2017 and Tamim Iqbal’s 141* for Comilla Victorians in 2019, both against Dhaka Dynamites in the finals of the Bangladesh Premier League.233 for 3 – Gujarat Titans’ total against Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad, the highest by any team in a playoffs match in the IPL. The previous highest was 226 for 6 by Kings XI Punjab against Chennai Super Kings in the qualifier in 2014. It was also the highest total for Titans in the IPL.ESPNcricinfo Ltd94 – Runs scored by Gill in the middle overs (7 to 16) off the 36 balls he faced. Only two batters have scored more runs during middle overs in an IPL innings – 108 by Gayle during his 175* against Pune Warriors India in 2013 and 107 by Sehwag against Deccan Chargers in 2011.3 – Centuries for Gill in this IPL. Only Virat Kohli (2016) and Jos Buttler (2022) had more in a single IPL season than Gill, scoring four each.All his hundreds this season have come in his last four innings, joining Michael Klinger (T20 Blast, 2015) as the only players to score three centuries in four innings in men’s T20s.ESPNcricinfo Ltd851 – Runs by Gill in this IPL so far, the third-highest season aggregate for a batter in the IPL. Kohli scored 973 runs in 2016, while Buttler scored 863 runs last year.23 – Luck Index’s calculation of the runs Tim David’s drop – of Gill when he was on 30 off 19 balls, including the single off that ball – cost Mumbai Indians. Luck Index says that the other batters would have scored 76 off 40 had the catch been taken.12 – IPL centuries against Mumbai Indians, including Gill’s 129, the most conceded by any team. Six of those 12 centuries have come since the start of the 2022 season.6 – Number of 200-plus totals conceded by Mumbai Indians this year, the most by any team in a single edition of the IPL. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings conceded five each this year, the second-most by any team. In all T20s, only Southern Punjab (eight in the National T20 Cup in 2020) have conceded six or more 200-plus totals in a single tournament before this.

Both players were off the field for large portions of the second innings against Sri Lanka

Shashank Kishore26-Sep-20252:05

Is captaincy affecting SKY’s form?

Morne Morkel, India’s bowling coach, has allayed concerns around the fitness of Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma leading into Sunday’s Asia Cup final against Pakistan in Dubai.Hardik held his left hamstring and walked off the field after bowling the first over of Sri Lanka’s innings on Friday, in which he dismissed Kusal Mendis for a first-ball duck. Hardik didn’t return to take the field for the remainder of the innings.”Hardik had cramps, he will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning, we’ll then take a call on that,” Morkel said at the post-match press conference. India’s bowling coach was merely reiterating what India captain Suryakumar Yadav said at the post-match presentation.Meanwhile, Abhishek too spent the entire second half of Sri Lanka’s innings off the field. Abhishek showed signs of discomfort in the ninth over, when he clutched onto his right thigh while running. He eventually left the field in the 10th over, just before a Pathum Nissanka six was signalled dead ball because he hadn’t left the field before Varun Chakravarthy began to run in to bowl.Like Hardik, Abhishek too spent the rest of the innings being iced and treated with pickle juice to ease cramps. Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma came on as substitute fielders at different points. At one point, even Tilak Varma was briefly off the field, but he soon returned after a hydration break.With the Sri Lanka game stretching way beyond its scheduled close due to the Super Over finish, India are left with an even shorter turnaround time before they take the field on Sunday. Morkel stressed on the need for the players to recover, and stay away from training on Saturday.”The key for the boys is to rest,” he said. “They’re in an ice bath already. The recovery started straight after the match. The best way to recover is sleep and stay off your feet. Hopefully they can get a good night’s sleep.”There will be individual pool sessions for the guys organised. Then some massages before they get mentally ready for the big battle on Sunday. It’s a quick turnaround, and playing smart is going to be the key. There will certainly be no training.”‘Arshdeep, Harshit are X-factors’Morkel also touched upon the challenges players like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana face when being called upon to deliver at a crucial stage in the competition. On Friday against Sri Lanka, the pair returned combined figures of 2 for 100 of eight overs in India’s defence of 202, before a nerveless Arshdeep delivered in the Super Over to seal victory.”In our environment we want to move away from an excuse culture,” he said. “The effort they put in at training, we expect them to go out there and deliver. Yes, sometimes lack of game time is a factor. You can bowl as many overs as you like in the nets, but nothing beats game time.”The quality of work we put in, we expect the guys to deliver. At the moment, things aren’t happening for them but the team is winning, they’re all X-factor players and real match winners.”

A Champions League club have made an approach for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, with the Frenchman’s time at Elland Road likely to come to an end sooner rather than later.

The Whites have done well back in the Premier League so far this season, steering clear of the relegation zone and more than holding their own.

New signings have settled in well and last season’s Championship players have largely handled the step up to the top flight impressively, but one figure who hasn’t featured at all is Meslier.

The 25-year-old was once a highly-rated young goalkeeper of whom big things were expected, with some even predicting that he would be Hugo Lloris’ long-term replacement for France, but he has become an error-prone figure at Elland Road, leading to him being dropped last season.

It feels like a case of when Meslier departs Leeds rather than if, with Daniel Farke making it clear he isn’t an important figure, and it now looks as though his exit may not be too far away.

Champions League club make approach for Leeds ace Meslier

According to an update from Voetbal Krant [via Sport Witness], Club Brugge have made an approach for Leeds ‘keeper Meslier, as well as rivals Anderlecht.

They are hoping to strike a deal in the January transfer window, even though it is “not an easy proposition”, but his time with the Whites is still thought to be “coming to an end”.

It feels right for all parties for Meslier’s time at Leeds to reach its conclusion, with his current situation not helping anyone, in terms of having an out-of-favour player not featuring at all at the club.

The £30,000-a-week stopper will surely want to be starting games regularly at this point in his career, and that won’t happen with the Whites, with Farke brutally honest about his shortcomings last season.

“It’s fair to say he had a poor game against Hull and his mistake for the second goal was decisive. There were a few games where he could have and should have done better. There were perhaps one or two strikes where you would expect a player of his calibre could save it when he is on the top of his game. I spoke with Illan about this and although he has had many clean sheets and many good saves he could show this with more consistency. It’s important to be honest and open.”

Leeds now lining up January approach for Carvalho, could be ideal for Farke

The Whites are looking to strengthen their squad this winter, amid concerns about a lack of attacking firepower.

ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025

At 25 years of age, time is still on Meslier’s side, and he is a naturally gifted goalkeeper, but once the errors started creeping in at a more regular rate at Leeds, it became clear that he had no future at the club.

Leeds man was once the 'best in the league', now Farke needs to sell him

There were no real surprises in the squad picked for the World Cup

Sruthi Ravindranath19-Aug-20253:52

Nayar: India went for Rawal’s solidarity over Shafali’s flamboyance

Fast bowler Renuka Singh and allrounder Amanjot Kaur have returned from injuries and have been named in India’s Women’s World Cup squad.Shafali Verma, who fell out of favour in the ODI set-up last year, continues to miss out on selection, while Tejal Hasnabis and Sayali Satghare, who were all part of the recent ODI series against England, have been left out of the 15-member squad.Amanjot has, however, been rested for the three-match ODI series against Australia leading up to the World Cup, with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur saying she was at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence “working on a few small niggles”. Renuka has been named in that squad for the series, which starts on September 14 in New Chandigarh. Satghare will also play the three ODIs against Australia and will be replaced by Amanjot for the World Cup.Amanjot, who has risen through the ranks to become one of the key allrounders for India, missed the last two ODIs against England last month due to a flare up of a back injury. Renuka, meanwhile, has been out of international cricket since December 2024 with a stress fracture.”Renuka has been a precious player for us,” chief selector Neetu David said. “She had niggles and been out of the game, but is available. Is our main player. This is a main event, great she’s part of the team.”ESPNcricinfo LtdDavid said Shafali, who recently played in the three one-dayers for India A against Australia A in Brisbane, is still part of India’s ODI plans in the future. “Shafali played the Australia A series. She’s in the system, it’s not like she’s not. We’ve got our eyes on her. Hope she plays a lot more and garners experience, it’ll help serve India in the 50-overs format.”Kranti Goud, who finished as the highest wicket-taker in the England ODIs, is among the pace bowlers in the squad alongside Renuka, Amanjot and Arundhati Reddy. Sneh Rana, who made an excellent comeback during the Sri Lanka tri-series, and Shree Charani are the two other specialist spinners in the squad, along with Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.”We have Renuka and Kranti [to bowl] in the power play,” Harmanpreet said. “Then have Shree Charani, Deepti and Radha to bowl in the slog overs, Sneh Rana in the middle overs. We didn’t want to make a lot of changes and wanted continuity.”Pratika Rawal, who took over Shafali’s spot in the format last year and has been impressive across her 14 ODIs so far, is expected to continue opening alongside Smriti Mandhana. Harleen Deol, who has shown consistency with the bat in recent times, is expected to continue at No. 3, with Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues to follow at No. 4 and 5 respectively.Yastika Bhatia, who last played an ODI in October 2024, is also in the squad and will serve as a back-up option for wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh. Though Satghare is not part of the World Cup squad, she is among the standbys alongside Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry and Minnu Mani. Bhatia made two fifties in the Australia A series, which Hasnabis, Mani and Rawat were also part of.Co-hosts India and Sri Lanka are set to begin the tournament on September 30. India have never won the ODI World Cup but have made the final twice, in 2005 and 2017.The selectors also picked up an India A squad that will play the warm-up match against South Africa on September 28. All six standbys for the main squad and Shafali are part of that team. India’s main team will play their warm-up against England on September 25.India squad for Australia ODIsHarmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Goud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, N Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Sneh RanaIndia’s World Cup squadHarmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Goud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, N Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Sneh RanaStandbys: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry (wk), Minnu Mani, Sayali SatghareIndia A squad for warm-up matchMinnu Mani (capt), Dhara Gujjar, Shafali Verma, Tejal Hasabnis, Vrinda Dinesh, Uma Chetry (wk), Nandini Kashyap (wk), Tanushree Sarkar, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Sayali Satghare, Saima Thakor, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Raghvi Bist

Manchester City are reportedly prepared to challenge European giants Real Madrid and Juventus for the signature of Elche wonderkid Rodrigo Mendoza. The Spain U21 international, who has a €20 million release clause, has attracted widespread interest following his eye-catching performances in La Liga, with Arsenal also reportedly in the picture.

Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Juventus target Rodrigo Mendoza

City are reportedly in a fierce battle with Real Madrid and Juventus to sign Elche's highly-rated midfielder Mendoza. The 20-year-old Spanish international, who has a €20 million release clause in his contract, has emerged as a top target for several European powerhouses.

According to Tuttosport, Manchester City have "been moving on" Mendoza, who has also been "followed by Real Madrid for a while." Juventus are also strongly interested in the youngster, challenging top clubs for his signature. A report from AS further adds Arsenal to the list of clubs monitoring the Elche talent.

Mendoza joined Elche's academy in 2019 and was promoted to their first team in 2022. He was part of the squad that secured promotion to the top flight. This season, he has already made 10 appearances for the La Liga side, including nine in the league where he has scored one goal, and one in the Copa del Rey where he also found the net, as per Transfermarkt. His rapid rise has not gone unnoticed by scouts across Europe.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportElche's efforts to retain Mendoza amid growing interest

Elche recognised Mendoza's burgeoning talent last summer when they reportedly turned down offers from Saudi Arabia for his services. In August, they moved to secure his long-term future by offering him an improved contract, extending his stay until 2028. This new deal, however, includes a €20 million release clause, which, while substantial, is considered "negotiable" and "certainly affordable" for clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Juventus.

Mendoza's performances have been particularly notable, including a goal in nine La Liga matches and another in the Copa del Rey this season. He also impressed at the U20 World Cup and recently contributed an assist for Spain U21s in their 7-0 victory over San Marino, further cementing his reputation as a rising star.

Despite Elche's efforts to tie him down, the mounting interest from Europe's elite clubs suggests that his future at the club beyond the current season is increasingly uncertain.

Mendoza's playing style and tactical fit for interested clubs

Tuttosport describes Mendoza as a player who "needs a physical and dynamic midfielder next to him to perform at his best." This tactical insight offers a glimpse into how the interested clubs might integrate him into their respective systems.

For Juventus, the report notes that the club has "plenty of them," referring to dynamic midfield options such as Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, and even Teun Koopmeiners, should he be deployed in midfield after his successful stint in defence. Observers have also compared Mendoza's skillset to that of Barcelona star Pedri, suggesting a highly technical and creative player.

Real Madrid, known for their penchant for signing young, talented midfielders, have been tracking Mendoza for some time. Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, are also known for developing technically gifted players who can thrive in possession-based systems. The €20 million release clause makes him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking a long-term investment in midfield.

The race for Mendoza's signature extends beyond just the three European giants. Tuttosport also revealed that clubs from the Saudi Pro League and the Red Bull group had shown interest, with the latter attempting to bring him to Paris FC. Como, under the tutelage of Cesc Fabregas, were also reportedly hoping to add Mendoza to their youth Spanish contingent.

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Rodrigo Mendoza?

Mendoza's immediate future remains with Elche, where he is under contract until 2028. However, the upcoming January transfer window and the summer market of 2026 will likely be crucial in determining his next career move. With a €20 million release clause and fierce competition from top European clubs, a move to a major European powerhouse seems increasingly probable.

For Elche, the challenge will be to either retain their prized asset against overwhelming interest or to maximise his transfer fee. For Mendoza, the decision will involve choosing a club that best suits his developmental needs and tactical preferences, allowing him to continue his ascent in European football. Juventus, Manchester City, and Real Madrid will undoubtedly be closely monitoring his performances in the coming months as they prepare their strategies for his signature.