Por quase todo o tempo nessas três semanas sem jogo do São Paulo após a eliminação no Campeonato Paulista, o assunto quando se tratava sobre o time era a volta do esquema com três zagueiros, abolida pelo técnico Rogério Ceni desde o fim do ano passado.
Pois bem, após a vitória por 2 a 0 sobre o Tigre nesta quinta-feira (6), na estreia do Tricolor na Copa Sul-Americana, o treinador comentou sobre os motivos que o levaram a sacramentar a volta do sistema.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasTênisAtleta do Rio, Shymanovich vai à semi de duplas no WTA de BogotáTênis06/04/2023São PauloTorcida do Tigre queria sangue. Mas errou ônibus do São Paulo e apedrejou própria delegação antes do jogoSão Paulo06/04/2023TênisDokic publica foto em que jogou com hematomas após apanhar do paiTênis06/04/2023
+ATUAÇÕES: Erison faz 2 gols pelo São Paulo e leva a melhor no duelo do ‘Touro’ com o Tigre
– O sistema treinamos desde que saímos do Campeonato Paulista. Devido à volta do Arboleda e ao fato de o Diego (Costa) estar prestes a voltar, além do Rafinha, que também pode exercer a função, decidimos trabalhar com três zagueiros.
Sobre a escalação escolhida para preencher o sistema, Ceni foi direto e justificou que precisava de jogadores mais fortes e físicos para romper as linhas dos argentinos.
– Calleri suspenso, acho que para esse jogo o David com o Erison era a formação ideal, porque são jogadores fortes, de atacar espaço, como foi o primeiro gol. O Luciano é mais de flutuação, de jogar entrelinhas. A escolha se mostrou boa, Erison fez dois gols. David também ajudou muito segurando essas bolas na frente. O Michel Araújo atacando bastante, Nathan também, dentro de suas características.
+ Confira jogos, classificação e simule resultados da Copa Sul-Americana-23 na tabela do LANCE!
Lancashire needed 303 to win and were 138 for 3 when rain forced the players off, just after Marcus Harris reached 50
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Sep-2025
Marcus Harris steers reached fifty•Getty Images
Despite some spasmodic pyrotechnics on the final day, the Rothesay County Championship match between Kent and Lancashire ended in a draw, with the weather ruining what might have been a thrilling run chase.Ekansh Singh hit 60, his highest first-class score, as Kent posted 293 aided by a hugely entertaining cameo from Matt Quinn, whose 42 was his best score for Kent.Mitchell Stanley also had a career day, taking 6 for 100 to finish with match figures of 11 for 180.Lancashire needed 303 to win and were 138 for 3 when rain forced the players off, just after Marcus Harris had reached 50. Quinn took 2 for 21, but then limped off with an injury.Some 28 overs were lost due to rain but when play finally began both sides immediately went on the attack.Ekansh hit the second ball of the day from Tom Hartley for six, but Mo Rizvi was lbw to Stanley’s first delivery from the Nackington Road End, getting a pair on his first-class debut.When Stanley then bowled Matt Parkinson for a second-ball duck, in the same over, the lead was only 221, but Quinn joined Ekansh for a partnership worth 71 that steered Kent out of danger.He blazed 22 off Stanley’s next over (including four byes) and left Stanley kicking his crease in frustration. He even improvised a ramp shot off a full toss that somehow ended up at point and by lunch Kent were on for 276 for 7.The final three dismissals were all caught behind. Stanley finally got Quinn and George Balderson got Ekansh after a bouncer caught his raised bat. Ben Compton, playing despite a wrist injury, came in at 11 but only faced one ball before Michael Cohen was out to Stanley for four.This pattern continued in the Lancs’ reply when Keaton Jennings edged Quinn to Harry Finch for 4 and Wells then went to the same combination for 19, but Josh Bohannon and Harris took the heat out of the situation for the visitors with a partnership of 91.Harris reached 1000 runs for the season when he reached 23 and it was 73 for 2 at tea, but Quinn then pulled up injured during a run-up, stumbling at the crease and walking straight off, to be replaced by Rizvi.His first over went for 15 and he was immediately replaced by Evison, whose third ball bowled Bohannon’s off stump for 46. At 16.34 however, the rain returned and this time there was no chance of a resumption.
Ahead of New Zealand tour, the high altitude and cold weather, and the pace, bounce and movement, offered conditions they are likely to face there
Madushka Balasuriya23-Feb-2023
The Radella Cricket Ground’s immediate surroundings comprise trademark greenery and mountainscapes•SLC
Sri Lanka’s cricketers and coaching staff provided a glowing endorsement of the country’s latest training facility in Radella, Nuwara Eliya, following a week-long training camp at the newly renovated ground.Located some 4000 feet above sea level, the Radella Cricket Ground – home to Dimbula Athletic & Cricket Club – is among the most picturesque in the world; its immediate surroundings comprise the trademark greenery and mountainscapes of Sri Lanka’s hills, with waterfalls and tea estates aplenty, ready to greet those who venture further out.But more than the scenery, it was the conditions at the ground which most pleased those in attendance. Ahead of the team’s departure to New Zealand – where they will compete in two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is – the combination of high altitude and cold weather, along with the pace, bounce and movement present at Radella, offered the players as close a facsimile to the conditions they are likely to face in the coming month.Related
Will Sri Lanka's perfect preparation reap rewards in New Zealand?
Sri Lanka select uncapped Madushka, Rathnayake for Test tour of New Zealand in March
Sri Lanka on the verge of a selection committee shake-up
SLC triples match fees for women's cricketers
“The wickets we’ve been playing on have been excellent,” Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood said on the sidelines of the training camp. “Decent pace, good bounce, little bit of movement, and obviously the climate has suited us as well as training at high altitude; very similar to what we may face in New Zealand.”The renovation work has been headed by Godrey Dabrera, Sri Lanka Cricket’s manager of international venues and facilities. Having started on the work towards the end of last year, Dabrera headed a 20-member team in relaying four centre-turf wickets as well as installing five practice wickets, all of which was completed in a span eight weeks.”The work that Godfrey and the team have done here has been absolutely fantastic, to get this place up and running, to give us the conditions and the facilities we have here,” Silverwood said. “They’ve done a great job in such a short period of time as well.”Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne echoed his coach’s thoughts, and was particularly pleased at his bowlers being afforded extra time to get used to colder climes.”I think the bowlers benefitted quite a bit. For the fast bowlers, it’s not like bowling in warm conditions; bowling in colder conditions is a little harder,” Karunaratne said. “Even for the spinners, gripping the ball can be difficult in a colder climate. So things like that were very useful. We also have a lot of young players in the squad who haven’t played in New Zealand, so this was a very useful experience.”Sri Lanka completed their training camp on Thursday, and will now head back to Colombo to continue their preparations. The tour of New Zealand begins with the first Test from March 9 in Christchurch.
The opening batter leaves South Australia after eight years
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Apr-2023
Jake Weatherald has nine centuries in first-class cricket•Getty Images
Jake Weatherald will look to make a fresh start to his state career after moving to Tasmania on a two-year deal from South Australia.Weatherald, 28, did not play for South Australia since last December having stepped away from the game to manage his mental health early in the BBL.”I’m really excited and grateful to the Tigers for this opportunity,” Weatherald said. “I’m obviously also incredibly thankful to South Australian cricket for giving me my start and my initial opportunity, but I’m looking forward to embracing a new environment and continuing to learn so I can continue to grow my game in the coming years.””I’m 28 and think I still have the opportunity to take my game to another level, so I’m looking forward to getting that journey underway in Hobart shortly.”Weatherald has scored 3837 first-class runs at 34.25 with nine centuries – including one in what became his last appearance for South Australia which came against Tasmania – alongside 1383 List A runs at 36.89 and strike-rate of 91.16.He will remain with Adelaide Strikers in the BBL where he has two more years on his contract.At Tasmania he will add to the team’s top-order options which includes Australia A duo of Caleb Jewell and Tim Ward.”We’re really excited about securing Jake’s services for at least the next two years,” Jeff Vaughan, Tasmania’s head coach, said. “It was a really great opportunity that came to us during the contracting period that can only be seen as win-win for both parties.””We think Jake can bring some valuable experience and cricket IQ to our top order across both the white- and red-ball formats of the game but is also at an age where he can continue to develop his game and improve.”Tim Nielsen, SACA’s head of performance, thanked Weatherald for his eight years with the state.”Jake has been a big contributor to Redbacks cricket for many years and we thank him for all his efforts,” he said.”Jake identified a fresh start as an important part of his career moving forward and SACA are supportive of this new, exciting opportunity in front of him.”The most important thing for Jake is that he is happy, healthy and playing cricket and we hope this new chapter goes well for him.”Earlier this month South Australia secured left-arm quick Spencer Johnson on a three-year deal, fighting off interest from Queensland for the bowler who is gaining interesting from the national selectors.South Australia, along with the other states, will confirm their full lists for the 2023-24 season in the coming weeks.
The experienced Salma Khatun returns and Rubya Haider misses out with a knee injury
Mohammad Isam05-Jul-2023
Jahanara Alam played just one T20I against Sri Lanka in May•ICC via Getty Images
Bangladesh have left out two big names in Jahanara Alam and Fargana Hoque from the women’s T20I side ahead of their three-match series against India this month. Jahanara, who played just one game in their previous series against Sri Lanka in May, was one of five changes in the team.Fargana is Bangladesh’s second-highest scorer in the format, and along with her, allrounder Lata Mondal and left-arm quick Fariha Trisna were also dropped from the side. Left-hand batter Rubya Haider’s knee injury meant she had to be left out too.The experienced Salma Khatun returned to the side alongside batters Dilara Akter, Shathi Rani and 16-year-old Shorna Akter, apart from pace bowler Marufa Akter. Salma, Dilara and Marufa were not in the squad for the Sri Lanka series. Then selector Manjurul Islam had said at the time that Salma was “rested” due to the volume of cricket this year.Bangladesh T20I squad changes
Selector Sajjad Ahmed said that they brought Salma back to bolster the spin attack, while Dilara, Shathi and Shorna were promising for the shortest format. Sajjad, however, declined to comment on the players dropped from the side, citing his short time spent in the new role.Bangladesh’s batting will depend on Nigar Sultana, the captain, and Shamima Sultana, apart from Dilara, Sobhana Mostary, Murshida Khatun and Shorna. Uncapped Shathi Rani could open in one of the matches, after she was selected on the back of a strong domestic season.The spin attack will have to carry much of the bowling department, as only two pace bowlers were picked: Marufa Akter and the uncapped Disha Biswas. The spin attack comprises Salma, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Ritu Mondol, Sanjida Akter and Sultana Khatun.The Indian team will arrive in Dhaka on July 6 for the three T20Is on July 9, 11 and 13 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.Bangladesh squad for India T20Is: Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), Nahida Akter, Dilara Akter, Shathi Rani, Shamima Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Disha Biswas, Marufa Akter, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Salma Khatun, Fahima Khatun
Notts lose last six wickets for 34 runs as visitors regain advantage
ECB Reporters Network06-Apr-2024
Joe Clarke’s hundred earned a first-innings lead for Notts•Getty Images
A Joe Clarke century was the highlight as Nottinghamshire secured a 40-run first-innings lead on day two of their Vitality County Championship match against Essex, although they may regret not building a bigger advantage after a late collapse saw them lose their last six wickets for 34, which included a Sam Cook hat-trick.Essex had their noses in front again by the close, although they lost Feroze Khushi to a catch at first slip, finishing on 65 for 1. A further twist to an eventful final session may follow if what appeared to be Khushi’s bat is confirmed to have exceeded the regulation size after an on-field check by the umpires required it to be changed.Clarke made 104, sharing a partnership of 159 with Nottinghamshire debutant Jack Haynes, who hit 77. But Clarke’s dismissal prompted a collapse from 259 for 4 to 293 all out, Cook dismissing Lyndon James, Brett Hutton and Dillon Pennington with consecutive deliveries in his first over with the second new ball to finish with figures of 4 for 59.It was the 26-year-old seamer’s second senior hat-trick – his first came against Kent in the Vitality Blast last summer – and the first by an Essex bowler in first-class cricket since Danish Kaneria achieved the feat against Derbyshire in 2009.Essex had earlier been dismissed for 253 in their first innings as Nottinghamshire needed only 13 deliveries at the start of the morning to pick up the one wicket needed overnight, although Jamie Porter was able to secure a first batting point of the season before he was caught at first slip as Pennington grabbed a second debut wicket.Essex, who had themselves suffered a collapse from 170 for 2, recovered to have the home side three down at lunch in reply. Nottinghamshire openers Haseeb Hameed and Ben Duckett looked comfortable initially, but when Shane Snater relieved Porter at the Radcliffe Road he dismissed Duckett with his first delivery, which did enough to pass the edge of the England left-hander’s defensive bat and clip off stump.Cook followed up with a leg before against Ben Slater before Hameed, dropped at first slip off Porter on 28, perished in Porter’s next over, caught behind for 32.From 93 for 3 at lunch, Nottinghamshire were 100 for 4 soon afterwards, losing Matt Montgomery to a catch by Simon Harmer at second slip as Snater found enough movement away to claim a second wicket. The Netherlands international’s career-best 7 for 98 came on this ground in 2021.Yet Essex could make no further inroads in the afternoon session as Clarke and Haynes took control. Clarke, who enjoyed his best season as a Nottinghamshire batter in 2023, seemed to reach a turning point with his match-saving marathon 229 not out against Warwickshire in June. Since then he has looked like a batter with more clarity in his process without compromising his ability to inflict damage on opponents.For four hours it looked like something similar might be on the cards again, his focus rarely drifting as he passed fifty with a pull for six off Paul Walter and completed his 21st career hundred by sweeping and cutting Harmer for consecutive fours, moments of aggression in the context of well-judged progress. Little wonder that his shoulders slumped after a rare loose shot saw him caught at mid-on.It had been a fine innings, nonetheless, with 16 fours and that one six, as was that of his young partner, another former Worcestershire batter, albeit one whose senior debut came after Clarke had left New Road. Haynes played shots that were pleasing on the eye, any debut nerves seemingly calmed by Clarke’s assuredness at the other end.Their partnership added 159 in a little over 44 overs, putting Nottinghamshire in a seemingly strong position, six runs in front. Yet the breaking of it by offspinner Harmer’s first wicket of the season let Essex back in, with Haynes soon falling to another tame dismissal, a full toss spooned to mid-on, caught by sub fielder Ben Allison, on briefly for Cook.It left the home side with two new batters and the new ball due, one with which Cook promptly took a hat-trick, trapping James and Pennington leg before, with Hutton bowled by a corker in between. Porter wrapped things up by bowling Dane Paterson.
Celtic are currently 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with six matches left to play before the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Brendan Rodgers’s side are on course to win the top-flight title for the fourth successive year, since the old enemy won it in the 2020/21 season, but it has not been a perfect season by any stretch at Parkhead.
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
The Hoops have already lost more games (four) than they did in the entirety of the 2023/24 Premiership term, with their most recent defeat coming against St. Johnstone last weekend.
Celtic have lost two of their last three matches, having lost 3-2 to Rangers before the international break, and that is something Rodgers will be concerned about heading into the summer.
The Hoops boss will not want it to become a habit heading into next season and, so, will be looking at what has gone wrong in recent games to make adjustments and improve the team.
What went wrong in Celtic's loss to St. Johnstone
There were several reasons why the Premiership leaders ended up on the wrong side of a result against the team rooted to the bottom of the table last weekend.
One of them was that Auston Trusty, who came in to replace Maik Nawrocki, gave away a cheap free-kick that presented the home side with a chance to put pressure on the goal, resulting in a header that made it 1-0.
That gave the Saints something to hold on to and they did exactly that for the rest of the match as they sat deep and defended the box for their lives, needing their goalkeeper to make nine saves in total.
Celtic were unable to break them down to get the equaliser, and a subsequent winner, because they did not offer enough quality in the final third, due to their top performers failing to step up.
Celtic’s starting front three vs St. Johnstone
Stats
Jota
Daizen Maeda
Nicolas Kuhn
Minutes
76
61
45
Goals + assists
0
0
0
Shots on target
1
2
0
Key passes
2
0
1
Big chances created
0
0
0
Pass accuracy
76%
73%
72%
Duels won
7/11
2/6
3/10
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the front three that Rodgers selected to the start did not do enough at the top end of the pitch, with zero ‘big chances’ created combined.
Nicolas Kuhn, in particular, struggled as the German forward delivered zero shots on target, one key pass, and lost 70% of his duels in the first half before being withdrawn from the action at the break.
It has been a frustrating time for the 25-year-old attacker, whose form has dipped from his early season heroics, and Rodgers may be thinking of ways to get the left-footed whiz back to his best.
Nicolas Kuhn's recent struggles for Celtic
After the defeat to St. Johnstone, Kuhn has now been substituted at half-time in two of the last three matches, having also been hooked at the break in the loss to Rangers.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The German winger has only scored one goal in his last ten appearances in the Premiership and has been substituted by the 72nd minute in all five of his most recent starts in the division, which suggests that Rodgers has not been overly pleased with what the forward has produced on the pitch.
Kuhn had scored nine goals in his first 17 outings in the Scottish top-flight, which shows that there has been a clear drop-off in his output in the final third from the right wing.
The former Bayern Munich and Ajax youngster was the star of the show for the Hoops in the first half of the season, as evidenced by his exceptional goal return, but he now needs to find a way to reignite that flame.
Whilst there are things Kuhn could do to get back to his best, like delivering more quality in his actions at the top end of the pitch from the right flank, there is also something that Rodgers could do to put the forward on the right track.
Why Celtic must play Nicolas Kuhn in a new role
36 of the 25-year-old star’s 37 starts in all competitions this season have been on the right flank and the Hoops manager could brilliantly revive the winger’s form by unleashing him in a brand new role for the club.
The ex-Rapid Vienna star has never played in a central position for Celtic but he has played as a centre-forward at previous clubs, scoring an eye-catching 29 goals in 43 matches in his career in that role.
Kuhn is currently struggling for goals, making little impact at the top end of the pitch, and a spell in the team as a striker could help him to rebuild his confidence, before going back out to the wing.
With the league all-but-secured – 13 points clear with six games to go – Rodgers can afford to experiment and try new things with the team, which is why unleashing the German in a brand new role could be worth trying.
Nicolas Kuhn (24/25)
Premiership
Champions League
Appearances
27
10
xG
9.59
2.09
xG per 90
0.53
0.24
Goals
10
3
Big chances created
10
5
Assists
8
1
Stats via WhoScored & Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Celtic star has outperformed his xG in both the Premiership and the Champions League this season, which speaks to his ability to efficiently finish chances that come his way.
This suggests that the potential may be there for him to be an effective centre-forward with the team creating chances for him in central positions, rather than him needing to create openings for himself by coming in off the right flank.
The Celtic star, as shown in the clip above, is capable of providing exceptional finishes and Rodgers must, now, offer him the chance to showcase his finishing quality as a centre-forward in one of the team’s upcoming matches, in an attempt to help him get back to his goalscoring best for the Scottish giants.
Rodgers must finally get rid of Celtic dud who earns more than Maeda
Celtic must move on from the forward who earns even more than Daizen Maeda.
Celtic are into the final stretch of the 2024/25 campaign after coming out on the other side of the last international break of the season with a 3-0 win over Hearts.
The Scottish Premiership leaders secured all three points against the Jam Tarts thanks to two goals from Daizen Maeda and one strike from Jota last weekend.
Celtic are 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership table and are looking to wrap up the league in the next few weeks, as they close in on their fourth successive title.
The Hoops also have the semi-finals of the SFA Cup, where they will face St. Johnstone later this month, to look forward to as they attempt to win a domestic treble this season.
Brendan Rodgers may, however, have one eye on the upcoming summer transfer window and how he can improve his Celtic squad to perform even better in the 2025/26 campaign.
The likes of Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo, Kasper Schmeichel, Adam Idah, and Auston Trusty all came through the door last year, and they have helped the Hoops to continue their domestic dominance.
Brendan Rodgers' demand for the summer transfer window
According to Football Insider, the Northern Irish manager wants ‘huge’ backing from the board in the summer to ensure that the team can progress in Europe next season.
The report claims that the manager’s future is uncertain at Parkhead, with his contract due to expire in the summer of 2026, and that the club’s performance in Europe is the key to keeping him in Glasgow.
It states that Rodgers wants the board to improve the team to make them more competitive in the Champions League, after they were knocked out in the play-off stage by Bayern Munich this term.
Football Insider, however, does not mention any active transfer targets for the Scottish giants, beyond pointing out that Scotland international Kieran Tierney will arrive at Parkhead on a free transfer from Premier League side Arsenal when his contract at The Emirates expires this summer.
There is a fresh report, though, that reveals one of Celtic’s targets for the upcoming summer transfer window, and it is a player the Bhoys have been linked to in the past.
The latest on Celtic's interest in £5m forward
According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic are still interested in a deal to sign Belgian winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Pro League outfit Royal Antwerp.
The report claims that the Premiership leaders sent scouts to watch the forward in action against Union Saint-Gilloise, as Antwerp were hammered 5-1 last weekend.
It states that the 23-year-old whiz has been a long-time target for Rodgers, who is now plotting a fresh swoop for his services, as the manager wanted him in the recent January transfer window and last summer.
The Scottish Sun adds that the right-footed speedster is valued at £5m by Royal Antwerp, but it remains to be seen how much Celtic are prepared to spend on the winger.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
This latest report also reveals that the Belgian side are prepared to cash in on him in the upcoming summer window because the forward will only have 12 months left on his contract, and it could be their last chance to sell the gem before they lose him for nothing in 2026.
Celtic must now push to get a deal over the line for the Pro League attacker ahead of next season, as the winger could be the club’s next version of Mohamed Elyounoussi.
Why Celtic should sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha
The Scottish giants have had many impressive left-sided wingers over the years, including the Norway international they had on loan from Southampton in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns.
Elyounoussi scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists in 67 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, predominantly playing as a left winger but also being deployed as a second striker and as a right winger at times.
The Norwegian dynamo provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the left flank, and Balikwisha could follow in his footsteps.
In fact, the Belgian star was the second-most similar player, as per FBref, to Elyounoussi in the 2023/24 edition of the Champions League, with the chart below highlighting their statistical similarities – mainly out of possession and as ball carriers.
This suggests that Balikwisha could arrive at Celtic and remind supporters of their former loanee with his similar style of play, whilst his form for Royal Antwerp last season suggests that he can also deliver in the final third.
The Pro League ace, who was once described as one of a number of “incredible” young talents by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has missed a large part of this season through injury, starting two games and creating three ‘big chances’, but he featured in 33 of the club’s 38 league matches in the 2023/24 campaign.
23/24 Pro League
Balikwisha
Starts
27
xG
6.46
Goals
7
Big chances created
6
Key passes per game
1.5
Assists
5
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.1
Duel success rate
54%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha offered quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Antwerp last term, averaging three chances created every two games and outperforming his xG.
These statistics also show that he can hold his own in physical battles, winning the majority of his duels, and this suggests that the forward would be able to deal with the physicality and intensity of the Scottish top-flight.
Like Elyounoussi, Balikwisha likes to come infield onto his right foot from a left wing position to cause problems for opposition defenders at the top end of the pitch, as shown in the clip below.
Rodgers could, therefore, land Celtic’s new version of the Norway international by pushing the board to seal a £5m deal for the attacker when the summer transfer window opens for business, whilst adding another excellent wide option to his arsenal – alongside the likes of Hyun-jun Yang, Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn, and Jota.
Celtic gem was "the next Van Dijk" but Postecoglou sold him for just £1m
The former Celtic star was described as “the next Van Dijk” by his former manager.
ByDan Emery Apr 3, 2025
At the age of 23, Balikwisha also has plenty of time left on his hands to develop and improve, which means that he could be an excellent long-term addition for the Scottish giants.
Overall, the Antwerp star could be a fine addition to the Celtic squad because of the quality he could provide in the final third, as well as the potential he has to progress and grow in value in the future.
Nottingham Forest are said to have entered the race to complete the signing of an “absolute hero” this summer, following a new transfer rumour.
Nottingham Forest prepare for another huge game
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have wobbled of late in their quest to finish in the Premier League top five this season, securing a place in the 2025/26 Champions League in the process. Forest have lost their last two league outings on the bounce, being beaten 2-1 away to Aston Villa before losing 1-0 at home to Everton last time around, with Abdoulaye Doucoure scoring a last-gasp winner for the hosts.
Next up for the Reds is a trip to Tottenham on Monday evening, which has the potential to be another tough game, even though Spurs have flattered to deceive this season. They have still reached the Europa League semi-finals, which shows what they are capable of.
Granted, Forest are still in a wonderful position, sitting fourth in the league table, but they are only two points ahead of fifth-place Manchester City, and perhaps most importantly, just three clear of Chelsea in sixth. Champions League qualification will make for an exciting summer at the City Ground, and now a new transfer rumour has emerged.
Nottingham Forest join the race for Juventus defender Gatti
According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti in the summer window. Newcastle United are mentioned as rivals for the 26-year-old’s signature, with the Italian valued at £25.7m. A new deal until 2030 looks set to be agreed in Turin, but the Old Lady may simply use that to cash in on the towering defender.
Federico Gatti for Juventus
While Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo have excelled at the heart of Forest’s defence this season, signing Gatti would still feel like a statement signing, also adding strong competition, ahead of the chance to compete on four fronts next season.
Gatti vs. Milenkovic vs. Murillo in the league this season
Gatti
Milenkovic
Murillo
Appearances
28
31
31
Starts
26
31
31
Minutes played
2188
2790
2750
Clearances per game
2.6
5.1
6.5
Aerial duel wins per game
1.3
2.9
1.1
Tackles per game
1.0
1.4
1.4
Goals
1
4
1
Assists
0
2
0
The Juve ace is now a six-cap Italy international who has already made 103 appearances for one of Europe’s biggest clubs, while football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him in the past, calling him an “absolute hero”.
Admittedly, there is a fair chance that Gatti will remain at Juve and sign a contract extension, but if Forest are willing to bid enough for his services, it will be interesting to see if the Turin giants’ head is turned.
Contact made: Nottingham Forest make enquiry for £40m "one-man machine"
The Tricky Trees have now made a move for a midfielder, who is attracting widespread interest from across Europe.
ByDominic Lund Apr 16, 2025
At 26, he is at an ideal age to come in and enjoy his peak years at the City Ground, and he could make Forest an even more formidable defensive proposition.
Newcastle United are planning talks with a “scary” attacking player ahead of a potential move to St James’ Park this summer, according to a new update.
Newcastle plan transfers in line with Champions League push
The Magpies picked up three more important points in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, easing to a relatively straightforward 3-0 win at home to Ipswich Town despite a slow start to the match.
While Newcastle’s season hasn’t always been perfect, winning the EFL Cup was a huge moment in the club’s long history, and qualifying for the Champions League would be another significant achievement for Eddie Howe and his players.
The Magpies sit third in the Premier League table with four matches remaining, and while Nottingham Forest will overtake them if they win their game in hand this week, they are still in a wonderful position to finish in the top five.
Newcastle’s remaining matches are taxing, however, with a crucial home clash with Chelsea on the horizon, as well as trips to both Brighton and Arsenal, so there is still plenty of work to do in the coming weeks. Being in the Champions League will help them attract top names to the club, and one such player has been mentioned as a summer target.
Newcastle planning talks to sign "scary" attacker
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle and Paul Mitchell plan to hold talks with Ademola Lookman over a move to the club, as they look to entice the Nigerian away from Serie A side Atalanta.
The 27-year-old has plenty of potential suitors, however, with new Premier League champions Liverpool mentioned as an option, and Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all in the mix, too. While Juventus also get a mention, they are unlikely to be able to afford the £55m being demanded for his signature.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman in action with AC Milan'sEmersonRoyal
Lookman could be a brilliant signing for Newcastle ahead of next season, hopefully coming in as competition for Alexander Isak, rather than a replacement for him, The former Everton man has scored 50 times for Atalanta, including 18 goals this season, and the best moment of his career to date was a memorable hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Lookman has been described as “scary in tight spaces” by Tuttosport, while Gian Piero Gasperini has hailed him as “truly extraordinary” and “among the best” there is in the world currently. Indeed, he has been somewhat of a late bloomer, going from failed Everton flop to emerging as a truly top player in Europe now at the age of 27.
Attacking reinforcements are a must for Newcastle in the summer, with more firepower required after arguably too much pressure on Isak’s shoulders this season, and the Atalanta ace could be a perfect addition, given he would also provide depth on both wings.
Romano: Newcastle "keen on signing" £70m "tank" with same agent as Gordon
They’ve wanted him for ages.
ByBarney Lane Apr 27, 2025
The Nigeria international has Premier League experience, making 96 appearances in the competition, and he is at a great age to come in and be a star man for the Magpies straight away.