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Jordi Cruyff has explained how Barcelona were able to avoid losing teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal before he made his senior breakthrough, with there a serious "risk" at one stage that he could be stolen by a domestic rival. Yamal ultimately made his Blaugrana bow at the age of 15 and, after turning 18 in the summer of 2025, is now tied to a lucrative contract.

Yamal contract: Teenager has committed future to Barcelona

Much of Barca’s early work with Yamal relied on trust, with the Liga giants needing to convince the talented youngster that he was in the best place for his ongoing development. The La Masia academy system is famed for producing players that go on to become global superstars.

Yamal is very much treading that path, with comparisons to Lionel Messi having been made since his obvious potential was first spotted. Records have tumbled around the Spain international, with the promise of more to come. Barcelona have moved to ensure that they will be the ones to benefit from current ability and future growth.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhy Barcelona were forced to delay Yamal's senior debut

Cruyff helped to make that possible, with the son of Barca icon Johan working with Yamal and his family when filling a sporting director post at Camp Nou. He knew that the Catalan giants had the hottest of prospects on their hands.

Fending off rival interest was not easy, with Jordi telling : "There was a risk that Lamine would leave Barca. We postponed his debut until we had the feeling that we were covered. He is exceptional. To take care of him, there is already the club. I’m not inside anymore."

Cruyff has previously told of delaying Yamal’s senior debut, which could have been made even earlier if those monitoring his progress in training had got their way: "The first time he went to train [with the first team], after five minutes the coach, who was Xavi, looked at us and said 'this is special'. I wanted to give him his debut sooner, but we didn't have a contract with the boy so we had to first make sure that he was going to be ours for many years. Even the veterans saw that he was something different, very difficult to find."

Messi comparisons: Yamal wants to create his own legacy

There has been no stopping Yamal since he burst onto the scene, with a standing already being taken up among the global elite. He is aware that the Messi comparisons will continue to follow him around, but the intention is to create his own legacy with club and country.

Yamal has said: "I’ve always tried to forge my own path. Of course, Messi is the greatest player in history for me, without a doubt. He’s left-footed, and so am I. He played for Barcelona, and I play for Barcelona. He played as a right winger, and so do I. We definitely have a lot in common, and that’s okay. I just want to carve my own path."

He added on continuously being likened to Argentina GOAT Messi: "He wrote his legendary story, and I hope to have a successful career like his. But more importantly, I want to play football my way, to write my own story, and to make people remember the name Lamine Yamal."

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GettyBallon d'Or winner: Yamal tipped to land multiple Golden Balls

He has done a good job of that, with millions around the world now fully aware of who he is and what he is capable of producing. Yamal has already collected prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy awards, while becoming the winner of La Liga and European Championship titles. He finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote behind eventual winner Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain.

The expectation is that Yamal will land a Golden Ball at some stage, with many tipping him to eclipse Messi by securing multiple gongs. His exploits this season will go a long way towards making that recognition possible in 2026, with domestic and continental campaigns at Barca set to be followed by a World Cup finals appearance with Spain next summer.

It is undeniable that Celtic have lost a lot of attacking talent in 2025.

First, Kyōgo Furuhashi was sold in January, before both Nicolas Kühn and then Adam Idah departed during the summer, recouping around £33.5m in total.

Between them, the trio scored 138 goals for the Hoops, with supporters furious that they were not replaced by adequate quality.

Although, one player the club did sign has made a bright start to life in Glasgow, but would Brendan Rodgers’ attack be even stronger had they kept hold of a forgotten star?

Sebastian Tounekti's start to life at Celtic

Right before the transfer window slammed shut, Sebastian Tounekti joined Celtic for a reported fee of £5m from Hammarby.

Still only 23 years old, the Tunisian international has bounced around various European clubs, plying his trade in Norway, the country of his birth, the Netherlands and then Sweden, but looks immediately at home in Glasgow.

On Sunday, Tounekti opened his Celtic account, combining beautifully with Kelechi Iheanacho before slotting through Lewis Budinauckas’ legs as the Bhoys demolished Partick Thistle 4-0 in the League Cup quarter-finals at Firhill.

A week earlier, he had been named man of the match on debut against Kilmarnock, with George O’Neill of BBC Sport asserting that he has instantaneously become an integral figure, citing Rodgers who believes the winger has “got a bit of everything, he can beat a man, go either way, slip runners in as well, and it’s nice for him to get his goal.”

Of course, supporters are still furious the board did not act in the transfer market sooner, blaming this lack of activity for their ignominious exit from the Champions League play-off round against Kazakh champions Kairat.

Where Are They Now

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Nevertheless, even if many would argue he came too late, the Celts seem to have landed an exceptional attacker, but there is a forgotten former Celtic winger, sold for just £1.7m, who is actually outscoring Tounekti in 2025.

Forgotten former Celtic forward in fine form

Given Celtic’s position in the global food chain, and their very successful player trading model, plenty of players pass through Parkhead, a fact that was no more so the case than during Ange Postecoglou’s reign.

Sead Hakšabanović epitomises this idea, joining from Rubin Kazan for £2.5m in August 2022, making just 42 appearances in hoops, loaned out to Stoke the following summer, before being sold to Malmö for £1.7m in June 2024.

The Montenegrin international didn’t make much of an impression in Glasgow, scoring just five goals, but he did start three Champions League matches, also departing as a treble winner.

It would be fair to describe Hakšabanović as a journeyman given that, at 26 years old, Malmö is the ninth different club he has represented: Halmstad, West Ham, Málaga, Norrköping, Rubin Kazan, Djurgården and the aforementioned Celtic and Stoke the others.

He only showed glimpses of what he is capable of in Glasgow but, at his peak, journalist Sacha Pisani believed he had “pace to burn”, while Stewart Ross of the Celtic Way praised his ‘quality and versatility’ upon his arrival.

Now though, Hakšabanović has been in the best form of his career at Malmö, scoring seven times in 2025 to date, including a brace to help his side beat Sigma Olomouc in last month’s Europa League play-off.

This means he is outscoring Tounekti in 2025, as the table below documents.

Appearances

33

29

Goals

7

4

Assists

Zero

5

Big chances missed

Zero

4

Big chances created

2

8

Dribble success %

41.2%

48.2%

Of course, these two players, up until recently, were both plying their trade in the Allsvenskan, rated the 19th strongest league in the world by Global Football Rankings, eight places above the Scottish Premiership.

As the table documents, Hakšabanović​​​​​​​ has scored thrice more than Tounekti in 2025 to date, suggesting he is more of a reliable goal threat, albeit the Tunisian international has created more assists and exponentially more big chances, while also registering a higher dribble success percentage, suggesting he is an all-around more dangerous attacker.

Nevertheless, given how blunt Celtic’s attack has been in general this season, scoring just eight goals in five Premiership matches, failing to net in three and a half hours of play against Kairat, Hakšabanović sure could have been a useful asset, had he been given more of a chance.

"Phenomenal" Celtic star looks like the biggest loser from Tounekti's rise

This Celtic star may end up being the biggest loser from Sebastian Tounekti’s form.

ByDan Emery Sep 23, 2025

And so, Ruben Amorim lives to fight another day as Manchester United manager.

Depending on which reports are to be relieved, the Portuguese coach would have kept his job even if Saturday’s meeting with Sunderland had ended in defeat, although the 40-year-old has helped to quell the noise regardless, heading into the international break, following what was a vital 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

Following the limp display away at Brentford last weekend, the pressure had cranked up even further on United’s under-fire coach, with the visit of the Black Cats already looking make-or-break so soon into the new campaign.

Thankfully for Amorim’s sake, his side flew out of the traps against Regis Le Bris’ men, with Mason Mount – recalled to the starting lineup in place of Matheus Cunha – slotting home at the end of a fine sweeping move from the hosts.

A first Premier League goal for United on home soil for the Englishman was followed by Benjamin Sesko’s second in United colours, and first at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Slovenian prodding home at the end of Diogo Dalot’s long throw.

Had it not been for the efforts of Robin Roefs in the visiting net, that lead could well have been extended, with Amorim left to reflect on what was a largely – albeit not completely – positive display from his struggling side.

Senne Lammens catches the eye on United debut

Roefs may have impressed for the away side, notably keeping out Bruno Fernandes’ effort in the first half in sublime fashion, although the day’s major story was the debut showing of United’s summer signing, Senne Lammens.

Thrust into action for the first time this season, following Altay Bayindir’s latest errant showing away to the Bees, the Belgian was a calming presence in the sticks, steering the hosts to a rare clean sheet.

While there was an element of fortune as the 23-year-old avoided punishment amid a collision with Bertrand Traore after the break, he otherwise looked the part on Saturday, memorably keeping out Granit Xhaka’s fierce strike at the near post.

The sight of Lammens claiming the ball from the sky in the first half in comfortable fashion was met with audible cheers inside Old Trafford, with the United faithful willing their new man to succeed following so much turmoil in the goalkeeping department.

Tougher tests will lie ahead for the former Royal Antwerp man, yet with a clean sheet in the bag and three saves made, as per Sofascore, the young ‘keeper has begun on the right foot for the Red Devils.

And so, while Saturday marked the beginning of one United journey, one of Lammens’ new teammates should well be heading for the end of his time in Manchester.

The Man Utd star now on borrowed time under Amorim

On a day of such positives, it remains important to consider those who underwhelmed during that 2-0 victory, with Amorim still left with plenty to ponder over the next couple of weeks.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

One persistent area of concern is at wing-back, with Saturday’s outing seeing the ex-Sporting CP boss deploy Amad on the right flank, with the long-serving Dalot on the opposite side.

While the Ivorian was a constant threat throughout, having also drawn a save from Roefs in the first-half, his wing-back colleague was far less impressive off the left, even while factoring in that it is something of an unorthodox role for the right-footer.

Following his disappointing outing last week on the right flank, in which he looked ‘way off the pace’ according to journalist Katherine Walsh, the Portugal international fared little better this time around, replaced on the hour mark after failing to get involved in proceedings.

Indeed, the 26-year-old won just a solitary duel and failed to provide a single key pass, as per Sofascore, having also been particularly wasteful in possession after losing the ball on 11 occasions.

Minutes played

64

Touches

42

Pass accuracy

82%

Dribbles completed

0

Aerial duels won

0/1

Ground duels won

1/2

Possession lost

11x

Key passes

0

His tally of 42 touches, meanwhile, was even fewer than Lammens in the sticks (52) – hardly ideal considering the onus put on the wing-backs to get forward and create.

While it could be argued that he is merely fighting his way back to full fitness, having been struck down by injury during the previous international break, the full-back’s woes have become a far too familiar sight of late.

Even from the off, the one-time Porto man was caught napping, with Dalot failing to track the aforementioned Traore as he attempted to latch onto a cutback, leaving a sense of relief when the former Aston Villa forward was unable to convert.

Amorim can ill-afford such lapses of concentration at a time when his set-up appears to need to be perfect in order to flourish, with individual errors having thus far plagued his time in charge in Manchester.

After taking one problematic figure out of the firing line, in the form of Bayindir, the United boss may well now need to do the same with his compatriot, Dalot.

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Bangladesh, with a game in hand, only need another victory to confirm their spot for the main event in India

Firdose Moonda15-Apr-2025Bangladesh returned to the top of the Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier points table with a 34-run win over Scotland, who remain in third place. Scotland have only one match left in the competition and must beat Ireland on Friday and hope one of Pakistan or Bangladesh loses both their remaining matches to give themselves a chance of making it to the World Cup. Bangladesh, with a game in hand, only need another victory to confirm their spot for the main event in India later this year and look set to make a second successive World Cup appearance.Their victory was built on their captain Nigar Sultana’s third fifty-plus score in as many matches, which has also put her on top of the qualifiers run-scorers table. Bangladesh boast two of the top three batters so far. Sharmin Akhter, who scored her second fifty in three matches is the other.Sharmin and Fargana Hoque’s second-wicket stand of 103 runs put Bangladesh on track for a big score after the early loss of Ishma Tanjim, who got into double figures for the first time in her career after debuting against Thailand last week. She was caught at mid-off in the ninth over, off Priyanaz Chatterji, which left the experienced Hoque and Sharmin to help Bangladesh recover. They each scored 57 and took their partnership deep to set a platform for Joty. She was in to bat in the 30th over and wasted little time as she struck her first boundary off the 13th ball she faced and quickly got her strike rate over a run a ball. Her fifty came off 39 balls and she was unbeaten on 83 at the end of the innings.All of Scotland’s frontline bowlers, apart from legspinner Abtaha Maqsood, were among the wickets but none were able to keep Joty quiet and she was the major contributor in each of the four partnerships she was part of. Her 61-run sixth-wicket stand with Fahima Khatun took Bangladesh over 270 and ensured they set Scotland a challenging target.In 21 previous ODIs, Scotland had only chased seven times before today and won chasing once. They successfully reached a target of 134 against Netherlands in Amstelveen last year. Today’s task was to score more than double that number of runs and it was always going to be tough.They were off to a speedy start with 12 runs from the first two overs before Abbi Aitken-Drummond played an expansive drive and edged Marufa Akter onto her own stumps. That was Marufa’s first wicket of the qualifying campaign. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter made the big incision when she bowled Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce with a delivery that snuck through the bat-pad gap and onto middle stump and then caught Pippa Sproul off her own bowling. Scotland were 31 for 3 in the eighth over and struggling.Sarah Bryce and Ailsa Lister put on 47 for the fourth wicket but Lister was run out for 18 and Bryce was left to marshal the rest of the middle and lower order against a Bangladesh attack that have skill and variety in their arsenal. Legspinner Rabeya Khan had Megan McColl out lbw and though Sarah Bryce looked composed for most of her 42 but popped one back to offspinner Jannatul Ferdus. She bowled Katherine Fraser in her next over to sit joint second on the tournament’s leading wicket-takers list, two behind Hayley Matthews.Chatterji and Rachel Slatter scored a pair of 61 – both career-bests – and shared in a record 115-run eighth wicket stand, the highest for Scotland for that wicket but their efforts came too late. Though they frustrated a Bangladesh attack that went searching for wickets, the margin of Scotland’s defeat makes the contest look closer than it was. They were never really in the chase and Bangladesh’s net run-rate did not take that much of a hit. Theirs is the highest of the six teams at 1.49.File photo: Amy Hunter scored 76•Getty ImagesIn the day’s earlier match, Ireland, already out of contention for the World Cup, recorded their first win of the campaign over Thailand. Ireland’s win by 46 runs also confirmed Thailand, who are winless after three matches, have no chance of making it to the World Cup. Ireland have lost three of the four matches they have played so far and will be particularly disappointed with their struggles to close out this game quickly. Thailand were never in the hunt to chase 306 but batted until the last over and scored their highest ODI total in response.Ireland’s batting came to the party with the first total over 300 of the World Cup Qualifier. Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter and Leah Paul all scored half-centuries at a good clip but none of them went on to three figures. Paul’s 67* came off just 40 balls as Ireland posted their fourth-highest ODI total of 305 for 4. They would have thought they had enough, especially with Thailand 76 for 4 in the 18th over.But there was plenty of fight in Thailand’s middle and lower order. Naruemol Chaiwai and Phannita Maya put on 90 runs for the fifth wicket and though the required run-rate climbed above eight runs an over in their time together, they frustrated Ireland in the field.Ireland’s catching also left a lot to be desired. After putting down six chances against West Indies and three against Bangladesh, they dropped two of legspinner Cara Murray and two off debutant offspinner Kia McCartney in this match. Both Murray and McCartney were expensive and conceded 68 and 73 runs but bowled a full allocation of 10 overs each.Thailand’s No.7 Suwanan Khiaoto scored her first ODI half-century and put on 71 off 69 balls with Thipatcha Puttawong in a stubborn eighth-wicket stand. Louise Little separated them and took three wickets in two balls to finish with career-best figures of 4 for 5 for 28.

خاض فريق ليفربول مباراته مساء يوم الأحد، ضد خصمه مانشستر يونايتد، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، لحساب لقاءات الجولة الثامنة.

واستضاف ملعب “آنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد، في قمة منافسات الجولة، لموسم 2025/26، حيث خسر الريدز بهدفين لهدف. أهداف مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي

وتقدم مانشستر يونايتد سريعًا بهدف سجله اللاعب بريان مبيومو، في الدقيقة الثانية من عمر الشوط الأول، بعد تمريرة من ديالو، وصلت إلى زميله الذي سددها بشكل مميز من داخل منطقة الجزاء، ليهز شباك ليفربول.

وسقط لاعب ليفربول أليكسيس ماك أليستر إثر تدخل مع مبيومو وفيرجيل فان دايك قبل تسجيل هدف مانشستر يونايتد، وتلقى العلاج لبضع لحظات على أرض الملعب، قبل أن يستأنف المشاركة.

وكاد فيرجيل فان دايك أن يسجل هدف التعادل لصالح ليفربول في الدقيقة 14، بعدما سدد كرة رأسية ولكنها مرت بجوار المرمى، لتظل النتيجة كما هي لصالح مانشستر يونايتد.

وطالب ليفربول بضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 18 من عمر الشوط نفسه بداعِ وجود لمسة يد على لاعب مانشستر يونايتد، ولكن الحكم لم يحتسب أي شيء.

وسنحت فرصة ذهبية لليفربول من أجل تسجيل هدف التعادل، في الدقيقة 21، بعد تمريرة من محمد صلاح حيث وصلت الكرة إلى جاكبو، ليسددها بقوة ولكنها اصطدمت بالقائم.

وفي الدقيقة 24، سدد برونو فرنانديز كرة قوية خطيرة تجاه مرمى ليفربول ولكنها اصطدمت بالقائم، وسط حسرة من القائد البرتغالي.

وتألق حارس مرمى ليفربول، مامارداشفيلي، في الدقيقة 26، بعدما تصدى لعدة فرص متتالية من جانب مانشستر يونايتد، حيث كان رجل الريدز الوحيد في تلك اللقطة.

بعد ذلك، جاءت فرصة لـ ليفربول في الدقيقة 29، بعدما تحصل ألكسندر إيزاك على كرة ولكنه سددها ضعيفة لتمر بجوار المرمى.

وسدد محمد صلاح كرة رأسية في الدقيقة 33 من عمر الشوط نفسه، ولكن حارس مرمى مانشستر يونايتد نجح في الإمساك بها.

وفي الدقيقة 35، سدد ألكسندر إيزاك كرة خطيرة تجاه مرمى مانشستر يونايتد ولكن الحارس تصدى بقدمه، في رد فعل متألق من جانبه.

وأهدر جاكبو من جديد فرصة هدف لصالح ليفربول في الدقيقة 49، بعدما سدد كرة رائعة تجاه مرمى مانشستر يونايتد، ولكن اصطدمت مرة أخرى بالقائم.

وتوقفت المباراة لبضع لحظات بعدما تعرض ريان جرافنبيرخ للإصابة حيث توجه إليه الطاقم الطبي من أجل علاجه، قبل أن يتمكن من استئناف اللعب، وذلك في الدقيقة 50.

وتسبب محمد صلاح في حصول كاسيميرو على بطاقة صفراء في الدقيقة 57، بعدما تدخل لاعب مانشستر يونايتد بقوة على المصري، وقرر المدرب روبن أموريم استبداله في الدقيقة التالية خشية طرده في أي تدخل جديد.

وفي الدقيقة 64، سدد محمد صلاح كرة ناحية مرمى مانشستر يونايتد ولكنها هزت الشباك الخارجية، وسط دهشة كبرى من صاحب الـ33 عامًا.

وتمكن ليفربول من تسجيل هدف التعادل في شباك مانشستر يونايتد في الدقيقة 78، عن طريق الهولندي كودي جاكبو بعد تمريرة من البديل كييزا.

ولم يدم التعادل طويلًا، حيث تمكن مانشستر يونايتد من تسجيل الهدف الثاني في شباك ليفربول في الدقيقة 84 عن طريق هاري ماجواير، وسط غضب كبير من المدرب آرني سلوت.

وخرج النجم المصري محمد صلاح في الدقيقة 85 بقرار من المدرب آرني سلوت حيث دُفع بزميله جيريمي فريمبونج.

وكاد جاكبو أن يسجل الهدف الثاني له ولفريق ليفربول، في الدقيقة 86، بعدما سدد كرة رأسية خطيرة ولكن مرت بجوار المرمى.

بتلك النتيجة، تجمد رصيد ليفربول عند 15 نقطة في المركز الرابع، بينما ارتفع رصيد مانشستر يونايتد إلى 13 نقطة في المركز التاسع.

Burnley have reportedly held talks with the representatives of a player who scored in Europe against Chelsea last season, with another Premier League club also keen on him.

Parker positive despite Burnley defeat

The Clarets endured a sobering start to life back in the top flight on Saturday afternoon, losing 3-0 away to Tottenham and being reminded of the step up in class from the Championship.

That said, Burnley manager Scott Parker still managed to take some positives from the result, saying there was plenty that he liked from him team in north London.

“I thought there were plenty of positives to take, despite the defeat. We started slowly, we were really under pressure, but then after they got their noses in front, I thought we really grew into the game. There was a real impetus about us, we played on the front foot and looked a real threat, our reaction and endeavour was superb.

“The clinical and ruthless nature of the Premier League was then there for everyone to see just before the hour. We had two massive, massive chances, where we just weren’t ruthless enough, and then they go up the other end, create a half-chance, and double their lead with a world class finish. They’re the fine margins – that’s this division really.”

New signings between now and the end of August wouldn’t go amiss for Burnley and a new update has now emerged regarding one potential addition.

Burnley hold talks to sign defender

According to TEAMtalk, Burnley have contacted the agents of FC Copenhagen defender Gabriel Pereira, as they look to strike a summer deal for him. Parker “is keen to bring in more defensive reinforcements”, following the loss to Spurs.

The Clarets are battling Sunderland for the centre-back’s signature, among others, but it looks as though they will both be unsuccessful in their quest to snap him up. That’s because the report also states that the 25-year-old “wants to stay” at his current club for now.

There is no need to get carried away after a 3-0 loss to a Spurs side who are the reigning Europa League winners, with Burnley giving a good account of themselves at times.

That said, defensive additions are key, in terms of ensuring the Clarets have enough options at the back, and Pereira could be an astute signing.

The Brazilian has become an important player for Copenhagen, winning the Danish Superliga and cup last season, and he also scored against Chelsea in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

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For now, it appears as though Pereira would rather stay put in Denmark, but the lure of the Premier League is great for most players, and the hope is that he will decide to move to Burnley instead.

The weekend saw Everton get their first Premier League win of the season after beating Brighton 2-0. Both goals came courtesy of Jack Grealish assists, and David Moyes spoke about the quality they’ve added to the side over the summer.

“That’s what we have been hoping for and waiting for. We want to add that extra quality, and that’s what we are trying to do. Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] and Jack both played exceptionally well. We are thrilled we are adding a bit more quality, and we need to score some more goals, which we did today.”

Everton have since improved their squad even further by signing Tyler Dibling from Southampton. Dibling will play on the right-hand side of Everton’s attack, an area where they have lacked depth in recent months.

This combination of Grealish and Dibling gives Moyes two skillful wingers that will undoubtedly help his side push on from their impressive end to last year’s Premier League. While there is still time left in the transfer window, Everton have turned their attention to the other end of the pitch as they look to bring in another centre-back.

Everton competing for free agent Lindelof

Everton are attempting to sign the Swedish national team captain, Victor Lindelof, on a free transfer. Lindelof’s contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season, following 8 years at the club. During his time at United, Lindelof faced Everton 12 times, all of which were in the Premier League, and has beaten the Toffees on 6 occasions.

Everton’s interest has been reported by Fabrizio Romano, who has also revealed that they will face competition from the Italian side Fiorentina, who are in advanced negotiations to sign Lindelof. Fiorentina currently have former United goalkeeper David De Gea between the sticks – the two players have shared the pitch for 16,127 minutes, making De Gea the player Lindelof has played alongside the most.

The Swedish Rumble on X posted that Lindelof’s preferred destination would have been one of the London clubs, such as Fulham, West Ham or Crystal Palace. This could indicate a desire to stay in the Premier League that may allow Everton to tempt him away from Florence.

Lindelof's ball-playing and aerial abilities can help Moyes

If Everton can tempt Lindelof away from Fiorentina, they’ll have a reliable ball-playing centre-back on their hands. Last season, Lindelof was in the top 7% of players for pass accuracy and the top 5% of players for long-ball accuracy, meaning he’d be able to competently play out from the back when necessary.

During his time at United, Lindelof had numerous centre-back partners, but one he featured alongside the most was Harry Maguire. Maguire is often praised for his aerial ability, but Lindelof is also more than capable in the air. The United Stand presenter Mark Goldbridge has previously praised Lindelof for his aerial ability after beating Aston Villa 1-0.

Lindelof’s time spent not playing for Manchester United might also prove valuable to Everton. Later in his United career, Lindelof fell down the centre-back pecking order and received considerably less game time. However, there was never talk of disruptive behaviour because of this, and he always performed to a consistent standard when he was eventually called upon.

Agha, who won the Player-of-the-Match award thanks to his all-round excellence, handed the award to Ayub

Danyal Rasool17-Dec-2024

Saim Ayub’s dream debut season soared to new heights as a magnificent hundred from the Pakistan opener helped seal a thrilling win in the first ODI over South Africa in Paarl. Taking charge of a game that looked a lost cause when Pakistan lost four early in a chase of 240, he struck up a 141-run partnership with Salman Agha, whose all-round contribution began with a four-wicket haul and culminated in an unbeaten 82 as he held his nerve in a tense late stand with Naseem Shah to get Pakistan over the line with three balls and as many wickets to spare.All of this appeared a world away when Pakistan stumbled badly in pursuit of what should have been a below-par first-innings effort from South Africa. Marco Jansen cleaned up Abdullah Shafique with a pearler first up, swinging it back in to brush off stump. Babar Azam muddled through for a turgid 23 that does little to allay concerns over his own form, with Ottneil Baartman – who began with two maiden overs, drawing him into a miscue that went straight to the cover fielder. It was swiftly followed by captain Mohammad Rizwan being cleaned up off the pads, and a flustered Pakistan were in a generous enough mood to gift South Africa another wicket when Kamran Ghulam set off for a run Ayub had no interest in.Pakistan’s long tail continues to be a problem, and Irfan Khan’s teething problem continues, so when the visitors found themselves at 60 for 4 in the 20th over, the Ayub-Agha partnership was their last realistic shot at an unlikely victory. South Africa had the chance to slam the door in Pakistan’s face, but when Agha nicked off to Aiden Markram on 6, Heinrich Klaasen shelled a sharp chance.Gradually, imperceptibly at first, Pakistan began to claw their way back into the game. Ayub, who had until then scrapped uncharacteristically to 31 off 57 at one stage, began to find regular singles and doubles, as well as the occasional boundary. Agha is perhaps ideally suited for that kind of role, possessing the wile to squeeze out runs even if the power hitting doesn’t come naturally to him.As South Africa’s intensity and quality in the field dropped, the partnership steadily built, sneaking past 50, and eventually striding past three figures. Ayub, who had by now worked his way into the sort of flair that he’s naturally known for, turned the screw against Baartman, whose figures until then read 5-2-9-2. Two sixes and two fours brought the asking rate back down under a run a ball before Ayub slapped Rabada for a majestic six over midwicket to bring up his second ODI hundred in three innings.But with a long tail, there was the inevitable risk. Ayub had been playing with fire helping it to the deep-third and fine-leg boundaries, and eventually ended up holing out to the latter. Kagiso Rabada, sensing his opportunity, prised out Irfan four deliveries later, and South Africa were into Pakistan’s tail.Tabraiz Shamsi made short work of Shaheen Afridi, but Naseem and Agha realised the asking rate was under control, and went about ticking the last few runs off methodically. There was the occasional frenzy, but Agha displayed the steel that has stood him out since he integrated himself so effectively into the team. He picked his moment, slapping Shamsi over the top for a six that brought the asking rate back under control. By the end, all Pakistan needed were singles, and there was still time to finish with a flourish when Agha drove Jansen back down the ground to seal the win.Earlier in the day, a disciplined bowling performance from Pakistan, saw Pakistan restrict South Africa to 239 for 9 in Paarl. Agha’s part-time offspin ran through the South African top and middle order after the hosts made a flying start as they slumped from 70 for 0 in ten overs to 88 for 4 soon after. It was left to Heinrich Klaasen, who set aside his all-out belligerence for a valuable knock of 86 off 97, to make sure his side’s bowling attack had something of note to defend.Heinrich Klaasen made 86 off 97 balls•Gallo Images/Getty Images

Agha’s burst into bowling prominence was as sudden as it was unexpected. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickleton were coasting along in the first powerplay at over seven runs per over, making light work of Shaheen and Naseem’s opening spell without appearing to take any risks. Rizwan may only have introduced Agha into the attack to break up the momentum, but it turned out to be an inspired choice.Inside four overs, South Africa’s batting line-up – as well as their position of advantage – was cut to ribbons. It all began when Agha got one to skid into de Zorzi and trap him in front; no review was necessary. Rickleton chopped one on off from him in his following over, but Agha would save his best for last. With the new batters suddenly unable to read him either off the pitch or out of the hand, Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs played for turn that wasn’t there, and heard the rattle of their off stump being knocked back.Rizwan sensed spin was finding surprise purchase here, and brought out the full cavalry. Before long, Abrar Ahmed was powering through, while Ayub and Ghulam each got turns. But Markram and Klaasen were slowly beginning to wrestle control back from Pakistan, ticking along through the middle overs, hoping to hold out before going big at the death. But they knew the innings was being played on a tightrope without a safety harness, and it took a miscue off an Ayub long hop from Markram to topple them off it.With Jansen struggling badly throughout his innings, it was left to Klaasen to salvage what he could from what was left. Pakistan’s seamers were at their disciplined, spirited best, too. That Jansen-Klaasen stand made it to 50, but Jansen had managed a mere 10 off 27, and only got that far thanks to the largesse of a dolly Haris Rauf put down. Klaasen tried to continue hammering away, and would have fully deserved a fifth ODI hundred, but Shaheen, too, deserved a wicket. It came via a beauty, seaming in and knocking back the middle stump of Klaasen; the rattle may well have been the final nail in the coffin for the hosts’ innings.Kagiso Rabada and Ottniel Baartman hobbled along for the last few overs, adding 21 for the 9th wicket, but Pakistan had inflicted much of the damage by then through Agha. With Ayub, they would see to it that the job was finished in a game the two dominated so thoroughly that when Agha was awarded the Player of the Match, he would invite Ayub to take it off him instead.

نجح حمدي فتحي لاعب فريق الوكرة في تسجيل الهدف الأول بشباك أم صلال، في المباراة الجارية بينهما حالياً ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري القطري.

ويلتقي الوكرة مع أم صلال، على استاد خليفة الدولي، في الجولة السادسة من عمر مباريات الدوري القطري.

وجاء هدف حمدي فتحي في الدقيقة 54 من تصويبة صاروخية من خارج منطقة الجزاء سكنت الشباك.

طالع أيضاً.. موعد مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في الدوري المصري.. والقناة الناقلة

وشهد تشكيل الوكرة في مباراة اليوم أم صلال مشاركة لاعب الأهلي السابق حمدي فتحي أساسيًا.

جدير بالذكر أن حمدي فتحي تعرض لإصابة في الرأس في شوط المباراة الأول، لكنه رفض الخروج، وتدخل الطاقم الطبي لعلاجه وتم وضع ضمادة على رأسه. هدف حمدي في مباراة الوكرة وأم صلال في الدوري القطري

أول أهداف فريقنا بتسديدة حمدي فتحي 🚀#الوكرة_أم_صلال | #دوري_نجوم_بنك_الدوحة pic.twitter.com/nzi85uvVhA — نادي الوكـرة الرياضي (@alwakrah_sc) September 26, 2025

Chelsea are seriously weighing up the prospect of player exchanges, to both trim their bloated squad and reinforce Enzo Maresca’s own options.

Related £90m star very open to joining Chelsea with Nicolas Jackson swap possible

The Senegalese faces an uncertain future.

Posts 3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025

Fresh off their impressive Club World Cup campaign in the USA, where they won six of their seven matches en route to a statement 3-0 win over PSG in the final, BlueCo continue their attempts to reshape the side ahead of a vital Premier League season.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea are under some pressure from UEFA to sell players after being fined for breaching FFP rules recently (Kaveh Solhekol), but Maresca is believed to personally want more attacking options as well (Simon Phillips).

As a solution to Chelsea’s need for player sales, and their desire to bring in more signings after a trio of deals for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, it is reported that ‘unofficial swap deals’ are being pondered at Stamford Bridge.

“The Blues are still weighing up a number of new targets in attack and other areas,” wrote journalist Simon Phillips on Substack this week.

“Unofficial swap deals are something Chelsea and other clubs have done a lot of lately to help balance the books of both clubs and keep within PSR rules. They make sense really and help both clubs and help deals get done. They aren’t swap deals as such, more like favour for a favour separate deals.

“Chelsea are still weighing up some opportunities for this. And although my top source is still hearing nothing at all on Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, something that has been backed up by Fabrizio Romano this week who says there has been no bid or even talks between Chelsea and United for Garnacho as of now, our source does also say that the only way it would happen is part of a ‘swap’ deal.”

Interestingly, Phillips also reported in the aforementioned Substack update that a player who could leave Cobham, in exchange for someone like Garnacho, is versatile attacker Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman still faces an uncertain future, despite impressing at the CWC, and has been told that he’ll only have a squad role next season.

Meanwhile, Joao Felix is widely expected to leave and has held talks over a return to boyhood club Benfica (Standard Sport).

Chelsea offer João Félix and Christopher Nkunku in exchange for Rodrygo

Now, as per Spanish news website Real Madrid Confidential, Chelsea are continuing to express an interest in £207,000-per-week Los Blancos forward Rodrygo.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Maresca’s side were plotting to use Nicolas Jackson in a potential swap for the Brazil international, and now RMC claim that Chelsea have proposed Nkunku and Felix in exchange for Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old is yet to make a final decision about leaving Real this summer, after scarcely being used by new manager Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup, but it appears west London is emerging as a serious potential landing spot amid links to Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.

Rodrygo bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham calling him the most “underrated” player in their squad.