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أجرى النجم البرتغالي رونالدو، لاعب النصر السعودي، مقابلة جديدة مع الصحفي البريطاني الشهير بيرس مورجان، وسُئل عن الأفضل بينه وبين منافسه التقليدي ليونيل ميسي لاعب إنتر ميامي الأمريكي الحالي.

وتم تداول مقطع صغير من المقابلة، نشرته صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، وقال مورجان لرونالدو: “يقولون إن ميسي أفضل منك، ما رأيك؟”، فأجاب كريستيانو: “هل ميسي أفضل مني؟ لا أتفق مع هذا الرأي، لا أريد أن أكون متواضعًا”.

وسُئل أيضًا عن كونه أول رياضي ملياردير قبل بضعة أسابيع، فأجاب مازحًا: “هذا ليس صحيحًا، لقد أصبحت مليارديرًا منذ سنوات عديدة (يضحك)”.

اقرأ أيضًا | سلوت يُثير قلق أرنولد من جماهير آنفيلد.. ويؤكد غياب ثلاثي ليفربول أمام ريال مدريد

وبخصوص تصريحات واين روني بأن ميسي أفضل من كريستيانو، رد البرتغالي: “هذا لا يزعجني إطلاقًا”.

وستنشر مقابلة كريستيانو رونالدو مع بيرس مورجان كاملة، غدًا الأربعاء الموافق 4 من شهر نوفمبر الجاري.

وسبق وأجرى رونالدو مقابلة مطولة مع بيرس مورجان قبل ثلاث سنوات في برنامج “Piers Morgan “Uncensored، حيث أعلن أنه سيترك مانشستر يونايتد بعد مونديال قطر 2022.

يستعد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، لاستكمال مشواره في الموسم الحالي، بعد مباراته أمام يوفنتوس، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستقبل ريال مدريد ضيفه يوفنتوس على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وتمكن ريال مدريد من تحقيق فوز مهم على يوفنتوس، بهدف نظيف مقابل لا شيء، جعله مستعدًا بقوة للقاء الكلاسيكو المقبل أمام برشلونة.

ويملك ريال مدريد 9 نقاط في رصيده، جمعها من فوز في الجولة الأولى على مارسيليا الفرنسي، بهدفين مقابل هدف، وانتصار على كيرات بخمسة أهداف دون رد، ثم انتصار على يوفنتوس بهدف نظيف. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد القادمة بعد الفوز على يوفنتوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا

ومن المقرر أن يواجه فريق ريال مدريد نظيره برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”، يوم الأحد المقبل.

ويواجه ريال مدريد، برشلونة في “كلاسيكو” الدوري الإسباني لأول مرة بقيادة تشابي ألونسو، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”، في تمام الساعة السادسة والربع مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

Mohamed Salah is getting old, but he’s still here and he’s still thriving for Liverpool.

The long-time talisman turned 33 this summer, and there’s a sense that the overload of attacking signings this summer were completed with an eye on the Egyptian stepping into the final stretch of his Premier League career.

Last season, Salah took it on himself to win the Premier League, making merry under Arne Slot’s wing in the first year since Jurgen Klopp stepped down and putting in an individual campaign for the ages, breaking any number of records and posting 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions.

Now, things are a bit different, with the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz signed for British-record fees in what could shape the Reds’ frontline for many years to come.

Times are changing down Anfield Road, and though Salah continues to play a focal role in the project, having scored three goals and supplied three assists already this term, the weight of responsibility is no longer so heavy.

And this is without even acknowledging the emphatic early form of Hugo Ekitike, who is giving Salah and Isak a run for their money as the club’s main man up top.

Ekitike's start to life at Liverpool

Six games, four goals, one assist. Not a bad way to announce yourself to the England game. Ekitike left Eintracht Frankfurt and signed for Liverpool in a deal rising to £79m in July, and he’s been hailed for his “really clever” play by Wayne Rooney, who knows a thing or two about scoring in the Premier League.

Isak came off the bench for his league debut in a Liverpool shirt last time out, in the Merseyside derby, but Slot has quite the conundrum on his hands as the ostensibly second-fiddle star continues to go from strength to strength.

There are, for sure, worse problems to have as a manager.

Against the Toffees, Liverpool arguably played their finest football of the season in that eventful first half, with the 23-year-old demonstrating his natural ease in jinking through the lines to latch onto the ball and guide it into the net, past Jordan Pickford.

Threading through the assist for Ekitike’s latest goal was Ryan Gravenberch, and while the French forward has started the season in fine fettle, it is the man in the middle who has been the star of the show across the past five weeks.

Gravenberch is becoming Liverpool's best player

Martin Zubimendi is almost three months into his Arsenal career. The Spain international joined the Gunners for £60m in the summer and is regarded as a coup for Mikel Arteta’s side. He is one of the silkiest midfielders out there.

Gravenberch walked all over him at Anfield earlier this month, to use some sporting jargon, and it all might’ve been so different, had Zubimendi accepted Liverpool’s proposal to sign him in 2024.

He didn’t, opting to remain with Real Sociedad. It stang, let’s get that straight. However, Gravenberch rose from mediocrity to form the nucleus of newbie Slot’s engine room, having been utilised sporadically by Klopp beforehand.

Still only 23, the Dutchman was instrumental in winning the Premier League last season, and he’s only gotten better since the summer, it seems, with journalist Daniel Storey even remarking on the Totally Football Show that he’s been “the best player in the country” across these opening weeks, having scored, assisted and dominated against Everton on Saturday.

Gravenberch wasn’t at his crispest in possession, but that’s only because he took it upon himself to make things happen in the final third, winning seven duels and making five tackles too.

The campaign is young, but Gravenberch has started with staggering style, looking even more robust and complete than last year, when he stepped into the place meant for Zubimendi and made it his own, crowned the 2024/25 Hublot Young Player of the Season for his performances.

Matches (starts)

37 (37)

4 (4)

Goals

0

2

Assists

4

1

Touches*

66.5

76.0

Pass completion

89%

88%

Key passes*

0.7

1.5

Dribbles*

1.0

1.5

Ball recoveries*

5.2

5.3

Tackles + interceptions*

3.5

2.8

Total duels (won)*

5.0 (57%)

5.3 (55%)

Much has remained the same for Gravenberch, but he’s now starting to be a bit more progressive on the ball, moving forward more frequently and being rewarded for his ambition with a sharp uptick in direct goal contributions.

Gravenberch is the life-force of this Liverpool team, the beating heart. Whether he manages to maintain this new level across the span of the season remains to be seen, but we wouldn’t bet against it.

Last year, this young, powerful and technically proficient midfielder proved he could raise his game, right? Now he’s merely doing it again, marking the latest development in a journey which has yet to reach the surface; it’s not even close.

Though Liverpool have left something to be desired across the opening weeks of the season, they have still won five games out of five in the Premier League and claimed three points in their Champions League opener too. There is a pervading sense across the country that the Reds are a shoo-in for a successful top-flight title defence, though it is far too early to declare such a thing with any real conviction.

If Liverpool do achieve their goals, Gravenberch will be at the heart of everything, with his continuing role in the middle of the park becoming something truly special. So many times in recent years have the club turned to Salah and the skipper, Virgil van Dijk, for inspiration. This is still true.

However, Gravenberch indeed stakes a compelling claim for the best player on Merseyside so far this term, becoming a talisman in a different fashion to Salah, who remains a focal point but with greater quality in the final third to ease him toward the autumn of his Liverpool career.

In any case, this is quite the team, and Liverpool are looking to make it a special year.

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Ruben Amorim is under pressure at Manchester United, and the Red Devils may be intrigued by the fact that a proven winner may be interested in succeeding him at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim responds to pressure surrounding his Man Utd position

During the week, the football world witnessed the Red Devils suffer one of their worst-ever results, bowing out of the EFL Cup second round to Grimsby Town via a penalty shootout.

Despite clawing their way back into the match from 2-0 down, Amorim’s men will need to live with the shock of a loss that will only serve to increase pressure on the former Sporting boss, who apologised to supporters who made the unfateful trip to Blundell Park.

He stated post-match: “I just want to say I’m really sorry to the fans. The support they give me, the support that they are always there, with all the defeats, with the team, today I have nothing to say apart from sorry.

“I think they gave the response on the pitch today. Now, we have a game in the weekend and then two weeks off. We will solve things out.”

Old Trafford chiefs could soon make a decision on Amorim and won’t shy away from pulling the trigger, and reports suggest Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner may be a candidate to take over at Manchester United should he be relieved of his duties.

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Of course, his underperforming squad need to take a fair share of the blame. Manuel Ugarte and Andre Onana flattered to deceive against Grimsby, but they were far from the only ones culpable.

Either way, the pressure is on, and a reputable manager could well be open to an Old Trafford return if INEOS decide to call time on Amorim’s reign.

Jose Mourinho is open to Man Utd return

According to FourFourTwo, Jose Mourinho would be open to a surprise return to Manchester United after leaving Fenerbahce following their elimination from the Champions League playoff round against Benfica.

The former Red Devils boss, who won the FA Cup, Europa League, and Community Shield at Old Trafford, is set to return to the United Kingdom with his family and will be a target for several Premier League clubs considering a managerial change.

Manchester United could enter that discussion if results under Amorim continue, with his side struggling to adapt to his 3-4-2-1 formation. In contrast, Mourinho prefers a 4-2-3-1, which may be a more applicable tactical style given the personnel Manchester United have at their disposal.

Winning 11 trophies in total during spells at the Red Devils and Chelsea, Mourinho is a proven winner and would attract plenty of media attention, albeit some supporters may cite the fact that recent success within his managerial tenures has been short-lived.

“We’re going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it [the XI] tomorrow,” says the coach when asked if India’s out-of-form captain will play

Alagappan Muthu02-Jan-20252:51

Gambhir: ‘Chance to draw the series at SCG a good position to be in’

India coach Gautam Gambhir did not confirm whether out-of-form captain Rohit Sharma would be part of the starting XI for the New Year’s Test in Sydney or not.”The head coach is here. That should be enough,” Gambhir said to a room full of reporters wondering why Rohit was not at the pre-match press conference.Rohit had skipped it before the third Test in Brisbane too – Shubman Gill spoke to the press then – but the explanation then was that he had not come for the optional training session at the Gabba where the press conference was being held. Thursday’s training session at the SCG was optional too, but Rohit was there at the ground, on the eve of a Test India must win to draw the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.So the question was asked: Is Rohit okay? “Everything is fine with Rohit,” Gambhir replied.And when he was asked again whether Rohit was going to play, he said: “We’re going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it [the XI] tomorrow.”That’s where it all kicked off.Related

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Rohit has been struggling for form. He’s averaging 10.93 in his last nine Tests and only 6.2 in this series. He was late to India’s training on Thursday. Technically, it was an optional session, so it might not be right reading too much into it, but everybody was there.Gill, who was left out of the XI for the MCG Test, was among the first set of batters in the SCG nets. Dhruv Jurel, who hasn’t played since the first Test in Perth, was among them too; it was one of the few times he has worked alongside the first-XI players. Jasprit Bumrah came out from the doors leading into the members pavilion and went straight to Gambhir for a little chat.Still there was no sign of Rohit at the nets. He had been in the main ground playing a game of foot-volleyball and then disappeared. It was only after the others had batted for an hour that Rohit made his way out to join them, without his kit, in just his sweatshirt and shorts. He went down to where the team analyst, Hari, was standing. Then Bumrah joined the two. This had happened at the MCG as well. Rohit took his time to get to the outdoor nets and had a fairly long session facing only throwdowns. The only difference was in Melbourne he also attended the press conference.At the SCG, he had a light, 40-minute hit facing the fielding coach T Dilip and throwdown specialist Daya off the sidearm. The other frontline batters were already done with their stints by this time. Rohit was batting alongside Tanush Kotian and Abhimanyu Easwaran. There were moments that he looked good, a pull shot off the front foot for example, moments that he seemed to have fun, an apology for an awkward throwback down the pitch had him smiling from ear to ear, and moments where he batted like someone not in form, he left one that took out his off stump.Rohit Sharma was a late arrival at training and did not practice like the others did at the SCG•Getty Images

At the end of the Brisbane Test, Rohit had admitted that while he wasn’t batting well, he was still ticking all the boxes that he needed to.”As long as my mind, my body, my feet are moving well, I am pretty happy with how things are panning out for me,” Rohit had said two weeks ago. “Sometimes those numbers can tell you that it’s been a while since he has got big runs. But for a person like me, I think it’s all about how I feel in my mind.”In Melbourne, he seemed to find a semblance of form, or at least a lot more faith in his defence, as he withstood a period of bowling that Pat Cummins said was pretty close to perfect from his side. Australia hunted for his outside edge, he denied them for the first hour, but then gave them their first breakthrough when he played a risky flick shot that ended up in the hands of the gully fielder.”As a batter as well, a lot of the things that I am trying to do is not falling in the place that I would want to,” Rohit said after India went 2-1 down in the series. “But mentally, it is disturbing without a doubt.” Reports emerged in the media that Rohit was already thinking of retiring at the end of the Sydney Test, which then begged the question, if he was thinking along those lines, could he not step away now when the series is still alive?India rarely reveal their XI on the eve of a Test match but Gambhir refusing to confirm whether Rohit will be part of it was odd. Doesn’t the captain walk straight in? Isn’t he the one who decides who plays, not the other way around? The new year has begun with plenty of intrigue for India.

Chelsea are now preparing a £43m offer for a “world-class” Real Madrid target, who could be brought in as a replacement for Levi Colwill, according to a report.

Blues readying bid for centre-back after Colwill blow

There were always concerns that competing in the Club World Cup may have a negative knock-on effect going into the new season, and the Blues have already suffered a major injury blow, with Colwill set to miss most of the campaign due to an ACL injury.

Since then, Enzo Maresca has hinted that another centre-back could be brought in to account for the loss of the 22-year-old, with the manager saying: “It depends – we will wait and see.

“You know in our way, how important Levi has been. I spoke with him yesterday and I told him that if we achieve what we achieved last year, it is also because of him – and he was a main player for us.”

It has since been revealed that the west Londoners are expected to make a bid for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo imminently, but a Premier League centre-back has also now entered the frame as a potential option…

That is according to reports in Spain, which state Chelsea are now preparing a €50m (£43m) offer for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who is also being targeted by Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.

Madrid are confident about securing Konate’s signature on a free transfer next summer, upon the expiration of his contract, but the Blues have now entered the race, and they are willing to pay the exact amount Liverpool are looking for.

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At present, however, a move to Real Madrid is still the most likely outcome, given that the Reds are reluctant to strengthen one of their direct Premier League rivals, and the player himself is leaning towards a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

"World-class" Konate would be major coup for Chelsea

In truth, it seems unlikely that the Blues will be able to get a deal done, considering the French defender has no reason to leave the reigning Premier League champions, and Liverpool are hesitant to let him move to Stamford Bridge.

However, the Reds are at risk of losing the 26-year-old on a free transfer if they don’t cash-in this summer, which means it could be tempting to sanction a sale, and he could be a fantastic acquisition for the Blues.

The France international played a major role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title triumph, making 31 appearances, and journalist David Lynch believes he is now “world-class”.

Konate is clearly entering the prime of his career, and it would be a major coup if Chelsea were able to get a deal done, but it seems extremely unlikely that Arne Slot’s side will agree to a sale, given that they are already light on centre-back options.

Big Picture: Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the line

This is big. If India win at the MCG, they retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If Australia win, they remain on track for a first series win over India in a decade. A defeat for the home side would trigger significant questions while if India lose, their World Test Championship (WTC) fate is out of their hands, although retaining the series trophy would remain possible. With a good forecast, a draw would appear an unlikely result, particularly given the ground’s recent history. And whatever unfolds on Boxing Day could take place in front of more than 90,000 spectators.It’s only been six days since the damp end to proceedings at the Gabba, but a lot has happened. If you weren’t aware of the scoreline, it may feel like India are ahead given Australia have been forced into a change at the top of the order to try and counterpunch against Jasprit Bumrah. It means 19-year-old Sam Konstas will make an extraordinary debut after just 11 first-class matches.But it’s also been a curious few days for the visitors. Virat Kohli had a run-in with a reporter at the Melbourne airport; Ravindra Jadeja only took questions in Hindi at a press conference which got some people annoyed; and there were suggestions of a conspiracy when India were given used pitches to train on at the MCG.Related

• Rohit doesn't want to 'complicate too many things' for Gill and Jaiswal

• MCG pitch to have 'pace, bounce and excitement', but what about runs?

• Konstas' MCG debut confirmed, Head faces a fitness test

• WTC final race – How can India, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka qualify?

• Should India opt for bowling depth over batting insurance?

Meanwhile, in terms of the important things, they are still trying to find enough support for Bumrah and more runs from a misfiring top order. There does not appear much India can do about the batting order in terms of personnel, instead they will hope someone can follow the lead of KL Rahul.There has not been a lot of actual cricket played in the last two Tests: Adelaide was over little more than an hour into the third day and rain was a constant menace in Brisbane. But since Perth, Australia have dominated. Yet it sits at 1-1 and there is not much wriggle room for them to have a bad day.Australia’s top order remains under scrutiny amid the call to drop Nathan McSweeney in favour of Konstas at such a crucial moment in the series while senior batters Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne remain low on runs. Travis Head, who picked up a quad niggle in Brisbane but is good to go, has been the game-changer while Steven Smith’s hundred was timely and by the end of it he was playing very fluently.The fact that Scott Boland can slot back in at a ground he has enjoyed so much success on (headlined by his 6 for 7 against England in 2021-22) shows the pace-bowling depth Australia have. It may just be what makes the difference, although don’t count out Bumrah being able to win it almost on his own for India, who have not lost a Test at the MCG since 2011.

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia DWLWW
India DLWLL

In the spotlight: Usman Khawaja and Virat Kohli

Usman Khawaja is coming towards the end of what is his leanest Test year since 2013 (when he averaged 19.00 from just three matches). In 2024 he has a return of 337 runs at 24.07 including just one fifty. However, the Australia camp is taking the view that he is out of runs rather than out of form, similar to Smith before his Gabba century. Khawaja has spoken about having next year’s Ashes on his radar with a potential finishing point of the SCG in just over 12 months’ time, but whether he gets there may depend on these next two Tests and the Sri Lanka series.There has been one India great retire in this series. And the rumours are bubbling about who might be next. Virat Kohli ended a century drought with his second innings in Perth but at the moment it is looking like an outlier with a pattern in his dismissals aside from that – pushing hard at the ball outside off stump. In Brisbane he was reaching out to drive a particularly wide delivery. In 2014 he enjoyed a spectacular Test at the MCG with 169 and 54, then in 2018 made a hardworking 82 as captain to help lay the foundation for a famous victory which ultimately decided that series. He missed 2020 when India won again. What will 2024 bring?

Team news: Konstas debut, Boland back; India’s balance question

Konstas’ debut was confirmed on Christmas Eve while Boland will return in place of the injured Josh Hazlewood. Head passed a fitness test on Christmas Day after coming out of the Gabba with a quad strain.Australia: 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Sam Konstas, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Scott BolandRohit Sharma’s batting position remains a hot topic and he did not confirm where he would slot in ahead of the game, but it seems unlikely India will break up the opening pair. The other key debate is what to do at No. 8: stick with Nitish Kumar Reddy, pick another specialist quick (which would lengthen the tail) or play Washington Sundar as an alternative allrounder and opt for a 3-2 balance of pace and spin?India (possible): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Shubman Gill, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Rohit Sharma (capt), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Nitish Kumar Reddy/Washington Sundar, 9 Akash Deep, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed Siraj1:57

What’s the blueprint for winning a Test at the MCG?

Pitch and conditions: Sizzling temperatures on Boxing Day

The MCG pitch, which has become a goldmine for the quicks, has been in focus. Curator Matt Page said he will follow the formula which has been a success in recent seasons, leaving around 6mm of grass on the surface. Australia coach Andrew McDonald said it’s normally a surface where you bowl first, but things may be different this time. The forecast for a hot opening day, where temperatures could reach 40 degrees Celsius, may see the pitch quicken up earlier than normal. There is a chance of showers on the second day but otherwise the forecast is fine and a more pleasant temperature from day three onwards.

Stats and trivia

• Bumrah needs six wickets for 200 in Tests. If he did it at the MCG, in his 44th Test, he would be the joint second-fastest for India behind R Ashwin
• Since the 2018-19 season, there have been six Test centuries scored at the MCG – the lowest of all Australian venues to host more than a single match
• Australia’s current average from their top three is their lowest ever for a home series of at least three Tests (note: includes Pat Cummins as nightwatcher in Perth)

Quotes

“Every game starts afresh…different teams, different structures. Think both teams have similar challenges at the moment. How do you find runs? Both bowling attacks have been on top. I’m not a big believer in history repeating itself.
“After three Test matches, if I had to look at it being one-all, it’s a fair reflection of how both teams have played. There has been solid cricket being played by both teams.”

Celtic legend Chris Sutton has raised concerns regarding the lack of transfer activity at Parkhead as the Hoops prepare to kick off their Scottish Premiership campaign on Sunday.

The Bhoys cruised to their 55th top flight title last season, leading rivals Rangers by a wide margin for practically the entire season, but it’s fair to say their summer hasn’t been quite such smooth sailing.

Star winger Nicolas Kuhn has left Glasgow to join Serie A side Como, along with experienced leadership figure Greg Taylor, who joined Greek side PAOK on a free transfer, although Kieran Tierney’s return should go some way to filling that void.

Celtic arrivals

Fee

Celtic departures

Fee

Benjamin Nygren

£1.7m

Nicolas Kuhn

£16.5m

Shin Yamada

£1.5m

Gustaf Lagerbielke

£2m

Kieran Tierney

Free

Kwon Hyeok-kyu

£200k

Ross Doohan

Free

Greg Taylor

Free

Callum Osmand

Free

Scott Bain

Free

Hayato Inamura

Undisclosed

Luis Palma

Loan

Maik Nawrocki

Loan

Adam Montgomery

Loan

Josh Clarke

Loan

Jeffrey Schlupp

End of loan

While the Hoops’ model has long been to develop and sell players like Kuhn before replacing them with cheaper, younger assets, the fact they are yet to make a marquee signing just days away from the beginning of the season is certainly a concern.

Sutton: Celtic need signings before Champions League qualifiers

Celtic will play the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on August 19-20, coming after league matches against St Mirren and Aberdeen and a cup clash with Falkirk, and Sutton believes Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed with the lack of business.

“If you look at the squad going into the season, it’s still a little bit light,” Sutton said in quotes shared by the Press Association.

“Brendan Rodgers, everything I’ve seen him hint and say, he feels the same. The fact that Brendan talked about ambition, he is always quite calculated in what he says and the words that he uses. I think that’s a little warning shot across the bows to say ‘we need to bring players in’.

Celtic's major signings so far: in pictures

“It’s fair to say the squad aren’t as strong right now as they were at the end of last season, and that’s not ideal. But there’s still plenty of time left in the transfer window.

“If you look back at last season, Celtic won the league in the first half of the campaign. They won 16 of their first 18 games, set off like a house on fire and there was real momentum going into the season from pre-season. It doesn’t quite feel like that at the moment.

“And they didn’t have the burden of the Champions League qualifiers last season and we know how enormous they are for the club.

“Celtic have been in this position before where they are signing players when the Champions League qualifiers have already begun. That’s not ideal.

“You want players in so you can work with them, so they get the idea of the way that the team works. You don’t want them learning on the job when the Champions League has started and then missing out. We know how massive these games are. If you’re slightly off it, then you can get beat.”

He continued: “I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s never easy for Celtic and Rangers in the market they are in. We know what Celtic’s model is in terms of bringing players in.

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Celtic have made their move to sign a young starlet who could be Jeremie Frimpong 2.0.

Posts ByDan Emery Jul 29, 2025

“We will find out at the end of next month whether Celtic have done enough. It’s OK for pundits to say ‘the board need to do more’ but at the end of next month if Celtic bring another few players in of quality which is going to lift the squad, all well and good.

“If not, then clearly people are going ask questions about why they are weaker now than they were at the end of last season.”

Aston Villa are now set to make a move for a £17m defender, Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri has revealed.

Collymore left fuming by PSR issues at Villa

Villa are one of many Premier League clubs that have found it hard to abide by PSR rules, and former player Stan Collymore was left dissatisfied by the decision to sell the women’s team in a bid to balance the books.

“I’m disappointed that Aston Villa sold their women’s team to themselves, but from a business perspective, I understand it.

“We want strict rules that say clubs can spend a certain amount, this is the reason why they can spend that much, and everybody knows where they stand. And it would just avoid a ridiculous situation whereby teams are having to sell their women’s teams or sell their best young prospects to each other to balance the PSR books.

“So, something needs to happen because the current PSR rules are simply not fit for purpose.”

Related Aston Villa step up pursuit of £6m "warrior" who starred at Club World Cup

The Villans are battling Manchester United for the signature of a player who caught the eye in the USA.

Posts ByDominic Lund Jul 15, 2025

Of course, another way of raising funds is through player sales, and Ollie Watkins continues to be linked with a move elsewhere, with Ruben Amorim keen to take the England international to Manchester United.

However, Enzo Barrenechea appears to be closer to the exit door, with widespread reports suggesting the Argentinian is now set to seal a £13m move to Benfica.

Although not a massive sale, Barrenechea’s departure could raise money for Villa’s own transfer business, and Tavolieri has now revealed they are “set” to make a move for Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot.

The Sky Sports reporter makes it clear the Villans want to finalise a deal as quickly as possible, as they are “convinced by his potential”, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with Canvot keen on a move to Villa Park.

Canvot showing promising signs at Toulouse

A deal for the 18-year-old will not break the bank, as Toulouse are set to hold out for a fee of around £17m, and there are plenty of signs that he would be a solid long-term addition to Unai Emery’s squad.

Most notably, the teenager has already established himself as a first-team regular for Toulouse, making 18 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, which indicates he may not be too far off being able to push for a starting spot at Villa.

During that time, the starlet has also showcased his versatility, having featured at both centre-back and defensive midfield, with the threat he poses going forward illustrated by the fact he ranks in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year.

Canvot is unlikely to be a regular starter at Villa from the off, given his lack of experience, but there are plenty of indications he could be a solid addition to Emery’s squad.

After agreeing a deal to sign Benjamin Nygren, Celtic have now reportedly set their sights on their second attacking addition of the summer in the form of a talented striker.

Celtic agree £1m Nygren transfer

He’s been the main name among the Celtic headlines in recent weeks and the Bhoys have finally secured Nygren’s signature. According to Fabrizio Romano, who has given the transfer the ‘here we go’, the Scottish Premiership champions have reached an agreement to sign the Nordsjaelland winger for just €1.5m (£1m) in what could turn into a bargain four-year deal.

For just £1m, Celtic will be welcoming a winger who scored 16 goals and created a further four in all competitions in Denmark last season. Whilst he may take time to settle at a new level, there’s no denying that those numbers are certainly a positive sign.

Following the returning Kieran Tierney through the door, Nygren continues Celtic’s impressive summer which, if reports are anything to go by, is only set to continue.

Alongside Nygren, the Bhoys have also been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson. The Irishman desperately needs a fresh start after falling down the pecking order at The Amex and then failing to make his mark on loan at West Ham United in the second half of last season.

Whether Celtic decide to offer the forward that fresh start is the big question. They’ve been responsible for reviving Premier League talent in the past, but may yet turn towards other options in the coming months.

Whether it’s Ferguson or others, the Scottish giants reportedly remain focused on attacking incomings and have now set their sights on a J1 League option.

Celtic now targeting £1.5m Shin Yamada

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Celtic are now looking to sign penalty-box striker Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale this summer. The 25-year-old forward, rated at £1.5m, could become the latest Japanese export to make his way to Celtic Park, following in the footsteps of Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi in the process.

Although Yamada’s numbers have dipped so far in the 2025 season – scoring just six goals in 31 appearances – the previous campaign showed exactly why Celtic are interested and have scouted him.

With 20 goals and five assists in a season that was described as “impressive” by Hudl Wyscout, that’s the level that Yamada will be keen to get back to. And Celtic could yet play a large part in that.

Bad news for Nawrocki: Celtic are in talks to sign an "intelligent" star

With Celtic currently “in talks” to sign a “tactically intelligent” new centre-back, this could spell the end of Maik Nawrocki’s career in hoops.

By
Ben Gray

Jun 22, 2025

Kyogo and Maeda particularly thrived in Scotland, with the former earning a move to France as a result, and Yamada could now be the next impressive Japanese talent on his way to Celtic.