O Palmeiras venceu o Corinthians por 6 a 1 no agregado nesta última terça-feira em Itaquera, e garantiu a sua vaga para disputar a grande final do Brasileirão Sub-20 pelo segundo ano seguido.
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Buscando o tricampeonato do torneio (campeão em 2018 e 2022), o Verdão encara o Flamengo pela taça e a decisão será em jogo único, com mando do time carioca, que fez melhor campanha e terá esta vantagem nos 90 minutos finais da competição.
Buscando a revanche de 2019, quando o Palmeiras foi derrotado pelo Flamengo e ficou com o vice-campeonato brasileiro Sub-20, o Verdão não deve contar com Pedro Lima, grande destaque da categoria neste ano, que foi negociado com o Norwich da Inglaterra e deve viajar para a terra da rainha em breve.
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Sem Pedro Lima, o grande nome do Sub-20 alviverde é o atacante Kevin, embora sua presença na final seja incerta. O elenco ainda conta com a joia Estevão, de apenas 16 anos, o lateral-esquerdo Ian, o zagueiro Michel e o goleiro Kaíque.
Para o lugar de Pedro Lima, o técnico Lucas Andrade tem algumas opções como Figueiredo, Patrick e Vitor André.
Na última vez em que Flamengo x Palmeiras disputaram um título pelo Sub-20, tivemos diversos nomes conhecidos em campo tanto pelo lado alviverde quanto pelo rubro-negro.
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No time do Palmeiras, nomes como Vanderlan, Gabriel Menino, Patrick de Paula, Danilo e Gabriel Silva faziam parte do elenco, enquanto do lado do Flamengo, o goleiro Hugo Moura, Matheuzinho, João Gomes, Lázaro e o hoje palestrino Richard Rios foram campeões brasileiros Sub-20 daquele ano.
Após ganhar a primeira partida da final por 1 a 0, o Palmeiras foi derrotado por 3 a 0 na partida de volta e o Flamengo acabou ficando com a taça.
A CBF ainda não confirmou a data da grande final do Brasileirão Sub-20, mas em seu site consta que o jogo está marcado para o dia 8 de setembro, ainda sem local definido.
+ Cupom LANCEFUT com 10% OFF para os fanáticos por esporte em compras acima de R$299,90
Atual campeão da Copinha e Brasileiro Sub-20, o Palmeiras busca o título para consolidar a sua hegemonia na categoria de base brasileira, onde as grandes conquistas já duram seis anos.
Portugal legend Pepe has heaped praise on his former manager Jose Mourinho following his return to management with Benfica. The pair worked together at Real Madrid in what was, at times, a fractious relationship. But Pepe is delighted to see Mourinho back in his homeland, after he took his place in the dugout at the Estadio da Luz.
Pepe shows Mourinho respect
Mourinho left Fenerbahce after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League proper, but was picked up almost immediately by Benfica, a move Pepe is delighted with. The iconic former centre-back told A Bola: "We have a coach who has just arrived at Benfica and who I know well and who certainly won't give up on a game. Having a coach like Mourinho in our league is always beneficial for the way the game is played, and I think everyone is now engaged in his press conferences. It's even good for the European and international level, globally, because Mourinho attracts a lot of people who can also see the quality of Portuguese football.
"I was trained by him, I know his skills, and he's an excellent coach who will surely do everything he can to help Benfica win. I hope that doesn't happen, because as I've said, I want FC Porto to win titles again. I don't think Mourinho has lost anything; he's still Mourinho. I also speak from experience. The years teach us many things; we don't give so much to our blood or our heart, but rather to our reason, and Mourinho has been improving this. Now he's a much more… not calm, but much more thoughtful coach than he was when his club drew or lost."
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Real deal in Madrid
Mourinho's tenure in the Spanish capital included a complex relationship with Pepe, which was characterised by both reliance and friction between the pair. The Portuguese tactician utilised the player's strength and aggression as a cornerstone of his defensive tactics, sometimes even deploying him as a No.6. Pepe was a key figure in Mourinho's early successes at the Spanish giants, including winning La Liga. However, the relationship deteriorated, particularly towards the end of the head coach's spell in May 2013. Pepe expressed regret over the manager's handling of captain Iker Casillas. Mourinho, in turn, attributed the central defender's criticism to frustration over losing his starting spot to Raphael Varane. This public disagreement highlighted the tensions that arose between the two during Mourinho's final season at the club.
Mourinho’s history of falling out with players
Mourinho has had several well-documented fallouts with players throughout his managerial career, often stemming from his direct and demanding management style. These disputes often revolved around perceived lack of effort, tactical disagreements, or poor performances. One of the most notable examples is the strained relationship with Paul Pogba during his time as boss of Manchester United. Mourinho publicly criticised Pogba's attitude and leadership, once reportedly telling him he was "like a person with a flu, with a virus in a closed room – you pass that virus to the others". Their disagreements escalated, culminating in a training ground confrontation captured on camera. Other players who have experienced Mourinho's wrath include Luke Shaw, who received repeated public criticism regarding his fitness and professionalism, Eden Hazard due to his defensive work-rate at Chelsea, and Casillas was dropped during the prickly coach's time in Madrid.
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Pepe’s twilight years
Pepe enjoyed a remarkable twilight to his career with Porto and the Portugal national team before retiring in 2024 at age 41. He showcased incredible longevity and elite performance, culminating in significant records and tournament appearances. He played a key role for Porto, captaining the side and helping them win the Portuguese Cup in 2023. That year, he became the oldest outfield player to compete in and score in the Champions League. He was already the oldest player to score in a knockout stage match at the 2022 World Cup. His final match was Portugal's quarter-final defeat at Euro 2024, and he officially announced his retirement in August of that year.
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy this summer has been nothing short of chaotic, and yet strangely ambitious.
For a club that finished 17th in the Premier League last season but secured Champions League football thanks to their Europa League triumph over Manchester United, the need to strengthen has never been more urgent.
Their early business included the £60m acquisition of Mohamed Kudus from West Ham, an exciting attacking player who provides versatility across the forward line.
But departures and missed opportunities have left significant gaps.
Fan favourite Son Heung-min departed for LAFC after a decade of service in North London, while the club’s most creative midfielder, James Maddison, suffered a devastating ACL injury in pre-season against Newcastle.
Their attempts to fill the void have, so far, been met with frustration.
The latest on Spurs' hunt to find a Maddison replacement
A £60m pursuit of Eberechi Eze collapsed when Arsenal hijacked the deal. A move for Morgan Gibbs-White ran into legal complications.
A €70m (£65m) package for Como star Nico Paz was swiftly rebuffed, with the Argentine making clear his intentions to return to Real Madrid in the near future.
Spurs have even looked at Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, but his £100m price tag puts him out of reach.
All of this has forced Tottenham to look elsewhere.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Their search has now led them towards a player long admired in England, one who has already proved himself in the Premier League, but whose reputation has recently been clouded by off-field controversy.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Spurs are now weighing up a move for Lucas Paquetá, the Brazilian playmaker currently at West Ham United.
Aston Villa are also monitoring his situation, but Tottenham’s need for a creative spark is arguably more urgent. Different reports suggest he could go for around £40m.
Paquetá has endured a turbulent year, but his quality has never been in question.
Former teammate Declan Rice once described him as “mind-boggling”, while he’s also been described as “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, a reminder of the immense technical ability he brings.
The central midfielder’s form dipped after he became the subject of a betting breach investigation in August 2023.
He continued to play, scoring West Ham’s only goal in their recent 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, but his confidence and consistency were visibly affected by the allegations.
Now that he has been cleared of all charges in 2025, the expectation is that he can finally put the matter behind him and re-establish himself at the top level.
Assessing Paquetá vs Maddison
For Spurs, the appeal is clear. With Maddison sidelined for the season, there is no natural replacement in the squad capable of offering the same vision and incisive passing.
Paquetá, with his flair and ability to turn games in an instant, represents a player in a similar mould.
He may not have matched Maddison’s output in recent seasons, but the tools are there – and in the right environment, he could thrive.
Tottenham Hotspur'sJamesMaddisonreacts
Paquetá’s numbers at West Ham illustrate both his strengths and his limitations.
At 27, he is approaching the prime of his career. He has 55 caps for Brazil and joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022, making 33 Premier League appearances last season with four goals.
The raw statistics do not scream world-class productivity, but they do reveal a midfielder with a valuable mix of creativity and defensive work.
Matches
19
7
Wins
11
0
Goals Scored Per Match
1.8
0.7
Goals Conceded Per Match
1.5
2.4
Points Per Match
1.9
0.4
According to FBref, he ranks in the 74th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 (2.89), the 79th percentile for progressive passes (6.16 per 90), and the 84th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (2.18 per 90).
These metrics underline his ability to link play between midfield and attack, progressing the ball into dangerous areas.
Lucas Paqueta looks dejected for West Ham
His defensive contributions are also notable, with 2.51 tackles per 90 (75th percentile) and an impressive 1.91 aerial duels won per 90 (89th percentile), making him more than just a luxury player.
When compared directly to Maddison, however, there are contrasts. The England international has been one of Spurs’ key players since arriving from Leicester in 2023, with 16 goals and 21 assists in 75 games.
Regrettably, his injury record is a concern. He missed 13 games in 2023/24 and 11 last season – but his impact when fit is undeniable.
Statistically, Maddison outperforms Paquetá in almost every attacking metric: 4.73 shot-creating actions per 90 (to Paquetá’s 3.10), 8.16 progressive passes per 90 (Paquetá’s 5.87), and 0.85 shots on target per 90 (Paquetá’s 0.11).
Even his pass completion rate (81.3%) edges the Brazilian’s 77.3%.
This raises a key question: would Spurs be settling for a downgrade? On paper, Paquetá does not replicate Maddison’s efficiency in front of goal or his ability to sustain attacks through consistent ball progression.
West Ham's Lucas Paqueta against Liverpool.
Yet the Brazilian brings different qualities – a more physical presence, stronger defensive contributions, and the versatility to operate across midfield roles. In that regard, he is a big upgrade.
His 227.8 progressive passing distance per 90 minutes is only slightly behind Maddison’s 250.1, suggesting he can still drive the ball forward effectively.
What truly matters is context. At West Ham, Paquetá has often been tasked with working within a rigid system where creativity can be stifled.
In a more attacking, possession-based setup at Tottenham, his ability to combine with Kudus and Richarlison could unlock a new level of performance.
For Spurs, the decision is not about finding a perfect Maddison clone. It is about ensuring they are not left without a creative heartbeat in midfield for an entire season.
Paquetá may be inconsistent, but he remains capable of brilliance.
If Thomas Frank can provide the structure and confidence that he lacked at West Ham, Tottenham could have a player who, like Maddison, is able to decide games single-handedly.
New Dembele: Spurs make move to sign "one of the best playmakers in Europe"
Spurs are looking to finalise one or two big moves before the deadline closes.
He will work alongside Italy’s new captain, the former Australia opener Joe Burns
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Mar-2025John Davison, the former Canada captain and Australian state cricketer, has been named Italy’s T20I coach as they push for a place at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.Italy will take part in the European Regional Finals of the T20 World Cup qualifying pathway in the Netherlands from late June, which will provide two sides for the main tournament in early 2026. They will feature alongside Netherlands, Scotland, Guernsey and Jersey.”I am excited and honoured to be appointed head coach of the Italian T20 men’s program,” Davison said. “I didn’t take much convincing once I heard about the players and people involved.”I have experienced the thrill of qualifying for World Cups as a player for Canada, and I look forward to repeating that thrill with a diverse and dedicated group of players and staff representing Italy.”Davison’s World Cup playing career was highlighted by his 111 off 76 balls against West Indies at Centurion in 2003.Since retiring, he has been a spin-bowling coach and consultant, including with Australia, and he has worked extensively with the likes of Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson and Matt Kuhnemann.Davison will work alongside Italy’s new captain, the former Queensland and Australia opener Joe Burns who started playing for them in May last year having qualified through his mother’s heritage.Alongside Burns, Ben and Harry Manenti have also represented Italy. It’s understood that Tasmania pair Jake Doran and Tim Ward are in contention for the qualifiers through their Italian heritage, although they are still awaiting approval to play. Matthew Fotia, a former Victoria quick, and Jason Ralston, who featured for Australia Under-19s, are also in the mix.”I am honoured to take on this role and represent Italy on the international stage,” Burns said when named captain. “For me, it is a return to my family’s roots. Italian cricket has enormous potential and I am excited to contribute to its growth. Together with my team-mates, we are working to achieve ambitious goals and make our fans proud.”
تحدثت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية عن أداء المصري محمد صلاح في مباراة فريقي ليفربول وتشيلسي، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، مساء يوم السبت.
واستضاف ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” مباراة ليفربول وتشيلسي، في الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.
وتعرض ليفربول لهزيمة قاتلة على يد تشيلسي، حيث خسر بهدفين لهدف في لقاء خاضه محمد صلاح حتى النهاية.
وسلطت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية الضوء على أداء محمد صلاح، لدرجة جعلتها تقول: “صلاح لا يستطيع ضرب باب الحظيرة”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. سلوت يدافع عن محمد صلاح بعد هزيمة ليفربول أمام تشيلسي: جعلنا ننسى كونه إنسانًا
وبالبحث نجد أن تلك العبارة دارجة في اللغة الإنجليزية تعني أن الشخص ضعيف لدرجة تجعله غير قادر على تنفيذ مهمة سهلة، مثل ضرب باب حظيرة، وهو ما يشير إلى سوء مستوى محمد صلاح حاليًا.
واستكملت الصحيفة: “من الصعب أن يتمكن محمد صلاح من تجاوز ما حققه الموسم الماضي، حيث سجل وصنع 57 هدفًا في 52 مباراة في مختلف المسابقات، خاصة مع استعداد المصري للسفر إلى كأس أمم إفريقيا منتصف ديسمبر، وهو أمر مقلق بحد ذاته لـ ليفربول”.
وأضافت: “ثلاثة أهداف وثلاث تمريرات حاسمة في تسع مباريات هذا الموسم ليست أرقامًا كارثية أيضًا، ولكن مع معاييره العالية، لا يقود صلاح هذا الفريق للفوز بنفس طريقة العام الماضي، هذا مصدر قلق كبير، خاصة مع عدم ثبات أداء زملائه المهاجمين”.
وواصلت: “سجل كودي جاكبو هدف ليفربول ليعادل النتيجة في الدقيقة 65، ولكن بخلاف ذلك، انتهت معظم فرصهم بشعور روبرت سانشيز، حارس مرمى تشيلسي، بالبهجة من عدم تسجيل الريدز للأهداف”.
واختتمت: “صنع ليفربول فرصًا أكثر من تلك التي خلقوها في إسطنبول يوم الثلاثاء ضد جالطة سراي، وللإنصاف كان محمد صلاح أكثر مشاركة، لكن افتقار ليفربول للدقة في الثلث الأخير من الملعب هو ما كلفهم خسارة هذه المباراة”.
While finally getting over the hill and winning the Premier League is going to require a Herculean effort from the team, it would be fair to say spirits are high around Arsenal at the moment.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat AC Milan in Singapore and then got one over Newcastle United in Hong Kong, and now have a North London derby to look forward to tomorrow.
Unsurprisingly, one of the stars of pre-season so far has been Bukayo Saka, who scored the only goal in the first game and was more than lively in the second.
So, fans should be thrilled about reports linking them with another international superstar who could be Arteta’s new Saka.
Arsenal target their new Saka
While the football in pre-season has been great, it’s been an even better summer for Arsenal off the pitch.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
After years of fans crying out for one, the club have finally signed a new top-quality number nine in Viktor Gyokeres, and that’s not all, as Martin Zubimendi looks like he could be even more consequential at the base of midfield.
Moreover, Arteta won’t have to worry about squad depth quite as much anymore, with Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera all coming in to bolster the squad.
Yet, even with six new faces through the door, the North Londoners want to do more business, business which could see them land their new Saka.
At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has claimed Arsenal have a ‘clear name’ in mind when it comes to further improving the squad this summer: Rodrygo.
While the report reveals that the Gunners will likely have to sell a player or two before signing the Brazilian, it does not mention how much he might eventually cost them.
However, multiple stories from earlier this summer indicate that a fee of around £86m could be enough to seal the deal, and while that’s a lot of money, it would be worth it for a player of Rodrygo’s quality, especially as he could be the club’s new Saka.
Why Rodrygo could be Arsenal's new Saka
So, before the pitchforks and torches come out, we aren’t necessarily saying Rodrygo will come in and be just as good as Saka right away, as the Englishman has practically made this team his own over the last few years and is unquestionably now world-class.
However, we are saying that there is every chance the Real Madrid star could come in and end up having a similar impact on the left-hand side, albeit without the homegrown academy product side of things.
Why do we think this? Well, for starters, despite playing out of position for much of the last two seasons, the Brazilian has remained a seriously dangerous attacker.
For example, the “incredible” talent, as dubbed by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.
That translates to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is a level of output the Gunners’ left side could do with.
Appearances
51
54
Minutes
3707′
3452′
Goals
17
14
Assists
9
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.50
0.46
Minutes per Goal Involvement
142.57′
138.08′
Second, much in the same way the Hale End icon has taken the club on his back in the past, the former Santos gem has often been the difference maker in big European games for his side.
In 64 Champions League games, the 24-year-old has scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists, but crucially, eight of his goals have come in the knockout rounds and eight have been game-winning.
Finally, despite neither one of them being particularly tall, they’ve proven themselves to be tough to dispossess in recent seasons, be that through sheer strength or an underappreciated ability with the ball at their feet.
Moreover, when given space, both wingers can be quite explosive and an absolute nightmare for backtracking defenders, with FBref placing the Brazilian in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for carries into the penalty area and the Englishman in the top 11%.
Ultimately, while Saka will likely always be the most popular player at Arsenal thanks to his deep ties with the fans and club, Rodrygo could be almost as effective as him off the left, and therefore, Arteta and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.
Arsenal eye "fascinating" Eze alternative with £22.5m release clause
The Stadium of Light is likely to be a sight to behold on the Premier League opening day as Sunderland fans pack out their beloved home ground to the rafters.
West Ham United are the first opposition this season that gets to sample the high-energy Wearside crowd, as Graham Potter’s Hammers go about souring the feel-good factor in the air by clinching an away day win, at the expense of Regis Le Bris’ men.
Granit Xhaka could even be handed the responsibility of being Sunderland’s captain for such a hotly anticipated occasion, having worn the armband with pride during his side’s last pre-season test versus Real Betis.
He is the logical choice, having garnered a reputation for being a no-nonsense battler when on the books of Arsenal, but the Black Cats will be well aware they need even more grit and experience in their ranks to ensure survival is comfortably reached, away from just relying on their new £17m purchase.
Why Xhaka's signing is a coup for Sunderland
The 32-year-old returning to the Premier League to link up with the newly promoted Black Cats would have come as a shock.
After all, Xhaka had moved away to Bayer Leverkusen and managed to breathe new life into his playing days, as the trophy-shy midfielder held the Bundesliga title aloft during his debut season out in Germany.
During his celebrated stay in Germany, too, Xhaka would add to his growing collection of wonderstrikes, with six goals and nine assists coming his way from 99 games in the middle of the park.
Yet, it will be the Basel-born enforcer’s previous tough performances for the Gunners that will have caught his new side’s eye even more as they venture back up to the intimidating Premier League, with Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm even dubbing him a “monster” for his physical prowess in North London.
Indeed, across 225 games in the top division with the Gunners, Xhaka would win a steep 1001 duels in total, on top of also launching himself into 368 tackles.
With Habib Diarra’s £30m arrival into the building potentially boosting Sunderland’s attacking output centrally – as seen in his tally of nine big chances being created in Ligue 1 last season – Xhaka has certainly been purchased to toughen up a Black Cats side who were often viewed as youthful to a fault under Le Bris’ wing in the Championship.
Still, the Sunderland masses will be hoping that an elusive centre-back presence finally enters through the door before September’s approaching deadline…
Sunderland's ongoing transfer hunt
Staggeringly, despite signing off on eight high-profile signings this summer so far, only Xhaka – and Simon Adingra – will be entering into the action against the Irons with Premier League experience on his side.
Of course, the likes of Enzo Le Fee have been there and done that in equally tough divisions such as Ligue 1, alongside brand-new goalkeeper addition Robin Roefs helping himself to ten clean sheets in the Eredivisie last season. But, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether, especially when a relegation dog-fight is potentially on the cards.
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.
To further add to the worry, Sunderland are yet to recruit a Premier League-capable centre-back so far this summer – even as tenous links have previously tipped them to sign the likes of Liverpool colossus Joe Gomez – despite splashing in the region of £140m elsewhere on fresh recruits.
This will be very concerning, therefore, as talk has also dried up regarding the Wearside outfit securing the signature of Bologna titan Jhon Lucumi, who would undoubtedly boost Le Bris’ options in the heart of defence, too, having just collected ten clean sheets himself last campaign in Serie A.
For the time being, Sunderland will have to hope Xhaka can be an effective anchor that helps to keep the ball out of their net, alongside offering the top-flight newcomers a whole lot more.
Sunderland's search for a centre-back
While Xhaka has been an obvious success in the Premier League, he will also hold some scars still, knowing his Arsenal stay was full of bumps.
Indeed, his aggressiveness often got the better of him, as seen in his collection of four red cards in the bruising division. Le Bris and Co. cannot afford to constantly be worried about the Swiss international’s hot-headedness turning ugly.
This is where centre-back target Loic Bade could come to the rescue in offering Le Bris’ men an assured coolness under pressure at the back, while also being a towering figure unafraid to duel when needed.
French outlet Foot Mercato has recently revealed that Bade is the priority target now for the Black Cats as they continue to hunt down defensive reinforcements, with £26m the desired amount they need to hit to seal a deal for the 6-foot-3 colossus.
Games played
19
28
32
Goals scored
1
0
1
Assists
0
1
1
Touches*
55.1
60.5
68.3
Accurate passes*
38.6 (87%)
39.6 (83%)
48.6 (86%)
Tackles*
1.4
2.3
1.5
Clearances*
3.9
4.0
5.0
Total duels won*
3.7
5.8
4.3
Clean sheets
7
5
8
This feels like a fair amount to pay when you consider his consistent battling performances for Sevilla, with this season just gone seeing Bade register five clearances per league match, as his never-say-die attitude just about kept Matías Almeyda’s men afloat in 17th spot, one point above the relegation spaces in La Liga.
He could well fancy his chances at another relegation scrap, therefore, in England, with his wealth of experience in this field no doubt coming in handy, when you further consider Le Bris’ usual centre-back pairing in Daniel Ballard and Luke O’Nien have zero top-flight games next to their names across their EFL-heavy careers to date.
Loic Bade for Sevilla.
On the flip side, the “elite” Frenchman – as he was once dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – has 125 appearances in La Liga and Ligue 1 under his belt, which has also led to him being labelled as a “warrior” by football analyst Ben Mattinson.
If Xhaka hadn’t arrived, Le Bris would at least be content that he has the aforementioned Le Fee and Diarra at his disposal.
Whereas, missing out on Bade feels as if it will be an opportunity Sunderland will rue in the long run, as the Black Cats prepare to defend for their lives to ensure an immediate return to the EFL doesn’t occur.
Sunderland could land Le Bris his own Isak by signing “terrifying” £51m ace
Regis Le Bris could secure himself his very own Alexander Isak if Sunderland snap up this £51m star.
Despite already reaching a verbal agreement to sign Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha, Nottingham Forest have reportedly made an approach to sign another Brazilian ace.
Nottingham Forest set to sign Botafogo trio
Evangelos Marinakis has wasted no time before turning towards the South American market yet again at the City Ground. The Greek owner has had previous success when welcoming the likes of Murillo and may have completed another act of genius by reaching an agreement to sign the aforementioned Botafogo trio.
Jesus particularly stands out among the three. The impressive striker could quickly become the air to Chris Wood’s striker throne at the City Ground, having scored eight goals in Brazil throughout the 2024/25 campaign after netting 25 in all competitions in the season prior at both Botafogo and at Shabab Al-Ahli Club.
Meanwhile, if Nottingham Forest fans needed any further introduction to Jesus and Cunha, then one glimpse at the Club World Cup should have given them exactly that. Both players scored in Botafogo’s 2-1 win against Seattle Sounders, whilst Cuiabano also featured from the bench.
All signs point towards excellent business by Nottingham Forest, but the Tricky Trees are not done there. With European football to look forward to next season, those at the City Ground are in their strongest position for a long time to attract some top talents.
It’s not something that Marinakis is keen to waste, either. With three Brazilian talents already on the way, Forest have also been linked with moves for the likes of Yoanne Wissa. The Brentford forward was the subject of interest from the City Ground in January and now that interest has reportedly been reignited.
Meanwhile, Forest aren’t done in South America either amid reports that they’ve made an approach to sign a fourth Brazilian talent this summer.
Nottingham Forest make Romulo Cardoso approach
According to GE Globo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have now made an approach to sign Romulo Cardoso from Goztepe this summer. The impressive forward is still just 23 years old and would be arriving off the back of an excellent campaign which saw him score 17 goals and create another 13 in Turkey.
That said, Forest aren’t alone in the race to sign the forward. Joining them, RB Leipzig and Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are also reportedly interested in signing Romulo this summer. The Bundesliga club will become a particular threat if they are forced to replace Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko in the coming months.
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Whether Forest’s growing Brazilian contingent helps to convince the clinical goalscorer will be interesting to see too. The City Ground is quickly becoming the place to be for South American stars on the rise and Romulo could become the latest to make his way to the Midlands.
With contact already made and a number of clubs chasing his signature, Romulo has arguably the biggest decision of his career to make so far this summer.
The club might not have made any official announcements yet, but it feels like the transfer window is finally starting to heat up for Arsenal.
It was just last week that reports emerged about Martin Zubimendi’s medical being scheduled, and then this week, a significant number of reports claiming that the club are in concrete talks for Benjamin Sesko started coming out.
The Slovenian international might still be a little raw, but with 27 goal involvements in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig this season, it’s evident that the 22-year-old striker has an immense amount of talent and potential.
So, fans should be excited that recent reports are now linking the club to a player who’d be an ideal teammate and attacking partner for the 6 foot 5 poacher.
Arsenal in the market to sign new winger
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth having a look at some of the other stars linked with Arsenal who could be Sesko’s dream teammates, such as Morgan Rogers and Leroy Sané.
Transfer Focus
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The former might cost a staggering £100m, but with 14 goals and 15 assists to his name in 54 games this season, it’s not hard to see why he’d be an ideal partner for the Leipzig star.
With his contract expiring this month, the Bayern Munich star would be a free signing, but don’t let that fool you, as his tally of 13 goals and six assists in 45 games this term shows that he’d still be a winger to pair up with the Slovenian international.
Bayern Munich's LeroySanescores their third goa
However, there is another player who’d be an even better acquisition: Nico Williams.
Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Athletic Bilbao star.
In fact, alongside London rivals Chelsea, the Italian has revealed that the Spanish international is now the club’s “dream signing.”
However, to make that dream a reality, the North Londoners will have to activate his release clause, which, according to other reports from the last few weeks, stands at about £50m.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliams
While it wouldn’t be a cheap transfer to get done, it’s one worth pursuing for Arsenal, as Williams is both an incredible talent and someone who’d be a perfect teammate for Sesko.
Why Williams would be perfect for Sesko
There are a couple of reasons why Williams would be such an ideal signing to make alongside Sesko this summer, but the most important one is his output.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
For example, in the 23/24 season, the dynamic winger scored eight goals and provided 18 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2729 minutes.
Then, this season, he managed to score 11 goals and provide seven assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3130 minutes.
Williams’ recent form
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
37
45
Minutes
2729′
3130′
Goals
8
11
Asssists
18
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.70
0.40
Minutes per Goal Involvement
104.96′
173.88′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
In other words, the Pamplona-born “level-raiser,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has been able to average a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or 133.15 minutes, across two campaigns.
Now, just imagine how effective the Leipzig forward could be with a winger capable of such output to his left. Not only would he receive a constant string of chances, but his own assist tally could soar with someone that effective at finishing the chances he’s shown himself capable of creating.
Moreover, as the Spaniard is such an undeniable threat, and with Bukayo Saka on the other flank, opposition defenders would have to find ways to stop all three of them, inevitably leading to more space being available for the former Salzburg gem to exploit.
Finally, signing the Bilbao gem just makes sense from a squad-building perspective, as both he and the Slovenian phenom are 22, so in theory, they’d be able to further develop and reach their full potential in tandem, meaning fans could and should expect their numbers to only improve from here on out.
Ultimately, Sesko looks like he’d be a great addition to Arsenal’s attack, but to help get even more out of him and the frontline as a whole, Arteta and Co should also be pushing to sign Williams.
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The incredibly gifted attacking midfielder would add some much-needed dynamism to Arsenal.
Manchester United have endured the worst Premier League season in their history, finishing in 15th place and registering just 42 points – the lowest tally in such a division.
Ruben Amorim was appointed back in November, but has so far been unable to turnaround their fortunes, losing 17 of his 42 matches since taking the reins.
He’s only had one window to make his own mark on the first-team squad at Old Trafford, with Patrick Dorgu his only major investment to date – costing £30m from Italian side Lecce.
However, the 40-year-old will want to part ways with numerous players already on the books, enabling him to have the freedom and funds to make the changes he desires.
With the transfer window just around the corner, numerous players have already been linked with moves to join the Red Devils, potentially using any funds generated from multiple potential sales.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, Liam Delap has been United’s number one target for the centre-forward position as the hierarchy look to provide Amorim with the ammunition he needs.
However, it appears as though the manager is set to miss out on a deal for the 22-year-old, after it was confirmed that he prefers a move to fellow English side Chelsea this summer.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
Delap isn’t the only English star touted with a move to Old Trafford this summer, with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze on their radar, according to American outlet ESPN.
Their report claims that the hierarchy have been looking at a potential deal for the 26-year-old attacking midfielder, who’s registered a total of 16 combined goals and assists in the Premier League this season.
It also states that it’s unclear whether the board can afford him unless they sell players currently at the club, with the Palace star currently boasting a £68m release clause in his contract.
Why United’s £68m target could be the perfect Bruno replacement
Over the last couple of days, club captain Bruno Fernandes has been largely touted with a move away from United, with Saudi Arabian clubs circling for his signature this summer.
Bruno Fernandes
The 30-year-old has been the shining light in the squad this season, registering 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions – helping the side reach the Europa League final.
The Portuguese international stated he wanted to stay at Old Trafford despite the defeat, but given the rumoured £700k-per-week contract on the table from Saudi, it would be a huge offer to turn down for the midfielder.
There’s no denying that it would be a huge loss, with it unthinkable where the club would be right now if it wasn’t for his key contributions within the final third.
However, given his age, it may prove to be the final time they can command such a fee for his services, potentially cashing in on him and using the funds to pursue a move for Eze.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
When comparing their respective figures from the recent campaign, the Eagles star has matched or bettered Fernandes in multiple key areas, highlighting his ability to step up to the plate if needed.
Eze, who’s been labelled “sensational” by content creator Ollie Thomas, may have registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered more shots on target – showcasing his impressive ability in such an area when having the chance to advance.
Games played
34
36
Goals & assists
16
18
Shots on target per 90
1
0.7
Progressive carries
2.4
2.3
Pass accuracy
76%
76%
% of tackles won
47%
40%
Take-on success
49%
41%
Fouls won
1.8
1.1
He’s also completed the same percentage of passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing more take-ons, thriving in chance creation with the ball at his feet.
The England international has also won more of the tackles he’s entered, handing Amorim the option to utilise him in a deeper-lying role should he need to in 2025/26.
Offloading Bruno would be a huge blow and something which would anger a lot of supporters – especially considering his impressive record at Old Trafford since his arrival back in 2020.
However, Eze would be a superb addition, with his stats showcasing that he’s capable of surpassing the level produced by the 30-year-old with the Red Devils – allowing for a new lease of life after such a dismal season.
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