The Al-Nassr star was an unused substitute as one of the favourites this summer in Germany slipped to a disappointing loss
In their penultimate warm-up game before Euro 2024, Portugal went toe-to-toe with another potential dark horse at the tournament in Croatia, but were ultimately undone by their own profligacy. Roberto Martinez made some bold selections – particularly when it came to leaving Cristiano Ronaldo out – but Portugal struggled to find any fluency throughout.
Croatia were awarded a penalty within six minutes, as Mateo Kovacic was fouled in the box by Vitinha. Luka Modric stepped up and scored, smashing his effort into the bottom corner.
At half-time, Martinez rang the changes and Nelson Semedo and Diogo Jota, two subs, combined, as the right-back fed the Liverpool star, and he tapped in just two minutes after the restart.
Ante Budimir hit back quickly, though; Diogo Costa brilliantly tipped Mario Pasalic's shot onto the crossbar but the rebound was headed in by the opportunistic striker.
It was a performance characterised by Portugal having plenty of the ball, doing nothing with it, and relying on Diogo Costa in goal to bail them out at the other end. On another day, they may have lost much more convincingly.
GOAL rates Portugal's players from Centro Desportivo Nacional do Jamor…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Diogo Costa (7/10):
Went the right way for Modric's penalty but it was too firmly struck to save. Made some excellent saves to keep Portugal in it. So unlucky for Budimir's goal, as he made a brilliant save initially and was let down by the rebound off the crossbar. Despite the scoreline, probably Portugal's best player.
Diogo Dalot (4/10):
Drifted away from his right-back position far too often. Subbed at half-time. A poor showing.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Put his body on the line when needed. A reliable operator even if he was stretched on the counter more than he is used to.
Goncalo Inacio (5/10):
Very front-footed in his defending, regularly stepping into midfield, which often left Dias needing to cover. Maybe that's tactical, but it can be alarming to watch.
Nuno Mendes (5/10):
Couldn't press forward as he wanted as he was closely marked by Croatia. Frustrating. Subbed at half-time.
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Midfield
Vitinha (5/10):
Conceded an early penalty after fouling Kovacic in the area. Struggled to keep pace with the game, particularly out of possession.
Joao Palhinha (4/10):
Nowhere near Modric in midfield throughout his time on the pitch. Completely outclassed by the Real Madrid legend.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Worked tirelessly, getting up and down the pitch. Was a blade of grass away from equalising, as his long-range shot zipped just wide. Substituted on 70 minutes; comfortably Portugal's best outfield player, and their best chance of winning Euro 2024.
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Attack
Bernardo Silva (5/10):
Always involved. Some lovely touches but as frustrated as his team-mates.
Goncalo Ramos (5/10):
A potent frontman and a physical specimen but struggled to carve out a chance. Subbed at half-time.
Joao Felix (4/10):
Peripheral in the first half before his substitution. Couldn't cut in and get on the ball, where he can hurt teams. His anonymity was a key reason why Portugal couldn't get a shot on target in the first half.
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Subs & Manager
Diogo Jota (6/10):
On at half-time for Ramos. Scored within two minutes, tapping home after Semedo's cross. Less physical than Ramos, but some lovely interplay with his fellow attackers.
Rafael Leao (5/10):
On at the interval for Felix. Such a gifted wide-man but seemed too timid in the final third; maybe he's saving himself for the tournament proper.
Joao Cancelo (6/10):
On at half-time for Mendes. More dynamic than his countryman, even finding himself in the penalty area on occasion.
Nelson Semedo (6/10):
Replaced Dalot at half-time and immediately made an impact, assisting Jota with a fine cross. Did okay during his time on the pitch, and is more positionally disciplined than the man he replaced.
Pedro Neto (5/10):
Came on for Bruno Fernandes. Nowhere near as effective as the Manchester United star.
Matheus Nunes (N/A):
A late introduction.
Roberto Martinez (4/10):
This was deeply concerning for the former Belgium boss. Portugal didn't have a shot on target in the first half and only clicked for a five-minute period. He still seems to be working out his best team, and that doesn't bode well for Euro 2024.
Celtic are keen to strengthen to bolster their hunt for the Scottish Premiership title and are now believed to be edging closer to their first January signing, according to a report.
Celtic eyeing attacking reinforcements
Besides a brief period under Ange Postecoglou, Celtic have notoriously been slow movers in the January transfer window as they look to take stock of available options before looking to identify the correct profile of player to bring to Parkhead.
Nevertheless, the Hoops now look like they are finally stepping up their market activity and individuals are now beginning to be floated as potential mid-season additions for Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers could ignite Kyogo with Celtic move for £3m SPFL star
The Hoops have been touted with an interest in the impressive centre-forward.
ByDan Emery Jan 10, 2024
One man who continues to be mentioned in connection with Celtic is Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt, who is reportedly on their radar alongside arch-rivals Rangers due to the fact both clubs are keen to recruit reinforcements in attack ahead of the resumption of Scottish football following the conclusion of the winter break.
In Italy, an outlet has even claimed that the Hoops could be offered the chance to sign Bologna forward Sydney van Hooijdonk, who is the son of club icon Pierre, in exchange for allowing Republic of Ireland Under-21 star Rocco Vata to join the Serie A high-flyers.
Speculation persists with respect to the permanent future of on-loan Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo and Football Scotland believe that the buy option in his agreement at Parkhead sits at around £6 million. There is no indication whether or not Celtic will trigger this over the course of this month.
Nonetheless, Celtic now seem to be closing in on their first signing of the window after fresh information has emerged regarding one of their transfer pursuits, according to reports.
Celtic close in on Nicolas Kuhn deal
According to Mailplus reporter Mark Wilson, Celtic look to be on the verge of bringing in Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn. The outlet reports that Rodgers' men are increasingly confident over their chances of being able to sign the 24-year-old, following the news of a bid on Wednesday.
Nicolas Kuhn key statistics in 2023/24 – Austrian Bundesliga (Sofascore)
Shots per game
1.8
Tackles per game
1.4
Big chances created
11
Big chances missed
8
Average match rating
7.22/10
Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports News reporter Anthony Joseph had indicated that Rapid Vienna are looking for just under £3 million for the former Germany Under-20 international, so we may be looking at a deal around that number.
Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, Kuhn has made 22 appearances in all competitions this campaign, registering three goals and seven assists (Kuhn statistics – Transfermarkt).
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic are in need of variation on the flanks to help pick the lock when faced with a low block, and Kuhn certainly looks like a creative presence who could add some extra intuition to Rodgers' side moving forward.
Em um duelo extremamente tenso, já que Fortaleza e Bahia brigam para afastar-se da temida zona de rebaixamento, quem levou melhor foi o Esquadrão na noite deste sábado, pela 37ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Sem maiores dificuldades, o Esquadrão, mesmo jogando na Arena Castelão, não tomou conhecimento e goleou o rival por 4 a 0.
CONFIRA A CLASSIFICAÇÃO ATUALIZADA DO BRASILEIRÃO
Com três gols de Rodriguinho, além de um de Rossi, a equipe de Dado Cavalcanti chegou aos 41 pontos somados, pulando para a 15ª colocação, enquanto os comandados de Enderson caíram para a 16ª posição com o mesmo números de pontos. Porém, os dois times poderão garantir-se na Série A em 2021, caso Goiás e Vasco não vençam seus jogos neste domingo.
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INÍCIO DE JOGO COM GOL DO BAHIA
Precisando do resultado, a equipe de Dado Cavalcanti não quis saber de dar espaço ao Fortaleza. Com isso, logo aos 8 minutos, em jogada iniciada por Ronaldo, Nino Paraíba foi acionado pela ponta conseguindo fazer um bom cruzamento para Rodriguinho cabecear com precisão. 1 a 0.
FORTALEZA NÃO OFERECIA PERIGO A DOUGLAS
Com o tento sofrido, o Esquadrão ainda seguia melhor em campo. Até meados dos 30 minutos, as boas investidas geravam dificuldades por parte do Fortaleza, que tinha trabalho para afastar a bola de sua área, além da marcação no camisa 9, Gilberto.
Sendo assim, os comandados de Enderson Moreira, mesmo arriscando-se em campo, não conseguiam assustar o goleiro Douglas, com exceção da chance criada por David, que acabou cabeceando para fora em uma bola jogada na área.
COMEÇO DE SEGUNDO TEMPO COM CERTO EQUILÍBRIO
Com Dado mudando seu ataque colocando Gabriel Novaes no lugar de Gilberto, a expectativa eram manter o controle das ações em campo. E quase deu certo. Na primeira chegada dos visitantes, Ronaldo já tratou de acertar a trave do gol de Felipe Alves, porém, em uma resposta rápida, o time do camisa 12 do Leão não quis saber de desânimo e, em seguida, devolveu o susto a Douglas em cobrança de falta de Juninho.
BAHIA TRATA DE AUMENTAR A VANTAGEM NA PARTIDA COM MAIS DOIS TENTOS
Vendo o rival crescer, o Esquadrão não deixou barato e partiu pra cima. Com isso, em uma chance criada, aos 16 minutos, em jogada repetida no primeiro gol, Nino Paraíba cruzou na medida para Rodriguinho marcar. 2 a 0.
E o que já estava bom, melhorou para os visitantes. Minutos mais tarde, aos 20, Rossi acabou sofrendo pênalti de Felipe que, por sua vez, acabou recebendo o segundo amarelo no jogo e, consequentemente, foi expulso. Na cobrança, ele de novo, Rodriguinho, em noite inspirada, bateu sem chances para Felipe Alves. 3 a 0.
ROSSI FECHA A CONTA NO CASTELÃO
Sem sofrer nenhum tipo de investida do rival, o Bahia não tirava o pé. Sendo assim, em uma nova descida, outra vez a arbitragem acabou marcando uma penalidade, quando Paulão derrubou Rodriguinho na área. Poderia ser o quart do atacante? Sim, poderia. No entanto, quem cobrou dessa vez foi Rossi que, com categoria, tirou do goleiro para fazer 4 a 0.
Já na reta final, o Tricolor ainda teve uma última oportunidade de fechar com chave de ouro. Porém, Thiago Andrade, mesmo sem goleiro no lance, acabou chutando para fora, dando a deixa paraLuiz Flavio de Oliveira colocar um ponto final no duelo.
FICHA TÉCNICA FORTALEZA 0 x 4 BAHIA – 37ª RODADA DO BRASILEIRO Estádio: Arena Castelão, em Fortaleza (CE) Data: 20 de fevereiro de 2020, às 21h Árbitro: Luiz Flavio de Oliveira (Fifa-SP) Assistentes: Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (Fifa-SP) e Miguel Cataneo Ribeiro da Costa (CBF-SP) Árbitro de vídeo: Marcio Henrique de Gois (CBF-SP) Gramado: Bom Cartões amarelos: Luiz Henrique,Mariano Vázquez e Gabriel Dias(FOR) / Matheus Bahia e Ronaldo (BAH) Cartões vermelhos: Felipe (FOR)
FORTALEZA (Técnico: Enderson Moreira) Felipe Alves; Gabriel Dias (Tinga, aos 25’/2ºT), Quintero, Paulão e Bruno Melo; Juninho, Felipe e Luiz Henrique (Mariano Vázquez, aos 15’/2ºT); Romarinho (Osvaldo, aos 15’/2ºT), Wellington Paulista (Ronald, aos 25’/2ºT) e David (Bergson, aos 31’/2ºT).
BAHIA (Técnico: Dado Cavalcanti) Douglas; Nino Paraíba, Ernando (Juninho, aos 41’/2ºT), Lucas Fonseca e Matheus Bahia; Ronaldo, Patrick e Gregore; Rossi (Thiago Andrade, aos 36’/2ºT), Rodriguinho (Juninho Capixaba, aos 43’/2ºT) e Gilberto (Gabriel Novaes, no intervalo; Daniel, aos 41’/2ºT).
The January transfer window is an opportunity for clubs to capitalise on a mid-season window where they can add to their squads to help them on their way for the second half of the campaign.
Ange Postecoglou's arrival in north London has provided Tottenham Hotspur a fresh lease of life both on and off the pitch. The Australian's philosophy of exciting, attractive football has the Spurs faithful on the edge of their seats and the progressive football has translated into results.
Indeed, Spurs are heading into the new year on the back of a stunning first half of the season and are well within the race to secure a spot in next season's Champions League. It also has to be said that they may consider themselves unlucky not to be closer to the top of the table following a disastrous injury spell over November.
Big injuries to some key players has meant Postecoglou has had to look to his bench over recent weeks and this may mean there is even more significance put on the deals done in the January window for the Lilywhites.
And we at Football FanCast have taken a look into the history books and ranked the top 10 winter window additions for the Lilywhites.
Tottenham ended an 18-month drought of not signing anyone with the addition of Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain in the 2018 January window.
The Brazilian cost Spurs in the region of £25m and over his five-year spell in north London, the winger was able to rack up 221 appearances where he returned 39 goals and 22 assists (via Transfermarkt).
Although Moura did not quite provide the returns of which the likes of Heung-min Son has been able to make over recent years, the Brazilian's name will forever be etched in Tottenham's history.
That night in Amsterdam will always be remembered by everyone at Spurs after Moura scored a stunning second-half hat-trick in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final to book their spot in the final.
It could be argued Moura's returns outside of that night were somewhat underwhelming, however, he did end his time at Spurs in style with a sensational solo goal against Leeds United in the dying seconds of the 2022/23 campaign.
9 Jermain Defoe February 2004 & January 2009
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The England international will always be remembered as one of the club's best goalscorers and both of his transfers to Spurs came in the January window.
Jermain Defoe first signed for Spurs in early 2004, and after a four-year spell with the Lilywhites, he left before returning to White Hart Lane in January 2009.
And although his first stint may have ended slightly underwhelmingly, Defoe returned to Spurs and became one of the club's top goalscorers having returned a stunning 140 goals across his 361 appearances in all competitions (via Transfermarkt).
The striker played a huge role in Tottenham securing their first-ever Champions League qualification by netting a seriously impressive 18 goals in the Premier League over the 2009/10 campaign.
8 Michael Dawson January 2005
Former Tottenham captain Michael Dawson
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10
6
49
3
Now working on Sky Sports following the end of his career as a player, the centre-back could be considered as one of the more underrated defenders in Premier League history.
Michael Dawson was able to rack up a whopping 321 appearances for Spurs over his time at the club where he played an important role in the club's last trophy triumph.
The 2008 League Cup was Tottenham's last major honour and Dawson played every minute of the semi-final annihilation of their north London rivals, Arsenal, however, he was forced to miss the final through injury.
Although he may not have featured in the final, Dawson proved to be an ever-reliable member of a Spurs side who were beginning their evolution into the big-hitter which they are considered today.
7 Dejan Kulusevski January 2022
Dejan Kulusevski.
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0
Tottenham's 'ginger from Sweden' has been a real hit following his arrival from Juventus and is showing the signs of being a real dependable starter for the Lilywhites under Postecoglou.
The winger has already played over 75 times for Spurs and in that time he has found the back of the net 12 times and provided 18 assists (via Transfermarkt).
And this season alone, Kulusevski has proven to be a real goal threat from the wing for Postecoglou with five goals in the Premier League alone.
But alongside his return in front of goal, the Swede has proven to be a versatile option for the Australian by playing through the middle amid their injury issues which have plagued the Lilywhites in recent months.
6 Dele Alli February 2015
conor-gallagher-dele-alli-tottenham-opinion
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Perhaps one of the most exciting young prospects to come out of England in the last decade, Dele Alli set the Premier League alight following his arrival at Spurs.
Although technically, the youngster did not join up with the Spurs side upon his signing in January 2015 as he returned to MK Dons for the remainder of the campaign.
But when he did don the Lilywhite shirt, Dele truly shone and showed he could have become one of the greats for the north London club.
The midfielder quickly rose to stardom and earned himself 37 caps for the England senior side where he was able to find the back of the net three times – including at the 2018 World Cup.
Dele was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year award following a return of 18 goals and nine assists in the 2016/17 Premier League campaign.
The midfielder's struggles over the last few years saw him leave Spurs and has since failed to really find his feet on the pitch since.
However, he will forever be remembered for those stunning early years in north London under the management of Mauricio Pochettino.
5 Pedro Porro January 2023
Tottenham Hotspur ace Pedro Porro in action.
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Spurs have made some encouraging moves in recent winter windows, and one of the most exciting has certainly been Pedro Porro.
The north London side were crying out for an upgrade at right-wing-back in the 2023 January window to provide Antonio Conte with a more natural option.
And that is certainly what Spurs got in Porro. However, Postecoglou's arrival posed a real question as to whether the Spaniard could adapt to a back-four system – that he has done.
Porro has had an impressive start to life in north London with three goals and nine assists over his opening 34 appearances at Spurs (via Transfermarkt).
And it has certainly been an impressive start to life under Postecoglou with the right-back providing six assists in the Premier League over his opening 17 appearances.
4 Rodrigo Bentancur January 2022
Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur
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Alongside Kulusevski, Spurs raided Juventus for Rodrigo Bentancur in a January window which can go down as one to remember for the north Londoners.
Unfortunately for the Uruguayan, Bentancur's recent game time at Spurs has been hindered hugely by two serious injuries. The midfielder was sidelined for the best part of a year in early 2023 after sustaining ACL damage and then – on his first start back – he suffered ligament damage to his ankle following a poor challenge from Aston Villa's Matty Cash.
But in the time Bentancur has been able to play for the Lilywhites, it is clear to see why Paratici wanted to sign him. His return from injury was met by delight from the Spurs fans and he looks like the centre-piece of their midfield for years to come.
3 Wilson Palacios January 2009
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Another player who had a huge role to play in Tottenham's first-ever qualification for the Champions League was the Honduras international Wilson Palacios.
The midfielder was just one of the purchases Harry Redknapp made during his time at Spurs after he was brought in for around £12m from Wigan Athletic.
Palacios was a hard-hitting, no-nonsense midfielder who provided Spurs a lot more solidity in the middle of the park under Redknapp's reign.
The Honduran played a total of 87 times for Spurs over his stint at the club with 33 of those coming in the Premier League campaign where they secured the spot inside the top four for the first time.
By no means was Palacios a glamorous January signing, but he was certainly an effective one.
2 Jonathan Woodgate January 2008
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The career of Jonathan Woodgate was plighted by injuries and his time at Tottenham was no different.
And although that is the case, Woodgate – similarly to Lucas Moura – will be remembered for a huge moment in the club's recent history.
With Dawson missing from the 2008 Carling Cup final, Woodgate lined up alongside Ledley King at centre-back, and he would go on to score the winning goal in extra time.
Spurs were held by their London rivals, Chelsea, to a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes, but the two sides were seperated in extra time by Woodgate's header.
Of course, there was a great deal of fortune for the ball to rebound as it did off Woodgate's face before rolling into an empty net. However, that was the club's last major trophy triumph so he remains written in the north London club's history books.
Following his sale to Liverpool, Robbie Keane made his return to Tottenham in the 2009 January window where he would go on to provide a decent return in front of goal.
Over his next 39 appearances for Tottenham across all competitions, the Ireland international scored 15 goals and provided five assists (via Transfermarkt).
Keane's return to White Hart Lane did not quite live up to the standards which he had set during his first stint at the club, but this is a player who has marked his name among the best strikers in the club's history.
Pakistan suffered their first series defeat in this format after a record 11 consecutive wins
The Report by Danyal Rasool03-Feb-2019
David Miller celebrates with his team-mates•AFP
It took 29 runs off a frenetic final over from David Miller as Pakistan lost the plot just after the rain break, and Pakistan spent 20 overs trying to undo the damage. Despite the best efforts of a scintillating Babar Azam, who stroked a superlative 90 in a mammoth partnership with Hussain Talat, the 188 South Africa had put up thanks to a 29-ball 65 from their stand-in captain was seven runs too many for Pakistan. For the second time in as many matches, Pakistan fell short in the final over, allowing South Africa to seal the series with a game to spare. It means Pakistan suffer their first series defeat in this format after a record 11 consecutive wins, their maiden reverse since the World T20 in 2016.It might have been just a T20, but it was an epic, one for the ages. Spanning nearly four and a half hours thanks to a rain break, the full house at one of the most iconic sporting venues was rewarded for braving the elements. It was just after the rain break at the Wanderers that South Africa struck the blows that would, in hindsight, allow them to lift the trophy, with 56 runs scored off the final three overs; until then, Pakistan had bowled well enough to restrict South Africa to a total that appeared well below-par at a ground that has made its name for high-profile chases.Shoaib Malik’s choice to allow Usman Shinwari the final over on a day he had already conceded 34 off three backfired spectacularly, with Miller in the sort of irrepressible form that earns him his fearsome reputation. For most of the innings prior, South Africa had held on to wickets while preparing a platform for lift-off, without quite being able to achieve it. For the second time in as many games, Pakistan had Imad Wasim to thank for that, impeccable tightness ensuring he conceded an astonishing nine runs off his allotted quota. That, in an innings which, his overs removed, saw the hosts score 179 runs in 16.Pakistan’s chase looked on track for the best part of 15 overs, and they had their own golden boy Babar to thank for it. He started off by caressing Beuran Hendricks for three fours off the first three balls. It was a pattern he repeated no less than three times across an innings that would have been appreciated by connoisseurs of all formats, so classical were his shots and assured the execution. Even with the relatively early loss of Fakhar Zaman, Babar found in Talat a partner both willing and capable to continue the onslaught, and when 70 had been scored off just six overs, Pakistan may have begun to think they had compensated for profligacy at the back-end with pugnacity at the start.But in a chase of 188, scoreboard pressure is relentless, and it always seemed like it might begin to tell on Pakistan at some point.Lutho Sipamla, making his debut, showed why discerning followers of South African cricket speak of him with such gushing excitement, varying his pace with the intelligence and composure his senior teammates had failed to muster across the innings. He conceded only one boundary across a four over spell where Babar was kept quiet, and went at under a run a ball when every other South African quick had conceded at least nine per over.Babar Azam flays one through the off side•AFP
With the rate raising in the last five overs thanks to a couple of tight ones, Talat’s touch began to desert him. That put more pressure on 24-year old Babar, who somehow had to find a way to remain unbeaten till the end and keep the asking rate down all by himself. It took its toll off the first ball of the 17th over, with Beuran Hendricks forcing him to attempt clearing the longer cow corner boundary, where the fielder completed a simple catch.From that point on, power shifted hands effectively, and it was Pakistan who found themselves struggling to keep up while South Africa simply had to manage the game. Coming back for their second spells, Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo were far better than they had been earlier, compounding the problems for Malik, who in the final over again found himself running out of partners. As he holed out and Imad Wasim had his middle stump knocked back, Pakistan, having surged so promisingly, ran out of partners, their unblemished record since the World T20 finally tainted.South Africa had been put in to bat early on with Malik fearing the weather would play a big role, while Miller in sharp contrast said he would only focus on his own performance, given they couldn’t control the weather. Rassie van der Dussen’s 40 off 27 allowed Miller to come in at a time when he could play his free-flowing game. While the weather was out of Miller’s control, he struck a six just before the rain break, following up with another four after. The weather might have had its say, but ultimately, it was the South African captain who truly had full control.
Aston Villa have made an excellent start to the Premier League campaign and new information has now emerged about some potential transfer activity at Villa Park in January.
Aston Villa prepare for Manchester City…
Last weekend, Villa salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on the South Coast courtesy of a last-minute header from Ollie Watkins, leaving the Villans in the top four with 29 points from their 14 matches played so far.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Villans boss Emery complimented his side's resilience at the Vitality Stadium and urged them to go again against Manchester City on Wednesday, saying:
"In 90 minutes with the way we played and the demands they made of us, I think it’s a good point. We have to accept it and continue trying to build a team. We are in our process and now we have 29 points. We were losing 2-1 at the end and we drew.
"It’s important to feel it’s a good point. We’re thankful to our supporters for being here with us, and now we’re excited to play again on Wednesday at home with them (Manchester City), trying to continue being strong like we are."
Emery now eyeing "extraordinary" ace for Aston Villa after previous interest
Aston Villa look to have identified a key target heading into the January transfer window…
BySean Markus Clifford Dec 5, 2023
Heading into their midweek clash against the Citizens, Emery's men are in a positive vein of form, winning four of their last five matches in all competitions. In all likelihood, Manchester City will provide the toughest test that the Villans have faced on home soil this campaign; nevertheless, they will leapfrog their opponents by taking maximum points from the affair.
Aston Villa's next five Premier League fixtures
Opponent
Venue
Manchester City (H)
Villa Park
Arsenal (H)
Villa Park
Brentford (A)
Gtech Community Stadium
Sheffield United (H)
Villa Park
Manchester United (A)
Old Trafford
Looking ahead to January, fresh information has come to light involving the future of one of Aston Villa's key players, according to a recent report.
Aston Villa set enormous Douglas Luiz asking price
According to FootballTransfers reporter Steve Kay, Aston Villa have now set a whopping £110 million price tag for midfielder Douglas Luiz amid interest in his services from elsewhere, with NSWE seemingly pulling no punches when it comes to the future of their star midfielder.
Arsenal have been keen admirers of the Brazil international for a long time and will once again attempt to firm up their attraction towards Luiz come January; nevertheless, they will now need to shell out more than the £105 million they paid to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United in the summer window.
Douglas Luiz celebrates for Aston Villa
This term, the 25-year-old has been in brilliant form for the Villans, registering six goals and four assists from 22 appearances in all competitions (Luiz statistics – Transfermarkt).
Pundit Paul Merson has clearly been impressed by his exploits at the heart of Emery's midfield, labelling him an "underrated" player on social media platform X.
Averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.22/10 for his performances in the Premier League this campaign, Aston Villa are well within their rights to demand a colossal fee for Luiz due to his consistent form (Luiz statistics – WhoScored).
يبدو وأن نادي برشلونة يسير بخطى ثابتة من أجل الحصول على أول صفقة صيفية رسمية لتدعيم صفوف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالموسم الجديد 2024/2025.
ووضع برشلونة أكثر من اسم على الرادار في الفترة الماضية من بينهم داني أولمو ونيكو ويليامز اللذين تألقا مع منتخب إسبانيا في بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا، يورو 2024.
ولكن هناك صعوبات في إتمام صفقة نيكو ويليامز بسبب القيمة المالية المطلوبة من جانب أتلتيك بلباو وقدرها 58 مليون يورو وهي الشرط الجزائي في عقد اللاعب.
اقرأ أيضًا.. تقارير: لاعب برشلونة على رادار أتلتيكو مدريد
🔵🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Barça reach agreement with Dani Olmo on contract until June 2030 and send new official bid!
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is reportedly keen to offload one first-team player in January after it emerged that he doesn't view the man in question as a part of his plans in the West Midlands.
Aston Villa aim for victory at Nottingham Forest…
On Sunday, Aston Villa will be presented with an opportunity to move into the Premier League top four if they can take maximum points from their clash against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Liverpool travel to Luton Town later on in the day which may make their prospective move in league position a short-term one. Nevertheless, the Villans will feel they can make a genuine bid for Champions League qualification this term following an excellent start that has seen Emery's men accumulate 22 points from their first ten top-flight fixtures.
Writing in his column for Football365, pundit Robbie Savage has predicted that Aston Villa will comfortably see off the Tricky Trees on Sunday afternoon, as he explained: "Aston Villa are in fine form, unbeaten in their last six in all competitions and scoring goals. Ollie Watkins is in fine fine form, Douglas Luiz is also playing well; he’s been a key player for them. What a job Unai Emery has done."
He then added: "Nottingham Forest need to win this one. Their home form last season was one of the reasons they stayed in the Premier League. It’s not as good this year. It’s a game they’ll be looking to win, but I don’t think they will. Aston Villa are not great on the road, but I think they’ve got enough to beat Forest and I’m going 2-0 to Villa."
Despite their positive displays in the Premier League, Aston Villa manager Emery will be wary of his bloated squad moving into the January window and it has now emerged that he is keen to offload one man once the transfer period rolls around.
Aston Villa's last five results – all competitions
Competition
Opponent & result
Venue
Premier League
Aston Villa 3-1 Luton Town
Villa Park
Europa Conference League
AZ Alkmaar 1-4 Aston Villa
AFAS Stadion
Premier League
Aston Villa 4-1 West Ham United
Villa Park
Premier League
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Aston Villa
Molineux
Europa Conference League
Aston Villa 1-0 Zrinjski Mostar
Villa Park
Aston Villa keen to let go of Leander Dendocker
According to a transfer update from Football Insider, Aston Villa are open to proposals for midfielder Leander Dendoncker as he isn't seen as part of Emery's plans at Villa Park moving forward.
The Belgium international was close to joining Turkish giants Fenerbache in the summer before the proposed deal collapsed and he is now reportedly available either for a permanent transfer or a loan deal should a suitable offer arise for his services from elsewhere.
Aston Villa midfielderLeander Dendoncker.
Becoming a peripheral figure under Emery in the West Midlands, Dendoncker has made just seven appearances across all competitions this term and is behind the likes of Douglas Luiz, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans in the pecking order at Villa Park (Dendoncker statistics – Transfermarkt).
Dendocker, who has been labelled "brilliant" by Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman in the past via The Express & Star cited by Molineux News, now looks set for a new challenge as Emery aims to condense his squad at Villa Park.
After a strong summer of business in the transfer window, Aston Villa could already be weighing up their options in future markets according to reports.
Unai Emery and Monchi conducted a stellar window of signings at Villa Park, welcoming five new additions to the squad of star calibre, most notably through club-record breaking arrival, Moussa Diaby.
The Villans are already reaping the benefits of the £51.9m forward’s talents, however sources suggest that a threat even greater than the Frenchman is being eyed in the Midlands.
Could Aston Villa sign Pedro Neto?
As reported by 90min earlier this month, Villa are suspected to be one of the clubs eyeing Wolves star Pedro Neto, who has displayed fine form so far this season.
The 23-year-old has been linked with Arsenal, whom 90min claim are ‘monitoring’ the winger – who was said to be worth around £50m last year, but is currently valued at €15m (£13m), according to CIES Football Observatory.
Pedro Neto
Emery’s former club aren’t the only side considering making a pounce for the Portuguese whiz it seems, with Villa reported to have ‘checked in on’ Neto in the bid to strengthen their attacking options.
It remains to be seen if the Villans’ Midlands rivals will have a high asking price for the forward they signed for just £15.5m in 2019, but would he be worth the expenditure?
What could Pedro Neto offer to Aston Villa?
Neto’s time in the Premier League has already had a host of ups and downs, with his pace and skill seeing him regarded as a consistent threat in Wolves’ front line.
The 23-year-old has faced a number of injury woes that have questionably halted his progression, however, it looks as though now, the winger is finally playing his best football this campaign.
Once lauded as an “absolute baller” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, when Neto is injury-free, there is little stopping the Portugal international from being one of the best wide players in the top flight.
Such praise is reinforced by his numbers already in 2023/24, where he has had a hand in six goals in eight appearances in the Premier League, playing a role in over half of Gary O’Neil’s side’s nine goals this term.
For Villa, the possibility of acquiring Neto could add a new level of danger to their front line, as the former Lazio starlet is displaying more of an attacking threat than star signing Diaby this term, with the former Bayer Leverkusen ace contributing two goals and just three assists to date.
Neto vs Diaby – Premier League 2023/24 per 90
Pedro Neto
Moussa Diaby
Progressive carries
5.25
3.19
Carries into final third
3.38
0.87
Successful take-ons
2.25
1.16
Successful take-ons %
50.0%
51.4%
Key Passes
2.50
1.74
Figures via FBref
So far, no player has more assists in the league than the Wolves ace, who is level at the top of the charts with James Maddison and Kieran Trippier for his five assists, ensuring that he could represent an even more creative option than Diaby.
Villa know all too well the havoc that Neto can reap on the opposition, as they fell victim to his charm last time out as he assisted Hwang Hee-chan during the Villans’ 1-1 draw with their rivals at Molineux.
As Emery is seeming to enjoy deploying Diaby in a more central role, there could be room for a wideman as potent as Neto to flourish in Villa’s current squad, if rumours linking him to Villa Park are to be believed.
In comparison to the Frenchman, the in-demand winger has showcased far more of a threat beyond his goal contributions this term, suggesting the extent of danger going forward Emery could add to his squad considering how highly-regarded Diaby is at Villa.
There’s a question as to whether Wolves would be open to offloading their best player to a rival, as well as whether Villa would be willing to splash the cash on the forward, however what is clear is the presence he could add to the attack.
Manchester United are in the process of shopping around for new owners, and a fresh report has dropped an exciting claim regarding Sheikh Jassim's plans should he be handed the reins at Old Trafford.
Who is buying Man Utd?
Previously, Man United were put up for sale by the Glazers, who are believed to be looking for £6B in order to cut all ties, and the two leading contenders to have emerged as interested parties are Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jassim, with both of them wanting different things.
Arriving to the Premier League, the former only wants to become a minority partner meaning that the current owners would still have control, whilst the latter is looking to complete a full takeover, but has so far only tabled a £5B offer, £1B short of the club’s valuation (The Sun – Man Utd takeover news).
Red Devils supporters have made their view extremely clear that they want new leaders in the hierarchy having gone as far as taking banners to games and holding protests outside stadiums throughout the previous couple of seasons, so they will be hoping that the Qatari billionaire puts the sufficient money on the table in order to seal the deal.
Sheikh Jassim takeover update…
According to TalkSPORT, sharing a Man United takeover update, Jassim has highlighted David Beckham as a serious candidate to be presented with an ambassador's role should he beat Ratcliffe:
"David Beckham will be offered an ambassadorial post at Manchester United if they are taken over by Sheikh Jassim, talkSPORT understands. Beckham adopted a similar role during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"The ex-England captain is one of a number of United legends that Sheikh Jassim has earmarked for potential roles if his offer to buy the club is eventually accepted.
"Beckham was widely criticised for his role at the Qatar World Cup, but was again present in the country for the weekend's Formula 1 race."
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag.
During his 12 years at Man United, Beckham established himself as a club legend, so there’s no doubt that fans would happily welcome him back for an authoritative position with open arms, but it’s Jassim’s potential takeover that would have an even bigger positive effect.
So far this season, Erik ten Hag’s side have won just four and lost the same number of games from their opening eight top-flight fixtures, meaning that they find themselves tenth in the table, and some of the teams that they have suffered defeats to, especially the home loss to Crystal Palace just days after easing past them in the cup, are worrying.
Wolves (1-0)
Tottenham Hotspur (2-0)
Nottingham Forest (3-2)
Arsenal (3-1)
Burnley (1-0)
Brighton and Hove Albion (3-1)
Brentford (2-1)
Crystal Palace (1-0)
Therefore, with the potential new owner's huge financial investment, the boss will likely have more freedom when it comes to securing his first choice targets in transfer windows instead of missing out and settling for late arrivals on loans or cut price deals.