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Everton host Bournemouth in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend and then welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park in a crucial Premier League clash.

Were the Toffees to arrive at this juncture in the shape of two months ago, it’s probably fair to say that the prevailing atmosphere would be one of gloom and anxiety.

David Moyes has changed that. Everton are riding a three-match winning streak in the Premier League and have rediscovered their attacking identity, putting plenty of space between themselves and the relegation fodder.

The player driving the new narrative forward? Iliman Ndiaye, fast becoming a sensation in Blue.

Iliman Ndiaye is Moyes' main man

Everton signed Ndiaye from Ligue 1 side Marseille for a £15m fee last summer and has proved to be one of the more astute pieces of business over the past dysfunctional years, firing eight goals home across his opening 26 appearances.

He stood out as a shining light throughout the dreary Dyche-led months of the campaign and has now scored in each of Everton’s three victories under Moyes’ wing, with BBC Sport’s Oluwashina Okeleji even pronouncing him “Everton’s standout performer this season.”

As per FBref, Ndiaye ranks among the top 8% of Premier League wingers this season for successful take-ons and the top 17% for tackles per 90, as well as the top 19% for pass completion.

The left-sided forward has instantly established himself as a fan favourite, making a mark under Dyche’s wing and now flourishing with Moyes at the helm. The future is bright, and The Friedkin Group will be desperate to keep him in the ranks over the coming years.

Interest is inevitable, but Everton will hope to strengthen their more stable conditions so as to avoid a repeat of the Anthony Gordon sale.

When Everton sold Anthony Gordon

In January 2023, things were not well in the blue half of Liverpool. Frank Lampard would be dismissed from his manager’s seat after less than a year in charge, with Everton 19th in the Premier League.

One week later, on the eve of deadline day, Newcastle United would succeed in their fight to sign Gordon, who forced his way out of the club that handed him his senior debut, moving to Tyneside in a deal worth £45m.

Before his departure, James Tarkowski came to Gordon’s aid: “He has been different class. All the paper talk and all the speculation, to be fair he just cracks on. Whatever comes will happen, but I love having him on my team. There is a reason why teams are after him.”

Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard also hailed Gordon for his “frightening” talent and speed after one FA Cup fixture, preceding the English winger’s sale, and many of an Everton persuasion knew that the potency would come, that Gordon was destined for a top role in football.

Well, he’s hit his stride and then some at St. James’ Park, now a nine-cap Three Lions international and the recipient of Newcastle’s Player of the Year award last season.

Nidaye is a fantastic player, but he’s not on Gordon’s level, not yet. Looking at the players’ statistics in the Premier League this season, it’s clear to see exactly why there was such resentment over his decision to flee Goodison Park at that fledgling phase.

Matches (starts)

23 (21)

23 (22)

Goals

6

6

Assists

0

5

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

2.2 (0.8)

Pass completion

84%

79%

Key passes*

0.7

2.2

Dribble (success)*

2.5 (51%)

1.4 (48%)

Ball recoveries*

6.2

3.7

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

1.3

Total duels (won)*

6.3 (50%)

4.9 (52%)

Curiously, though, Ndiaye isn’t actually outstripped across many underlying metrics, owing to the Senegalese winger’s combative and committed nature.

But it’s safe to say that Gordon, aged 23, has grown into one of the most talented forwards in English football, coveted by some of the Premier League’s most impressive outfits.

Ndiaye lacks the creative side that his Toon counterpart boasts, who is shaping into the complete winger. This is indeed reflected through the intrigue of top clubs such as Liverpool, with Newcastle offering their one-time youth prospect, who left and joined Everton when he was 11 years old, to Anfield last summer so to placate PSR concerns.

Ultimately, Newcastle managed to circumvent the financial issue by parting with some younger, less significant members of the squad.

It’s believed that Gordon’s worth was determined at £75m, a figure that Everton could have benefitted immensely from, had he remained on the books for longer.

Perhaps, for example, if Moyes had been re-appointed to the Goodison Park dugout earlier, as Farhad Moshiri had attempted prior to the Scotsman’s illustrious second spell with West Ham United, Gordon wouldn’t have felt the need to move away.

Market Movers

He could have fostered his qualities on Merseyside, stretching from the excellent £45m fee that was claimed for his sale and hitting something in the ballpark of his current market value, boosting the Everton cause on the pitch all the while.

Ndiaye is a terrific talent, but he hasn’t yet reached such heights and the jury is very much out as to whether he will. As per Football Transfers, he’s currently valued at just £19m, a figure that is incrementally rising, month by month, but remains roughly two times less valuable than the £38m-rated Gordon.

Ultimately, the conditions surrounding Gordon’s sale mean that supporters issue boos whenever he returns to his former stomping ground.

There is, truly, no love lost. However, we’d better shelve this one under ‘what could have been’, for Everton could have reaped so much more both on and off the field.

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ByAngus Sinclair Feb 5, 2025

Ruben Amorim looks to have finally found his feet at Manchester United, as the FA Cup third-round victory over Arsenal could certainly mark a turning point.

Prior to the game, Amorim had won just 4 of his opening 12 matches in charge of the Old Trafford side, enduring a tough start to life in the Premier League.

A 2-2 draw against runaway leaders Liverpool offered some hope that things may turn out well, but it was at the Emirates where Amorim finally delivered.

When Diogo Dalot was sent off with 30 minutes remaining, retaining the trophy appeared unlikely. After holding out for the rest of normal time, a solid display during the 30 added minutes ensured United still had a chance of progression via a penalty shootout.

Five perfect penalties were dispatched beyond David Raya and this display of grit and determination should inspire the team.

With a couple of weeks left of the January transfer window, Amorim’s priority will be to perhaps bring in a player or two that fits his style of play, thus bolstering his first-team squad.

Naturally, when a new manager takes charge of a team, there are several players who don’t quite fit into his way of thinking. This applies to the Red Devils, as a few first-team stars who were regulars in the starting XI under Erik ten Hag are now fighting for their futures at the club.

Man Utd players out of contract in summer 2025

Is it time for Christian Eriksen to move on this summer?

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Henry Jackson

Jan 14, 2025

As such, we have taken a deeper look into the players that Amorim might be looking to get rid of, either this month or in the summer.

From those out of contract in the summer to players attracting interest from other clubs in the transfer window, the former Sporting CP manager could be set to embark on a mass rebuild at Old Trafford.

1

Victor Lindelof

At Man Utd since: 2017

Victor Lindelof cost Man Utd £31m when he joined from Benfica in the summer of 2017 as José Mourinho looked to bolster his defence.

Aged just 22, it was clear the Swede had plenty of potential to develop into a world-class centre-back, but it hasn’t totally gone to plan in Manchester.

Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær utilised his talents on a regular basis, but the moment Erik ten Hag stepped through the door, his game time was heavily reduced. Indeed, he played just 39 of the 76 Premier League matches across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

This season, the 30-year-old has made just nine appearances throughout 2024/25, including only four starts. His contract expires this summer, which means if Amorim wishes to secure a transfer fee for the defender, he must sell him during the current window.

Discussing his future via GiveMeSport, Fabrizio Romano stated that United are willing to listen to offers this month, with Leicester City previously showing interest – but he could stick around until his contract expires in a few months.

2

Christian Eriksen

At Man Utd since: 2022

Securing the services of Christian Eriksen for free in the summer of 2022 was seen as a smart move from Ten Hag. The Dane suffered a cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 game against Finland, but after being fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), he returned to football with Brentford less than a year after the incident.

Across his first two seasons at United, Eriksen registered 16 goal contributions for the Red Devils, winning the League Cup and FA Cup in the process.

Despite scoring four goals and grabbing three assists for the club this term, things haven’t been all plain sailing for the Dane. Indeed, during the League Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur before Christmas, Eriksen struggled.

Not only did he lose possession five times, but the midfielder only completed 21 passes and took 38 touches as he and Casemiro were overrun in the middle of the pitch.

He was subbed off after 56 minutes, and at the time of writing, has started just once since, in the 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

He will turn 33 before the end of the season, and with his contract set to expire in just a few months, it looks as though Amorim won’t be offering an extension.

Considering he earns £150k per week at the club, allowing him to leave will see Amorim save a fortune on wages.

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Ruben Amorim could look to re-shape his squad this winter.

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 31, 2024

3

Casemiro

At Man Utd since: 2022

Shelling out a staggering £70m for Casemiro in 2022 certainly raised eyebrows. Yes, the Brazilian had shone for Real Madrid during the 2021/22 season, culminating in the club winning the Champions League and La Liga titles, but it was clear he was on the wane.

The midfielder is currently earning £350k per week, and judging by his performances on the field of late, Amorim will surely be keen to move him on sooner rather than later, with this money better spent elsewhere to improve his side.

In the Premier League this term, Casemiro has a pass success rate of just 81%, while he loses possession on average 9.7 times per game, with his lack of pace a worrying factor, especially in Amorim’s tactical system.

A move to Saudi Arabia appears to be on the cards for the former Real star, which would net Amorim a decent financial windfall while moving on one of Utd’s highest earners.

With just 18 months left on his deal, the Old Trafford side won’t recoup the £70m they paid for him, but anything over £20m would surely be a bonus.

4

Antony

At Man Utd since: 2022

If the club overpaid for Casemiro, the deal to sign Antony was even more excessive. The winger joined from Ajax for a fee in the region of £86m.

“Antony is one of the most exciting young talents in European football and has exactly the right profile for the attacking, dynamic team Erik is building,” ex-United football director John Murtough said on his arrival.

While he may have been one of the most exciting talents before moving to England, the Brazilian has failed to recapture this sort of form. In 94 games for the Red Devils, the winger has scored 12 goals while chipping in with five assists.

Each goal contribution has cost the club £5m, while his impact this term has been non-existent, netting just once in 12 games.

He has started only one game since Amorim took the reins and it is clear he isn’t fancied in his system. It looks as though he could be loaned out during the winter window, but once the summer comes around, it seems as though the manager will be looking at selling him for a decent transfer fee.

5

Alejandro Garnacho

At Man Utd since: 2020

Alejandro Garnacho has scored eight goals already during the current season, but under Amorim, the Argentinian has started only four games.

Despite his stature as arguably one of the finest young players in the Premier League, could he be on the move soon?

Napoli have shown plenty of interest in the winger, with sporting director Giovanni Manna meeting with his representatives recently to discuss a potential move to Serie A.

A fee of €60m (£50m) is being demanded by the Old Trafford side, although Napoli have yet to go beyond €45m (£38m), and this difference could see the deal drag out over the remainder of the transfer window.

If the fee is met, Amorim appears to be keen on letting the youngster leave, especially as he could use the money to bolster his team as he sees fit in the summer.

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6

Marcus Rashford

At Man Utd since: 2014

Marcus Rashford appeared destined to become a legend at Man Utd. Bursting onto the scene during the 2015/16 season, the attacker scored twice in games against FC Midtjylland and Arsenal in the space of a few days, showcasing his vast potential.

It took until Ole Gunnar Solskjær took over for Rashford to finally break into double figures for goals in a Premier League season, but he was one the key players at the club.

Despite enjoying a wonderful debut season under Ten Hag, registering 39 goal contributions in all competitions, the previous 18 months haven’t been as productive.

At the time of writing, the Englishman has found the back of the net just seven times this term, with all but three scored under Ten Hag’s leadership.

Since United’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in early December, the 27-year-old hasn’t featured for the club, and it looks as though his days in Manchester could be numbered.

Milan and Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing the player during the January transfer window, and Amorim will surely be looking to prioritise an exit as soon as possible considering the forward doesn’t feature in his current plans.

It takes time to build a team to a manager’s exact specifications, but Amorim looks like he isn’t wasting any time on moving players on while seeking to sign his own transfer targets in the process.

Time must be given to the former Sporting CP boss, as if he brings in the players that he believes fit his system, the Red Devils could finally emerge from their post-Sir Alex Ferguson malaise.

Marcus Rashford transfer latest: Who could sign the Man Utd star?

The winger recently admitted that he’s ready for a new challenge.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 22, 2025

American rapper Travis Scott is set to become the latest superstar to feature on Barcelona's shirts for the Clasico clash with Real Madrid in May.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Travis Scott to feature on Barcelona's shirt
• Taylor Swift had been mentioned as an option
• Barcelona to take on Real Madrid on May 11

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona signed a deal with the global leader of music-streaming platform, Spotify, in the summer of 2022 after their deal with Rakuten ran out, and their unique sponsorship deal has seen the five-time European champions showcase a number of artists on the jersey in matches against Real Madrid. The Catalan side has boasted the likes of Drake, Rosalia, The Rolling Stones, Karol G, and Coldplay on their shirts so far.

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• Getty Images Entertainment
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Catalan publication ARA has now reported that American rap superstar Travis Scott is set to become the sixth and latest artist to feature on the Barcelona shirt. The Blaugrana will wear the special shirts for their La Liga clash against bitter rivals Real Madrid on May 11.

• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Earlier reports had suggested that Barcelona were in talks with Taylor Swift, who has been the most-streamed artist globally over the last decade, to feature on their shirts for the May Clasico, however, it now appears that talks stalled before Spotify and Barcelona moved on to Travis Scott. Additionally, there had also been mention of a deal with Ipswich Town minority owner, Ed Sheeran.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Hansi Flick's side has possibly been the best team in world football this season, and they are in line to challenge for the European treble. However, Real Madrid could still play spoilsport as the two sides face off in the Copa del Rey, and the May 11 Clasico could see Los Blancos back in the hunt for the La Liga title.

MatériaMais Notícias

Principal artilheiro do Flamengo em 2022 e nas últimas três temporadas, Gabriel Barbosa também coleciona polêmicas desde que se tornou jogador do clube, em janeiro de 2019. A mais recente foi envolvendo o atacante Hulk, do Atlético-MG, que respondeu um tweet feito pelo camisa 9 rubro-negro.A resposta de Gabi veio na sequência, aumentando a série de episódios do atleta.

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ALEF MANGA
​
A treta com Hulk não foi a primeira de Gabigol com outro jogador brasileiro. Em abril de 2021, o atacante do Flamengo discutiu em campo com Alef Manga, em partida do Carioca. Após o jogo, o atleta do Volta Redonda deu sua versão do episódio, afirmando que “faltou um pouco de humildade” ao camisa 9 do Fla.

‘DR’ COM A NAÇÃO

Já no Estadual de 2022, Gabigol ouviu vaias e xingamentos da torcida do Flamengo no Estádio Nilton Santos, fez alguns gestos em resposta e, na entrevista após o empate em 2 a 2, no qual marcou o segundo gol do time, Gabi classificou a “DR” com os torcedores como algo natural. Relembre aqui!

THIAGO GALHARDO

Após a conquista do Brasileirão, em fevereiro de 2020, Gabigol provocou o atacante Thiago Galhardo, que então defendia o vice-campeão Internacional, durante uma transmissão de vídeo direto do Morumbi, local da partida final daquele campeonato. O camisa 9 chegou a chamar o adversário de ‘moleque”.

DETIDO EM CASSINO ILEGAL

Em março de 2021, Gabigol esteve envolvido em situação mais grave, ao ser detido pela polícia em uma operação que fechou um cassino ilegal em São Paulo. Em entrevista ao “Fantástico”, o atacante do Flamengo afirmou que foi ao local apenas para jantar com amigos. Relembre o caso aqui!

NÃO REAPRESENTAÇÃO APÓS SELEÇÃO

Em junho de 2021, Flamengo e CBF tiveram divergências a respeito da gravidade da lesão de Gabigol, que acabou não se reapresentando ao clube para partida válida pela Copa do Brasil, contra o Coritiba, na capital paranaense.

Por conta do episódio, a diretoria do Flamengo acabou punindo o jogador com uma partida de suspensão. Assim, Gabriel Barbosa ainda desfalcou o Flamengo contra a Chapecoense, no primeiro compromisso do time após a Copa América.

PROVOCAÇÃO AOS RIVAIS

Com 16 gols em clássicos pelo Flamengo (oito contra o Fluminense, quatro contra o Botafogo e quatro contra o Vasco), Gabigol costumar provocar os tradicionais rivais do Rio de Janeiro após as vitórias contra esses adversários e nas comemorações dos títulos conquistados. “Segue tudo normal no RJ” é uma das frases que o atacante rubro-negro gosta de utilizar nessa situação. Veja!

“PALMEIRAS NÃO TEM MUNDIAL”

As provocações de Gabi não se limitam apenas aos rivais do Rio de Janeiro. O Palmeiras também já foi alvo do camisa 9, que puxou o canto de “Palmeiras não tem Mundial” na festa de comemoração do elenco do título da Copa Libertadores de 2019. Veja aqui!

MatériaMais Notícias

As próximas 48 horas serão agitadas no Botafogo. O clube considera que ainda precisa de melhorias no elenco e a diretoria vai atrás justamente de reforços nesses últimos dois dias de janela de transferência. O tempo, claro, é inimigo do Alvinegro na busca por jogadores.

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A primeira janela de transferências do Brasil fecha no dia 12 de abril, esta terça-feira. Depois disso, clubes podem contratar jogadores apenas em 18 de julho, quando já terão passadas 17 rodadas do Campeonato Brasileiro. O Botafogo considera que precisa de mais jogadores para encarar essa primeira parte da competição nacional.

O clube tem alvos definidos e, nos últimos dias, enviou proposta para Gustavo Sauer, do Boavista, e Bruno Tabata, do Sporting. A diretoria ainda está no aguardo da resposta dos clubes portugueses e coloca um ponta direita como uma das prioridades da lista.

E não deve parar por aí. Mais setores estão em pauta: um camisa 10 também foi sondado nos últimos dias e há essa tentativa, além de um meia central – Lucas Fernandes, do Portimonense-POR – e até um centroavante. Essas são as intenções do clube, mas internamente a diretoria sabe que vai ser difícil fechar com todos esses jogadores.

A situação de Lucas Fernandes, inclusive, está ‘amarrada’ há semanas. O Botafogo iniciou negociações ainda no mês passado, mas até agora não houve uma resposta do Portimonense. Recentemente, o Alvinegro melhorou os termos junto ao time europeu para tentar ‘pressionar’ e ter a liberação imediata – e rápida – por parte dos portugueses.

+ Torcida do Botafogo é protagonista mesmo com derrota para o Corinthians na estreia do Brasileirão

A pressa é tanta que o plano do Botafogo é conquistar o “sim” dos clubes nesta segunda-feira para resolver a papelada e burocracia de registros na terça-feira, dando assim tempo de registrar os jogadores. Ao depender do tempo, há a possibilidade até da assinatura de contratos sem a realização de exames médicos dentro do próprio clube – apenas com a avaliação física dos clubes que jogam atualmente -, confiando que os atletas estão atuando regularmente.

A intenção é reforçar a equipe de qualquer maneira, tanto que foram enviadas cerca de dez propostas para diferentes jogadores nas últimas 48 horas. Claro que muitas dessas para jogadores da mesma posição – como no caso de Tabata e Sauer, por exemplo -, mas que mostra a necessidade e pressa do Botafogo, que tem objetivo de fechar com pelo menos dois atletas.

É uma corrida contra o tempo e cada passada do ponteiro aumenta a pressão nos corredores do Estádio Nilton Santos. O Botafogo tem uma série de alvos e intenções para esses últimos dois dias de janela, mas a questão é saber quais dos caminhos se tornarão positivos. Os bastidores pegarão, de fato, fogo.

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.

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+ 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.

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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.

Chelsea chiefs have been in club-to-club contact and “opened talks” with a Premier League side over signing their star player, following initial talks with his agents, as Stamford Bridge officials continue laying the groundwork for potential deals.

Chelsea transfer plans ahead of January and next summer

Enzo Maresca’s men are flying high right now, sitting within four points of league-leading Liverpool at the top of the table, with Chelsea yet to lose a single top flight match since their face-off against Arne Slot’s side at Anfield in October.

Chelsea in fast talks to offload "big" player with January 2nd deadline set

The west Londoners’ negotiations have been ongoing for a while.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 12, 2024

Maresca, who continues to publicly refute suggestions that Chelsea are in this year’s title race, has guided them to four wins from their last four league games – and there is a very positive energy around the west London club following a topsy-turvy last two years since Clearlake Capital’s takeover.

A reoccurring theme of BlueCo and Todd Boehly’s running of the club has been significant squad investment, which manages to stay in line with Financial Fair Play rules, and it is believed Chelsea hierarchy are planning to reinforce certain areas yet again over the next two transfer windows.

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December 15

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December 22

Fulham (home)

December 26

Ipswich Town (away)

December 30

Crystal Palace (away)

January 4

Reports this week have claimed that a new centre-back could become Chelsea’s main priority for incomings, as uncertainty surrounds the futures of both Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite joining the likes of Benfica’s Tomas Araujo, Antonio Silva, ex-Blue Marc Guehi and Man City star Ruben Dias on their shortlist for 2025.

That is according to very reliable Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, writing via his Substack this week, with the reporter also sharing news on the club’s pursuit of a new striker today.

Phillips has previously shared their interest in Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign since signing for the newly-promoted Tractor Boys in a £20 million deal earlier this year.

Chelsea have been laying early groundwork over signing Delap ahead of next year, and scouts have been impressed by the Englishman’s run of six goals in 15 league games for a side who are battling near the foot of the table.

Chelsea contact Ipswich Town and open talks over signing Liam Delap

Now, Phillips writes that Chelsea are progressing their interest in Delap, following recent contact with the player’s representatives.

It is now believed that Chelsea have made contact with Ipswich and “opened talks” over signing Delap, mainly to gauge if the move is doable, when it could happen and how much it could cost the club in terms of capital.

Unsurprisingly, Ipswich are adamant that the ex-Man City gem won’t be sold in January, as they’re fighting against the drop and don’t want to lose their star player for the second half of 2024/2025.

Given Phillips broke news of Chelsea’s interest in Delap long before big-name journalists like The Athletic’s David Ornstein, this update should be taken pretty seriously.

The 21-year-old, who reportedly commands a £42 million price tag, also falls in line with Chelsea’s transfer strategy of buying young, high-value players with sky-high potential to grow in the coming years.

However, if Man City were to enter the race, the English champions would have an advantage to sign Delap over every other suitor when factoring in their £20 million buy-back clause.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has paid an emotional tribute to Carles Minarro Garcia following the death of the club's first-team doctor.

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• Barcelona first-team doctor passes away
• La Liga match against Osasuna postponed
• President Laporta speaks out on club's grief

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Laporta has spoken to the media after the tragic news that first-team Carles Minarro Garcia has died at the age of 40. Barcelona's La Liga game against Osasuna was postponed in the wake of the shocking news, with the team in the dressing room preparing for the game when it was announced the match would not be going ahead.

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  BARCELONA SHOCKED BY NEWS

  Barcelona's president has paid a touching tribute to Minarro and revealed just how loved he was by all at the club. Laporta also offered his thanks to all involved for allowing the game to be called off at short notice as the players and the whole club have been left shocked and saddened by the doctor's untimely passing.

• LAPORTA PAYS TRIBUTE

  He told the club's media "I want to announce the death of doctor Carles Minarro, who passed away this afternoon. The players and staff are sad. He was a person we loved very much. He came on trips with the first team. It is very sad what has happened. This should make us stronger. The best thing was to postpone the match. We have asked the president of LaLiga for the postponement, who has understood it. Osasuna has been extremely understanding. They have understood this situation."

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  BARCA & OSASUNA TO REARRANGE FIXTURE

  In the coming days, Barcelona and Osasuna will find a new date for the fixture to be played. A busy schedule means there are few days free and it may not be played until the final week of the Liga season in May.

Following the earlier exit of technical director Gretar Steinsson, the 49ers are reportedly set to lose yet another Leeds United chief to force a restructure away from the action at Elland Road.

Leeds set to off-pitch change

The Whites have only just lost Steinsson, as reported by The Athletic’s Nancy Froston, with the former technical director now set to transition into a new position with the 49ers’ operation. Those at Elland Road will reportedly replace the departed chief internally rather than seek a fresh option outside of the club. Whether that proves to be a wise decision remains to be seen, however.

His exit comes at a time when Leeds need stability in pursuit of promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking. Things are only set to become more complicated following Steinsson, however, with another departure reportedly on the cards.

According to TeamTalk, Leeds are now set to lose head of recruitment Jordan Miles amid a major reshuffle at Elland Road. Leaving the 49ers with plenty to think about, it will reportedly be football advisor and consultant Nick Hammond and football operations Adam Underwood who step up their respective roles and take more responsibility behind the scenes.

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Miles’ reported exit follows a difficult summer in which Leeds lost a number of key men and were forced to turn towards the transfer market. Welcoming the likes of Ao Tanaka and Largie Ramazani, Miles could consider the window job done amid such difficulties in what proved to be his final flurry of signings at the club.

Leeds reshuffle comes at a bad time

If Leeds were to undergo such change then they should have done so before the Championship season or summer transfer window had a chance to get underway. Now running the risk of turning the attention away from Daniel Farke’s side, the 49ers must hope to have got things right. On the recruitment front, the Whites’ most difficult task came in the summer, but that doesn’t take away from the importance of the January transfer window.

If Farke’s side still find themselves behind in the race for automatic promotion by the time that the winter window arrives, then Hammon and Underwood should be tasked with reinforcing the Leeds squad.

Already, the likes of Lewis O’Brien have been linked with moves to Elland Road in 2025 in what could quickly become the first task on the list of those now in charge of recruitment in Yorkshire. The midfielder is currently on loan from Nottingham Forest at American outfit LAFC where he has discovered his best form to earn the attention of English football once again.

Another midfielder would certainly be a wise addition, but it remains to be seen whether Leeds’ reshuffle will enjoy such success on the recruitment front without Steinsson or Miles.

West Brom manager Carlos Corberan has claimed that a “very special” Baggies player could return to the fold for this weekend’s showdown with Oxford United.

West Brom need to bounce back at Oxford

The Baggies were flying early in the season, topping the Championship table and looking like the team to beat in the automatic promotion battle. Corberan could do no wrong and an exciting campaign lay ahead. Things have unravelled from nowhere for West Brom, however, having failed to win any of their last three matches, starting with the shock 3-2 defeat away at Sheffield Wednesday last month, in which they came from 2-0 down but threw away a point at Hillsborough.

The 1-0 loss at home to Middlesbrough that followed was also hugely disappointing, before a drab 0-0 draw with Millwall at the Hawthorns, prior to international football getting in the way.

This two-week break has arguably come at a good time for West Brom, allowing Corberan and his players to regroup, and on Saturday lunchtime they make the trip to an Oxford side sitting 10th in the league – six places and five points behind the Baggies.

"Very special" West Brom ace "ready" for Oxford

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Oxford [via The Express & Star], Corberan confirmed that Mikey Johnston is “ready” to feature for West Brom, having got back to his sharpest over a slow pre-season and an eye issue.

“Personally now I see him more ready. His pre season was very strange. He was probably in a place where you know that you are not going to stay (Celtic) so you have been doing the pre season waiting for movement. The movement arrived in the last moment of the market. He had a problem with contact (a fractured eye socket) that stopped him to play.”

West Brom supporters will be buoyed by this update, considering what an effective player Johnston is, providing quality and unpredictability in wide areas. The 25-year-old bagged seven goals and registered two assists in the Championship last season, while Corberan has made it very clear how highly he rates him.

“Johnston is one player who is very special for us because he has the skill to help the team in building attacks and the skill to help in finishing of attacks. His goal contribution has been excellent so far and that’s why he will keep growing and have an important career because he is using the loan well.”

Johnstone is going to be a hugely important player for West Brom in the promotion race this season, having been on loan last term before joining permanently in the summer, with his winning mentality highlighted by six Scottish Premiership titles during his time at Celtic, as well as four Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups.

Mikey Johnston’s trophy wins	Year
Scottish Premiership	2023/24
Scottish Premiership	2021/22
Scottish Premiership	2019/20
Scottish Premiership	2018/19
Scottish Premiership	2017/18
Scottish Premiership	2016/17
Scottish Cup	2023/24
Scottish Cup	2019/20
Scottish Cup	2018/19
Scottish Cup	2017/18
Scottish League Cup	2021/22
Scottish League Cup	2019/20
Scottish League Cup	2018/19

While still only 25, the Scot is a hugely experienced figure who could pop up at key moments, so seeing him back at Oxford on Saturday would be a massive shot in the arm.