Category Uncategorized

Heading into the January transfer window, Unai Emery and Aston Villa wanted to sign a right-back, with Matty Cash the only specialist option available. The goal was to find somebody who could provide both cover and competition for the Polish defender.

Villa were able to strike a deal for Red Star Belgrade youngster Kosta Nedeljkovic, who's staying put in the Serbian capital on loan until the end of the season before he joins up with Emery's squad in the summer.

The problem with Nedeljkovic is that he's still so inexperienced, having only made 18 first-team appearances for Red Star so far. As such, there may be doubts over whether he'll be ready to play meaningful Premier League minutes as soon as next season, and that could lead Villa to a more experienced, shorter-term option in Denzel Dumfries.

Aston Villa make contact over Dumfries move

According to FC Inter News, Villa have now seemignly made contact with the agent of Dumfries as they have 'tested the waters with the agents' to discuss a potential summer move. It's unclear whether Emery's interest will "become serious or fade away", but the Spaniard is already thinking about the composition of his squad for next season.

Crucially, Dumfries is out of contract in 18 months' time, and there's currently "no dialogue" between the Serie A leaders and his agency Wasserman, which also represents Villa duo Tyrone Mings and Clement Lenglet.

While Inter still regard Dumfries as an important player, they're not willing to pay him the kind of salary he's demanding, and unless the situation changes, they plan to sell him this summer to ensure they don't lose him for nothing in the final year of his contract.

Bayern Munich had previously been showing interest in the Dutchman but they're no longer in the market for a right-back after signing Sacha Boey from Galatasaray last month, while Erik ten Hag is keen to bring him to Manchester United. Inter are hopeful of drumming up a bidding war, so the news of Villa's approach will be welcome.

Dumfries could be "ideal" signing for Villa

Retired compatriot Rafael van der Vaart has spoken glowingly of Dumfries, calling him the top player in the Netherlands national team – a group that also includes Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo.

He said: "Dumfries is our big star. He is really our very best player at the moment, he’s involved in everything. He is always on the move. A really great player. His touches are also good, which was different in the past. He is the ideal full-back."

1

Federico Dimarco

Inter

0.45

2

Remi Oudin

Lecce

0.33

3

Filip Kostic

Juventus

0.32

4

Rafael Leo

Milan

0.30

5

Denzel Dumfries

Inter

0.29

Dumfries has certainly been an "ideal" option for Simone Inzaghi at San Siro this season. As you can see in the table above, he's the fifth-most creative player in the league when you go by the underlying numbers, with teammate Federico Dimarco also up there.

The Aston Villa starlet who could be their best prospect since Grealish

Unai Emery must unleash the talented gem.

ByTom Lever Feb 9, 2024

One key point to note is that Inzaghi has been using a back three this season, which means Dumfries has played as a wing-back rather than slotting in on the right of a four. Emery has only used a similar system twice in the league this term, so there may have to be a mutual adaptation process if this deal gets done.

With this coming summer likely to define the future of Liverpool, the Reds and FSG appear to have their eye on one man who has been vital in the success of a fellow Premier League side.

Liverpool transfer news

After the bombshell of Jürgen Klopp's departure at the end of the season was revealed last month, it has brought the futures of many of Anfield's stars into question. Assistant managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos will leave alongside the German, leaving a number of vacancies on Merseyside.

Sporting director, Jorg Schmadtke also departed at the end of the January window, leaving his desk vacant for the remainder of the season. With the contracts of Mohammed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all set to expire in the summer of 2025, owners Fenway Sports Group have a lot to do on Merseyside.

Eager to have their next sporting director in place well before the summer window opens, reports have suggested that FSG are looking to their Premier League rivals for the next man to head up their recruitment.

Newcastle chief Ashworth "liked by Liverpool"

Talking to GiveMeSport, journalist Ben Jacobs discussed the potential names in contention for the empty sporting director role at Anfield, admitting that Liverpool like Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth and a move would not be "beyond the realms of possibility".

Speaking to the outlet, Jacobs said:

“I don't see Liverpool returning for Ward because he's left more recently. That's a Manchester United candidate. I don't think Ashworth is beyond the realms of possibility because he's liked by Liverpool. I also think there's less chance that Liverpool will come in for Mitchell because they've looked at him in the past and chose not to move. So, it would be surprising if they returned for him.”

Ashworth rose to prominence as technical director at Brighton, before leaving the south coast in February 2022 to become sporting director at the Tyneside outfit. Instrumental in Newcastle's impressive fourth-placed campaign last season, the 52-year-old quickly earned plaudits for a transfer strategy that propelled the Magpies into Europe.

After it was reported late last year that Manchester United were also interested in the services of Ashworth, Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe stressed how important he is to the side, telling the club website:

“He’s connected with everything that goes on in terms of the decision-making at the club. He’s hugely important and has been a really calming influence behind the scenes, his vast experience has really helped”.

With Manchester United also on the lookout for a sporting director, Liverpool could be desperate to get any deal done quickly to avoid the disappointment of losing out to their bitter rivals. Ashworth's knowledge of the English game and pedigree at the highest level may create a fierce battle to get his signature, as he is thought to be the top target at Old Trafford.

An off-field rebuild at Anfield will likely start with a fresh face in the sporting director's position. In Ashworth, Liverpool may have a man capable of dealing with big clubs and able to deliver large-scale change in a short timeframe. Whilst Ashworth could be a real coup for the Reds, FSG may have a battle to bring him to the club.

Three points adrift of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic with a game in hand, Rangers have every chance of intensifying the title race to maximum level to cap off the ultimate comeback in the chase for silverware. And as the action takes place on the pitch, an all-important decision has reportedly been made in the Ibrox boardroom.

Rangers contract news

Whilst this season could prove to be an incredible success, Philippe Clement is yet to even enjoy a full campaign in charge, perhaps making next season the one to watch for the Gers. The Belgian must keep the foundation of his squad together, however, if he wants to consistently beat Celtic to the Scottish crown for years to come.

Those at Ibrox saw how Michael Beale struggled throughout his tenure after the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent departed, and they'll be hoping to avoid handing Clement a similar fate. Of course, if the January transfer window is anything to go by, then the former AS Monaco manager will certainly be backed by the Gers, who welcomed Fabio Silva, Oscar Cortes and Mohamed Diomande last month. Now, they have made an equally as important decision off the pitch.

According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Rangers have offered John Lundstram a new contract. As things stand, the midfielder is set to leave the club as a free agent this summer, dealing the Gers a frustrating blow. Lundstram is reportedly keen to stay, but with negotiations ongoing, it remains to be seen whether that proves to be the case come May.

Rangers struck gold on free transfer who's now become a "cult hero"

Rangers struck gold on a midfielder who they signed in 2021

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 7, 2024

Clement certainly likes the former Sheffield United midfielder, saying via back in December: "He is important in many ways. He is someone who never hides. He always wants the ball. He understands the tactical study we want to do every game, he changes every game to try and find spaces."

On Lundstram's contract, the Rangers boss went on to say: "Yeah, of course I am thinking about that. That is something for the next weeks, the next months for us to discuss. I spoke to him already about that, he knows what I feel, I know how he feels, that is for the next weeks and months."

"Important" Lundstram brings experience to young Rangers team

If you want to win titles, then the perfect mixture of experience and youthful bravery is an ideal way to start. That's a balance that Clement has started to find since arriving at Ibrox and a balance that Lunstram is key to. The 29-year-old, sitting alongside the also-experienced Ryan Jack, is often behind a youthful attacking trio, with the likes of Rabbi Matondo, Ross McCausland and Fabio Silva all yet to hit 24.

Replacing that experience would arguably be a more difficult task than finding fresh attacking options, especially if the Gers lose Lunstram on a free this summer. Even if the midfielder has the chance to bow out a Scottish Premiership champion, sticking with Rangers and Clement could be the answer to further success as the later years of his career approach.

The rebuild at Manchester United is well and truly underway, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe attempting to fix the way the club functions.

However, on-the-field additions are yet to occur in what has been a quiet January for the Red Devils who are yet to welcome any new faces to the club.

The attacking department is what Erik ten Hag is keen to address, with his side struggling in the final third.

Man Utd's search for a new attacker

According to reports from Spain, Man United are in the race to sign Brighton sensation Kaoru Mitoma.

That said, they face plenty of competition for his signature with Arsenal said to be favourites to sign the winger after Mikel Arteta personally ordered a move was made. Treble-winners Manchester City also interested in the Japanese forward.

No Hojlund, Pogba 2.0 signs: The dream XI Omar Berrada could build at Man Utd

Erik ten Hag could have a new look United team come the summer.

ByTom Lever Jan 22, 2024

Mitoma's estimated value as per CIES Football Observatory is £68m, which likely rules out a move occurring this month due to FFP restrictions.

How Mitoma compares to Rashford

Last season, Marcus Rashford was unstoppable, scoring goals, and full of confidence, as he netted 17 times in the Premier League.

However, he has been a shadow of his former self this campaign, scoring just four in 26 total appearances, and the last thing he needs at this current moment is the attention of the media for his off-the-field activities, snapped in a Belfast night club a few days ago.

Nevertheless, consistency is what United have missed the most this season, and Ten Hag will want his players to perform to a certain standard for the most part. Having said that, Mitoma could just be the player to provide a continuous threat in the United attack, and that serves as bad news to Rashford.

The Japanese attacker entertained the Premier League for the first time last season when he scored seven goals and registered five assists in 24 starts.

This campaign, he's on track to match his previous numbers, as he's currently netted three times and provided four assists in 13 starts, with an ankle injury reducing his matches played.

Nonetheless, let's look at Mitoma's statistics from this season, which prove he would be an excellent signing for United.

Goals

0.20

Bottom 58%

Assists

0.27

Top 25%

Touches (Att pen)

8.04

Top 9%

Take-ons attempted

5.93

Top 9%

Successful take-ons

2.38

Top 13%

Carries into penalty area

3.82

Top 4%

Progressive passes received

14.38

Top 6%

There's nothing that Mitoma cannot do when the ball is at his feet, and based on the statistics, it is no surprise that he did his university thesis on the art of dribbling.

The 26-year-old dazzles opponents with his feints, which enable him to breeze past opponents and carry the ball into dangerous areas.

Ten Hag's side lacks players who can take people on, with only two players in the squad boasting over one successful dribble per game, which often makes United far too easy to face.

Although his goal output is low, that direct dribble into the box often provides him with an opportunity to work half a yard of space to either set up a teammate or slot the ball into the corner with finesse, which has caused Mitoma's former teammate Christian Burgess to say he "finishes like [Thierry] Henry."

However, the main problem for Mitoma is that he is often being marked by two, sometimes three players at times, because there is only going to be one winner in a 1v1 scenario. That said, it has huge benefits for the rest of the team because it allows a numerical advantage to occur elsewhere.

There's not a player in the United squad that can impact a game in the same way that Mitoma can, and therefore, signing the Japan international could be a great piece of business, even if it banishes Rashford from the first-team picture.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na noite desta quarta-feira, o Grêmio estreou na Libertadores da América e massacrou o Ayacucho por 6 a 1, resultado que colocou o time perto da próxima fase e acalma os ânimos após o vice da Copa do Brasil.

Porém, mesmo com o triunfo acachapante, o torcedor do Tricolor tem motivos para se preocupar e o sinal de alerta vem com a posição de goleiro.

Após ficar no banco de reserva nos dois jogos contra o Palmeiras, Vanderlei retomou o seu lugar na equipe, mas foi abaixo do esperado. Sem confiança, ele errou em lances bobos e deixou a torcida desesperado.

Uma das falhas foi fatal e culminou no único gol do time peruano. Na cobrança de escanteio, o arqueiro socou errado e o rival mandou para dentro da rede.

Brenno

Diante da atuação ruim, o jovem Brenno, atualmente o terceiro goleiro do Grêmio, foi lembrado nas redes sociais e pode ser que pinte na equipe para o duelo da volta, que será realizado em Quito.

RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalGrêmio atropela Ayacucho e encaminha classificação para próxima fase da LibertadoresFutebol Internacional10/03/2021Futebol LatinoParaguaio: Gigante é humilhado dentro de casa e torneio tem novo líderFutebol Latino10/03/2021Futebol LatinoLibertadores: Universidad de Chile e San Lorenzo ficam no empate em jogo com expulsãoFutebol Latino10/03/2021

Pattinson is in line to play seven County Championship matches and the full Royal London Cup campaign

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Mar-2019

James Pattinson bowls•Getty Images

James Pattinson will continue his push for a place on the Ashes tour with a return to Nottinghamshire in English county cricket.Pattinson is in line to play seven County Championship matches and the full Royal London Cup campaign, although that could change if he is included in the Australia A squad for the tour which precedes the Ashes and is shaping as a key in the selectors’ final decision-making.He has had another disrupted season in Australia following his return from major back surgery – a side strain curtailing his Big Bash season for Brisbane Heat – but has been in eye-catching form since returning for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield with a five-wicket haul against New South Wales and more scalps against South Australia.During his previous spell with Nottinghamshire in 2017, Pattinson took 32 wickets at 12.06 in five Championship matches.”James had a successful first spell with us and it’s great to get the chance to welcome him back this season,” Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell said. “His pace and international pedigree make him an exciting addition to our squad. If he performs anything like he did during the previous spell, we’ll be very happy.”What you want from an overseas player is someone with the right attitude who throws themselves into playing their cricket for Nottinghamshire. That’s certainly something James did for us in 2017 and that’s why he was so popular among the members and supporters, as he was with the players and coaching staff.”Pattinson said: “I loved my time with Nottinghamshire in 2017. It will be great to join up with the lads again. I’m excited to get back on the field and helping the team chase a couple of titles.”Pattinson’s first appearance is set to be against Lancashire in the Royal London Cup on April 19

تأهل فريق الإسماعيلي إلى دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس مصر، بالفوز على نظيره طلائع الجيش، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم السبت.

الإسماعيلي واجه طلائع الجيش، ضمن منافسات دور ربع النهائي من عمر منافسات كأس مصر للموسم الحالي 2024.

وكان فريق طلائع الجيش تقدم أولاً عن طريق لاعبه جودوين تشيكا أوكوارا في الدقيقة 29 من عمر الشوط الأول للمباراة.

وتعادل فريق الإسماعيلي في اللحظات الأخيرة تحديدًا في الدقيقة 90+1، بعدما سجل اللاعب محمد عمار، ليذهب الفريقان إلى وقت إضافي.

طلع | الإسماعيلي: نحتاج أكثر من 1.5 مليون دولار لإنهاء أزمة القيد.. ويحسم مصير إيهاب جلال

وفي الوقت الإضافي استمر التعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق، ليتم الاحتكام إلى ركلات الترجيح لحسم المتأهل إلى دور نصف النهائي.

واستطاع فريق الإسماعيلي تحقيق الفوز بنتيجة 10-9 بعد ماراثون في ركلات الترجيح، حيث لعب كل فريق 11 ركلة جزاء. 

وبذلك يلاقي فريق الإسماعيلي الفائز من مباراة مودرن سبورت وزد، في دور نصف النهائي من مسابقة كأس مصر.

يذكر أن  الإسماعيلي هو الفريق الثالث المتأهل إلى دور نصف النهائي بعد بيراميدز والمصري. أهداف وركلات الترجيح لمباراة الإسماعيلي وركلات الترجيح في كأس مصر

MatériaMais Notícias

Com uma assistência para Gabriel Veróm, que marcou o gol de honra do Palmeiras na derrota para o Ceará por 2 a 1, neste domingo (24), o meia Lucas Lima declarou que a equipe fez uma boa partida, mas reconheceu que os erros defensivos no primeiro tempo foram determinante para o Alviverde ter sofrido o revés.

>> Mercado da bola: clubes que mais gastaram da temporada 2010/11 para cá
>> Confira a classificação atualizada do Brasileirão e faça sua simulação

– A gente fez uma boa partida, demos dois vacilos e levamos dois gols, lutamos, não conseguimos o empate. Hoje entrou quem estava melhor fisicamente, quem poderia jogar, a rapaziada (titular) vem numa pegada forte – disse o meia.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras marca presença em congresso e dirigente português explica o convitePalmeiras24/01/2021PalmeirasEmprestado pelo Palmeiras, Pedrão vira destaque em PortugalPalmeiras23/01/2021PalmeirasDestaque do Palmeiras, Weverton explica a utilização de diferentes modelos de luvas em jogosPalmeiras23/01/2021

Lucas Lima comentou que o Verdão poderia ter se aproximado dos líderes do Brasileirão e lamentou a derrota para os cearenses. Às vésperas da final da Libertadores, o camisa 20 destacou foco total para o duelo contra o Vasco, pelo jogo atrasado da 1ª rodada do Brasileiro.

– Se a gente ganha, poderia estar lutando pelo Brasileiro, mas enquanto tivermos chances vamos lutar. Sabemos a grandeza das finais que vamos jogar, mas é lutar no Brasileiro. Temos o Vasco e jogo a jogo vamos lutando – finalizou.

O Palmeiras recebe, na próxima terça-feira (26), o Vasco, no Allianz Parque, às 20h.

نجح فريق الكرة الأول بالنادي الأهلي في تسجيل هدف التعادل أمام نظيره إنبي في المباراة الجارية بينهما الآن.

المباراة تقام على ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب في إطار لقاءات الجولة 33 من المسابقة المحلية. 

وأحرز هدف تعادل الأهلي محمود عبد المنعم كهربا في الدقيقة الأولى من الوقت بدل الضائع للشوط الأول، بتسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء.

وكان إنبي قد تقدم بالهدف الأول في الدقيقة 22، بعد تمريرة من محمد شريف حتحتوت حولها أحمد نادر حواش بتسديدة رائعة سكنت مرمى الأهلي.

فيديو | أحمد نادر حواش يُسجل هدف إنبي الأول أمام الأهلي

يذكر، أنه قبل دقائق من هدف كهربا، قد نجح اللاعب ذاته في تسجيل هدف أول ولكن قرر الحكم إلغاءه بداعي التسلل، كما أيد قراره حكم الـvar.

وتوج الأهلي، ببطولة الدوري المصري موسم 2023- 2024، بعد وصوله لعدد نقاط لن يصل إليه أي فريق آخر في الدوري. هدف كهربا في مباراة الأهلي وإنبي اليوم

Moise Kean joining Everton from Juventus in the summer transfer window before the 2019/20 season kicked off was meant to be a transfer that saw the Italian striker come into the Toffees and take the Premier League by storm, the young striker leaving Turin behind to make a name for himself in England.

Unfortunately for the now 23-year-old, he would flop at Goodison Park and was subsequently shipped out twice on loan away from Merseyside before rejoining The Old Lady in Serie A permanently this year.

Everton will surely have to manage their brand new signing Youssef Chermiti better in order to avoid another Kean situation occurring, the 19-year-old striker who left Sporting CP for the Toffees this summer barely featuring under Sean Dyche so far this season.

Chermiti will hope that he's gradually given more first-team opportunities and that he grasps these fleeting chances, with Kean struggling to ever get going and find form in a Blues strip in contrast.

Kean's numbers for Everton

Joining the Toffees for an initial £29m fee, Kean was billed as an exciting goalscorer after his exploits with the Juventus U17's and the way in which the youngster had cemented a spot in the starting eleven with the Italian giants – scoring 29 goals from just 36 games with the U17's, a goal return that must have excited the Everton fanbase at the potential of what they could have on their hands.

However, the move to Everton just didn't work for the 6 foot striker with Kean firing blanks more often than not on Merseyside instead of managing lengthy goalscoring streaks.

He would depart the Toffees with a paltry four goals to his name, managing that below-average total from 39 games for the club before upping and leaving to head back to his native Italy.

Mismanaging the youngster somewhat – Kean often only utilised as a substitute with his minutes in the first team drying up towards the latter stages of his Blues career – Dyche will have to manage the current situation with Chermiti carefully in order to avoid deja vu.

Chermiti's numbers this season

Purchased for £15m in the transfer window just gone, the Portuguese striker has bags of raw potential after hitting the back of the net three times for his former employers last season in Liga Portugal after bursting onto the scene in the first team.

Now away from home comforts in Lisbon, he has only been afforded minutes here and there off the bench so far under his new manager.

The teenager has looked out of his depth so far, but the 6 foot 4 striker has only amassed a meagre 34 minutes in the Everton first team set-up to date with Dyche often only giving him a run-out when the clock is ticking down in matches.

Heralded as a "superb prospect" by football journalist Jacek Kulig after scoring and assisting for Sporting in his first two starts with the club, Everton will have to be patient and hope Chermiti comes good instead of rashly throwing him to the wayside.

Averaging an impressive 6.72 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes over the last year, according to FBRef, Chermiti has the attributes to become a top striker in the years to come.

It'll just require Everton to relieve some of the pressure on the colossal striker's shoulders, allowing him adequate time to grow and then hopefully flourish into a sensational attacker for Dyche's men in the years to come.

At present, however, it looks as if he could be following a similar path to that man Kean, even if it is still early days.