Liverpool could already be preparing for their January transfer window after a concerning start to the season with a new transfer target named.
What’s the latest?
According to journalist Julio Miguel Neto (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are preparing an offer for Flamengo star Joao Gomes.
As per the report, Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the player and has been watching him for some time and now wants him to become part of the squad at Anfield during the second half of the season.
However, there is currently no information on how much the Reds would be prepared to pay for the young midfielder.
Imagine him & Fabinho
There is no doubt that reinforcements are desperately needed in the midfield depth of the Liverpool squad and the signing of Gomes would surely improve the quality in the centre of the pitch, as well as giving Klopp the options he needs to improve the team’s form.
With James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out of contract at the end of the season it would be hugely advantageous for the club to get a head start in improving the team ahead of the summer.
The 21-year-old talent, who was once hailed “unique” by Paulo Sousa, has been attracting attention for all the right reasons with Flamengo and taking the next step into the Premier League via Merseyside could see him develop into the next superstar for Liverpool.
Over this season so far the talented midfielder has delivered one assist and created one big chance, with a pass completion rate of 87%, making 3.1 tackles and winning 6.2 duels per game, as well as completing the large majority of his dribble attempts (72%), proving that Gomes is powerful and meticulous whilst in possession.
Thanks to his impeccable ball control and passing range he could make the perfect partner for Liverpool star Fabinho who is renowned for his defensive attributes in the midfield three and the Brazilian pair could certainly complement each other if the Reds are able to complete a deal for Gomes.
Just like Gomes, Fabinho has an impressive pass completion rate this season (90%), as well as completing two tackles and winning 3.3 duels per game, proving that the two players have a lot in common in the way that they operate in the centre of the pitch largely successful in winning the ball and distributing it accurately.
With that being said, the signing of the young Brazilian would be a major coup for Klopp as bringing in a player that can match up with Fabinho could further strengthen the team whilst maintaining the manager’s thorough tactics and successful style of play.
Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde could be the answer to one of Jesse Marsch’s lingering problems at Elland Road.
The Nottingham-born teenager was signed from Celtic in August 2021 and soon became the youngest-ever Norweigen to play in the Premier League after he made his debut against West Ham United, less than a week after starring in their defeat to them in the FA Cup.
Those are just two of his four senior appearances for the west Yorkshire giants and interestingly, he has often been deployed at left-back, rather than his more natural central defensive role.
It’s a position that Marsch is struggling in right now, with Junior Firpo currently out injured. That said, even when the former FC Barcelona man is available, he’s far from an ideal starter.
Daily Mirror journalist David Anderson described the defender as a “liability” to the team, so perhaps the American head coach ought to turn to the young Norway U21 international instead.
The 19-year-old has been widely tipped as the ‘next Virgil van Dijk’ by some, though the 6 foot 2 gem could have a future at left-back, given his pace attributes and defensive intelligence.
After the game against the Hammers, Leeds legend Jermaine Beckford waxed lyrical about Hjelde. He told the club’s official podcast:
“The young boy, Hjelde when he came on as well, what a player he’s looking by the way.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. But that’s twice we’ve seen him, twice we’ve seen him against West Ham, against a very physical, very strong, very quick centre forward in Michail Antonio and a tricky player in Jarrod Bowen.
“I don’t want to say he had them in his pocket, but I think he did.”
Meanwhile, the former Ross County loanee was dubbed a “massive talent” by his old manager John Hughes, who also said during another interview:
“Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk. Trust me on that.
“The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo.”
Hjelde’s inclusion at left-back could be a smart decision that allows Pascal Struijk to move back into a more natural central role, whilst also keeping the inconsistent Firpo out of the side completely, which after the recent 5-2 drubbing by Brentford, could be a wise move indeed.
Marsch has experience in developing youth, so it would make further sense to transition the 19-year-old into a first-team star at Leeds. Next van Dijk or not, he’s worth a shot at left-back.
AND in other news, Marsch could unearth Leeds’ own Iniesta by unleashing “magic” teenage “goal machine”…
Everton have been gifted an injury boost as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been spotted back in training.
The Lowdown: Six weeks out
It was reported early last month that Calvert-Lewin would miss the opening six weeks of the Premier League season with a knee injury.
Frank Lampard has had to play the likes of winger Anthony Gordon as a false nine, while striker Neal Maupay joined from Brighton and Hove Albion late on in the transfer window.
The Latest: In training
The Goodison Park outfit’s official Twitter page started posting some images of players in training on Thursday afternoon, with the likes of Conor Coady and Nathan Patterson shown.
They also posted some training images of Calvert-Lewin, with the caption: ‘Back with the lads!’
The Verdict: Big boost
It is certainly a big boost for the Toffees supporters to see Calvert-Lewin back in training, even if he is simply out running on the grass rather than engaging in full-contact efforts.
In truth, the Merseyside club have struggled to score goals so far this season, with just four goals scored in their opening six top-flight matches.
Before another injury-hit season last term, Calvert-Lewin reached double figures for goals in the Premier League in each of the last two campaigns (Transfermarkt), and so the key for Lampard’s side will be getting him back fit and up to speed as soon as possible, while the Englishman will be hoping to string a run of games together ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
There is no rain forecast for match-day in Adelaide and the conditions are expected to be batting-friendly
Tristan Lavalette22-Oct-20254:27
Renshaw not sweating about Ashes selection
Big picture – Subplots add to the intrigueThis Australian international summer – hyped as possibly the biggest cricket season ever – started with a whimper after persistent drizzle in Perth ensured the first ODI was rather forgettable.But Australia did dominate a game that lasted less than 50 overs and they can clinch the three-game series with victory in Adelaide. While the series-opener will be erased from the memory of the fans who endured the constant rain delays – a further frustration was that it hardly rained during some breaks – there were some notable takeaways for both teams.Perhaps most pleasing for Australia was the new-ball performance from quicks Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc as they tore through India’s top order before the damp weather set in. Hazlewood, particularly, relished the extra bounce and pace on a ground that will host the first Ashes Test in a month.Related
India's ODI gameplan tested in pacy Perth
Frustrated Short looks to make most of India opportunity
'I hide' – Renshaw blocks out Ashes speculation
With Pat Cummins set to miss the Ashes opener, Hazlewood’s importance has grown and he looked in good physical condition in the first ODI having struggled with injuries in recent years.While the Ashes hovers over basically everything in Australia right now, winning this series is important for Australia as they look to build consistency in 50-over cricket after a patchy run.ODI debutants Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Owen performed well as did fringe players Matt Kuhnemann and Josh Philippe in a welcome sign for the team’s depth amid a transition ahead of the 2027 World Cup.Josh Hazlewood starred with two key wickets in the opening ODI•Getty Images
India, however, had very little to take out of the first ODI apart from a late cameo from debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy and an impressive new-ball spell from left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh.Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggled in their returns, while Shubman Gill had a rare recent failure on his ODI captaincy debut. India were rusty in their 50-over return since the Champions Trophy and it was a particularly tight turnaround for those who played in the Delhi Test against West Indies, which only finished on October 14.India will surely present a much more formidable challenge in Adelaide and they will need to if they are to force a series-decider. Like in Perth, the sellout crowd in Adelaide should be mostly filled with blue shirts to again underline India’s heft in the sport.Form guideAustralia WWLLL India LWWWWIn the spotlight: Matthew Short and Rohit SharmaWhile those in the Ashes frame are hogging the spotlight, Matthew Short has gone under the radar given he is not part of those discussions. But Short has for some time been on the fringes of Australia’s white-ball teams, pegged back by inconsistencies and, more recently, injuries. Unlike Renshaw and Philippe, Short did not make the most of his opportunity in the first ODI, making just 8 off 17 and falling tamely to left-arm spinner Axar Patel. Short is likely to be retained at his favoured Adelaide Oval, where he has long dominated for Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. He will need to perform well with competition starting to heat up amid a transition of the batting order.Rohit Sharma succumbed under the early onslaught in Perth, nicking Hazlewood to second slip on 8. In his return to the field since the IPL, he scratched around, but did show off his trim physique with hard running between the wickets. Rohit has been working tirelessly in the Adelaide nets as he hopes to turn back the clock and alleviate some pressure amid doubts over whether he can make it to the next World Cup.3:07
Kotak: ‘Too early to judge’ Kohli and Rohit
Team news: Alex Carey and Zampa returnRegulars Alex Carey and Adam Zampa will return, likely at the expense of Philippe and Kuhnemann. Carey missed the opener due to Sheffield Shield duties and he will take the gloves with first-choice white-ball wicketkeeper Josh Inglis still on the sidelines with a calf injury. Zampa was unavailable in Perth owing to paternity reasons and he will squeeze out Kuhnemann, who had a rare opportunity in the XI and did well bowling in the death.Australia (possible): 1 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 2 Travis Head, 3 Matthew Short, 4 Alex Carey (wk), 5 Matthew Renshaw, 6 Cooper Connolly, 7 Mitchell Owen, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Adam ZampaIndia are likely to stick with the same batting order, but question marks hover over the makeup of their attack. Left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav was unlucky to miss out in Perth although Axar and Washington Sundar – both preferred for their all-round abilities – bowled quite well, taking two of the three wickets to fall. Spinners are normally under the gun at the smaller Adelaide Oval making it an intriguing dilemma for India’s hierarchy. Prasidh Krishna’s ability to swing the new ball might get him the nod over Harshit Rana, who struggled in Perth.India (possible): 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 KL Rahul (wk), 6 Axar Patel, 7 Washington Sundar/Kuldeep Yadav, 8 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 9 Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Mohammed SirajWashington Sundar was preferred over Kuldeep Yadav in the opening ODI•PTI
Pitch and conditionsThere has been rain in Adelaide in the lead-up, with the SACA ground staff using UV lights to dry the wicket ahead of the match. In a relief, no rain is forecast on Thursday, although conditions are expected to be overcast and cool. The Adelaide Oval is renowned as a batting paradise because of the shorter boundaries square of the wicket.Stats and triviaKohli needs 54 runs to move past Kumar Sangakkara and into second place on the ODI runs list. Travis Head needs 50 to reach 3000 ODI runs. Starc is five wickets away from joining Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne as the only Australians to take 250 ODI wickets. Australia have not beaten India in an ODI in Adelaide since January 2008. India completed successful chases in the past two matches between the teams in 2011 and 2019. Quotes”Adelaide’s always a good place to play and it will be heaving tomorrow. It’s a sellout so it’s a great chance for guys to show off their skills.”“Both Virat and Rohit looked in good touch. They batted well in the nets yesterday. I believe they are doing well.”
رد خوان لابورتا رئيس برشلونة بقوة على تصريحات فلورنتينو بيريز في الجمعية العمومية الأخيرة لريال مدريد، حيث وجه فيها أصابع الاتهام إلى البلوجرانا بشأن ما تم دفعه لخوسيه ماريا نيجريرا على مدار 17 عاماً.
ونفى رئيس برشلونة هذه التلميحات بشكل قاطع، واتهم ريال مدريد بإثارة هذه القضية مراراً وتكراراً.
وقال لابورتا في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية معتبرا حديث بيريز بأنه هوس ببرشلونة: “إذا تحدثوا عن برشلونة في جمعيات ريال مدريد، فذلك لأنهم مهووسون بها”.
ويعتبر لابورتا أن استخدام ريال مدريد لجمعيته العمومية للحديث عن برشلونة، هو محاولة من فلورنتينو بيريز للتغطية على مشاكل ناديه.
أقرأ أيضاً.. فليك يحسم موقف أراوخو من المشاركة أمام ألافيس.. ويوضح موقف برشلونة من انتقالات الشتاء
وواصل لابورتا الذي يرى بأنه ليس هناك أدلة لكي يتم استخدام قضية نيجريرا كسلاح إعلامي: “إنهم يماطلون في الأمر لأنهم يعلمون أنه لا أساس له، برشلونة لم يقدم رشاوى للحكام، قرارات التحكيم تاريخياً في صالح ريال مدريد أكثر من برشلونة”.
ورفض لابورتا أي محاولة لتشويه سمعة النجاحات التي تحققت خلال أزهى عصور برشلونة: “يبدو أن أفضل فتراتنا تزعجهم، لا ينبغي لهم البحث عن اعذار أو تبرير الهزائم، هذه الألقاب جاءت في الملعب”.
واتم في رسالة قوية لفلورنتينو بيريز مؤكداً أنه سيتخذ إجراءات صارمة عند توجيه أي تشويه للنادي: “لن نسمح لأحد بمهاجمة برشلونة بهذه الطريقة”.
وتحدث لابورتا عن واقعتين تحكيمتين في مباراة ريال مدريد وإلتشي :”سجل ريال مدريد هدفين كان من الواضح أنه يجب إلغائهما، لمس بيلينجهام الكرة بذراعه في الهدف الأول، وفي الهدف الثاني كسر فينيسيوس أنف إيناكي بينيا، لولا هذين الهدفين لكان برشلونة متصدر للدوري”.
وعاد لابورتا ليختتم :”ريال مدريد يعاني من هوس اضطهادي ضد أفضل مرحلة في تاريخ برشلونة، لم يعجبهم أن برشلونة بين 2004 و2015 كانوا مهيمنين، ومحل إعجاب العالم بالكامل ويبحثون عن مبررات لا فائدة منها”.
علق طلعت يوسف مدرب الاتحاد السكندري الأسبق، على قرار ييس توروب المدير الفني لـ الأهلي مع لاعب الفريق خلال مباريات الفريق الأحمر.
قال طلعت يوسف في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون أي: “أنا مع الوسطية في كل شيء، اللاعب لا يجب أن ينفعل بشكل مبالغ فيه على زميله داخل الملعب، لأن الانفعال الزائد قد يؤثر على أداء بعض اللاعبين بالسلب”.
وأكمل: “وهناك أخرون قد يتقبلون التوجيه بانفعال محدود، فالأمر يعتمد على شخصية اللاعب وكيفية تعاملك معه كقائد داخل الملعب”.
طالع.. الخطيب يوضح سبب فشل الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية.. وموقفه من تعيين ريبيرو والانسحاب أمام الزمالك
وأضاف: “بعض اللاعبين لو أخطأوا في هدف، الأفضل ألا تتحدث معهم لأنك قد تُخرجهم من أجواء المباراة تمامًا، بينما آخرون يحتاجون تعنيفًا بسيطًا”.
وأردف: “بالنسبة لياسر إبراهيم، لاحظت في الفترة الأخيرة مبالغة في هذه الانفعالات، وأنا دربته في سموحة وكان مختلفًا تمامًا، وكان من المقربين ليّ على المستوى الشخصي، لكنه في الأهلي تغيّر، خاصة بعد رحيل رامي ربيعة، ربما لشعوره بالمسؤولية كونه الأقدم في خط الدفاع”.
وأتم: “ياسر يحتاج لإعادة تقييم انفعالاته وتوجيهه لزملائه بهدوء أكثر، ولذلك أنا متفق تمامًا مع رؤية توروب في هذا الأمر”.
Gazi Group, Legends of Rupganj, Gulshan Cricket Club and Agrani Bank also progress
Mohammad Isam13-Apr-2025
Agrani Bank progressed despite being promoted from the lower division only this season•Remark Herlan Sports
Key takeawaysDespite having the same points as table-toppers Abahani Limited, but behind on net run rate, Mohammedan Sporting Club finished the first phase of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League 2024-25 with a psychological edge. On Sunday, Mohammedan beat Abahani after nine years in the Dhaka derby, thus breaking an 11-match losing streak. Both Abahani and Mohammedan qualified for the tournament’s Super League phase, where the top six teams will play each other again to decide the champions.Gazi Group Cricketers (third) and Legends of Rupganj (sixth) also enter the next stage of the competition, along with Gulshan Cricket Club and Agrani Bank Cricket Club, who surprisingly progressed despite being promoted from the lower Dhaka First Division Cricket League only this season.Meanwhile, big spenders Prime Bank Cricket Club and Dhanmondi Sporting Club (formerly Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club) ended up having disappointing seasons, as they both failed to reach the Super League stage.Best battersAnamul Haque finished the first stage as the tournament’s highest run-getter, with 655 runs at an average of 72.77. He also finished as one of six batters to score two hundreds each. Mohammad Naim (618 runs at 61.80) and Parvez Hossain Emon (569 runs at 71.12) were impressive too and followed Anamul in the run charts. Shadman Islam, known more for his red-ball experience, was also among the top five run-getters.Best bowlersLeft-arm spinners Rakibul Hasan and Taijul Islam ended as joint-leading wicket-takers with 23 wickets each. Three bowlers were joint-second, including offspinner Mosaddek Hossain, and medium-pacers Shoriful Islam and Asaduzzaman Payel. Against Brothers Union, Shoriful picked up 6 for 40, which were the best bowling figures of the tournament.Best matchGulshan beat Dhanmondi by two wickets in a chase that went into the last over. Tailenders Moinul Islam and Nihaduzzaman took Gulshan to victory with two balls to spare after senior pro Naeem Islam’s half-century kept the 259-run chase afloat. Earlier in the game, Asaduzzaman and Mehedi Hasan took three wickets each to restrict Dhanmondi to 258 for 9 in 50 overs.Points to ponderWhile the top six teams enter the Super League, two of the bottom three sides – Partex Sporting Club, Brothers Union and Shinepukur Cricket Club – will be relegated. Partex finished with six points, and thus tenth among the 12 teams after beating Dhanmondi in their last match, but there have been some reported infighting in their setup.Meanwhile, Shinepukur, who ended at the bottom of the table, also have another problem to deal with, with the BCB investigating a controversial stumping during their match against Gulshan.Partex, Brothers Union and Shinepukur will play each other to decide which team continues in the tournament and which of the two will be relegated.Players to watchThree batters aged under 22 finished with more than 300 runs in the tournament: Brothers Union’s Mahfijul Islam (406 runs) and Aich Mollah (302 runs), and Partex captain Ahrar Amin (365). While Mahfijul made a century and three half-centuries, Mollah struck two fifties and Amin three.Among the young bowlers, Mahfuzur Rahman took 14 wickets for Abahani. Tofael Ahmed, meanwhile, was the most impressive among the pace-bowling allrounders, as he took ten wickets and scored 269 runs for Gazi Group.
Tottenham Hotspur were forced to settle for a point at the AMEX on Saturday when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Thomas Frank’s side had beaten West Ham United and Villarreal in their last two matches without conceding a goal, but they were unable to add to those wins with a third successive victory.
A late own goal from Jan Paul van Hecke ensured that the Lilywhites did not come away from the match without anything to show for their efforts.
Despite it being a fairly disappointing result, as they were almost beaten and only picked up one point, there were some positive performances across the pitch.
One player who caught the eye with his display in the middle of the park was summer signing Joao Palhinha, who started in the number six position for Spurs.
It was his fourth start of the Premier League season since signing on loan from Bayern Munich, and it is already clear what kind of player the club have brought in.
Why Joao Palhinha is not the perfect player for Spurs
Palhinha is an out-and-out defensive midfielder. If you were told to list the attributes you would want in a pure defensive midfielder, he has all of them.
The Portugal international is tall, mobile, strong, wins tackles well, competes in the air, and covers gaps in midfield. All of the things that you would associate with a defensive-minded midfielder.
So far this season, per Sofascore, Palhinha has averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game and won 65% of his ground duels and 54% of his aerial duels in the Premier League, which is evidence of his defensive strength in the middle of the park.
However, despite getting on the scoresheet against Manchester City, the former Fulham star does leave a bit to be desired with his use of the ball.
The best number six types in world football are not pure defensive midfielders, because they are expected to dictate play and be impactful in possession as part of a team that wants to win the biggest prizes.
Palhinha vs other DMs in their last full league seasons
Selected midfielders
Progressive passes per 90
Percentile rank vs CMs
Rodri (23/24 Premier League)
11.55
Top 1%
Vitinha (24/25 Ligue 1)
9.87
Top 2%
Frenkie de Jong (24/25 LaLiga)
9.45
Top 3%
Declan Rice (24/25 Premier League)
6.12
Top 17%
Ryan Gravenberch (24/25 Premier League)
5.16
Top 27%
Aurelien Tchouameni (24/25 LaLiga)
5.15
Top 33%
Joao Palhinha (24/25 Bundesliga)
3.94
Bottom 33%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Palhinha falls well short as a progressive passer in comparison to some of the best defensive or deep-lying midfielders, whether they play as a number six or a number eight, across Europe.
This does not mean that the Portugal international is a bad player, by any means, but his lack of progressive play in possession may be why Bayern were willing to send him out on loan in the first place.
Palhinha may not be the perfect player, therefore, to deploy in matches when Spurs are expected to be the dominant force and need to break teams down, but may be ideal in the biggest games, like against Manchester City, when they need backs-against-the-wall defending.
Spurs did once have a promising young player, though, who had the potential to be a defensive monster like Palhinha, but with the progressive passing to make him the club’s own version of Declan Rice.
First Impressions
What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.
Given what has happened to him in recent years, it may seem ridiculous to suggest, but Oliver Skipp could have been Tottenham’s own Rice in different circumstances.
Why Spurs may rue selling Oliver Skipp
The English number six came up through the youth ranks at Spurs and made a smattering of appearances for the first-team before going out on loan to Norwich City in the 2020/21 campaign.
Skipp played in 45 of Norwich’s 46 Championship matches that season, per Sofascore, and played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League, winning the title in the process.
20/21 Championship
Oliver Skipp per 90
Percentile rank vs CMs
Passes attempted
59.32
Top 8%
Pass accuracy
87.6%
Top 1%
Progressive passes
4.86
Top 28%
Progressive carries
1.63
Top 29%
Passes into the final third
4.93
Top 16%
Tackles made
2.33
Top 19%
Shots blocked
0.49
Top 11%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international provided quality as both a progressive passer and carrier, whilst also excelling defensively with his ability to make tackles and blocks in his own third.
After that season with the Canaries, former Spurs striker Paul Stewart claimed that he could be as effective as Rice, who was at West Ham United at the time and ranked well above Palhinha in the earlier table for progressive passes for Arsenal last season.
The pundit stated: “You know what, I’d like to see him do what Declan Rice does. I think he’s got that in him and I think he showed that at Norwich. The plaudits that have come out of East Anglia have been massive about Oliver Skipp. I think he can go on and be as effective as Declan Rice at West Ham.”
Unfortunately, Skipp only started 37 Premier League matches in the next three seasons combined, fewer league starts than he managed in one season with Norwich, which meant that the midfielder was unable to really hit his stride in North London.
Ange Postecoglou opted to part ways with the English midfielder in the summer of 2024, selling him to Leicester City, and that is a decision that they should regret.
Skipp has failed to impress with the Foxes, having been thrown into a season that ended in his club being relegated from the Premier League, but things could have been so different for him.
It is all hypothetical now, but what if the defensive midfielder had been given a real run of games to show what he could do after returning from that superb loan spell with Norwich? Maybe he would have become the club’s own version of Rice in the number six position, as a player who could progress play as well as disrupt it.
Instead of cashing in on him, Spurs could have given him a chance to nail down a place in the side and get his confidence back. Now, playing in the Championship, it seems like his career is heading in the wrong direction.
He's outperforming Kudus: Spurs' star was offloaded by Postecoglou for £0
Tottenham Hotspur may have made a mistake in allowing one former talent to depart the club for free.
كشفت تقارير إعلامية اليوم الإثنين، عن ردة فعل غرفة ملابس وإدارة نادي ريال مدريد، عقب التصرفات المثيرة للجدل التي قام بها فينيسيوس جونيور خلال مواجهة الكلاسيكو الأخيرة أمام برشلونة بالدوري الإسباني.
واستطاع ريال مدريد أن يرد اعتباره وحقق الفوز على حساب غريمه التقليدي برشلونة بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد يوم أمس الأحد، في قمة منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
وشهدت هذه المباراة بعض الجدل حول فينيسيوس، بعدما اعترض الأخير وبشدة على استبداله في اللقاء لصالح رودريجو جوس في آخر 20 دقيقة من المواجهة.
وغضب فينيسيوس وبشدة من هذا التبديل حيث لم يقم بمصافحة مدرب ريال مدريد، تشابي ألونسو، وذهب اللاعب إلى خارج الملعب ثم عاد بعدها بدقائق إلى دكة البدلاء.
كما دخل فينيسيوس في نقاش حاد مع نجم نادي برشلونة، لامين يامال ، عقب نهاية المباراة ودخل أيضًا في بعض المناوشات مع بيدري ، لاعب خط وسط الفريق الكتالوني.
اقرأ أيضًا .. نجم برشلونة السابق منتقدًا يامال: تصريحاته منحت ريال مدريد دافعًا إضافيًا
وذكرت صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، أن غرفة ملابس ريال مدريد غاضبة حقًا مما فعله فينيسيوس من ردود فعل على استبداله في الكلاسيكو، حيث يعتبرون ما فعله الدولي البرازيلي سيئًا.
وأضاف المصدر، أنه على مستوى إدارة ريال مدريد، فإن الشعور هو الغضب كذلك مما فعله فينيسيوس في الكلاسيكو، بينما كل شيء يشير إلى معاقبة ابن الـ25 عامًا على سلوكه أثناء تبديله في مواجهة برشلونة.
وأوضح المصدر، أن عقد فينيسيوس سينتهي في عام 2027 المقبل، لكن ريال مدريد أجل بعض الشيء هذه المفاوضات إلى ما بعد نهاية الموسم.
من جهة أخرى، أفادت صحيفة ماركا أن إدارة ريال مدريد تتفهم غضب فينيسيوس، لكنهم يعتبرون ما فعله الدولي البرازيلي من رد فعل غير ضروري.
وقال مصدر مقرب من ريال مدريد لماركا: “لا يمكن لفينيسيوس أن يظهر ذلك، صحيح أن تشابي ربما أجرى التبديل مبكرًا، لكنه القائد الثالث ويجب أن يكون قدوة”.
وأوضح المصدر، أن ريال مدريد يقدر عودة فينيسيوس إلى التواجد سريعًا على مقاعد البدلاء، ويتمنى النادي الإسباني ألا يتكرر هذا السلوك مرة أخرى من اللاعب.
ولم يتحدث تشابي ألونسو مع فينيسيوس بعد الموقف الذي وقع، خاصة أن الفريق لديه إجازة يومي الإثنين والثلاثاء، وسيعود بعد ذلك للتدريبات من أجل مباراة فالنسيا يوم السبت المقبل.
Liverpool are not resting on their laurels after they won the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season as the manager in the 2024/25 campaign.
The Dutch head coach arrived from Feyenoord last summer to replace Jurgen Klopp in the dugout at Anfield and clinched the top-flight trophy at the first time of asking.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
Despite that incredible achievement, Slot and his staff are looking to bolster the squad with reinforcements to achieve even more success, hopefully across multiple competitions, next season.
One star who is reportedly on the club’s radar is Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who was recently the subject of a £105m bid by the Premier League champions, as per Sky Sports.
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Reds can get a deal over the line for the Germany international in the weeks to come during the summer transfer window.
Liverpool have, however, already completed and announced a move for Jeremie Frimpong from the Bundesliga club, and he may not be the only full-back to arrive at Anfield this summer.
What Jeremie Frimpong could bring to Liverpool
Firstly, the Reds have already found their replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has completed a transfer to Real Madrid on a permanent basis, in the form of Frimpong.
Liverpool reportedly paid a fairly modest fee of £29.5m, thanks to his release clause, to sign the Netherlands international, which makes him a fairly cost-effective replacement for Trent this summer.
Jeremie Frimpong
In terms of his style of play, Frimpong is a very front-footed and attack-minded ‘defender’ who will want to be on the last line and make runs to impact games from an offensive perspective.
The 24-year-old star primarily played as a wing-back for Leverkusen down the right and could push on very high and wide for Liverpool, which would suit Mohamed Salah well, as he likes to drift infield onto his favoured left foot to score and create goals.
Jeremie Frimpong’s form for Bayer Leverkusen (all comps)
Season
Appearances
Goals
Assists
24/25
48
5
9
23/24
47
14
10
22/23
48
9
10
21/22
34
2
8
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Frimpong delivered goals and assists at an impressive rate, for a wing-back, for the majority of his time with the German side, which shows that he could bring goals and assists to the Liverpool team next season.
This could also provide Salah with more room to work with, because opposition full-backs may have to pay extra close attention to Frimpong’s runs, possibly creating space for the winger to receive the ball with fewer defenders on him.
Frimpong, however, may not be the only full-back to arrive at Anfield in the coming weeks, as Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a left-back from the Premier League.
Liverpool set to bid for Premier League defender
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are interested in a deal to sign Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez during the summer transfer window.
The reporter claims that the Premier League champions are set to make a formal bid to sign the Hungary international in the coming days, as they look to bolster their options at left-back.
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Jacobs does not reveal how much the bid from Liverpool is set to be worth, but does claim that Bournemouth are looking for a fee of at least £40m to allow their star defender to move on from the Vitality Stadium.
The journalist also states that the 21-year-old Premier League star has ‘already agreed to the move’ to Anfield, which means that there would not be any issues on personal terms if the Reds were able to agree a deal with the Cherries in the coming days.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
If Liverpool do wrap up a transfer to bring Kerkez over to Merseyside this summer, then it could be a repeat of their Sadio Mane masterclass back in 2016.
Why Milos Kerkez could be Sadio Mane 2.0
The club reportedly paid a fairly modest fee of £36m to sign the Senegal international from Southampton after the 2015/16 campaign, in which the forward had produced 11 goals and six assists to lead his side to European football.
Mane went on to score 120 goals and provide 46 assists in 269 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions during his career at Anfield, winning the Champions League and the Premier League during that time.
This shows that Liverpool hit the jackpot with the exciting attacker because they snapped up a star who was shining for a team punching above their weight in the Premier League, and he was able to adapt to a team that wanted to win trophies year-on-year.
Bournemouth finished ninth in the top-flight, just shy of a spot in Europe for next season, and Kerkez played a significant role in their achievement of finishing in the top half with his impressive performances in the left-back position for Andoni Iraola’s side.
24/25 Premier League
Milos Kerkez
Andy Robertson
Appearances
38
33
Goals
2
0
Assists
5
1
Big chances created
8
7
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.6
1.8
Dribbled past per game
0.4x
0.6x
Duel success rate
54%
48%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Hungarian star outperformed Andy Robertson with his work in and out of possession during the Premier League season, by offering more as a scorer and a creator, whilst also being more effective defensively.
These statistics suggest that Kerkez has the quality to make an instant impact at Anfield as an upgrade on Slot’s current left-back option, which is another reason why he could be a repeat of Mane, who became an instant star with his goals and assists on the wing.
As Izzy Christiansen said in the clip above, the “machine” is only 21 and is not close to reaching his peak, which means that Liverpool would also be paying for the potential that he has to get even better.
Like Mane, who joined at the age of 24, Kerkez would arrive at Anfield with time on his side to be a key player for the Reds for many more years to come, which is yet another reason why he could be a fantastic signing after the Frimpong deal for the opposite flank.
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