Category Uncategorized

Mas defended Messi and Jordi Alba's ASG absences, claimed MLS's suspension rule is outdated and detrimental to the league

• Messi, Alba suspended by MLS for skipping ASG
• Miami owner Mas says Messi "extremely upset" over matter
• Hopes suspension won't impact contract talks

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Calling MLS rules for sanctioning players who skip its All-Star game "draconian," Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas on Friday said that Lionel Messi was "extremely upset' by the league's decision to suspend him and teammate Jordi Alba for their absences at Wednesday's midsummer event in Austin, Texas.

  Major League Soccer confirmed on Friday that both Messi and Alba have been suspended one match each for skipping the event, and neither will be available when Inter Miami host FC Cincinnati Saturday night. Per league policy, "any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match."

  Mas claimed it was the club's decision to let both Messi and Alba skip the ASG, keeping their long-term health and fitness in mind amid a congested schedule, and that the players' were upset by the league's actions.

  “Obviously it was not a positive reaction,” Mas said of the players' response to the sanctions. “They want to compete. They want to play games. That’s what they’re here for: to play and win. They understand the magnitude of tomorrow’s night’s game. So the reaction was exactly as expected out of two competitive players who don’t understand the decision. Who don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension. The rule is what it is, but they don’t understand it.”

  Mas said he was "hopeful" the discipline doesn't impact ongoing contract negotiations with Messi, who's current deal expires at the end of 2025.

  “He’s very upset, extremely upset today, as expected,” Mas said of Messi. “I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term. Will it have an impact initially, in the players’ perception of how the league rules work? Absolutely no doubt.”

  MLS commissioner Don Garber praised Messi's overall contributions, but said the league had to follow its policies.

  “The most important thing is I know Leo Messi loves this league, and MLS is an entirely different league because of the years he’s been here helping to show the world what MLS is and what it’s capable of being,” Garber told the Athletic. “Nobody has done more for Major League Soccer than Lionel Messi. Not just what he’s done off the field, but what he’s done on the field. Every game is a must-see match. I fully understand and respect and admire his commitment to Inter Miami.

  "His decision is not one that I really can argue with whatsoever and I understand it. But unfortunately we have a longstanding policy relating to player participation in the All-Star Game and we had to enforce that policy. It was a very, very difficult decision, but one I hope both [Messi] and everyone else can understand and respect. He has shown up for his club, for his teammates, for our league time and time again and I respect his decision.”

  Garber added that MLS plans to re-evaluate the policy.

  “We are going to take a very hard look at the rule moving forward," he said. "It is important to all of our players and all of our fans that we have a policy that reflects and involves the realities of our league and its players going forward. I am committed to working with all of our players and to start working with Leo Messi to adapt this rule so it makes sense going forward.”

  Mas took exception to the All-Star Game participation requirements.

  “I think that the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian," Mas said. "I believe it’s a bad rule, but it’s a rule nonetheless. And it’s a bad rule because I think it puts the players in an untenable position to have to choose between participating in an All-Star festivity, which is an exhibition match, or choosing a regular-season game that I think matters. And I admire both Lionel and Jordi for always thinking of club first.”

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mas said the league should have taken into consideration the congestion in Miami's schedule in making its ruling.

  “During the course of this year, we have to date played, already, 33 games,” he said. “I consider each and every game that Inter Miami plays an All-Star Game for obvious reasons. And I wanted today to express our full support, both to Lionel and to Jordi, as a decision for them to sit this week was a decision made by the club. And I think that that’s an important point.

  "They were coming off a run of nine games in 35 days. Hard games. The last two games previous to this Wednesday were games on the road on Wednesday at Cincinnati, on Saturday in New York. We’re facing a game tomorrow, and we’re facing a course of 10 games over the next 34 days."

  Mas added that the club and both players discussed traveling to Austin, but ultimately decided against it for "obvious reasons, because it would take away from their preparation."

  He admitted that "the communication on all ends probably wasn’t handled ideally" but added that “it was all a very short time frame.”

  Mas added he believes the current rule not only hurts the players, but the fans, the league and their media partner in Apple.

  “I allude to what the commissioner said in his statement, that the rule needs to be looked at,” Mas said. “I expressed our disagreement with the decision that the league made, and I had conversations with the commissioner this morning and through late last night. But notwithstanding that the decision is what it is and stands with MLS. But I want to assure everyone that you know, Lionel and Jordi have acted in a way commensurate with what the club would want.”

  He said he hopes that the league finds a way to make the All-Star Game a spectacle, without "forcing" players to choose between fitness and health for regular-season matches or attending the ASG itself.

  “I understand schedule congestion, but we have to find a way where the All-Star Game gives players some time before and/or after,” Mas said. “There are, I believe, six games this evening in Major League Soccer. That is less than 48 hours since playing in an All-Star game. That’s untenable and not right and not fair to the players and the clubs that sent players to the All-Star Game.

  "So the ideal situation would be that, either before or after the All-Star Game, as Javier Mascherano said this morning, the players have some days off so that they can enjoy their time at an All-Star Game. Because ultimately, it’s an exhibition, but it should be something enjoyable among players in Major League Soccer.”

• WHAT MAS SAID

  Mas also backed Messi, saying the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to elevate MLS on a global platform.

  “There’s no doubt that there’s a before and after Lionel Messi in this league,” Mas said. “Lionel Messi, he is different. He has completely changed the economics of this league, for every single club, every team, every sponsor, the league, media, etc. He’s important. But at the end of the day, Lionel Messi wants to play in competitive matches. … corporate sponsors are already taking advantage of Lionel Messi’s presence in the league, because they are league sponsors. So it’s a question of, how do you make the MLS All-Star Game an event that does not kill the management load on their physical ability to perform. You can still have players attend, and it’s a scheduling issue with that."

  Mas stressed that Messi's presence has a halo effect for the league, across a number of metrics.

  “Lionel Messi has created, for the first time in the league history, $10 million gates where he goes," he said. "Clubs change stadiums so Lionel Messi can perform and play, and Inter Miami can play. And that’s an amazing asset and an amazing thing for the league. I’m just hopeful that in the future we can manage the All-Star Game scheduling with the obvious benefits that Lionel has brought to our league.”

  Mas also noted that the South Beach club plans to make multiple additions this transfer window, and that they are looking to "take advantage" of the window to "strengthen our roster."

  The club has been heavily linked with a move for Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul, and the Atletico Madrid midfielder is reportedly close to finalizing a contract with the South Beach club.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Inter Miami takes on FC Cincinnati Saturday night. FCC currently sits atop the Supporters' Shield Standings and the top of the Eastern Conference. Last week they defeated Miami 3-0 at home.

The transfer door has been shut for both AC Milan and Juventus after striker Lorenzo Lucca committed his future to Udinese.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Lucca wants to honour his contract with UdineseForward idolises Zlatan IbrahimovicIsn't yet interested in joining one of Serie A's big gunsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In a recent conversation with Italian journalist, Carlo Garganese on , Lorenzo Lucca expressed his commitment to Udinese and shared that he is still under contract with the club. This comes as a huge blow to several Italian clubs who were interested in signing him.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Lucca has been impressive for Udinese this season, scoring thirteen goals and providing two assists in 35 games. The Italy international's goals have come at some of the more crucial stages for the club. This caught the attention of several major Serie A clubs, who began scouting the player and expressed interest in making an offer. During the interview, the Udinese striker shared that Ibrahimovic is his idol and put the transfer rumours to bed, emphasising that he's still under contract with Udinese.

WHAT LORENZO LUCCA SAID

During a podcast with Garganese, Lucca said: “For me, it has always been Ibrahimovic, ever since I was a kid. I always watched videos of him, the plays he made, his goals. He was always my idol.”

He added: “I think that every lad who starts playing football wants to play for the national team and for a top team. But right now, I am only thinking about Udinese, I am under contract with them. They believed in me from the beginning when no other club was looking to sign me. I am happy to have this relationship with this club that is really extraordinary."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LORENZO LUCCA?

Lucca's contract with the Udine club runs till 30 June 2028. However, given the uncertainty that surrounds the transfer market, nothing is concrete. Udinese's season concludes on 26 May 2025, as they face Fiorentina in their final game of the campaign.

Yoane Wissa has accused Brentford of unfairly blocking his desired exit from the club, claiming the Bees have gone back on verbal and written agreements.

Wissa gets desperate with social media statementStriker determined to leave BrentfordAccuses club of breaking promises to himFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In frustration as the summer transfer deadline fast approaches, Wissa took to social media to present his side of the story. The striker spoke of the "open discussions" he held with Brentford officials about wanting to leave and suggested there is written confirmation of the Bees agreeing to let him go in the event of a fair offer. The 28-year-old said there have been a "series" of such proposals that have all been turned down, accusing the club of breaking a promise to him. He insists he has acted professionally throughout.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Newcastle are known to have been chasing Wissa as they try to prepare for a future without Alexander Isak, who ironically made a similar public statement blasting the Magpies in an effort to join Liverpool. A big money deal for Nick Woltemade has already been concluded that could unlock the Isak saga, but raking in a British-record transfer fee for the Swede would make funds available to still go after Wissa as well. So far, a £40 million ($54m) has been tabled.

WHAT WISSA SAID

"Over the past few weeks, there has been increased speculation about my future at Brentford Football Club. As a result, I wanted to speak directly and honestly about exactly where things stand," Wissa said in the lengthy statement shared as an story.

"I have stayed silent for much of the summer, but with just hours remaining of the transfer window I feel compelled make it clear that I want to leave Brentford. I believe the club are unduly standing in my way despite a series of fair offers throughout the summer.

"I have always given 100 percent for Brentford since the day I signed back in 2021. I am proud of what we have built together and have never taken the opportunity to play for the club for granted. Brentford fans will always have a special place in my heart. And I have always conducted myself professionally, both on and off the pitch. It has been a privilege to wear this shirt for 149 games and celebrate 49 goals.

"Earlier this summer, I held open discussions with the club's senior management, including key directors and the new head coach. I made clear my intention to explore a new challenge. During these conversations, it was confirmed to me and my representatives that the club would not stand in my way if a reasonable offer was received. This was also put in writing.

"Based on this understanding, I sought to find a new club, keeping Brentford informed with full transparency at every step. I received a formal offer from another Premier League club and communicated I wanted to join. I was under the impression, from all my conversations with Brentford, that there was a mutual agreement to part ways. Yet as the window comes to an end, the club has now significantly changed its position, going against what was communicated. This has left me in a difficult and frustrating position. The promise that I could leave this summer has not been fulfilled. It saddens me to have to write that, and I maintain total respect for the club and its fans.

"I want to make it clear that I have not acted unprofessionally, nor do I wish to leave Brentford on bad terms. I have been transparent in my position throughout. I have continued to communicate openly with the club and conduct myself in a way that reflects my values as both a footballer and a human being. I remain hopeful that a fair and reasonable resolution can still be found before the transfer window shuts.

"In the meantime, I must do what I feel is right for my career and family and insist that Brentford honour their promise to let me join a new club and at a fair price. I want to thank all the Brentford fans for their support and understanding during this difficult situation. Your energy and belief in me has always meant a great deal. This has never been about walking away from what is a fantastic football club. It's about being allowed to move forward with Brentford's blessing based on repeated promises that I could leave for a new chapter this summer.

"Being made to stay beyond this summer will only tarnish four wonderful years at this incredible club and so I ask Brentford's owners and directors to now honour their promise to let me leave in the final hours of the window."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

If an offer that meets Brentford's reported £60m ($81m) asking price is presented, it could yet trigger a move for Wissa to Newcastle. But that is substantially more than the Magpies have been willing to pay and it could require a lot of negotiating in only a short space time. Much might also depend on how quickly a potential move for Isak to Liverpool can happen. Brentford boss Keith Andrews revealed last week a belief that Wissa can still be reintegrated, but that could be tougher than ever now.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras que ressignificou um apelido ofensivo e transformou o porco em um mascote, agora também pode dar um novo sentido ao termo ‘espírito de porco’. Isso porque hoje, poucos times no mundo possuem a alma que o Verdão coloca em campo.

Na vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o São Bernardo, que deu a classificação à semifinal do Paulistão ao clube alviverde, a equipe não foi tão bem tecnicamente, mas novamente impressionou pela entrega imposta nas quatro linhas.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasScarpa consegue bloqueio de R$ 1,8 milhão de Willian Bigode, mas juiz reconsidera decisão; entendaPalmeiras11/03/2023PalmeirasWillian, Mayke e Scarpa: LANCE! tem acesso a processos relacionados a golpe milionárioPalmeiras11/03/2023PalmeirasCom arbitragem polêmica, Rony decide, Palmeiras bate o São Bernardo e está na semi do PaulistãoPalmeiras11/03/2023

+Rony decide e Tabata sai aplaudido em vitória do Palmeiras nas quartas do Paulistão

O primeiro tempo foi de uma série de erros técnicos do Palestra, principalmente na parte defensiva. Muitos espaços dados aos atletas do Bernô que por pelo menos três vezes quase custaram caro na etapa inicial. Por outro lado, a maioria dos atletas se mostraram ligados desde o primeiro minuto.

E se alguns jogadores, como Dudu e Raphael Veiga, por exemplo, se mostraram abaixo em seus desempenhos na última noite, outros compensaram com entrega, o caso, por exemplo, de Bruno Tabata e Rony. No final, o saldo foi positivo em relação a aplicação.

+ Confira a tabela do Paulistão e simule os jogos das quartas de final

No caso de Tabata, ele não se deixou levar pela pressão de entrar no lugar do ‘pupilo’ Endrick, é mesmo muito questionado nas arquibancadas ‘virou o jogo’ e foi até mesmo aplaudido. Já Rony tem sido a personificação palmeirense não é de hoje. Ainda quando a partida estava empatada sem gols, o camisa 10, que atuou como centroavante, foi até o campo de defesa desarmar um adversário e matar uma chance que se desenhava clara para o São Bernardo.

No gol do jogo, o ‘Rústico’ teve inteligência para mais uma vez marcar de cabeça em um lance onde se posicionou bem entre os homens de defesa. Foi a sexta vez que ele foi às redes nesta temporada.

+ Confira as movimentações do Palmeiras no mercado da bola no vaivém do L!

Esses recortes individuais foram as mais gritantes representações do Palmeiras versão Abel Ferreira no triunfo contra o Bernô, mas não são os únicos. A forma com quem em cada setor do campo sempre há uma dividida, um carrinho, uma ação como forma de entrega, intriga a todos sobre o fato de que esse grupo de atletas tenha vencido quase tudo ano após ano.

É esse espírito de porco, colonizado em novo sentido por um treinador português, agora também pode ser definido quando um elenco dá o seu limite e o melhor que pode pelo objetivo coletivo. É o espírito de Abel Ferreira. É o espírito da Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras.

Robert Lewandowski needed just 50 minutes with Lamine Yamal to realise that the Barcelona wonderkid was a “special” talent.

Youngster made breakthrough at 15Compared with all-time great MessiOlder team-mates learning from himFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Having worked his way through the fabled La Masia academy system, Yamal was promoted to the first-team ranks at just 15 years of age. He immediately caught the eye of senior stars in Catalunya, with it clear from the off that he was a global superstar in the making.

AdvertisementWHAT LEWANDOWSKI SAID

Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski told of his first look at Yamal, who has been likened to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi: “It is the first time in my life I saw after 50 minutes that he had something special. I didn't believe it because I didn't see this kind of player at this age – I thought this is impossible at 15.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Yamal has now passed his 18th birthday, signing a new lucrative contract and inheriting the No.10 shirt at Camp Nou that eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi once wore with such distinction. He is expected to claim his own Golden Ball at some point in the not too distant future.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Lewandowski has competed for that prize himself and, at 36 years of age, admits that he can still take important lessons from younger colleagues. The prolific frontman added: “I understood that I cannot fight with them but I can help them and they can also help me. I learn from them a lot. I didn't think it would happen like that.

“When I see that I still don't have to catch the young guys, that they still have to catch me, it means this next season can also be very good. I am still there to show the best performance from myself.”

Moises Henriques made a spectacular grab at mid-off but replays appeared to show the ball grounded when he landed

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff26-Dec-2023’s commentary the ball “clearly” touched the surface and was not out according to the rule book.

The Third Umpire talks us through their decision on the Moises Henriques catch.

Do you agree with the decision? #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/EEfIW0dfD2

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2023

“I actually think it’s out,” Rogers said after the game. “Moises controlled it and took it beautifully, but I suppose it’s just a grey area with what’s happened in the other game with Mitch Starc’s one.”It’s obviously a hard one to be on the rough side of it, but at the end of the day I’ve hit a bad shot and he has taken a nice catch so it probably is out.”Still, Rogers was forced to walk off after third-umpire Claire Polosak viewed several replays and did not change the on-field soft signal of out. Unlike in international cricket, where the soft signal no longer plays a role, it remains in Australian domestic cricket including the BBL.”As I was looking through the vision, I did not have conclusive evidence to say that there was no fingers under the ball,” Polosak told .Still, Stars were able to recover after an initial stumble. Rogers’ dismissal prompted a minor collapse of 4 for 38, including that of Glenn Maxwell’s dismissal for 12 one ball after he launched Jackson Bird deep over the square-leg boundary.But Beau Webster and Hilton Cartwright were then able to stabilise the innings, putting on a 56-run stand and getting the margin down to 34 from 22 balls.And while Webster was caught at long on for 35 trying to take down Sean Abbott, Cartwright was able to get Stars home with an unbeaten 47.Earlier, Pakistani spinner Usama Mir had helped set up the win with 3 for 19 off four overs early in the innings.His wickets included Henriques when he deceived the Sixers captain and had him stumped, before a quicker ball drew Jordan Silk’s edge later in the over.James Vince was able to steady the ship for Sixers, getting through a difficult opening 10 overs before taking charge in the second half of the innings to finish with 83 from 55 balls.But when he was run out by a Maxwell direct hit, Stars were able to keep the Sixers to 14 runs from a crucial final two overs of the innings.

New Zealand all but booked their place in the World Cup semi-final against India with a dominant five-wicket win – with 160 balls to spare – against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. The result took them to ten points, and a net run rate (NRR) of 0.743, leaving Pakistan needing to beat England by 287 runs, while Afghanistan need an even more fantastical 438-run win over South Africa, if they are to surpass New Zealand’s NRR.If Pakistan were to chase, they would have no chance of qualifying.As for Sri Lanka, the margin of defeat against New Zealand left them languishing in ninth place, thus out of qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy. They now need one of England or Bangladesh to suffer defeats – while Netherlands also need to lose to India – to the extent that their respective NRRs drop below Sri Lanka’s.New Zealand’s win was the product of an all-round performance with bat and ball. While the threat of rain in Bengaluru ultimately proved to be a red herring, winning the toss and putting Sri Lanka in seemed to be the most prudent way to ensure both an NRR-boosting victory as well as hedge against any rain interruptions and DLS interventions.And so it proved. Despite the loss of some late wickets, Sri Lanka’s total of 171 was comfortably dealt with, as Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell all pitched in with forties.On a pitch that proved even better to bat on under lights, Ravindra and Conway put on 86 to break open the chase, before Mitchell’s 43 off just 31 balls rammed home the result. All three fell before the finish, but the win was never in doubt.Kusal Perera counterattacked for Sri Lanka amid plenty of early blows•AFP/Getty Images

That it was so easy in the end was down to a solid bowling effort and a haphazard outing with the bat for Sri Lanka. New Zealand shared the wickets around, with Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner and Ravindra picking up two apiece, though Trent Boult’s 3 for 37 was what had set his side up at the top of Sri Lanka’s innings – and earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.Such was New Zealand’s dominance that they won so comfortably despite dropping three catches. The first was of Kusal Perera without scoring, as Tom Latham grassed a straightforward caught behind. Latham got his shot at redemption a ball later though, with Pathum Nissanka nicking through for an even more simple chance.Kusal Mendis fell a few overs later, splicing a leading edge to deep third while looking to hit over midwicket, with Sadeera Samarawickrama following soon after edging through to Mitchell at first slip. Both those wickets were grabbed by the excellent Boult, taking him past 50 wickets in World Cups – he ended the game with that tally on 52.But even as wickets fell at one end, Perera functioned as a one-man army, finding boundaries all around the Chinnaswamy Stadium, and punishing New Zealand for that early drop. Two picked-up sixes over long-on off Tim Southee were the highlights of some belligerent ball striking, as he brought up his 50 off just 22 deliveries – the joint second-fastest by a Sri Lankan in ODI World Cups.Trent Boult went past 50 World Cup wickets•ICC/Getty Images

An over later, though, Charith Asalanka was adjudged lbw off Boult after a well-taken review, before Perera fell a few deliveries later, getting under a delivery from Ferguson that was not full enough to drive and slicing it to cover.Sri Lanka were in free fall at 70 for 5 in the tenth over, before Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva put up mild resistance. Dhananjaya was reprieved too, courtesy Latham’s second drop of the game, a tough chance off Santner during that stand of 34. Santner’s guile, control and subtle variations in pace, however, were eventually too good for the pair.Mathews was the first to go in what might have been his last World Cup innings – perhaps even ODI innings – lunging forward at one that was floated up and then dipped. He failed to get to the pitch, and the bounce and turn did the rest, grazing the outside edge to Mitchell at slip. It was a similar story for Dhananjaya, after another flighted delivery with some added bounce found its way into Mitchell’s hands.Maheesh Theekshana batted for 91 deliveries•ICC/Getty Images

Chamika Karunaratne, making just his second appearance at this World Cup, did not fare any better, edging behind Ferguson. A swift end to the innings seemed imminent but Maheesh Theekshana, in partnerships with Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka, showed the resistance that was lacking throughout the rest of the innings.In facing 91 deliveries, Theekshana played more balls than all of Sri Lanka’s frontline batters combined. Even Madushanka’s 48 balls were more than what any other batter faced apart from Theekshana.Theekshana remained unbeaten on 38 – the second-highest scorer of the innings – as the ninth and tenth wicket stands, despite only contributing 58 runs, spanned 139 deliveries. Sri Lanka lost their eighth wicket in the 24th over, but it wasn’t until the 47th that New Zealand dismissed them, with Ravindra finding Madushanka’s edge for Latham to complete a sharp take.It took a while for New Zealand to get there, after winning their first four matches and then losing their next four, but this victory has all but ensured a fifth consecutive ODI World Cup semi-final.

Tottenham Hotspur are now racing a number of their Premier League rivals for the signature of an “unbelievable” forward, who is set to command a fee of £54m this summer, according to a report.

Spurs looking to bolster attacking options

The scale of Tottenham’s injury crisis this season has left them a little light on attacking options at times, with Dominic Solanke and Richarlison spending time on the sidelines, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker.

Spurs are now in active talks over a deal for Lille striker Jonathan David, having been impressed by the Canadian’s performances this season, but there is widespread interest in his signature, with Arsenal and Manchester United also keen.

David is set to be available on a free transfer, but Ange Postecoglou’s side are also prepared to break the bank for an alternative target, with a report revealing they are willing to make a huge offer for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Tottenham want to sign "exciting" new £20m star who could replace Bissouma

Ange Postecogou is looking to make some significant progress in shaping his Tottenham squad.

BySean Markus Clifford Mar 23, 2025

Not only is Postecoglou keen to bring in a new centre-forward, but there could also be additions in wide areas, with the Lilywhites incredibly keen on Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao.

One forward who could tick a lot of boxes is Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who is able to play both on the wing and at striker, and a report from Caught Offside has revealed Tottenham are now in the race for the forward’s signature.

Spurs are one of a number of Premier League clubs chasing Lookman, with seven English sides battling for the in-demand attacker, including London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

The 27-year-old is expected to leave Atalanta at the end of the campaign, with the Serie A side setting an asking price of €65m (£54m), amid further interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Juventus.

"Unbelievable" Lookman deserves big move

The Nigerian famously led Atalanta to a Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season, scoring a hat-trick to secure a 3-0 victory, and he ranks extremely highly on a number of key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to other forwards.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.74 (99th percentile)

Assists

0.34 (89th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.86 (94th percentile)

Progressive carries

5.58 (93rd percentile)

As a result of the incredible display in the Europa League final, the Atalanta star received high praise from pundit Mina Rzouki, and he has continued to impress this season, picking up 13 goals and five assists in 23 Serie A games.

As such, it is exciting news that Tottenham are in the race for Lookman, but they may need to win the Europa League to stand a chance of winning the race for his signature, given that so many top clubs are keen.

Amid concerns over Tom Fellows’ future, West Bromwich Albion have reportedly joined the race to sign a rising star who could eventually replace their talented midfielder.

West Brom battling to sign Fellows heir

As the Baggies continue to battle for a place in the play-offs, they’ve been forced to turn their attention towards the summer transfer window amid interest in Fellows. The midfielder is once again on the radar of those in the Premier League – Everton in particular – in what could yet see him jump up to the top flight without his boyhood club.

As much as those at The Hawthorns would be left frustrated by his exit, there’s no doubt that Fellows deserves to be playing in England’s top tier. The 21-year-old has been excellent once again in the current campaign, assisting an impressive 11 goals whilst getting on the scoresheet twice himself in the Championship. If West Brom do achieve promotion, he will undoubtedly be at the centre of that success.

West Brom must rue losing amazing loan star who's now outperforming Fellows

This former West Bromwich Albion loanee has come on leaps and bounds since his days at the Hawthorns.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 19, 2025

Losing such an important player this summer would instantly redirect the Baggies’ transfer plans and it looks as though they’re already preparing for the worst in the coming months.

According to Football Insider, West Brom are now battling to sign Bobby Wales ahead of Blackburn Rovers this summer in what could be a free deal following the end of his contract at Kilmarnock. The young striker is one for the future and one who could become West Brom’s new talisman in Fellows’ absence, having already scored five goals for Kilmarnock’s senior side this season.

Given the potential that the teenager has, West Brom could be landing one of the bargains of the summer by signing Wales on a free deal. To do that though, they will have to fend off competition from fellow play-off hopefuls Blackburn.

"Fantastic" Wales is a future star

It looks more and more likely that Wales’ future will be away from Kilmarnock, perhaps allowing West Brom to make their move. If there’s any concerns that the 19-year-old would struggle at first-team level then his goalscoring exploits in Scotland should put those doubts to bed and leave the Baggies desperately chasing his signature.

With Wales’ great form throughout the current campaign has come the praise of Derek McInnes. The Kilmarnock manager told reporters after his young forward equalised against Dundee in December: “When we’re looking for a bit of calmness, quality and a bit of composure, I thought Bobby Wales gave us that.

“It’s a fantastic finish and good on him. We tried to be brave and keep as much attacking threat on the pitch as possible.”

West Brom have already benefitted from one young attacker bursting into their best side in Fellows. Now, if the 21-year-old leaves this summer, they could land an instant replacement for his output by signing Wales. Whether promotion to the Premier League players a part in either of those deals will certainly be interesting too. Sat fifth, West Brom will have all eyes on the play-offs as the Championship campaign comes to a close.

فجر رالف رانجنيك، مدرب منتخب النمسا، مفاجأة من العيار الثقيل، بكشفه عن رغبة بايرن ميونخ الجادة في استعادة مدافعه السابق ديفيد ألابا قبل نهاية عام 2023.

وكان ألابا قد رحل عن بايرن ميونخ في صيف 2021 بعد مسيرة حافلة بالمجان، لينتقل إلى ريال مدريد حيث توج بعدة ألقاب أبرزها دوري أبطال أوروبا.

اقرأ أيضًا | إنزاجي: تفاجأت من لاعبي الهلال.. وهناك خسارة مؤثرة أمام ريال مدريد

وقال رانجنيك في تصريحات لقناة “ServusTV”: “أعلم من مصدر موثوق أن بايرن ميونخ كان يخطط بجدية للتعاقد معه قبل تعرضه للإصابة”.

وكان ألابا، لاعب ريال مدريد الحالي، على رادار إدارة النادي البافاري للعودة إلى ملعب أليانز أرينا، إلا أن إصابته في الركبة نهاية ديسمبر 2023 أفسدت الصفقة.

المدرب الألماني الذي يعرف ألابا جيدًا من عمله مع منتخب النمسا، أشار إلى أن اللاعب لا يزال ملتزمًا بعقده مع ريال مدريد، والممتد حتى يونيو 2026.

وفي نهاية أبريل الماضي، خضع المدافع البالغ من العمر 32 عامًا لجراحة جديدة في غضروف الركبة، مما أجل أي عودة محتملة إلى الملاعب.

ورغم سلسلة الإصابات، أبدى رانجنيك تفاؤله بمستقبل قائده قائلاً: “إذا كان هناك من يستطيع العودة، فهو ديفيد، لديه العقلية والطموح بدون أدنى شك”.

وأضاف بثقة في النهاية: “إذا صمدت ركبته، فأنا مقتنع بأنه قادر على اللعب مرة أخرى في أعلى المستويات”.