The nominees for the 2024 Kopa Trophy have been announced, featuring Barcelona‘s Lamine Yamal and Manchester United‘s Kobbie Mainoo among the shortlisted talents.

The Kopa Trophy, previously awarded to rising stars like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, recognizes the best under-21 player who made a significant impact during the 2023/24 season. The award is determined by a vote from previous Ballon d’Or winners and will be presented at a ceremony in Paris on October 28.

Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are both on the shortlist after standout performances in the Premier League. Despite the Red Devils facing challenges throughout the season, Mainoo and Garnacho managed to shine, with Mainoo even earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal also secured a spot on the list, following his role in Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. The 17-year-old made history as the youngest player ever to score in the European Championships, achieving this milestone just days before his 17th birthday.

Other nominees include Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi, Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, Manchester City’s Savinho, PSG’s Joao Neves and Warren Zaire-Emery, and RB Salzburg’s Karim Konate.

Kopa Trophy 2024 Nominees:

• Warren Zaire-Emery
• Lamine Yamal
• Mathys Tel
• Savinho
• Joao Neves
• Kobbie Mainoo
• Karim Konate
• Arda Guler
• Alejandro Garnacho
• Pau Cubarsi

When is the Kopa Trophy Winner Announced?
The Kopa Trophy will be awarded on October 28 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.

Liverpool could face a significant challenge when Mohamed Salah eventually decides to leave Merseyside, according to fellow Reds forward Luis Diaz.

Salah, who has been instrumental since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017, is now in the final year of his contract, during which he has netted an impressive 214 goals across all competitions.

Despite being linked with clubs from the Saudi Pro League and Paris Saint-Germain, Salah has yet to secure a new contract with Liverpool, raising questions about his future.

His recent remarks following Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United further fueled speculation.

In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Salah hinted that the 2024-25 season could be his “last year” at Anfield, adding that no one at the club has discussed a contract extension with him and that his future remains uncertain.

Luis Diaz, who benefited from two of Salah’s assists at Old Trafford, expressed concern about the potential impact of Salah’s departure.

The Colombian winger shared his thoughts with Telemundo, saying, “It would be difficult for us, for Liverpool. Losing a key player like him would hurt us a lot.

He still has a year to decide, and it’s not an easy decision. He’s always given his best from the start. We respect his choice, but I hope he stays.”

Salah, who also scored in the match against Manchester United, has now tallied 10 goals in nine appearances at Old Trafford, making him the second player in Premier League history to score 10 or more goals at a single away venue, following Alan Shearer’s 10 goals at Elland Road.

In addition to his goals, Salah has either scored or assisted in 17 of Liverpool’s last 23 Premier League goals against Manchester United, cementing his status as the player with the most goal involvements against the Red Devils in the competition’s history.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro could potentially depart the club in the coming weeks, with Galatasaray emerging as a possible destination, following his poor performance against Liverpool on Sunday.

During United’s 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, Casemiro was largely responsible for the goals conceded, enduring a difficult first half that saw him make two costly errors leading to both of Luis Diaz’s opening goals. As a result, he was substituted at halftime and replaced by academy graduate Toby Collyer.

After a standout first season at United, Casemiro’s form has declined in his second campaign, with the match against Liverpool highlighting his recent struggles.

United had reportedly been open to selling the Brazilian midfielder during the summer transfer window, but no offers materialized, leading to the expectation that he would remain at Old Trafford for another season.

However, according to reports from TBR Football, there is still a possibility that Casemiro could leave the club, with Turkish giants Galatasaray showing interest in a potential loan deal.

TBR Football notes, “There is a chance Casemiro could move to Turkey in the coming weeks, and the player is aware of the situation, considering a transfer if the right option arises.”

While Fenerbahce, who recently signed Sofyan Amrabat from United, is no longer in the running for Casemiro, Galatasaray remains interested. Despite the transfer window closing in England, Turkey’s window remains open until mid-September, allowing for further negotiations.