Glasgow Rangers underwent something of a rebuild during the summer transfer window as Philippe Clement allowed several first-team stars to depart Ibrox while bringing in quite a few new players.

Out went the likes of Connor Goldson, Todd Cantwell, Sam Lammers, Scott Wright and Robby McCrorie as the Belgian sought to stamp his authority on his squad.

Not much was known about the transfer fees that the Light Blues brought in for these five players, but recently, chief financial officer James Taylor confirmed at the AGM that the figure was £800k.

Not just for one player, but for all five. An incredible revelation and proves just how poorly the club has been run in recent years.

Lammers is a prime example. He cost around £3m from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 as Michael Beale was looking to bolster his team.

He left after just a year, but it is evident given Taylor’s comments that the club lost a massive amount of money on the Dutchman.

Sam Lammers' statistics at Rangers

Given that Lammers had scored a grand total of six goals across the previous three seasons for four different clubs, it was hardly the form of a player who was meant to spearhead a title challenge.

Between August and January, Lammers played 31 times for the Light Blues, yet managed to get on the scoresheet just twice, while adding two assists. It became clear that Beale had wasted millions on a player who lacked the physical nature to shine in Scottish football.

In the Premiership, Lammers created only one big chance in 17 matches, also averaging 0.3 key passes and succeeding with 1.1 dribbles per game. Beale preferred to utilise the Dutchman in an attacking midfield slot, believing that his technical ability could cut through defences.

Unfortunately, this tactical blueprint didn’t quite work out, and he was loaned to FC Utrecht in January.

Whatever was lacking in Scotland finally emerged during his spell in the Eredivisie, as he scored 11 goals and provided four assists in just 20 matches for the club in what was a stunning turnaround in form during the second half of the season.

Any notion that he might make it at Ibrox was quelled when Clement sold him to Twente during the summer. This allowed the manager to get high wages off the bill while giving him space to bring in another player.

Sam Lammers’ Rangers stats – 2023/24

Metric

Europa League

Premiership

Goals

0

2

Assists

0

1

Big chances created

0

1

Total shots per 90

1.2

2.5

Key passes per 90

1

0.3

Via Sofascore

So far, however, the 27-year-old has been in the form of his life back in his homeland, emerging as one of the finest players in the Dutch top flight.

Sam Lammers' form after leaving Rangers behind

The attacker is certainly continuing the form he displayed last year into the current campaign for his new side.

While he may not have led them into the Champions League group stages, Twente are currently taking part in the Europa League, where the forward has scored twice in five games.

Domestically, however, is where Lammers is showcasing his finest form, that’s for sure.

In 15 matches for Twente, the former Rangers player has netted six times along with chipping in with two assists, propelling the club to fifth place in the league table at the time of writing.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Expand Collapse

Not only does he rank second in the squad for goals and assists in the top flight, but Lammers also ranks second for shots (2.8), ninth for key passes (0.8) and fifth for successful dribbles per game (0.5) along with ranking second for big chances created (four), indicating just how impressive a signing he has been.

Journalist Jonny McFarlane dubbed the move that brought Lammers to Scotland in 2023 as a “baffling deal” recently amid his form in the Netherlands.

Of course, Lammers wasn’t anywhere at the level required to perform for a club the size of Rangers, but perhaps his attributes simply weren’t suited to Scottish football.

As he has proven since the start of the year, the striker is not a bad player, far from it, but his move to the Light Blues was certainly a case of the wrong player at the wrong time.

His displays after leaving mean that the forward is now similar to a player who made a big-money move in the summer and was even touted for a £35m move to Chelsea; Samu Omorodion.

The youngster didn’t end up moving to London, joining Porto instead in a deal worth around £12.7m, which appears to be a stunning bargain given his current form and potential to get even better.

Now boasting an £85m release clause, the Spaniard has been good value for that price tag having scored 14 goals across 17 games, along with grabbing one assist in what has been an impressive start to life in Portugal.

According to FBref, Omorodion is the fifth-most comparable player to Lammers in the Europa League this term.

The pair have also registered similar statistics with regard to various performance metrics in the Champions League’s sister competition, such as goals and assists (2 vs 4), shots per 90 (2.68 vs 2.57), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.68 vs 3.42), goal-creating actions (2 vs 1) and touches in the attacking penalty area (24 vs 25).

These statistics prove that if the ex-Rangers man can continue performing well at this level, he could increase his market value substantially and finally realise his vast potential.

Although the forward didn’t live up to expectations during his spell in Scotland, Lammers is now proving plenty of people wrong back in his homeland.

Who knows, these displays this term might just see him secure another move to a top-five European league next summer. At 27, there is still plenty of life left in him yet.

Related Rangers eyeing £5m January signing who excels "physically and tactically"

Jose Mourinho admires him greatly as a player.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Dec 9, 2024

Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali chipped away at Australia’s first innings of 391 after quick Naseem Shah had earlier staged a spectacular fightback for Pakistan to leave the deciding third Test in the balance.Pakistan reached stumps on day two at 90 for 1 with in-form Shafique 45 not out and Azhar unbeaten on 30 as the hosts trail by 301 runs. Naseem’s brilliant 4 for 58 from 31 overs marked by reverse swing mastery helped restrict Australia and move this match forward with the series deadlocked after two draws in batting friendly conditions in Rawalpindi and Karachi.Naseem’s expertise with the old ball dashed Australia’s hopes of a massive first innings total on a slow surface in the first Test played in Lahore since 2009. Australia, however, still managed a decent score on a pitch offering some welcome assistance for weary bowlers, with cracks evident, but Pakistan started their first innings reasonably comfortably during a prolonged final session lasting 39 overs.Related

• Gen Z boys Naseem and Green bring back '90s memories

• Cameron Green, Alex Carey and the acing of a subcontinent test

• Is Abdullah Shafique the real deal?

• Another Steven Smith fifty, another Steven Smith non-hundred

• Naseem Shah: 'Had to bowl our hearts out' to get life out of Lahore pitch

After Naseem’s exploits provided a spark, Pakistan’s response started slowly and a stalemate ensued as Australia waited for signs of reverse swing. Their wish was granted in the 11th over bowled by Cameron Green prompting skipper Pat Cummins to bring himself back on and he struck immediately after removing Imam-ul-Haq lbw for 11. After twin centuries in Rawalpindi, left-hand opener Imam has thudded back to earth with three straight failures.Cummins could have had a second wicket after in-form Shafique edged between wicketkeeper Alex Carey and Steven Smith at first slip, who were both stationary. It was a frustrating missed opportunity for Australia and continued the struggles behind the stumps for Carey and Smith this series.Finally batting on his home ground in his 94th Test, Azhar started with a gorgeous drive to the boundary and then counterattacked spinner Nathan Lyon with a six over long-on. With stumps approaching, he shut up shop and defied a tantalising late burst from Cummins.After his tough debut, where he finished with the figures of 2 for 188 from 62.4 overs, legspinner Mitchell Swepson came on in the 22nd over and almost had Azhar stumped then produced deliveries that skidded low but turn was minimal.After Naseem’s reverse swing prowess, there was expectation that Mitchell Starc could replicate something similar but he struggled to find the type of rhythm that crashed through Pakistan’s first innings in the second Test.Cameron Green was cleaned up by some excellent bowling from Naseem Shah•AFP/Getty Images

After winning a crucial toss, Australia’s first innings comprising 133.1 overs was a rollercoaster and dominated by two century partnerships. Usman Khawaja and Smith rescued them from 8 for 2 with a 138-partnership before Green and Carey produced a record 135-run partnership in the highest sixth-wicket stand for Australia in Pakistan.Having started the second day in a delicate position at 232 for 5, Carey and Green batted fluently through the first session to frustrate Pakistan and restore Australia’s control. But they both missed out on maiden Test centuries after falling early in the second session leaving Khawaja as Australia’s only centurion of the three-match series.Australia had appeared set for a commanding first innings total until they lost five wickets in the middle session, as they crumbled under a superb spell of reverse swing from Naseem who was rewarded for unwavering bowling through the innings.In a riveting contest between two of cricket’s brightest young talents, Naseem had the last laugh when he clean bowled Green with a gem of an inswinger to end the allrounder’s 163-ball knock. Green fell just short of his highest Test score of 84 but it was another impressive innings from the 22-year-old who showcased a mixture of strong defence, marked by an intent on getting his huge frame forward, and exquisite strokes on the off side.Carey, in his eighth Test, also produced an encouraging performance to help strengthen Australia’s middle-order after notching his second straight half-century. Having entered the series under some pressure after an inconsistent Ashes with bat and gloves, Carey’s 105-ball knock was marked by superb driving to thwart the quicks and perfectly executing reverse sweeps to fluster the spinners.Pakistan’s five-pronged attack toiled manfully amid oppressive conditions after appearing to be staring down the barrel of again conceding a massive first innings score. But they hung in and took full advantage of reverse swing after lunch through young guns Naseem and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who also claimed four wickets.Naseem’s scintillating burst late in the middle session was a rare sight of ball dominating bat in this series. In a more familiar sight, an arm wrestle ensued in the final session as little separated these teams after two days.

Marc Casado suffered a ligament injury during Barcelona's thrilling win over Atletico Madrid and will be sidelined for at least two months.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Casado suffered a ligament injuryWill be sidelined for at least two monthsBarca beat Atletico 4-2Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Spaniard tore his knee ligament after a clash with Antoine Griezmann on the pitch. He was quickly replaced by Hansi Flick, who brought in Eric Garcia in place of the central midfielder. On Monday, Barcelona confirmed that the player underwent tests which revealed that he injured the ligament on his right knee and further tests will conducted to determine the extent of the injury.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Per SPORT journalist , the midfielder will be sidelined for at least two months, which more or less confirms that the youngster's season is over. The news comes as a huge blow for Barcelona, who are competing for a treble in the 2024-25 campaign. Casado had established himself as a mainstay in Flick's side, having appeared in 36 matches across all competitions thus far, where he scored one goal and provided six assists.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Despite the injury setback, the Catalan giants triumphed in a six-goal thriller at Wanda Metropolitano after coming back from a two-goal deficit. Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal were on target alongside Ferran Torres, who scored a brace.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

The Blaugrana head into the international break top of La Liga. They will be back in action on March 27 as they take on Osasuna in a rearranged game.

Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly interested in signing one league’s top passer for Ange Postecoglou in 2025.

Tottenham eyeing new signings in defence and attack

Spurs appear to be eyeing up new signings in 2025, both in defence and attack. Injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have dealt a major blow to Postecoglou, who’s been forced to utilise a makeshift option in teenage summer signing Archie Gray at the back alongside Radu Dragusin – their only fit natural central defender.

Postecoglou requests £13m Tottenham signing with Spurs in January talks

Spurs are in desperate need of reinforcements.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 13, 2024

Tottenham are rumoured to have held talks over signing Omar Alderete from Getafe in the winter, whereas in attack, Timo Werner came in for criticism from Postecoglou after his display against Rangers.

“I said that to Timo. He’s a senior international, he’s a German international,” said Postecoglou on Werner’s performance against Rangers.

“In the moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”

Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki has been linked as a potential replacement for Werner, but now, another new defender has emerged on the radar of Daniel Levy and co.

Tottenham want another Leeds star after Archie Gray

According to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, talking to Leeds United News, Spurs are one of the clubs looking at signing Leeds defender Pascal Struijk in 2025 after their move for Gray earlier this year.

“Struijk is coming into his prime and has really been under the radar to a lot of people – not Leeds fans – but he is very much on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs.

“A left sided defender and he is real quality and I am told Tottenham are amongst those who have checked on him. Clearly Leeds want him to stay and will look to tie him down to a new deal, but him staying long-term will be dictated by Leeds getting back to the Premier League.”

Struijk has been a regular at the back for the Whites under Daniel Farke and is actually the Championship’s top passer after 21 games.

Pascal Struijk

1,719

Matt Grimes

1,627

Joe Rodon

1,614

Shane Duffy

1,456

Callum Doyle

1,413

Ben Cabango

1,388

Maxime Esteve

1,321

Alfie Jones

1,240

Lewie Coyle

1,228

Harry Darling

1,191

The 25-year-old has been at Elland Road since 2020 and is closing in on 150 appearances in a Leeds shirt, and it looks as if he could be seen as someone who could arrive in north London.

أعلن أسامة نبيه، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر للشباب تحت 20 سنة، القائمة النهائية المشاركة في بطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية للشباب 2025، والتي تستضيفها مصر في الفترة من 27 أبريل حتى 18 مايو المقبل والبطولة يتأهل منها أول أربعة منتخبات إلى كأس العالم القادمة في تشيلي.

بدأ منتخب مصر للشباب تجمعه في معسكر مفتوح قبل أيام، على أن يدخل في معسكر مغلق بفندق المنتخبات الوطنية استعدادًا لانطلاق البطولة.

طالع | كشف طبي للاعبي منتخب مصر للشباب قبل انطلاق كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 20 عامًا

وأكد حمادة أنور، مدير المنتخب، أن التدريبات كانت مفتوحة في البداية، وسيستمر المعسكر المغلق حتى موعد المباراة الافتتاحية بين منتخب مصر ومنتخب جنوب إفريقيا يوم 27 أبريل على استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وبعد اللقاء الافتتاحي، ينقل المنتخب معسكره إلى مدينة الإسماعيلية لخوض باقي مباريات المجموعة الأولى، التي تضم إلى جانب مصر كل من: جنوب أفريقيا – سيراليون – زامبيا – تنزانيا قائمة منتخب مصر للشباب

حراسة المرمى:عبد المنعم تامر – أحمد محمد وهب – أحمد منشاوي

خط الدفاع: يوسف عبد الحفيظ – محمد سمير – أحمد عابدين – عبد الله بوستنجي – محمد إبراهيم – محمود لبيب – مؤمن شريف – مهاب سامي

خط الوسط: أحمد كاباكا – محمد السيد – أحمد وحيد – سيف الدين عصام سفاجا – محمد عاطف – محمد عبد الله – عمر أسامة – أحمد شرف – عمرو بيبو – عمر خضر

خط الهجوم: محمد رأفت – مهند محمد – عمرو فتحي – محمد هيثم – محمد زعلوك

“Not being close to winning any games, you get a bit of self-doubt, and the players get a little bit niggly”

Hemant Brar09-Apr-20222:19

Jaffer: CSK are missing a wicket-taker in the powerplay

Chennai Super Kings have never had a worse start to their IPL campaign than the one they have made in 2022. After their fourth loss in as many games, talks have already started about what the defending champions need to do to stay alive in the tournament.On Saturday, after an eight-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, repetitive questions about what all has gone wrong for Super Kings left their head coach Stephen Fleming seemingly ticked off.Related

Bruised CSK desperate for season revival against high-flying RCB

Abhishek, Tripathi do the job as Sunrisers get on the board

Eventually, he cut it short: “I think it’s clear. Batting, bowling and fielding is what we need to work on. And moving forward we improve batting, bowling and fielding.”That reflects in the margins of defeats as well. Before their latest drubbing, Super Kings had lost two games by six wickets and one by 54 runs. In a tournament where dew has played a vital role, losing three out of four tosses hasn’t helped either.According to Fleming, not even getting close to winning has affected the self-belief of the side.”Probably each facet [of the game] is a concern, if not at one stage then altogether,” Fleming said. “We were well outplayed today. We’re sort of learning. We’ve got some issues around player availability, and in some areas a little bit underpowered, that we’re just looking for players to step up. So we’ve got some learning to do still around our players and our squad.”And we haven’t had any evidence that sort of helps the belief. We are not winning any games. Not being close to winning any games, you get a bit of self-doubt, and the players get a little bit niggly. So we just got to work through that pretty quickly and try to find some rhythm and get back in the tournament.”

“We’re sort of learning. We’ve got some issues around player availability, and in some areas a little bit underpowered, that we’re just looking for players to step up”Fleming on CSK’s poor season so far

Super Kings were dealt a blow even before the tournament started. Deepak Chahar, their powerplay specialist whom they bought for a massive INR 14 crore (approx. US$ 1.86 million) at the mega auction, suffered a quadricep tear during the third T20I against West Indies in Kolkata. He is yet to recover.Then, Adam Milne picked up a niggle against Knight Riders in the opening game of the tournament. It’s not clear if he is available for selection.”Deepak is a loss but if I could summarise, it’s probably batting, bowling and a little bit of fielding – it’s pretty much everything,” Fleming said when asked to specify which area they are lacking in.”But it’s just pressure, we’re just not getting ourselves in positions to pressurise the opposition and we’re just coming a distant second. It takes one or two good performances and then you get a bit of belief and a bit of evidence that you’re an okay side and away you go. But at the moment, we look a long way away from that.”

Bancroft shared a WA Shield final record 188-run stand with Whiteman, who made 85

Alex Malcolm31-Mar-2022

Cameron Bancroft celebrates his century•Getty Images

Western Australia took a major step towards ending their 23-year Sheffield Shield title drought with Cameron Bancroft’s superb century putting them in a strong position on the opening day of the final against Victoria at the WACA ground in Perth.Bancroft posted his 15th Shield century and his first in a final, batting the entire day to finish 135 not out from 259 balls with 16 boundaries as WA racked up 290 for 3 at stumps.Having been sent into bat, Bancroft and Sam Whiteman, who made a classy 85, set a new record opening stand for WA in Shield finals, putting together 188 to surpass the previous mark of 155 set by Michael Hussey and Ryan Campbell in the last Shield final held at the WACA ground in 1997-98. It was also Bancroft and Whiteman’s sixth century stand together in Shield cricket.Victoria had little joy except for a late breakthrough in the final over, with Hilton Cartwright slashing the second last ball of the day from Will Sutherland to gully where he was brilliantly caught by Jono Merlo.Captain Peter Handscomb had no hesitation in bowling after the coin fell his way, perhaps spooked after seeing a very similar-looking pitch to the one that his side had been sent in on last week only to lose by an innings and 51 runs.But it turned into a lovely batting track for Bancroft and Whiteman.Bancroft, 29, showed why he was once Australia’s first-choice Test opener with one of his best Shield centuries. His often scrutinised balance and timing were on-song from ball one as Victoria’s quicks erred far too full to him in the opening session. He caressed a bevy of drives through the covers and down the ground.Whiteman was less fluent in the first hour and a half, having been tied down by the metronomic Scott Boland from around the wicket. Bancroft’s rhythm took the pressure off his partner as he reached his half-century off 83 balls with a sublime drive straight of mid-off.Whiteman’s innings was sparked when Merlo’s medium pace was introduced. He dropped short twice in two balls, and the left-hander unfurled two dismissive pull shots over forward square.WA reached 99 without loss at lunch, with Victoria managing just seven maidens in 29 overs in the first session as the ball didn’t swing or seam anywhere near as much as expected.Sam Whiteman and Cameron Bancroft shared a century stand•Getty Images

Victoria created some half chances after lunch as they stemmed the scoring for a period. Boland was particularly unlucky in the second over after the break. He found Whiteman’s outside edge with a superb delivery that zipped across the left-hander, but it somehow didn’t carry to wicketkeeper Sam Harper.Whiteman reached a patient half-century from 122 balls with nine fours but nearly ran himself out shortly after, taking on Merlo at midwicket for a sharp single, and he was fortunate the throw just missed. Bancroft hardly played a false shot, but he did slice Sutherland just high and wide of gully on 71.The pair cruised past 150 in the 47th over and past Hussey and Campbell’s record of 155. They had sights on a double century stand before Whiteman finally fell for 85 on the stroke of tea. He sliced Boland to gully attempting a square drive, and Sutherland took an excellent catch. Boland might have been fortunate not to have been called for a no-ball as replays showed he overstepped, however, the third umpire can only adjudicate on catches, run-outs and stumpings in this final with the limited technology available.Bancroft reached his century shortly after tea with a neat leg glance despite Victoria trying to set up a legside trap. He nicked a ball in the next over through a vacant second slip but continued on his dominance thereafter.Victoria were able to slow the game for a period in the first hour of the final session via their two spinners Jon Holland and Matt Short. Holland only bowled three overs in the first 48 of the day. Short was introduced with the arrival of the left-handed Shaun Marsh, and it was an inspired move by Handscomb. Marsh ran past one, beaten by clever flight, turn and bounce to be stumped by a mile for just 12.The spinners then tied down Bancroft and Cartwright as the game stalled before the second new ball. WA needed to be careful not to waste the start they had made given that first-innings bonus points could decide the final in case of a drawn match, with 0.01 of a point given for every run past 200 and 0.1 for every wicket taken in the first 100 overs of the first two innings of the match.WA were 250 for 2 when the second new ball was taken but Cartwright clattered 15 from Boland’s first over with the new ball to reassert their authority on the day.They scored 40 in 10 overs, but Cartwright will rue his false stroke right on stumps as he fell for 41 and left nightwatchman Matt Kelly one ball to face, which he survived.

Chelsea have implemented a brave and ruthless transfer approach over the past few years, signing the best young talent on the market, before they establish themselves at the highest level.

This has included buying the likes of Enzo Fernández from Benfica, many talents from Brazil such as Willian Estevao, and other clever signings like Nicolas Jackson, Malo Gusto and, of course, Cole Palmer.

The Blues clearly want to cover all types of profiles in every department and have done well to do this. However, one area they haven’t yet completed in the squad building department is adding a box-dominant striker to their ranks, and that could be the next port of call.

Chelsea looking at Premier League star

According to David Ornstein, speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, Chelsea have Ipswich striker, Liam Delap on their radar, as they assess the market for another striker profile to compete with Nicolas Jackson.

Other interested clubs include Tottenham, Manchester United, and even Manchester City, who could re-sign Delap after selling him to Ipswich in the summer.

Many clubs are interested in the 21-year-old forward, as he is showing brilliant signs of development at Ipswich this season, even being picked as the “obvious long-term successor” to Harry Kane in the England team by Danny Murphy.

Delap has made 15 appearances for the Tractor Boys this season, scoring six goals and providing one assist, totalling 1,046 minutes played so far. But the young forward could thrive even more with better creators around him, one of those being Chelsea’s summer signing, Jadon Sancho.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

How Jadon Sancho could improve Liam Delap

Since joining the Blues this summer from Manchester United, Sancho has made nine appearances, scoring one goal, providing five assists, and totalling 492 minutes played.

The wide player has already shown his creative qualities, providing those five assists, with a mixture of different tools, picking out teammates with crosses into the box, finding clever passes into the strikers’ feet in the penalty area, and even weaving his way into the box himself with close control.

Goals

0.18

0.51

Assists

0.91

0.08

xG

0.06

0.32

xAG

0.33

0.06

Progressive Carries

5.93

1.93

Progressive Passes

5.93

1.05

Shots Total

0.91

2.12

Goals/Shot

0.20

0.24

Key Passes

1.85

0.79

Passes into Pen Area

3.15

0.35

Shot-Creating Actions

4.26

2.19

Aerial Duels Won

0.00

1.58

These creative metrics mixed with the clinical finishing and aerial prowess of Delap would be a brilliant combination, as Sancho would have more of a focal point in the middle to play off, finding those intricate passes into the forward’s feet to hold it up, and finding crosses for him to attack in the air.

Against Crystal Palace, Delap won a whopping eight of his nine aerial duels, which shows exactly the type of striker he is. Standing at 6 foot 1, and having a strong upper body build, it allows the 21-year-old to bully opposition defenders in the box, and configure shots for himself, whether they are on the floor or in the air.

Delap – who is an “incredible” striker in the eyes of Pep Guardiola – would offer Chelsea the perfect striker partner to complement Jackson, giving them different options for different tactical matchups, and therefore presenting Maresca with even more in his toolkit to affect games with tactical decisions both before and during games.

Chelsea want to sign £46m Arsenal target who's far better than Mudryk

Mudryk’s time at Chelsea could be up if they sign this “great” star.

1 ByConnor Holden Dec 4, 2024

The international break has finally ended, and Ipswich Town are back in Premier League action this afternoon with an exciting match against Manchester United.

However, it’s not just any old game against the Red Devils; it’s their first with new boss Ruben Amorim in charge, meaning it’s Kieran McKenna who’s got the most experience in the competition for once.

Now, there is a chance that United’s new manager bounce could cause the Tractor Boys some issues, but they also might be catching the team before they’ve learned what their new manager wants them to do.

Whatever it is, one thing we can be sure of is that Ipswich have at least one exceptionally exciting player who’d be the perfect addition to Amorim’s team, and McKenna simply has to start him.

Ipswich Town team news

Before we get to the player in question, what’s the latest news on the squad heading into this afternoon’s game?

Well, in his pre-match press conference earlier this week, McKenna confirmed that George Hirst will be out of contention for some time due to the injury he sustained against Tottenham Hotspur a couple of weeks ago.

The news was a little less dower for the likes of Jacob Greaves, Jack Taylor, Kalvin Phillips and Ben Johnson, as the Northern Irishman told the press that it would be “touch and go” for them to be fit enough for the game.

He also touched on the importance of the crowd for encounters like this, saying that the “players can’t do this one by themselves” and that having “30,000 behind us and pushing us is a big, big help.”

Given what we’ve seen so far this season, we can’t imagine the Portman Road faithful needing much encouragement to make their voices heard.

That said, McKenna can ensure they have something to cheer about by starting one of his most exciting players, someone who Amorim would surely love at United.

The Ipswich star who'd be perfect for Amorim

So, while many of you might be thinking of Liam Delap at the moment, and understandably so, it’s not him, but Leif Davis instead.

Yes, the former Leeds United ace is the Ipswich star who’d be perfect for Amorim, and that’s down to two things.

The first is the Englishman’s sheer talent, which also happens to be the reason he could terrorise United this afternoon.

Over the last few seasons, the 24-year-old full-back has become an attacking “animal”, as dubbed by former manager Scott Parker, racking up a frankly absurd six goals and 37 assists for the Tractor Boys in just 101 games.

That means the £25k-per-week star has maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.34 games, despite going from League One to the Premier League and being a defender, which is also the second reason he’d be a dream signing for the United manager.

Davis’ Ipswich career
Season	22/23	23/24	24/25
Appearances	46	44	11
Goals	3	2	1
Assists	14	21	2
Goal Involvements per Match	0.36	0.52	0.27
All Stats via Transfermarkt

The former Sporting CP boss is renowned for playing a 3-4-3 formation and making the most out of wing-backs, which is a position that demands defensive and offensive ability, and as Ipswich fans will surely attest, their 23/24 Men’s Players’ Player of the Year has both in spades.

Ultimately, it will be a challenging game this afternoon, but by playing Davis, McKenna will be giving his side a much better chance of getting something from the game.

However, he might also be putting the incredible full-back in the shop window.

Dream Delap rival: Ipswich lodge enquiry over £15m "bulldozing forward"

The exceptional forward would make Ipswich’s squad far stronger.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 22, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Philipe Sampaio foi o primeiro reforço da ‘era John Textor’ a jogar pelo Botafogo. O zagueiro estreou na derrota por 1 a 0 para o Fluminense nesta segunda-feira, pelo Campeonato Carioca. Após a partida, o defensor destacou a decepção com o resultado.

RelacionadasBotafogo‘Grande jogador’! Abel Ferreira elogia Patrick de Paula no Botafogo e diz: ‘Grande negócio que o Palmeiras fez’Botafogo22/03/2022BotafogoAnálise: Botafogo tem momentos animadores, mas sucumbe às mudanças do Fluminense e não reageBotafogo22/03/2022BotafogoDiego Loureiro acredita em virada do Botafogo contra o Fluminense: ‘Nossa equipe foi bem competitiva’Botafogo22/03/2022

+ Patrick de Paula já fala como jogador do Botafogo, vai ver o jogo contra o Fluminense e pensa em Libertadores

–Um pouco de frustração. Acho que o jogo foi equilibrado, tivemos oportunidade de marcar e podia ser tudo diferente. Mas eles tiveram mérito e conseguiram fazer numa bola. Mas não tem nada perdido, é trabalhar. O próximo jogo está perto – analisou.

Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

A entrada do ‘General’ foi mais rápida do que o próprio jogador esperava. O camisa 94 atuou pelos 90 minutos e destacou que se colocou à disposição quando soube dos problemas do Botafogo na zaga.

–Depois que o Botafogo me contratou, estou preparado para isso (jogar). Eles me contrataram para jogar e me coloquei à disposição. Tivemos algumas infelicidades, como a lesão do Carli e do outro menino (Lucas Mezenga). Mas vim para jogar, independente do tempo e é isso que eu quero fazer – destacou.

A adaptação de Sampaio está caminhando bem, mas o clima ainda é o principal ‘inimigo’ nesse processo de se acostumar com o Brasil após um longo período na Europa.

– Foi tudo muito rápido pra mim. Mudança de país, de clima, estava em final de campeonato e não esperava essa mudança tão rápida. Tive oportunidade de jogar. Acho que minha maior dificuldade está sendo o calor. Faz quase nove anos que não jogo e não treino com esse calor. Mas envolve muitas coisas. Estou feliz pela performance. As faltas que os juízes dão aqui, dificilmente dão na Europa. Mas vou ter que me adaptar a isso também – ressaltou.

MAIS DECLARAÇÕES DE SAMPAIO
​
Derrota para o Fluminense
​–Futebol é quem marca primeiro tem mais chance de ganhar. Tivemos as oportunidades primeiro. Acho que nos faltou esse detalhe, que é marcar primeiro, porque daria uma tranquilidade para a nossa equipe. Eles vindo de uma derrota, um ambiente meio desfavorável para eles e poderia nos favorecer, mas já passou e agora é focar no próximo jogo.

Vaga na final do Carioca
– Claro que está em aberto. São 90 minutos. Se você faz 1 a 0 o jogo já começa do zero. Teremos o apoio da nossa torcida. A equipe é jovem, está construindo um novo projeto e vamos trabalhar forte para dar alegria ao clube.

Kanu
– É um jovem muito promissor. Tem muito a aprender e eu tenho muito a aprender com ele. É um líder ali, vai crescer e ainda vai dar muitas alegrias. Falei isso pra ele, que no primeiro jogo era importante a gente estar junto, jogar perto, porque como não nos conhecemos tanto e tivemos poucas semanas de treino, mas é um grande jogador, assim como Carli e os outros meninos. Agora é trabalhar e entender as ideias do clube, do projeto e fazer uma temporada sólida.

Projeto
– Primeiramente é a oportunidade de jogar num grande clube no histórico, é o sonho de todo jogador, atuar na Série A do Brasil, ainda mais em um dos clubes mais tradicionais do Brasil. Você sente o apoio da torcida, sente que a atmosfera é diferente. O projeto é esse: levar o Botafogo para onde nunca deveria ter saído, brigar por títulos e competições sul-americanas. Mas o projeto tem que ser feito passo a passo. Sei que a vontade dos torcedores é ambiciosa, mas vamos trabalhar pouco a pouco para que as coisas aconteçam da forma que tem que ser. É igual a uma gravidez, o filho não nasce no primeiro mês, precisa de nove meses. Vamos trabalhar para isso.

Estreia no Nilton Santos
– Eu só não queria perder. É um sentimento de frustração, ver em plena segunda-feira um monte de gente apoiando o clube, gritando os 90 minutos… É isso que nos motiva e nos faz trabalhar. Eu vim preparado para jogar com essa pressão, jogar com o estádio cheio e é isso que eu quero.