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Objectively, Darwin Nunez is a talented centre-forward. One of the bravest, most influential, most tenacious. Thing is, though, Nunez has suffered from some woeful finishing across the past two-and-a-years at Liverpool.

Oh to lift the lid and peer within the complex mechanics of this Uruguayan striker. This enigma. Nunez fired two cool strikes past Mark Flekken on Saturday afternoon, coming up trumps for a Liverpool side that looked like it was heading for a third straight draw in the Premier League.

Liverpool had toiled against Brentford, whose resistance and togetherness has seen them thrive once again under Thomas Frank’s wing this season, but were finally breached in stoppage time by a forward who desperately needed some respite following a tough period.

Nunez doubled his Premier League goal tally for the season, converting Trent Alexander-Arnold’s drilled delivery before lashing a strike into the inside netting moments later, latching onto Harvey Elliott’s neat pass after a devastating break.

But. Liverpool will be under no illusions that Nunez hasn’t been good enough this season, still lacking the killer bite in the final third that, admittedly, was on show last time out.

Why Liverpool still could replace Nunez

Nunez will play a big part in Liverpool’s campaign over the coming months. Arne Slot revealed during his Friday press conference that Diogo Jota had picked up yet another fitness setback, ruling him out of his 12th fixture of the campaign.

Liverpool’s attacking depth secured three invaluable points to ultimately extend their dominant lead at the top of the Premier League, something that was not lost on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal as the Londoners squandered a two-goal lead to draw with Aston Villa.

The title, truly, is Anfield’s to lose, and while there’s a long, crooked road still ahead, Liverpool will only have themselves to blame if they do fail in their endeavour. Nunez, again, will be crucial, but his track record suggests that there is so much work to be done before he can prove himself worthy of being the number one at number nine.

Darwin Nunez – Premier League Record

Season

Apps

Goals

Shots (on target)

Big chances missed

24/25

16

4

1.6 (0.6)

3

23/24

36

11

3.0 (1.3)

27

22/23

29

9

2 9 (1.3)

20

Stats via Sofascore

The 25-year-old has been linked with a transfer to the Saudi Pro League in recent weeks, and while his Brentford display serves as a reprieve and a welcome one at that, FSG are still trawling through the market for a new top-class forward.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse Liverpool eyeing new forward

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are seriously considering a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo this year. The Frenchman is, of course, a topical name after being beaten by the Reds this weekend, but his performances across the campaign suggest that he could be perfect for the project.

It’s felt that Frank will forbid Mbeumo from leaving at the season’s midpoint, but offers in the ballpark of £60m could tempt the well-run outfit to cash in during the summer.

One of the English top flight’s standout performers this year, the 25-year-old is being pursued by a host of rivals, so Liverpool will need to up the ante at the negotiating table.

What Bryan Mbeumo would bring to Liverpool

Mbeumo’s quality will indeed be freshly pressed in Liverpool minds after his impressive performance against Slot’s side on Saturday, running Kostas Tsimikas ragged at times, with reporter Sam Tabuteau noting that he had “the measure” of the Greek left-back.

Ultimately, it was a bad day at the office for the Bees talisman, who stung Alisson’s palms with four strikes on goal – each, of course, saved.

That doesn’t detract from a rich overall season that has showcased some superb finishing in the Premier League, with Mbeumo actually ranking among the top 5% of positional peers in the division for goals scored (0.59) per 90, as per FBref.

He’s scored 13 goals in the division this season, featuring 21 times and adding three assists. Mbeumo is actually the joint-fifth highest scorer in 2024/25, five strikes behind Mohamed Salah and only two off Newcastle United hitman Alexander Isak.

Last season, The Athletic’s Jay Harris remarked that Mbeumo “cannot be stopped,” with Mbeumo starring in west London. Well, it’s clear that he’s raised his level since the summer, now among the Premier League’s foremost strikers.

Principally playing off the right flank, Mbeumo has got ample experience in a more conventional centre-forward role, endowed with the crisp finishing to align with a dynamic skill set and ensure his success.

Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford Stats by Position (PL)

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Right winger

62

22

17

Centre-forward

28

10

3

Attacking midfield

29

2

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

Slot’s Liverpool are a fluent and interchangeable side, with the likes of Luis Diaz featuring regularly as the central focal point. Mbeumo would stake his claim to having superior physicality to Liverpool’s contingent, with Nunez and Diaz tenacious characters but perhaps lacking in strength.

Mbeumo has averaged 1.3 tackles and 4.6 successful duels per Premier League match this term, as per Sofascore, so he clearly has an apt anatomical build for the duty.

At 5 foot 8, he’s diminutive and woulnd’t bring the kind of aerial threat that, say, Erling Haaland carries over at Manchester City, but Liverpool could benefit from the strengths that Mbeumo does possess all the same.

Liverpool might just have the tools to get over the line this season, clinching an incredible Premier League title in Slot’s first season at the helm. Nunez has proved that he can be a driving force in desperate moments, but is he mature enough, Slot-like enough, to lead the line over the coming years.

Mbeumo has proven through several years of hard toil that he is capable of being a consistent outlet in front of goal, and Liverpool must pull no punches in getting his prized signature added to the Anfield ranks.

Related Move over Nunez: 8/10 Liverpool star was the real star of the show

The Liverpool defender put in a fantastic performance against Brentford on Saturday.

Posts ByDan Emery Jan 18, 2025

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly made two more of the club’s players available for transfer in January as he plans a mini squad overhaul.

Rashford transfer latest

After almost a decade as a first-team United player, Rashford has now stated his desire to leave the club. The English forward made the shock admission in an interview with Henry Winter just two days after he was left out of United’s squad for the Manchester derby earlier this month.

“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford told Winter.

“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person. If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.”

Since dropping the bombshell, the 27-year-old, who has seven goals in all competitions this season, has again been left out of United’s squads for their games against Tottenham and Bournemouth – both of which ended in defeat for Amorim’s side.

Suitors are already lining up for Rashford, including Barcelona, who, according to Football Transfers, have now submitted a £35m bid to sign the striker in what would initially be a January loan move before a permanent deal takes place in the summer.

Amorim ready to axe two more Man Utd first teamers

Rashford isn’t the only player who is likely to leave Old Trafford after the New Year. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, both Christan Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have now been made available for transfer in January.

The two players, who are both tied to United until 2025, were given rare starts against Tottenham in the EFL Cup last week, but neither are part of Amorim’s plans moving forward. The Portuguese boss, who has the final say in contract extensions at Old Trafford, is understood to be unconvinced by what he’s seen from the pair so far.

“Eriksen and Lindelof are available for January market, but at the moment there’s still nothing concrete. For sure both are players who could be available in January,” Romano wrote on GiveMeSport.

Eriksen, 32, is attracting interest from a number of clubs, including his boyhood club Ajax, as well as Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic. Lindelof, who is two years Eriksen’s younger, meanwhile, has attracted interest from both Turkey and Italy.

Premier League clubs are also circling the Swede, including Leicester City, who are currently managed by United’s former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Lindelof and Eriksen collectively earn £270,000 per week at Old Trafford, so getting them off the wage book would certainly help United ensure they are meeting the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

First, the positive. Leeds United remain at the top of the Championship table, holding a one-point advantage over the chasing pack of Burnley and Sheffield United following Saturday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Hull City.

That slim lead at the summit will be little consolation for Daniel Farke’s side in truth, however, with the Yorkshire outfit throwing away a two-goal margin at the MKM Stadium and thus throwing away three points in the process.

The visitors had gone behind early on following Abu Kamara’s fifth-minute lob, although an impressive response after the break saw the Whites storm into a commanding position, with Ao Tanaka’s curling stunner followed by goals from Daniel James and Joel Piroe.

Life in the Championship is never straightforward, however, with the away side miraculously conspiring to collapse in the closing stages, with that man Kamara snatching a draw after Joao Pedro had poked home minutes earlier.

Fingers will be pointed, unsurprisingly, at the hapless Illan Meslier in the sticks, although – while the Frenchman deserves criticism – he wasn’t alone in enduring a dismal day at the office.

Illam Meslier's performance vs Hull

Previously lauded as the “best keeper in this league” by his manager, the 6 foot 6 enigma looked anything but on Saturday, having been the man most responsible for Leeds dropping points.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Expand Collapse

The 24-year-old’s mistakes may not rank on par with his last-gasp clanger at the Stadium of Light back in October, but to have been culpable for all three goals is good-going indeed.

For the opener, while the sluggish Max Wober should well have done better to track the speedy Kamara, there appears no excuse for Meslier finding himself in No Man’s Land after surging out of his goal, with the Hull forward duly dinking the ball into the back of the net from range.

Illan Meslier’s stats vs Hull

90 minutes played

3 saves

1 save inside the box

1 error leading to a goal

-0.02 goals prevented

1 punch

30 touches

83% pass accuracy

2/6 long balls completed

Stats via Sofascore

While perhaps not solely to blame for that early strike, Meslier was certainly the main culprit for Pedro’s 81st-minute effort, having comically flapped at a looping header and in turn spilt the ball into the path of the Brazilian.

With the clock then ticking toward stoppage time, the former Lorient stopper rushed out of his goal to meet Gustavo Puerta’s inswinging corner, yet ultimately didn’t get near the ball, with Kamara subsequently firing home from the ensuing scramble.

There have been reports that the Leeds number one is courting interest from clubs across Europe, although the Elland Road side may wish to consider acquiring a replacement regardless, with Farke’s loyalty to his goalkeeper perhaps needing to be questioned.

The Leeds star who had a "shocker" vs Hull

It must be said, however, that it wasn’t just Meslier who was under-par on the day, with former Swansea City and Manchester United man, James, enduring something of a “shocker” on the flanks, in the words of journalist Graham Smyth.

Also awarded a meagre 4/10 match rating by Smyth and the Yorkshire Evening Post, it certainly wasn’t the Welshman’s finest hour, even despite getting himself on the scoresheet.

That goal, at the time, looked set to help steer Leeds to a valuable away win, with James slotting home from Jayden Bogle’s pullback, following fine work on the opposite flank by Manor Solomon.

While that man Solomon caught the eye down the left – racking up three key passes, no less – James was far less effective on the right, having notably lost the ball on 18 occasions, as per Sofascore, while failing to provide a single key pass himself.

To make matters worse, the 5 foot 7 winger also failed to win a single duel while being dribbled past twice, having also missed three big chances to add insult to injury.

While he does now boast six goals and three assists in the Championship this season, it is likely that Farke will be looking for a lot more from his flying forward, with James’ overall display having been far from good enough.

Related 6 players who could leave Leeds United this January

Leeds United could be set to lose to a number of players this month…

Posts 1 ByBarney Lane Jan 4, 2025

Manchester United’s Carabao Cup campaign for the 2024/25 season came to an end on Thursday night. The Red Devils lost 4-3 to Tottenham Hotspur in North London, in one of the most chaotic games of the season so far.

Tottenham were 3-0 up with half an hour to go, but two goalkeeper blunders from Fraser Forster gifted two goals to United, with Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo profiting from his errors to give United hope. Spurs scored directly from a corner to make it 4-2 and managed to avoid a late scare despite Jonny Evans scoring in stoppage time.

United played well on the night but there were some poor performers. Two of their worst players were signings made by Erik ten Hag.

The Ten Hag signings who struggled vs Spurs

Former Red Devils manager Ten Hag loved to sign his players from his old club Ajax. Two of those he brought with him to the Red side of Manchester were Antony, who cost £81.3m, and Lisandro Martinez, for whom the club paid £56.7m.

It was those two who struggled against the Lilywhites in the Carabao Cup. Antony put in an incredibly frustrating performance and was subbed off after 55 minutes. Playing as a number 10, he failed to create any chances, which was noted by the Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

He gave Antony a 4/10 for his efforts against Spurs and was incredibly critical of the United number 21. He explained that he ‘did not make United play’ even though he was one of the key attacking players in the team.

Martinez was also poor, and at fault for arguably two goals. His clearance for Dejan Kulusevski’s strike to make it 2-0 essentially put it on a plate for the Swede.

Then, for Dominic Solanke’s second of the night and Spurs’ third, he played the striker onside and then failed to put in a challenge, as the England international burst past him and fired home.

Just as he did for Antony, Luckhurst gave the Argentine World Cup winner a 4/10 for his performance. He was critical of Martinez’s ‘weak clearance’ for the opener, before explaining he was ‘even worse’ for Solanke’s finish.

Those two Ten Hag signings certainly let United down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but there was arguably one who was even worse, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

The Man Utd star who needs to be sold

It was a tough night for Turkey international Bayindir, who has barely played this season or last, acting as second choice to Andre Onana. In total, the 26-year-old has played just four times, conceding eight goals in that time.

Against Spurs, he was poor. The Red Devils’ number one received a 3/10 rating from Luckhurst for his performance, who left him a scathing review. He described his efforts for the first goal as ‘shoddy goalkeeping’, and explained he was ‘pathetic’ for Son’s strike.

Indeed, the former Fenerbahce man had some dismal stats from the game according to Sofascore. His kicking was inaccurate, and he completed just 61% of his passes, which included two from 12 long balls. The goalkeeper also made one error that led to a goal.

Stat

Number

Pass accuracy

61%

Touches

38

Passes completed

17/28

Long balls completed

2/12

Saves

2

High claims

1

Errors leading to goal

1

Interestingly, however, his value has risen by 100% since he joined. He cost the Red Devils £4.3m two summers ago, and is now valued at €10m (£8.6m), according to Transfermarkt.

Given that spike in value, perhaps Ruben Amorim will choose to cash in on Bayindir as he looks to freshen the squad up.

It might well be time to cash in on this calamitous Ten Hag signing. Bayindir – who reportedly wants to leave in January – has not exactly covered himself in glory for United, although his opportunities have been limited during his time at the club.

Amorim must axe 4/10 Man Utd star who looks a "shadow of his old self"

Man Utd crashed out of the Carabao Cup after a crazy encounter…

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 20, 2024

The Pakistan board’s proposal, which includes India as a participating team, will be formally presented at the ICC Board meeting in Dubai next week

Osman Samiuddin01-Apr-2022The PCB’s proposed quadrangular T20I tournament could, according to the board’s projections, bring in as much as USD 650 million in revenue for the four participants as well as the ICC.The proposal, which sees Pakistan, India, England and Australia playing a single-league T20 tournament annually, will be presented formally at the ICC Board meeting next week in Dubai.Related

ICC meeting: Ramiz's quadrangular T20s idea gets support ahead of his presentation

ICC quarterly meeting: Bilateral calendar, quadrangular T20 event proposal in focus

Ramiz to propose annual four-team series including Pakistan, India

The PCB has identified a window for the event in September-October which, officials say, is an ideal period because it is the start of the season in Australia, India and Pakistan and near the end of the English season.As it stands, the plan is for a single-league structure of six league games, concluded by either a one-off or best-of-three finals, played across two weekends. Hosting rights for the tournament are envisaged to run on a rotational basis and control over the event will be the ICC’s.The paper projects that such a tournament could bring in USD 650 million in media and commercial rights, and plans for that the money to be distributed between the four sides as well as other ICC members. It is not clear what the breakdown will be of the revenue, but it is thought that a significant portion could go towards the non-participating Full Members and Associate members.”This is a strategic paper in which the ICC and its members have been encouraged and invited to explore an untapped event opportunity around traditional rivalries in cricket, turn them into a cricket extravaganza, attract a new generation of cricketers, speed up cricket development and maximise revenues for the members,” a PCB official familiar with the plan told ESPNcricinfo.”This concept not only provides context, it will also become a much-anticipated event across the globe as cricket fans and followers want to see Pakistan play India or Australia take on England or India meet England or Pakistan face Australia on an annual basis.”The concept is one that Ramiz Raja, the PCB chairman, has spoken of repeatedly since he took over last year, but one that, until now, came with little detail. Along with the board CEO Faisal Hasnain, Ramiz will present it formally in Dubai next week. The meeting is an important one given that it will be an opportunity for members to further shape the next Future Tours Programme (FTP).How it is received by others remains to be seen, and for various reasons – not least strained ties between India and Pakistan – several obstacles stand in the way. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 because political relations between the two countries are at a low ebb. Relations between the two cricket boards are also not especially functional either – the teams only face off in ICC events.Reasons other Full and Associate members would agree to such an idea that foresees no participation for them are also not obvious – even with a potential annual payout. If, as proposed, the ICC is to run the event, that would add another layer of complication, with regard to the events they have already locked into their next cycle.An increased number of ICC events in that next cycle – there are four men’s T20 World Cups between 2023-2031 – as well as the domestic T20 leagues most Full Members are now running means that space in the calendar is all but non-existent – unless it comes at the expense of bilateral commitments.The PCB says this quadrangular is not an attempt to undermine ICC events but to add another short event to the calendar, one they feel has strong commercial value.”The ICC tried the ICC Super Series in 2005, so there is no harm in testing waters for another event,” the official said. “This event will also bring a further nation vs nation event, in a cricket calendar that is being increasingly influenced by mushrooming of various T20 leagues around the world. Because of that, bilateral T20Is have become meaningless. The four-nation Super Series can fill the vacuum.”

Heading into the weekend as many as six points clear of the Championship relegation zone, Sheffield Wednesday have been handed an added boost by the updated return date of a summer signing who’s missed the last seven games.

Sheffield Wednesday injury news

The Owls avoided Championship relegation by just three points last season, but already look on course to make a much-needed improvement this time around under Danny Rohl. The Wednesday boss has continued to impress at Hillsborough, taking his side to a comfortable 2-0 victory against relegation rivals Hull City last time out.

With Derby County now awaiting this Sunday, the Owls have the chance to extend their recent run to three games without defeat as the Championship heads into what is always an action-packed festive period of fixtures.

As so many games begin to come thick and fast, any positive news on the injury front will be seen as a major boost, with Wednesday’s squad likely to be stretched to full capacity over the coming weeks.

With that said, Rohl has already provided a positive injury update ahead of December, stating in a recent press conference that Olaf Kobacki is now on course to make his return against Stoke City in the Owls’ last game before Christmas on 21st December.

The winger has already missed seven games, and whilst that number is set to rise to 11 before he potentially returns, he will at least have the chance to hand those at Hillsborough an early Christmas present.

Rohl updated reporters, saying (as relayed by Sheffield Wednesday News): “Olaf has a strong attitude. This is what you can expect from such a player. He can play with resilience and go through and work hard. And he worked hard. He’s now on the pitch, and I think in the next two weeks, he will be back in the team training.”

"Strong" Kobacki can make up for disappointing start

Since arriving in the summer transfer window from Polish side Arka Gdynia, Kobacki has struggled to adjust to life in the Championship, with an ill-timed injury against Portsmouth far from helping.

Featuring in 10 games in all competitions – starting just four times in league action – Kobacki is yet to score or assist for the Owls. However, when he returns from injury, he should get the chance to put that right.

Though it must be said it won’t be easy to break into Rohl’s side ahead of the likes of Djeidi Gassama. Sheffield Wednesday are currently steering clear of the drop zone and impressing. For Rohl to even consider disrupting his strongest side, he must be convinced, and the numbers suggest that Kobacki is yet to steal the spotlight in England’s second tier.

Someone with a “strong attitude” according to Rohl, the 23-year-old will certainly attempt to fight for his place, and perhaps finally discover his best form at Sheffield Wednesday in doing so. There’s no doubt that another player firing on all cylinders would act as a welcomed boost in the middle of an action-packed period for the Owls.

Allrounder has represented South Africa in red and white-ball cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jan-2022

George Linde appeals•AFP/Getty Images

George Linde, the South African allrounder, will join Kent on a two-year deal.Linde, 30, has represented South Africa in all formats, taking four wickets on Test debut before recording his Test-best figures of 5-64 against Pakistan last February, the last of his three Test appearances.South Africa’s domestic four-day cricketer of the year for 2021, Linde took 23 wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin at 20.95, and scored 322 runs at 46.00 in five CSA four-day domestic series matches for Cape Cobras. He has also played 100 T20 matches in his career, scoring 904 runs at a strike rate of 138.43 and taking 105 wickets at 22.93, with an economy rate of 7.3.”This is an exciting opportunity for me to play county cricket for the first time in my career,” said Linde, who will be available to play all formats for Kent. “I’m really looking forward to wearing the Kent shirt with pride and to make my own mark on this club’s history.”Paul Downton, Kent’s Director of Cricket, said: “We are delighted to have signed a player of George’s calibre for the coming two seasons.”We have long identified the need for an experienced, high quality spin bowler to balance our side in all formats, and the fact that George is an accomplished left-handed middle-order batter makes his addition to the squad even more exciting.”His first-class record is excellent with 211 wickets at 24.00 and 2287 runs at 30.00 in 58 matches – his white ball performances have also been just as impressive. We believe that George will make us a more competitive side as we aim to compete on all fronts next season.”

West Ham United are likely to let a player who manager Julen Lopetegui really rates leave east London in 2025, coming amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of other key players in the Spaniard’s squad.

Under-fire Lopetegui could lose important West Ham players

Lopetegui sealed an all-important 2-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday, a result which bought the Irons head coach much-needed time, as he attempts to avoid the same fate of Erik ten Hag who resigned from his Red Devils post right after that game.

West Ham now preparing to axe star as Lopetegui makes "ruthless" decision

The Spaniard eased some pressure with a win over Manchester United.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 29, 2024

The win was West Ham’s second in three league games, but they went from August to early October without recording a single victory in all competitions, which is pretty abject for a side who spent around £120 million in the summer transfer window.

Lopetegui is set for a crucial next few games at the London Stadium, as his side gear up to take on Nuno Espirito Santo’s in-form Nottingham Forest this weekend.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

#9

05/10/2024

Ipswich (H)

Premier League

4-1 win

#8

28/09/2024

Brentford (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#7

25/09/2024

Liverpool (A)

Carabao Cup

5-1 loss

#6

21/09/2024

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#5

14/09/2024

Fulham (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#4

31/08/2024

Man City (H)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#3

28/08/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Carabao Cup

1-0 win

#2

24/08/2024

Crystal Palace (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#1

17/08/2024

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

2-1 loss

Lopetegui is preparing to axe Lucas Paqueta from his West Ham starting eleven, as the 58-year-old becomes “ruthless” in an attempt to galvanize a decent run of form and ultimately save his job (GiveMeSport).

Thinking towards the long-term, West Ham’s manager isn’t exactly helped by reports linking key men with moves away from the club. Star forward Mohammed Kudus is attracting interest from Barcelona, as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia and rivals in the Premier League.

Losing the Ghanaian would come as a very bitter blow considering he’s arguably been their most potent attacking player this season. Meanwhile, it is believed West Ham could decide to sell striker Niclas Fullkrug as soon as January, with the summer signing’s start in England blighted by a niggling achilles tendon injury.

Carlos Soler likely to leave West Ham after loan spell

Another new arrival in Carlos Soler, who is currently at the club on a temporary spell from PSG, is also likely to leave West Ham at the end of the season.

That is according to Claret and Hugh, who state that West Ham are unlikely to sign Soler permanently, despite possessing a £27 million option to buy the Spaniard. On a reported £80,000-per-week at West Ham, this is apparently only part of his PSG salary, which is said to be “huge” and Lopetegui’s side won’t be able to cover it all.

Lopetegui is on record calling Soler a “great” player and praising his versatility, but 2024/2025 may be the only campaign we see him don Claret and Blue.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na última quarta-feira, enquanto o Palmeiras já estava a caminho de Abu Dhabi, nos Emirados Árabes Unidos, para a disputa do Mundial de Clubes, um vídeo interno com funcionários da Academia de Futebol viralizava nas redes sociais e virava motivado de piada. Nesta quinta, nas imagens de bastidores do embarque do Verdão, Abel Ferreira explicou do que se trata a produção.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras desembarca em Abu Dhabi e vive o seu primeiro dia de MundialPalmeiras03/02/2022PalmeirasPALMEIRAS NO MUNDIAL: Entenda por que o clube se sente melhor preparado nesta nova chancePalmeiras02/02/2022Fora de CampoVídeo em que Abel e funcionários do Palmeiras cantam antes do Mundial vaza e gera brincadeiras na internet; assista!Fora de Campo02/02/2022

TABELA
> Veja tabela e simulador do Mundial de Clubes-2021 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

GALERIA
> Veja a lista de jogadores do Palmeiras que viajaram para o Mundial de Clubes

O vídeo em questão reúne todos os colaboradores que trabalham no CT do clube. Eles cantam uma música que valoriza o “fazer” em conjunto, na filosofia que prega o técnico português e sua comissão: “todos somos um”. Uma maneira de valorizar aquelas pessoas que proporcionam o dia a dia dos jogadores, e que direta ou indiretamente estarão juntas no Mundial.

Segundo consta nas imagens de bastidores da viagem do Verdão, Abel Ferreira transmitiu esse vídeo no trajeto de ônibus da Academia de Futebol para o Aeroporto de Guarulhos. De acordo com o treinador, ele enviaria o arquivo para o grupo de WhatsApp dos atletas para que aquela música ficasse com eles durante todo processo de disputa da competição nos Emirados Árabes Unidos.

– Vou colocar uma coisa no grupo de vocês, quero que vejam e que essa música acompanhem vocês desde agora até quando voltarmos – disse Abel.

Em seguida, nas imagens de bastidores, é mostrado que os jogadores estão vendo o tal vídeo interno, que vazou e virou piada nas redes sociais enquanto a delegação estava voando rumo Abu Dhabi e , provavelmente, só soube da repercussão quando chegou em terra firme e pôde ver os memes publicados.

O Palmeiras chegou em Abu Dhabi por volta das 6h da manhã, horário de Brasília, nesta quinta-feira e tem treino previsto para as 10h, também no horário de Brasília, no Estádio Zayed Sports City. Será a primeira atividade do elenco já em território da sede do Mundial de Clubes, competição em que o Verdão estreia na próxima terça-feira, às 13h30, contra o vencedor de Al Ahly, do Egito, e Monterrey, do México, que se enfrentam neste sábado, ás 13h30.

Former Barcelona star Rivaldo expects Lamine Yamal to follow in Lionel Messi's footsteps and take the club's iconic number 10 shirt in future.

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Rivaldo backs Yamal to follow MessiWill inherit the No.10 shirt soonBarcelona face Valencia on ThursdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

At 17, the Spanish sensation continues to mesmerise audiences across the world. Yamal had a breakthrough year with Barcelona and Spain in the 2023-24 season and he already has 26 goal contributions to his name, including 10 goals in 29 appearances, across all competitions in the current campaign.

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Blaugrana legend Rivaldo has spoken highly of the teenage sensation as he heaped praise on the player's abilities on the pitch at a tender age. The Brazil icon also predicted that Yamal would follow in Messi's footsteps and ditch the No. 19 shirt soon to take up the iconic No. 10. The Spain international has often been compared to the Argentine superstar due to his style and early promise.

WHAT RIVALDO SAID

Speaking to , Rivaldo said: "He plays like he’s 25 years old, with a lot of experience, and he plays with ease. It has already been said that next season he will wear the number 10 shirt. With the personality he has, I’m sure he will soon be a candidate for best player in Europe and the world.

"He’s a player I admire, I like his style of play. He’s a jewel of Barcelona, a boy who deserves all the good things he’s achieving because of the person he is. You can see that he’s humble, he hasn’t let fame or money go to his head, and I really admire players who have that kind of attitude."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

The Catalan giants will be back in action on Thursday as they take on Valencia in the quarter-final of Copa del Rey.