Tag Futebol

Liverpool will not pursue a summer deal to sign Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

Is Benjamin Pavard leaving Bayern Munich?

The France international will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that this transfer window will provide Thomas Tuchel with his final big opportunity to cash in, should he not want to risk losing him for free in 12 months time, and being his second top-performing defensive player, he won’t be short of suitors.

Whilst FSG and Jurgen Klopp are known to be prioritising the midfield area having already confirmed the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, the backline is believed to be another position that they are looking to strengthen and the 27-year-old had been mentioned as a target.

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, SportBILD journalist Christian Falk revealed that the right-back has “informed” the Bundesliga outfit that he wants to leave and name-checked the Reds as a “hot candidate” after his agent held talks with the hierarchy, but an update has now emerged contrary to those reports.

Are Liverpool signing Pavard?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are “not in the running” to sign Pavard this summer despite multiple outlets stating otherwise. The Premier League side have been the “most strongly linked” with a swoop for the defender, but it’s stated that there is “no truth” to the rumours that they are set to make an approach in the weeks ahead.

The Merseyside outfit are maintaining their “focus” on additions in the midfield, with Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone, Gabri Veiga and Romeo Lavia all on the boss’ shortlist, where he will then turn his attention to increasing numbers in the backline.

Are FSG right not to chase Pavard?

During Liverpool’s final few games of last season, Trent Alexander-Arnold was deployed in the midfield and appeared to flourish in his new role, so Klopp could do with another right-back to take his place should his regular starter be set to change positions, and Pavard could have been the perfect candidate.

The 2022 World Cup runner-up, who pockets £82k-per-week, averaged 2.5 clearances, 2.3 tackles and 2.1 aerial wins per game in the Bundesliga during the previous term, via WhoScored, so was a real rock out wide, but he also got more than involved at the opposite end of the field.

Bayern’s “wonderful character”, as described by one of their club chiefs Uli Hoeness, ranked in the 99th percentile for three different statistics, including progressive passes, and this attacking mindset resulted in him clocking up eight goal contributions (seven goals and one assist) across all competitions. The Reds could be making a big mistake by deciding not to chase Pavard.

Liverpool are close to confirming their first signing of the summer with Alexis Mac Allister due to make his move to Anfield official imminently and now a reliable source has given an update on the club's next steps.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Khephren Thuram?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool have held discussions in their pursuit of signing OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer.

Romano revealed on Twitter: "Liverpool have been in direct contact with both Manu Koné and Khephren Thuram agents again this week.

"Internal discussion taking place over official proposals. Liverpool asked for some time to close in on Mac Allister deal then decide on new midfielders."

Why should Liverpool sign Khephren Thuram?

It is no secret that a midfield rebuild is the top priority for Jurgen Klopp and Jorg Schmadtke this summer with Mac Allister looking like the first player who will spark the start of a new generation at Anfield.

The Reds have confirmed that Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner will be exiting the club upon their contract expiration next month, so adding some much-needed depth and injecting some youth into the centre of the pitch will be essential.

Although the signing of Mac Allister will be a great place to start, there is still plenty of work to be done to ensure that Liverpool can comfortably compete next season and bring back Champions League football to Anfield.

As a result, snapping up the services of Thuram would be a huge coup, especially considering that he could be the perfect player to partner up with the Argentine World Cup winner to revolutionise the Liverpool midfield.

The France international – a product of Monaco's development programme – has taken massive strides this season becoming a key player for Nice and rightfully earned his first-ever senior appearance for his national team a few months ago too.

Over 35 Ligue 1 appearances, the 22-year-old whiz – who has a reported price tag of €60m (£52m) – has created nine big chances, tallied up an 87% pass completion rate and registered four assists, as well as averaging 1.1 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles, proving he is incredibly threatening in attacking play.

Not only that, Thuram is prolific in winning possession of the ball too with 59.7% successful take-ons, 89 tackles and interceptions won combined and 146 ball recoveries, demonstrating that he is a reliable box-to-box midfielder who can cover the ground needed to significantly improve Liverpool's performances.

The son of legendary French defender Lilian Thuram and brother of Bundesliga striker Marcus has earned high praise from his teammate Aaron Ramsey who revealed Thuram's best attributes:

"Khéphren is another talented player here. I think he’s definitely got a big future ahead of him if he carries on the way he’s going at the minute. He’s very dangerous, very powerful, a very strong dribbler of the ball."

Whilst the young talent brings the energy to dominate in the middle of the pitch, Mac Allister thrives when he's breaking the lines between midfield and attack to either create killer opportunities for the forwards or grasp a chance himself with ten goals, two assists and four big chances created for Brighton and Hove Albion this season.

With that being said, if Klopp can secure the services of Thuram this summer it could spark an incredible partnership with Mac Allister next season and provide Liverpool with an unstoppable attacking-minded force from midfield that could chaos for opponents.

Despite still waiting to name a new permanent head coach, Tottenham Hotspur appear to be already cracking on with their summer transfer dealings, with chairman Daniel Levy seemingly eyeing up potential targets in a bid to improve upon their recent, eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

Among those who the Lilywhites are reportedly keeping tabs on is Leeds United sensation, Jack Harrison, with the wing wizard potentially set to be up for grabs following the Yorkshire side's recent relegation.

According to Football Insider, the 26-year-old – who was the subject of a £20m offer from Leicester City in January – is one of a handful of Elland Road stars that Levy and co are looking at, with the Englishman set to be available on a cut-price deal due to the presence of a relegation clause in his existing deal.

Despite Leeds' collective woes, the "incredible" talent – as hailed by former boss Jesse Marsch – still managed to rack up a respectable haul of five goals and seven assists in the top flight, having been described as "one of the best wingers in the Premier League" by his ex-New York City FC teammate, Frank Lampard, back in August.

Although there may be concern among Spurs supporters at the prospect of signing a player who has only recently been relegated, the hope will be that a move for Harrison could prove yet another masterclass for Levy, in the mould of the signing of Moussa Sissoko.

How good was Moussa Sissoko for Tottenham?

Much like the Leeds asset, Sissoko was signed from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016 following the Magpies' drop into the Championship, with the north London outfit forking out £30m in order to prise the Frenchman from St James' Park.

Despite the 71-cap international's initial struggles in his new home – having made just eight league starts during his debut season at the club – the 6 foot 2 menace ultimately established himself as a vital figure in Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

The one-time Toulouse man memorably played a key role in the club's surge to the Champions League final in 2019 after featuring in ten of Tottenham's 13 games in the competition that season, impressively averaging two tackles and one interception per game en route to the showpiece.

As pundit Noel Whelan stated in October 2019, Sissoko looked to have been "transformed" following his initial woes at N17, with the towering asset emerging as a "massive player" for both Pochettino and the club, prior to his departure for Watford in 2021.

The signing of the versatile midfielder – who racked up 202 appearances for the Lilywhites and featured in a variety of positions during his five-year stay – has showcased the benefits of acquiring a player from a recently-relegated outfit, hence why it could prove a real masterstroke if Harrison was to follow suit this summer.

Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver displayed all of their international experience in steering Surrey Stars to their first Kia Super League victory

ECB Reporters Network04-Aug-2016
ScorecardTammy Beaumont struck 47 in Surrey Stars’ chase•Getty ImagesTammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver displayed all of their international experience in steering Surrey Stars to their first Kia Super League victory, chasing down the 135 set for them by Yorkshire Diamonds with six wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.In front of 2250 people at The Oval, England opener Beaumont compiled an assured 47, contributing to stands of 65 for the first wicket with Bryony Smith and 57 for the third with Sciver, who was unbeaten on 29 when clobbering the winning runs behind square leg.Earlier, Alex Hartley was crucial with the ball. The visitors had gotten off to a flyer, 72 without loss at the half way mark with Hollie Armitage and Lauren Winfield batting with ease. It was the left-arm spinner who removed them both in the space of three balls, Winfield caught and bowled for 29 then Armitage bowled for 43.It was the catalyst for an excellent second ten overs for the hosts, restricting the Diamonds to 5 for 62 in that period. Hartley was the clear stand out with 2 for 18 from her four overs without conceding a single boundary, while seamers Sciver and Rene Farrell bowled with considerable control at the death of the innings.Surrey’s fielding also improved dramatically, after twice dropping early chances Sciver executed a superb direct hit run out of dangerous Australian Beth Mooney, her throw released in one motion after completing a diving stop.In reply, Surrey’s innings followed in a similar fashion to the first, the openers able to see off the initial threat from England spearhead Katherine Brunt before 19-year-old Smith took the quick for three consecutive boundaries in the fifth over to turbocharge the chase.Her 50 stand with Beaumont was raised in 35 balls, and the score was 65 before Yorkshire made their first breakthrough when Smith was deceived one of Jenny Gunn’s myriad slower balls, a top edge taken at short third man.A sharp stumping from Mooney, also off the bowling of Gunn, removed No. 3 Cordelia Griffith shortly thereafter, bringing Sciver to the crease to join Beaumont with a further 62 needed at just under a run a ball.But it was the pace of Brunt that again helped the batting side when it mattered most, 13 taken from the 14th over (including three wides) to take Surrey score beyond 100, making the final result a relative formality.After the hard work was done Beaumont holed out with five required for victory, appropriate reward for offspinner Steph Butler who impressed in her first game of the tournament.With two losses to start the start their season, Yorkshire now have no margin for error. Their next fixture is at Southampton on Monday against the Southern Vipers.Meanwhile for the winners, after squaring their ledger at one and one they play the Western Storm on Sunday at Bristol.

Liverpool crept to yet another Premier League win yesterday, with a solid but unconvincing 1-0 victory over Brentford.

Jurgen Klopp will likely draw questions from his players for such a startlingly lacklustre display, but with it being their sixth straight league win, the German cannot be too frustrated. It finally feels like after some time the fear factor has returned to the Anfield outfit, just in time for a late European push.

With a few key additions this summer, building upon the slowly improving newbies from their current campaign, the Reds can surely expect a return towards the apex of the table in the coming years.

One of those newer acquisitions had been earning particular praise of late, as Cody Gakpo finally seemed to have found his feet on Merseyside despite a tumultuous start. Failing to score in his first three league games, as well as in two FA Cup clashes, the Dutchman began to draw scrutiny for his performances in relation to his £35m price tag.

However, now boasting six league goals and two assists in 18 appearances, already the nation is starting to see glimpses of what the fuss was all about.

Despite this hype, integration into a new country remains a tricky feat. Not every game can be a success, and yesterday marked one of his weaker showings since moving from PSV Eindhoven.

How did Cody Gakpo play vs Brentford?

It is a testament to the underperformance of the 24-year-old that his 5.9 Sofascore rating was comfortably the worst of any player on the entire pitch. He was anonymous, wasteful, and yet someone survived for the full 90 minutes.

Such a low rating might come as a shock, but when delving deeper into his actual involvement, it quickly becomes clear why he was deserving of such a rating.

Firstly, the Netherlands international mustered just 32 touches all game despite his side enjoying 54% of the ball. For comparison, even his goalkeeper Alisson enjoyed more possession (38 touches).

Had Gakpo at least been efficient, such a lack of influence on the game could be forgiven. However, what exacerbated issues was that the wide man did boast golden chances, two of which he spurned. Such profligacy seeped into an absence of creativity too, as his 80% pass accuracy contained zero key passes made.

Goal’s Neil Jones perhaps summarised the Dutchman’s display best, awarding him a 6/10 rating, while writing that Gakpo ‘looked a little leggy in the second half and somehow didn’t score from virtually on the line.’

A tough day at the office offensively is often possible, but to cap off a truly forgettable afternoon, the 6 foot 4 trickster also lost eigakpoght of the 13 duels he competed in, suggesting that such a shocking display was born of complacency rather than misfortune.

That is something which Klopp will not forgive lightly, and it could cost him his place in the side next time out. His big January addition let him down yesterday.

أعلن الجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر الأول لكرة اليد بقيادة خوان كارلوس باستور عن قائمة لاعبي الفراعنة المشاركة في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2024.

البطولة المقرر إقامتها في مصر بمشاركة منتخبنا الوطني خلال الفترة من 17 إلى 27 يناير الجاري، بجانب 15 منتخبا مقسمين على 4 مجموعات.

القنوات الناقلة لـ كأس أمم إفريقيا لكرة اليد رجال 2024

ويتواجد المنتخب المصري في المجموعة الثانية بكأس أمم إفريقيا، بجانب كل من الكونغو برازافيل، وغينيا، والكاميرون.

ويتأهل أصحاب المراكز الـ5 الأولى إلى بطولة العالم لكرة اليد 2025، والتي ستُقام في كرواتيا والنرويج والدنمارك، بينما يتأهل المنتخب البطل إلى منافسات كرة اليد في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية في باريس 2024.

وزارة الرياضة تعلن عدد جماهير بطولة أمم إفريقيا لكرة اليد

وتضم قائمة منتخب مصر 20 لاعبًا يتم اختيار 18 لاعبا منهم في الاجتماع الفني لكل مباراة، ثم اختيار 16 لاعبا لخوض المباراة قبل انطلاقها. قائمة منتخب مصر لكرة اليد لـ كأس إفريقيا

حراسة المرمى

كريم هنداوي (الصفا السعودي)

محمد علي (لوجرونيو الإسباني)

محمد عصام الطيار (بالينجن الألماني) 

جناح أيسر

أحمد هشام سيسا (الأهلي)

مازن رضا (الزمالك) 

ظهير أيسر

علي زين (دينامو بوخارست الروماني)

عبد الرحمن فيصل (الأهلي)

حسن قداح (كيلسي البولندي) 

صانع ألعاب

أحمد خيري (الأهلي)

يحيى الدرع (فيزبريم المجري)

سيف الدرع (ليموج الفرنسي)

 ظهير أيمن

يحيى خالد (فيزبريم المجري)

مهاب سعيد (نيم الفرنسي)

محسن رمضان (الأهلي) 

جناح أيمن

محمد سند (نيم الفرنسي)

أكرم يسري (الزمالك) 

الدائرة

إبراهيم المصري (الأهلي)

محمد ممدوح هاشم

أحمد عادل (الأهلي)

خالد وليد (الزمالك)

Newcastle United are believed to be looking at Leicester City's Harvey Barnes as a potential target for the summer transfer window.

Could Barnes leave Leicester in the summer?

The Foxes find themselves in a really tricky position going into the final games of the Premier League season with relegation a real threat.

They have recently parted ways with their manager, Brendan Rodgers, and hired Dean Smith until the end of the campaign as interim boss.

Regardless of whether Leicester manage to avoid the drop, this season may have put serious question marks over the future of players like Barnes.

In recent seasons, the Foxes have been fighting for Champions League football and lifting their first-ever FA Cup, yet they now find themselves just weeks away from potential relegation.

With this in mind, it will be interesting to see whether the £35k-per-week ace is a player who feels he may need a move in the summer to continue his development.

And it is believed an option for him could potentially be Newcastle with the Magpies flying high in the Premier League table as they battle for a spot inside the top four.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, insider Jacque Talbot has suggested Eddie Howe is a big fan of the 25-year-old with the summer window just weeks away:

(1:00) "Not really much of a surprise if you're a Newcastle fan, you know, Eddie Howe loves his Premier League players, English players, Harvey Barnes has got 10 goals already this season with a struggling side.

"Leicester could even be relegated, so obviously that's going to help tremendously in their pursuit of him. Can play in the middle and on left, I believe so yeah, that's what we heard."

Would Barnes upgrade Newcastle?

It would certainly be an interesting addition to the side given the options Howe currently has on the left wing in Allan Saint-Maximin and Anthony Gordon.

The latter has experienced injury issues over recent weeks which has allowed the Frenchman to make a solid run in the side where he has largely impressed.

And it is only a matter of months on from when the Toon parted with £45m for Gordon in the January transfer window.

However, it could definitely create a fierce battle for competition if Barnes was also to be added to the options at left wing ahead of next season.

But is it a headache which Howe would welcome?

Previously hailed as "special" by journalist Adam Bate, Barnes has actually returned the lowest number of shot-creating actions (2.01) in comparison to the two current Newcastle left-wingers (via Fbref).

However, his actual return in front of goal has been mightily impressive with 10 goals and one assist in the league which is more than the Newcastle pair combined.

It is apparent Barnes could provide Newcastle with a real attacking threat, but his arrival could certainly cause issues on Tyneside with the spot at left-wing at stake ahead of the new campaign.

Plenty of Leeds United reporters have been reacting to the news of Archie Gray’s first professional contract at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Two-and-a-half-year deal

The Whites confirmed on Friday afternoon that Gray has signed a first professional contract with the club. Gray turned 17 years of age last weekend and has now put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal with his boyhood club.

The midfielder was first used in a Premier League matchday squad at the age of 15 under Marcelo Bielsa but is yet to make his senior debut.

He has made plenty of appearances for Leeds at U18 and U21 level, contributing to seven goals in 31 games in total. His highlight at the club so far on the pith is arguably a brilliant long-range strike against Manchester United for the U21s at Elland Road.

Former manager Jesse Marsch was also seemingly a big fan of the teenager, saying this after a pre-season game last summer:

“I consider Archie a first-team player at 16.

“He has cleverness, the flexibility to play in multiple positions, he can run, he sees things quickly, he’s aggressive against the ball and he’s fearless. I think he’s got the full package.”

The Latest: Media buzz

Following the news regarding Gray’s first professional contract, a number of Leeds United reporters were quick to react.

Phil Hay said ‘this is good’, while James Marshment added it is ‘great to see Archie Gray tied down, an unreal talent who has every chance at making it big.’ Joe Donnohue meanwhile described it as an ‘important’ piece of business to get done.

The Verdict: Future star?

It looks as if Leeds feel they may have a future star on their hands in Gray, who you expect will go on and feature for the first team at some point in the future.

Javi Gracia is the latest Leeds manager to seemingly be left impressed with what he has seen in Gray, saying prior to Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Wolves that Gray and Darko Gyabi are midfielders he’ll think about using while Tyler Adams is out through injury.

Gray has been out with an injury of his own in recent months so may need time to get back up to speed around Thorp Arch, possibly by playing in the U21s, however, should Adams’ injury prove to be worse than initially feared, Gray could find himself in the matchday squad between now and May.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in a move for Inter Milan star, Hakan Calhanoglu, as manager Eddie Howe seeks to recruit a new creative midfielder.

What’s the latest on Calhanoglu to Newcastle?

According to InterLive.it, the Magpies – as well as Premier League rivals Leeds United – have been named as possible suitors for the Turkey international this summer, with the 29-year-old facing something of an uncertain future at San Siro with just 15 months left to run on his current deal.

The report suggests that the 74-cap playmaker – who joined the Nerazzurri on a free transfer from rivals AC Milan back in 2021 – could potentially be the subject of a bid from Leeds for a fee of around €30m (£26m).

The player’s agent, Gordon Stipic, has only recently revealed that his client is in “no rush” to agree to a contract extension, potentially opening the door for the Tynesiders to pounce ahead of next season.

Could Calhanoglu be Newcastle’s Maddison alternative?

A new midfield asset has clearly been on the agenda for the St James’ Park outfit of late, having been heavily linked with a move for Leicester City sensation James Maddison in the January transfer window, after previously lodging a £50m bid for the 26-year-old over the summer.

Further reports have indicated that the Englishman will again be a top target for Howe and co come the end of the season, although champions Manchester City are also now in the mix for the player – whose own deal is set to expire in 2024.

That rival interest from the Etihad outfit may prove a spanner in the works for Howe’s plan of prising the Coventry-born gem from the King Power Stadium, hence the need to look for an alternative in the form of Calhanoglu.

The latter man has enjoyed a fruitful campaign thus far with three goals and six assists in 33 games in all competitions for the Serie A side, with that a respectable record despite not quite matching the feats of Maddison – who has 14 goals involvements in just 20 games across all fronts this season.

Clearly a player who can make an impact in the final third, Calhanoglu also mirrors the Leicester man with his ability to drive his side forward from deep, with that evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 20% among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, while Maddison ranks in the top 18% in that regard.

Equally, while the latter man has been lauded by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate as an asset who can provide “world-class” delivery, the Inter ace is also a real threat from dead-ball situations, having been noted as something of a ‘free-kick specialist’ – as per The Guardian.

The German-born ace – who has 30 goal involvements to his name in just 79 games for his current side – previously laid on 80 goals and assists in 172 games for his former employers, as well as 28 goals and 29 assists in just 115 games during his time at Leverkusen.

Undoubtedly a figure who can unpick a defence or produce a moment of magic when required, the 5 foot 10 dynamo could emerge as something of a talisman for Howe and co, having previously been described by former boss Stefano Pioli as an “exceptional guy, [who] has the qualities to become the protagonist.”

Those traits should ensure that Calhanoglu would certainly be an astute signing for Newcastle if a deal can be struck this summer, particularly should the long-running pursuit of Maddison fail to bare fruit.

While Jesse Marsch’s sacking from Leeds United a matter of weeks ago was unsurprising, the decision that was taken in order to replace him was somewhat of a shock.

The Whites cast their net out in search of a swift appointment but were knocked back several times, first by the disciple of Marcelo Bielsa – Carlos Corberan – who signed a new deal at West Bromwich Albion and then by Andoni Iraola who was blocked by his club, Rayo Vallecano.

As a result, Victor Orta and co were left with limited options, ultimately looking towards his fellow countryman in Javi Gracia.

A strange appointment it indeed looks, and when considering he reportedly doesn’t even have a work permit, the hire becomes even more perplexing.

The former Watford boss at least arrives with experience in English football and indeed the Premier League, but it will be an uphill battle to keep the Yorkshire side in the division.

Fortunately, he does have a number of talented young players to call upon, one of which is Giorginio Rutter.

What impact could Rutter have under Gracia?

The year of 2023 has been a troubling one not just for Leeds, who have not won a game since the resumption of the league following the World Cup, but also for new signing Rutter.

Signed from Hoffenheim in the winter, the 20-year-old looks a raw but exciting talent. That said, he is yet to find the net in his five Premier League games and 109 minutes of action.

Those are limited involvements indeed but under Gracia, he could well thrive.

After all, this is a manager who once coached a certain Richarlison to prominence all those years ago at Vicarage Road with the Brazilian – now a £60m footballer at Spurs – playing under Gracia’s tutelage for the Hornets.

Although he failed to score for the Spaniard, he is undoubtedly one of the most notable players the new Leeds boss has worked with.

The Brazil international is a master of the dark arts when it comes to his off-the-ball work, making himself a nuisance for opposition defenders.

But he is indeed a competent footballer too, using his pace and trickery to work openings for both himself and his teammates. It is those qualities that have seen him ultimately go on to score 48 times in the Premier League.

Capable of operating as a centre-forward or out on the flanks, there are clear parallels with Rutter who plays in similar areas of the pitch.

At Leeds, the Frenchman has exclusively played as a striker but with Patrick Bamford now back in the fold, could play out wide. That said, with Gracia previously favouring a 4-4-2, perhaps the duo could operate together in the same side.

But what makes this comparison to Richarlison all the more obvious is their skill set, with scout Jacek Kulig once hailing the “clinical finisher” for his “blistering pace.”

Described as ‘part centre-forward, part jet-heeled winger’ by the Bundesliga website, the 20-year-old was among the 50 quickest players in Germany’s top tier with a top speed of 21.46 mph, just 2 mph quicker than that of the current Spurs attacker.

Rutter’s ‘direct running and mesmerising dribbling’ as per Bundesliga.com only add further comparisons, with such a player only set to get better as the years go on.

Leeds, and Gracia, however, will just have to hope that progression happens in the next few weeks. He will be key to any chance the Elland Road outfit has of staying up.