أعلن نادي برشلونة بشكل رسمي، تمديد تعاقده مع لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، اليوم الخميس، بعدما توصل النادي الكتالوني إلى اتفاق سابق معه.
وتمكن برشلونة من حسم لقب الدوري الإسباني هذا الموسم 2024/25، بعد أن فاز على إسبانيول بهدفين دون رد، في منافسات الجولة 36 من البطولة الإسبانية.
ويحتل برشلونة المركز الأول في ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 85 نقطة.
اقرأ أيضاَ.. ديكو: سأرحل عن برشلونة في حالة واحدة.. ومبابي سبب “خلل” ريال مدريد
وكشف نادي برشلونة في بيان رسمي عن توقيع مهاجم الفريق الأول، رافينها، على عقد جديد مع النادي الإسباني حتى موسم 2028، مساءً اليوم.
ووقع المهاجم البرازيلي عقده الجديد اليوم الخميس في مكاتب النادي بحضور رئيس نادي برشلونة خوان لابورتا، والنائب الأول للرئيس رافا يوستي، والمدير الرياضي، ديكو.
انضم رافينها إلى نادي برشلونة في يوليو 2022 بهدف أن يصبح الجناح الأيسر الأساسي للفريق، مسجلًا 10 أهداف ومقدمًا 12 تمريرة حاسمة، وفي موسم 2023/2024، حافظ على مستواه، مسجلًا 10 أهداف ومقدمًا 13 تمريرة حاسمة في جميع المسابقات.
وشهد هذا الموسم تألق لافت في مستوى رافينها، والذي كان سببًا مباشراً في تمديد عقد اللاعب، بعد أن ساهم بتحقيق لقب الدوري الإسباني بجانب كأس السوبر وكأس ملك إسبانيا هذا العام.
وشارك رافينها هذا العام في 56 مباراة مع برشلونة بجميع المسابقات، حيث أحرز 34 هدفاً وقام بصناعة 22 هدفاُ هذا الموسم.
Living the dream. 𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗛𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/zzekNJdxI9 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 22, 2025
The January transfer window has been open for more than two weeks now and Celtic are yet to dip into the market to bolster their playing squad ahead of the second half of the season.
However, that does not mean that there has not been a lot of work going on behind the scenes as Brendan Rodgers and the recruitment team look to add to the group before next month’s deadline.
The Scottish Premiership leaders have reportedly lodged an enquiry over the possibility of a deal to bring Aston Villa winger Louie Barry to the squad.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
Celtic are also reportedly interested in a swoop to bring LAFC attacking midfielder Mateusz Bogusz to Parkhead, after they failed to land his services in the summer transfer window.
It was recently reported by Sky Sports that the Hoops are close to signing Kieran Tierney on a pre-contract agreement to return to Glasgow for a second spell when his deal at Arsenal expires in the summer.
As well as a winger, an attacking midfielder, and a left-back, Celtic are also said to be looking at a potential move to bring another striker to the club this month.
Celtic keen on new striker
According to Foot Mercato, the Scottish giants are one of a number of teams interested in a possible swoop to sign Lille centre-forward Mohamed Bayo to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.
The report claims that SCO Angers, Royal Antwerp, Como, and Las Palmas are also eyeing up a move for the 26-year-old marksman, with Celtic also lining up a deal for the Guinea international.
It states that Como and Las Palmas have already made enquiries about a swoop for the striker, whilst Marseille and Metz have considered taking the attacker on loan for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.
Foot Mercato adds, however, that the uncertainty over Jonathan David’s future at the club has made them reluctant to part ways with Bayo in the January transfer window, which has put the forward in a difficult position.
The former Clermont Foot marksman wants to play regular football and is open to moving on from Lille to play week-in-week-out, as he has only started three matches in Ligue 1 this term.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
This suggests that Celtic will need to convince Lille to part ways with the centre-forward before the end of the window, before then convincing the player to decide to make the move to Scotland rather than to another side in Ligue 1, or in Italy or Spain.
If they can get a deal over the line for the 26-year-old star in the coming weeks then they could repeat the blinder they played the last time a rarely-used striker came over to Parkhead from a Ligue 1 club.
Odsonne Edouard's time at Celtic
Celtic initially signed Odsonne Edouard on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017 after he had only started four Ligue 1 matches in the 2016/17 campaign on loan with Toulouse.
The French marksman thrived after being given the opportunity to play regular football in Scotland and ended the 2017/18 campaign with a return of 11 goals in 29 matches in all competitions.
That convinced the Hoops to splash out a club-record fee of £9m to sign Edouard on a permanent deal from PSG in the summer of 2018, which turned out to be a terrific piece of business by the Scottish giants in the long run.
As you can see in the graphic above, the record signing for Celtic went on to produce 125 goal contributions in 179 appearances for the club in all competitions, winning four titles in five years.
In the summer of 2021, Premier League side Crystal Palace swooped in to sign the marksman for a reported fee of £14m, which could rise to £18.5m, and this meant that the club made a significant profit on the forward, whilst also getting five years of terrific service out of him.
Celtic could find their next Edouard by raiding Ligue 1 once again to sign Bayo this month, because his form from previous seasons suggests that the potential is there for him to be a big success in Glasgow.
Why Celtic should sign Mohamed Bayo
The £29k-per-week striker joined Lille from Clermont Foot in the summer of 2022 and has only managed seven goals in 45 appearances for the club to date.
Bayo also scored five goals in 22 Ligue 1 matches on loan at Le Harve in the 2023/24 campaign during that time, which shows that the attacker has struggled to score goals on a consistent basis in recent years.
The 26-year-old star, who was once described as an “extremely interesting” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, had previously shown plenty of potential to be a lethal scorer during his two seasons as a first-team regular with Clermont Foot.
Appearances
27
Goals
14
Big chances missed
11
Big chances created
6
Assists
5
As you can see in the table above, Bayo showcased his finishing quality in Ligue 1 in the 2021/22 campaign, leading to his move to Lille, by scoring 14 goals and only missing 11 ‘big chances’ in 27 matches.
Kyogo Furuhashi, the first-choice striker at Celtic this season, has scored ten goals and missed a whopping 17 ‘big chances’ in the Premiership, which suggests that the Lille outcast could come in as an upgrade on him from a finishing perspective if Rodgers can help him to get back to his best.
Celtic'sKyogoFuruhashi celebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
Bayo also racked up an eye-catching return of 22 goals and nine ‘big chances’ created in 34 starts in Ligue 2 during the 2020/21 campaign, almost a goal or a ‘big chance’ created every start on average.
This means that the Celtic target scored 36 goals and created 15 ‘big chances’ in those two seasons combined, which shows that the potential is there for him to make a huge impact in the final third – as Edouard did – if the Hoops bring him in and offer regular game time to him in the second half of this season.
Celtic considering bid to sign versatile attacker for Rodgers in £8.5m deal
The Hoops now have their eye on signing an exciting winger before the close of the transfer window.
ByBrett Worthington Jan 16, 2025
It would be a big game for the Scottish giants, given his struggles for game time and form in recent years, but it is a worthwhile one when you consider the quality that they could get from Bayo if he gets back to the form that was on display for Clermont Foot.
Declan Rice has been tipped to go on to become the greatest midfielder in England history after his incredible display against Real Madrid this week.
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Rice scored stunning free-kicks vs Madrid
Compared to the Premier League's greatest ever
Carragher sees Roy Keane similarities
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Rice stunned the Spanish giants with two free-kick goals as the Gunners ran out 3-0 winners in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday, giving Mikel Arteta's men a significant advantage heading into next week's return leg.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
His double sparked comparisons to legendary England midfielder Stevie Gerrard by Rio Ferdinand. However, ex-England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said he resembles former Manchester United captain Roy Keane as he argued the player is unfairly criticised.
WHAT CARRAGHER SAID
"I have always said Rice has the potential to be the great English midfielder of his generation, and he showed why," Carragher wrote in a column for . "Too often he seems to be criticised for not scoring or creating enough goals, when that is not his primary function. He does not play in the same attacking midfield position as Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in their prime. To me, Rice has always been more of a Roy Keane, who scored 57 across his 473 senior club games.
"If Arsenal go through, Rice’s contribution over both legs will rightly be as revered by his supporters as much as Keane’s for United against Juventus in 1999. My suspicion is Arteta will want him and other stars such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard wrapped in cotton wool before they fly to Spain. Arsenal need a miracle to win the Premier League. So long as they prevent Real Madrid celebrating one of their own on Wednesday, they will have the consolation of being three games from one of the club’s greatest achievements."
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WHAT NEXT FOR RICE?
Arteta may indeed opt to leave Rice out of the starting XI as his side host Brentford on Saturday before the return leg in the Spanish capital next Wednesday.
Chelsea have been handed a damning response to their first January offer for Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi, with Enzo Maresca’s side believed to be seriously keen on re-signing the England international before February 3.
Chelsea register interest in January deal for Marc Guehi
Injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have intensified the need for another world-class centre-back, and one who could be a fixture in Maresca’s backline for years to come.
Chelsea eyeing January move for £329k-per-week Barcelona duo and Marc Guehi
The west Londoners are considering a Camp Nou raid.
ByEmilio Galantini Jan 7, 2025
Chelsea have been scouring the market for another central defender for months, even before Fofana and Badiashile were confined to the treatment table, and it is believed bringing one in is their top transfer priority for the winter (Simon Phillips).
There are believed to be a few interesting names on their shortlist, from both abroad and in the Premier League.
Bournemouth (home)
January 14
Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)
January 20
Man City (away)
January 25
West Ham (away)
February 3
Brighton (away)
February 14
Benfica’s Antonio Silva and Tomas Araujo are under consideration at Stamford Bridge, as are Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen (Simon Phillips), with other reports suggesting that Chelsea are also monitoring Barcelona’s Jules Koundé and Ronald Araujo.
However, as of now, it is Guehi who appears to be grabbing all the headlines as a top centre-back target. The 24-year-old’s stellar 2024 saw him perform impressively at the Euros with England, filling in for the injured Harry Maguire to great effect, and he stood out as one of Palace’s star players at club level.
Eagles chairman Steve Parish rejected a plethora of summer bids from Newcastle United to keep hold of their influential defender, and Guehi has rewarded Palace with an array of accomplished performances this campaign.
The former Chelsea man has started 19 out of 20 league games for Palace this season as a mainstay of Oliver Glasner’s back three, prompting serious interest from his old club.
Now, according to a report from The Sun, that interest has materialised into a formal winter bid.
Chelsea receive reply to opening Marc Guehi bid
As per the newspaper on their live blog [January 7, 03:00], Chelsea have tabled a “cheeky” opening January bid for Guehi, but Palace are far from impressed with their first approach.
The Three Lions ace is valued at around £55 million, with a Selhurst Park source telling The Sun that Chelsea’s offer is far below his asking price and deemed “silly”. As a result, Palace are set to snub their latest advances.
“Their offer was a long way off being a fair price,” said the source. “It was silly really, and they need to offer more to even have a hope of getting a deal done.”
Guehi has just 18 months left on his contract, perhaps explaining Chelsea’s decision to make a lower financial proposal than expected, but the player’s quality and pedigree highlights why Parish is still demanding a hefty sum to sell mid-season.
“When he plays for England he probably goes up another level as well,” said ex-interim England boss Lee Carsley.
“I still think there is a lot more to come from Marc. Physically, he’s fast and he’s aggressive. On the ball, he is excellent as well so he just needs to keep improving.”
أعلن المدير الفني لفريق الكرة الأول بنادي بيراميدز كرونسلاف يورتشيتش، عن تشكيل لاعبيه لمباراة حرس الحدود، المقرر انطلاقها بعد قليل، ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري “النيل”.
ويواجه بيراميدز نظيره حرس الحدود، على ملعب الأخير باستاد المكس بالإسكندرية ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الحسم (الأسبوع العشرين) من عمر الدوري المصري.
ويدخل بيراميدز مباراة اليوم أمام الحرس وهو في صدارة ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 44 نقطة، ويحتاج إلى 13 نقطة من أصل 6 مباريات متبقية لحسم اللقب الأول في تاريخه.
ويأمل حرس الحدود، الذي يحتل المركز التاسع برصيد 22 نقطة، لتحقيق نتيجة إيجابية لتحسين موقعه في جدول الترتيب.
يذكر أن الثنائي المغربي محمد الشيبي ووليد الكرتي يغيب عن مباراة حرس الحدود بسبب الإيقاف للإنذار الثالث، وكذلك مهند لاشين بسبب الطرد أمام الأهلي، فيما سيكون الثلاثي متاحا أمام فاركو في الجولة الرابعة. تشكيل بيراميدز أمام حرس الحدود في الدوري
حراسة المرمى: أحمد الشناوي.
خط الدفاع: علي جبر – أحمد سامي – محمد حمدي – طارق علاء.
الأهلي يخطط للتوقيع مع لاعب بيراميدز قبل كأس العالم للأندية.. ومنافسة شرسة
خط الوسط: مصطفى فتحي – بلاتي توريه – أحمد عاطف قطة – رمضان صبحي – صديق إيجولا.
خط الهجوم: فيستون ماييلي.
وبتواجد على مقاعد البدلاء:
شريف إكرامي – محمود مرعي – أحمد توفيق – كريم حافظ – محمود دونجا – عبد الرحمن مجدي – إبراهيم عادل – مروان حمدي – يوسف أوباما.
Marcus Stoinis was involved in an over that summed up the madness of T20 and the fine line between being a hero or villain. With 21 to defend, he watched his first three deliveries against Rinku Singh disappear for four, six, six. That suddenly made Kolkata Knight Riders favourites as they aimed to keep their tournament alive and another brace left three needed off the last two balls. When Rinku connected the fifth delivery it looked as though that could be the game, but Evin Lewis pulled off one of the catches of the competition at deep cover. Stoinis then held his nerve with the last ball, getting a yorker just about on target which Umesh Yadav missed.”You start your over and you’re pretty clear. You play to the conditions and the long boundary and what you think the batter wants to do,” Stoinis said. “As things get worse, you go back more towards what you like to bowl and what works for you. So that’s probably a learning for me, to maybe take the conditions out of it in those sort of situations and do what you feel most confident with.”Mumbai Indians’ tournament had long been over, which gave Tim David even more chances to show how foolish it was he did not play throughout. He could not quite get Mumbai over the line against Sunrisers Hyderabad, run out when his 46 off 18 balls had turned the chase around. But in his final knock of the season, he produced the decisive display with 34 off just 11 deliveries after having a huge dose of fortune when Rishabh Pant did not review an outside edge first ball. He finished the season with 186 runs at a tournament-leading strike rate of 216.27.Related
Big-hitting Tim David proves his worth
'Everyone in the circle was not convinced enough' – Pant on not reviewing caught-behind decision against David
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David’s final performance was cheered on by all those associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore who squeezed into the final qualifying spot and in turn meant an early exit for David Warner and Mitchell Marsh with Delhi Capitals. Marsh had continued his strong finish with a thumping 63 against Punjab King before falling for a duck against Mumbai when Jasprit Bumrah proved too good. It was a quiet end to the season for Warner, who finished with scores of 0 and 5, but it remained a very good campaign for him with 432 runs after last season’s difficulties.Glenn Maxwell produced one of his most impactful performances of the season as Royal Challengers got the win they needed against Gujarat Titans before having to sweat on the Capitals result. Maxwell claimed 1 for 28 which included a maiden and 14 dots balls, dismissing his Australian team-mate Matthew Wade (more on that below). He then crunched 40 off 18 balls from No. 3 to get the chase done and dusted.Nathan Ellis has barely been used by Kings but got his second outing of the season in the dead game that ended the group stage and bagged 3 for 40. He found himself on a hat-trick in the final over and though he did not complete it himself, the team did when Bhuvneshwar Kumar was run out off what was also called a no-ball.Glenn Maxwell dismissed Matthew Wade, who wasn’t happy with the lbw decision•BCCI
Who is involved in playoffs?
So, we now know the final four – Titans, Royals, Super Giants and Royal Challengers – which means the following Australians remain for the last week of the tournament: Matthew Wade (Titans), Marcus Stoinis (Giants), Glenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers), Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers), Jason Behrendorff (Royal Challengers) and AJ Tye (Giants).
County
James Pattinson played his part in Nottinghamshire’s 10-wicket victory against Derbyshire as he claimed five wickets in the match which left them second in Division Two as the Championship takes a break.However, it was Victoria team-mate Peter Handscomb who finished the first part of the Championship season in pole position with Middlesex completing a six-wicket victory against Durham to sit top. Handscomb was unbeaten on 39 in the chase in what proved to be his final act for the club. He will now head to Sri Lanka with Australia A and it was announced that he won’t return to Middlesex afterwards and instead head home to spend time with his family.Peter Siddle claimed a four-wicket haul but could do little to prevent Somerset crashing to a 10-wicket defeat against Hampshire. Matt Renshaw made 27 and 11, the second coming as Somerset were bundled out for 69.
Focus turns to the T20 Blast
The county season now switches into T20 Blast mode (although there remains some four-day cricket sprinkled in) and a number of Australians will be involved. Dan Christian will captain Nottinghamshire and Ashton Turner will lead Durham. Middlesex announced the signings of Behrendorff and Chris Green with availability issues causing late changes to their overseas spots. Ben McDermott, who missed out on a place in the Sri Lanka tour squads, will play for Hampshire who also have Ellis. Josh Philippe will link up with Sussex after the Australia A tour. David has a deal with Lancashire in what will be one of the must-watch signings.
Did you see?
Matthew Wade will be involved in the IPL playoffs although it’s been a rather frustrating season with the bat. That came to a head in the final group match when he was given lbw against Maxwell but was convinced he had hit the ball. There was a tiny mark on Ultra Edge but the third umpire ruled it was not conclusive evidence to overturn. On returning to the dressing room, Wade threw his bat and helmet around the dressing room. It earned him a slap on the wrist with a reprimand.
Performance of the week
Another excellent few days for Tim David who, when he was selected consistently, showed why he fetched such a hefty price tag at the IPL auction. David has yet to feature for Australia but they have a lot of T20Is in the lead-up to the World Cup. He will be very hard to ignore.
Manchester United’s transfer strategy in recent years has seen them come under fire, wasting hundreds of millions of pounds on players who simply aren’t up to the level required of the Premier League.
Former boss Erik ten Hag is partly to blame for their recruitment, spending over £600m on new additions during his tenure in charge at Old Trafford.
In an attempt to combat their recent woes, Dan Ashworth was brought in from Newcastle United a couple of months ago but has already left his post after a fallout with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
INEOS' Sir Jim Ratcliffe
The 53-year-old was only in the role as Sporting Director for five months, overseeing the last transfer window under Ten Hag that saw another £200m splashed before his dismissal.
However, it was one deal before he moved to the North West that may look to be a mistake, especially considering his unforgivable errors in the latest outing.
Andre Onana’s move to Manchester United
The summer of 2023 saw various areas of the pitch undergo an overhaul to try and build on the third-place finish achieved during the season prior.
Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount both arrived to provide added firepower in attacking areas, with the pair costing the hierarchy over £120m in the process.
However, the departure of fan-favourite David De Gea left a huge hole between the sticks that desperately needed filling ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Spaniard, who made 545 appearances for the Red Devils, was let go at the end of his contract by Ten Hag, who opted to sign Andre Onana for £47m – believing that the Cameroonian would be a better fit in terms of playing out from the back.
Whilst there’s no denying that the 28-year-old has produced some impressive moments, his errors will always be the ones that are remembered, especially when they contribute to a defeat.
His errors against Nottingham Forest last night were unforgivable, leading Ruben Amorim to his first defeat on home soil since his appointment at the end of last month.
Onana was unable to keep out efforts from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, leading them to a second consecutive defeat. As a result, Amorim already has a huge task on his hands.
It could have been made easier had the club completed a deal for another goalkeeper, rather than opting for a move to land the Cameroonian. Here is who they could have signed instead…
One that got away
The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.
Man United's Onana alternative
After losing such a key member in De Gea, the job of replacing the Spaniard was always going to be a tricky task, placing huge expectations onto his replacement – which ultimately ended up being Onana.
The move undoubtedly came about after his time playing under Ten Hag at Ajax, reuniting the pair – a common theme with the majority of the additions during his time at the helm.
However, during the same period of the goalkeeping overhaul, there were numerous reports linking Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a big-money transfer to Old Trafford.
The Belgian, who’s previously been dubbed as “world-class” by journalist Harri Burton, featured in the Premier League for Chelsea, before joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2018.
During his glittering career, the 32-year-old has won six league titles to date, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the best ‘keepers in the world over recent years.
2018/19
35
48
10
2019/20
43
32
21
2020/21
51
44
21
2021/22
52
46
22
2022/23
49
49
17
2023/24
5
0
5
2024/25
16
14
6
Since his transfer to the Bernabeu, Courtois has also helped the Spanish giants to win two Champions League trophies, producing a Man of the Match display against Liverpool in the final back in the 2021/22 season.
Given his massive success as a player, coupled with Onana’s recent mistakes, the club may have wished they had forked out the added money needed to secure the services of the Belgian.
Belgium'sThibautCourtois
His experience at the top level, coupled with his winning mentality would’ve added the leadership and quality needed to end their recent run without a Premier League title.
However, he will remain as one who got away, leaving United supporters with a case of what could’ve been had they signed him instead of the current number one.
Amorim must drop 5/10 Man United dud who Ashworth thinks is "really good"
Manchester United suffered a second consecutive defeat under Ruben Amorim last night.
Xavi Hernandez said he was too emotionally connected to Barcelona to deliver sustained success during his time at the club.
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Midfield maestro returned to boyhood club as manager in 2021
He led the Blaugrana to a title in his first full season
Xavi: "I am open to offers"
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Xavi, who made 767 appearances for the club, took over as Barcelona manager during the 2021 season. While he led Barca to a La Liga title during his first full season, he was sacked last summer after failing to collect any silverware. The former Spain international acknowledged mistakes he made in his final season, but he doesn't regret giving younger players a chance.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
His dismissal came amidst a tumultuous period behind the scenes. During his tenure, several key players, including Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez left as the club continued to grapple with its financial situation. The loss of Busquets was particularly difficult for Xavi, as he admitted he made 'mistakes' in rethinking Barca's style without their playmaker.
WHAT XAVI SAID
In an interview with France Football, Xavi said: "Expectations were extremely high in comparison to my history in coaching at the time. At times, my deep emotional connection to the club may have worked against me.
"I was more emotional than I should have been in certain moments, but this experience has been a valuable lesson in learning for me."
"I chose to play with a midfield that included three attacking players, but it wasn't always the best option.
"Beyond trophies, I feel proud that I trusted a new generation of players: Fermín López, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde… These players represent the future of the club."
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WHAT NEXT FOR XAVI?
Xavi said he planned to take a sabbatical after leaving Barca, but he is now ready to listen to offers, including from other clubs in Spain. "I have nothing concrete on the table," he said. "I am open [to offers]. Why not coach another team in La Liga? I am looking for an exciting project."
Tottenham Hotspur have made an approach to sign a £54 million attacker who Ligue 1 giants Lyon are already in talks for, with the Lilywhites prepared to compete for his signing and potentially hijack their discussions.
Spurs targeting new forwards for Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou’s side are fresh off the back of a 2-1 win over Premier League champions Man City, which knocked Pep Guardiola and co out of the Carabao Cup, but there are still many issues to address after a mixed start to the campaign.
£120k-per-week Tottenham ace now seriously considering exit to La Liga side
He could be on the way out very soon.
By
Emilio Galantini
Oct 31, 2024
Spurs’ loss to lowly Crystal Palace handed Oliver Glasner his first win of the season last weekend, and the north Londoners slumped to a disappointing 3-2 defeat at Brighton after throwing away a two-goal advantage just before the international break.
Postecoglou has also been criticised for his tactics lately, and there have even been some suggestions from many supporters that the Australian could be facing a precarious situation in regards to his job if things don’t turn around on a consistent basis (Football Insider).
Tottenham’s next five Premier League games
Date
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
November 3
Tottenham vs Ipswich Town
November 10
Man City vs Tottenham
November 23
Tottenham vs Fulham
December 1
Bournemouth vs Tottenham
December 5
The January transfer window could represent an opportunity for the club’s recruitment team to shore up glaring holes in Postecoglou’s squad, in an effort to assist the 58-year-old’s chase for a first piece of major silverware in 16 years.
It is believed Spurs are monitoring Javi Puado of Espanyol ahead of a potential January swoop, with the Spaniard impressing alongside loanee Alejo Veliz in La Liga. He could be available on a very cheap deal, considering his contract expires in the summer, or Daniel Levy could elect to sign the player on a pre-contract ahead of next summer.
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is a transfer target for Spurs as well, according to some reports, with the north Londoners prepared to pay as much as £50 million to seal a deal for the Ghanaian.
“He’s a lovely footballer to watch”, said Jamie Redknapp on Semenyo to Premier League productions.
“The manager’s taken him to another level, he obviously has that capability because you saw it with Solanke. I’m just seeing him elevate his game right now, we’ll talk about why does that happen, a lot of it is purely on confidence.
“He looks like he’s enjoying his football, his shoulders are back, he’s relaxed, every time he gets it, he plays with a bit of a swagger. He’s actually a joy to watch right now.”
Tottenham make approach for Rayan and prepared to hijack Lyon talks
According to South American news outlet Vascaino, Vasco de Gama forward Rayan is on Tottenham’s agenda, and they’ve made an approach to seek information about the player’s availability.
They face stiff competition from Lyon, though, who are apparently already in talks to sign the 18-year-old. However, Vascaino goes on to suggest that Tottenham are willing to compete with Lyom to sign Rayan, potentially hijacking their discussions for the highly-rated teenager.
Rayan’s deal includes a release clause set at around £54 million, but his club are willing to sell for a bit less than that in a boost for Levy and Postecoglou.
Arsenal’s start to the current season has not been easy on the injury front with a whole host of names ruled out for small to large periods of time.
Martin Odegaard has been the main patient on the treatment table over the opening month or so of the new campaign with the Norwegian having sustained significant damage to his ankle ligament during the last international break.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has also been absent while Ben White has endured time with the team doctors at London Colney too. With Jurrien Timber also missing against Southampton last weekend, it meant that Thomas Partey had to play at right-back. He did an admirable job to be fair to him.
But there’s one player who continues to soldier on despite a lack of rest. That man is Bukayo Saka.
Bukayo Saka injury claim
One of the biggest priorities for Arsenal over the last few years has been the need to sign a new right winger.
Saka is their star boy, he’s their number one man, and he’s their most important player. As a result, he’s likely to play a high volume of minutes. Mikel Arteta needs him on the pitch at all times and at all costs.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
The arrival of Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea over the summer should help but even then, Saka still played against Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup with his England colleague favoured on the left.
That felt like an ideal opportunity to rest the 23-year-old, alas he was kept on the field as the Gunners eased into the next round at the expense of the Trotters.
Arteta probably knows more than anyone that Saka could do with more rest periods and now he’s been given a huge warning over the direction that his star winger’s career could head in.
Research conducted by OLBG concludes that his career could head in the direction of someone like Michael Owen or Dele Alli if Arsenal aren’t careful.
According to said research, the England international has already played 52.9% of his projected career minutes at the age of 23. If we compare that to Phil Foden who is a year older, he has been more carefully managed and has only played 33.2% of his projected minutes.
Phil Foden vs Bukayo Saka in 2023/24
Saka’s injury record is rather impressive compared to his peers, with a ratio of 355 minutes played per day injured.
Referring back to the aforementioned Owen, he had a rate of 39 minutes played per day injured as the former Ballon d’Or winner ultimately saw his career burn out.
Mins played by 7th season in their career
Player
Mins played
Games missed (total)
Gerrard
19,861
97
Lampard
15,793
88
Rooney
20,415
153
Dele
20,068
155
Owen
17,643
179
Foden
17,447
28
Saka *
19,536
15
Rashford
19,707
50
Trent
23,312
62
Sterling
18,792
58
* = projected minutes played.
As it happens the Arsenal star has played an average of 3,595 minutes per season and has already played more minutes in his first six seasons than Owen and Dele. Considering both players suffered from early-career burnout and injuries, Saka’s heavy workload could come back to bite him.
The research comes to a shocking verdict if you are of an Arsenal persuasion that we could start to see a significant drop-off in the forward’s career numbers in two years. That would happen to mark his eighth year at the highest level of the game and a crucial period in Arteta’s project as they look to make themselves consistent Premier League and Champions League contenders.
Dele Alli in action for Tottenham.
As a result, Arsenal must prepare for the future and ensure the Hale End star’s minutes are managed. They could do so by signing a new winger in 2025.
Wingers Arsenal could sign in 2025
Sterling’s future at Arsenal is unlikely to be long-term so acquiring a major signing in attack over the next year or so should be at the height of Arsenal’s agenda.
One option could be Barcelona winger Raphinha. The Gunners were interested in snapping the Brazilian up when he was still at Leeds but he preferred a move to the Catalan giants.
Barcelona star Raphinha.
Michael Olise and Pedro Neto had previously been options but they signed for Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively over the summer so won’t be on the market.
Thus, they could turn their attention to someone like Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams who has been of huge interest to Arteta and Co for a while now.
Possessing a £49m release clause, signing the Spaniard would be smart business. Although predominantly a left winger, he has operated on the right and would provide phenomenal competition for places among the likes of Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal have been sent a warning here and they must ensure that the club’s dazzling number 7 is given more rest and competition.
It's bad news for Saka & Havertz: Arsenal star ruled out for a month
One of Arsenal’s key men isn’t going to return from injury until November at the earliest.