Newcastle United now “really like” a £20m Premier League player who may look to leave his current club in 2025, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Newcastle eyeing a goalkeeper

The Magpies have now agreed to sell goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, with the 35-year-old set to exit St. James’ Park this month, meaning Eddie Howe is now tasked with bringing in a replacement.

Howe is left with a decision to make, as he could choose to bring in an experienced back-up goalkeeper, or a player capable of challenging Nick Pope for a starting spot in the not-so-distant future.

A goalkeeper that falls into the latter category is Burnley’s James Trafford, with Newcastle expected to make a move for the 22-year-old this year as a long-term replacement for Pope.

Related Newcastle among the front-runners to sign "excellent" young centre-back

He could be a brilliant long-term addition for the Magpies.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jan 7, 2025

Trafford is showing promising signs for Burnley in the Championship, but if Howe wants to bring in an alternative goalkeeper who has already proven himself in the Premier League, then there is another option on the table.

Speaking on the Fully Loaded Transfer Show, Jacobs has now stated that Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is of interest to the Magpies, and a deal could be possible if he falls down the pecking order further at Anfield.

The journalist said: “Kelleher at Liverpool is another [goalkeeper] that Newcastle really like. There is a market opportunity there because Mamardashvili is coming in, Alisson may well stay and Mamardashvili might not be the number one next season.

“There is no indication so far that Liverpool plan on loaning Mamardashvili out to keep it as Alisson and Kelleher next season.

“So Kelleher suddenly is likely to become a number three which is not something he is comfortable with. He doesn’t really want to stay as a number two either.

“We heard some reports that Chelsea might come in the mix for Kelleher, but I am told there is some substance to Newcastle and Kelleher.”

Kelleher could push Pope for a starting spot

Kelleher has done a remarkable job filling in for the injured Alisson at times this season, being lauded as “outstanding” by members of the media, which indicates he is ready to be the first-choice goalkeeper at a big Premier League club.

There are signs the Irishman could be capable of immediately coming into Newcastle and challenging Pope for a starting spot, as displayed by his performance on some key goalkeeping metrics over the past year.

Statistic per 90

Caoimhin Kelleher

Nick Pope

Goals against

1.0 (91st percentile)

1.44 (43rd percentile)

Save percentage

75.8% (84th percentile)

70.5% (52nd percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

31.8% (72nd percentile)

18.8% (30th percentile)

At 26 years old, the £20m-rated shot-stopper is still relatively young for a goalkeeper, and Pope will be 33 years old by the end of the campaign, so it is clear that a long-term replacement will be needed soon.

Kelleher’s performances for the Reds have been top drawer, playing a huge part in keeping his side at the top of the table while Alisson was absent, and he is ready to take the next step in his career by becoming a regular starter elsewhere.

Matt Milnes leads Kent attack as 170th Canterbury Festival gets underway

ECB Reporters Network11-Jul-2022Northamptonshire 303 (Gay 112, Rickelton 55) vs KentNorthamptonshire were all out for 303 against Kent, after a fluctuating first day in the LV= Insurance County Championship match at Canterbury.Emilio Gay hit 112 after the visitors lost Ricardo Vasconcelos to the first ball of the day and Ryan Rickelton was the next highest scorer with 55, but having reached 205 for two, they lost their next eight wickets for 98 runs.Matt Milnes had Kent’s best bowling figures with three for 47, while Joe Denly took two for 31 and Matt Quinn two for 51.The 170th Canterbury Festival began with the temperature already over 25 degrees in the shade and in the day’s least surprising development, Northamptonshire chose to bat after winning the toss.The pitch, however, didn’t look benign early on. Vasconcelos went for a platinum duck when he was caught behind off Quinn and Rickelton and Gay then endured a torrid hour, during which they struggled to score at over two an over. Both survived, however, and as the session ground on, the runs came more freely, leaving the visitors on 95 for one at lunch.An elegant cover drive off Milnes took Rickelton to 50 just after the restart, but he then edged the same bowler behind.It was otherwise a session of few chances. Luke Procter was dropped at leg slip when on 12 off Linde and Gay reached his century with a glanced two off George Linde, but he fell in the penultimate over before tea. Kent skipper Sam Billings threw the ball to occasional red-ball spinner Denly and his second ball was pulled to Linde at midwicket, leaving Northants on 206 for three at the interval.Denly struck again soon after the resumption, getting Procter caught and bowled for 33 and Jack Leaning then bowled Rob Keogh for six.The new ball accounted for Josh Cobb who went for nine. He tried to cut Milnes and was caught by Ben Compton at point.Milnes then splayed Jimmy Neesham’s off and middle stumps, bowling him for 33, before Quinn bowled Lewis McManus for four.Ben Sanderson made 23 from 18 balls before he edged Grant Stewart and fell to a juggling catch by Billings and George Linde wrapped up the innings by bowling Simon Kerrigan for seven with the final ball of the day, leaving Jack White unbeaten on six.

Lucas Paqueta faces a long wait for a verdict on his spot-fixing trial after the hearing failed to wrap up as quickly as initially expected.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Hearing expected to be wrapped up by now
• Ruling delayed for at least another month
• Paqueta facing lifetime ban if found guilty

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A three-week timeframe was initially suggested for the hearing into claims the West Ham midfielder was intentionally booked during four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023. However, reports that the quantity of evidence under review has forced a delay and the panel are now "stuck in a hiatus".

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report adds that the 27-year-old will have to wait over a month for more news on his case. The initial investigation into possible betting breaches began in August 2023 and the charges were announced the following May. The case is said to have had been "mentally taxing" for Paqueta.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Paqueta's case could be a career-ender for the Brazil international as he faces a lifetime ban if he is found guilty of the charges.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA?

  Paqueta remains a key player for West Ham, having made 30 appearances this season, and will turn his attention to their upcoming match against Premier League leaders Liverpool as his wait for a ruling continues.

Liverpool strolled through to the next round of the FA Cup this weekend with a routine 4-0 win over League Two outfit Accrington Stanley.

Whilst Jurgen Klopp usually opted to field the reserves and youngsters for low-key ties such as these, Arne Slot did throw in some of his star players for this Cup match, with Diogo Jota scoring on the day after being named from the start whilst Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold were unleashed from the get-go before being substituted early.

It could well be that the Dutchman wants to taste success in this traditional competition as much as he craves an instant Premier League title, with new recruits this January surely boosting his team’s ability to achieve both targets.

Liverpool preparing major bid for new forward player

As per recent reports from Spain, Liverpool are keen to strengthen in attack with a major bid being considered for Georgian superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

It is stated that the Reds are preparing a mammoth £97.5m bid for the Napoli man – which would combine a cash payment and a player swap. The player is also wanted by Manchester United and Chelsea from the Premier League, alongside frenzied interest from Paris St. Germain who have been closing in on the player’s services.

Indeed, despite the Reds’ interest, it’s the French outfit who look closest to wrapping up a deal with Fabrizio Romano suggesting that Kvaratskhelia has agreed personal terms with the club. Napoli are now in dialogue with PSG as they aim to conclude a deal.

However, at the 11th hour, the 23-year-old could well to Anfield if a more lucrative move is on the table.

What Kvaratskhelia could offer to Liverpool

If the bumper swoop was pulled off, it could go down as being Liverpool’s best bit of business in the usually quiet winter window since Virgil Van Dijk entered the building in 2018, with Kvaratskhelia making an already frightening attack even more potent.

That is quite the statement to make, considering how key Van Dijk has been in the heart of defence since his arrival all those years ago, with a sizeable 296 appearances now under his belt at Anfield.

Kvaratskhelia will hope he goes on to be as integral should he move to England instead of France, with his goal and assist record playing in Serie A making him a likely candidate to take over from Cody Gakpo down the left wing if the signing became official.

24/25

17

5

3

23/24

34

11

8

22/23

34

12

13

The ex-Rubin Kazan ace has set the world alight in Italy for three straight seasons now, with two goal-and-assist-laden campaigns prior to his eight goal contributions this time around in Serie A, leading to Jamie Carragher heralding the attacker as “magnificent” all the way back in 2022.

Those golden contributions this campaign have come about even as the Georgian has battled with some untimely injury knocks, with Gakpo only managing one more league goal from one more appearance in Slot’s ranks.

His majestic presence on the pitch for Napoli could also gift Liverpool another Mohamed Salah style-like figure, with Kvaratskhelia confident enough – much like the standout Egyptian – to glide forward and strike a fine effort home, seen in his sublime strike versus Milan in October.

In the long run, he could well be the heir to the 32-year-old’s throne, with his initial addition gifting Liverpool another unbelievable attacker to aid their immediate hunt for a Premier League title, before then potentially becoming a leading man.

At this moment in time, it does look as if Slot’s men will pick up their desired top-flight honours this May.

But, if Kvaratskhelia joined and starred, the Reds could romp home in even more style to reinforce the fact they’re the top dogs in English football.

Exciting £50m move: Liverpool chasing Gravenberch rival who's like Mainoo

Liverpool are looking to strengthen Slot’s first team in 2025.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 12, 2025

West Bromwich Albion fans will be getting a little impatient now about the ongoing saga involving who their next manager will be, with the Baggies waving goodbye to Carlos Corberan all the way back on Christmas Eve.

Now at the halfway stage of January, the Championship promotion hopefuls still haven’t been successful in finding a successor for Corberan, although it hasn’t been through a lack of trying.

Indeed, it looked as if a deal for ex-Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky to take on the reins was going to be a stress-free formality to get over the line, only for that deal to then go pear-shaped at the last minute.

The West Midlands side have since moved on from this disappointing collapse and have seemingly entered into talks with Tony Mowbray to make a dramatic return to the helm according to reports, having previously been in charge of West Brom during the early years of his managerial career.

Mowbray’s last XI as West Brom manager

Blackburn 0-0 West Brom (24th of May 2009)

GK – Dean Kiely

RB – Gianni Zuiverloon

CB – Ryan Donk

CB – Jonas Olsson

LB – Paul Robinson

CM – Borja Valero

CM – Jonathan Greening

CM – Chris Brunt

CAM – Robert Koren

ST – Marc-Antoine Fortune

ST – Juan Carlos Menseguez

Sourced by Transfermarkt

A lot has transpired since Mowbray named this final-ever Baggies XI back in 2009, with one of his midfield selections on the day in Chris Brunt now interim boss at the Hawthorns.

Now, he could hand over the baton to Mowbray, with this lineup below a possible dream XI for the 61-year-old following the end of the window…

1 GK – Alex Palmer

It is unlikely that Mowbray would tinker with the goalkeeper position on his arrival, with Alex Palmer proving himself to be a top Championship goalkeeper over the past couple of seasons.

From 26 second tier games this campaign, the reliable ‘keeper has amassed 11 clean sheets and so will likely be retained.

2 RB – Darnell Furlong

Likewise, Mowbray won’t want to change up anything too drastically in the right-back position if he does return to the Hawthorns, with Darnell Furlong’s spot in the side as concrete as it could possibly be.

Indeed, the Baggies stalwart has only missed one league contest during 2024/25 to date, with his presence helping the West Midlands side to remain resolute at the back.

3 CB – Torbjørn Heggem

Whilst Furlong is a recognisable piece of the furniture at West Brom, Torbjørn Heggem is a far fresher presence having only arrived last summer.

Despite this being his first season in the English game, the 26-year-old centre-back has taken to his new surroundings like a duck to water, with an imposing 5.3 duels on average across his 26 league appearances to date.

Mowbray will also love working with Heggem if a move gets over the line, having previously worked with a similarly tough Scandinavian defender in Jonas Olsson during his first stint at the club.

4 CB – Kyle Bartley

Whilst Mason Holgate has been in the side as of late, Mowbray might well fancy reinstating Kyle Bartley to the heart of defence on his arrival.

After all, when the seasoned defender has been in the side, West Brom very rarely look leaky, having won a sizeable 11 duels at the back end of December when facing off against Sheffield United.

5 LB – Callum Styles

Callum Styles joins Bartley to make up the last component of this dream XI’s defence, having stood out for the Baggies down the left in recent weeks.

The Hungary international can also be utilised in the middle of the park, but it’s from this left-back spot where he’s managed to make a name for himself at the Hawthorns, with a goal even coming his way against Preston North End on New Year’s Day.

6 CM – Alex Mowatt

Alex Mowatt has been battling with injury issues recently – hence his presence on the sidelines – but he will very much be a starter for Mowbray.

After all, when he has been fit and firing this season, he has excelled with four goals and two assists.

Mowbray also knows all too well what the ex-Leeds United man has in his locker, having been on the receiving end of this pearler way back in 2022 when he was Blackburn manager.

7 CM – Jayson Molumby

His teammate in the middle of the park could well be Jayson Molumby who has now signed a new extended deal to remain put at the Baggies until 2028.

Whilst the Irishman has had to battle with his own injury demons, he has stood out when fit for his side and will see a new managerial regime as a fresh start, with 13 goal contributions tallied up from 127 games.

8 RM – Tom Fellows

West Brom fans will be worried that Tom Fellows will be off this January, with Everton lurking in the shadows waiting to poach the electric Baggies attacker away from his boyhood club.

But, Mowbray could be able to convince the 21-year-old to stay put to help guide his new side up the league, having already amassed a stunning 12 goal contributions in Championship action.

9 CAM – Karlan Grant

Mowbray would surely love the versatility of Karlan Grant if he was to take on the reins once more, with Grant capable of playing down the channels, up top or behind the lone striker.

It’s from that final position where Grant has been a success in recent games, seen in a goal being buried by the ex-Cardiff City loanee away at Sheffield United in December from this spot.

10 LM – Lewis Koumas

The first of two new potential additions could see Lewis Koumas join the building on a loan deal, with Mowbray known to be a manager who doesn’t shy away from utilising youngsters if needs be.

After all, last season at Sunderland saw him name one XI that had an average age of just 22.3, with his spell at the Stadium of Light also seeing him get the very best out of Amad Diallo down the wings.

Koumas would hope he could star for the Baggies in a similarly impactful way, having already notched up four goals this season on loan with Stoke City.

Everton’s recent takeover by the Friedkin Group should give the club a major boost as they aim to remain in the Premier League next season.

This is the club’s last season playing at Goodison Park and dropping to the Championship ahead of moving to their new ground at Bramley Moore Dock for the 2025/26 campaign would be a disaster.

Sean Dyche will surely be a man under pressure over the coming weeks if his team does not perform well and gain the results needed to move further away from the drop zone.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Dyche may have some funds to work with in a bid to improve his current squad.

While a couple of extra bodies would be advantageous, especially in terms of attacking reinforcements, if the manager can continue getting the best out of several of his current players, then the Toffees might just avoid relegation.

One player could be the difference between the Premier League and the Championship as Dwight McNeil is continuing to shine for the Goodison Park side this season under Dyche, enjoying one of his most productive campaigns to date.

Dwight McNeil’s season in numbers

Across 41 games in all competitions last season, the former Burnley man scored three goals and registered six assists as the club avoided relegation to the second tier.

So far this term, McNeil has played 15 times for the club, yet has scored four times while grabbing three assists, clearly on course to smash his record from 2023/24 with still over half a season remaining.

In the top flight, the 25-year-old has also created nine big chances, averaged 2.5 key passes and has succeeded with 1.5 dribbles per game, demonstrating his attacking prowess in the final third for the club.

While these statistics are impressive, McNeil has also shone when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

Indeed, according to FBref, when compared to those similar, McNeil currently ranks in the top 4% for shot-creating actions (4.53), the top 11% for successful take-ons (1.2) and the top 12% for progressive carries (2.31) per 90 across the previous 365 days.

These numbers prove that Dyche has a player who isn’t scared of taking on opposition defenders and loves to create plenty of chances for his teammates during matches.

If Dyche had another couple of players who were capable of performing like this on a consistent basis, the club wouldn’t be lingering near the drop zone.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t, but his aim will be to bring more players up to this sort of standard in the coming months.

The club sold a player last summer who is now making a difference to his current side, who will be aiming for a top-half finish in the Premier League.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

3

3

Assists

6

3

Key passes per game

2

2.5

Successful dribbles per game

0.9

1.5

Total shots per game

1.6

1.8

Via Sofascore

Alex Iwobi was someone that Dyche admitted he didn’t want to sell, saying: “We didn’t want Alex (Iwobi) to leave but you have to be good at (reading) the reality of the situation.”

18 months later, is this decision coming back to haunt the manager? Especially given Iwobi’s form for Fulham this season.

Alex Iwobi’s statistics for Everton

After emerging through the ranks at Arsenal, going on to make a total of 149 appearances for the Gunners across four seasons.

In the summer of 2019, the Toffees swooped, bringing the Nigerian midfielder to Merseyside for a fee in the region of £35m.

Marco Silva lauded the player, saying at the time: “Alex was one of our main targets for this window and I believe he is a fantastic signing for Everton.”

Over the next four seasons, Iwobi would make 140 appearances for the Toffees, scoring nine goals and registering 16 assists in all competitions for the club.

He soon became a key part of the first team picture and, during his last season, the midfielder didn’t miss a single Premier League game. Indeed, he even created eight big chances, averaged 1.7 key passes per game and succeeded with 52% of his dribble attempts that season, providing plenty of evidence of his attacking talents.

Judging by his recent displays for Fulham since departing Goodison, Dyche made a big mistake in allowing him to leave, especially with what he could bring to his current side.

Alex Iwobi is enjoying a wonderful season for Fulham

Ironically, it is under Silva that Iwobi is hitting his stride as the Cottagers currently occupy eighth spot in the league table at the time of writing.

McNeil may have registered six goal involvements for the Toffees, but so far, Iwobi has scored five times while chipping in with three assists in the top flight.

Furthermore, the Nigerian has created five big chances, averages 1.8 key passes and has succeeded with 1.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League.

Journalist Aadam Patel even claimed that the former Everton man was having his “best season yet” in the Premier League during a recent interview with the player.

When compared to his peers in the top flight this season, Iwobi ranks in the top 11% for passes into the final third (3,43), the top 8% for carries into the final third (3.3), the top 8% for progressive passes (6.29) and the top 28% for goals (0.32) per 90.

These statistics certainly give the impression that Fulham are benefiting from his excellent passing ability, especially in the final third, as he can pick out those who are in better space in order to carve chances on a regular basis.

Dyche didn’t want to sell Iwobi, but due to financial constraints, felt that the club had to take the money that was on offer for the midfielder 18 months ago.

He will surely regret this, however, especially with how well Iwobi is performing in the top flight, pushing Fulham to a European spot ahead of the next campaign.

If he was able to call upon the former Arsenal man, there is no doubt that Everton would be a lot further away from the drop zone than they currently are.

Everton must sell £26m flop who's now wanted by a huge team in Europe

Everton could sell a striker to Inter Milan in the January transfer window.

ByGeorge Light Dec 19, 2024

Victor Osimhen has reportedly set his sights on a Premier League move or heading to Juventus when his Galatasaray loan ends.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Osimhen on loan at GalatasarayStriker keen on Premier League moveOpen to Juventus transfer as well Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Nigerian international is currently on loan at Galatasaray until the end of the season but is expected to leave Napoli for good this summer. Now, ESPN claims the 26-year-old favours a move to England or Juventus.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The report adds that Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea are among the Premier League clubs looking for a striker for next season and Osimhen has been on their radar for a while. The prolific forward will reportedly cost £55.6 million ($71m) to recruit this summer.

DID YOU KNOW?

ESPN claim that United now see Ipswich Town star Liam Delap as a bigger priority than Osimhen because of his lower salary. Moreover, the 22-year-old is set to be made available for around £40m ($51.1m) if Ipswich are relegated to the Championship.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

It is just a matter of time before teams make their move for Osimhen this summer but where he goes is anyone's guess.

Nottingham Forest have been handed a big boost in their pursuit of a striker who scored 23 goals last season, with his current club now open to selling him, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest latest news

Forest will be looking to continue their incredible Premier League season on Sunday when they welcome the top flight’s bottom-placed side Southampton to the City Ground.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who only narrowly avoided relegation last season, are currently third in the table, having won 12 and lost just four of their 20 games so far. Most recently, they drew 1-1 with league leaders Liverpool, who they also beat earlier in the season.

Ahead of the draw with the Reds, Forest confirmed that goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has rejoined the club on a deal until the end of the season.

Hennessey, who has won 109 caps for Wales, originally joined in 2022 and went on to make nine appearances before leaving the club at the end of the last season when his contract expired. The 37-year-old, however, has remained active around the training ground while recovering from injury, and has now penned a short-term deal until the end of the campaign.

“Unfortunately Wayne had a serious injury at the end of last season which was a tough moment for everybody inside the training ground,” Nuno said in a press conference on Monday. “But he has improved and now he’s a big part of us, especially in the goalkeeping community which is a small group.

“He’s signed his contract and it’s a pleasure to have him around. His knowledge, his experience, the way he goes about his work, it’s really good to have him.”

Musa now for sale

Another player who could potentially soon be signing a contract at the City Ground is FC Dallas striker Petar Musa. The Croatia international moved to Major League Soccer outfit Dallas from Benfica in February, and went on to score 17 goals in all competitions for the Toros in the 2024 season. Prior to his move to Texas, Musa had also scored six times for Benfica – meaning he finished the year with 23 goals.

Forest reportedly made contact with Dallas over Musa heading into the January window, and according to renowned reporter Rudy Galetti, the MLS club are now open to selling the 26-year-old ahead of the start of their 2025 season, which kicks off in February.

“FC Dallas are open to evaluating bids,” wrote Galetti on X, adding that it would cost any interested party around £15 million to secure his services.

Forest face some serious competition for Musa, however, with Galetti reporting that both Leicester City and Serie A giants AC Milan are also keen on the striker, with the latter having confirmed their interest to Musa’s camp.

According to X account TheCroatianLad, Musa recently signaled his desire to return to Europe, saying: “In football, you never know. We’ll see. Of course, one day I’d love to play in one of the big five leagues.”

A “terrific” manager has reportedly emerged as a leading candidate to become Millwall’s next boss, having caught the eye during talks over the vacant role.

Millwall eyeing Harris replacement

The Championship side are looking for a new manager after Neil Harris’ time in charge came to an end earlier this month, with the legendary former striker stepping down after fierce criticism of the supporters, saying:

“People have to get their head out of clouds and realise we’ve done well to achieve what we’ve achieved so far and how tough it is for us as a group. You miss Romain [Esse], you miss Japhet [Tanganga] and you miss Jake Cooper. Three players that probably get in anybody’s Championship team. So just a reminder to people, the thickos, that when you take the three best players out of the team that this is Millwall Football Club.”

Mat Sadler has emerged as an option for Millwall, with the 39-year-old currently head coach of Walsall, only losing three times in League Two this season and guiding his team to the top of the table.

The Lions are 13th in the Championship table currently, so the new boss wouldn’t be inheriting a team languishing at the bottom and in danger of being relegated, and an experienced individual has now been mentioned as an option alongside Sadler.

Millwall impressed by "terrific" manager

According to a new update from The Mirror, Alex Neil has emerged as a strong option to replace Harris as Millwall manager, after “impressing in talks” with the club.

The 43-year-old has been out of management since departing Stoke City last year, but looks to be a strong choice to come in at The Den and take the team forward.

While Sadler is an exciting young option who is clearly flourishing at another club currently, Neil could be looked at as the safer pair of hands, having now proven himself in the Championship over an extended period of time.

The Scot has 466 matches under his belt in his career, despite still only being 43 years of age, and he was praised by Clinton Morrison during his time in charge at Sunderland, with the former striker saying:

“He’s come in and done a terrific job. This is a big club, we all kept saying they’re too big to be in League One. Many managers tried to get them out, he’s done that. He went in there at a difficult time when there was a lot of unrest at the club, and he produced. He’s done fantastic, and he’ll do well in the Championship. I think with a couple more signings, they have an outside chance this season.”

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 22, 2025

Neil will surely be champing at the bit to return to management and prove his worth once again, and given his track record, not least guiding Norwich City to the Premier League, he stands out as a good pick for Millwall, making this one to watch.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ídolo do Flamengo, Zico foi direto ao dizer que “sempre foi contra rodízio” entre os jogadores, em entrevista ao jornal “O Globo”, publicada neste sábado. O Galinho foi perguntado sobre as opções de Paulo Sousa e o atual elenco rubro-negro, e afirmou que, em sua visão, o ideal é manter um mesmo time treinando e jogando junto.

RelacionadasFlamengoDiego Ribas volta a ter espaço no Flamengo em meio à necessidade de preservar titularesFlamengo29/04/2022FlamengoCom torcida local mobilizada, Flamengo volta ao Piauí após 10 anos; confira o retrospecto do timeFlamengo29/04/2022FlamengoCopa do Brasil: Altos-PI terá time misto no jogo contra o FlamengoFlamengo29/04/2022

– Eu sempre fui contra negócio de rodízio. É bom na churrascaria. Sou totalmente contra. Como técnico, a mesma coisa. O jogador quer jogar. O que ele deixar de jogar às vezes vai treinar mais que se fosse o jogo. Se vai treinar firme, porque não pode jogar? No jogo é olho no olho. Se machucou, dane-se. Para mim, meu time é esse, e esse que vai jogar. Com Jesus entrava sempre o mesmo time, quando precisava tirava um ou outro. Futebol é conjunto, coletivo. Quanto mais treina junto, mais você joga junto, mais você une – analisou Zico.

Sobre o departamento de futebol do Flamengo, Zico citou a “vaidade” como problema. Sem citar qualquer dirigente ou diretor do clube, o Galinho criticou a política adotada na pasta, de “comprar jogador pronto”, ressaltando que deu resultado em 2019, mas questionando a continuidade dessa prática.

– O Flamengo adotou uma política. Forma jogador, vende porque está muito caro, e compra jogadores. Deu certo em 2019. Mas será que vai continuar dando certo? Mas onde eu entro ali, onde entra a questão para mim? A vaidade. Se faz um time de base e dá certo, o trabalho é da base, não o meu. Se eu vendo, trago gente, é o meu trabalho. Comprou pronto. Foi o que aconteceu com nossa geração. O que o Flamengo gastou com a gente? Hoje o Flamengo gasta. Tem outra estrutura. A gente dormia um em cima do outro. Hoje todos têm contrato. O nosso era ajuda de custo – disse Zico, que foi diretor executivo do Flamengo, na gestão da Patrícia Amorim, entre maio e outubro de 2010.

Confira outras respostas de Zico, ao jornal “O Globo”, sobre o atual Flamengo:

Sente falta da camisa 10 em campo?

A meu ver, por exemplo, o Arrascaeta jogava numa posição diferente com o Jorge Jesus. Acho que o Flamengo hoje não pode abrir mão desse quarteto (Arrascaeta, Everton Ribeiro, Bruno Henrique e Gabigol). Num jogo um ou outro não está bem, mas eles se entendem de olho fechado. E eles todos querem jogar. Quando você ganha, tem mais vontade de jogar.

Nosso time queria estar em campo todo dia. Estava feliz. O coletivo faz correr menos, estava sempre organizado para atacar e defender, o desgaste é menor. Se está espaçado, cada dia um time, hoje o Rodinei, amanhã o Isla, depois o Matheuzinho. Cada um tem uma característica, uma maneira de ser. Futebol é assim.

É essa cultura que o Paulo Sousa e os portugueses não entendem?

Essa cultura não é do português, é do futebol europeu, acham que o jogador tem que saber jogar em tudo que é faixa de campo. E não é assim. O Neymar não é dos melhores do mundo? O técnico do Barcelona botou ele na direita e foi o pior momento dele. Igual na seleção. Bruno Henrique passou o ano inteiro como melhor na esquerda. Tite convoca e ele joga na direita. O conceito europeu tem que ser de decisão. Não só de posicionar. De não deixar o adversário respirar, drible, intensidade.

Contra o City, Vinicius Junior começou a ir pra cima, é outro cara. Vai botar o Marinho para marcar lateral? Tem que ver o estilo do cara e onde rende bem. Não é igual ver um peladeiro e querer aperfeiçoar as suas deficiências. Tem que aprimorar o que tem de bom. Deficiência deixa de lado. Tem que explorar o que tem de melhor.