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Bayern Munich extended their winning streak to nine with a 5-1 Champions League win over Pafos on Tuesday. While many have been surprised by the German giants’ form under Vincent Kompany, midfielder and team captain Joshua Kimmich insists it is no accident.

Nine out of nine for Kompany’s men

Bayern ran riot at the Alphamega Stadium on Tuesday thanks to a double from Harry Kane, with Raphael Guerreiro, Nicolas Jackson and Michael Olise also on the scoresheet. Pafos managed a consolation strike through Mislav Orsic just before half-time, but that was as good as it got. Under Kompany, Bayern have now won all nine of their matches this season, scoring 35 goals and conceding only eight. The last time Bayern went on such a run was in the 2012-13 season when they went on to win the treble under Jupp Heynckes.

AdvertisementKompany’s Bayern rise

For Kompany, the turnaround has been remarkable. He joined the German giants from Burnley after their relegation from the Premier League last season, a move that raised plenty of eyebrows. However, his first season saw Bayern storm to the Bundesliga title with 93 goals and just two league defeats. While they missed out on other major trophies, it was a sign of what was to come. Now, with nine wins from nine, the team so far has looked unstoppable. 

Getty Images SportKimmich explains Bayern’s secret formula

After the win, captain Kimmich brushed aside any talk of luck, saying Bayern’s form is down to constant hard work. "It's no coincidence that we're getting good results and having this flow," he said. "We work on the basics every three days, on our principles. We put a lot into it. At the moment, we're doing very well to ensure that everyone is functioning and ready. That's a very valuable asset."

The German also praised the unity in the squad, revealing that the training ground is as competitive as the matches themselves. 

"Even the players who don't play that much are pushing hard every day and busting their asses. This keeps the level high. Everyone puts their ego aside. We need everyone," he added.

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Getty Images SportPerfect Bayern march on with Frankfurt test

The next test for the league leaders is a high-profile Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. While Kompany is keeping his feet on the ground, the Belgian is well aware of the history his team could be chasing this season.

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تفاصيل المكالمة الهاتفية التي جمعته بالكابتن طارق مصطفى، وذلك عقب التصريحات التي أدلى بها اللاعب السابق أحمد ياسر بشأن ما قاله أيمن أشرف حول بعض المدربين، موضحًا كواليس الواقعة وردود الفعل التي تلتها.

وكان أحمد ياسر قد أثار الجدل في تصريحات تلفزيونية، اتهم فيها طارق مصطفى بالحصول على أموال مقابل الموافقة على إشراك اللاعبين وتقاسم العمولات الخاصة بالصفقات.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الثلاثاء: “منذ عدة أيام، ظهر الكابتن أيمن أشرف في لقاء مع أحد الزملاء، وتحدث عن المدربين، وقال إن هناك مدربين يحصلون على أموال وعمولات وأشياء معينة من أجل إشراك بعض اللاعبين، وقال أيضًا إن هناك مجموعة تشمل وكيل لاعبين وقصصًا من هذا النوع”.

وتابع: “فعندما سُئل: من المقصود؟، قال: لا، لا توجد أسماء، لكنني أرى أن هذا يحدث.. أي كلام عام من دون دليل أو إثبات، وهذا بالطبع كلام لا فائدة منه، لأنك لا يجوز أن تقول شيئًا كهذا إلا إذا كان لديك دليل أو اسم واضح”.

وأوضح: “الكلام بهذه الطريقة يُفهم على نحو خاطئ، ويجعل الجميع متهمين، مثلًا، لو قال أحدهم: “هناك مذيعون يتقاضون أموالًا”، طيب من هم؟ لا يجيب، فيصبح التعميم علينا جميعًا كمذيعين، وهذا غير صحيح، حتى ولو مجازًا”.

وواصل: “بعد ذلك خرج الكابتن أحمد ياسر، لاعب المصري السابق، وهو رجل محترم جدًا، ويظهر في أحاديث وبرامج ويبدي آراءه، وظهر مع زميلتنا سهام صالح، وأُعيد الحديث من البداية”.

وأردف: “أحمد ياسر قال: إن أيمن أشرف كان يقصد الكابتن طارق مصطفى، فردت سهام قائلة: كيف ذلك؟، فقال لها: لأنه كان يلعب في البنك الأهلي، وهذا لم يحدث في الأهلي، بل في البنك الأهلي”.

وأشار شوبير: “رغم أن أيمن كان يلعب أيضًا في سموحة، أي أن القصة ليست متعلقة بالأهلي، لكن الكلام فُهم خطأ، وقيل إن المقصود هو طارق مصطفى”.

واستكمل: “في الحقيقة، نمت ثم استيقظت فوجدت الكابتن طارق مصطفى يتصل بي خمس أو ست مرات، فرددت عليه فورًا، فقلت له: أهلاً يا كابتن. فقال لي: يا كابتن، هل رأيت ما حدث؟ قلت له: ماذا حدث؟ قال لي: حدث كذا وكذا، قلت له: والله لم أرَ. فقال لي: سأرسل لك الفيديو، شاهده واتصل بي مجددًا”.

واستكمل: “وبالفعل شاهدت الفيديو، وبصراحة شعرت بالدهشة، وبعد قليل اتصل بي مجددًا وقال لي: هل شاهدت يا كابتن؟ قلت له: نعم شاهدت. قال لي: انظر، سأقدّم شكوى للمجلس الأعلى للإعلام، وسأقدّم بلاغًا للنائب العام. فقلت له: يا كابتن طارق، تمهّل قليلًا، كن هادئًا وابدأ أولًا بالمجلس الأعلى للإعلام”.

واستمر: “كان منفعلاً جدًا وقال لي: انظر، يجب أن أسجنه! فقلت له: بالهدوء يا كابتن، خطوة بخطوة، فطبعًا العرض والشرف والذمة المالية أمور عظيمة جدًا، وللأسف أصبح الناس يتحدثون فيها بسهولة، هناك من يكتب، وهناك من يقول، وهناك من يؤكد، وكل ذلك من دون أن يكون لديهم حتى 1% من المعلومة؛ مجرد كلام في كلام”.

وأشار: “قلت له: يا كابتن طارق، ابدأ أولًا بتقديم شكوى للمجلس الأعلى للإعلام، وإن شاء الله يهدأ الموضوع، وبعد قليل رأيت الكابتن أحمد ياسر قد نشر اعتذارًا محترمًا جدًا للكابتن طارق مصطفى، وقال إنه لم يكن يقصده، وإن الكلام فُهم خطأ، وهكذا انتهى الأمر، وعاد للرجل اعتباره”.

طالع أيضًا | أحمد ياسر يتراجع عن تصريح “العمولات” ويعتذر لـ طارق مصطفى

وأضاف: “لكن اسمحوا لي أن أسأل سؤالًا: كم شخصًا شاهد الفيديو؟ وكم شخصًا علّق عليه؟ كيف انتشر الفيديو؟ وكم تأثرت سمعة الرجل؟ جميل جدًا أن أحمد ياسر امتلك شجاعة الاعتذار، وهذه صفة الكبار، ولكن يا جماعة، بعد إذنكم، هذه سُمعة أشخاص، وكل واحدٍ منا أب وزوج وشخصية عامة، فلا يجوز أن أستيقظ من النوم لأجد نفسي متهمًا بأنني أتقاضى عمولات!”.

واستطرد: “وأنا أقول شهادة لله، الكابتن طارق مصطفى إنسان محترم جدًا، لا خلاف على أخلاقه ولا على كفاءته. طارق كان يسير بشكل جيد جدًا مع البنك الأهلي، لكن النادي قرر إنهاء التعاقد، وهذا أمر طبيعي، ولكن هل يعني ذلك أن تبقى سمعته عُرضة لكل من يتحدث عنه؟ بالتأكيد لا، كفانا ما نراه على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي من أشخاص يكتبون أشياء غريبة ويتصيدون الأخطاء”.

واختتم: “هناك أناس مليئون بالحقد وسوء الأصل، ويستمرون في إطلاق الكلام وصناعة الحملات ضد الناس من دون ضمير، والله هذا الأمر أزعجني جدًا، وأتمنى أن تكون القصة قد انتهت بخير، ولكن بالله عليكم، الذمم والأعراض والشرف ليست أمورًا مباحة، ولا يجوز لأي شخص أن يتحدث فيها بهذه الطريقة، لأن هذا أمر غير مقبول تمامًا”.

The opener made 155 out of a second innings total of 291 to leave Victoria a testing target

AAP10-Feb-2025Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield pacesetter Jake Weatherald blazed another big century to put the heat on Victoria ahead of a final-day run chase in Hobart.The hosts began their second innings 22 runs behind Victoria, but the former South Australian opener turned the tables with a blazing 155 off 212 balls on Monday as Tasmania made 291.Related

McAndrew's 7 for 11 blows WA away for 66 in five session game

Debutant Dixon fires for Victoria against Tasmania

Victoria, second on the Shield ladder with three rounds remaining, were 55 for 2 at stumps They need a further 215 to deny the last-placed Tasmania just their second win in the seventh match of the season.Weatherald found some support from Jake Doran and debutant No. 9 Raf MacMillan, whose bright innings came to an unfortunate end when he miscued a juicy Harry Dixon full toss.Weatherald clattered 20 boundaries in his innings, lathering drives through point and cover, and latching on to anything short with sweetly timed pull shots that sounded like cannons echoing around the Bellerive stands.He was the last man out, his crisp knock following 185 against Queensland in November to put him on top of the Shield run-scoring list this season.Opener Marcus Harris was an early casualty in the chase, trapped in front by Gabe Bell. Bell then dismissed Campbell Kellaway in similar fashion, Jon Merlo and Sam Elliott the unbeaten pair at stumps.

The summer transfer window has been open for the best part of two months and Celtic are yet to add a natural winger to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

Benjamin Nygren, who has played on the right flank, was brought in on a permanent deal, but the versatile star has been playing in central midfield throughout pre-season.

This means that the Hoops still have not replaced Portuguese forward Jota, who may not return to action until January or February of next year.

The former Rennes winger suffered an ACL injury at the start of May against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership and has been ruled out for up to nine months.

Why losing Jota is a blow for Celtic

That injury came as a big blow for Celtic because they had only brought him back to Parkhead in the January transfer window, signing him from Rennes 18 months after they sold him to Al Ittihad.

The 26-year-old forward scored four goals and provided two assists in seven starts in the Premiership after returning to the club, hitting the ground running in his second spell.

Jota’s form on the left flank also freed up Daizen Maeda to play through the middle as a number nine, which is another reason why losing him to a long-term injury is a blow for the Hoops.

The Premiership champions and Rodgers can finally replace the Portuguese star, who has been out injured for almost three months now, by signing reported transfer target Jakob Breum, who is another right-footed left winger.

Why Celtic should sign Jakob Breum

Celtic should continue to pursue the Danish star, who is valued at around £7m, after having a bid rejected for him because he could be a fantastic replacement in the short-to-medium term for Jota.

The Go Ahead Eagles star was described as an “underrated creative winger” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and his statistics in the Eredivisie last season suggest that he could be even more of a creative threat than Jota for the Hoops.

Breum, who scored against Al Duhail in a friendly on Saturday, averaged 1.7 key passes per game and delivered five assists in 26 league games for the Dutch, which shows that he likes to create chances for his teammates on a regular basis.

24/25 season	Breum (Eredivisie)	Jota (Premiership)
Appearances	26	11
xG	6.27	N/A
Goals	10	4
Minutes per goal	206	143
Big chances created	6	3
Key passes per game	1.7	1.2
Assists	5	2
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, he averaged more key passes per match than Jota did in the Premiership, despite playing for a team that only finished seventh in the league.

Playing in a dominant Celtic team that is constantly winning, as they have won the league title in each of the last four years, could help to get the best out of Breum and his attacking qualities, as he would have more opportunities to make things happen at the top end of the pitch.

That is what makes his statistics for Go Ahead Eagles really stand out in comparison to Jota’s, as he made a similar impact whilst having less to work with from his team’s play, given their standing in the division.

At the age of 21, he also has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve, and could be a long-term option for the Hoops even after Jota returns at the start of next year.

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However, his form last season suggests that the winger would come in as a fantastic short and medium term signing first and foremost so that Celtic can finally replace Jota with another left-wing option.

El Tri will face South Korea at GEODIS Park in Nashville after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Japan

Mexico return to action this Tuesday following a lackluster performance against Japan, where manager Javier Aguirre and his squad came under heavy criticism after a goalless draw at the Oakland Coliseum. Even Aguirre himself admitted afterward that Mexico didn’t deserve the win, but also stressed that progress is more important than scorelines at this stage. 

Despite winning the Nations League and Gold Cup earlier this year, the “Vasco” still appears far from settling on a definitive roster for the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will kick off on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca. The coach has also faced scrutiny for some of his call-up decisions – both for players included and those left out. He is likely to make some changes heading into his match against South Korea Tuesday. 

Midfielder Edson Álvarez has been ruled out for three weeks with a muscle injury, meaning he will miss the clash with the Taegeuk Warriors. Other regular starters against Japan – Jorge Sánchez, Jesús Gallardo, Roberto Alvarado, and Raúl Jiménez – could also be dropped to the bench. It remains to be seen whether Aguirre sticks with the same core from Saturday or opts for significant changes.

Now, after a flat showing against Japan, the pressure is on. are expected to deliver a stronger performance against South Korea, as another disappointing result could increase the pressure on Aguirre.

GOAL projects the lineup Aguirre is likely to field on Tuesday.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper

  GOAL's pick: Luis Ángel Malagón 

  Malagón has played the most full matches (13) under Javier Aguirre’s current tenure. The Club América goalkeeper has faced criticism for his recent performances, but all signs point to him being Mexico’s starting keeper at the World Cup if things continue this way. It remains to be seen whether Aguirre will make any changes in goal for the match against South Korea.

  Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Raúl Rangel holds the record for the most appearances on the bench (15) during Aguirre’s stint in charge. If Aguirre makes a change, Tuesday could present a good opportunity for him to finally earn a start.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Defenders

  GOAL's pick: Rodrigo Huescas, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez

  Against Japan, the starting full-backs were Jorge Sánchez and Jesús Gallardo, but for the match at GEODIS Park, expect to see Rodrigo Huescas of Copenhagen and Mateo Chávez of AZ Alkmaar in the lineup. This back four could well be the ideal option heading into the next World Cup, with Huescas currently one of the Mexican players in the best form and Chávez considered one of the country’s top prospects, having made the jump to Europe this year. Unless Aguirre decides to test another option, the center-back pairing should remain unchanged for Tuesday’s clash.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfielders

  GOAL's pick: Erik Lira, Marcel Ruiz, Erick Sánchez

  With Álvarez sidelined due to injury, his usual replacement is Erik Lira, as was the case on Saturday when “El Machín” had to leave the field. Marcel Ruiz could retain his spot in the lineup, providing creativity and versatility to the team. In place of Orbelín Pineda, Erick Sánchez is expected to start; at Club América, he not only serves as a solid defensive midfielder but has also proven capable of making key runs into the box. There is a slight uncertainty here, as Carlos Rodríguez could also feature in the starting eleven, possibly replacing Ruiz instead.

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  Forwards

  GOAL's pick: Diego Lainez, Santiago Gimenez, Alexis Vega

  Rotate or keep the same attack? Javier Aguirre fielded Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, and Raúl Jiménez on Saturday. While all three have been regular starters under Aguirre, they still haven’t fully found the chemistry needed to turn chances into goals. Diego Lainez could start in place of Alvarado, while Santiago Giménez might take Raúl Jiménez’s spot. The key lineup question revolves around San Diego FC's Hirving Lozano. Will he replace Alexis Vega from the start, or will he be introduced in the second half?

Manchester United have now opened talks to swap Alejandro Garnacho for “one of the best strikers in Europe”, according to journalist Miguel Delaney.

Garnacho almost certain to leave Man Utd

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has recently revealed that Garnacho is almost certain to seal a move away from Old Trafford this summer, and there is a chance he could move to one of Man United’s Premier League rivals.

Romano said: “Don’t forget about the situation of Alejandro Garnacho, who remains a player appreciated by Chelsea. He remains a case to watch in this summer transfer window because Garnacho will leave Man Utd for sure. Chelsea are following the situation closely.”

It is no surprise that Ruben Amorim seemingly has no qualms about sanctioning a departure, given that the Argentinian hasn’t exactly endeared himself to fans as of late, with Mark Goldbridge left fuming after the United ace was pictured in an Aston Villa shirt.

Villa have also been named as potential suitors for the forward, who is enticed by the prospect of working under Unai Emery, but there has now been a suggestion that Amorim’s side could get him off the books in a different way.

In a report for The Independent, Delaney has now revealed that Man United have spoken to Villa about swapping Garnacho for Ollie Watkins, with INEOS trying to orchestrate slightly more unorthodox deals, in an effort to get around PSR issues.

Watkins is now attracting strong interest from the Red Devils, given that the striker is a proven Premier League goalscorer, and there is a belief they could get a deal done for around £40m – £45m.

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RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also on the shortlist, but a deal for the Slovenian may be more expensive, with a £78m fee being touted.

Watkins among the "best strikers in Europe"

Emery is likely to have little desire to lose the England international this summer, having lauded him as “one of the best strikers in Europe” in the past – a description which is certainly backed up by his performances for Villa over the past few years.

The 29-year-old has scored a minimum of 15 Premier League goals in his last three seasons, and having a reliable goalscorer in the squad would be a real boost for Amorim, given that the manager has been unable to depend on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

The only concern over the signing of Watkins is likely to be his age, given that the Englishman is seven years Sesko’s senior, so United have a big decision to make before the season starts.

Regardless of whether Garnacho is included in a swap deal, it is important United get the 21-year-old off the books this summer, with his Villa shirt stunt showing he has little interest in remaining at Old Trafford.

Prasidh continues to recover from a quadriceps injury

Shashank Kishore04-Sep-2024Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the first round of Duleep Trophy with a groin injury. Sanju Samson has been named as his replacement in the India D squad.Kishan had sustained the injury during the Buchi Babu Tournament earlier this month in Tamil Nadu where he played two games for Jharkhand, his first set of multi-day games in over a year. India D will open their campaign against the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India C, on September 5, in Anantapur.Allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, meanwhile, has been cleared to play and is available for selection for India B. Reddy, who had a sports hernia surgery in June after being withdrawn from India’s T20I squad to Zimbabwe, was initially included subject to fitness.Related

Duleep Trophy first round: illness rules Siraj and Malik out; Jadeja withdrawn

Suryakumar out of first round of Duleep Trophy with injury

Meanwhile, India A will be without fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who continues to recover from a quadriceps injury. Prasidh has begun bowling at full tilt following a four-month rehab, but the National Cricket Academy trainers want to tread cautiously, given he has now been hampered with injury concerns for the better part of two seasons.Prasidh last played for India on the tour of South Africa in December-January, and he is believed to be nearing full match fitness. It’s likely he could yet play a part during the later rounds of the Duleep Trophy in the lead-up to the Ranji Trophy.Kishan and Prasidh’s absence adds to a growing list of top India players who have been ruled out of the tournament for different reasons. Earlier this week, Suryakumar Yadav’s comeback to first-class cricket had to be put on hold after he bruised his hand, also during the Buchi Babu tournament, playing for Mumbai in Coimbatore. A BCCI release said that the medical team is continuing to assess his injury, and that a further evaluation next week will determine his availability for the second round.Prior to that, the fast-bowling pair of Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik had been pulled out because of dengue fever, while Ravindra Jadeja was withdrawn from the India B squad. Navdeep Saini was named Siraj’s replacement in India B, and Gourav Yadav, the Puducherry fast bowler, was called in to replace Umran for India C.The first round of the Duleep Trophy will be played in Anantapur and Bengaluru from September 5. It’s the only round where some of the top India Test players – including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav – will feature before they disperse to get ready for India’s Test season that begins against Bangladesh in Chennai from September 19.The Indian team is likely to assemble in Chennai on September 12 for a short preparatory camp in the lead-up to the series.

Clive Lloyd, the back-to-back World Cup winning captain of the West Indies, has been conferred the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC). It is the region’s highest honour.Lloyd was the face of West Indies’ success in the late 1970s and the early 1980s. As a batter, he was hard-hitting, capable of scoring big runs in no time at all. As a tactician, he was astute and it was under his leadership that West Indies were crowned cricket’s first ever world champions. Lloyd spearheaded two decades of dominance. He was the first West Indian to 100 Tests. He captained them in 74 and lost only 12.Lloyd, 79, was conferred the OCC at the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held in Grenada on Sunday.Cricket West Indies president, Dr. Kishore Shallow, was at the ceremony and he said: “This honor is a fitting tribute to a man who has not only exemplified excellence on the cricket field but has also been an unwavering pillar of inspiration and leadership for the Caribbean and the world. Sir Clive’s contributions to cricket and his dedication to the development of the sport are truly unparalleled.”Sir Clive’s legacy is one that resonates deeply with every West Indian. His leadership, determination, and sportsmanship have set the standard for what it means to be a true champion. This recognition by CARICOM is a testament to his enduring impact on our region and the sport of cricket. We are honored to celebrate this moment with him.”Lloyd’s association with cricket continued even after the end of his playing career as a coach, selector and match referee. He has also worked as a civil servant for Guyana Ministry of Health and was knighted in 2019.

As Aston Villa look to go again in pursuit of Champions League qualification next season, those in the Midlands are now reportedly readying an offer to sign an attacking star that his club won’t be able to refuse.

Monchi: Martinez and Aston Villa "must continue"

Amid rumours that Emiliano Martinez is set to depart Aston Villa this summer following what looked like an emotional farewell to the home fans towards the end of the season, the club’s sporting director has had his say.

Speaking to Canal Sur Radio, Monchi spoke about Martinez’s potential goodbye, Rashford’s resurgence and how Marco Asensio also rediscovered his talent during his loan spell at Villa Park.

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The Villa chief said: “The Premier League ended nine days ago, and we haven’t stopped. There’s no time to rest; a sporting director’s vacation is in September. We still haven’t come to terms with what happened at Old Trafford.

“Emery has been able to bring out the best in Rashford, and Unai is the number one for that. He’s a player with top-notch, elite ability. We haven’t lost hope, he has a significant connection with the club and Unai. The story between Dibu and Aston Villa must continue, that’s my wish. He’s happy and content, but I’m not in his head.

Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi.

“Asensio hasn’t lost his talent; he’s given us a lot, and he’s in our best interest. I’m focused on the present, and my present today is Aston Villa so Unai can have a competitive team. Unai Emery’s connection with Aston Villa runs deep. I see him as very involved, excited, and eager. He’s a work-obsessed person.”

It’s not just potential outgoings that Monchi is focusing on, however, with reports now suggesting that Aston Villa have already opened talks to sign a talented winger who could follow in Rashford’s path in the Midlands.

Aston Villa in talks to sign Geny Catamo

According to O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have now opened talks to sign Geny Catamo and are ready to offer Sporting Club an irresistible deal to secure the winger’s signature this summer.

Earlier reports suggested that the Villans are deliberating over paying €30m (£25m) to sign their target, but given that Catamo reportedly has a release clause worth as much as €60m (£50m), they may have to dig deeper into their finances to get a deal done in the coming months.

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1,911

1,422

Goals

5

6

Assists

2

3

Key Passes

28

28

A player who kept up with Rashford even as his form improved at Aston Villa, Catamo is only just getting started. At just 24 years old, the Sporting winger is about to enter the peak of his powers, making this summer the perfect time for those in the Midlands to make their move for the 33-cap Mozambique man.

Whether they’re in a position to meet their target’s £50m release clause without Champions League football is the big question, however. Villa’s PSR concerns are no secret these days and they could yet play a part in pursuit of Catamo this summer.

Manchester City would have been watching the Premier League results coming in on Saturday with glee, especially when Arsenal shockingly collapsed to a 2-1 defeat at home to AFC Bournemouth.

That surprise loss at the Emirates means Pep Guardiola’s men – off the back of downing Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on Friday night – are only three points off matching the Gunners in second spot, meaning the rest of May could be a fight now to see who is second best to Arne Slot’s runaway Liverpool.

With an FA Cup trophy also potentially in their hands, this season, once written off as a misfire, might well have some positives after all, with some big buys in the summer boosting City’s chances of becoming Premier League title challengers again.

Man City close in on big-money target

Guardiola and Co have been linked to a whole host of names as the 2024/25 campaign begins to wind down, with the main face dominating conversation being Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz.

According to reports, Bayern Munich are also interested, meaning City would have to pursue alternative targets in the midfield areas, with the likes of Gabriel Sara also reportedly on their radar.

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But, a different path could be explored by the serial winners shortly, with a new report by journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that long-standing City target Morgan Gibbs-White is contemplating his future at Nottingham Forest.

Both Liverpool and Newcastle United are also keen to add the 25-year-old attacking midfielder to their rosters, but it remains to be seen which club would be willing to splash out the mammoth £100m asking price to land the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man.

Whether or not City want to pay that price, according to Fabrizio Romano on Sunday, the Citizens are planning to advance their efforts to sign the Englishman soon.

After all, City have already seen what Gibbs-White is capable of when he assisted this sweet strike versus them back in March, with the potential here for the two-time England international to strike up a fierce relationship with Erling Haaland up top.

How Gibbs-White could get more out of Haaland

The Nordic goal machine does have his deficiencies when it comes to long spells out of the side with injury, but when he’s at the peak of his powers and purring in front of goal, there are few attackers better than the 24-year-old in world football.

Overall this season, Haaland finds himself on a blistering 30 strikes from 40 clashes, with 21 of those coming in the bread and butter of the Premier League, even when City have regularly found themselves off the boil.

Therefore, throwing in Gibbs-White to the mix could only work wonders for Haaland’s potency, with the 25-year-old actually bettering the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan in terms of assists this season in the Premier League.

In the words of by football statistician Statman Dave, he has been a “magician” for the Tricky Trees, amassing nine assists in the league, with his equally impressive goal count of five strikes from 30 league games no doubt enhancing Guardiola’s men in the forward areas even more if a signature was reached.

While De Bruyne makes more key passes per game with two, Gibbs-White isn’t far behind with 1.5 in the Premier League this season. That’s a number that would rank him fourth in the City squad, ahead of other midfielders in the shape of Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Rodri.

City’s top five PL providers of assists (24/25)
Player	Games played	Assists
1. Savinho	27	8
2. Kevin De Bruyne	25	7
3. Jeremy Doku	26	6
4. Matheus Nunes	24	5
5. Ilkay Gundogan	31	5
Stats by Sofascore

Evidently, City do need to freshen in the attacking midfield spots with De Bruyne heading for the exit door and Gundogan failing to find the back of the net in the league this season from 31 contests.

Therefore, Gibbs-White might be the transformative body City desire, with the £100m target also a potentially perfect teammate for Haaland to bounce off of to enable the goals to flow even more from their clinical number nine.

Man City sold arguably the "best forward in the world", now he's like Wirtz

Manchester City might have already sold their own Florian Wirtz when getting rid of this top attacker.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 3, 2025