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Russell Martin remains Rangers manager, but for how much longer will this be the case?

The current events at Ibrox are historic, but not in a good way, with Martin still yet to win a league match in five attempts, following last weekend’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hearts, making this the club’s worst start to a campaign since 1978.

Before the Gers are next in Premiership action, they’ll host Hibernian in a League Cup quarter-final on Saturday and then commence their Europa League campaign with a visit from Genk the following Thursday.

However, defeat at the hands of Hibs this weekend would surely signal the end for under-fire Martin, so should 49ers Enterprises already be making an ambitious move for an “outstanding” manager, one who would get the best out of Rangers’ best players?

Bojan Miovski's difficult start at Rangers

Bojan Miovski has only made two appearances in a Rangers jersey so far, but it is already clear that the team are not playing to his strengths.

The North Macedonian striker joined the club in late August from Girona for a fee that could rise to £4.2m.

He endured a pretty miserable spell in Catalonia, but was on fire when he was last seen in Scotland, scoring 44 times in 98 appearances for Aberdeen, four of which came against Rangers.

Against Heart of Midlothian last weekend, Miovski did miss one big chance, but touched the ball only 21 times, 12 Rangers players accumulated more, clearly not involved in general play enough.

He has previously proven that if you give him chances he will score goals, so could a change in manager transform the 26-year-old and help him rediscover his best form?

Rangers' dream Russell Martin upgrade

Matt Smith of Give Me Sport asserts that Rangers should replace Martin with Nuno Espírito Santo, which would certainly be a statement appointment should it come to pass.

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The 51-year-old was controversially sacked as Nottingham Forest manager earlier this month, following a public falling out with owner Evangelos Marinakis, who chose to appoint Ange Postecoglou as his successor.

Well, the early signs are that this wasn’t the wisest move, with Postecoglou losing his first two matches in charge, battered 3-0 at Arsenal, before Wednesday night’s complete collapse in the EFL Cup, 2-0 up at Swansea only to lose 3-2, conceding twice in injury time.

Commentator Adam Summerton praises the “outstanding job” Nuno did at Forest, with writer Henry Winter praising his “counterattacking style” that was so effective, able to make a team both compact and threatening in attack, something Rangers are neither right now.

When Nuno arrived at the City Ground in December 2023, Forest were in genuine danger of relegation, also hit with a four-point deduction, but he guided them to safety, before last season’s shock seventh-place finish saw them qualify for Europe for the first time in 30 years.

Overall, this was his seventh managerial role, boasting an impressive CV, as the table below documents.

Among Nuno’s achievements, he has won the EFL Championship and Saudi Pro League titles, also leading Rio Ave to both domestic cup finals in 2014, as well as achieving back-to-back top seven finishes in the Premier League with Wolves, the club doing so for the first time since 1961.

He didn’t do quite so well in charge of Valencia, Porto and Spurs, but is a master at getting his team to punch above their weight, as was very much the case at Nottingham Forest last season.

So why would Nuno be the right man to get the best out of Miovski?

Well, using his Nottingham Forest side as the blueprint, their primary attacking threat came from wingers Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi driving the ball forward at pace, something Rangers’ summer signings Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama have already proven themselves capable of replicating, as this goal against Viktoria Plzeň during Champions League qualifying demonstrates.

This style helped Chris Wood enjoy a late-career renaissance that surely no one could’ve foreseen.

Last season, the New Zealander scored 20 Premier League goals, only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Braut Håland managed more, beating his previous best-ever top-flight tally of 14, doing so as a 33-year-old.

Thus, if Nuno was able to implement his counter-attacking style, this could revitalise the attacking options Rangers have, and set them up for another deep run in the Europa League.

Having previously managed massive clubs in Portugal, Spain, Saudi Arabia and England, he would represent quite the coup, but most did expect the 49ers to target a big name when they arrived in the summer, so he would certainly galvanise the bereft and furious Rangers support.

45 y/o Mourinho alternative is serious option to replace Martin at Rangers

Time is running out for Martin to save his job…

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 17, 2025

تحدث البولندي فوتشيك تشيزني، حارس مرمى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة عن مواجهة ريال مدريد في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني.

ويواجه برشلونة نظيره ريال مدريد في “كلاسيكو” الدوري الإسباني ولأول مرة بقيادة تشابي ألونسو، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”، غدًا الأحد، في تمام الساعة السادسة والربع مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

ويحتل برشلونة المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 22 نقطة، فيما يتصدر ريال مدريد الجدول برصيد 24 نقطة.

واستطاع كيليان مبابي أن يسجل خمسة أهداف في 3 مباريات للكلاسيكو الموسم الماضي، كانت جميعها في مرمى الحارس تشيزني.

اقرأ أيضًا | بيلينجهام يكشف مفاتيح الفوز في الكلاسيكو ويحذر برشلونة: أنا في أفضل حالاتي

وعن تألق مبابي أمامه، كشف تشيزني في تصريحات لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو: “: “هذا ليس خوفًا بل احترامًا كبيرًا، أعتقد أن كيليان حاليًا من أفضل لاعبي العالم إن لم يكن الأفضل، وهو يُشكل تهديدًا دائمًا أمام المرمى”.

وأكمل: “مبابي يمتلك موهبة كبيرة وظهر ذلك أمامي أيضًا، لا أعتقد أن هناك لاعبًا اقترب من تسجيل هذا العدد من الأهداف في مواجهتي”.

وأتم: “لم نلعب سوى خمس مباريات فقط واستطاع أن يسجل تلك الأهداف، لذلك هذا دليل على موهبة هذا اللاعب الكبيرة”.

Attacking midfielder Djordje Mihailovic departed the club late in the season, but the front office has restructured on the fly

Colorado Rapids did not want to let Djordje Mihailovic leave. After all, he was their star player, the center of the franchise. A creative No.10 with a true eye for goal, he was the spark, the guy that made things tick. 

But he walked into Team President Padraig Smith's office all the same, and made it clear: he wanted out. Smith didn't want to sell him, of course. And there were conversations, he said. But Mihailovic's mind was made up. Their main man was out the door. That was early August, and it left the Rapids in a difficult situation. The guy who was supposed to lead a postseason charge had one foot out of the door – effectively waiting for the Rapids to execute the right deal to move him on. And even in those circumstances, Smith was eager to come to an agreement that would keep him there until at least the end of the campaign.

"We felt it was going to be in his best interest and our best interest at the time that he did stay, and at least saw out the season," Smith told GOAL. "But he had made his mind up."

There were fewer than three weeks left in the transfer window. They did not necessarily plan to have to buy a attacking fulcrum. Meanwhile, they were in the thick of a playoff hunt, picking up pieces here and there, but confronting the fact that they might have to navigate the final few weeks of the season without the guy they rely on the most. 

Fast forward to now, and the results are a little inconsistent. But the outlook is far sunnier in Commerce City – a Denver suburb where the Rapids call home. Mihailovic is gone. But they continue to focus on USMNT talent as the core of the team, with a shiny new franchise player in Paxten Aaronson, and the pieces of a plan that might just come together in time. What might have been a disaster has instead pivoted. The Rapids aren't perfect – they might not even make the playoffs – but they have reacted wonderfully to what, for most teams, would be a season-ruining scenario with an eye to building a strong future for the club. 

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  'Getting the best return you can'

  This is not, it must be emphasized, the perfect scenario. Squad building tends to take time, pieces layered into place to form a cohesive unit. When Smith peered over the team he had assembled for head coach Chris Armas at the start of the 2025 season, he did not foresee it potentially operating without his best player. 

  But sometimes, Smith emphasized, you simply have to react.

  "At that point in time, from our perspective, you're focused on two things. You're focused on getting the best return you can from him in the transfer. And then secondly, make sure that you're replacing him with players that are going to help the team get better. Ultimately, we achieved on both of those fronts," he said.

  There were a few options out there for Mihailovic, scattered talk of MLS clubs interested here and there. Eventually, Toronto was the right fit, agreed by the club and player. But perhaps the biggest appeal? The up to $9 million of his sale to the Canadian club represented a club record fee for the Rapids – something that would come to be significant going forward. 

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  'A player that we felt was better'

  And it wasn't like they were short of options. This is modern football, of course. Clubs have to have targets here and there, players in mind. MLS scouting goes far beyond laptops and football manager. And the Rapids were no different. Their network was ready to react immediately, Smith said. 

  "I'll give real credit to our our kind of front office, our scouting team, and the guys there, you know, to make sure that we had targets that were lined up to replace [Mihailovic] in that situation, and that we were able to go down a number of different paths concurrently and ultimately identify a player that we felt was better," Smith said. 

  The man they settled on was Paxten Aaronson. He was in something of a state of flux in his career. A star season on loan at Utrecht would figure to have him in the mix at Frankfurt, his parent club. But his pathway into the first team was blocked by Mario Gotze. 

  "I just couldn't do 15-20 minutes a game because, as a person, for my headspace, it wouldn't have been good for another year," he told GOAL. 

  So, he started exploring options. Other clubs in Europe were interested, compelling options that many other players might have chosen. But Aaronson had something of an MLS connection already. A product of the Philadelphia Union academy, there were reasons for him to come back to America. His family still lives here. Europe was kind to him, but there was something to be said for a homecoming.

  "Coming back to MLS, it's something I'm familiar with," he said. "I'll have friends and family close by. I haven't been anywhere where I could really establish a home or a lifestyle. I've been on the road every year for the three and a half years I was in Europe."

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  'The option of coming back is appealing'

  There was also, Smith explained, the appeal of the model Colorado had built. A look over the roster shows a mixture of foreign and domestic talent. But the Rapids, in particular, have made a conscious effort to find value in American players coming back from Europe. Starting goalkeeper Zack Steffen – someone Smith hails as one of the best shot-stoppers in the league – is perhaps the perfect example. He played at four European clubs, including Manchester City, with varying degrees of success, before returning to play for Colorado in 2024. The same goes for Mihailovic, as well as former USMNTer Reggie Cannon. 

  "We think there's just a wealth of talent that's going over to Europe from the U.S. and Canada at the moment. But we're also acutely aware that as MLS continues to grow and as this league continues to improve, the option of coming back is one that's more and more appealing to some of these young players," Smith said. 

  They're not alone in this sense. Transfers are far more back-and-forth over the Atlantic than they used to be. But Aaronson is the perfect case study as to how it might all work. It was, in the end, part of the pitch to the player. After all, it had worked before.

  "Steffen and Mihailovic mentioned it when we brought them in… They kind of ran each other and asked, Hey, are you going to Colorado? I'm thinking about it. And then it snowballs. It's a wonderful thing," Smith said. 

  Smith sees it as an ideal way to continue to attract talent.

  "There are other players as well that have had maybe the opportunity to go to Europe; we were able to show them that there's a real pathway here to an incredible career for each of them, both on and off the field, by staying here in MLS and ultimately staying here in Colorado. And I think it's going to be a big part of our strategy going forward," he said.

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  Adding center back help

  As the story goes, Rob Holding really liked country singer Zach Bryan. 

  The former Arsenal defender had fallen out of favor at Crystal Palace. New manager Oliver Glasner had made it clear that the one-time England youth international was not part of his plans. Holding was looking for a new home. The Rapids had checked in a few years before, hoping to use their affiliation with as a way to attract Holding to the States (both franchises are principally owned by the Kroenke family). At the time, he said no, hoping to fight for his place in the Premier League (still in his mid-20s, it made sense).

  But this summer, when they checked in again, the center back was far more eager. He loved country music. He had been to the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater for concerts. Somehow, there was a bit of Colorado in this bruising defender from Greater Manchester. 

  "He had a really strong desire to come to the U.S. and to play in MLS," Smith said. "He was 29 when we signed him, a player with still plenty of time left and plenty of good career left. It was just a really interesting opportunity for us to bring someone like that in, a leader who's played in FA Cup final-winning teams, played in really talented Arsenal groups at the very highest level." 

  And so they added Holding, a fine defender turned country boy primed to perform at this level. 

كشف تقارير صحفية، عن تطورات مستقبل المهاجم الدولي البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، حال رحيله عن الفريق.

وشارك ليفاندوفسكي في مباراة بولندا، أمس، ضد ليتوانيا في تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم نسخة 2026، حيث فاز منتخب بلاده بهدفين وسجل هدفًا.

وتزداد التكهنات حول مستقبل ليفاندوفسكي، خلال الفترة المقبلة، حيث من المقرر أن ينتهي عقده الصيف المقبل.

وقدم ليفاندوفسكي مستويات متميزة مع برشلونة خلال السنوات الماضية، ولعب صاحب الـ37 عامًا دورًا كبيرًا في حصول الفريق الكتالوني الموسم الماضي على ثلاثية الدوري الإسباني وكأس السوبر الإسباني وكأس ملك إسبانيا.

اقرأ أيضًا | سبورت توضح حقيقة رحيل ليفاندوفسكي عن برشلونة

وقالت مصادر لموقع Football Insider إن روبرت ليفاندوفسكي سيكون أمام قائمة طويلة من الفرق التي ترغب في التعاقد معهم، في حال رحيله عن برشلونة.

وينتهي عقد المهاجم البولندي البالغ من العمر 37 عامًا مع النادي الكتالوني في صيف 2026 المقبل.

وفقًا للموقع فإنه في أغسطس المقبل، سيبلغ ليفاندوفسكي 38 عامًا لكنه أظهر في الآونة الأخيرة أنه لا يزال يمتلك الجودة المطلوبة ليكون مهاجمًا على أعلى مستوى.

لم يلعب ليفاندوفسكي، طوال مشواره في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج” ورغم بلوغه سن الـ37 إلا أن هناك أندية إنجليزية ترغب في التعاقد معه.

ولم تكشف الشبكة عن ماهية تلك الأندية ولكنها أكدت أن ليفاندوفسكي سيكون هدفًا لعدد من أندية الدوري الإنجليزي وكذلك السعودي والأمريكي.

كانت صحيفة “سبورت” قد نشرت في وقت سابق أن الاتجاه الأقرب لإدارة برشلونة هو عدم تجديد عقد ليفانكوفسكي وترك مهاجم بايرن ميونخ السابق يغادر في صفقة انتقال حر.

In the last few years, it's seemed relatively easy to predict the winner of the Ballon d'Or Feminin. In 2025, though, it feels incredibly tricky, especially after England's win over Spain in the European Championship final.

Alexia Putellas was the slight favourite going into the tournament, with Mariona Caldentey hot on her heels and Aitana Bonmati well in the mix for a third Golden Ball in a row. However, all three were on the losing side in Basel.

For England's stars, it's quite a different story. Among their heroes were players who enhanced an already strong case for the Ballon d'Or and outsiders who threw their hats firmly into the ring, having backed up strong seasons with stand-out summers. After all, we know how the voting goes for these awards in this day and age; there is immense weight placed upon these major tournaments by many of the voters. That much was evident when the full list of nominees was revealed on August 7.

The Euros wasn't the only tournament played during the summer either. The Women's Africa Cup of Nations came to its climax the day before, as Nigeria came from 2-0 down to beat Morocco in a thrilling final, while Brazil got the better of Colombia in the Copa America decider.

So, ahead of Monday night's ceremony in Paris, who is in pole position to win this year's Ballon d'Or? GOAL takes a look at the leading contenders below…

Getty Images15Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich)

It's often difficult for players in the Frauen-Bundesliga to get nominated for the Ballon d'Or, and it's not going to be any easier this year, given both Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg crashed out at the quarter-final stage of the Women's Champions League. However, Pernille Harder had herself a truly outstanding season which helped Bayern clinch a domestic treble.

The German champions retained their league title, lifted the German Super Cup and beat Werder Bremen in the DFB-Pokal final – with Harder at the heart of it all. A treble, combined with her wonderful stats, should be more than enough to put the Denmark captain onto the list of Golden Ball nominees. That said, the Danes' disappointing group-stage exit at the Euros could stop her from ranking too highly.

AdvertisementGetty Images14Melchie Dumornay (Lyon)

Until Lyon's shock Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal, Melchie Dumornay felt like a genuine contender for the Ballon d'Or at age 21. The Haiti international was OL's best player all season long and even scored in both legs of their European semi-final, despite the team's disappointing defeat.

She still deserves to receive votes for the Golden Ball this year, but the fact Lyon were only able to win one trophy, plus Haiti's lack of a major tournament this summer, will stop her from getting on the podium. Watch this space, though: she looks capable of winning this award – and sooner rather than later.

Imagn Images13Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)

Twelfth in the Golden Ball voting last year, Barbra Banda stood a good chance of ranking even higher in 2025. The latter stages of the 2024 NWSL season will count towards this year's award, during which the striker helped the Orlando Pride win the NWSL Shield and the Championship, and she has continued to excel in 2025.

Banda was not able to enhance her case with a big Africa Cup of Nations, though that's not on her really. The striker scored three goals and assisted another in her four appearances for Zambia at the tournament, but defensive frailties hurt the team again as they lost 5-0 to Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

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Getty Images Sport12Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea)

Chelsea completed an incredible domestic treble this past season and reached the last four of the Champions League – and yet, until some backed that up with big summers on the international front, they lacked obvious contenders for the Ballon d'Or. It's an award that often leans at least somewhat on name recognition as well as performances, and the Blues' most recognisable stars were often hampered by injuries.

However, Sandy Baltimore made her mark in enough big moments to be in with a shout. It was her corner that Lucy Bronze headed home to win the WSL title at Manchester United and she was then involved in all three goals in victory over the same opponent in the FA Cup final, scoring twice and assisting another. A quarter-final exit at the Euros with France will weaken her case, though.

It’s been a testing summer window for Newcastle United.

Despite their return to the Champions League and a squad brimming with youthful potential, key attacking targets continue to slip through their fingers.

Bryan Mbeumo, João Pedro and Hugo Ekitike have all eluded the Magpies, while names like Benjamin Šeško remain out of reach for now.

Attention recently turned to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who left the Bees’ pre-season camp amid mounting speculation about his future and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Capable of playing across the front line and known for his pressing and intelligent movement, Wissa fits the profile of a player who could offer cover and competition for Alexander Isak, who remains a concern for Eddie Howe in terms of durability.

But Newcastle may have their sights set on a less polished alternative: a young forward who outscored Wissa and Sesko last season and could offer the clinical edge that’s been missing at key moments.

Newcastle looking at £40m striker

At 22, Mika Biereth might not be a household name in the Premier League just yet, but his numbers over the past 12 months have turned heads across Europe.

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Well, after that stunning form, Newcastle, Wolves, Aston Villa and Everton have all been quoted as having an interest, according to Caught Offside, as they plot their respective moves.

After spending the first half of the 2023/24 season at SK Sturm Graz, the former Arsenal academy product made a €13m move to Monaco in January but according to the report, he could go for £40m now.

Across both stints, the forward proved himself to be a “menace” in the words of The Athletic’s Alex Barker, racking up 27 goals in all competitions, including 24 in domestic leagues alone. That’s more than Wissa (20) and Sesko (21) managed during the same campaign.

What makes this even more striking is his underlying data: those 24 goals came from an expected goals tally of just 11.3.

That’s a dramatic overperformance, one reminiscent of Darwin Núñez’s final season at Benfica, and while such numbers often regress over time, they still signal elite-level finishing instincts.

How Wissa compares to Biereth

According to data from FBref, Biereth registered 1.66 shots on target per 90 minutes last season, with 60.5% of his total efforts hitting the target. By comparison, Wissa, a proven Premier League operator, managed 1.27 shots on target per 90, with an accuracy of just 45.6%.

Biereth’s sharpness in front of goal would complement Newcastle’s creative wingers, particularly Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, who regularly generate chances with their direct running and early deliveries into the box.

However, Biereth is not yet the finished article. His contribution to build-up play is minimal compared to Wissa’s. He averaged just 10.9 passes per 90 and registered fewer progressive carries (1.02) and progressive passes (1.75) than Wissa (1.85 and 2.07, respectively).

He also ranks poorly in aerial duels, winning just 33.3% of his battles despite standing 6 foot 2 – a surprising stat when compared to Wissa’s 45.5% success rate, which places the Brentford man in the 64th percentile despite his smaller frame.

This same data from FBref shows that Wissa’s pressing numbers are also superior. He makes more tackles per 90 (0.68 vs 0.36), including more in the final third (0.25 vs 0.15), and he completes take-ons at a far higher rate (30.6% vs just 9.1%). These metrics suggest Wissa is far more integrated into all phases of play, from defensive pressing to link-up.

Still, that may be exactly why Biereth would offer something different. Newcastle already have a multi-functional No.9 in Isak, and what they lack is a game-changing finisher who can be introduced in moments of chaos.

For £40m, Monaco may be willing to sell, especially after signing Ansu Fati and with other forwards like Breel Embolo and Folarin Balogun on their books.

Newcastle would be gambling on potential, but it’s the kind of gamble that could prove inspired, particularly in scenarios against deep blocks where space is at a premium.

If Newcastle want a ready-made Premier League performer, Wissa ticks every box. He presses, combines well, and contributes defensively. But if they’re looking for a match-winner, someone who can convert at a rate few strikers in Europe can match, Biereth deserves serious consideration.

His raw data suggests an elite finisher in the making, and with the right service and role, he could offer Newcastle something they haven’t had in years: a true penalty-box predator with the confidence and tools to decide games on his own.

Better fit than Ekitike: Newcastle lead race to sign £44m Wissa alternative

Newcastle eye highly-rated French forward after losing out on Ekitike

ByWill Miller Jul 22, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur ended 17 years without silverware in May, defeating Manchester United to lift the Europa League. The cabinet has not only received a new ornament, but the road to next season’s Champions League has also been unlocked for the Lilywhites.

This wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou, though. The Australian manager was dismissed weeks after his incredible triumph due to the wretched domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League.

Now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham can begin anew, working from the foundations set by the craggy-faced Aussie and building a sustained period of success.

However, there’s no question that the pace has dropped in the market down N17. With pre-season underway, this is the perfect time for Daniel Levy to reel in a few impactful additions across the park.

And it seems to be the engine room that Tottenham desire an extra bit of quality.

Spurs in contact for new midfielder

Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was Tottenham’s dream signing to strengthen the midfield this summer, although after accusations regarding an illegal approach by the Lilywhites, the Englishman has since quashed any speculation by penning a new deal at the City Ground.

With both Rodrigo Bentancur and the routinely under-fire Yves Bissouma potentially on the move this summer, however, a more defensive midfield addition could be the more necessary addition anyway.

Well, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, Tottenham have made an approach to Joao Palhinha’s camp, though Bayern Munich have not received official contacts at this stage. Bayern would be looking to bank at least £30m for the 30-year-old.

Though Spurs would rather an initial loan for the Portugal international, these recent advancements suggest there could be some leeway on Levy’s part.

Why Spurs want Joao Palhinha

It hasn’t worked out for Palhinha at Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, who he joined from Fulham in a move worth an initial £42m.

Bayern, in any case, were getting their mitts on one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars, he who had played under the wing of Marco Silva for a number of years at Craven Cottage, making 79 appearances and scoring eight goals.

Widely regarded as one of the division’s most unrelenting ball winners, Palhinha had been described as a “defensive monster” by data analyst Marcus Bring and a “tackling machine” by Sky Sports’ Adam Bate.

This is evidenced through his data from the 2023/24 season, winning a shedload of tackles, far more than anyone else in the division.

1.

Joao Palhinha

Fulham

152

2.

Joao Gomes

Wolves

128

3.

Vinicius Souza

Sheffield Utd

125

4.

Emerson Palmieri

West Ham

106

5.

Tyrick Mitchell

Crystal Palace

105

This level of tackling intensity is something that Tottenham will need to add to their ranks if Frank is to achieve a level of unity and coherence that wasn’t quite there last year.

Someone like Bissouma has been supposed to perform that role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his rash temperament and inconsistencies on the field limited him to a minor role in Postecoglou’s plans.

The Telegraph claimed earlier this month that the 28-year-old is expected to leave London this summer, one year away from the expiration of his contract. Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce have engaged in talks as they weigh up an official bid.

Tottenham signed Bissouma from divisional rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m in June 2022, and he’s since completed 100 games, scoring two goals, failing to register a single assist and picking up two red cards.

In Palhinha, Tottenham would sign themselves a far more composed and reliable man, whose impact in the Premier League at a lower level with Fulham speaks for itself.

And the Iberian star, even having lost his way somewhat in a Bavarian shirt, still ranked among the top 3% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last year for pass completion and the top 3% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

Bissouma is strong in the challenge, to be sure, but there’s little question that the Malian is error-riddled and unconvincing as a whole, having made six errors in the Premier League last season, as per Sofascore, in spite of only starting 16 times.

By contrast, Palhinha didn’t make a single error over the 2023/24 English league season, and just one last term in the Bundesliga.

There’s something to be said about Palhinha’s ball-playing skills. Though he’s crisp and calm, his progressive passing leaves something to be desired.

However, this is a foible that Frank could surely abide. After all, the Danish manager has used no player more across his managerial career than Christian Norgaard at Brentford, playing him 262 times. The Danish defensive midfielder has recently signed for Arsenal in a £15m package.

Norgaard is not a forward-thinking distributor, but his rooted defensive principles in the middle of the park worked a treat for Frank over so many years.

Palhinha could emulate this, maybe even taking a more complete and wider-ranging approach at Tottenham. With the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already residing within the Lilywhites ranks, it makes sense that such a profile should be signed.

Bissouma has played his part at Tottenham, and indeed leaves having won a trophy, but to keep him on the books after such unconvincing and irrational performances in recent years would be negligible.

Luckily, Spurs are forging ahead with plans for a new midfielder, and Palhinha could be the man for the job.

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They might not have the trophies to show for it at the moment, but this Arsenal team are stacked with sensational players.

One of the most impressive is undoubtedly Bukayo Saka, who has taken on the role of club talisman and has become an output machine in recent seasons.

Likewise, Gabriel Magalhaes has developed from a player often labelled as error-prone to one of the most reliable in the squad and someone who knows exactly how to throw his weight around.

So, fans should be delighted that Arsenal are close to signing a player who embodies some of the best qualities of both.

Arsenal close in on game-changing signing

It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that, in terms of signings, this has been one of the most exciting summers Arsenal fans have had for quite some time.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, the highly-sought-after Martin Zubimendi has finally been announced, alongside the squad-bolstering acquisitions of Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Additionally, the promising Cristhian Mosquera and potentially great Noni Madueke have already undergone their medicals, and the links to Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze persist.

However, there is still one more player, perhaps the most important of them all, yet to be officially secured, although that might be about to change.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed that Arsenal are nearing the final stages of their negotiations to sign Viktor Gyokeres.

The Italian journalist stated the following: “The conversation is still ongoing in London. The agents of the player are still in London to try resolve the agreement between all parties involved.

“Gyokeres is fighting to go to Arsenal. But obviously it’s really important to agree on the add-ons. They are really on it on every single hour, every single minute – Arsenal and Sporting are working on this deal.”

While we will have to wait and see what the overall package comes to, reports elsewhere have made it clear that the base fee will be around £55m, which seems like a fair price for a player of his calibre, especially as he could be described as a hybrid of Saka and Gabriel.

Why Gyokeres is a Saka & Gabriel Hybrid

Okay, we know this might sound a little out there to start with, but hear us out, as even though Gyokeres plays in a different position to both players and has some key differences, he also shares some unmistakable similarities.

Starting with Gabriel, for example, the former Coventry City star is a behemoth of a player, and while he might not have the heading ability of the Brazilian, he can certainly use his physique as a size advantage in the same way.

Don’t just take our word for it though, as The Athletic’s Thom Harris referred to the Swedish international as ‘a battering ram of a striker’ earlier this month, and you only need to look at the way he holds off defenders or simply barges past them in any of his numerous goal compilations.

In fact, while he couldn’t finish at the end, the 27-year-old demonstrated his brute strength against the Gunners in the Champions League last season, when he rode the challenges of both Gabriel and William Saliba to get into the penalty area.

Finally, he also has the mentality to match, with reports earlier in the window claiming that he was willing to give up millions to force this move and get the chance to win things at Arsenal.

This is also arguably something he shares with Saka, but the most significant aspect of his game that makes him similar to the Englishman is his output and willingness to put a team on his back.

For example, in 52 appearances last season, totalling 4248 minutes, the free-scoring “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 54 times and provided 13 assists.

In other words, the Stockholm-born machine averaged 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes and was unsurprisingly his team’s most productive player.

While the Hale Ender wasn’t quite as prolific, he was still unreal in the games he played last season, racking up 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes.

Appearances

37

52

Minutes

2619′

4248′

Goals

12

54

Assists

14

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

63.40′

That means the mercurial number seven averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes, and was the club’s most productive player, despite missing over three months of the campaign.

Just imagine how dangerous the Gunners could be next season with the two game-changers playing alongside one another.

Ultimately, it won’t be cheap, but Arsenal appear to be onto a winner with Gyokeres, and the fact that he embodies the best aspects of Saka and Gabriel is proof of that.

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The fast bowler’s career has been hit by injury but he remains in the plans of Australia’s selectors

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Aug-2024

Jhye Richardson is in line to play his first game in Australia since January over the next few weeks after being included as part of Perth Scorchers’ squad for the Top End T20 tournament in Darwin.Richardson is the most notable inclusion in the Scorchers’ group which is largely made up of younger players on the fringes of the BBL and Western Australia sides plus some from the WA academy.Related

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Richardson, who was handed a Cricket Australia contract in March, has not played a game at home since injuring himself during the BBL. He made one appearance for Delhi Capitals in the IPL earlier this year.He has been part of an Australia training camp in Brisbane this week but was not considered for next month’s tour of Scotland and England with the selectors taking a longer-term view in the hope of him overcoming the injury issues which have hampered his international career. He had been in line for an ODI return against West Indies last season before picking up a side strain.”He’s fit and firing now, and again looking for match opportunities,” national selector George Bailey said last month. “I think he’ll get opportunities again across the summer.”Richardson will be joined in the squad by fellow quick Matt Kelly whose season was also ended early by injury. Batter Sam Fanning has been named captain while Baxter Holt, who moved to Western Australia from New South Wales, is also included.”We also see this tournament as an opportunity for Jhye and Kells [Matt Kelly] to find touch in a competitive environment,” stand-in coach Tim MacDonald said. “They didn’t play a lot of cricket last year but they’re a big part of what we do at the Scorchers and WA, so we’re looking forward to seeing both of them back in action.”The Top End competition also features Northern Territory Strike, Pakistan A, ACT, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars and a Bangladesh High Performance side.

With the 49ers Enterprises looking to make their mark, Rangers are now reportedly set to sign a versatile forward who has become convinced by the Ibrox project ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 49ers' Rangers project

Set to complete their takeover of the Scottish giants, the 49ers will be hoping to turn things around at Rangers and transform the Gers into the dominant champions they once were. As seen at Elland Road and Leeds United already, too, the American owners are perfectly capable of leaving their mark on a club and achieving their goals.

However, with a new manager needed and Celtic’s Scottish Premiership dominance only growing stronger, the extent of the 49ers’ task at Rangers cannot be overstated. And they must get things right this summer.

To that end, a number of names have already been linked with the job at Ibrox. The likes of Rafael Benitez represent the experienced choice, whilst Steven Gerrard would perhaps be the one that splits the most opinions after how he left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021. Meanwhile, other names such as Danny Rohl and Davide Ancelotti would certainly be intriguing to watch in their own right.

With the Scottish Premiership now concluded for another season too, the Gers may have their answer sooner rather than later over just who steps into the role. The end of the campaign also means the end of Barry Ferguson’s interim role in charge of the club, but he has reiterated his desire to take the permanent role more than once.

The interim boss told reporters in recent weeks: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job. I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit.”

Meanwhile, away from the dugout, it almost goes without saying that a large part of the 49ers’ project will be the recruitment that they go in pursuit of this summer, which looks set to start with a Paris Saint-Germain talent.

Rangers set to sign versatile PSG forward Oumar Camara

According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Rangers are now set to sign Oumar Camara from PSG this summer, with the versatile young forward convinced by the project in Glasgow. The teenager has captained PSG’s U19 side this season, but is set to secure a surprising move to Scotland in the coming months – likely becoming the first signing of the 49ers era.

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At just 18 years old, whether Camara would make an immediate impact at Ibrox remains to be seen. The winger, who can play on both sides, has enjoyed an impressive season at youth level, scoring nine goals and setting up another four in 25 games in all competitions. After failing to feature for the first team, however, the young Frenchman looks set to leave in pursuit of senior football.

Whether Camara’s reported arrival is a sign of things to come at Rangers will also be interesting to watch, as the 49ers attempt to build their project and turn things around at the Scottish club.