Five Premier League players whose market value could soar in 2026/27
The 2026/27 Premier League season is well underway, with players across the division already making their marks as clubs look to achieve their ambitions for the campaign.
For some players, a strong start could prove crucial in attracting interest from clubs across the world, increasing their transfer value and establishing themselves as the league’s biggest stars.
With that in mind, Sports News Blitz writer Max Steel takes a look at five players whose market value could explode this season.
Erica Parkinson’s mindset coach Martin Fairn explains the importance of mental preparation in football
How much attention do we really pay to the mental side of football, particularly when it comes to young players?
It’s easy to focus on talent, technical ability and performances on the pitch, but what happens when a young player has to deal with the expectations that come with reaching the highest level, the pressure to constantly prove themselves and the scrutiny that comes with playing the game professionally?
These are some of the questions Sports News Blitz sub-editor Nicole Powell explored in a recent interview with Martin Fairn, co-founder and CEO of Gazing Red2Blue.
Women’s Club World Cup 2028: FIFA’s global ambitions face a test over player welfare
FIFA’s decision to stage the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in the United States in 2028 marks a significant milestone for women’s football - but concerns over fixture congestion threaten to overshadow the tournament well before it begins, writes Sports News Blitz’s Alice Rowhan.
Announced on Thursday, October 22, the 19-team tournament will run from January 5-30 in 2028, bringing together clubs from all six continental confederations for the first time of a global competition at this level.
Seven clubs have already qualified, including Arsenal, Club América Femenil, Barcelona, Gotham FC, Naegohyang from North Korea, Corinthians and Wuhan Jiangda.
The further 12 clubs are yet to be decided.
Premier League betting tips: Chelsea to win London derby vs Tottenham, Aston Villa to beat Man City, and more Matchweek 8 predictions
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this weekend’s Premier League TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher - including Sunday’s game between Manchester United and Bournemouth.
Premier League: Five talking points from Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal
Premier League champions Arsenal claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, October 18, to keep pace with Manchester City.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Monzer Hussain breaks down five talking points from the City Ground, where Mikel Arteta’s Gunners banked three vital points.
Premier League betting tips: Goalscoring affair in Everton vs Chelsea, Bukayo Saka to score first, and more Gameweek 7 predictions
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this weekend’s Premier League TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher - including the huge clash between Leeds United and Manchester United on Sunday, October 18.
Erling Haaland double not enough as Man City lose to PSG while Liverpool hit six vs LASK
Manchester City suffered their first defeat of the season after losing 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain, while Liverpool secured a thrilling 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK on Wednesday night.
Man City endured a disastrous first half at the Etihad Stadium, conceding three goals as PSG took control of the contest.
Desire Doue opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Ousmane Dembele doubled the visitors’ advantage two minutes later.
2026/27 EFL Away Fan Price Index: Championship fans paying 11% more than the Premier League away price cap, with QPR the worst offenders and Wrexham among the cheapest
Away fans in the Championship are paying an average of 11% more than the £30 Premier League away price cap per ticket when following their clubs on the road this season, as revealed by research from OLBG.
UEFA Nations League analysis: Five talking points from Czech Republic vs England
England got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Tuesday, September 29.
After the disappointing result against Spain, this was a game where England really needed to respond and get three points.
The match was not the most exciting for long periods, but England did what they needed to do.
A red card for the Czech Republic in the first half also had a big effect on how the rest of the game played out.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Elliot Desage looks at five talking points from England's win.
England Women: Sarina Wiegman leaves out Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly for Greece play-off
England Women manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece.
However, there are two notable omissions, with Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly both missing out.
Chelsea warned they cannot sustain season with Xabi Alonso's open defence
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has warned that Xabi Alonso’s side cannot sustain a full season playing the way they currently are defensively.
The Blues have looked vulnerable at the back under Alonso, with the former Real Madrid manager opting to use a back three since taking charge.
Leboeuf believes Chelsea’s defensive structure needs to change, particularly with Wesley Fofana struggling to look comfortable in the system.
EFL: Preston North End approach Bradford City for talks with Graham Alexander
Preston North End have made an approach to Bradford City seeking permission to hold talks with manager Graham Alexander, as confirmed by the Bantams.
The 54-year-old City manager enjoyed an eight-year spell at the Lancashire side, making over 350 appearances, and is recognised as a legend by fans at the Deepdale.
Preston are Sky Bet’s 10/11 favourites for relegation, and have been without a manager since parting ways with Paul Heckingbottom, who left the club in the Championship relegation zone, writes Sports News Blitz’s Charlie Gardner.
Premier League news: Could Brighton do a Leicester? Arsenal's defeat serves as a lesson
Arsenal’s first Premier League defeat of the season has served as a reminder that there is still plenty of work to do.
The Gunners suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, ending their perfect start to the campaign.
Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas and Chema Andres were all on target as Brighton produced an impressive performance.
Speaking to Mr Gamble, ex-Chelsea star and France World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf praised Brighton for their performance while warning Arsenal that other teams will punish them if they are not at their best.
Premier League betting tips: Manchester United’s chances of picking themselves up after a poor start to the season, and more Gameweek 5 predictions
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this weekend’s Premier League TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher - including the clash between Fulham and Manchester United on Sunday, September 20.
Carabao Cup: Brighton comeback sees heightened turmoil for Michael Carrick and Man Utd
Michael Carrick and Manchester United’s tumultuous start to the 2026-27 season continued after a moral-damaging 3-2 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday.
Sports News Blitz’s Marc Shaw assesses the turmoil going on at Old Trafford so far this season.
JJ Gabriel’s Manchester United exit request raises questions over youth development
Manchester United’s highly rated teenage prospect JJ Gabriel has asked to leave the club, sparking questions about his development and future at Old Trafford.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo writes about the ins and outs of JJ Gabriel’s Manchester United exit request, the questions surrounding his development and what the situation could mean for the club’s academy.
Premier League betting tips: Erling Haaland and Bruno Fernandes to score in Manchester Derby, Tottenham without a win, again, and more Gameweek 4 predictions
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this weekend’s Premier League TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher - including the big Manchester derby on Sunday, September 13.
Championship: Iain Dowie hails Southampton star Cyle Larin, saying ‘he’s a handful’
Former Southampton striker Iain Dowie says in-form Saints forward Cyle Larin reminds him of Jean-Philippe Mateta, claiming "he’s a handful, physically intimidating”.
France striker Mateta has been a key man in recent times for another of Dowie's former clubs, Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Canada international Larin has been named as the Championship's player of the month for August after scoring four league goals.
Are Manchester United's early season struggles signaling a crisis?
Manchester United's slow start has already sparked criticism from some of football's biggest pundits, but three games into the season, is the panic really justified?
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo takes a closer look at Manchester United’s start to the season and reflects on whether their early struggles really deserve the level of criticism they have received.
EFL: Asmir Begovic backs lowly Leicester City to ‘find their rhythm’ in League One
Asmir Begovic has backed his former club Leicester City to compete for League One promotion this season despite a miserable start to the new campaign.
The Foxes suffered back-to-back relegations and there doesn't appear light at the end of the tunnel as they languish 18th in League One with just five points from their opening five matches.
Russell Martin has come under immense scrutiny following their torrid start to the season, and many are calling for his head and doubting his credentials already so early on.