كشف أسامة حسني، مذيع قناة النادي الأهلي، حقيقة تأجيل مباراة الأهلي وإيجل نوار البوروندي بعد هطول أمطار غزيرة على ملعب اللقاء، قبل انطلاق المواجهة.
الأهلي يلاقي إيجل نوار، على ملعب الأخير في بوروندي، ضمن مواجهة الذهاب لدور الـ 32 من منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
طالع | تشكيل الأهلي أمام إيجل نوار في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.. توروب يدفع بـ القوة الضاربة
وشهدت ملعب اللقاء في مدينة بوجمبورا البوروندي، أمطار عزيزة ورياح قوية، قبل انطلاق المباراة.
وقال حسني خلال تصريحات عبر قناة الأهلي بعد التواصل مع مراسل القناة في بوروندي: “المباراة في موعدها ولا يوجد قرار بتأجيلها حتي الآن”.
وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 4 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، تذاع عبر قناة أون سبورت 1.
الأهلي يخوض مباراة إيجل نوار البوروندي، تحت قيادة فنية جديدة، للمدرب الدنماركي ييس توروب، بعد توليه المهة بشكل رسمي خلفًا للإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو، فترة مؤقته لـ عماد النحاس.
ومن المقرر، أن يستضيف النادي الأهلي، نظيره إيجل نوار، في مباراة الإياب لدور الـ 32 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا، يوم السبت المقبل 25 أكتوبر، على ملعب استاد القاهرة.
Os maus resultados recentes são os motivos do fantasma da demissão rondar Luxa no Corinthians. Ainda assim, mesmo se a situação ficar insustentável e o treinador for dispensado nos próximos dias, o trabalho dele não será considerado em vão. A diretoria do clube alvinegro vê a aposta em alguns garotos como algo muito importante feito pelo técnico.
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Há quem acredite que nenhum outro técnico conseguisse trabalhar tão bem a entrada de revelações como Luxemburgo. O principal exemplo foi a entrada do volante Gabriel Moscardo. Com dificuldades em firmar um atleta na posição, o comandante corintiano ficou encantado com o que viu do camisa 44 nos treinos antes do jogo contra o Liverpool, do Uruguai, pela Libertadores, e também nos minutos em que colocou o atleta em campo pela competição continental. Isso foi o suficiente para credenciá-lo como titular nos jogos seguintes, já com o time principal – entre eles em um confronto de quarta de final da Copa do Brasil, contra o América-MG.
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Outra herança do treinador no Timão é o meia Ruan Oliveira, que era descartado e também se tornou titular nas mãos do ‘pofexô’. Após três anos sem jogar por conta de três cirurgias no joelho, o jogador foi decisivo em partidas em que nem imaginava entrar, com o contrato faltando 15 dias para o encerramento, ganhou uma sobrevida no clube até o fim do ano e deve ser adquirido de forma definitiva, graças a Vanderlei.
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Outros nomes como o zagueiro Murillo e os atacantes Biro e Wesley ganharam muito mais espaços com o técnico corintiano e, no entendimento da direção, tiveram uma evolução que não seria tão grande se continuassem no ritmo que estavam. De atletas de composição de elenco, eles passaram a ser peças importantes para o grupo.
Esse trabalho com os atletas mais jovens, no entanto, não será o suficiente para evitar uma possível demissão de Luxa no Corinthians em caso de novos placares negativos, principalmente nos próximos dois compromissos, contra o Atlético-MG, pelo Brasileirão, e América-MG, pela Copa do Brasil.
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Nem mesmo amostras de evolução do time em campo serão capazes de manter o técnico no Timão. A um ponto da zona do rebaixamento, existe internamente um temor muito grande da equipe entrar no Z4, algo que só não aconteceu em três das últimas quatro rodadas por conta de derrotas de outros times.
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Esse medo está ligado ao momento de intensa pressão vivido pelo clube, com protestos nas arquibancadas e até mesmo episódios com violência, como a recepção do ônibus que levava o elenco corintiano a Santos, há três semanas, e a agressão contra o jogador Luan em um motel, em São Paulo, na última terça-feira (4). O pensamento é que, em meio a esses episódios, se o time entrar no pelotão dos quatro piores será muito difícil de tirar. Essa ideia também é influenciada pela temporada de 2007, quando a equipe foi rebaixada à segunda divisão.
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O prazo limite para Luxemburgo alcançar resultados e evitar a demissão no Corinthians é o dia 15 de julho, quando o Timão enfrentará o América-MG, pelo jogo de volta das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil. A competição é vista de suma importância pela direção corintiana por dois motivos: é considerada a grande chance de conquistar um título neste ano e também é capaz de recuperar a projeção financeira do clube na temporada, já que as metas no Paulistão (chegar à semifinal) e na Libertadores (alcançar às oitavas de final) não foram atingidas. No torneio nacional, no entanto, o clube alvinegro já superou a expectativa, que era ir até as oitavas de final. E, caso avance à semi, conseguirá repor financeiramente o desfalque com as campanhas frustradas nas competições estadual e continental.
No entanto, existe a chance de Vanderlei nem chegar ao jogo contra o Coelho, em São Paulo, já que a possibilidade de desligamento em caso de derrota para o Galo neste fim de semana é considerada real, principalmente se o time entrar na zona do rebaixamento. Um revés para a equipe atleticana fora de casa é considerado dentro do normal para a diretoria corintiana, mas o histórico de derrotas pode influenciar – são nove em 17 jogos, com um aproveitamento de 31,3%. E, nesse caso, até mesmo uma atuação considerada boa pode não ser o suficiente para sustentar o emprego de Luxemburgo, diferentemente do que aconteceu contra o América-MG, nesta quarta-feira (5), quando o Timão perdeu jogando bem e isso manteve o profissional no cargo.
تحدث كبير كتاب كرة القدم في شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية عن مستوى نجم فريق ليفربول، محمد صلاح، رفقة كتيبة آرني سلوت في الموسم الحالي، 2025/26.
ويعيش ليفربول فترة صعبة بعدما تعرض الفريق لثلاث هزائم متتالية، بواقع اثنتين في الدوري الإنجليزي أمام كريستال بالاس وتشيلسي، وواحدة في دوري أبطال أوروبا ضد جالطة سراي.
ويتعرض محمد صلاح للكثير من الانتقادات في الفترة الحالية، كونه لم يقدم الأداء المتوقع منه، منذ بداية الموسم في أغسطس الماضي وحتى الآن.
وسُئل كبير كتاب كرة القدم في شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية، فيل ماكنولتي، عن محمد صلاح ومستواه الحالي وما إذا كان لاعباً لا يُستغنى عنه.
ورد: “لقد شاهدت جميع مباريات ليفربول هذا الموسم، باستثناء مباراة كأس كاراباو ضد ساوثهامبتون، وعلى الرغم من جميع الانتصارات التي حققوها في البداية، لم يبدو الفريق مرضيًا منذ اليوم الأول”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ديلي ميل: خصوم ليفربول فقدوا خشيتهم لـ محمد صلاح.. و”عناد” سلوت قد يضاعف مشكلته
وأضاف: “أعتقد أن ضم هذا العدد الكبير من اللاعبين يعني أن الأمر يستغرق وقتًا من أجل التأقلم، مهما كانت جودتهم، لكن التوازن لا يبدو مناسبًا مع تواجد فلوريان فيرتز خلف المهاجمين”.
وواصل: “بدا ليفربول أكثر عرضة للخطر، كما لم يساعده أداء إبراهيما كوناتي الضعيف ووجود ظهيرين جديدين ذوي نزعة هجومية قوية، وهما جيريمي فريمبونج وميلوس كيركيز”.
واسترسل: “هل محمد صلاح لا يُستغنى عنه؟ حسنًا، قليل من اللاعبين لا يمكن الاستغناء عنهم في مرحلة ما من مسيرتهم المهنية، ولا شك أنه لم يكن على طبيعته هذا الموسم، لا تنسوا أيضًا أنه في الثالثة والثلاثين من عمره، ولكن نادرًا ما يتراجع مستوى اللاعبين العالميين فجأة، كما أنني لن أعرض فكرة إنه سيقدم مساهمة كبيرة لـ ليفربول مرة أخرى هذا الموسم”.
واسترسل: “هل سيقرر سلوت إخراجه من التشكيل أحيانًا؟ نعم، أتصور ذلك، كما فعل أمام جالطة سراي الأسبوع الماضي”.
وفيما إذا كانت صفقة فلوريان فيرتز فاشلة، قال: “من المبكر للغاية الحكم على ذلك، أدائه مخيب للآمال حتى الآن، لا شك في ذلك، لكنه يلعب في فريق يمر بمرحلة انتقالية مكلفة للغاية ولم يكن في أفضل حالاته على الإطلاق، على الرغم من تصدره الدوري الإنجليزي في الأسابيع الأولى”.
واختتم: “هو يعتاد على لاعبي ليفربول وهم يعتادون عليه، من الخطأ دائمًا إصدار أحكام متسرعة كهذه، وأعتقد أن فيرتز – سواءً كان مقابل 116 مليون جنيه إسترليني أم لا – يستحق وقتًا أطول بكثير قبل إصدار أي حكم، وخاصة الحكم بأنه فاشل، لا يزال الوقت مبكرًا جدًا”.
Aymeric Laporte has lifted the lid on his difficult exit from Al-Nassr, revealing the Saudi club's financial demands almost scuppered his dream return to Athletic Club. The Spain international admitted he felt "in the middle of nowhere" during protracted negotiations but insisted that coming back to Bilbao was always his primary objective.
Laporte blames Al-Nassr for 'complicated' transfer delay
Laporte has revealed the full extent of his transfer saga with Al-Nassr, blaming the Saudi club for delaying his return to Athletic Club. Speaking to the media for the first time since re-joining the Basque side, the defender explained that Al-Nassr's focus on financial gain almost blocked the move, despite him making his intentions clear from the start. "When we started talking with Al-Nassr, I expressed my intention to return to Athletic Club; that was my only objective," Laporte stated, admitting there were moments he doubted the transfer would happen. "I found myself in the middle of nowhere. When you don't want to negotiate, you can't do anything. It's complicated, but by talking things through, we were able to resolve the issue."
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Returning to Athletic was not a question of money'
The Spain international confirmed that Al-Nassr received more lucrative offers from other "important clubs willing to pay large sums," which caused the hesitation from the Saudi Pro League side. However, Laporte was adamant that his heart was set on a return to San Mames and made a significant financial sacrifice to make it happen. "Returning to Athletic was a decision and it wasn't a question of money," he insisted. "For more or less, I was going to come back." Laporte described his return as an emotional experience, saying he got "goosebumps" hearing the club anthem again and rediscovered the "scent of my childhood" at the Lezama training ground.
Laporte declares himself physically fit after FIFA's U-turn secured the move
The defender's return was almost scuppered entirely by an administrative error after the move collapsed following the September 1 deadline. Al-Nassr failed to submit the necessary documentation in time, forcing Athletic to appeal to FIFA. While world football's governing body was initially expected to block the transfer, it granted the club's request, authorising the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to obtain the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and finally pave the way for Laporte to sign a three-year contract at San Mames.
Despite not having played a competitive match since April, Laporte is confident in his physical condition and is eager to make his second debut for the club. "I feel very good physically," he said. "I've continued training on my own and have gotten in shape as much as I can."
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Laporte targets Spain recall and World Cup spot
A key motivation behind the move was to boost his chances of returning to the Spanish national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Laporte confirmed he has been in regular contact with La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente throughout the transfer process.
"He was informed of everything that's been happening and has always reassured me," Laporte said. "Returning here is also an important decision for me in terms of being fit at the end of the season and being able to play in the World Cup."
Interim head coach says it’s up to the new faces to find the right tempo for 50-over cricket
Cameron Ponsonby01-Nov-2024Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick has defended his young ODI squad after their crushing eight-wicket defeat to the West Indies, saying the result is not reflective of English white-ball cricket.England’s loss to the West Indies was a twelfth ODI defeat in 18 matches since the start of the 2023 World Cup and gave a brutal reality check to a new-look eleven that included four debutants.On a tacky surface, England were bowled out for 209, before putting on an encouraging, but ultimately fruitless display with the ball as Windies opener Evin Lewis let loose for 94 off 69 balls.”I think it’s certainly not where England cricket is at,” Trescothick said after the game. “Because for a long period of time now you’ve not had our main team in white-ball games. You don’t really know where white-ball cricket is.”I think with the system that we’ve had and the volume of cricket that we’ve been trying to play and still look after the players, I think you could put a team together tomorrow for a World Cup, and it would probably look different to what you had this series and some of the series that we played against Australia.”So I don’t think you can judge it to say, look where white-ball cricket is at the moment. It’s been a tough period of time, there’s no doubt about it, but that’s been challenges from numerous different things.”The current series is missing several players due to the tour being sandwiched by England’s Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. But the squad picked for the Australia series was close to full strength, with Joe Root and Gus Atkinson rested but other absences such as Jos Buttler and Mark Wood missing through injury. The same could be said of the previous group to tour the Caribbean last year, when the squad picked was meant to signal a new age, while the World Cup squad was certainly first string. All this alongside uncertainty over Ben Stokes’ white-ball future.The nature of the defeat has called into question England’s absolute policy on prioritising youth, with Jordan Cox, in just his fifth List A match, walking out on debut for England at No.3, with the 21-year-old Jacob Bethell at No.4. Of the top six, only Phil Salt and Will Jacks had batted in those positions for England more than once in their careersJohn Turner, Jordan Cox, Dan Mousley and Jamie Overton made their ODI debuts in Antigua•Getty Images”It’s probably a better question for the selectors more than anything else. It’s not my decision who comes in,” Trescothick said.”But I think you can see from the plan of the England team in the last year, probably, and maybe a little bit further back, how much we want to invest in the next generation.”Playing people who have played before would probably be going against the mantra of what we’re trying to do at the moment.”England’s innings saw five of the top six caught in the 30-yard-circle, as the balance between defence and attack eluded them to be bowled out in 45.1 overs.”We’ve got to try and bat 50 overs first and foremost,” said Trescothick. “The real skill in white-ball cricket in particular is the tempo and the balance between aggression and batting for long periods of time.”We will always be a team that is going to try and be aggressive, the pitch made it quite tricky to do that.”This is Trescothick’s last tour at the helm of the white-ball team before Brendon McCullum takes over the job in January. Placed in charge of an exceptionally inexperienced group, one of the biggest challenges, according to Trescothick, has been finding the balance between emphasising the opportunity is a ‘free hit’ to England’s youngsters, while also instilling a win-first mentality.”I am trying to get the priority right at the moment. I want to win every game and we dictate that in the dressing room. But we also want to see a few players in the environment before the structure changes and Brendon takes over. So, why not give them the opportunity to thrive in this environment?”That’s very much how we’re framing it. The opportunities are there for the guys to come in. We’ve seen four debutants in this match, we’ve got a couple other young guys in the squad who may make their debut across the next two weeks. [With the opportunity] you’re going to be further up the ladder than you were six days ago. So go out there and show what you can do.”Trescothick’s own role in the white-ball set up beyond January is undecided.”I don’t know just yet,” he said. “We’ve got a bit of a plan behind the scenes, but nothing has been confirmed as such.”I am not going to say which way it’s all going to sit, because it would probably give it away too much, but obviously Brendon’s going to come in and take control of the full show and then he will dictate what and where we are going to be and how that’s going to look.”
Bryan Mbeumo is a player who has dominated the news around Manchester United over the last couple of weeks, with the attacker firmly on the lips of all supporters.
The Brentford star has become one of the Premier League’s leading talismen, after registering 20 goals under Thomas Frank in the capital throughout last season.
As a result of his goalscoring form, the Red Devils have been firmly in the race to land the 25-year-old, even making two separate bids for his signature this window.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal
The latest offer of around £62.5m, including add-ons, was rejected, with Keith Andrews’ side holding out for £70m to part ways with the Cameroonian during the off-season.
He’s also stated his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer, potentially linking up with a new striker should he make the move to join Ruben Amorim’s side ahead of 2025/26.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Victor Osimhen has once again reemerged on United’s shortlist this summer, with the Nigerian a player who’s been subject to interest after scoring 37 goals on loan at Galatasaray last season.
He’s not the only striker who’s been in their sights, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres still a player they want to sign, despite the Swede stating his desire to join Arsenal.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Ivan Toney a player on their radar, according to Football Insider’s latest update.
They claim that the English forward appears to be keen on a return to the Premier League, moving back to his homeland after joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli less than 12 months ago.
The report also states that the Red Devils hierarchy have been watching the 29-year-old in recent weeks and that Toney ‘wants’ to join the club after scoring 30 goals in his 44 appearances in the Saudi League.
Why United’s latest target would be the perfect ST for Mbeumo
As previously mentioned, Mbeumo has been a player who has caught the eye of many supporters across the country, with his talents leading to United’s keen interest in his signature.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
However, he’s often starred in a right-wing role, a position that he will have to switch from if he moves to Old Trafford, likely operating in a number ten role behind the striker.
It’s a position that he could thrive in under Amorim, especially if the Red Devils can secure a deal for the Cameroonian international along with former teammate Toney.
The 25-year-old previously starred alongside the English striker in London, with the pair operating alongside each other for four seasons, helping the Bees win promotion from the Championship and subsequently securing their top-flight status.
In the 2020/21 campaign, the pair registered 59 combined goals and assists between them, with Toney scoring 31 times and Mbeumo providing 10 assists – with both tallies being the highest at the club.
2023/24
42
13
10
2022/23
71
29
12
2021/22
68
16
12
2020/21
95
38
20
Total:
276
96
54
The pair topped both of the respective categories in three of the four years they spent together at Brentford, with the only exception coming in 2023/24 after the striker was banned for betting offences.
Despite not starring together anymore in the present day, Toney, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Simon Stone, has still managed to score 30 times in 2024/25, ten more than Mbeumo’s tally.
However, the pair’s respective goalscoring tallies combined from last season are higher than the Red Devils managed as a whole squad, showcasing the added threat the pair would bring to Old Trafford.
With the former Bees striker seemingly wanting to join Amorim’s side this summer, it is a deal worth exploring, with the Englishman having the experience of finding the back of the net in England’s top flight.
If Mbeumo also makes the move, the pair could replicate the form they produced in the capital, potentially playing a massive role together again and helping United push for a place in Europe next season.
Better than Watkins: Wilcox in talks to sign "monster" £64m CF for Man Utd
Manchester United could be about to end their hunt for a new striker this summer.
انفجر نجم منتخب النرويج وفريق مانشستر سيتي، إيرلينج هالاند، في مباراة مساء يوم الثلاثاء ضد نظيره منتخب مولدوفا، في إطار التصفيات المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم نسخة 2026.
وواجه منتخب النرويج خصمه مولدوفا، في إطار الجولة السادسة من تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى النسخة المقبلة من كأس العالم، التي ستنطلق الصيف القادم في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، كندا والمكسيك.
وتمكن منتخب النرويج من إذلال مولدوفا بنتيجة 11-1، في مباراة شهدت انفجارًا من جانب إيرلينج هالاند، الذي سجل ميجا هاتريك، 5 أهداف، وصنع هدفين (لمطالعة التفاصيل كاملة من هنا).
ونشر إيرلينج هالاند، عبر حسابه الشخصي بتطبيق سناب شات، صورته بعد المباراة، حيث كتب: “ليس سيئًا”.
ويستعد مانشستر سيتي لخوض مباراة مهمة يوم الأحد المقبل، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ضد خصمه مانشستر يونايتد في الجولة الرابعة على ملعب “الاتحاد”.
ويسعى مانشستر سيتي إلى تصحيح مساره في الدوري الإنجليزي، ذلك الموسم، بعدما تعرض لهزيمتين متتاليتين في الجولة الثانية والثالثة على يد توتنهام وبرايتون، بنتيجة 2/0 و2/1.
The last few seasons have seen Chelsea completely overhaul their squad.
While there have been a few mistakes along the way, it would be fair to say the club look like they now have a team full of incredibly talented players.
Arguably, the most exhilarating of the lot has been Cole Palmer, who, since his arrival from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, has been nothing short of world-class for the Blues.
So, fans should be tremendously excited about recent reports linking the West Londoners to another talent who has won comparisons to the game-changing Englishman.
Chelsea target Premier League signings
Chelsea have already made a few signings from outside England this summer, but, if reports are to be believed, the club are also looking at several stars from the Premier League, such as Joao Pedro and Murillo.
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The former could reportedly cost up to £60m, and while that is a significant amount of money, he was fairly effective in limited minutes this season, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2,136 minutes.
Murillo, on the other hand, could cost the Blues up to £80m, but given his incredible performances at the back for Nottingham Forest this year, that once again may well be a fee worth paying.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson celebrates scoring their first goal with Nikola Milenkovic andMurillo
However, as transformational as these two players could be for Maresca’s side, neither one can really be compared to Palmer, unlike Harvey Elliott.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in the Liverpool gem this summer.
Alongside the Blues, the report claims that Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Borussia Dortmund are all keen on the 22-year-old talent.
However, alongside the intense competition for his services, the West Londoners will have to pay a substantial sum of money to secure their man, with the report claiming that the Reds want at least £50m.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Elliott’s ability and potential, it’s one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Palmer.
How Elliott compares to Palmer
In this instance, the primary comparison to Palmer originates from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and came to the conclusion that the Chelsea gem has been the eighth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Elliott over the last 365 days.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.69
0.68
Goals per Shot
0.06
0.09
Goals per Shot on Target
0.25
0.25
Key Passes
2.44
2.45
Interceptions
0.24
0.31
Successful Take-On %
44.4%
45.1%
Carries into the Penalty Area
1.22
1.15
The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked incredibly closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot and shot on target, interceptions, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.
However, the similarities extend beyond the statistics, as the young Liverpool gem, like the Blues star, has demonstrated an ability to play in multiple positions, with attacking midfield and right-wing his most played.
Moreover, should this transfer go through, then it would be another example of the West Londoners bringing in a younger talent from one of their rivals who’s just not getting the game time he deserves at the moment.
On top of that, even though he’s had to play a bit-part role at Anfield this season, the 22-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by journalist Sam McGuire, has still got some seriously impressive underlying numbers, which suggests that were he given more regular game time, he could seriously explode.
For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for progressive passes and passes attempted, the top 8% for non-penalty expected goals, and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, there would undoubtedly be some risk in signing Elliott this summer, but there was also plenty of risk in signing an unproven Palmer in 2023, and thanks to their similarities, this feels like a risk Chelsea should take.
Chelsea ready to offer six-year deal to £45m player, talks "now advancing"
The west Londoners could make their next signing soon.
After missing out on Championship promotion, Sheffield United are now reportedly expected to attempt a summer move to sign a bargain defender for Chris Wilder and his side.
Sheffield United suffer Wembley heartbreak
When Tyrese Campbell rounded off an excellent Sheffield United counterattack, much thanks to the work of Gustavo Hamer, it looked as though the Blades were destined for the Premier League – as had been the case for much of the campaign. Wilder’s side were then left in the ultimate dreamland when Harrison Burrows’ effort raced beyond Anthony Patterson before the break.
Burrows’ effort is where things truly began to go wrong, however, with VAR intervening to chalk Sheffield United’s second goal when Vinicius Souza was adjudged to have blocked Patterson’s view in an offside position. In that moment, Sunderland fans were left relieved and Regis Le Bris’ side were awoken.
"Awesome" Sheffield United star could leave with Hamer after playoff defeat
This would be a huge blow for Chris Wilder.
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Adding salt to the Sheffield United wounds, it took until the 76th minute for Eliezer Mayenda to equalise before Tommy Watson came from the bench to score a heartbreaking Sunderland winner.
Wilder, like many, was left in disbelief at just how his side missed out on promotion. He told reporters: “Congratulations to Sunderland, the manager and the players for the achievements this season and going into the Premier League.
“It’s a tough one to take from our point of view. Defining moments in the game I get. We never really felt in danger even sort of second half. Of course they’ve got to open up and try and get back into the game we just needed to be better on that turnover.”
The Blades must now turn their focus towards the summer transfer window and next season, in which they will hope that 90 points is enough to secure their place back in the Premier League.
Sheffield United expected to make Dunne move
Whilst turning their focus towards the summer, new arrivals will of course be on the agenda for those at Bramall Lane. And that could yet include an experienced Championship defender. According to The Star, Sheffield United are expected to make an attempt to sign Jimmy Dunne this summer, who is set to leave Queens Park Rangers as a free agent next month.
The Blades attempted to sign the defender in January, but ultimately failed in their pursuit. Now, six months later, Wilder could finally get the defensive reinforcement that he has been craving.
Queens Park Rangers'JimmyDunnecelebrates after the match
It was in the January transfer window that former QPR manager Marti Cifuentes reiterated the importance of Dunne in his side, telling reporters: “I don’t have anything from the club perspective about it.
“Jimmy for me, is a very important player. I know that he loves to be at QPR and loves the club, and we love him. We’ll see what happens, but he is a very important player for us.”
Now, it’s Sheffield United who could get the chance to see the defender’s importance in action as they go in pursuit of a bargain deal to commence their summer transfer window.
If there is one thing Arsenal fans want this summer, it’s a striker.
Mikel Arteta’s side are in a marvellous position to do something spectacular in the Champions League this season, but their domestic campaign has been a real letdown, partly due to a lack of clinical finishing up top – they’ve scored 14 goals fewer than Liverpool in the Premier League.
So, it’s not been all that surprising that, over the last few months, the North Londoners have been linked with a whole host of prolific marksmen, most notably Alexander Isak.
Alexander Isak
However, with Newcastle United now looking likely to secure a spot in next year’s Champions League, it feels doubtful that the Gunners will be able to prise their star striker away from them this summer.
Fortunately, Arsenal appear to have already moved on from the former Real Sociedad star for another free-scoring forward, someone who might be a wiser signing anyway.
Transfer Focus
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Arsenal's striker search
Before getting to the man in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other centre-forwards who have been linked with the North Londoners in recent weeks, such as Ollie Watkins.
Ollie Watkins
The Aston Villa star was a surprise target for the club in the winter window, and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta is reportedly still interested in the Englishman; it’s not hard to see why, as he’s scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists in 48 appearances this term.
Another name that has popped up recently is Jonathan David, who will be a free agent in the summer and has reportedly held talks with the North Londoners quite recently.
The Canadian international has been enjoying an incredible season this year and has already amassed a tally of 25 goals and 11 assists in 45 games, although that still pales in comparison to the unreal Viktor Gyokeres.
Yes, the player in question is none other than the Sporting CP superstar, and according to a recent report from Portuguese outlet A Bola as relayed by Football Transfers, the North Londoners are now in ‘pole position’ to secure the Swede’s signature.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
The report has revealed that the Gunners have stepped up their pursuit of the 26-year-old in the weeks following Berta’s appointment and that the former Coventry City star will be available for around €70m, which comes out to £60m.
It would still be a costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ incredible output, it is one worth completing and one that could be better than signing Isak.
Why Gyokeres would be a better signing that Isak
So, it’s no secret that Isak is one of the most exciting strikers in world football at the moment, and as such, we wouldn’t be surprised if most fans wanted the club to sign him or Gyokeres, but there are a few reasons why the latter would be the wiser acquisition.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates after the match
The first is simply the cost involved, as even when it looked like the Toon would miss out on Champions League football, reports were coming out that they would demand around £150m for the talisman.
So now that the Magpies look set to play in Europe’s top competition next season, it would surely take a genuinely absurd offer to tempt them into selling, the sort of offer that would scupper the Gunners’ other summer plans.
So, it feels far more sensible to spend a fraction of that on the Sporting “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, and make sure that other top players are bought in to help bolster the squad in multiple areas.
Moreover, the second reason is that the Stockholm-born poacher has shown himself to be even more of a goal threat this season.
Gyokeres vs Isak
Player
Gyokeres
Isak
Appearances
46
38
Minutes
3700′
2977′
Goals
47
25
Assists
11
6
Goal Involvements per Match
1.26
0.81
Minutes per Goal Involvement
63.79′
96.03′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
For example, in just 46 appearances, totalling 3700 minutes, he’s found the back of the net 47 times and provided 11 assists for good measure, which comes to an average of 1.26 goal involvements every game or one every 63.79 minutes.
In comparison, the Newcastle star has scored 25 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2977 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.22 games or every 96.03 minutes.
Now, it is true that the Solna-born ace is playing in a tougher league, but even with that taken into consideration, Gyokeres’ level of output is astounding.
Finally, and this is important, Isak is an injury-prone player and has missed 39 games for club and country since the 22/23 season alone, whereas the Sporting dynamo has missed just five games across his entire career.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal
Ultimately, while Isak is a superb player, Gyokeres would be the better signing, as not only would he cost a fraction of the price, but he’s arguably just as dangerous, and his fitness record is near enough impeccable.
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