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Acostumado com a enfrentar intensa maratona de jogos, principalmente nas duas últimas temporadas, quando chegou às fases finais da grande maioria das competições, o Palmeiras agora precisa ficar em alerta até quando tem raros momentos livres, como o que acontecerá nesta semana.

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> ATUAÇÕES: Gustavo Gómez é destaque da vitória do Palmeiras sobre o Santos; Jorge e Menino são os piores

> TABELA – Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule os próximos jogos

O Verdão, que venceu o clássico contra o Santos no último domingo (29), pela oitava rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, só entrará em campo sete dias depois, no próximo domingo (5), às 16h, contra o Atlético-MG, no Allianz Parque, pela mesma competição.

A última vez que a equipe teve uma semana de recuperação entre um jogo e outro foi no início de fevereiro, quando os palmeirenses venceram o Água Santa por 1 a 0, no Allianz, pelo Paulistão, e jogaram exatamente uma semana depois, em Abu Dhabi, contra o Al-Ahly, do Egito, pela semifinal do Mundial de Clubes, da Fifa.

Ainda que fossem exatos sete dias entre as duas partidas, também houve uma viagem para outro lado do mundo no período.

E essa foi a única vez no semestre que o Palmeiras teve o intervalo de uma semana entre duas partidas. O que coloca alguns ‘poréns’ no cenário atual, de descanso, que é algo positivo para o elenco, mas precisa dos seus cuidados.

Trabalhando há um ano e meio no Verdão, a atual comissão técnica tem cada vez mais conhecimento das peças que possui no elenco, o que faz com que o trabalho de movimentos e reações seja bastante coordenado. E como o time alviverde está acostumado com uma alta carga de jogos, sendo quase sempre dois por semana, o padrão de preparação terá que ser parecido com a de uma semana de jogos no meio de semana, para que o ‘maquinário’ dos atletas não entre em conflito e haja mudança nas respostas de campo.

– São semanas perigosas, porque a máquina de jogadores está habituada a ter um jogo no meio de semana. Eles se preparam para isso. E nessa semana cheia é treinado muito e faz com que o corpo dos jogadores tenha que se adaptar em um contexto diferente. O que temos que fazer é usar a semana como se houvesse o jogo – disse, em entrevista coletiva, o auxiliar técnico palmeirense, João Martins, que comandou o Verdão na vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Santos, no último fim de semana.

Nesta segunda-feira (30), o elenco do Palmeiras ganhou folga. O grupo voltará ao trabalho nesta terça-feira (31), de olho no Atlético-MG, time que é considerado um dos adversários diretos ao clube alviverde na briga pelo título do Brasileirão. Para aumentar a importância do duelo, os resultados da última rodada colocaram o Verdão na liderança da competição nacional, com o Galo na segunda colocação.

Diante de tudo isso, o auxiliar João Martins ressaltou a importância de um descanso físico e mental, mas deixando claro que não é possível se iludir que esse único dia de folga será o suficiente para recuperar o elenco.

– Essas coisas não mudam em uma semana. Jogadores não conseguem descansar em uma semana, O que tem que fazer é que a máquina dele se habitue. Em cinco meses sempre teve um jogo no meio de semana e não podemos cometer o erro de treinar muito, porque domingo tem um jogo muito importante. Temos que treinar durante a semana, Descansar, sim, é importante, fisicamente e mentalmente, mas preparar para os meninos estarem frescos – afirmou o membro da comissão técnica de Abel Ferreira.

Paralelamente a todo o cenário de excesso de jogos, mudança de realidade durante a semana, os percalços que esse ‘desvio de rota possui’ e a preparação para uma partida tão importante como a contra o Atlético-MG, o Palmeiras também terá pela frente uma série de desfalques. A lista será ainda maior do que a do clássico contra o Santos, onde o Verdão não pôde contar com oito jogadores: dois entregues ao departamento médico (Mayke e Jaílson), três em transição física (Luan, Piquerez e Gabriel Veron) e três servindo seleções (Weverton, Kusevic e Danilo).

Para o confronto diante do Galo, o zagueiro Gustavo Gómez e o meia Eduard Atuesta também defenderão suas seleções. O zagueiro Murilo, que sentiu problema na coxa contra o Santos, pode se tornar nova baixa. Ele será reavaliado para saber se há lesão.

Por sua vez, outro defensor, Luan, voltará a ficar disponível ao Palmeiras nesta semana, após ser baixa durante três meses, devido a um problema na coxa esquerda.

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Says his team are “underdogs”, and winning the T20 World Cup “would mean the world” to them

Deivarayan Muthu16-Oct-20221:51

Nicholas Pooran: You don’t need big names to win a World Cup

This will be the first Men’s T20 World Cup without both Chris Gayle, whose West Indies future is uncertain, and Dwayne Bravo, who has retired from international cricket. West Indies will also be without Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Shimron Hetmyer, who was recently dropped from the squad after missing a “rescheduled” flight to Australia. West Indies’ side appears light on experience, but their captain Nicholas Pooran is confident his players can fire in unison to get the job done.”I think it should be a balance with experience and younger players,” Pooran said on the eve of West Indies’ opening game against Scotland in Hobart. “If you look at it, there were a lot of big names when we won those two World Cups [2012 and 2016], but we also had a lot of big names in the last year’s World Cup, as well, and we didn’t qualify [for the semis].Related

Ottis Gibson: 'When it comes to T20 World Cups, never discount West Indies'

Hetmyer dropped from World Cup squad over missed flight

Yannic Cariah, who played his last T20 in 2016, in WI T20 WC squad

King, Narine, du Plessis and Amir in ESPNcricinfo's CPL XI

“Obviously, Australia won last year, and they didn’t have too many big names, but they obviously had a team that was proven, and that was enough for them to win the World Cup.”So, coming back to us, we don’t have the big names, but we have formed a team here, and that’s been really important. Once the guys play for each other and stay together, it’ll be fine.”In the absence of several senior players, West Indies are counting on their CPL stars Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Obed McCoy, Akeal Hosein and Shamarh Brooks, who was a late addition to the squad in place of Hetmyer, to do the job for them. The odds are stacked against West Indies – they first need to compete with Scotland, Ireland and Zimbabwe in the first round to progress to the main tournament – and beating them all to win their third T20 world title would “mean the world” to them, according to Pooran.”Yeah, it [winning the title] would definitely be something special,” Pooran said. “Obviously for this group here, it’s a new group, new faces, a lot of younger players in the team. For us to obviously win this World Cup, it would be our biggest achievement as individuals.”We are underdogs in this tournament [even though] we have won the tournament twice, and a lot of people, a lot of media you see, a lot of people don’t think we can even qualify, as well. So, it will mean a lot for us. We spoke about sticking this time together. Whether we win or lose we’re going to stick together as a group, so winning this tournament, yeah, obviously we need to work really hard, but it would mean the world to us.”

“We don’t have the big names, but we have formed a team here, and that’s been really important. Once the guys play for each other and stay together, it’ll be fine.”Nicholas Pooran

West Indies haven’t played Scotland before in a T20I before and, though their players have had a steady diet of T20 cricket, including the CPL, in the lead-up to the World Cup, Pooran was wary of Scotland.”Yeah, it [Scotland] will be a challenge,” Pooran said. “But our guys are confident. We’ve been here for over two weeks now. I think the guys are ready to go and acclimatising to these conditions. A lot of these guys haven’t played in Australia. This will be the first time, but the guys are confident, they’re happy. The preparation has been really good, and we just can’t wait for tomorrow to start our game.”West Indies’ wildcard pick Yannic Cariah, the 30-year-old legspin-bowling allrounder, suffered a minor bruising after being struck on his bowling hand while batting against UAE in the warm-up fixture at the MCG on October 10. It remains to be seen whether he has recovered sufficiently to play for West Indies on Monday.During the two-match T20I series against Australia, West Indies had opted against pairing Mayers up with King at the top, promoting Johnson Charles instead. Pooran kept his cards close to his chest when he was asked about West Indies’ potential combination for their opening fixture.”Yeah, we obviously have to select the team still,” Pooran said. “It’s quite early here in Australia. We haven’t sat down and discussed who’s playing tomorrow. The makeup of the team obviously varies due to the conditions here obviously, here in Hobart which has been cold for a while now, we have to go back and look at it.”

Everything you need to know about the various roles players hold on the pitch during a match

Football, the beautiful game, is a symphony of movement, skill, and tactical nous. But behind the flowing attacks and last-ditch tackles lies a carefully constructed framework of positions, each with its own unique responsibilities.

Whether you're a seasoned supporter or a curious newcomer, understanding the roles within a football team is key to appreciating the tactical intricacies of the sport.

This comprehensive guide will break down each position, exploring their duties and how they contribute to the team's overall strategy.

GettyGoalkeeper

The goalkeeper is the last bastion between the opposition and the back of the net. Tasked with the singular objective of preventing the ball from crossing the goal line, the goalkeeper is a unique position, allowed to use their hands within their designated penalty area.

Key responsibilities

Shot-stopping: Reacting quickly and decisively to parry, catch, or punch shots away from danger.

Commanding the area: Dominating the penalty box, claiming crosses, and organising the defence.

Distribution: Launching attacks with accurate throws or kicks from hand.

Penalty kick specialist: Often called upon to make crucial saves during penalty shootouts.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCentre-back

The heart of the defence, centre-backs are often physically imposing figures with a keen tactical mind.

They are responsible for:

Marking opposition attackers: Sticking tight to strikers, denying them space and time on the ball.

Blocking shots and crosses: Putting their bodies on the line to intercept goal-bound efforts.

Heading and clearing: Winning aerial battles and clearing dangerous balls from the penalty area.

Full-back (Left-back/Right-back)

Operating on the flanks of the defence, full-backs require a blend of defensive solidity and attacking intent.

Their duties include:

Defensive Discipline: Tracking opposition wingers and preventing them from delivering crosses or cutting inside.

Overlapping Runs: Supporting the attack by providing width and delivering crosses from advanced positions.

Throw-ins: Often responsible for restarting play from throw-ins in their designated area.

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Sweeper (Not always utilised)

Positioned behind the main defensive line, the sweeper acts as a safety net, sweeping up any danger that bypasses the centre-backs.

Reading the Game: Anticipating opposition passes and intercepting through balls.

Covering for Defenders: Providing support and cover when other defenders are drawn out of position.

Distribution from Deep: Initiating attacks with accurate long passes from deep positions.

A report has emerged that claims a Leicester City player may never play for the Foxes again, as teams in the second tier look to secure his signature.

Leicester City news and updates

The Foxes will have preparations underway for their next game, as they welcome Arsenal to the King Power Stadium for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Ruud van Nistelrooy will be looking to end their losing skid after a gut wrenching and controversial defeat to Manchester United last week.

Related £75k-p/w Leicester ace now set to return vs Man Utd after missing 10 games

He’s a key man…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Feb 6, 2025

In the FA Cup defeat to the Red Devils, Leicester put in one of their better performances under van Nistelrooy, with Bilal El Khannouss being a standout performer. The midfielder was singled out by Jermaine Beckford after the game, stating that he believes he has got “something special”.

Speaking to the When You’re Smiling Podcast, Beckford said: “El Khannouss was brilliant; I really enjoyed his performance. I like his arrogance – every time he got on the ball, he tried to make things happen and be forward-thinking.

“I want to see more from him, a bit more energy. Run a little bit harder and close players down. When you pick the ball up, be a bit more like Jordan Ayew; pick the ball up and be direct. I saw enough of him today to think that this kid could be something special.”

Senior Leicester player may never play for the club again

Ahead of the game against Arsenal, it’s been reported by Football League World that Preston North End want to sign Leicester’s Daniel Iversen on a free transfer in the summer.

The report states that the Lilywhites want to sign Iversen in the summer following previous loan spells at the club. Iversen is out of contract in the summer, and it looks as though his career at the King Power Stadium is over, as he’s yet to play a game this season and doesn’t appear to be in the club’s plans going forward.

The 27-year-old joined the Premier League side in January 2016, but in his nine years at the club, he has failed to nail down a regular starting spot, spending much of his time on loan at various clubs in England. Iversen last appeared for Leicester during the 2022/23 Premier League season, where he became a starter under former manager Brendan Rodgers. He wasn’t fancied by Enzo Maresca last season, so much so that he spent the second half of the season on loan at Stoke City.

Daniel Iversen’s Leicester City stats

Apps

17

Goals conceded

24

Clean sheets

5

The shot-stopper’s best time in his career came while at Preston, as he played 71 times for them over two different loan spells in the 2020/21 and the 2021/2022 campaigns. He conceded 83 goals during his time at Deepdale but also managed to keep 23 clean sheets as Preston tried to break into the top six.

Iversen’s return to Preston would likely see him become a number one once again, which at this point in his career he needs, and for Leicester, they would be letting go of a player that clearly isn’t part of their plans going into the next campaign and beyond.

Aston Villa have urged the Premier League to reject Tottenham's appeal to reschedule next month's clash between the two teams at Villa Park.

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• Spurs in talks over fixture reschedule
• Postecoglou's side have eye on UEL final
• Villa reject their rivals' proposal

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The two teams are scheduled to go head-to-head on May 18 in their penultimate league match of the season, but Spurs announced on Sunday that they have asked for the fixture be moved to May 15. The London side are aiming to reach the Europa League final and the original schedule would see them face Villa just three days before the decider in Bilbao.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Villa are not happy with the proposal, however, and reports that the club has written to the Premier League to object due to the lack of precedent for the division to reschedule matches in order to help clubs competing in Europe. Furthermore, the match will be Villa's last at home this season and a rescheduling would force them to cancel many of the family-friendly activities they have planned for the occasion.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Villa also cited their own congested fixture list in their argument against the change, saying they have played twice a week on regular occasions since April as they attempted to juggle the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Ange Postecoglou's team have been paired with Bodo/Glimt in the European semi-final and will host the Norwegian club for the first leg on Thursday. The winner of the tie will go on to face either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao.

Captain and senior bowler to the fore as Northants are swept aside to preserve Div One status

David Hopps23-Sep-2022

Craig Overton ripped through the top order•Getty Images

Somerset 389 (Abell 111, Bartlett 62, Keogh 4-99) and 337 for 4 dec (Abell 115, Lammonby 110) beat Northamptonshire 265 (Young 85, Overton 5-38) and 109 (Davey 3-25) by 352 runsSomerset’s Division One status is assured after a season of perpetual worry and how appropriate that it was two hundreds in the match from their worthiest of captains, Tom Abell, that brought relief to Taunton on their final day of home cricket this season.Players like Abell, still ambitious to represent England for sure, but also part of the fabric of their county, are to be more treasured than ever at a time of great uncertainty for the game. Abell leads from the front; with every contribution with bat and ball, with every barked media pronouncement, his pride in the county could not be more apparent. He communicates the message from Wookey Hole to Wellington that England’s professional game has as much of a place in the rural counties as the big cities.After his sterling efforts with the bat, Abell then enjoyed one of his most blissful days in the field in his six years as Somerset captain. He had chosen to bat on for another seven overs at the start of the final day, ensuring a draw at least as Northamptonshire were set a notional 462 to win. Win-points felt like a bonus, but Somerset whipped out Northants in only 30.4 overs for a resounding 352-run win. Everything wrapped up, fine and dandy, on the sunniest of afternoons by ten past two.Peter Trego, the former Somerset allrounder, and now one of county cricket’s most entertaining in-house commentators, called the win “one of the most important wins we have had in recent seasons at Taunton” and he was not exaggerating. In early season, many felt in the West Country that Gloucestershire might finish above Somerset in the table, so brittle were their performances. Instead, Gloucestershire will go down with either Warwickshire, Kent, who take a 14-point buffer into the final week, or Yorkshire, who are a point further ahead.The impetus for Somerset’s win rested initially with Craig Overton. Perpetually on the fringe of the England side, with 15 matches and 1,500 drinks run across all formats, Overton has somehow squeezed in eight Championship matches for Somerset too. His 35 first-class wickets at 16.51 have been a vital component. He took seven in the match here, and it was fitting that the final act was an Abell/Overton combination as Jack White edged the former to second slip where Overton, stood a yard forward in typically aggressive fashion, took a fine tumbling catch.When the entrails of Northants’ innings were examined, Overton had bagged only two wickets, but he set the tone. He began with the run-out of Emilio Gay, who responded quickly enough as Will Young pushed a single a few metres into the offside, whereupon Overton sprinted voraciously to collect off his own bowling and break the wicket with a diving underarm throw.Mid-September has brought a rush of new-ball wickets and the sense was that the run-out would be enough to get Overton onto a roll. So it proved as Luke Procter fell third ball for nought, emerging warily from his Chanderpaul-like stance to find the ball thudding into his front pad; and Will Young edged one that left him to Abell at second slip. With Josh Davey, as serviceable as Overton is inspirational, having Josh Cobb caught at the wicket, Northants were 15 for 4. Cobb has taken on the role of No.4 because of the limitations of others, but his meagre returns suggest his natural place is lower down the order, or in the shorter formats.Abell then dutifully filled the role of emergency third seamer with Lewis Gregory off the field, injured. He had Ricardo Vasconcelos lbw before lunch; Davey, who bowled an exemplary line, on a pitch that nibbled just enough, soon added Rob Keogh and Tom Taylor, and the air of celebration became ever more apparent as Kasey Aldridge nipped in for two tail-end catches at the wicket.

It felt different. Newcastle United emerged from the Emirates Stadium with a two-goal lead in the Carabao Cup semi-final, goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon dealing the damage.

Myles Lewis-Skelly stoked the licking flames of a fierce rivalry last weekend, instrumental in humbling Manchester City and contentious in celebrating his goal with Erling Haaland’s trademark.

However, Gordon beat him to it last month, leaning off the corner flag in an emulation of Thierry Henry’s iconic celebration.

Arsenal are one of the finest teams on the continent, but Eddie Howe believes he has their number and will be confident that they can hold them off at St. James’ Park and advance to the tournament’s epilogue.

Newcastle were riding the strong stream of first-class form at that point, Isak firing true from all angles and United bearing fluency and verve that resurrected their fight for top four in the Premier League, put them in this wonderful Carabao Cup position.

Recent results have been less auspicious, with successive home defeats against Bournemouth and Fulham. That needs to change.

Newcastle team news

Nick Pope will be eyeing a return to the grass after his dragged-out injury troubles. The shot-stopper has been an unused substitute for the past two matches but will hope to displace Martin Dubravka for this mammoth match.

Emil Krafth and Callum Wilson may feature, but this one comes too soon for Jamal Lascelles and Harvey Barnes, whose incisive finishing would have been nice against the resilient Gunners.

Winning the midfield battle will be key, and Howe will be delighted to welcome Bruno Guimaraes back to the domestic competition after he missed out in January due to suspension.

Arsenal showed during their recent thrashing of Manchester City that they can play with unfettered brilliance up front when they choose to, and thus it might be crucial for Sven Botman to replace one of Dan Burn or Fabian Schar in central defence.

Why Howe must unleash Sven Botman

Newcastle capped their fine start to the PIF and Howe era with the signing of Botman from LOSC Lille for a £40m fee. It was the dog days of 2022. So began a new chapter, one of genuine promise.

He didn’t disappoint. Not on the field. The issue, instead, has been Botman’s injury record, with the Dutchman’s appearance in black and white stripes something of a rarity over the past two years.

24/25

4

24

23/24

22

28

22/23

44

0

That first campaign, when the Magpies flew over the Champions League walls with a deserved fourth-placed Premier League – beating the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur – the 25-year-old was praised by pundit Leon Osman for his “incredible impact.”

Indeed, he kept 11 clean sheets from 35 fixtures for the division’s joint-best defensive unit and won 68% of his duels across the campaign. Reference point: Virgil van Dijk has won 71% of such battles in the top flight this term.

Arsenal have a wealth of ways to hurt Newcastle, but one of the newest and most dangerous must be the 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who scored against City on Sunday and has been an immense source of potential throughout the campaign.

With seven goals from as many starts for Mikel Arteta’s seniors this season, the England youth is something special, with content creator Lyes Boudizi remarking that he “oozes class with every touch.”

But he’s still young and inexperienced, and though Burn and Schar make a combined age of 65, Botman’s athleticism and energy outstrips theirs while still providing the natural-born ease of a top-class defender.

What about the fact that Botman’s scarcely featured this term? Well, he played in north London one month ago and kept a clean sheet. The Shields Gazette even went as far as to hand the Netherlands native an 8/10 match rating, singling out his ‘heroic defensive effort.’

Tackles flew, clearances were hacked and the air was protected by Botman’s leaping noggin. It was a fine display against a talented Arsenal side who stake their claim to being the best team in the country and served as a measure of Botman’s ability.

Minutes played

90′

Goals conceded

0

Touches

44

Accurate passes

22/29 (76%)

Long balls

1/4

Tackles

1

Clearances

8

Ground duels

1/1

Aerial duels

7/8

Admittedly, Nwaneri’s keen-edged skills aren’t likely to stem from his heading ability, but Botman’s ability to lurch in with crunching challenges and defend with the industrious focus of a machine suggests that he could be the man for the job.

Such aerial ability matches the best (or one of) attributes of the aforementioned Burn, who at 6 foot 7 is a monstrous presence but lacks pace and mobility somewhat.

He usually compensates, but Botman is more complete, more oiled, and will be determined to return to the starting line-up with consistency over the coming months, ensuring Newcastle defeat Arsenal and return to Premier League form as they push for a seat among Europe’s elite next year.

Nwaneri’s fleet-footedness and precocious technical level mean that Toon defenders will need to be on their toes for this one. Howe’s side hold a two-goal advantage but stranger things have happened.

Alongside the exciting Lewis Hall at left-back, Newcastle may well have what it takes. Hall has been brilliant this season, putting in performances that have led reporter Dominic Scurr to describe him as “the best left-back in the country, bar none.”

An assured passer and a calm presence, Nwaneri will have a tough time playing off the right flank, dealing with a perfectly matched defensive duo on the left-hand side.

For sure, United will need to be on their a-game, and what better way to restore their defensive integrity than to place their best defender back in the mix?

Hailed as a “machine” of a centre-back by journalist Jamie Roberts, Botman could be the difference-maker against an Arsenal side clicking into full gear.

The imperious Bukayo Saka may still be sidelined, but in Nwaneri the Hale End production line has fashioned a new prodigy, one who could come up trumps for the visitors.

Chalkboard

Botman’s composure, control and combative nature may serve to neutralise the teenager’s threat, thus paving a road to the final stage, within a stride of the first title in so many years.

Newcastle have now "turned down" approach for "outstanding" 29 y/o to leave

Is keeping him the right decision by the Magpies?

ByHenry Jackson Feb 2, 2025

In what could only push them further towards Champions League qualification, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly submitted a hefty bid to sign a Premier League forward.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

Those in the Midlands are rightly acting with all the ambition in the world after pushing into the Premier League’s top four. Without a defeat since the beginning of December, they’re better placed than ever in the Premier League to set their sights on a certain calibre of stars. It’s a rise which has already seen Forest linked with a number of impressive names, from Alex Baena all the way to Luiz Henrique.

Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that Forest have activated the £50.7m release clause in pursuit of Baena as they look to fend off any competition and secure the arrival of the Villarreal midfielder this month.

Baena’s arrival would be quite the statement of intent from a side clearly eager to ensure that this season’s run is not just a flash in the pan and instead a permanent feature in England’s top flight.

Club now open to selling Nottingham Forest target with 23 goals last season

2024 was a very fruitful year for the striker.

ByBarney Lane Jan 17, 2025

The Villarreal man isn’t the only one that those at the City Ground are reportedly willing to splash out on either. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Nottingham Forest have submitted a bid worth £22m to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford this month. As far as the Bees are concerned though, they’ll have to do better than that to secure the forward’s signature.

Whether Forest increase their bid to sign Wissa remains to be seen, but there’s no denying just how much of an impact he could make in the second half of the campaign. Given the fact that the Brentford man also has the same agent as Morgan Gibbs-White, personal terms could be easier than they otherwise would have been to agree.

"Remarkable" Wissa would be excellent signing

Amid doubts over Taiwo Awoniyi’s future, signing another forward certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially if it is Wissa who enters the City Ground this month. The 28-year-old could be an instant upgrade on the West Ham-linked Awoniyi and would likely even force Nuno Espirito Santo into a change of system to accommodate a partnership between the Congo man and Chris Wood.

Starts

19

22

Goals

11

14

Assists

2

2

Expected Goals

10.2

8.1

Two players outperforming their expected goals rate, Wissa and Wood could form one of the deadliest duos in the Premier League.

Those in the Premier League are already well aware of just how well the Brentford man can work in a partnership, given how successful he’s been alongside the equally impressive Bryan Mbeumo this season. Now, he could replicate that with the New Zealand international at the City Ground.

Previously described as “remarkable” by Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Wissa could have quite the decision to make in the closing weeks of the January transfer window if Forest come calling once again.

In what would deal their rivals a frustrating blow, Manchester City are now reportedly plotting a shock hijack to sign a rising star who has a release clause worth £84m.

Man City transfer news

It’s been a hectic month for the Citizens, who entered the transfer window in desperate need of reinforcements for the first time since Pep Guardiola’s debut campaign.

Welcoming Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov, the Citizens have eased concerns over an ageing backline and signed a player at the peak of his powers who will share the goalscoring responsibility with Erling Haaland.

It’s a Man City squad that must get back to full strength sooner rather than later with a Champions League play-off tie against Real Madrid on its way in between a crucial run of games in their quest to finish inside the Premier League’s top four and salvage their season.

Before that mouth-watering tie arrives, those at The Etihad could once again turn their attention towards the transfer window ahead of Monday’s deadline.

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City are now plotting a shock hijack to sign Geovany Quenda ahead of arch-rivals Manchester United, who are desperate for reinforcements of their own in the coming days.

Man City make formal approach for "superb" £50m man in fourth winter deal

The Citizens want to end the window with a bang…

1 ByTom Cunningham Feb 1, 2025

The deal may not come cheap – likely giving City the advantage over their rivals – with Quenda’s current Sporting CP release clause sitting at a hefty €100m (£84m).

Still just 17 years old, paying such a price would be a significant gamble for any club, no matter their riches. So whether those at the Etihad splash the cash one more time to skip ahead of the queue for Quenda remains to be seen.

"Talented" Quenda is a future star

For a young Sporting winger to be attracting this much attention, they have to be something special – just ask a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. At just 17 years old, comparing Quenda to the Portugal legend would, of course, be jumping the gun, but he may well be set to follow in his path towards Manchester, albeit across the divide.

A player who was described as “talented” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, Quenda would only accelerate towards his impressive potential by working under managerial great Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Alongside Khusanov and Reis, the young winger could complete a trio of fresh future stars set to play a part for years to come at the Etihad and as the window nears its deadline, he remains a player to watch.

Sheffield United have now reached a “full verbal agreement” with a “brilliant” defender, with negotiations over the deal expected to start soon, according to a report.

Blades vying for promotion

The Blades remain in a fantastic position to secure an instant return to the Premier League, sitting just one point off top spot in the Championship standings.

In order to boost his side’s chances of automatic promotion, however, Chris Wilder has been extremely active in the transfer market this month, most recently re-signing Southampton striker Ben Brereton Diaz.

Wilder has also confirmed his interest in signing Sheffield Wednesday loanee Shea Charles, in what would be an eyebrow-raising move, saying:

“He (Charles) is a player we identified in the summer, as we have to because we’re all doing their jobs, whether that’s us or Sheffield Wednesday. That wasn’t a wind-up, even though I get it and people thought it might have.

“We’re looking for players of quality and pedigree and he was on the list. We’ll see where we go in the next week but a combative central midfielder, who can get about the park and break the game up and play, is on our radar. And there are a lot of players who fit that bill.”

Wilder's next Egan: Sheffield United make enquiry to sign "immense" star

Chris Wilder might now be looking for some new defensive additions at Sheffield United.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 20, 2025

Not only are United looking to strengthen their attack and midfield, but there could also be another defensive arrival very soon, with Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealing they have reached a “full verbal agreement” with Jonjoe Kenny.

The Hertha BSC full-back has informed the German club he wants to leave this month, ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season, and negotiations are expected to start soon.

The 27-year-old is keen on moving back to England and helping the Blades secure promotion back to the Premier League in the second half of the season.

Kenny impressing in Germany

The former Everton man has been particularly impressive in an attacking sense for Hertha BSC this season, picking up one goal and six assists in 18 2. Bundesliga outings, having predominantly featured at right-back.

Ex-Wigan Athletic boss Gary Caldwell lauded the right-back as “brilliant” during his time at the Brick Community Stadium, and he has been one of Hertha’s best performers in the league this season, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.02, the third-highest in the squad.

As such, it is promising news that Kenny is keen on a move to Bramall Lane this month, and the Blades will be hoping to get a deal done for a relatively low fee, considering he is out of contract at the end of the season.

That said, it may be difficult to displace Alfie Gilchrist in the starting XI to begin with, considering the 21-year-old has made the right-back spot his own after putting in some impressive performances this season, featuring in 26 Championship games.