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Antony continues to star during a loan spell at Real Betis from Manchester United, with the Brazilian pointing out that he is "The Chosen One".

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Struggled for a spark with Red DevilsThriving during loan spell in SpainBrazilian playing with confidence againFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The South American winger endured a tough time at Old Trafford on the back of a big-money transfer from Ajax in the summer of 2022. He registered just 12 goals and five assists for the Red Devils through 96 appearances.

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A change of scenery was clearly required, and Antony found that in the winter window of 2025 when heading to Spain. The 25-year-old forward has been a revelation for Betis, finding the target on six occasions in 19 outings.

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His latest strike was a stunner, as he crashed a half-volley beyond former United team-mate David de Gea with his right foot during a Conference League semi-final clash with Fiorentina. Antony worked through several celebrations after hitting the net.

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One of those saw him point to a tattoo on his neck. That inking says ‘Iluminado’, which translates into English as ‘The Chosen One’. Antony is proving to be just that at present, with Betis desperate for him to remain on their books beyond the end of the season.

تعرض نجم فريق ليفربول، محمد صلاح، لانتقادات لاذعة من جانب عدد من مشجعي النادي الإنجليزي بسبب ما وقع خلال موكب الاحتفال بكأس الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، مساء أمس.

كان ليفربول قد حسم لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، في وقت سابق من شهر أبريل الماضي، بعدما فاز على توتنهام بخمسة أهداف لهدف في الجولة الرابعة والثلاثين.

وحصل ليفربول بشكل رسمي على كأس الدوري الإنجليزي في مباراته الأخيرة على “الأنفيلد” يوم الأحد ضد كريستال بالاس.

وأقام ليفربول موكبًا شرفيًا للاحتفال بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي العشرين في تاريخه، في شوارع المدينة وسط حشود من الجماهير التي حرصت على الاحتفال رفقة لاعبيها.

ولكن احتفال ليفربول لم يمر بسلام حيث وقع حادثًا مأسويًا نتيجة اصطدام سيارة بحشد من الناس، مما تسبب في حالة من الهلع وسط المتواجدين، وأصدر النادي بيانًا رسميًا، وكذلك الشرطة (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

لكن محمد صلاح أثار غضب عدد من جمهور ليفربول، بعدما تجاهل كل ذلك ونشر صورة له عبر حسابه الشخصي بموقع إكس، وهو يقبل كأس الدوري الإنجليزي.

جاءت الصورة نحو الساعة الثامنة والنصف مساءً، في حين أن خدمات الطوارئ كانت لا تزال تعمل على قدم وساق في موقع الحادث.

وأبدى عدد من مشجعي ليفربول غضبهم تجاه تصرف محمد صلاح، حسبما نشرت صحيفة “ديلي إكسبريس” الإنجليزية، والتي أرفقت عددا من التغريدات الساخطة تجاه المصري.

وكتب أحد مشجعي ليفربول: “ليس هذا الوقت المناسب، احترم الحادث المؤلم”.

It’s not the right time, respect the painful incident. — باسـل 🇵🇸 (@PresidentofTW) May 26, 2025

وأضاف ثانِ: “لهذا السبب لا يجب عليك أبدًا منح إدارة حساباتك على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي لفريق إعلامي بلا روح، هذا غير لائق إطلاقاً”.

This is why you should never relinquish control of your socials to a soulless media team. Completely inappropriate. — CFChris. (@EmenaIo) May 26, 2025

وكتب ثالث: “جاء هذا المنشور المجدول في وقت غير مناسب، عليهم احتواء الموقف”.

This scheduled post has landed at a bad time
They need to do damage control — Kerry 🇰🇪 (@kerubo_hillary) May 26, 2025

في حين دافع البعض عن محمد صلاح ووجهوا اللوم ناحية فريق العلاقات العامة الخاص به، حيث قال أحدهم: “من الواضح أن فريق العلاقات العامة لمحمد صلاح كان ينبغي أن يكون أكثر درايةً بالأمر، فهو لن يفعل هذا أبدًا”.

Obviously Mo’s PR team who should know a lot better – he would never do this — Bear Down 🐻 (@c36870401) May 26, 2025

وأكد آخر: “هذه إدارة سيئة لوسائل التواصل الاجتماعي، نشر هذا مباشرة بعد حادثة موكب ليفربول، كان يجب إلغاء المنشور لو كان مجدولًا”.

This is bad social media management. Posting this just after the Liverpool parade incident… should have cancelled if it’s scheduled — wes ultra (@wes_ultra) May 26, 2025

ومن الملاحظ أن التغريدة المنشودة قد حُذفت حيث لم تعد متواجدة على الحساب الشخصي لـ محمد صلاح، وليس من المعلوم ما إذا كان السبب هو هجوم الجماهير ضده أم أن هناك أمر آخر.

The season will commence on August 30 with the National T20 Cup and will end with the 50-over Pakistan Cup on January 3

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jul-2022

The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will continue to be played on a double-league basis•PCB

The PCB has ushered in a number of major changes to the domestic structure for the 2022-23 season, where 187 matches will be played across formats over five months starting August 30.The second XI tournaments, played between six teams, will now be played on a double-league basis across formats. In the T20 tournament, each side will play a minimum of ten matches and a total of 30 matches as compared to the previous seasons when the event was held on a single-league basis with 15 matches overall. The three-day tournament that used to be played as a pathway to first-class cricket will now be played over four days [though it still won’t be a first-class tournament], and just like the T20s and the 50-over tournaments, each side will get a minimum of ten matches in a total of 30.The domestic season will commence with the National T20 Cup, which will be held in Rawalpindi and Multan from August 30 to September 19. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the premier first-class event, will continue to be played on a double-league basis, and will run from September 27 to November 30. The season will end with the 50-over Pakistan Cup, which will be staged in Karachi from December 10 to January 3.The board has also rejigged the venues this season and slotted a significant chunk of the first-class and second-grade cricket in the northern part of the country, including Abbottabad, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The final stages will take place in Karachi, where a new venue – the Naya Nazimabad Stadium – is set to get first-class status.The season will be wrapped up in January, unlike the previous seasons where domestic cricket was usually played from September to March.”We have introduced a new concept whereby the non-first-class CA [provincial associations] Championship matches will be four-day fixtures,” Nadeem Khan, OCB’s director of high performance, said in a statement. “This will ensure the matches are well-contested and result-oriented, and the players get full opportunity to make the best of these games.”This will also help in narrowing the gap with our first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in which only the best of the best participate. We have also tried to streamline the player development and progression. Now, a talented U-19 cricketer will not have to wait until the next year before playing in the seniors’ competition.”I am sure that this year, we will see a few outstanding U-19 cricketers from the CCA, CA and National tournaments that will feature in the topline events, as the pathways events have been designed to lead into the main competitions.”The PCB has completed its review of all the coaches from last season and is set to announce the appraisals soon. The teams for each association will be selected next month.

Dele Alli is back in the Como squad after suspension as Cesc Fabregas sends out a rallying call ahead of the derby against Monza.

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• Dele picked up a red card on his return
• Lasted just 10 minutes against Milan
• Ready to make a comeback after serving his ban

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The English midfielder, who joined the Serie A outfit in a bid to revive his career, saw his first appearance cut short in sensational fashion against AC Milan. Having been introduced off the bench by head coach Fabregas, Dele was shown a straight red card less than 10 minutes later after an aggressive challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

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  Dele’s former England teammate and AC Milan loanee Kyle Walker tried to intervene with the referee, pleading against the decision. Despite his protests, the official stood firm, and Dele was sent down the tunnel, leaving Fabregas’ side to finish the match a man down.

• WHAT FABREGAS SAID

  In a further boost to Como’s preparations, Fabregas provided a relatively clean bill of health for his squad. While a few players are still managing minor concerns, most of the team is available for selection, including Dele.

  "They are all ready, except Azon who is a bit tired, Van der Brempt is slowly recovering," he said. "I haven't seen him in the sprint yet, but this week he did very well. The more players we have, the better it is also for the competitiveness. They are all here, Nico Paz and Dele Alli are back after the suspension".

  Fabregas also sent out a strong message to his squad before the match. He added: "Many teams have struggled against Monza, as Alessandro Nesta’s side play good football and much like us, they have fewer points than they would deserve. In order to stay in Serie A, you don’t have to win every game, but if you are not winning at the 88th minute, you must at least avoid defeat. We have improved, but there is a long way to go yet. I’d say we are only 25 per cent there in the Como project, but first of all we need to secure our Serie A safety. After that, we must realise that the expectations are going to go up and we must adapt to the various opponents in the league. There is no comparison with Serie B, there is so much more quality here, whereas last season we could afford to run more risks.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR COMO & DELE?

  With Como sitting 13th in the Serie A table, Fabregas understands the stakes are high. Although his team is currently seven points clear of the relegation zone, every fixture counts in the tightly-contested bottom half of the table and none more so than a showdown with basement dwellers Monza.

  For Dele, this weekend’s derby offers a fresh start, a chance to make headlines for the right reasons. His debut may have been marred by controversy, but there’s still a sense of anticipation surrounding what the former Tottenham star can bring to Como’s midfield.

La Liga giants Barcelona are working to find a new club for one of their players in 2025, and it is believed that he could join Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou makes January transfer admission at Tottenham

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou hasn’t had the easiest of times when it comes to player availability, with the Lilywhites minus a host of first-team players right now – especially in defence.

Tottenham eye Real Madrid target as "incredible" Levy call gifts Spurs advantage

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Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies are not expected back until after the new year, with the latter suffering a setback in his recovery from injury, which will keep him out for even longer than anticipated (Postecoglou).

Radu Dragusin also picked up an ankle injury in the final minutes of Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, dealing a real worry for Postecoglou, who’s now waiting to discover the extent of the defender’s problem.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures	Date
Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)	December 29
Newcastle United (home)	January 4
Arsenal (away)	January 15
Everton (away)	January 19
Leicester City (home)	January 26

Dragusin faces a late fitness test to determine whether he’ll be eligible for their clash with Wolves on Sunday or if his fresh knock is more severe, but Postecoglou faces the very real scenario of being without a single senior centre-back tomorrow.

As injuries continue to ravage the Spurs squad, questions understandably surround the looming January transfer window and whether chairman Daniel Levy will give the green light to invest in new signings mid-season.

Speaking in his latest press conference, Postecoglou confirmed that the north Londoners are “working hard” to strengthen his squad behind the scenes – but there will be no sense of panic-buying in what is a historically challenging window.

“I still think you can be disciplined,” said Postecoglou on January transfers.

“It will depend where we’re at when the window opens, and we’re getting close to that now, so we’ve got a clearer picture of where we’re at. I still think we have to be disciplined, it’s not just about just bringing anybody in. There’s certainly a need to reinforce if we can.

“Everyone knows January’s not an easy time to do that. But the club’s working hard behind the scenes to see what we can do to help players we’ve got at the moment who are giving everything in every game and dipping into every bit of energy they have to try to get us through.”

Tottenham emerge as possible destination for Barcelona forward Vitor Roque

Thinking ahead to next summer, Levy and technical director Johan Lange are also setting transfer plans in motion.

According to a report by Spanish newspaper Sport (as relayed by another media source from the continent), Barcelona forward Vitor Roque could be snapped up by Postecoglou’s side next year.

The £33 million Brazilian, who’s currently enjoying a productive spell on loan at Real Betis, is likely to be sold next summer – with Hansi Flick and co deciding to find him a new club.

It is believed that Roque could join Tottenham from Barcelona as one potential landing spot alongside Palmeiras and two unnamed Italian clubs, as the Catalans work hard to find him suitors.

Betis have an option to buy the South American, but they’re not in a position to activate the clause financially, which could be a real opportunity for Lange. Tottenham have also shown reported interest in Roque previously, so he’s a long-term target.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta terça-feira (5), o Ceará recebe o Independiente, na Arena Castelão, em sua estreia oficial na Copa Sul-Americana. A partida será válida pela primeira rodada do Grupo G da competição.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Opção para a lateral-esquerda, Bruno Pacheco falou sobre a expectativa do elenco do Vozão para o primeiro grande desafio da equipe na competição.

– Estamos preparados para fazer uma grande estreia. Sabemos que a competição é bastante difícil, mas queremos começar com o pé direito ao lado do nosso torcedor – destacou.

A partida de hoje também marcará a estreia do técnico Dorival Júnior, que dirige o time cearense pela primeira vez. De acordo com o atleta que emenda a sua terceira temporada no Alvinegro de Porangabussu, o comandante vai somar e ajudar bastante o time brasileiro na competição:

– O Dorival é um grande treinador e tem bastante experiência. Tenho certeza que vai agregar muito em nossa equipe e junto com ele vamos evoluir dentro da temporada.

MatériaMais Notícias

Foi com muito sofrimento, até mais do que o Corinthians esperava, mas o Timão está classificado à semifinal do Campeonato Paulista.

Nesta quinta-feira (24), o clube alvinegro empatou em 1 a 1 contra o Guarani, na Neo Química Arena, pela fase de quartas de final do Paulistão, e na decisão por pênaltis o Time do Povo passou pelo Bugre por 7 a 6. Destaque para Cássio, que defendeu o único pênalti desperdiçado, o sétimo da equipe de Campinas, perdido por Madson.

No tempo normal, Gil marcou o gol do Corinthians, aos 42 minutos do primeiro tempo. E o Guarani empatou aos oito da etapa final, com o zagueiro João Victor.

Com a classificação, o Timão encarará o São Paulo, no estádio do Morumbi, novamente em jogo único.

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> TABELA – Confira a tabela da reta final do Paulistão
> GALERIA -Relembre todos os jogos de mata-mata do Timão na Arena

CORINTHIANS COMEÇA EM CIMA

O Corinthians já começou o jogo mostrando que iria para cima. Logo aos três minutos de partida, o lateral-direito Matheus Ludke fez falta em Willian e recebeu amarelo. A infração renderia ao lateral a substituição antes dos 30 minutos de jogo.

No lance seguinte a falta, Du Queiroz encontrou Fagner livre pela direita, o lateral invadiu a área e finalizou para a defesa do goleiro Kozlinski.

Já foi o cartão de visitas corintiano contra o Bugre. E seria assim até o fim do primeiro tempo.

LADO ESQUERDO DO TIMÃO FUNCIONA

A chegada de Fagner pela direita foi a única boa chegada do Timão pela direita com bola rolando. Depois, o lado esquerdo corintiano colocou fogo no Guarani.

Foram pelo menos três grandes chances, sendo duas passando pelos pés do lateral-esquerdo Lucas Piton, que fez ótimo primeiro tempo.

Aos 10 minutos, Piton recebeu em profundidade pela esquerda, invadiu a área e cruzou para trás, mas Renato Augusto furou. Dez minutos depois, mais um bolão de Du Queiroz, dessa vez para Lucas Piton, que mais uma vez cruzou para trás, e dessa vez Róger Guedes foi quem chegou batendo, mas sem muita força e a finalização ficou no meio do caminho.

Antes, aos 14 minutos, Willian finalizou de fora da área e o goleiro Kozlinski fez boa defesa.

GUARANI ASSUSTA

A única grande chegada do Guarani no primeiro tempo foi aos 30 minutos, em bola rebatida por Du Queiroz, após a cobrança de lateral, a bola voltou para Madson finalizar de primeira, sem pulo, e a bola explodiu na trave do goleiro Cássio.

TIMÃO ABRE O PLACAR

Após seis escanteios no jogo, sendo três dele batidos aberto, no meio da área, visando Gil, a insistência deu certo aos 42 minutos do primeiro tempo, com Renato Augusto cobrando pelo lado direito e o camisa 4 subiu mais que todo mundo testando firme e de forma precisa no canto direito do goleiro Kozlinski.

Foi o primeiro gol de Gil na temporada, 14º com a camisa do Corinthians. O defensor voltou a ir às redes após 10 meses e quatro dias.

CORINTIANS VOLTA ASSUSTANDO

O Corinthians voltou em cima do Guarani no segundo tempo. Logo aos quatro minutos da etapa final, Róger Guedes quase ampliou o marcador para o Timão, finalizando na rede pelo lado de fora após receber passe de Fagner, que fez uma grande jogada, deixando dois jogadores do Bugre para trás.

GUARANI EMPATA COM ‘GOL REPLAY’

A resposta do Guarani foi aos sete minutos, com uma finalização perigosa de Nicolas Careca pelo lado direito. O atacante recebeu na entrada da grande área e finalizou no canto esquerdo de Cássio que fez a defesa.

Na cobrança de escanteio, Giovanni Augusto cobrou aberto na altura da marca do pênalti, e o zagueiro João Victor, do Bugre, ganhou de Gil de cabeça marcando um gol muito parecido com o do Timão no primeiro tempo.

CORINTHIANS SENTE O GOL E DIMINUI O RITIMO

Quando sofreu o gol, o Corinthians tentou voltar a alugar o campo defensivo do Guarani, mas não teve o mesmo perigo do primeiro tempo, quando tinha posse de bola e criava boas chances de gols.

Por sua vez, o Bugre quase chegou a virada, com um chute de fora da área de Lucão do Break, que fez curva e obrigou Cássio faz boa defesa no canto esquerdo.

TRISCANDO A TRAVE

Aos 35 minutos do segundo tempo, o Timão voltou a criar uma grande chance de perigo.

Giovanni Augusto faz falta dura em Mantuan, e a cobrança é feita curta pelo Timão que sai trocando passes rapidamente. Renato Augusto finaliza da entrada da grande área, próximo a meia-lua, a bola desvia e passa triscando a trave do Guarani.

CÁSSIO DECIDE NOS PÊNALTIS

Todos os pênaltis foram da primeira sessão foram convertidos, e a decisão precisou ser decidida nas alternadas.

Do lado do Corinthians, Fábio Santos, Giuliano, Renato Augusto, Júnior Moraes e João Victor converteram para o lado corintiano, enquanto Giovanni Augusto, Kozlinski, Lucas Venyuto, Lucão do Break e Bruno Silva marcaram para o Bugre.

Nos alternados, Fagner e Adson foram ás redes para o Timão, enquanto Ronaldo marcou de cavadinha para o Guarani.

Na 14ª cobrança, Madson encheu o pé no meio do gol, Cássio caiu para o canto direito, mas deixou o pé no centro da meta para fazer a defesa.

Foi a 21ª defesa de penalidades do arqueiro corintiano, que está na sua décima temporada no clube. E uma das mais importantes, que garantiu o Timão na semifinal do Campeonato Paulista.

FICHA TÉCNICA
CORINTHIANS 1 (7) X (6) 1 GUARANI

Local: Neo Química Arena, São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora: 24 de março 2022, às 19h
Árbitro:Flavio Rodrigues de Souza
Assistentes:Marcelo Carvalho Van Gasse eDaniel Luis Marques
Árbitro de vídeo:Rodrigo Guarizo Ferreira do Amaral
Público e renda:38.283 pessoas /R$ 2.29.941,00
Cartões amarelos: João Victor e Gil (Corinthians); Matheus Ludke, Giovanni Augusto e Rodrigo Andrade (Guarani)
Cartões vermelhos: –

CORINTHIANS: Cássio; Fagner, João Victor, Gil e Lucas Piton; Du Queiroz (Giuliano, 28’/2T); Gustavo Mosquito (Adson, 16’/2T), Renato Augusto, Paulinho e Willian (Júnior Moraes,16’/2T); Róger Guedes (Gustavo Mantuan, 28’/2T).Técnico:Vítor Pereira

GUARANI: Maurício Kozlinski; Mateus Ludke (Rodrigo Andrade, 29’/1T), João Victor, Ronaldo Alves (Derlan, 27’/2T) e Matheus Pereira; Madison, Indio (Bruno Silva. 35’/2T) e Giovanni Augusto; Julio César (Lucas Venuto, 35’/2T), Nicolas Careca (Ronald, 27’/2T) e Lucão do Break.Técnico: Daniel Paulista

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Tottenham Hotspur have an unseen teenage sensation who’s “just like” young forward Mikey Moore, which bodes well for manager Ange Postecoglou considering just how impressive the latter has been when given an opportunity.

Mikey Moore praised for Tottenham displays this season

It’s been a landmark season for Moore so far, who has been handed a fair few chances to impress by Postecoglou over the early stages of 2024/2025.

Levy sets price as sources close to Tottenham star await Man United bid

The Red Devils are apparently pretty keen.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 21, 2024

The 17-year-old was handed a Premier League start in Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, alongside cameos off the bench against Brentford, Man United and Brighton, but the Europa League is where Moore has turned the most heads.

His very impressive displays against Ferencvaros and Dutch giants AZ Alkmaar, where he started both encounters, earned Moore plenty of praise – with teammate James Maddison even comparing the teenager to Neymar.

Man City vs Tottenham

November 23

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December 1

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December 5

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December 15

“From minute 45 to 65 I thought we had Neymar on the left wing. He was brilliant. Just demanding the ball and fearless,” said Maddison on Moore to TNT Sports, after his performance against AZ.

“[He has] that young, fearless mentality and you never want to take that away from him. He’s a young kid, a brilliant lad, a lovely boy. He takes in information, and he’s got bags of ability, so I’ll be there as an older player, hopefully with some wise words to help along the way.

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

88

Touches

54

Passes completed

29/36 (81%)

Shots taken

3

Dribbles attempted

4

Aerials won

1/1 (100%)

Touches in opposition box

6

“He’s got all the ability. It’s just about knuckling down and working hard, which he does to be fair to him.”

Moore has been called a £200 million sensation in the making, and while Postecoglou was quick to shoot down comparisons with Neymar, it is safe to say that the England Under-19 international could have a pretty big future ahead of him.

Pundit hails Tottenham teenager Luca Williams-Barnett who's "just like" Moore

However, according to academy expert and pundit John Wenham, another youngster who supporters should watch out for is Luca Williams-Barnett.

The 16-year-old is on fire for Spurs’ Under-18s right now, bagging nine goals and four assists in eight league outings so far this season, and Wenham has told Tottenham News that Williams-Barnett is “just like” Moore. Not only that, but Wenham also states that Williams-Barnett is becoming a “bit of a cheat code”.

“Williams-Barnett’s goal contributions are incredibly similar to what Moore was doing,” Wenham said.

“A lot of supporters would say that having Moore was like having a cheat code when the forward was playing with the Under-18s.

“And I’d say that just like Moore, Williams-Barnett is also becoming a bit of a cheat code.”

Arsenal have reportedly begun their all-important search for Edu Gaspar’s replacement, following the sporting director’s resignation at the start of November.

Rumoured Arsenal candidates to succeed Edu as director

News of the Brazilian’s departure took most by surprise, given the swift nature of its arrival, and it was seen by many as a real blow for manager Mikel Arteta – who waves goodbye to a key ally at the north London club.

Related Arsenal expected to sell £150k-per-week ace, no longer in Arteta's plans

The exit door apparently beckons.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 19, 2024

Assistant director Jason Ayto has taken up the sporting director role on an interim basis while the club assess who is best to seize the mantle long-term, and it is believed the club chief has a slim chance of succeeding Edu permanently, considering just how closely he’s worked with the Brazilian over these past 12 months (Charles Watts).

However, Ayto is by no means the club’s only potential candidate.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Nottingham Forest (home)

November 23

West Ham United (away)

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There are reports that Real Sociedad’s Roberto Alabe is tempted to replace Edu at Arsenal, with the Spanish director leaving his own post at the end of the season. Alabe has held many past conversations with Arsenal over the transfers of Mikel Merino, Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney, so there is already a working relationship there.

Meanwhile, members of the Arsenal camp are believed to be championing Luis Campos for the role, considering his glowing reputation as one of the world’s best talent spotters, which also saw him linked with Tottenham in the past.

There are a few interesting options on the table, but a slightly more left-field name to be mentioned is West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten.

The German has endured a mixed spell in the West Ham boardroom and has come under fire recently for his role in appointing Julen Lopetegui, the signing of crocked striker Niclas Fullkrug and a £120 million-plus summer expenditure which hasn’t paid dividends thus far.

Mick Brown "staggered" after hearing Steidten could replace Edu at Arsenal

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown, turned pundit, has expressed his disbelief as Arsenal reportedly consider Steidten for the sporting director post.

“I couldn’t believe when I heard his name linked,” he told Football Insider.

“You’re instrumental in getting Werder Bremen relegated, then you go to Leverkusen and leave under a cloud, then you come to West Ham, against the wishes of the then-manager, and eventually play a part in getting him sacked.

“Then out of all of that, you’re mentioned with the Arsenal job? It’s madness. I’m staggered. You’d think, looking at his record there, the powers that be at Arsenal would look elsewhere.

“A lot of these moves are agent-driven, so that has almost certainly played a part. But his record with managers is very poor. Even just at West Ham, he’s clashed with Moyes and now he’s clashed with Lopetegui.

“Moyes even had to ban him from the training ground because he was always in the ears of the players. We know Arteta is a strong influence there, and it wouldn’t shock me to see them clash as well.

“I just can’t see this happening. I think it’s highly unlikely and everything points to it being media talk rather than any serious interest from Arsenal.”

The 2020 summer transfer window was a significant time for Leeds United. The Whites spent millions of pounds to prepare for their first season back in the Premier League in 16 years and even broke their record transfer fee to sign Spanish attacker Rodrygo from Valencia.

Some of the other incomings included French goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who is still the club’s number one today, and Spanish centre-back Diego Llorente. However, perhaps the signing with the most significance that summer proved to be Brazilian winger Raphinha, who became a key player at the club and made crucial contributions to the Yorkshire outfit.

Raphinha’s Leeds career

Leeds paid £17m plus add-ons for the wing wizard, who joined on a four-year deal from French outfit Stade Rennais. Although he stayed at the club just two seasons, his contributions were significant and he played a huge part in keeping the club in the Premier League.

It was the winger’s penalty against Brentford on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign that ensured Leeds’ survival in the Premier League. That proved to be his last game for the club, and he made a big move to La Liga giants Barcelona that summer, for £49m up front with a potential for the deal to rise to £55m.

Indeed, he left the club with a superb record. Leeds’ former number 18 played 67 times in that famous White shirt, scoring 17 times and registering 12 assists. There were some impressive goals for the club, but none more important than the strike against Brentford.

Since his departure to Catalonia, the former Sporting star has been superb, especially this season under Hansi Flick. He has made 100 appearances for the club, scoring 29 times and grabbing 33 assists. This term, he already has nine goals and eight assists in 13 appearances, including a wonderful hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League this week.

Raphinha has been a revelation since leaving Elland Road, and will always be remembered fondly by the Leeds faithful for his contributions to the club. Although they have never really managed to find his replacement, there could be one player they reignite interest in before long.

Who Leeds could sign to replace Raphinha

The player in question here is Marseille winger Jonathan Rowe. The English winger was a player chased by the club over the summer, but he ended up making the move to the South of France on a loan with an obligation to buy him for a package of £17m.

Pundit Don Goodman explained – in an interview with MOT Leeds News – that the Yorkshire outfit might “be there for him again” if the 21-year-old decides to return to England one day, something that Goodman has “no doubt” will happen.

So far, the England under-21 international has performed well for French outfit Marseille, who are managed by former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. He has played seven times, scoring twice and grabbing an assist. However, it is worth noting that he has played just 209 minutes in Ligue 1, the equivalent of just 2.3 full 90-minute games.

This deal would certainly mirror the move that Raphinha made to Elland Road. Should this deal get over the line, it would see the Whites sign a tricky winger from Ligue 1, just as they did when the Brazilian joined four years ago. He is someone of “EPL potential” according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and would hope to prove that just as Raphinha did.

Like the Barcelona man, he is a versatile player, capable of playing in multiple attacking positions, as his time at Norwich City showed. Indeed, Barcelona’s number 11 has played in several positions this season, including on the left wing to accommodate young star Lamine Yamal.

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Left-wing

15

1

2

Right-wing

11

4

0

Right midfield

8

5

0

Left midfield

3

1

0

Attacking midfield

3

1

1

Second striker

1

0

0

Signing Rowe could be an inspirational move from Leeds. Not only is he a quality winger who has an impressive record in few minutes this term, but signing a winger from Ligue 1 has been incredibly successful in the past for Leeds.

If this deal was to be anywhere near as good as the one that brought Raphinha to Elland Road, then Leeds supporters are in for a real treat.

Worth more than Raphinha: Leeds star has seen value soar by £40m since exit

This former Leeds United star has come on leaps and bounds since exiting Elland Road.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 24, 2024