Category Uncategorized

The biggest and best football clubs from around the world are all trying to find the next superstar as they look to secure signings for the future.

Taking a gamble on a young, up-and-coming talent is often expensive, as the players below show. But which youngsters were signed for the largest sums? With the help of Transfermarkt data and news reports from the time, we’ve trawled through the archives to determine the most expensive under-21 signings.

For this list, players had to be aged 20 or less at the time of their transfer, with all fees used including potential add-ons.

The most expensive defenders of all time

Which defenders have been sold for the biggest transfer fees?

By
Brett Worthington

Jan 30, 2025

11

Anthony Martial

Monaco to Man Utd (£58m)

In joint-9th place is Anthony Martial after he joined Manchester United in September 2015 from French side AS Monaco.

At the time, the forward became the most expensive teenage footballer, as he joined the Red Devils when he was 19 years old. The Premier League side paid £36m for the forward, but the deal agreed could have risen to £58m with various add-ons included.

Martial played 317 times for United during his nine years at Old Trafford, and scored 90 goals despite struggling to be a consistent performer.

10

Christian Pulisic

Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea (£58m)

Christian Pulisic joined Chelsea after a £58m move from Borussia Dortmund in January 2019.

At the time, the USA international was 20 years old, and didn’t join up with the Premier League side straight away, as he spent the rest of the 2018/19 season on loan at Dortmund.

Pulisic spent four years at Stamford Bridge, during which he played over 140 games and was a part of the sides that won the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Todd Boehly's worst transfers at Chelsea… so far

There are plenty to choose from, but who has been Boehly’s biggest mistake at Stamford Bridge?

2

By
Stephan Georgiou

Aug 23, 2024

9

Romeo Lavia

Southampton to Chelsea (£58m)

Romeo Lavia also made a £58m move as a teenager when he joined Chelsea from Southampton in the summer of 2023.

The Blues have paid an initial £53m for the midfielder, but that could rise by a further £5m in add-ons. Lavia joined Chelsea at the age of 19, and the Premier League side have had to bide their time integrating him into the first team, as his first campaign was hit by injuries.

Ranking all 20 Premier League club’s best academy graduates

FFC talks you through every PL club’s most valuable academy graduate, from Marcus Rashford to Bukayo Saka.

By
Jamie Rooke

Nov 17, 2023

8

Leny Yoro

Lille to Man Utd (£58.9m)

Leny Yoro joined Manchester United during the 2024 summer transfer window, signing from Lille in a deal worth £58.9m – £6.73m of which comes in add-ons.

Yoro signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford in what was described as a coup for the Red Devils, as the French defender had looked set to join Real Madrid.

Unfortunately for Yoro, his United career got off to a slow start due to an injury he picked up in pre-season, but he is now starting to get to grips with his new team.

7

Joao Neves

Benfica to PSG (£60m)

Joao Neves also made a move in 2024, as he joined Paris Saint-Germain from Benfica in a deal worth £60m. The French champions have agreed to pay £50m upfront and then a further £10m in add-ons.

The Portugal international only moved into Benfica’s first team 18 months before his move to PSG, but at 19 years old, he has become one of the most expensive youngsters in football. Neves has become a key member of Luis Enrique’s team, and he has already won his first trophy for the French giants, picking up the French Super Cup at the start of the season.

6

Rasmus Hojlund

Atalanta to Man Utd (£72m)

Rasmus Hojlund is the third Man Utd player on this list, as the Red Devils gave £72m to Serie A side Atalanta to secure his signature. United agreed to pay an initial £64m with a further £8m coming in add-ons.

Hojlund joined United as a relative rookie at the top level, as the 20-year-old had not long established himself in the Atalanta first team. United obviously saw enough for them to bring him to Old Trafford, but it has been a frustrating time for the forward, as he’s yet to really find his groove in front of goal, scoring 23 goals in 71 games in all competitions at the time of writing.

Van Gaal flops, Ten Hag disasters: The 10 worst Man Utd players post-Fergie

Man United have had some dreadful players since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 24, 2025

5

Matthijs de Ligt

Ajax to Juventus (£76.5m)

Making the top five for the most expensive youngsters is defender Matthijs de Ligt, as he joined Juventus from Ajax in 2019 for a fee of £76.5m when he was just 19 years old.

The Netherlands international moved into the spotlight as he played an important role in helping Ajax reach the Champions League semi-final the previous season.

There were several teams chasing his signature, but Juventus won the battle. However, it was a signing that didn’t quite pan out well, as De Ligt was sold to Bayern Munich three years later. However, he will be pleased with his time in Turin, as he won Serie A, the Italian Cup, and the Super Cup.

4

João Félix

Benfica to Atlético Madrid (£113m)

João Félix was only 19 years old when he made the move from Benfica to Atlético Madrid in a deal worth a staggering £113m.

This deal for Atlético was a club-record fee and saw the Portugal international become one of the most expensive signings in football history. Unfortunately for Felix and the Spanish side, it was a move that didn’t really work out, as while the forward was very much a part of the team in his first few seasons, he struggled to make an impact in front of goal.

He then had loan spells at Chelsea and Barcelona, and now finds himself back at Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis. Fortunately, there will be a fond memory he can take away from his time at Atlético Madrid, as he helped them win La Liga in 2021.

3

Jude Bellingham

Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid (£115m)

Jude Bellingham is arguably the most high-profile player in football right now, and his move to Real Madrid played a big part in that. The midfielder joined the Spanish giants from Borussia Dortmund in June 2023 in a deal worth £115m, with Madrid paying an initial £88.5m, with the transfer reaching £115m with add-ons.

Bellingham has taken to life in Spain very well and has already filled up his trophy cabinet, as the Englishman won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League in his first season.

The 21-year-old was also named Player of the Season in Spain last year, and his move to Madrid has not only improved his domestic career but has put him on the international stage, as he’s become a key player for England.

2

Ousmane Dembélé

Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona (£135.5m)

Coming in at second place for the most expensive youngster is Ousmane Dembélé, who joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth a potential £135.5m back in 2017.

The winger cost the Spanish giants an initial £96.8m, with the fee rising to £135.5m including add-ons. At the time, Dembélé became the second-most expensive signing in football, behind Neymar’s £200m move to PSG. The Frenchman spent six years at Camp Nou, playing 185 games, and was able to win three La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups and two Spanish Super Cups.

Since the move to Barcelona, Dembélé has since moved to PSG, where he will be looking to add the Champions League to his trophy cabinet.

دخل نادي آرسنال الإنجليزي في منافسة مع 5 أندية، على صفقة هجومية من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وفقًا لتقارير صحفية.

ويأتي ذلك بحسب رغبة المدير الفني لآرسنال، ميكيل أرتيتا، وفقًا لتقرير من صحيفتي “ذا صن”، و”مترو” البريطانية.

ويحتل آرسنال المركز الثاني في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث حسم ليفربول اللقب هذا الموسم بقيادة آرني سلوت.

ويشير التقرير إلى أن آرسنال يريد التعاقد مع كريستوفر نكونكو لاعب تشيلسي البالغ من العمر 27 عامًا.

ولم يكن نكونكو على مستوى التوقعات، بعد أن كلفت الصفقة تشيلسي ما يصل إلى 52 مليون جنيه إسترليني.

اقرأ أيضًا | ليفربول يقترب من الاتفاق على صفقة جديدة في انتقالات الصيف

اللاعب الفرنسي شارك في 14 مباراة بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز خلال موسمه الأول مع تشيلسي، وبالموسم الحالي خاض 27 مباراة بالبريميرليج، وسجل 3 أهداف وساهم بتمريرتين حاسمتين.

تشيلسي فكر في بيع نكونكو خلال انتقالات الشتاء في يناير الماضي، والنادي منفتح على الاستماع للعروض هذا الصيف.

ويذكر التقرير أن كل من ليفربول ووست هام ومانشستر يونايتد مهتمين بضم نكونكو، ومن خارج الدوري الإنجليزي، يحرص أتلتيكو مدريد وباريس سان جيرمان على التفاوض لضمه.

وكان مانشستر يونايتد مهتم بضم نكونكو في سوق الانتقالات الشتوي، حيث أن روبن أموريم مدرب الفريق معجب بقدرات اللاعب الفرنسي.

وتفيد الصحفية بأن ليفربول يرى في نكونكو خيارًا مناسبًا لتعزيز هجوم الفريق تحت قيادة سلوت.

This season has been a pretty rough one for Tottenham Hotspur and their fans so far.

The positive way to look at it is that Ange Postecoglou’s side are still in three cup competitions, but in the Premier League, they have lost more games than they’ve won and sit nearer the relegation zone than the Champions League places, which is an unmitigated disaster.

However, to their credit, the club clearly back the manager for the long term, and with the right recruitment to develop alongside the likes of Archie Gray, Mikey Moore and Lucas Bergvall, he could build something special that turns this year into nothing more than a blip.

That appears to be the mindset of Daniel Levy and Co, as recent reports have linked the club with an incredibly exciting young striker who’s been compared to Harry Kane and is available for less than Dele Alli cost back in 2015.

Tottenham chase promising poacher

According to a recent report from Tottenham News, the North Londoners are incredibly keen on St Patrick’s Athletic striker Mason Melia.

The North Londoners saw a £1m bid turned down earlier this season but continued to scour the youngster and, according to the report, remain incredibly keen on signing him.

However, to do that, they’ll have to double their original offer, with the story revealing that the Irish club value their exciting prospect at £2m, which may be a lot of money but is considerably less than £5m Dele cost the Lilywhites back in 2015.

It might cost them more than they would like, but with how well he’s played this season and the potential he possesses, Spurs should pay the money for Melia, especially as he’s already won the unavoidable comparisons to Kane.

Why Spurs should sign Melia

Okay, so the first thing to say is that the comparison to Kane comes courtesy of talent scout Jacek Kulig, who referred to Melia as the “Irish Harry Kane” last April, and while that was undoubtedly said tongue in cheek, there is a reason he said it.

For example, despite being 16 years old for most of last season, the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by former manager Jon Daly, managed to rack up a haul of seven goals and two assists in 35 mostly substitute appearances, which totalled 178 minutes.

That means he averaged a goal involvement once every 193.11 minutes as a teenager playing among senior players, which is really quite impressive.

This season, he’s made six appearances in the Europa Conference League qualifiers and even played two legs against Turkish side Basaksehir, who won the Süper Lig just five years ago.

On top of that, he’s also now played three games for the Irish U-19s, totalling 112 minutes, in which he’s already scored a goal to go along with the ten goals and three assists he picked up in 22 games for the U-17s.

U19

3

1

0

U17

22

10

3

U16

6

2

1

U15

1

0

0

Ultimately, there is undoubtedly an element of risk in signing such a young player from a league so far down in the UEFA rankings, but there is a considerable amount of hype around Melia, and for the price being reported, it may just be worth a gamble for Spurs, especially as he’s already been compared to the sensational Kane.

Everton’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, want to make two priority signings for head coach Sean Dyche in January, according to a new report.

Everton latest news

Everton’s four-game undefeated run in the Premier League came to an end last week as they were beaten 2-0 by high-flying Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park.

Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White were on the scoresheet for Forest on the day, with defeat seeing the Toffees slip to 16th in the table, one place below Crystal Palace, who beat Southampton on the same day.

Perhaps more worrying than the defeat itself, however, was Everton’s failure to find the net once again. Dyche’s side have now failed to score in 10 of their 18 Premier League games this season, and have managed to score just 15 goals in total. Only bottom club Southampton have scored less.

TFG must axe 4/10 Everton flop who’s earning over 2x more than Branthwaite

He needs to be out the door in 2025 as Everton begin an exciting transition.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 31, 2024

Speaking after the game, Dyche urged his current crop of forwards, which includes Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja, to be more like Wood.

“Chris Wood, who I have worked with before, was excellent. He didn’t get many touches of the ball but his work ethic, his belief, his consistency, his physicality – and then he gets his reward with a goal,” said Dyche. “That can often be the difference. I’ve spoken to our centre-forwards about it because I want them to learn and continue to learn about what it is.”

Everton January transfer plans

Unsurprisingly, getting a new forward is a priority for Everton in January. According to Sky Sports, Everton’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, want to make some signings this month to boost the club’s survival campaign, and a new forward and midfielder are the priority positions.

Sky claim that the Toffees are also looking at signing a new left-back, but that “two incomings is the most likely outcome at this stage”. Among those being linked with a move to Merseyside are Borussia Monchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst, Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech and Lyon and Georgia forward Georges Mikautadze.

Mikautadze finished as the joint top scorer at Euro 2024, scoring three goals as Georgia enjoyed an impressive run to the last-16 in what was their first-ever appearance at the tournament as an independent nation. Meanwhile, for Lyon, he’s scored seven goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this term.

According to Foot Mercato, Mikautadze’s form has attracted attention from a number of European clubs, including Galatasaray, Bayer Leverkusen, and Everton – the latter two of whom have seemingly made contact and an opening move by taking “the player’s temperature”.

Mikautadze has previously been described as “a phenomenon” by his former manager Emilio Ferrera. Speaking to Sporza, per Goal, Ferrera said of him: “He can score in all possible ways: in a moment, after a dribble, with a long shot, with the left, with the right… just not with his head.”

Setting their sights on the future, Leeds United are now reportedly set to beat rivals Manchester United to the arrival of a young gem who has already impressed at Thorp Arch.

Leeds transfer news

With the January transfer window right around the corner, those at Elland Road have reason for cautious optimism on the promotion front given that they sit just three points adrift of Championship leaders Sheffield United. That said, Daniel Farke will no doubt hope to see his side get back to winning ways against Oxford United next weekend after being forced to rescue a late point against Preston North End last time out.

It was another game in which Illan Meslier struggled in the spotlight, fumbling Brad Potts’ opening goal into the back of the net in another moment to forget for the Leeds shot-stopper. With every mistake, the question marks continue to grow over whether he is the man for the job at Elland Road – question marks that look destined to end in a damning answer.

The Yorkshire club are seemingly already thinking about the future of their goalkeeping department too. According to The Sun, relayed by MOT Leeds, Leeds are now set to sign Robbie Cook ahead of Manchester United after the young goalkeeper impressed on trial at Thorp Arch.

Whilst the Red Devils failed to move ahead in talks to sign the young goalkeeper, Leeds are reportedly ready to welcome Cook with open arms in the hope that he’s ready to one day become Farke’s undisputed number one.

Tottenham eyeing Archie Gray repeat to sign "crucial" Leeds United star

Another potential blow…

1 ByTom Cunningham Dec 15, 2024

Still just 17 years old, the Perth Glory gem is likely to make an impact in Leeds’ youth sides, before eventually breaking into the senior side as a player ready to compete for a place with Meslier.

Cook can eventually end Leeds' Meslier problem

If Leeds achieve promotion in the current campaign, then they must think about replacing Meslier. The 24-year-old was guilty of throwing points away against Sunderland earlier this season and was once again among those at fault for Preston’s opening goal this weekend. It is the type of unreliability that ends in Premier League relegation in what would be a nightmare scenario for the Whites should they go up this season.

If Leeds remain patient, however, then Cook could end their Meslier woes for years to come. At 17 years old, the goalkeeper’s best years are yet to come, which could see Leeds’ reported early swoop become an act of genius when he is ready for a starting role in the coming years.

Cook’s rise could undoubtedly spark plenty of regret at Manchester United, who reportedly failed to push ahead and secure his signature. Those at Elland Road, meanwhile, could reap the ultimate rewards if he reaches an ever-increasing potential whilst swapping Perth for Leeds, making him one to watch over the coming years.

Alisha Lehmann brings "nothing but vibes" to Baller League UK, with the competition’s first all-female coaching team boasting a "winning mentality".

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Lehmann splitting time between Italy & England
• Jama now dating Man City defender Dias
• Feeling confident ahead of quest for glory

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Juventus star Lehmann and Love Island host Jama – who appears to be dating Manchester City defender Ruben Dias – have formed a historic pairing ahead of the first hosting of Baller fixtures in the United Kingdom.

Advertisement

• THE GOSSIP

  Switzerland international Lehmann been involved with the six-a-side tournament before, during its inaugural staging in Germany, and walked away with the ultimate prize at the end of that event. The intention is to replicate that success on British soil.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Lehmann, who moved to Italy alongside Brazilian boyfriend Douglas Luiz in the summer of 2024, knows all about life in England from her time in the Women's Super League with West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa. Jama is now building her football knowledge after linking up with Portuguese centre-half Dias.

• TELL ME MORE

  Jama and Lehmann have pieced together their squad, with MVPs United raring to go, and two glamorous coaches are being backed to bring “nothing but vibes, energy & winning mentality” after getting the party started on draft night.

Pep Guardiola has revealed what he said to referee Simon Hooper when he angrily confronted the officials after Manchester City's draw with Brighton.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man City draw 2-2 with Brighton
• Guardiola fumes over Doku incident
• Says his leg could have been broken

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City manager Guardiola was livid after Hooper booked winger Jeremy Doku for simulation following a challenge from Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke. The ex-Barcelona boss stressed that if the Belgian had not jumped, he might have broken his leg.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

  He said after the game: "If he doesn't jump, he can break his leg. To go on the grass is a tackle and he jumps so there is no contact. Jeremy is not a diving player. They should know it but it is what it is. We didn't win or lose for those decisions. I said to the referee that if he doesn't jump he can be kicked hard. He jumped to protect himself but it doesn't matter, don't ask me about that."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City went on to draw the game 2-2 at the Etihad on Saturday, with Guardiola's men fifth in the Premier League and fighting to qualify for next season's Champions League. Guardiola admitted his side are feeling the pressure.

  He added: "Nine games left and nine finals. It is what it is. I think it will go right to the end. I am always confident. In some moments I have doubts, but I always try to find the right way. You can feel the pressure in the stadium. We have to play better and the fans want it so bad. Everyone feels it."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  After the international break, City travel to Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on March 30.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is personally eyeing a La Liga club’s “superior” star player, who is currently regarded as their saving grace amid the side’s lacklustre start to the campaign.

Tottenham target new winger amid Timo Werner uncertainty

Right now, it is currently undecided whether Spurs will take up the £8.5 million option to buy RB Leipzig loanee Timo Werner permanently at the end of this season – leading to reports that the Lilywhites are targeting long-term potential replacements for the German.

Related £80m Tottenham star set to leave as Levy eyes "very ambitious" replacement

Ange Postecoglou’s could be severely weakened in 2025.

Posts 3 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 30, 2024

Werner has got a goal and two assists to his name in all competitions this season, with the 28-year-old getting on a Spurs scoresheet for the first time since March during their 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

The former Chelsea star has been criticised for his wasteful finishing in front of goal, which has become a recurring theme, with Werner failing to repeat his prolific 34-goal haul in all competitions for Leipzig back in 2019/20.

“I mean, Timo Werner. Timo Werner whatever he did in Germany, he has been unable to do in two spells in England,” said ESPN pundit Craig Burley after his gaping missed chances against Manchester United earlier this season.

“His end product was once again atrocious, and that adds to the pressure that goes on a team defensively when you are just not finishing teams off. It wasn’t just Timo Werner, but if he starts the next game after the international break, I will be very surprised.

“A young 17-year-old in [Mikey] Moore is probably going to come in his place. Brennan Johnson has come through a tough time when people were talking about his end product. He gets six goals in six.”

Tottenham’s next five Premier League games

Date

Tottenham vs Fulham

December 1

Bournemouth vs Tottenham

December 5

Tottenham vs Chelsea

December 8

Southampton vs Tottenham

December 15

Tottenham vs Liverpool

December 22

Tottenham have refused to rule out the possibility of keeping Werner beyond this campaign, but it is believed the likes of Denmark winger Andreas Skov Olsen of Club Brugge are being monitored as possible long-term stand-ins (GiveMeSport).

Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo, a player dubbed the “Japanese Messi”, is also a target for the north Londoners as they weigh up replacements for Werner should they decide not to activate his buy-out clause.

Postecoglou eyeing Real Valladolid star Raul Moro for Tottenham

According to GiveMeSport, another winger in Tottenham’s thinking is Real Valladolid sensation Raul Moro.

The Spain Under-21 international, who can play on either flank, has bagged three goals and an assist for Valladolid in all competitions – with members of the Spanish media branding Moro their “superior” star player in a relegation-threatened team at the foot of the table.

Now, GMS writes that Moro is on Postecoglou’s personal radar at Tottenham, with the club sending scouts on missions to assess the 21-year-old ahead of a potential move this winter.

The forward would also cost around the £9 million mark, which makes this a very doable mid-season transfer financially.

Arsenal are preparing to move for an England international player in the January transfer window, with talks already held ahead of a potential winter swoop.

Arsenal eye new midfielder amid Thomas Partey and Jorginho uncertainty

Mikel Arteta faces the very real prospect of losing both Thomas Partey and Jorginho at the end of this Premier League season.

Related Arsenal leapfrog Man City in race for £60m star as they ready January bid

He could help to replace two players in the long term.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 27, 2024

Both midfielders are out of contract in the summer and could depart for pastures new on Bosman deals. Turkish Süper Lig side Besiktas are already tempting Jorginho with a move away, according to some reports, while it is rumoured that clubs in Saudi are eyeing a summer move for Partey.

The latter, after a difficult 2023/2024 campaign blighted by injuries and lack of first-team chances, has become a mainstay in Arsenal’s midfield once again – starting 11 out of a possible 12 Premier League games so far this season.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

West Ham United (away)

November 30

Man United (home)

December 4

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Previous injuries to the likes of Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard handed Partey an opportunity to stake his claim for a consistent place in the starting line-up, with the experienced Jorginho also proving his worth as a rotational player.

There have been some rumours that Arsenal are prepared to offer Partey a contract extension, which would keep him at the club until 2027 (The Boot Room), but this is yet to gain traction among national media outlets.

As things stand, the Ghana international and Jorginho are edging towards the exit door, prompting links to some top-class new midfield options.

CaughtOffside reported earlier this week that Arsenal are ready to bid £50 million for Martin Zubimendi in January, and now that same outlet has shared some news on Arteta’s pursuit of Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton.

Arsenal preparing January move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton

CS write that Arsenal are prepared to make a move for Wharton in January, and hope to sign the England international for around £46 million, but Palace value him closer to £54 million.

Talks have already been held over the 20-year-old, who has been enjoying a fantastic 2024 since his move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers earlier this year.

Wharton’s form was rewarded with a call-up by Gareth Southgate to England’s squad for Euro 2024, with the defensive midfielder carrying that momentum into this campaign with eight Premier League starts under Oliver Glasner so far this term.

He is widely regarded as one of the country’s most exciting up-and-coming talents, with teammate Eberechi Eze lauding Wharton’s potential and maturity for such a young player.

“He’s an incredible player to play with,” said Eze (via BBC).

“Playing with him at Palace, I’ve got used to seeing the way he plays and understanding him. He’s very calm, composed, and a joy to play with.

“For someone so young, he’s very mature and very wise. When you speak to him, it feels like you’re speaking to someone older than you, that’s the type of person he is. He’s an incredible player.”

Other officials in the group deemed close contacts; second and third ODIs will go ahead as planned with new match officials

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Dec-2021The first ODI between USA and Ireland, scheduled for December 26, has been cancelled following a positive Covid-19 test among the crew of match officials. Though only one official has been infected, the other three in the group have been deemed “close contacts” of the positive case, and have been rendered unavailable.However, the second and third matches of the series are expected to take place, with USA Cricket saying that replacement officials would be arranged in time for the second game, slated for Tuesday, December 28. The second and third ODIs – the last one is set for December 30 (all matches are in Lauderhill) – “will go ahead as planned, with an alternative match official group if required”.USA Cricket said that all ticket-holders for the first ODI “may re-use their tickets for any additional match in the series” or, if the ticket-holders can’t attend another match, the “full fee will be refunded within 7 working days”.USA and Ireland had earlier competed in a T20I series, also in Lauderhill, which ended 1-1. USA won the first game, a historic occasion for them as it was their first victory over a Test-playing nation as well as an ICC Full Member. Ireland, however, hit back in the second game to square the series and head into the ODI series on a positive note.The series has had its share of Covid-19 scares already. On December 17, four Ireland players and a member of their support staff tested positive ahead of the series. Not long after, on December 21, four Covid-19 cases were reported in the USA camp as well.