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As has been widely reported, Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy is now the overwhelming favourite to become the new Celtic manager.

The Frenchman has held talks with the Celtic board over the weekend, as the Scottish champions continue to search for a replacement for Brendan Rodgers, who surprisingly resigned last month.

Nancy has won MLS Cup and Leagues Cup in charge of the Crew, also leading the Black and Gold to a first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup Final, and could be appointed Celtic manager sooner rather than later, after Columbus’ season came to an end in the first round of the MLS play-offs, ousted by cross-state rivals FC Cincinnati.

Across all 136 matches in charge of Columbus, as well as 79 as CF Montréal head coach beforehand, Nancy has always deployed a back three, usually a 3-4-2-1 shape, so it’ll be interesting to see if he sticks with that, in a Rúben Amorim-esque fashion, or is more adaptable, given the depleted squad at his disposal.

Currently seven points adrift Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, irrespective of who the new manager is, expect Celtic to be busy in the January transfer window, so here is the dream XI they could build should Nancy take over.

1 GK – Kasper Schmeichel

Despite the fact he’s now 39 years old, Kasper Schmeichel remains a consistent performer in the Celtic goal.

To date, the Danish veteran has kept 33 clean sheets in 67 appearances for the Celts, conceding only 63 goals, seven of these shutouts coming in 11 Premiership outings so far this year.

On top of this, according to Squawka, he boasts a save percentage of 75.35% in the Premiership across this season and last, which does drop slightly to 69.57% when looking at the Europa League, albeit only Jari De Busser of Go Ahead Eagles and Ștefan Târnovanu of Steaua București have made more than his 16 saves in this season’s league phase.

Thus, with Schmeichel’s contract expiring next summer, following the World Cup, who knows what his future holds but, for now, Nancy can rely on the Great Dane.

2 RB – Alistair Johnston

Right now, Alistair Johnston is one of numerous key Celtic players sidelined due to injury, seeing just 26 minutes of action since suffering a serious hamstring tear against Kairat in mid-August, but, once fit again, will be a key figure in Nancy’s side, as he was in Québec three years ago.

3 CB – Cameron Carter-Vickers

Another major absentee right now is Cameron Carter-Vickers.

In the same match Johnston reaggravated his hamstring issue, the 2-1 Europa League victory over Sturm Graz, Carter-Vickers suffered a ruptured achilles tendon which will see him sidelined for around six months, all but ending his hopes of representing the United States on home soil next summer.

Since arriving under Ange Postecoglou in the summer of 2021, Carter-Vickers has been one of the first names on the team sheet at Parkhead, racking up 172 appearances in hoops, in the opinion of many, Celtic’s best centre-back since Virgil van Dijk, so Nancy will surely make him a central pillar, even if he’ll have to wait to do so.

4 CB – Axel Disasi: new signing

In the absence of Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey​​​​​​​ are Celtic’s current central defensive options, hence why they’re expected to target a reinforcement or two in January.

Well, according to reports, Celtic have been offered the chance to sign a trio of Chelsea exiles this winter, namely Raheem Sterling, Deivid Washington and, the one likely to be of the most interest, Alex Disasi.

The France international signed for the Blues for £38.5m from Monaco in the summer of 2023, putting pen to paper on a six-year contract, but has been completely frozen out by Enzo Maresca.

After spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, Disasi did not find a new club before the summer transfer window slammed shut, thereby in the proverbial wilderness at Cobham, so could be available on loan in January, and the arrival of his compatriot Nancy could tempt him north of the border.

5 LB – Kieran Tierney

​​​​​​​

Back at the very start of the summer transfer window, when Celtic supporters were optimistic and loving life, Kieran Tierney’s return was celebrated like a title triumph.

Since rejoining, the left-back’s minutes have been carefully managed, albeit a long-term injury suffered by deputy Marcelo Saracchi means that won’t be quite so straightforward.

Nevertheless, regardless of whether Nancy wants to play a back three or a four, he’ll surely relish working with Tierney.

6 CDM – Callum McGregor

Celtic managers come and go but no matter who is in charge, Callum McGregor is an omnipresent figure.

The 32-year-old has now made 538 appearances in hoops, winning 24 major honours, looking to add to his haul in December when he will lead the side out in the League Cup Final against St Mirren, having scored this thunderbolt against Rangers in the semis.

McGregor’s in-possession quality, off-the-ball work-rate and leadership skills will be invaluable for any incoming manager, so his name will continue to be written in permanent marker on the team sheet.

7 CAM – Benjamin Nygren

While many of Celtic’s summer signings have been underwhelming, Benjamin Nygren has been very impressive.

Many believed the Swede had been signed to replace Nicolas Kühn on the right-wing, but instead he has established himself as a first-choice member of the midfield trio, scoring six times already, including this winner against Sturm Graz, securing the Celts’ sole Europa League victory to date.

The 24-year-old then increased his stock further this weekend, bagging his third goal for Sweden as they were beaten by Switzerland at Stade de Genève. Thus, Nancy, or any other manager, will surely be impressed by what he’s seen.

8 CAM – Reo Hatate

There are plenty of candidates to complete Celtic’s midfield trio, with Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan among those vying for this spot, but Reo Hatate is still the Celts’ best option.

Since arriving in January 2022, the Japanese midfield maestro has scored 29 goals and registered 29 assists for the club, including this thunderous strike at Pittodrie in August.

Hatate’s form has been a bit up and down in recent times, but his quality remains undeniable, so he’ll be hoping to get back to his best under Nancy.

9 RW – Jota

​​​​​​​ We’ve already mentioned Carter-Vickers and Johnston, but the other Celtic star on the sidelines long-term is Jota.

Similar to Tierney, Jota returned to Celtic to a huge amount of fanfare in January, but suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury at Tannadice in April, so is expected to return around Christmas time, which will be a timely mid-season boost.

The Portuguese winger remains the Celts’ joint-record sale, moving to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia for £25m two years ago, but back in Glasgow, he will look to further enhance his reputation among the fan base.

10 LW – Diego Rossi: new signing

According to a report by Give Me Sport, Daizen Maeda will push to leave Celtic in January, having been denied the opportunity to depart during the summer, looking to cement his spot in Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan squad ahead of the World Cup; numerous Premier League clubs are reportedly interested.

Maeda would leave a huge void, but could Nancy replace him with a player he knows rather well?

Having starred at LAFC before an unsuccessful stint at Fenerbahçe, Nancy brought forward Diego Rossi to Columbus Crew, worth every penny of the $6.63m transfer fee paid, considering the Uruguayan international scored 45 goals in 101 games for the Black and Gold, including 16 in MLS last season.

Now, according to the Daily Record, he is top of Nancy’s shopping list, should he move to Glasgow.

A diminutive, versatile forward, Rossi has a similar profile to Maeda and has just a year to go on his contract in Columbus, so everything suggests he would be a shrewd addition. That said, they may have to pay a pretty penny considering he is worth £7.5m, as per Transfermarkt.

Are Rangers heading in the right direction?

On Sunday, Danny Röhl’s perfect start to life in the Premiership continued, making it three league wins out of three, with goals from Nicolas Raskin, Mikey Moore and then Djeidi Gassama downing Dundee at Dens.

Despite this, the Gers remain fourth in the table, level on points with Hibs, five points below fierce rivals Celtic and a whopping 12 adrift surprise leaders Hearts.

Goals though remain a problem for this team, having bagged only 15 in 11 Premiership outings to date, netting just 31 times in 24 fixtures across all competitions, with Sunday only the fourth time they’ve scored three or more in a match, despite doing so on 21 occasions last season.

Strikers Danilo, Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti continue to be, at best, inconsistent, but could Rangers’ youngster with “huge potential” solve this attacking issue?

Rangers' recent loan stars

While Rangers’ recent recruit has rightly come under scrutiny, with serious questions being asked of sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the club remain excellent in one particular area; identifying attackers on loan.

In the last four seasons, Rangers have signed a high-quality attacker on loan each time, as the table below documents.

52

18

9

39

16

2

43

12

5

13

3

Zero

As the table highlights, in each of the last four seasons, Rangers have brought in a high-class attacker on a season-long loan.

Amad is probably the outlier on this list, making little impact during his six months in Glasgow, albeit he’s since become a key figure for Rúben Amorim at Manchester United.

Since, Malik Tillman, Abdallah Sima and Václav Černý have all registered at least 17 combined goals and assists during one season at Ibrox, with the latter the most productive of the lot, starring during a season on loan from Wolfsburg, a major loss having joined Beşiktaş instead of returning this summer.

Now, could a current member of the Rangers squad keep the streak of outstanding attackers on loan going?

Rangers' latest loan star

Of course, the entire Rangers team has improved since Röhl replaced Russell Martin last month, an admittedly low bar, but the player who has thrived the most is Mikey Moore.

The teenager scored his first goal for the club at Dens on Sunday, doubling the Gers lead with this strike which flew into Jon McCracken’s bottom corner.

Even before opening his account, the Englishman had looked sharper since Röhl’s arrival in Glasgow.

Speaking during Sky Sports’ Coverage, Chris Sutton asserted that he is “flourishing” into his full potential under Röhl, while James McFadden notes that he is enjoying a lot more freedom with the German coach at the helm, forecasting that he will only continue to get better in the coming weeks.

When the 18-year-old arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in August, he did so with a massive reputation for someone who had only played 815 minutes at senior level.

Upon joining, then manager Martin praised his “huge potential”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him “the English Neymar”.

Despite his slow start to life at Ibrox, only two Rangers players, namely Gassama and Thelo Aasgard, have registered more successful dribbles on a per 90 basis in the Premiership, early signs that he is ready to make a significant impact.

As already alluded to, scoring goals is one of this team’s primary issues.

Across all competitions, only captain James Tavernier, Gassama, Danilo and youngster Findlay Curtis have bagged more than two goals thus far, with that strike against Dundee the first of Moore’s campaign.

Thus, there is a spot up for grabs for the 18-year-old to take responsibility and become a truly integral figure in this team’s attack, following in the footsteps of Sima, Tillman and Černý, the other high-class loan attackers who have come before.

Move over Moore: Rangers star proved why he's their "best player" vs Dundee

Rangers demolished Dundee 3-0 at Dens on Sunday and Danny Röhl’s “sensational” star was as key as Mikey Moore in this Scottish Premiership victory.

ByBen Gray Nov 9, 2025

Elland Road has been home to many Leeds United greats over the years.

Even when the Whites weren’t competing in the Premier League, there were a handful of top stars always entertaining the West Yorkshire masses, with names such as Luciano Becchio and Pablo Hernandez sticking out, among many others.

Of course, the current crop is beloved in their own right, having just lifted the Championship title on a mammoth points haul of 100 points.

But, they have some catching up to do in the daunting environment of the Premier League to be seen in the same glowing light as some past top-flight icons at Leeds, with Lucas Radebe still viewed as an all-time hero, twenty years on from his final outing for the club.

Radebe's heroics at Leeds

Costing just £250k to obtain in 1994 from South African side Kaizer Chiefs, not many would have anticipated that many years down the line, Radebe would end up being Leeds’ formidable captain in the Champions League against the likes of AC Milan.

Still, despite a slow beginning to life at Elland Road, which saw him make just 12 appearances for the club during his debut season, the no-nonsense number 5 would eventually leave a lasting mark on the Leeds faithful, with Radebe going on to be affectionately known as “The Chief” for his warrior-like showings.

Starting his really early playing days as a goalkeeper, Radebe would ultimately find his calling in England as a tough and bruising centre-back figure, with ex-Leeds teammate Nigel Martyn referring to him as a “fierce competitor” when glowingly recalling his career in 2021.

Further lauded as an “absolute legend” by Martyn, the 70-time South Africa international’s vital importance to the Leeds cause is clear to see when looking back on his long-standing stay at the club, with 260 appearances picked up by Radebe across ten seasons, even seeing the Whites get near to Champions League glory at the turn of the millennium.

Unfortunately, persistent knee problems would see his minutes deplete by the close of those ten long campaigns, but with Radebe recently being unveiled as a new club ambassador, it’s clear he’s still held in high regard to this very day.

Amazingly, Daniel Farke could well have a Radebe-type player on his hands right now.

Farke's own Radebe-type star

Since Radebe hung up his boots, there haven’t been an overflowing amount of standout number fives who have pulled on that famous number, with Ben White one notable name, among transfer misfires such as Robin Koch and Giuseppe Bellusci.

Instead, it could well be Leeds’ current number 6 that embodies Radebe most closely in Joe Rodon, with the Welshman very much a full-blooded presence for Farke and Co, in the same vein as the South African before him.

He has even used his aerial expertise this season to power home a header versus AFC Bournemouth at the end of September, with the Swansea-born “warrior” – as he has been labelled by his manager – only one goal shy of Radebe’s goal count.

But, it’s his overall numbers in a defensive sense that put him even more on the same pedestal as the feared former number 5, with Rodon routinely putting his body on the line and coming up clutch in crunch moments to ensure his side isn’t breached at will.

Games played

43

46

7

Goals scored

0

1

1

Assists

0

0

0

Touches*

83.7

92.2

61.3

Accurate passes*

66.0 (91%)

75.1 (92%)

43.7 (91%)

Ball recoveries*

4.2

4.0

2.3

Clearances*

4.5

5.0

6.6

Total duels won*

4.7

4.3

5.1

Clean sheets

17

25

2

Rodon has undoubtedly become as crucial for Farke as Radebe was for the litany of managers he worked alongside at Elland Road, with the 27-year-old collecting a mightily impressive 44 clean sheets across three seasons of league action.

Yet, he hasn’t always had it his own way at Leeds, with the disappointment of promotion falling through at the close of the 2023/24 season meaning he could have walked away from West Yorkshire for good, having only been at the club on loan.

He opted to join permanently for £10m instead and in the words of journalist Isaac Johnson, he has since gone on to be in the debate as Farke’s “most important player.”

It will now be up to the resilient defender to steer his side to immediate Premier League safety, with the potential very much there for him to be known as a top-flight great, much like Radebe is forever immortalised as.

Leeds have signed "explosive" ace who looks like a new Raphinha-type player

Leeds fans might finally get their dream Raphinha replacement

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 12, 2025

It was Seattle Orcas’ second win of the season, and lifted them to No. 4; Los Angeles Knight Riders, meanwhile, have now lost six of their seven games

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jun-2025For the second game in a row in MLC 2025, Shimron Hetmyer took charge of the Seattle Orcas innings at a critical stage and smashed his way through to victory.He did it off the last ball against MI New York just about 24 hours ago even as he cramped up, but didn’t show any signs of discomfort when he did it again. This time, against Los Angeles Knight Riders, who were on top at different stages of the game but came unstuck in the end.The base for Hetmyer had been set by Aaron Jones.After Josh Brown had been sent back for a two-ball duck by Jason Holder in the first over, Jones and Shayan Jahangir put together 119 for the second wicket in 11.1 overs. Jahangir’s contribution was 42 from 29 balls, while Jones scored 73 in 38, a strike rate close to 200.But the innings needed something more if Orcas, after losing their first five games of the season, needed to make it two in two. That came from Hetmyer, who walked out at No. 5 with 77 still needed in just under eight overs.Two fours came off Ali Khan in the 14th over. Tanveer Sangha was then sent for two sixes in the 15th, and 48 from 30 balls looked very gettable for Orcas. There was a little blip as Andre Russell, who had earlier smashed 65 not out from 39 balls, bowled a five-run over, but it was business as usual for Hetmyer after that, as he took two more sixes off Holder in the 17th, and another off Ali Khan in the 18th.Andre Russell smashed 65 not out in 39 balls to lead Los Angeles Knight Riders’ batting charge•Sportzpics for MLCStill, after Russell had bowled an eight-run 19th over, Hetmyer had a bit left to do. And when the fifth ball of the last over, bowled by Shadley van Schalkwyk, went straight down the ground, it was all done and dusted.Orcas have now risen from the bottom of the six-team table to No. 4, while Knight Riders have taken their place.After being asked to bat, Knight Riders stuttered to 41 for 1 in the powerplay, and then 66 for 3 at the halfway mark, with none of Andre Fletcher (strike rate 113.04), Unmukt Chand (84.61) and Sherfane Rutherford (125.00) able to get a move on.Russell, promoted to No. 3 and having reached 15 from 13, took off at that point. With Saif Badar for company, Russell took 16, 15, 10 and 21 runs off the next four overs, and suddenly Knight Riders were in business.Even after Badar fell for a 21-ball 41, Waqar Salamkheil getting his second wicket of the game, the big-hitting didn’t stop. In fact, the entry of Rovman Powell made it worse for the Orcas bowlers. Russell, not as belligerent as he usually is, ended with 65 from 39 balls with six fours and four sixes, but Powell was another story. All Powell’s four sixes came against medium pace – three off Jasdeep Singh. and one off Ayan Desai. He ended with 43 not out in 21 balls, with two fours to go with four sixes.Orcas didn’t help themselves with a couple of dropped catches, both off Powell, while captain Sikandar Raza’s decision to not bowl himself and leave the last few overs to Jasdeep and Desai didn’t come off. Hetmyer made sure it didn’t matter.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Leeds United are keen on signing a “sensational” Champions League player in the January transfer window.

Mixed Leeds injury news ahead of Burnley clash

The Whites make the trip to Burnley on Saturday afternoon, in an important Premier League clash between two of last season’s promoted sides.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has provided an injury update ahead of the game, admitting that there is both good and bad news to report.

“Good news was Lucas Perri, so he was able to train the last two weeks together with us, so he was able to use also this international break to build up a bit his fitness level. Of course, after being out so long, he can’t be there at 100 percent, but you see him going more or less from day to day, which is good news.

“With Willy Gnonto, he won’t be available for this game because his calf problems are sorted but sadly he had to use the international break for a little minor hernia surgery, so not a major thing but he needed to do this. He will be just back in team training next week so I expect then to have him available, perhaps already for Friday evening for the next home game but definitely not for this away trip.

“Very positive and good news was Daniel James because he is a bit ahead of schedule in his rehab, so a compliment also to our medical department, our rehab coaches. He was even involved already, I would say, in major parts of team training during this week but he is definitely not in contention for the starting line-up. Noah Okafor is also struggling a little bit with some adductor problems, he could be perhaps even in contention to be picked for the squad, so I didn’t expect this.”

Away from injury news, Leeds continue to look at potential new signings, and an exciting attacking player has been mentioned as an option.

Leeds have Champions League ace on their "radar"

Speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Bailey claimed that Leeds are eyeing a potential move for Bodo/Glimt winger Jens Petter Hauge in January.

Hauge stands out as such an exciting option for Leeds, with scout Jacek Kulig once calling him a “sensational” player who always stood out as a youngster with huge potential.

Now 26, the 13-cap Norway international is a proven top-level player, scoring twice in as many Champions League appearances, as well as netting six times in the Europa League.

Related Farke could unleash Leeds' best English talent since Rio Ferdinand

Leeds fans can get excited about another rising English starlet at Elland Road.

Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 17, 2025

Hauge is capable of flourishing on both wings and as an attacking midfielder, but is predominantly a left-sided player, and he could add so much quality to Leeds’ attacking midway through the season.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians deve firmar a renovação do contrato do zagueiro Bruno Méndez. O jogador não recebeu propostas do exterior e, ao permanecer no Brasil, vai priorizar sua permanência na equipe alvinegra. A tendência é que o negócio seja selado após a próxima data Fifa, que ocorrerá entre os dias 4 e 12 de setembro e marcará as primeiras partidas das Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo de 2026.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoSete pessoas morrem em acidente com ônibus de torcedores do Corinthians em Minas GeraisFora de Campo20/08/2023CorinthiansCorinthians encaminha venda de Adson para clube francês; entenda o que falta para o negócio fecharCorinthians20/08/2023CorinthiansLuxemburgo explica o motivo de poupar jogadores e revela conversa com a diretoria do Corinthians para priorizar a Sul-AmericanaCorinthians20/08/2023

Ainda não se sabe se o defensor será convocado pelo técnico Marcelo Bielsa para os jogos do Uruguai contra Chile e Equador, mas há a expectativa de que isso ocorra. Isso pode ser deduzido a partir da primeira lista do novo treinador da Celeste, nos amistosos contra Cuba e Nicarágua, que aconteceram em junho, que incluiu o defensor corintiano.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Caso a nova convocação de Méndez para a seleção uruguaia seja confirmada, seu retorno ao Timão acontecerá quando a janela de transferências das principais ligas da Europa já estiver fechada, deixando o caminho livre para que o jogador estenda seu vínculo com o Time do Povo.

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O departamento de futebol corintiano está ciente do interesse do jogador em sair do Brasil e ir para a Europa na primeira oportunidade que surgir. Assim, no novo contrato, pode ser incluída uma cláusula para flexibilizar a saída de Bruno nas próximas janelas em caso de uma oferta do Velho Continente. Uma alternativa seria fixar a multa rescisória em um valor mais acessível para o mercado europeu.

A possibilidade de perder Bruno Méndez para a Europa não preocupa a direção corintiana no momento. Embora o clube entenda que o defensor tem potencial para jogar no continente em um futuro próximo, a maior preocupação autalmente é o Internacional. O Colorado foi o único clube a procurar o estafe de Bruno durante o período de impasse sobre sua permanência no Corinthians. Outras equipes, como Flamengo e Grêmio, até se interessaram, mas não avançaram na tentativa de ‘beliscar’ o jogador.

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Bruno defendeu o Inter por empréstimo entre o segundo semestre de 2021 e 2022. Na época, houve interesse dos gaúchos em mantê-lo. O Timão até gostaria que o negócio acontecesse à época e ofereceu possibilidades financeiras para que a compra fosse selada. No entanto, divergências entre as diretorias impediram que a situação avançasse, Méndez, então, retornou a São Paulo e ganhou mais oportunidades com a camisa corintiana.

De praticamente descartado, o uruguaio se tornou um “queridinho” e agora está perto de renovar com o Time do Povo. Nesse novo acordo, ele terá, inclusive, um aumento salarial considerável.

Jurgen Klopp has explained why he believes Liverpool are at "risk of being exposed" under Arne Slot. The Dutchman's reign has been almost dreamlike since he arrived in England. He guided Liverpool to the Premier League crown last season and opened this campaign with a perfect run of seven straight wins in all competitions. But the first cracks showed at Selhurst Park on Saturday as Crystal Palace beat the Reds 2-1, and Klopp has raised the alarm bell with his observations.

• Smooth sailing turns shaky in London

  The Reds’ flawless streak hit the buffers on Saturday against Crystal Palace, who delivered a bruising reality check. Ismaila Sarr fired the hosts ahead from a corner after Palace dominated the early exchanges. Liverpool clung on thanks to Alisson’s world-class saves before Federico Chiesa looked to have rescued a point, slotting home after VAR waved away a Mohamed Salah handball shout. But the drama in the Premier League clash wasn’t done. With minutes left, Will Hughes hurled in a long throw that was flicked back into danger, which allowed Eddie Nketiah to control and lash past Alisson. The home crowd erupted, and Liverpool trudged off with their first defeat of the season.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Klopp’s stark assessment

  Klopp, now watching on from the outside, stopped short of outright criticism but made it clear that the high-octane approach under Slot leaves open doors for opponents to exploit.

  In an interview with he said: "[Man] City is on the way back, they change a little bit. Managers need that as well… a new way of looking at things to keep it fresh. Liverpool is playing a specific (style), so really, really good. Very offensive oriented. Do they take the risk a little bit of being exposed? Different ways to go, let me say it like that. I’m not the pope of football who tells people what to do. At least not outside the Red Bull world.”

• Warning signs for the champions

  Seven wins from seven in 2025-26, plus last season’s title, prove Slot has got plenty right. However, opponents will smell blood if they believe Liverpool are vulnerable during set pieces. Selhurst Park was the first real glimpse of that weakness.

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  All eyes on Galatasaray clash

  Liverpool travel to Turkey on Tuesday night to face Galatasaray in a Champions League clash that suddenly feels like a test of Slot’s resilience. However, one thing is certain: Klopp’s comments will echo loudly if Liverpool show the same soft underbelly in Istanbul during dead-ball situations.

Chasing 148, DC romped to their target with 27 balls to spare, consigning RCB to their fourth straight defeat

Srinidhi Ramanujam01-Mar-2025

Shafali Verma and Jess Jonassen smashed merciless unbeaten fifties to steer Delhi Capitals (DC) into the WPL 2025 playoffs with a nine-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday. It was RCB’s fourth defeat in a row, and they ended without a single win in the Bengaluru leg of the tournament.Ellyse Perry once again led RCB’s fight after they were sent in, scoring an unbeaten 60 to help the side post 147 for 5, but it wasn’t enough against the table-toppers, who had Shikha Pandey and debutant left-arm spinner Shree Charani picking up two wickets apiece.The chase though got off on a tricky note for DC, who lost Meg Lanning in the third over, but Shafali and Jonassen put on an unbroken 146 for the second wicket off just 77 balls – the highest partnership for any wicket in a WPL run chase. The Chinnaswamy was left silenced as DC romped home with 27 balls remaining.Ellyse Perry hit three sixes on her way to an unbeaten 60 off 47 balls•BCCI

Perry anchors RCB inningsPerry came into this game with three fifties in RCB’s first five games, and she was once again central to her team’s fortunes on a slow surface. While there were starts from Danni Wyatt-Hodge (21 off 18) and Raghvi Bist (33 off 32), neither went on to a big score. It was left to Perry to anchor the innings and keep the scorecard ticking at a healthy rate.Coming in after Pandey had dismissed Smriti Mandhana in the second over for another low score (8), Perry was up and running in Pandey’s next over by crashing a wide half-volley over the covers for four. She then hit a six each off spinners Jonassen, Charani and Minnu Mani.Perry put on a brisk 44 with Wyatt-Hodge for the second wicket, and 66 with Bist for the third. With Bist struggling to middle the ball, however, that partnership consumed 54 balls.Perry reached her fourth fifty of the season, off 37 balls, in the 14th over. At the end of the 16th over, RCB were 119 for 2 and eyeing a strong finish. But they fell apart, scoring just 28 in the last four overs for the loss of three wickets. Perry only faced seven balls in the last five overs, scoring eight runs off them.With 295 runs in six innings, Perry has overtaken Nat Sciver-Brunt to become the tournament’s leading run-scorer.Sree Charani finished with figures of 2 for 28 on WPL debut•BCCI

Charani shines on debutDC preferred Charani over fast bowler Titas Sadhu and she looked in her element. Unfazed by the huge turnout at the Chinnaswamy, Charani used the turn that was on offer in the first innings, kept the stumps in play, constantly angling the ball into middle and leg over the course of a tight spell. She removed Bist and Richa Ghosh in a momentum-changing 17th over to deflate RCB at the death, and ended with figures of 2 for 28 from four overs.Chinnaswamy fast follows Chinnaswamy feast for MandhanaMandhana owned the Chinnaswamy during WPL 2024, scoring 219 runs in five innings, including two half-centuries, at a strike rate of 154.22. This season, however, she has perished to ill-judged shots, accumulating just 50 runs in four innings at her home ground at a strike rate of 102.04. On Saturday, she chased a Pandey delivery shaping away from off stump and edged to Lanning at wide slip.Left-right combination works for DCRCB had an excellent start to their bowling powerplay, conceding just five runs in the first three overs. Renuka Singh displayed excellent control with her swing, with almost all of her deliveries finishing within the stumps. She removed Lanning for a 12-ball 2, with Perry taking a sharp chance at mid-on. But once Jonassen joined Shafali, runs started flowing for DC, and it became hard for RCB to keep them quiet.This was the second time Jonassen walked out at No. 3. She had scored another unbeaten 61 from that position at the same ground against Gujarat Giants. With DC’s top order predominantly made up of right-hand batters, they promoted the left-handed Jonassen and it began to unsettle RCB. Jonassen looked fluent in her 38-ball stay, hitting nine fours and a straight six off left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht.Shafali, who had been out in the 40s three times before this game, played a composed knock, showing a desire to not throw her wicket away after a bright start. She ended with her top score of the season, smashing eight fours and four sixes (two each on the off and leg sides) and hammered the bowling to all parts.As DC neared their target, RCB’s bowling began to wither, and Shafali and Jonassen duly punished them. From 68 for 1 after nine overs, DC sprinted to their target, hitting eight fours and five sixes while ransacking 83 runs off what turned out to be the last 39 balls of their innings.

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Nino se tornou mais um desfalque do Fluminense na sequência deste ano. O clube informou que um exame realizado na manhã desta segunda-feira (12) detectou que o capitão tricolor está com um edema no músculo adutor da coxa direita.

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O jogador havia sentido dores no decorrer da partida com o Goiás. Após se queixar das dores, Nino saiu do campo do Serrinha chorando.

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Mais cedo, a Seleção Brasileira TAMBÉM informou que o defensor tricolor foi cortado dos amistosos contra Guiné e Senegal por causa do mesmo problema.

With just days before the new Premier League season kicks off, Newcastle United are accelerating plans to fill the most glaring hole in their squad.

Eddie Howe’s side, back in the Champions League for another campaign, are looking beyond their ongoing pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey to secure an experienced forward capable of leading the line from day one.

The urgency stems from a turbulent summer in attack.

Alexander Isak has made it clear he has no plans to reintegrate into the squad if he is not sold before the transfer window closes, while Callum Wilson has joined West Ham on a free transfer.

The result is a glaring lack of senior strikers ahead of a season-opener away to Aston Villa – a venue where Newcastle suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat last term.

Newcastle's latest transfer plans

Talks over Ramsey, valued at around £40m, reportedly continue in the background.

Whilst he would be a welcome addition, what Howe needs now is a proven scorer, one who can deliver in the Premier League and thrive in European competition.

Transfer Focus

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An agreement for Ramsey is edging closer, with a deal potentially wrapped up by the end of the week. However, another move could be completed for a new centre-forward soon, too.

The striker in question is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

According to reports from Africafoot, the Congolese forward is ready for a new challenge after the best season of his career, and he is set to choose Newcastle over Nottingham Forest and Saudi Pro League side Neom SC, with an agreement potentially set to be struck by the end of the week.

Personal terms are not thought to be an issue, with a transfer fee in the region of £30 million under discussion.

For Howe, Wissa’s appeal is obvious. In 2024/25, he scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 35 Premier League appearances – only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals.

His availability was another asset, missing just six games with an ankle injury, while racking up 3,072 league minutes.

The chemistry he forged with Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford – described by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam as “absolutely sensational” – was built on movement, quick exchanges, and intelligent positioning.

It’s the sort of link-up play Newcastle will hope he can recreate with Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes, giving the Magpies multiple angles of attack in their 4-3-3 setup.

Why Wissa Is a bigger priority than Jacob Ramsey

It is not just the raw numbers that make Wissa attractive – his all-round game is a blend of efficiency and involvement.

According to FBref, last season he recorded a 76.5% pass completion rate (better than both Erling Haaland and Isak), more shot-creating actions per 90 than Dominic Solanke, and more touches per 90 (34.1) than Liam Delap or João Pedro.

He also carries the ball further in progressive distance than Delap or Solanke, making him as effective in build-up phases as he is in the penalty area.

Ramsey is a player Newcastle have admired for some time, and there is a case to be made for adding his energy and line-breaking ability to the midfield.

But the numbers tell their own story. In 136 Premier League appearances, the 24-year-old has scored just 14 goals, with only 1 goal and 5 assists last season.

Those are useful contributions, but they don’t solve Newcastle’s most pressing problem.

Without a striker, Howe’s team lacks a focal point to turn possession into goals.

Wissa provides exactly that, while also offering tactical flexibility to operate centrally or drift wide, enabling rotations with wingers and creating overloads in wide areas.

His progressive carrying distance and high touch count mean he can drop deep to link play, a valuable trait when facing compact defences in Europe or the Premier League.

Reliability in front of goal is another decisive factor. Wissa’s knack for finding space inside the box, combined with his ability to finish with either foot, makes him a constant threat.

His presence would immediately restore balance to Newcastle’s attack, freeing players like Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali to focus on creating rather than compensating for a missing striker.

Admittedly, Wissa is older than Newcastle’s preferred 24-and-under recruitment model, turning 29 in September, and he is likely to miss time during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.

But those drawbacks are outweighed by the need for an immediate, proven solution in a Champions League season.

Spending £30m on a forward who can start and deliver now is more justifiable than committing a similar outlay on a midfielder whose position is already somewhat covered by the aforementioned Guimarães, Tonali.

In short, Ramsey would enhance Newcastle’s options – Wissa could define their season.

Related He's the next Rondon: Newcastle make £40m "machine" their new no.1 target

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Posts ByWill Miller Aug 13, 2025