Wayne Rooney believes Kevin De Bruyne is "a little bit ahead of" Steven Gerrard as the Manchester United legend hailed the Manchester City midfielder.
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De Bruyne set to end his stint with CityHas established himself as one of the PL's greatestRooney rates him higher than GerrardFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Rooney praised De Bruyne’s immense contribution to English football over the past decade and credited the Belgian with redefining the creative midfield role. Since joining City in 2015, the Belgian maestro has been instrumental in their dominance, winning 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles.
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Speaking on , Rooney, while acknowledging similarities between De Bruyne and Gerrard, noted that the City playmaker stands slightly ahead in terms of offensive output.
"Very similar, and in my opinion, just a little bit ahead in terms of attacking points to Stevie," he said. "Similar traits to what Stevie is. He was more of an all-around player but I think in that attacking period, De Bruyne was incredible.
"City got to make a decision, and they have probably at the right time. Now, with FFP, you can't keep a player at the club for what he's done. You obviously have to go and replace him. But in terms of a player over the last, you know, 10 years, he's been there. It's incredible."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite his achievements, the past two seasons have not been smooth sailing for De Bruyne. Now 33, he has faced persistent injury concerns that have limited his minutes on the pitch. However, when fit, he continues to showcase his brilliance. Earlier this month, he rolled back the years with a dominant performance against Crystal Palace, reminding fans and critics alike of his enduring talent.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?
Although his Manchester City chapter is nearing its conclusion, De Bruyne has yet to reveal his next move. The veteran midfielder has attracted interest from both Major League Soccer and clubs in the Saudi Pro League, with both destinations seen as likely options for seasoned European stars seeking new challenges. Whether he opts for a lifestyle change and a new competitive adventure abroad remains to be seen.
O lateral-esquerdo Piquerez se recuperou de uma lesão na coxa direita que o deixou fora de seis partidas do Palmeiras e já treina normalmente com o restante do grupo. Após as atividades desta quarta-feira (1), o uruguaio relatou como foi o período longe dos gramados pela primeira vez na carreira e agradeceu o respaldo do clube.
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GALERIA
>Data Fifa vai tirar 22 jogadores do Brasileirão: veja a lista
TABELA
> Clique e confira a tabela completa e simulador do Brasileirão!
– Foi a minha primeira lesão em toda a minha carreira, mas são coisas que acontecem. Aqui no Brasil tem muitos jogos, a cada três dias praticamente. Fiquei fora seis jogos, foram três semanas intensas, mas, graças a Deus, temos uma boa estrutura e uma boa fisioterapia que me ajudaram a recuperar bem e a voltar antes do tempo. Estou feliz por retornar a treinar e ficar à disposição do treinador – disse o camisa 22.
O Verdão tem uma semana cheia para trabalhar, tendo em vista que o próximo jogo acontece somente no domingo (5), contra o Atlético Mineiro, no Allianz Parque, às 16h. Sobre o confronto, o lateral projetou, inclusive, seu possível retorno.
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– Acho que fico mais nervoso estando de fora do que dentro do campo (risos). Torci muito pelos meus companheiros que, graças a Deus, conseguiram resultados positivos. Agora temos uma semana longa que nos fará ter tempo para recuperar e treinar bem. Temos um jogo muito importante do Brasileiro no final de semana, por isso estamos nos preparando bem e espero que possamos sair com a vitória – disse.
Por fim, Piquerez comentou também sobre a chegada do compatriota Merentiel e como está sendo a adaptação do mais novo centroavante palmeirense.
– Feliz por tê-lo aqui, né? Falei com ele, disse que estava chegando a um clube muito grande e ele já percebeu isso. Estou ajudando, sobretudo com o idioma, pois falo um pouco melhor o português. Estou perto dele sempre e logo ele estará entrosado com todo o grupo – concluiu.
Arsenal are working hard to sign a marquee forward before January deadline day, with the Gunners prepared to make a significant push imminently.
Arsenal targeting new attacker after Jesus and Saka blows
It is no secret that Mikel Arteta is in the market for a new star attacker to bolster his options in the final third.
Arsenal hold January talks with £51m striker as elite club open to selling
They need an alternative to Kai Havertz.
1
By
Emilio Galantini
Jan 21, 2025
Having lost Bukayo Saka to a hamstring problem, with the England star not expected back until March, Arteta is also minus the winger’s vital contribution of goals and assists. Meanwhile, striker Gabriel Jesus, who was in a rich vein of form with six goals in his last seven games, is now set to miss the rest of 2024/2025 after rupturing his ACL.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Wolves (away)
January 25
Man City (home)
February 2
Leicester City (away)
February 15
West Ham (home)
February 22
Nottingham Forest (away)
February 26
This is now an emergency-level situation for the Premier League title hopefuls, as long-term absences for Saka and Jesus handicap Arsenal by taking away a serious amount of threat in the forward areas.
Arteta has already confirmed that Arsenal want another forward to come in before February 3, and the club are making attempts for that to happen.
Reports in Italy this week claimed that Arsenal have reached out to Dusan Vlahovic’s entourage, as the striker could leave Juventus this month for the right offer. The likes of Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon) and Igor Jesus (Botafogo) have been linked recently as well, alongside Wolves star Matheus Cunha.
Matheus Cunha
The Brazilian, who is capable of playing in a wide variety of roles – including as a centre-forward, out-wide, second striker and even through the middle in a central attacking-midfield role – is currently Wolves’ star player.
Vitor Pereira’s side are keen to tie him down with a new contract to fend off elite suitors like Arsenal, and it is believed they could demand as much as £80 million to let him leave in the coming weeks.
“Matheus Cunha is yet to sign his new Wolves contract despite verbally agreeing new financial terms,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on X.
“Parties still discussing a release clause, and potentially two different numbers based on Wolves staying up and/or going down. Cunha has been offered an important pay rise, and even with a new long-term deal, Wolves would be understanding of Cunha’s desire to leave for the right opportunity in future windows.
“Arsenal are currently in contact with Cunha’s camp, but talks only informal at this stage. Wolves still don’t wish to sell in January and that position will only change with a crazy offer, likely in excess of £80m.”
Arsenal working hard to sign Matheus Cunha and prepared to push soon
Going by the previous update from Jacobs, there is still hope for Arsenal to pip the 25-year-old from Molineux.
According to a Spanish media source, sharing further news on this story, it is believed that Arsenal are working hard to sign Cunha behind-the-scenes, and they’re prepared to make a significant push for him in the next few days.
Wolves striker Matheus Cunha
Arteta’s side are said to be convinced that the South American, who’s scored 10 goals and assisted four others in all competitions for Wolves this season, could be a decisive potential signing in their quest to win a first Premier League title in over two decades.
It’s added they could go “all out” for Cunha’s signature, although just how much they’re willing to pay for him isn’t made clear.
Host cities have lobbied the federal government for funds, while visa approval process could impact international teams, fans
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White House, FIFA meetings boost host city optimism
Trump to chair World Cup task force
Visa delays remain major concern for 2026
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Recent meetings between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the White House regarding security and logistics for the 2026 World Cup have been met with optimism by host cities and other event stakeholders, according to the Sports Business Journal.
“[The World Cup] is going to be an unbelievable opportunity to showcase the United States, but we’re going to have to be prepared from a security standpoint, from a logistical standpoint, to make sure this happens the way that it does,” Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), who co-chairs the Congressional Soccer Caucus, told SBJ.
President Donald Trump has announced he will chair the World Cup Task Force. SBJ has reported that Andrew Giuliani, a former New York gubernatorial candidate and the son of longtime Trump ally Rudy Giuliani, is expected to be appointed as executive director, overseeing day-to-day operations.
“We have been advocating for the White House before this administration to create the World Cup Task Force,” said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of the Seattle Host Committee. “And we’re very pleased to see it come together.”
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stressed that travelers from around the world will be welcomed at the 2026 World Cup, saying the sport's governing body has assurances about security from the White House. Concerns over a lengthy approval process for visas is another key issue.
“It is very important we have the engagement of the different government agencies to make sure that security is guaranteed, that fans can travel to the U.S. and around the U.S., that transportation is working perfectly, that the world will be welcomed," Infantino told The Washington Post.
Infantino met with Trump in Washington D.C. in March, subsequently meeting with other cabinet members. He discussed "security and potential issues" that could arise from a high volume of visitors expected to come to the U.S. for the global tournament.
The 11 U.S. World Cup host cities have been jointly lobbying the federal government for $625 million in appropriations to support security and emergency services. The host cities are responsible for covering these costs under their agreements with FIFA.
Still, other concerns remain, including issuing of visas. Fewer than half of the teams expected to qualify for the 2026 World Cup hail from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, which enables most citizens to travel to the U.S. for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
Teams and fans from other nations will have to go through a visa application process that, according to SBJ, could take more than a year. Among likely World Cup qualifiers, non-Visa Waiver Program countries with the longest wait times include Colombia (507 days), Nigeria (377 days), Mexico (350 days), Ivory Coast (280 days) and Costa Rica (279 days).
Those seeking to travel to the U.S. from countries that are included in the Terrorist Travel Prevention Act – including Iran, which has already qualified for the World Cup – face larger obstacles in obtaining visas. The U.S. State Department has encouraged “prospective foreign travelers who will need U.S. visas to attend the 2026 World Cup to apply now.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
FIFA recently revealed its 2026 World Cup host poster for the NY/NJ region, where the final will be held, last week.
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WHAT NEXT FOR FIFA?
FIFA is getting ready for its revamped 2025 Club World Cup, set to kick off this summer on June 14.
Arsenal could now miss out on signing an “elite” £50m player, with Real Madrid confident about winning the race for his signature, according to a report.
Mikel Arteta keen on a midfielder
There were no new arrivals at the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window, with Mikel Arteta opting to wait until the end of the season before making any new additions to his squad.
There have been widespread calls for the Gunners to sign a striker, with doubt remaining over whether Kai Havertz is good enough to lead the line for a Premier League title-winning side, while Arteta also wants to strengthen the spine of his team.
It recently emerged the north Londoners are vying for the signature of Chris Rigg, with Sunderland now willing to sanction the midfielder’s departure for a fee of £25m in the summer.
Arsenal keen on "special" £25m ace who's now available to sign this summer
The Gunners have set their sights on a hot prospect, who is being targeted by some of Europe’s top clubs.
ByDominic Lund Feb 9, 2025
At just 17 years old, Rigg is likely to be one for the future, but Arsenal are also keen on a player perhaps capable of making a more immediate impact, and it has long been expected that Martin Zubimendi will move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
However, there has now been a worrying twist in the transfer saga, with reports from Spain revealing Real Madrid are now confident about winning the race for Zubimendi, as they believe he could be tempted by the opportunity to remain in his home country.
The Gunners aren’t going down without a fight, however, with the report revealing they are still pushing to get a deal done, as they are convinced the Spaniard would fit perfectly into their team.
Arteta is not willing to give up, and the north Londoners remain well-placed to win the race, but there will certainly be concern about Madrid’s interest as it looked like he was on course to move to the Emirates.
Zubimendi would be an "elite" signing for Arsenal
Arsenal are already well-stocked in central midfield, with Declan Rice once again emerging as one of their best-performing players in the Premier League this season, but the Real Sociedad star could take them to the next level.
The 26-year-old, who is expected to cost £50m, has been lauded for his ability in possession of the ball by scout Ben Mattinson.
Not only that, but the Spain international is also capable of pitching in defensively, ranking in the 90th percentile for clearances per 90, and the 90th percentile for aerials won when compared to his positional peers.
It will be a real concern that Madrid fancy their chances of winning the race for Zubimendi, but there is no reason to panic at this stage, with Arsenal still well-placed to get a deal done, and they can boost their chances with a strong finish to the season.
West Ham United have an opportunity to strike a January deal with Barcelona, as manager Graham Potter attempts to shore up key areas of his squad.
West Ham in talks to sign midfielder and striker for Graham Potter
As per reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, the east Londoners are maintaining their negotiations to bring in both a new midfielder and striker before the deadline.
West Ham in ongoing talks over signing "top-quality" England international
Graham Potter’s side sense an opportunity.
ByEmilio Galantini Jan 22, 2025
It was believed that West Ham had agreed a deal for Ezechiel Banzuzi, with that news even reported by Sky Sports, but Ex has since poured cold water over this and insists that they remain in talks with OH Leuven.
“We submitted a bid two weeks ago which was rejected with his club saying they didn’t want to sell him until the summer and would demand a lot of money for him to move now,” stated Ex (via West Ham Way).
Aston Villa (away)
January 26
Chelsea (away)
February 3
Brentford (home)
February 15
Arsenal (away)
February 22
Leicester City (home)
February 27
“Karen Brady was thought to have taken a lead with this transfer and has continued with talks with the players agent. We have remained in contact with the club and talks have continued without a formal bid being proposed or of course accepted since the original offer. This is a transfer that could be revisited again soon.”
Amid their pursuit of the Dutch midfielder, it is also believed that West Ham are in negotiations to sign Andre Silva from RB Leipzig on loan until the end of the season, which may eventually include a buy-out option.
“We had continued our talks with Andre Silva over a loan move to the summer,” said Ex again.
“The loan deal would potentially have an option at the end of it to make the deal permanent. Talks will continue today but at the moment other options are being considered as well. As I’ve been saying for a while now I think this is the easiest deal to complete and one we may chose to do as a temporary measure that could turn out to be a bargain.”
Now, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, West Ham could have an opportinity to reinforce their defence.
West Ham offered Barcelona defender Eric Garcia
Writing for The Boot Room, Bailey claims that Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has emerged as an option for Potter. The Spaniard, formerly of Man City, has played more of a bit-part role under Hansi Flick at the Camp Nou this season – leading to reports that Barca could sell him this window for around £21 million.
Barcelona'sEricGarciareacts
West Ham have been offered Garcia by intermediaries, who’ve contacted the Irons to let them know about his availability. As well as West Ham, it is believed Tottenham, Brighton, Wolves, Newcastle and Aston Villa have been approached as well.
Garcia can actually play in defensive midfield as well, so if a move for Banzuzi fails, then the 24-year-old could be a solid alternative.
“Eric is a very intelligent boy – more than a boy,” said City director of football Txiki Begiristain. “He is a good character, a solid leader.”
Manchester United are in desperate need of an overhaul to allow Ruben Amorim to be a success during his time as the club’s manager.
The 40-year-old has only had one transfer window to make his impression on the side, undoubtedly needing a whole summer to part ways with players he doesn’t see in his plans, funding any new additions in the process.
However, his time at Sporting, where he won two league titles, is evidence he has the pedigree to achieve Premier League glory should the hierarchy decide to back him in the market.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimapplauds fans after the match
Wholesale changes may be needed to the playing squad, especially considering their lowly league position of 13th place, with the Red Devils’ only chance to win a trophy now down to the Europa League.
Should Amorim achieve such a feat in the coming months, he would follow in the footsteps of one manager who claimed the title during his own time in charge at Old Trafford.
José Mourinho’s time as Man Utd manager
José Mourinho was appointed as United manager back in the summer of 2016, signing a three-year deal, winning the Community Shield against Leicester City in his first competitive game in charge.
The former Chelsea boss won two other trophies during his first season at the helm, winning the EFL Cup against Southampton, whilst claiming the Europa League title with a 2-0 triumph over Ajax.
However, his time in the post would come to a sour end, with many criticising his style of play, leading to Mourinho’s iconic rant stating he had won more Premier League titles than the other 19 managers combined.
He would eventually be sacked in December 2018, with three trophies next to his name, putting him up there with the most successful managers in the role after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
The 62-year-old was given license to spend to aid his quest, with Amorim desperately needing to offload one of his additions at the next available opportunity.
The player who Amorim needs to offload at Man Utd
After his own appointment in November, Amorim has already demonstrated that he’s not afraid to be ruthless, something which United have desperately needed, excluding Marcus Rashford from his first-team plans.
The 40-year-old stated that his attitude needed to improve for him to consider reinstating him to the side, but subsequently loaned him to Aston Villa in the closing stages of the January window.
Manchester United's MarcusRashfordduring training
If he is to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams, he needs to continue in the same vein, finally offloading defender Victor Lindelof in the summer after his lack of impact in recent times.
The Swede joined under Mourinho’s guidance back in the summer of 2017, costing a whopping £31m, aiming to provide an immediate and long-term fix at centre-back.
Whilst he’s been a valuable member in certain phases of his career in the North West, with Mourinho dubbing him their “best player” at one stage, he’s unfortunately dropped down the pecking order in recent seasons with injuries hampering his progress.
Lindelof has only made nine appearances in 2024/25, only featuring twice since Amorim’s arrival – with his contract set to expire at the end of the current season.
Victor Lindelof’s stats by season at Man Utd
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2017/18
29
0
0
2018/19
40
1
1
2019/20
47
1
1
2020/21
45
1
2
2021/22
35
0
2
2022/23
35
0
0
2023/24
28
1
1
2024/25
9
0
0
Total:
268
4
7
Stats via Transfermarkt
Given his lack of impact, coupled with his £120k-per-week contract, the boss needs to be brutal and allow the 30-year-old to depart the club for a new adventure – opening the door to a potential signing in that department in the coming months.
There’s no denying he’s been a loyal servant to the club, making over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, but ultimately, he’s no longer at the level required for a side pushing at the top of the table.
His earnings are also way too extortionate for his value to the current first team, with the Swede likely to be one of various departures between now and next season as Amorim looks to kickstart the United revolution.
Cost £13m, now worth more than Dorgu: Man Utd hit jackpot on "monster" star
In a period of poor transfer dealings, Manchester United have struck gold on one signing.
Nuno Espirito Santo admitted that Nottingham Forest's fairytale journey is faltering following their defeat at Brentford.
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Forest could end up losing Champions League slot
Went down 2-0 against Brentford
Crashed out of the FA Cup this week
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Forest were in a strong position to secure a Champions League slot for next season until last month, but their sudden dip in form has now landed them in the sixth position on the league table. Espirito Santos' side have lost three out of their last four Premier League matches, including their latest 2-0 defeat at Brentford on Thursday. Earlier this week, they also crashed out of the FA Cup after losing 2-0 against Manchester City in the semi-final.
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WHAT NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO SAID
After the loss against the Bees, the Portuguese manager said: "We don’t see it but we feel it. The explanation for that we have to find in ourselves. But I don’t see (pressure), I see belief, desire and commitment. But the reality is we are struggling in some aspects of our game – focus and determination to be practical and solve the situations that are simple to solve. (To get back to ourselves) is the basic option we have. We don’t have to change, we have to go back and find our version.
"We have been clear and spoken many times about how we play. Our basic is being compact and solid, we don’t give away chances. We are a team that always covers, so our opponents have to do much more to achieve what they achieved today. With all respect to Brentford, it was too easy. We have been talking about how we are as a team and defensively we don’t allow too many situations. We have had a lot of clean sheets. This is the basic pillar we have, but today it was the other way around. We credit Brentford, but I believe with a better approach we could have solved the situations."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Forest boss added: "I think we were in a position where there’s three teams above us that we need to finish above. So that’s a challenge. There are four games left, we have a chance of finishing eighth, which would be the best position in the club’s history in the Premier League.
"So that’ll be a fantastic achievement, but it depends the perfect run-in and it demands that we do what we’ve done so well over the last four years – laser-like focus on the next game. Some of them are playing the best football of their careers."
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WHAT NEXT?
Forest will aim to get back to winning ways when they next face Crystal Palace on May 5 in a crucial Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park.
يتحرك نادي برشلونة الإسباني لحسم أولى صفقاته الصيفية، وذكرت تقارير صحفية تطورات جديدة تتعلق بالأمر.
وانتهى موسم برشلونة تحت قيادة المدرب هانز فليك، بالتتويج بالدوري الإسباني وكأس ملك إسبانيا وكأس السوبر الإسباني.
ويسعى برشلونة لتعزيز بعض المراكز في الفريق، وبحسب ما ذكر المدير الرياضي ديكو، سيتعاقد النادي بحد أقصى مع 4 صفقات هذا الصيف.
من بين الأسماء التي ارتبطت بمفاوضات برشلونة، حارس مرمى إسبانيول، خوان جارسيا، مع تطلع البلوجرانا لتدعيم هذا المركز.
وذكر الصحفي فابريزو رومانو نقلاً عن راديو كتالونيا، أن برشلونة يتقدم في جميع الخطوات الرسمية لصفقة خوان جارسيا مع وكلاء اللاعب ومع نادي إسبانيول.
وأوضح أن الصفقة لم تُحسم بعد، وقد يستغرق الأمر بعض الوقت لإتمام جميع التفاصيل، لكن الأمور تسير على ما يرام بين جميع الأطراف.
اقرأ أيضًا | بشروط محددة.. برشلونة يفتح باب الرحيل لـ 3 لاعبين
وأشارت تقارير سابقة إلى أنه من المتوقع أن يدفع برشلونة قيمة الشرط الجزائي البالغة 25 مليون يورو، مع توقيع عقد يمتد لخمس سنوات.
ويريد برشلونة تعزيز مركز حراسة المرمى، مع الشكوك حول مستوى مارك تير شتيجن العائد من إصابة طويلة.
بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يواصل برشلونة سعيه لتعزيز خط الهجوم، مع اهتمامه بالتعاقد مع أحد اللاعبين، لويس دياز من ليفربول أو ماركوس راشفورد من مانشستر يونايتد، لكن هذه الصفقات تواجه تحديات مالية، وقد تكون معقدة نظرًا لقيود باللعب المالي النظيف.