أشاد الإعلامي حازم إمام، نجم الزمالك السابق، بمسيرة لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالقلعة البيضاء، مؤكدًا أنه واحد من أبرز أساطير الكرة المصرية في العصر الحديث.
وقال حازم إمام في تصريحات عبر إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم”: “عبد الله السعيد واحد من أساطير كرة القدم المصرية وسيظل كذلك، الموسم الحالي هو رقم 20 في مسيرته وما زال يسجل أهدافًا”.
وتابع: “عبد الله السعيد كان نجمًا في الإسماعيلي والأهلي وبيراميدز وأخيرًا الزمالك، ورغم أنه انضم للقلعة البيضاء وعمره 37 عامًا، إلا أنه نموذج للاعب الذي يجبرك على احترامه مهما كان انتماؤك، لأن الناس في مصر يُقدرون اللاعب الجيد”.
طالع أيضًا | حازم إمام يشيد بلاعب الزمالك: الكرة جميلة بين قدميه.. لكن أداءه يهبط عند الدقيقة 60
وأضاف: “عبد الله السعيد هو (الحاجة الحلوة في مصر الآن)، وأتمنى أن يتعلم منه كل اللاعبون، إنه لاعب غير طبيعي، وفي المباراة الأخيرة أمام المصري كان أفضل لاعب رغم أنه على وشك إكمال عامه الأربعين”.
وواصل: “بعد أن تألق مع الأهلي وانتقل إلى بيراميدز قالوا إنه انتهى، لكنه كان هداف الدوري، ثم انضم للزمالك وقيل نفسي الشيء، والآن هو أفضل لاعب في الفريق”.
واختتم حازم إمام، تصريحاته قائلًا: “أي لاعب يريد أن يصنع اسمًا كبيرًا في كرة القدم، عليه أن يرى ما يفعله عبد الله السعيد ويقتدي به، لأنه النموذج الذي نتمنى أن نرى كثيرًا مثله في مصر”.
Hasaranga had been ruled out of CPL 2024 earlier but now comes in for Sikandar Raza
Deivarayan Muthu04-Sep-2024
Josh Clarkson has played 89 T20s so far•Getty Images
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who had been depleted by injuries in the opening week of CPL 2024, have now been bolstered by the return of Wanindu Hasaranga* and signing of New Zealand’s big-hitting allrounder Josh Clarkson. Hasaranga had been ruled out of the tournament only last month because of a hamstring injury, and was replaced by Tabraiz Shamsi at the time, but he now comes in for the injured Sikandar Raza. Clarkson, on the other hand, will slot in for Tristan Stubbs, who will return to South Africa for national duties.Shamsi is also headed home for CSA commitments for a week, and he will be temporarily replaced by the Pakistan-born USA wristspinner Mohammad Mohsin. Mohsin, 28, has played 14 games for Stephen Fleming’s Texas Super Kings in the MLC, picking up 15 wickets at an economy rate of 7.43.Clarkson is arguably the hardest hitter of a cricket ball in New Zealand and can also bowl at brisk pace. On Tuesday, Clarkson was awarded his first New Zealand central contract, but he is not in the Test scheme of things yet, so he has signed up for his first franchise T20 league stint. Clarkson has played 89 T20s so far, scoring 1673 runs at a strike rate of 147.40 and taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.15.Related
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Patriots head coach Malolan Rangarajan, the former Tamil Nadu allrounder who also works with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, rued the injuries, which have disrupted the balance of their side. “Obviously, we started off the tournament with an unfortunate injury to Sikandar Raza, who was a well-thought out and important pick for us,” Malolan said on Tuesday before Patriots had announced Clarkson as their new signing.”We’ve scrambled and we’ve tried to sign a replacement and we’ve had a few hiccups at the start of [the season], with Sherfane [Rutherford] missing out the first game and Rilee [Rossouw] getting injured in the first innings of our fielding. But I think the boys have responded brilliantly to all the challenges that’ve been posed at them.”While Patriots began the season with a thrilling last-ball win against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in Antigua, they suffered back-to-back defeats at home against Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Kings. They posted 200-plus totals in both innings, but their bowlers came in for heavy punishment in both games. Their fielding has also come into sharp focus: they have dropped at least seven chances so far. Patriots captain Andre Fletcher has called for a stronger response from his team.”Well, it’s all about execution,” Fletcher said. “We’ve been working hard as a bowling unit, I must say. Even before the tournament started, we had a camp here in St Kitts and then we played a practice game in Nevis. We’ve been working hard as a bowling unit. The guys have been putting in the effort as to bowling with the wet ball and bowling [at the] death and bowling actually to one side of the field, thinking about whether this batter from the other team is playing and how we’re going to bowl to this batsman. The effort is there and the practice as I mentioned we put in a lot, but it just boils down to execution. We haven’t been executing as well as we ought to but, I’m confident.”Fletcher: ‘I’m big on players being comfortable and enjoying themselves’Losing and losing on the bounce might result in an unhealthy dressing room – Patriots have just won two out of their 12 games across the past two seasons – but Fletcher said that they have stuck together and blocked the outside noise.”As a leader, I try to be not under pressure,” Fletcher said. “Yes, I know a lot will be going around, especially when you lose a game. The first game we win…spectators and fans will be like: ‘good leader and great leader’ and two games lost ‘you’re the worst’.”It’s expected and they always want a win. For me, I just try my best to see where maybe I can improve as a leader. I wouldn’t doubt myself; I’ve done it before and it’s just a matter of getting the guys together. One thing I don’t want is pointing fingers and we’ve responded well after the two losses, so we are gelling really well as a team and for me that’s important. When teams lose people start segregating and the vibe of the team tends to go down, so I’m big on players being comfortable and enjoying themselves.”A chain is as strong as its weakest link, so for me as a leader I will continue to keep the guys together and ensure that they’re comfortable. People would love to see us go out there and entertain them, but it doesn’t make sense to entertain with a loss. We have to entertain with a win and it’s straightforward.”*0315hrs, September 5, The story was updated after the CPL sent a release about the replacement players
يستعد عشاق الكرة الفرنسية لمواجهة مرتقبة مساء اليوم الإثنين، والتي سوف تجمع بين نادي باريس سان جيرمان ونظيره أوليمبيك مارسيليا، في اللقاء المعروف بالكلاسيكو ، وذلك لحساب قمة الأسبوع من بطولة الدوري الفرنسي.
ويسعى باريس سان جيرمان إلى الفوز على مارسيليا من أجل تعزيز صدارته لبطولة الدوري الفرنسي، في اللقاء الذي سوف يلعب على ملعب فيلودروم.
اقرأ أيضًا .. رودري يكشف عن ترشيحاته للفائز بالكرة الذهبية 2025
وسوف تقام مباراة الكلاسيكو الفرنسي في نفس وقت حفل الكرة الذهبية، مما أثار الكثير من الجدل حول موعد اللقاء.
وفي هذا السياق، صب الصحفي الفرنسي المعروف، دانيال ريولو، جم غضبه على إدارة باريس سان جيرمان في ظل عدم احترامها لمواجهة الكلاسيكو أمام أوليمبيك مارسيليا.
وذكرت صحيفة سبورت ، أن مواجهة باريس سان جيرمان ومارسيليا قد تم تأجيلها إلى اليوم الإثنين، بعدما كان من المفترض أن تلعب يوم أمس الأحد، في ظل خطر هطول أمطار غزيرة على مارسيليا والتي تعتبر مدينة ساحلية وتقع في جنوب فرنسا.
وأضافت الصحيفة، أنه وفقًا للوائح رابطة الدوري الفرنسي في حال تعذر إقامة اللقاء في موعده يتم تأجيله إلى موعد لاحق، أو يتم استثناف اللقاء من لحظة توقفه بسبب سوء الأحوال الجوية.
وأوضحت الصحيفة، أن غضب ريولو من باريس سان جيرمان يعود إلى سعي الفريق الفرنسي إلى محاولة جعل المباراة تلعب في الساعة 3 أو 5 مساءً، حرصًا على حضور لاعبي باريس والجهاز الفني حفل الكرة الذهبية الذي سيقام في مسرح دو شاتليه في باريس مساء اليوم.
ووصف ريولو موقف باريس سان جيرمان من تغيير موعد المباراة بأنه قلة احترام للجماهير وللكلاسيكو.
وقال ريولو: ”إلى أي مدى يمكن لباريس سان جيرمان أن يصل؟ اللعب في الثالثة أو الخامسة مساءًا! من المؤسف اقتراح هذا، إنه قلة احترام مطلقة وهذا يعني أنك لا تهتم إطلاقًا بقيمة هذه المباراة ولا يهمك إن كان جمهور الفريق الذي يستضيفك سيتمكن من الحضور أم سيضطر لأخذ يوم راحة لأنه ليس الوقت المناسب بالنسبة لك كناد”.
واختتم: ”تقديم هذا الاقتراح يعني أن باريس سان جيرمان لا يكترث لهذه المباراة وأن كل ما يهمهم هو حفل الكرة الذهبية، هذه هي الرسالة التي بعث بها باريس بهذه المقترحات. على أي حال أعتقد أن أولمبيك مارسيليا لم يكن ليقبلها أبدًا احترامًا للجماهير. نعم يأتي حفل الكرة الذهبية في وقت غير مناسب وهكذا هو الوضع، لكن هذا لن يمنعنا من رؤية ديمبلي وهو فائز بالجائزة، حيث هناك احتمال كبير أن يحصل عليها وسيكون احتفالًا كبيرًا”.
Former England opener racks up big hundred to put seal on Durham’s campaign
ECB Reporters Network28-Sep-2024
Alex Lees finished his summer in style•Getty Images
Kent 96 for 3 (Finch 34, Ackermann 1-1) trail Durham 360 (Lees 144, Bedingham 66, Parkins 6-109)A sparkling century from Alex Lees gave Durham the upper hand in their Vitality County Championship clash with Kent despite a six-wicket haul from Matt Parkinson.Play was abandoned without a ball bowled on days one and two after heavy downpours at the Seat Unique Riverside, so Lees was on a mission to get quick runs with so much time lost in the game. Lees (144 off 180) was well backed up by Emilio Gay, who made 52, and David Bedingham, who made a swashbuckling 66, as the hosts made 360 in their first innings.Matt Parkinson led a Kent fightback after tea as he picked up figures of 6 for 109 to give the visitors some hope.Kent’s reply didn’t get off to the best start as they lost early wickets but Harry Finch and Jack Leaning combined for a partnership worth 72 to stall the hosts but they closed on 96 for 3, still 264 behind Durham.Kent captain Leaning won the toss and elected to bowl, with Ben McKinney and stand-in skipper Lees opening for the hosts. Lees found his groove early on with a lovely cover drive off the bowling of Grant Stewart.McKinney joined the party as he crunched a glorious shot to the boundary and Lees then reached his run-a-ball fifty with eight boundaries in the Durham skipper’s knock. Kent struck back, with Nathan Gilchrist removing McKinney for 23 after he was caught in the covers.Gay, who is on loan from Northamptonshire ahead of his permanent move to the North East next year, came in and elegantly flicked one off his pads for four. Lees continued to motor, combining well with Gay, and he carved a Stewart delivery for four to third man.After lunch, Lees resumed unbeaten on 95 and reached his fourth century of the season from 115 balls just minutes later. Gay impressed on his home debut looking calm at the crease and he manipulated the field well with the number three reaching his fifty from 92 balls. However, he didn’t last much longer as he feathered a Jas Singh delivery down the legside and it was caught well by Harry Finch behind the stumps.Bedingham wasted no time getting into the groove as Division One’s leading run scorer hit back-to-back sixes over the legside boundary off the bowling of Singh. Bedingham continued to hit the Kent attack around the park with the South African international reaching fifty from 30 balls, which included three fours and four sixes.Bedingham then smashed a Stewart full toss over the ropes, but he went for one maximum too many as he was caught off the bowling of Matt Parkinson for a 38-ball 66. Kent then got a second wicket in quick succession as Lees fell for an excellent 144 after he was caught at mid-wicket off the bowling of Stewart.Ollie Robinson then holed out for five, giving Matt Parkinson his second of the afternoon, and Bas de Leede quickly followed for a duck. Durham resumed after tea and 16-year-old James Minto, who is making his home debut, hit his first six in first class cricket as he smashed a Matt Parkinson delivery down the ground for six. However, the teenager’s joy did not last as the leg spinner bowled him for 25.Matt Parkinson then got his fourth as Daniel Hogg edged to slip and he then got his twin brother Callum out caught and bowled to wrap up his five wicket haul. The former Lancashire man then got his sixth as Durham were bowled out for 360.Kent’s reply got off to the worst possible start with Tawanda Muyeye caught behind off the bowling of Daniel Hogg for five. Kent then lost a second wicket as de Leede sent Jaydn Denly’s off-stump flying for 12.Finch and Leaning then came together and combined well with some lovely shots, but Colin Ackermann bowled Finch for 34 just before the close to leave Kent three down at stumps.
After missing out on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, Newcastle United are desperately assessing their options in a bid to improve their firepower.
Toon supporters can perhaps rest easy knowing Alexander Isak is likely to stay at St James’ Park but without competent backup – William Osula is still young – they know recruits are needed.
Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike
Since that move for Ekitike fell through, the Magpies have reportedly cast their eyes upon the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Julian Alvarez. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also reportedly an option.
Newcastle's Ekitike alternative
Forgetting those names, Newcastle United are also exploring a deal for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, with the 28-year-old emerging as a serious option after the club missed out on top target Ekitike.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, the Magpies are feeling that a “deal should get done” for Wissa, in spite of having a £25m bid rejected.
Downie reveals that the Toon are set to return with a £30m bid plus add-ons for the centre-forward.
With interest growing from Tottenham and Nottingham Forest as well, Newcastle are weighing their options carefully.
A previous price tag of £50m had been set by Brentford, and that is seen as negotiable by interested parties. Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block.
Yoane Wissa celebrates for Brentford
BBC Sport reported that Wissa is keen on a new challenge and eager to play European football, a prospect that may sway him towards St. James’ Park.
Brentford, meanwhile, are being picked apart, and Wissa could be next out the door.
Manager Thomas Frank has left, replaced by set-piece coach Keith Andrews, along with key players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Nørgaard, and Mark Flekken.
Mbeumo and Wissa
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is urging patience in the transfer market, stating the club must invest in “the right players” rather than rushing big-money deals.
However, Wissa’s Premier League pedigree, versatility, and recent form make him a standout candidate.
Why Yoane Wissa would be a good signing for Newcastle
After Ivan Toney’s move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli last summer, Wissa stepped up as one of Brentford’s main attacking threats.
Only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals in the Premier League last season, as Wissa found the net 20 times and added four assists.
Over four seasons at Brentford, Wissa has netted 49 goals in 149 appearances – a consistent return for a player who cost just £8.5m from Lorient.
Among his positional peers – Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Liam Delap, Dominic Solanke, and João Pedro – Wissa stands out in several areas.
Data from FBref shows that he has more shot-creating actions per 90 than Solanke, more touches than Pedro or Delap (34.1), and a greater pass completion rate than Isak and Haaland.
His minutes played (3,072) were second only to Isak, demonstrating not only quality but reliability and rubberstamping why European football expert, Zach Lowy, thinks he’s had a “remarkable rise.”
As a result, the potential signing of Yoane Wissa has drawn comparisons with former Magpies fan favourite Demba Ba.
The Senegalese forward, who arrived from West Ham in 2011, became a cult hero at St. James’ Park after firing 16 goals in the 2011/12 season, forming a lethal partnership with Papiss Cissé and helping Newcastle to a fifth-place finish.
Like Ba, Wissa would arrive from a fellow Premier League club and is known for his instinctive movement, sharp poaching instincts, and ruthless eye for goal.
The same data from FBref shows that while Ba scored 16 and assisted twice in 2,721 minutes during his most prolific Premier League campaign, Wissa bettered those numbers last season, scoring 20 goals and notching 4 assists in 3,072 minutes.
Ba averaged 1.39 shots on target per 90 in that 2011/12 season, while Wissa registered 1.26 per 90 in 2024/25, slightly lower, but still consistent with the profile of a reliable finisher.
Importantly, Wissa also outperformed his xG, underlining his sharpness in front of goal.
However, there are some caveats.
At 28, Wissa doesn’t fit Newcastle’s preferred age profile of 24 and under, and he may miss part of the 2025/26 season due to AFCON duties with DR Congo.
Still, for a club that needs ready-made depth up front and a player who knows how to find the net, Wissa ticks plenty of boxes.
Given the departure of Callum Wilson and other targets like Calvert-Lewin being considered, Wissa presents a compelling blend of Premier League experience, positional intelligence, and proven end product.
If Newcastle can negotiate the fee down, Wissa could well become the Magpies’ new Ba – an underrated Premier League poacher with the potential to light up St. James’ Park.
He's Bruno Guimaraes 2.0: Newcastle considering move to sign £50m "machine"
Newcastle could consider a move for an English midfielder
تمكن نادي مانشستر سيتي في أن يبدأ بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا بشكل مميز، وتمكن من تحقيق فوز مريح على نظيره نابولي بهدفين دون رد اليوم الخميس، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من مرحلة المجموعات.
مواجهة اليوم أقيمت على ملعب الاتحاد، حيث دخل مانشستر سيتي اللقاء بهدف تحقيق انتصار يريحه في قادم المباريات في المسابقة الأوروبية.
أقرأ أيضًا .. فيديو | دوكو يسجل هدف مانشستر سيتي الثاني أمام نابولي
مانشستر سيتي بدأ لقاء اليوم ضاغطًا بقوة بحثًا عن تسجيل الهدف الأول، في حين اكتفى نابولي بقيادة مديره الفني أنطونيو كونتي بالتراجع والدفاع داخل منطقة الجزاء.
وتبعرث أوراق كونتي بعدما تعرض قائد نابولي، جيوفاني دي لوريزنو، للبطاقة الحمراء في الدقيقة 21، وذلك عقب تدخله على نجم مانشستر سيتي، إيرلينج هالاند.
وعاد حكم اللقاء إلى تقنية الفار التي أكدت عرقلة دي لورينزو لهالاند ليطرد الدولي الإيطالي تاركًا نابولي بعشرة لاعبين.
هذا الطرد استفاد مانشستر سيتي كثيرًا منه، حيث كثف النادي الإنجليزي هجماته بحثًا عن تسجيل الهدف الأول.
وجعل طرد دي لورينزو كونتي يخرج كيفن دي بروين من أرضية الملعب ويحل محله ماتياس أوليفيرا وسط تحية كبيرة من قبل جماهير مانشستر سيتي للدولي البلجيكي.
وتحقق مراد مانشستر سيتي في شوط اللقاء الثاني، حيث استغل هالاند هجمة منظمة لينهي الكرة برأسه في شباك نابولي في الدقيقة 56.
ولم يكتف مانشستر سيتي بهذا الهدف، حيث ضاعف جيريمي دوكو التقدم لمصلحة النادي الإنجليزي في الدقيقة 65 من مجهود فردي رائع.
وظلت النتيجة على حالها حتى النهاية، ليحقق مانشستر سيتي انتصارًا مستحقًا على نابولي مرسلًا رسالة واضحة إلى بقية المنافسين حول رغبته في الفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا هذا الموسم.
مانشستر سيتي بذلك حصد أول ثلاث نقاط له في مرحلة الدوري ليتواجد في المركز العاشر، بينما بقي نابولي بدون رصيد في انتظار قادم الجولات المقبلة في الدور. أهداف مباراة مانشستر سيتي ونابولي في دوري أبطال أوروبا
Young allrounder Cooper Connolly’s 79 pushed WA, even as Test aspirant Matt Renshaw fell cheaply
Tristan Lavalette09-Oct-2024
Marnus Labuschagne scored 77•Getty Images
Test aspirant Matt Renshaw fell cheaply, but captain Marnus Labuschagne led Queensland’s recovery with a half-century against Western Australia at the WACA. Labuschagne was in superb touch, as he hit 77 off 96 balls and looked in total command until falling lbw to offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli late on day two. It was a major blow in Queensland’s rally, but No. 4 Jack Clayton held firm and finished unbeaten on 52.After toiling in the field for 124.2 overs, openers Renshaw and Usman Khawaja were challenged by accurate new-ball bowling from quicks Matt Kelly and Cameron Gannon. The pitch flattened considerably amid sunny conditions, and represented a golden opportunity for Renshaw, who might be in the frame for a Test recall given the uncertainty over Cameron Green’s back injury.Renshaw started with a gorgeous drive down the ground off Kelly in the first over, but was worked over by Gannon, and edged to third slip. He made just 6 off 24 balls.Labuschagne, with his father watching on in the terraces, was cautious early, before counterattacking Rocchiccioli with quick footwork down the pitch. He combined well with Khawaja, who also pounced on an unusually ragged effort from Rocchiccioli.Gannon, playing against his former team, was the standout of WA’s shorthanded attack missing speedsters Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson, with allrounder Mitchell Marsh playing as a specialist batter. Having starred in WA’s Shield triumph against Tasmania last season, Gannon was relentless, and knocked over Khawaja, who on 31, played a short ball on to his stumps.WA debutant Brody Couch, recruited from Victoria and who has played in Major League Cricket, impressed and bowled a lively first spell before tea. He was the fastest out of WA’s trio of quicks, reaching speeds of 140kph while also bowling the occasional fiery short-pitched delivery. Couch tired late in the day, but did deliver a stinging delivery that hit Labuschagne in the stomach and had him on his haunches.Queensland still have considerable work ahead to close in on WA’s massive first-innings total of 465. WA’s recovery continued on day two when allrounder Cooper Connolly and Gannon batted for almost the entire first session. Connolly powered to his half-century off 64 balls, and was matched by Gannon, a useful middle-order batter for his local club team. Labuschagne reverted to funky fields for Queensland, but to no avail, as Gannon notched his second half-century in first-class cricket.After making his international debut during Australia’s tour of the UK, Connolly has been earmarked for a big summer, and might be a smokey for the Test tour of Sri Lanka early next year.Justifying his selection ahead of veteran Ashton Turner, Connolly unleashed powerful strokes to reach lunch on 79 not out. Having made 90 in his first-class debut in last season’s Shield final, Connolly’s bid for a maiden ton was cut short when he holed out to Renshaw in the first over after the interval.After a standout performance on day one, fringe Test quick Michael Neser only bowled three overs on day two. He finished with 5 for 68 from 25 overs, and completed a stunning athletic catch on the boundary to wrap WA’s innings up. Part-timers Labuschagne and Renshaw claimed two wickets apiece before having contrasting fortunes with the bat.
Sunderland are pushing ahead with even more exciting signings ahead of the brand-new Premier League season getting underway.
This time around, it looks as if the Black Cats have won the coveted signature of Armand Lauriente for a fee around the £17m ballpark, after the 26-year-old attacker amassed a blistering 18 strikes for Sassuolo in Serie B last season. Can he shine now in a similarly frightening manner in the English top-flight?
That remains to be seen, with the Black Cats now targeting some defensive reinforcements after splashing more cash on the forward areas, with one notable Premier League-experienced centre-back on Regis Le Bris and Co.’s agenda.
Sunderland submit offer for £10m star
Every new day brings about a fresh rumour involving Sunderland, with multiple centre-back targets on the ever-expanding shopping list.
Indeed, Lille powerhouse Bafodé Diakité is reportedly on the Black Cats’ radar, but a hefty £35m price tag above the promising Frenchman’s head might well put the newly promoted side off, regardless of their lavish spending to date.
Instead, they might well travel down the cheaper route to bolster at the back, with Turkish outlet Takvim reporting that Sunderland, alongside Burnley and Leeds United, have made bids to pick up former Aston Villa titan Diego Carlos.
The outlet claims that all three sides have ‘knocked’ on Fenerbahce’s door with offers to sign the central defender on loan for the 2024/25 campaign.
It is reported that his current side are open to allowing the 32-year-old defender to leave Turkey this summer, with initial offers coming in on a loan basis. However, the Super Lig giants will only entertain an offer if a mandatory buy option is also included, having forked out £10m for Carlos just this January.
Whilst he might not be a first-team regular in Turkey, Carlos should be able to come into the growing Sunderland group and offer lots of experience and quality to their maiden Premier League voyage, making him a better potential signing than Lauriente in the process.
Why Carlos could be a better signing than Lauriente
After all, there is no guarantee, despite his 18-goal heroics in Serie B last season, that Lauriente instantly makes an impact in Le Bris’ first team on his arrival in England.
When glancing at the Frenchman’s options up top, he already has the likes of Simon Adingra to choose from down the left wing, who could well get the first team nod over Lauriente, owing to his eight strikes in the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Armand Lauriente in action for Sassuolo.
Moreover, there is also Enzo Le Fee on the left channel, who dazzled Championship defences last season, alongside Romaine Mundle, who will be eager to succeed in the Premier League, having once been discarded by Tottenham Hotspur, meaning the 26-year-old winger will have his work cut out for him to come in and suddenly leave a mark.
On the contrary, Carlos – with his 40 top-flight experiences in the top division with the Villans – will feel he has more of a chance right away at pushing into Le Bris’ XI, with his career numbers in the tough league previously showing him to be a nice mixture of both Daniel Ballard’s calmness on the ball, alongside possessing Luke O’Nien’s well-known grit.
Carlos’ PL numbers for Villa
Stat
Carlos
Games played
40
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Passes completed
2078 (88%)
Duels won
83
Clean sheets
6
Stats by the Premier League
Looking at the table above, it’s clear that the Brazilian prides himself on being a smooth operator from the back, with 2078 accurate passes managed across his Villa stint, which left him with an 88% accurate pass completion percentage overall. Last season in the EFL, Ballard finished his season with the exact same percentage.
Therefore, the pair together could well be an intimidating duo for Premier League attackers to come to terms with, with his 83 duels won overall also gaining him a reputation for being “imposing”, as he was labelled by football journalist Mat Kendrick when still situated at Villa Park.
Aston Villa'sDiegoCarlosduring the warm up
With his time at Sevilla also seeing him compete in the Champions League, alongside claims from football journalist David Ornstein that he was “the best defender in Spain”, this does feel like it could be a steal at around the £10m price mark.
On the contrary, with Lauriente only notching up 12 more career strikes for Sassuolo away from his breakout 24/25 offering, there will be a worry he’s an expensive misfire, as opposed to a gamble that works out.
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Tottenham Hotspur are entering a new era under Thomas Frank this summer, with the Dane the latest manager to try and catapult the side to sustained levels of success.
The 51-year-old signed a three-year deal after joining from fellow Premier League side Brentford, subsequently wanting to take his managerial career to the next level in North London.
However, if he wants to achieve both of his goals, he will require serious investment from the hierarchy to provide him with the tools for success at the Lilywhites.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
He’s already added Mohammed Kudus to his ranks, but despite the Ghanaian’s move to the club, other additions will be needed in key areas of the pitch.
Countless players still remain in their sights during the current market, opening the door to further big-money signings to improve the options at Frank’s disposal.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
James McAtee is the latest player currently on their radar, potentially softening the blow after missing out on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.
It’s been reported that Spurs could be about to jump ahead of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in the race for his signature, after the Reds had a £25m bid rejected for the Manchester City youngster.
Manchester City'sJamesMcAteecelebrates after the match
However, he’s not the only Premier League player on their radar, with Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz also a player they’re considering, according to TBR Football.
They claim that talks have already been held with the 24-year-old’s representatives this window, opening the door to a move to North London for the Brazilian forward.
It also states that the player has yet to receive a suitable offer to renew his contract, potentially leading to a departure, with Leeds United also circling for his signature.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s next Wissa
During Frank’s stint as Brentford boss, he managed to unearth multiple gems that allowed him to turn the Bees into an established top-flight outfit.
Yoane Wissa is just one player he managed to transform into a top-level talent, with the DR Congo star managing to torment countless backlines in the division.
The 28-year-old made 35 appearances in the league last time around, registering a total of 19 goals and four assists, forming an excellent partnership with Cameroonian international Bryan Mbeumo.
Given his tremendous form in recent times, he’s also been linked with a move to join Spurs this window, potentially following the manager in moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
However, Newcastle United and Forest are also interested in a deal for his signature, making any move for his services somewhat tricky, leading to other options being considered.
Brentford's YoaneWissacelebrates scoring their first goal
That’s where a move for Muniz comes in this summer, with the Fulham star being the next key talisman to try and make a name for himself under Frank’s guidance.
He’s been labelled as a similar player to the Bees star by FBref, also managing to outperform the DR Congo international in numerous key areas throughout last campaign.
How Muniz & Wissa compare in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Muniz
Wissa
Games played
31
35
Goals & assists
9
23
Goals & assists (per 90)
0.84
0.71
Shot on target accuracy
49%
45%
Take-on success
33%
30%
Fouls won
2.9
1.5
Aerials won
6.3
0.9
Aerial success rate
52%
45%
Stats via FBref
Muniz, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian, posted a better goal and assist rate per 90, whilst notching a higher shot on target accuracy rate – having the added ability to thrive in the final third.
He also managed to complete more of the take-ons he attempted last campaign, possessing a more all-round ability to thrive and create carnage to the opposition’s backline.
The Brazilian’s talents are further reflected in his ability in the air, winning a higher percentage of his aerial duels, offering Frank a needed focal point, which the Spurs side are currently lacking ahead of 2025/26.
Whilst it’s unclear how much Marco Silva’s side are demanding for his signature, it’s evident that the youngster has all the tools needed to be a fan favourite with the Lilywhites faithful.
Fulham's RodrigoMunizcelebrates scoring their third goal
If he can transform his game and match the goals produced by Wissa under Frank’s guidance, he would be a superb signing that would massively bolster the club’s chances of success next year.
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Brendan Doggett’s six-for toppled the visitors before McSweeney was solid for Australia A
Andrew McGlashan31-Oct-20241:00
Bailey: Bancroft’s consistency will count for something
Australia A 99 for 4 trail India A 107 (Doggett 6-15) by eight runsEvents on the first day in Mackay were unlikely to have provided a definitive answer about who opens for Australia in Perth, but the selectors will have been left scratching their heads more than ever after Sam Konstas and Cameron Bancroft collected ducks and Marcus Harris couldn’t convert a start for Australia A with Nathan McSweeney doing most to advance his credentials.When McSweeney inserted India A, thoughts were that the batting contest may have to wait a while, but after Brendan Doggett bagged a career-best 6 for 15 – in conditions that offered some assistance throughout to make life tricky for the batters – contenders to partner Usman Khawaja in the first Test were taking strike before tea. And two of them were out before the interval.Related
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Konstas, the 19-year-old who has been the most talked-about player this season, edged behind in the opening over against Mukesh Kumar as he looked to drive, and Bancroft, after four single-figure Sheffield Shield scores, was given caught down the leg side although replays showed it came off the thigh pad. Bancroft, who couldn’t force his way back into the Test side last season despite prolific domestic form, threw his head back in frustration.Harris reached double figures but was unconvincing. He survived a huge appeal for caught behind and was then dropped on 8 at third slip by Baba Indrajith against a ball that straightened from around the wicket from Kumar. After the let-off he managed a pleasing on-drive but gave his innings away when he flashed at Prasidh Krishna, who is part of India’s Test squad, and was sharply taken at second slip. Prasidh could have had a third late in the day when Cooper Connolly was given a life in the cordon.To add to the intrigue McSweeney, who bats three in the Sheffield Shield but is No. 4 here to accommodate the three openers above him, played as solidly as anyone all day, facing 110 balls for his 29, to give further credence to the talk that he may yet be the solution at the top of the order.Speaking earlier in the day in Melbourne, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald admitted there was more uncertainty around selection than is ideal, but the final decision would not come down to a single innings.Sam Konstas walks off after making a duck•Getty Images
“I think sometimes you’re pushed into a space where you can’t give certainty a long way out,” he said. “There is a balance in that we prefer to be more settled coming for the summer, no doubt. If you have certainly that’s fantastic, but there’ll be moving parts in the summer as well that create discussions and decisions about who’s going to play the next Test. Whilst we want to give clarity and certainty, sometimes that’s not always able to happen.”There’s a lot of context and consideration around body of work for those senior players in Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft. Clearly Sam Konstas hasn’t been able to have that body of work behind him because of the limited Shield cricket that he’s played, and Nathan McSweeney is somewhere in the middle of that.”You take Sam for example, he’s had limited experience in Perth, and then obviously up to the Gabba, so there’s incredible challenges for players who haven’t played in those conditions before, but it’s not to say that he can’t do that either – he’s a fast learner.”The tone for the bowler-dominated day was set in the second over when India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was brilliantly caught down the leg side first ball by Josh Philippe. Jordan Buckingham added a second in his first spell with a lovely delivery to find the edge of Abhimanyu Easwaran who is another in India’s full Test group.Sai Sudharsan made a promising start before edging behind against Doggett to begin what would be a memorable day for the South Australia quick who was only in the side as a second reserve having been called up to replace the injured Liam Hatcher, who in turn had replaced Mark Steketee.Doggett hit the perfect full length on a surface offering the quicks encouragement and troubled all the batters. After offspinner Todd Murphy had removed Indrajith on the stroke of lunch – given caught at short leg when it was unclear if bat was involved – Doggett really got to work after the interval as he scythed through the middle order.Ishan Kishan flashed an edge behind looking to counterattack and Devdutt Padikkal, who had provided the most resistance and was the day’s top scorer with 36, edged an attempted drive to give Philippe his fifth catch. Doggett’s fifth came when he trapped Manav Suthar with a yorker and a career-best sixth when he cleaned up Prasidh to leave India A 86 for 9. Navdeep Saini (23) managed to lift the total into three figures.