Tag Futebol

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras está na reta final da temporada, restando pouco mais de dez rodadas para terminar o Campeonato Brasileiro. Até o momento, porém, já é possível fazer um balanço dos números do elenco em 2023. Ou seja, quem é o artilheiro, o maior garçom, quem mais jogou, quem mais entrou… Confira abaixo, essas e outras estatísticas do Verdão neste ano.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

ARTILHEIRO

Quem ocupa esse status praticamente o ano inteiro é Raphael Veiga. Apesar de viver um certo jejum neste momento, o meia tem 16 gols marcados em 2023 e deve fechar a temporada como artilheiro do elenco.

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GARÇOM

Artilheiro e também garçom, esse é Raphael Veiga, o grande nome do Palmeiras em 2023. Foram 14 passes para gol do meia até aqui. Lembrando que é ele o responsável pela maioria das cobranças de escanteio e de falta.

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PARTICPAÇÃO EM GOLS

Com os números citados acima, não fica difícil imaginar quem é o líder em participação em gols do Palmeiras na temporada. Sim, Raphael Veiga, que foi responsável direto por 30 dos 100 gols do Verdão em 2023. Ou seja, 30% dos tentos palmeirenses tiveram influência do meia.

MAIS JOGOS

O status de jogador com mais jogos em 2023 é dividido entre dois titulares de Abel Ferreira: Weverton e Gabriel Menino. Cada um tem 56 partidas na temporada. Se pensarmos que o Palmeiras tem 61 duelos no ano, eles se ausentaram pouquíssimas vezes.

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+ Palmeiras se acerta com Aníbal Moreno e fica perto de contratar seu primeiro reforço para 2024

MAIS MINUTOS

É na minutagem que fica a diferença entre Menino e Weverton. Nessa o goleiro leva vantagem, com 5.040 minutos em campo durante a temporada, o que lhe dá a liderança nesse ranking. Enquanto isso, por ser substituído constantemente, o volante tem menos de 3.700 minutos.

MENOS JOGOS

Levando em conta apenas os jogadores que estão no elenco atual e excluindo aqueles que sobem da base esporadicamente, quem menos jogou foi Marcelo Lomba, com cinco partidas, que tem o “azar” de ser reserva de Weverton, quase sempre presente nos jogos.

RESERVA MAIS UTILIZADO

Pode não ser surpresa, mas o reserva mais utilizado por Abel Ferreira foi Breno Lopes, com 48 jogos na temporada. Para se ter uma ideia, das 61 partidas que o Palmeiras fez em 2023, ele saiu do banco de reservas em 40 delas.

+ Palmeiras completa um mês sem vencer: do sonho de títulos ao gerenciamento de crise

MAIS CARTÕES AMARELOS

A condição de mais “indisciplinado” do elenco do Palmeiras é dividida entre três personagens: Gabriel Menino, Gustavo Gómez e Gabriel Menino, cada um com 13 amarelos. Já o mais disciplinado é Fabinho, que levou apenas um cartão em 29 jogos.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

Whilst there’s no doubt that Pep Guardiola the manager will go down as one of the greatest to ever step foot inside the technical area, it’s still worth noting down just how impressive Guardiola the midfielder was.

The Spaniard ended his playing career with one Champions League to his name, six Spanish titles, an Olympic gold medal and plenty more in an incredible career which largely featured success with Barcelona. It’s a credit to his managerial work that his time on the pitch is often placed second in his long list of achievements.

Not everyone has forgotten the player before the manager, however, and the late great Johan Cruyff previously took the time to praise both versions of Guardiola.

The former Barcelona star also featured in one of the most star-studded eras in football history. He shared a dressing room with Ronald Koeman, Ronaldo Nazário and Romario, whilst squaring off against the likes of Raul and Roberto Carlos.

One player he didn’t have the pleasure of meeting on the pitch or in the dressing room, however, is Wayne Rooney. Instead, Guardiola was forced to appreciate the Manchester United legend from the technical area at both Manchester City and Barcelona, which only peaked his appreciation for the former England star.

The Man City boss even went as far as describing Rooney as “one of the best” that he has seen in his career back in 2014. Yet, as impressed as he so often was by one of the Premier League’s greats, Guardiola also previously claimed that Rooney’s England teammate was, in fact, far harder to play against.

Guardiola reveals why Crouch was harder to play against than Rooney

It almost somehow feels absolutely right that Guardiola would have a special appreciation for a player like Peter Crouch. Whilst often underrated by many, Crouch can now say that he once had the full attention of arguably the greatest manager of all time.

The Man City boss wrote a series of columns about the 2006 World Cup and took the opportunity to reveal why Crouch is tougher to play against than the legendary Rooney.

In just a small insight into the mind of Guardiola even before he became the manager that he is today, Crouch received some of the highest praise of his career.

8 of the best quotes from Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola is a constant source of wisdom and entertainment.

ByBarney Lane Mar 7, 2025

Alas, it is certainly praise that he deserves. The former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker ended his time on the pitch with a total of 108 top flight goals and remains one of the most technical tall strikers that the Premier League has seen, also racking up 22 strikes for England in just 42 caps.

MatériaMais Notícias

Palmeiras e Deportivo Pereira-COL se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (30), às 21h30 (de Brasília), no Allianz Parque, pelo jogo de volta das quartas de final da Libertadores. No duelo de ida, na Colômbia, o Verdão goleou os colombianos por 4 a 0 e agora pode perder por até três gols de diferença para avançar à semifinal do torneio continental.

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Com uma missão praticamente impossível, o Deportivo Pereira vem ao Brasil buscando o que seria um verdadeiro milagre. Disputando a Libertadores pela primeira vez em 79 anos de existência, a equipe comandada pelo técnico Alejandro Restrepo deseja honrar os seus torcedores em meio a um cenário muito complicado. A missão torna-se ainda mais difícil tendo em vista que o Verdão não é vazado há cinco jogos.

+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

O Palmeiras tem dois desfalques certos para o duelo desta quarta e deve entrar em campo com uma equipe alternativa, visando também o Dérbi do final de semana. O meia Gabriel Menino recebeu o terceiro cartão amarelo na partida de ida e terá que cumprir suspensão. Com a ausência do camisa 25, Richard Ríos deve entrar no meio-campo, tendo Fabinho ou Jailson também como opções, mas o colombiano é o principal candidato.

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Além de Menino, outro desfalque garantido éDudu, que não deve atuar mais pelo Verdão em 2023. O camisa 7 sofreu uma torção no joelho diante do Vasco e, após realização de exames nesta segunda (28), teve constatadas ruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito e lesão no menisco. O clube informou que o jogador iniciará a recuperação com sessões de fisioterapia e será operado nas próximas semanas.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

Veja todas as informações da partida:

PALMEIRAS x DEPORTIVO PEREIRA

Local:Allianz Parque, em São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora:30/8/2023 às 21h30 (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Cristian Garay (CHI)
Assistentes:Claudio Urrutia (CHI) e Juan Serrano (CHI)
VAR:Angelo Hermosilla (CHI)
Onde assistir:Globo, ESPN, Star+ e no tempo real doLance!

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PALMEIRAS: Marcelo Lomba, Marcos Rocha, Gomez, Murilo e Piquerez; Luan, Zé Rafael, Richard Rios e Raphael Veiga; Rony e Flaco López. Técnico: Abel Ferreira.

Desfalques:Dudu (lesão no joelho direito), Gabriel Menino (suspenso), Luis Guilherme (lesão muscular) e Atuesta (cirurgia no joelho direito)
Pendurados:-

DEPORTIVO PEREIRA:Quintana; Garcés, Quintero e Carlos Ramírez; Eber Moreno, Zuluaga, Medina, Bocanegra e Fory; Angelo Rodríguez e Balboa. Técnico: Alejandro Restrepo.

Desfalques:Arley Rodríguez e Jhony Ramírez (não viajaram)
Pendurados:-

Tudo sobre

Deportivo PereiraLibertadoresPalmeirasSão Paulo

When it comes to top-level academies around England, it is hard to think of many that are outdoing Arsenal’s Hale End at the moment.

Carrington has its stars, and Cobham has produced an outrageous number of top-flight players, but when it comes to genuinely world-class talent, the North Londoners have it.

For example, Bukayo Saka has already hit that level, Ethan Nwaneri racked up double digits for goal involvements last season, and Myles Lewis-Skelly is now a regular starter for England.

Moreover, at just 15 years old, Max Dowman looks likely to become the youngest player in Champions League history this year, and as if that wasn’t enough, Hale End may already have the next Dowman coming through.

Dowman's rapid rise

While those in the know would have been aware of Dowman for some time, fans first began to hear talk of this wonderkid in the making around this time last season, when he was still just 14 years old.

The teenage prodigy had just become the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Youth League history, and by the time the club’s injury crisis hit its peak in February, there was talk of making a special request for him to be allowed to be included in their Premier League squad.

It was probably a good thing that such a request was never made, though, as it allowed him to finish his stellar campaign with the youth sides, which saw him score 19 goals and provide five assists in just 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes.

Dowman in 24/25
Appearances	23
Minutes	1945′
Goals	19
Assists	5
Goal Involvements per Match	1.04
Minutes per Goal Involvement	81.04′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, despite playing at age levels well beyond his own, the Chelmsford-born gem averaged 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes, which helps to explain the clamour for him to play first-team football this year.

Unsurprisingly, he has not disappointed, winning a penalty at home to Leeds United on his Premier League debut and then being trusted to come off the bench at Anfield when the team were in need of a goal.

Overall, while some of the talk around the young Englishman might sound a little hyperbolic, he is undoubtedly one of the most exciting youngsters to come out of Hale End in years, which is really saying something when you consider the academy graduates already tearing it up in the first team.

Therefore, it’s more than a little exciting that the club might already have another Dowman-level talent on their hands in another 15-year-old prospect.

Arsenal's next Dowman

Arsenal are blessed with a number of promising youngsters in their academy set-up, but in this instance, the gem in question is Marli Salmon.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Now, for those of you who keep up to date with Hale End developments, you’ll know that, unlike Dowman, Salmon is primarily a centre-back, not an attacking midfielder or winger.

However, when we compare the two teenagers, we are not doing so based on their positions, but on the potential they possess and how those in the know perceive them.

For example, Hale End expert Will Balsam has not held back in his assessment of the player, describing him as the academy’s “best defensive prospect in recent memory” and the “perfect combination of freak physical attributes and technical composure.”

Respected analyst Ben Mattinson went even further, claiming that the teenager is a “top top prospect” and the “best CB Hale End has produced.”

It’s not just those on the outside that rate the young Englishman so highly, either, as even though he is still just 16 years old, the club have already moved him up to the U21s.

Moreover, while his fellow Hale Ender grabbed the headlines during pre-season, the promising defender was also given a chance to play for the first team.

He got 13 minutes of action against Newcastle United and 24 against AC Milan, and neither team scored a goal while he was on the pitch.

Ultimately, while Dowman is the talk of the town and looks like he could be a genuine world-beater, we might be talking about Salmon in the same way next season.

Arteta can ignore Merino by unleashing Arsenal star a "bit like Wilshere"

The sensational talent could be the better option for Arteta and Arsenal than Merino.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 9, 2025

Manchester City are now set to “present an offer” for a £43m star who Pep Guardiola called “sensational”, journalist Orazio Accomando has revealed.

Man City looking to offload more players before deadline

Guardiola has previously made it abundantly clear he doesn’t want to work with an oversized squad next season, with the Man City boss saying: “I said to the club I don’t want that. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the tribune. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.”

As such, despite recently offloading Jack Grealish, City may look to get some more players off the books before the transfer deadline, and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Galatasaray are pursuing Ederson.

It remains to be seen whether City opt to cash-in on the Brazilian this summer, with reports from elsewhere revealing they have little interest in sanctioning a departure, but if they do, they may need to bring in a replacement.

That is due to the fact that new arrival James Trafford has limited experience in the Premier League, making just 28 appearances in the competition, and the Blues could now make a move for a goalkeeper who has proven himself at the top level.

That is according to an update from Accomando on X, who states that Man City are now set to “present an offer” for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the next few days, as they continue to work on offloading Ederson.

Donnarumma is also a major target for Manchester United, and PSG are now willing to sanction a departure, having made it clear that Lucas Chevalier is their new number one, with the French club looking to receive £43m.

Pep's an admirer of "sensational" Donnarumma

Guardiola is a long-term admirer of the Italian goalkeeper, having once lauded him as “sensational” after impressing against City in the Champions League, and he continued to catch the eye in last season’s competition.

Man City now "leading" chase to sign £86m star who's keen on Etihad move

There has been a new update on City’s pursuit of a “special striker”.

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 13, 2025

Indeed, the Italy captain played a major role in his side reaching the Champions League final, with journalist Carlo Garganese singling the 26-year-old out for praise after impressing in the semi-final against Arsenal.

That said, there are doubts over whether Donnarumma would be a good fit in a Guardiola system, given that he isn’t the best with his feet, averaging 29.95 touches per 90 over the past year, compared to Ederson’s 60.34, so it may be worth persisting with the Brazilian.

Having already commenced talks to sign Tolu Arokodare, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly eyeing a late swoop to sign another impressive striker.

Latest on Wolves' Arokodare move

With Fabio Silva set to join Borussia Dortmund, Wolves have instantly shifted their focus towards Arokodare. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands club have commenced talks to sign the KRC Genk forward, who could hand Vitor Pereira’s frontline the added depth in quality that it’s been lacking since Matheus Cunha’s departure earlier this summer.

After scoring 23 goals in all competitions last season, the Nigerian forward could be the perfect partner to Jorgen Strand Larsen this season instead of becoming the Norwegian’s replacement.

Whilst Newcastle United have submitted two bids to sign the Wolves forward, both have been rejected and fresh reports have indicated that Strand Larsen will not be allowed to leave Molineux this summer.

The line from Wolves so far has been that Arokodare would simply be replacing Silva rather than anything else. Pereira also recently had his say on Strand Larsen’s future after he scored two goals in a dramatic Carabao Cup win against West Ham United.

Related Romano: £26m star now set for medical with deal sealed ahead of Wolves move

The Old Gold are set to land their man…

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Aug 26, 2025

He told reporters: “If it’s my decision, of course [Strand-Larsen stays]. Of course. Because he’s a very important player. It’s not only about the technical and tactical, it’s about the character. He’s a player with character.”

However, the manager did also admit that every player has a price and recent rumours that Wolves have set their sights on a second striker alongside Arokodare would suggest that this saga is far from over.

Wolves now eyeing late Alberto swoop

According to Molineux News, Wolves are now eyeing a late swoop to sign Yuri Alberto, who Pereira is a huge admirer of. The pair worked together during Pereira’s time at Corinthians and could now reunite as those in the Midlands set their sights on a late move alongside Arokodare.

The talented striker struck 31 goals in all competitions for Corinthians last season and would be more than capable of firing Wolves to safety. But the rumours of his potential arrival should spark some concern about Strand Larsen’s future.

Whilst Arokodare is a target to replace Silva, a move for a second striker would indicate that Strand Larsen could be heading for the exit door with Alberto lined up as his immediate replacement. Of course, there’s still plenty of dominoes to fall for this to be the case, but Wolves will be bracing themselves for a frantic few days.

Dubbed “superb” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes last November, Alberto would at least be the calibre of forward good enough to replace a talent of Strand Larsen’s level.

Hold the back page! Hold the front page! Oh, and while you’re at it… hold all the ones in the middle as well! Why? Aston Villa have finally signed a player… that’s why!

On Friday morning, the Villans confirmed the arrival of forward Evann Guessand, joining from Nice for a reported fee of £26m plus up to £4.3m in add-ons.

Before that, Unai Emery had only been able to add Marco Bizot and Zépiqueno Redmond on free transfers to his squad; Yasin Özcan has also joined for around £5.8m, but has instantaneously been loaned out to Anderlecht.

Now though, having belatedly got their first serious signing of the summer over the line, could another be right around the corner?

Aston Villa looking to bolster their squad

If all goes to plan, Aston Villa could play as many as 65 matches next season, certainly considered amongst the favourites to feature in next May’s Europa League Final in İstanbul because, well, four-time winner Emery is their manager.

Thus, ahead of a jam-packed schedule, the Claret and Blue Army need to add depth to their ranks and Guessand certainly does that, with Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic noting that Emery appreciates the fact that he is a ‘versatile attacker’, capable of being deployed in multiple roles.

Now, could they bolster their midfield ranks with a familiar face?

Well, according to a report by Football Insider, Aston Villa are interested in re-signing Douglas Luiz from Juventus.

Transfer Focus

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

The Brazilian only swapped the Midlands for Turin last summer, with la Vecchia Signora paying £42.3m for his signature.

Well, former Juventus player Alessio Tacchinardi believes this move was a “disaster”, given that Luiz has accumulated a miserly 877 minutes in a black and white striped shirt to date, starting just six matches across all competitions.

Thus, the Italian giants are desperate to offload the out-of-favour midfielder, with Filippo Cornacchia of Gazzetta dello Sport noting that a return to the Premier League is his most likely destination, so could he soon call Villa Park home once again?

Why Douglas Luiz's return would be transformational for Aston Villa

During his final season at Villa Park, Luiz was an absolutely pivotal figure in Emery’s team, hence why Juventus were willing to pay such a huge amount to sign him.

Emery himself stated that the Brazilian was “progressing a lot as a midfielder… adding goals”, while Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines praised both his ‘duel-winning capacity’ and ‘press resistance’ when on the ball in possession.

So, let’s outline his importance to Villa during the 2023/24 season, a campaign which saw the Claret and Blue Army end up fourth, their highest top division finish since 1996.

Minutes

4,185

3rd

Goals

9

4th

Assists

10

3rd

Shots

57

4th

Completed passes

2,353

2nd

Key passes

70

1st

Passes into final 3rd

190

1st

Progressive passes

228

2nd

Shot-creating actions

152

1st

Big chances created

13

3rd

Tackles

72

1st

Interceptions

28

4th

Blocks

37

4th

Ball recoveries

221

1st

Touches

3,069

2nd

Average SofaScore rating

7.27

2nd

As the table documents, Luiz was key to everything Aston Villa did across all competitions and across the entire pitch, ranked in the top four for every metric included, ranging from goals and shots to chances created and all the defensive metrics, namely tackles, ball recoveries, interceptions and more.

Luiz’s nominal replacement Amadou Onana was good if unspectacular last season, but David Michael of BBC Sport believes Villa massively missed the ‘control of midfield’ and ‘set-piece delivery’ that Luiz provided.

Thus, should he return, one would assume the “world-class” Luiz – as noted by Adam Gilks – would immediately do so as a starter, but it’s unclear whether the same can be said for Guessand.

Speaking on the Guardian Football Weekly podcast, Lars Sivertsen was not particularly excited about Guessand’s arrival at Villa, labelling him “fine” given that he did not boast an “incredible” goal-scoring record in Ligue 1, forecasting he’ll be little more than a “squad addition”.

Given the performances of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, with Donyell Malen, Leon Bailey and others vying for minutes in attack too, the Côte d’Ivoire international is unlikely to be thrown in for a debut from the start against Newcastle on the opening weekend.

Luiz though, assuming Villa are able to finalise his potential return quickly, would be a transformational addition to Emery’s first-choice starting lineup, so they should surely take advantage of Juventus’ desperation to cut their losses.

Unplayable with Guessand: Aston Villa keen on signing £40m “special talent”

Aston Villa are in the market for another new attacker after signing Guessand

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 7, 2025

Wicketkeeper is big beneficiary as England contract 29 players for 2024-25 season

Andrew Miller31-Oct-2024England have signalled their intention to place Jamie Smith at the heart of their revival across formats, handing him a lucrative two-year ECB central contract that will commit him to their plans for both next year’s Ashes tour of Australia and the 2026 T20 World Cup.Smith, 24, was one of the breakout stars of England’s home Test summer, scoring a maiden Test hundred against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, before being named as the PCA’s Young Player of the Year at their annual end-of-season awards dinner.Though his opportunities in white-ball cricket have so far been limited by his workload, Smith showed glimpses of his potential in the recent home ODI series against Australia, and though he is due to miss the Test tour of New Zealand as he goes on paternity leave, he looks set to be a central figure in England’s plans for their white-ball tour of India in January and the subsequent Champions Trophy.Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, another impressive addition to England’s plans across formats, has also received a two-year deal (a one-year extension of his existing offer) while Joe Root, Harry Brook and Mark Wood have been retained on the second of the three-year deals that they signed in the last round of contracts for 2023-24.ESPNcricinfo LtdWith Brendon McCullum already secured as England’s head coach across formats for the next three years, England have now tied both their red- and white-ball captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, to two-year deals. As reported last week, Stokes has agreed to extend the one-year deal that he signed last year, having then taken a punt that his value to the team would rise in the interim.Buttler’s deal, meanwhile, is a show of faith in England’s white-ball captain despite an absence from professional cricket that has now extended to five months as he recovers from a persistent calf injury. It comes on the same day that his long association with Rajasthan Royals was ended by his omission from their list of retained players for the 2025 IPL.England rejigged their contracts system in September 2023 to reflect the mounting pressure on international cricket from the T20 franchise circuit, with 18 of those initial 26 offers being multi-year deals. That policy came in for criticism, however, particularly in the wake of England’s disastrous 50-over World Cup defence, because it limited the potential to overhaul an under-performing squad. Notably, 19 of this year’s 29 deals are for one year only, including that of Jonny Bairstow, who was dropped from all three formats earlier this year, midway through his two-year deal, and seems unlikely to feature in England’s plans in the near future.Related

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In addition to Smith, four other players have signed their first central contracts: Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt, Olly Stone and Will Jacks, who was the notable omission from England’s plans last time around. Three further players have been handed development contracts, including two new additions in Jacob Bethell and Josh Hull, and John Turner, the fast bowler who could make his England debut in the Caribbean this week.Seven players have been cut from England’s list for 2024-25, including Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan and James Anderson, who have retired from international cricket, and the fast bowlers Matthew Fisher and Saqib Mahmood, who had been on development contracts after making their Test debuts in the Caribbean in 2022.The most notable absentees, however, are Ollie Robinson and Ben Foakes, the Test wicketkeeper who made way for his Surrey team-mate Smith in the summer. Both men last featured on the tour of India in February, and their hopes of a recall in the current regime would now appear to be over.”The strength and depth of talent across England Men’s red and white-ball cricket is clear in the quality of players who are centrally contracted,” Rob Key, England men’s managing director, said. “These contracts reward the players we believe will play an important role for our England Men’s teams. Both our captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts that showcase the commitment of all the players to prioritise playing for their country.”I want to congratulate all the players who have signed new central contracts ahead of what is set to be an exciting period for England Men’s cricket.”

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on their next signing of the summer for Enzo Maresca, and BlueCo are simply ironing out the final details, claims one reporter this week.

The west Londoners, following their recent confirmation of a deal for left-back Jorrel Hato, have taken their transfer spending this window to around £277 million (including their pre-agreed summer arrivals).

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Amid pressure from UEFA to balance out their squad through player sales, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are on track to secure just as many outgoings as incomings, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Armando Broja, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Lesley Ugochukwu all leaving Stamford Bridge permanently thus far.

Carney Chukwuemeka is expected to re-join Borussia Dortmund too, and many more could still follow the Englishman.

This will allow Chelsea to make room for a few more key additions before the transfer deadline on September 1, with two players believed to be high on the Blues’ agenda.

Maresca’s side are in pursuit wantaway Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and talks are being held over a move for the Argentine, according to Sky Sports, with Chelsea looking to add another left-winger after Jamie Gittens.

In a big boost, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Garnacho has given his “total priority” to joining Chelsea, so the 21-year-old is very keen on a move to west London and personal terms may not be an issue.

As well as the Premier League forward, Chelsea are actively targeting RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons.

The attacker only made his move to Leipzig permanent in the winter after one and a half years there on loan, but the Dutchman is seeking a fresh challenge and has informed the Bundesliga side of his desire to join Maresca.

Now, journalist Orazio Accomando claims to have a big update.

Chelsea reach "total agreement" for Xavi Simons

Taking to X, Accomando reports that Chelsea have reached a “total agreement” for Simons, with the deal now “concluded”.

The 22-year-old, who’s racked up 21 goals and 23 assists in all competitions for Leipzig since the start of 2023/2024, is their current highest-paid player ever on a contract of around £192,000-per-week.

Interestingly, Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard recently alluded to rumours he’s heard about Simons’ questionable attitude, but emphasised the ex-PSG starlet’s real quality.

“He scores goals, he makes goals, he’s always trying to affect the game,” said Hatchard on talkSPORT.

“He’s a real puzzle, Xavi, because I like watching him play. I like what he brings to a game. He’s got really silky skills,” said Hatchard.

“The debate in Germany has been: Is he a team player? Does he have attitude problems? All of that.

“Now, that might be paper talk. That might be just media noise, and it just isn’t true, because there are some coaches that speak up for him. But there are also coaches that have alluded to, he could be more of a team player, his attitude could be different, etc.”

Newcastle United are in the market for a proven centre-forward after a frustrating start to the summer window so far.

With Alexander Isak’s future uncertain and targets like Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, and João Pedro choosing other clubs, Newcastle are in urgent need of clarity in the final third.

The Swedish striker’s omission from the club’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia, coupled with Liverpool’s interest, rumoured to involve a nine-figure sum, has added urgency to the club’s recruitment strategy.

Benjamin Šeško remains high on the shortlist, and there is still hope a deal can be agreed with RB Leipzig.

The 21-year-old Slovenian scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, but while his ceiling is high, he remains a player of potential rather than pedigree.

Likewise, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has impressed but with Brentford holding out for more than Newcastle are prepared to pay, Newcastle must consider other options.

In their search for the consistency and output expected of a Champions League striker, the Magpies are now eyeing a familiar face with unfinished business at St James’ Park.

Newcastle eyeing up stunning reunion

Aleksandar Mitrovic may have swapped Fulham and the Premier League for Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League, but the goals have continued to flow.

The 30-year-old Serbian striker has been nothing short of devastating since his move to the Middle East, scoring 47 goals and registering eight assists in just 51 appearances across all competitions.

His form has been so dominant that Arab News writer Matt Monaghan described him as “the signing of the season,” a major compliment in a league now filled with global superstars. “He has just been an absolute monster up front,” Monaghan added.

Well, according to CaughtOffside, Premier League clubs, including the Toon, have taken note of his resurgence and are looking at potentially bringing him back to English shores.

Manchester United are actively monitoring the situation amid concerns about the productivity of Rasmus Højlund and new signing Joshua Zirkzee.

Why Mitrovic makes financial sense for Newcastle

Mitrovic has built a lethal partnership with Malcolm in Riyadh, with the pair combining for one of the most productive duos in the region.

His blend of brute strength, aerial dominance and underrated technical quality has continued to torment defences, even if many are quick to discredit his numbers due to the league he plays in.

But the stats are hard to ignore.

In the 2024/25 season, Mitrovic has averaged 0.89 goals per 90 minutes, significantly higher than Šeško (0.49) and Wissa (0.59).

Goals Involvements (2024/25)

Player

Goal tally

Aleksandar Mitrović (Al-Hilal)

21 (19 goals, 2 assists)

Benjamin Šeško

18 (13 goals, 5 assists)

Yoane Wissa

23 (19 goals, 4 assists)

Source: FBref

He’s also averaging 4.44 shots per 90, with 48.4% of those on target. These are elite-level numbers, even when adjusted for context.

To put that in further perspective, Šeško averaged just 2.50 shots per 90 with a shots-on-target percentage of 43.9%, while Wissa took 2.78 shots per 90 at a 45.6% accuracy rate.

When it comes to shot-creating actions, Mitrovic again leads the pack with 4.44 per 90, compared to 2.50 for Šeško and 2.78 for Wissa.

The contrast speaks to a player still in his prime and ready to return to the Premier League with a point to prove.

And for Newcastle, who are in desperate need of consistent output up front, the Serbian’s profile offers immediate impact.

There’s also an emotional side to the story. Mitrovic spent three years at Newcastle between 2015 and 2018, scoring 17 times in 72 appearances.

Though his spell wasn’t always smooth, he retains a fondness for the club and has spoken warmly about the city and supporters since leaving.

That familiarity could ease his transition, especially for a team looking for leadership and firepower in equal measure.

Financially, a return could make a lot of sense too. Al-Hilal are expected to ask for a fee of around €30m (£26m) – less than what Newcastle would need to spend on either Šeško or Wissa.

And with both Newcastle and Al-Hilal under the umbrella of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), there is confidence that a deal could be fast-tracked if the green light is given.

Spurs and Man United may well be at the table but Newcastle have an edge. The emotional pull of a return, coupled with the shared ownership structure and the opportunity to lead the line in a high-profile project, may prove decisive in any transfer tug-of-war.

For a team stuck between investing in future potential or banking on proven output, Aleksandar Mitrović represents a compelling middle ground.

He’s more prolific than Šeško, more clinical than Wissa, and more attainable than many of his top-level peers.

With Isak unsettled and Champions League ambitions on the line, Newcastle might find that sometimes the best move is the one you’ve made before – just this time, with a striker ready to finish the job he once started.

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Posts ByBen Gray Jul 28, 2025