واصل فريق ليفربول، بقيادة المدرب آرني سلوت، تراجعه في الوقت الحالي بعدما تعرض لهزيمة جديدة وهذه المرة في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، مساء يوم الثلاثاء أمام جالطة سراي.

وواجه ليفربول خصمه جالطة سراي، في ملعب الأخير، في الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رجل مباراة ليفربول وجالطة سراي في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وتعرض ليفربول للهزيمة أمام جالطة سراي بهدف دون رد، جاء عن طريق فيكتور أوسيمين من ضربة جزاء في الشوط الأول من عمر المباراة.

وتُعد تلك الهزيمة هي الثانية على التوالي لـ ليفربول، بعدما خسر أمام كريستال بالاس على ملعب “سيلهرست بارك” يوم السبت الماضي بهدفين لهدف، في الجولة السادسة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز. موعد مباراة ليفربول القادمة في الدوري الإنجليزي

ويستعد ليفربول لخوض مباراة قوية أمام فريق تشيلسي، يوم السبت المقبل، في قمة منافسات الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز لذلك الموسم.

ويستضيف ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” مباراة فريقي ليفربول وتشيلسي في تمام الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

Granit Xhaka is now officially a Sunderland player.

It had been the talk of the town on Wearside for some time, with the deal having a will he won’t he quality to it, but the Black Cats have managed to successfully pull off the statement move by securing the former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder’s services for £17m.

Well-versed in what it takes to be a success in the Premier League, too, this really does feel like a coup on the end of the Black Cats to land such a recognised top-flight performer.

They aren’t done here, however, when it comes to raiding the Bundesliga for some exciting talents, as another midfielder remains on their shopping list from Germany.

Sunderland in race to sign £26m sensation

The Premier League newcomers have been casting their net all across Europe this summer to date, with Habib Diarra joining Regis Le Bris’ camp from Strasbourg for a whopping £30m, on top of Noah Sadiki leaving Belgium behind for the challenge of the English game.

Up next, it looks as if Sunderland are going to win themselves a brand-new goalkeeper from the Netherlands, with reports suggesting that NEC Nijmegen stopper Robin Roefs will link up with Xhaka and Co. very soon for around the £11.5m mark.

Then, their attentions might well shift back to Leverkusen, with journalist Julien Laurens revealing via X that Le Bris’ side have now entered the race for Amine Adli’s signature, alongside fellow top-flight outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It would reportedly cost the Black Cats in the region of £26m to land Adli, who is also believed to be prioritising a move to England, over sticking it out at Erik ten Hag’s men.

Over time, Adli could even go on to establish himself as a bigger talent than Simon Adingra at the Stadium of Light, as Le Bris’ options down either flank grow more plentiful by the day.

How Adli could become a bigger talent than Adingra

Adingra is up and running in Sunderland red and white, having fired home a strike against Hull City last time out in a pre-season runout.

The expectation will be that he can instantly take the Premier League by storm after gaining these valuable minutes in pre-season, having already tallied up eight strikes in the relentless division from 60 outings for ex-employers Brighton and Hove Albion.

However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the 23-year-old on the South Coast, with Adingra only averaging 40 minutes of Premier League action on average last season, as he tumbled down the pecking order under Fabian Hurzeler.

Whilst Adli has also suffered from minimal first-team opportunities at the BayArena – with only six Bundesliga starts coming his way last campaign – his numbers have never really stalled, as the English top-flight now opens up as a daring next step for the Moroccan forward.

Despite Xabi Alonso utilising him far less last season, Adli would still manage to reach the same number of goals and assists Adingra registered at Brighton in one fewer clash, on top of also boasting 47 goal contributions full stop for Leverkusen from 142 contests. Adingra, on the contrary, only collected 17 for the Seagulls, albeit from 68 fewer clashes.

Therefore, with that wealth of experience on his side, which has also seen him tally up four goals and four assists in the Europa League previously, the “electric” winger – as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – could well get the starting nudge by Le Bris to line up down the left over the Ivorian.

Once also lauded for possessing an “outstanding” pass by ex-Leverkusen teammate Mousa Diaby, Adli could further be the spark that gets more out of the Sunderland bodies around him, as his new potential side attempts to make survival look comfortable, as opposed to an all-consuming chore.

Le Bris' next Rigg: Sunderland strongly pursuing £38m “soldier” after Xhaka

Sunderland could sign their second coming of Chris Rigg by snapping up this exciting youngster.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 29, 2025

Fermin Lopez turned down the chance to join Chelsea after he reportedly had encouraging talks with coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.

• Chelsea submitted bid for Fermin Lopez
• Lopez considered move but ultimately chose to stay
• Midfielder willing to fight for position at Barca

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old Andalusian midfielder rejected a move to the Premier League as he reiterated his love for Barcelona and showcased his determination to make it to the starting lineup. This was despite coach Flick telling him it would be rather difficult to guarantee him playing minutes. According to , it was of Lopez's own accord and Chelsea's unwillingness to match Barca's price tag that ultimately led the player to continue with the Blaugrana.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Reportedly, when the bid from Chelsea first arrived, the Barca midfielder re-evaluated his position in the team as he opened up to Flick about not being played enough even though he showcased his skills in the prior season. Flick agreed but still couldn't guarantee him regular playing time, considering the star-laden squad. However, Flick conveyed to him that he counted on him and wanted him to stay. Lopez then spoke with Deco, who clarified that should an offer matching their €90 million (£78m/$105m) price tag arrive, they wouldn't hinder his sale. Eventually, the 22-year-old opted to stay with Barca, going against his camp's wishes.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In an interview after the summer transfer saga, Lopez opened up about how he spoke with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo and Raphinha about Chelsea's interest in him. Upon hearing this news, his teammates asked him to stay at Barca and were very supportive, which he appreciated. The La Masia academy product further revealed that Barca has always been his priority and making it to the first team is his dream.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LOPEZ?

  Lopez is back from the international break and will be joining Flick's side for a hectic stretch of their seasonal campaign, with fixtures against Villarreal, Newcastle, and Getafe all in a week's time. With Gavi's and Frenkie de Jong's injuries, Lopez can hope for more minutes on the pitch.

Australia captain Pat Cummins has defended the output of his top-three batters – particularly makeshift opener Nathan McSweeney – in difficult batting conditions, as Australia’s selectors mull their options for the final two Tests of the series.Australia’s selectors are due to meet on Thursday morning to select the sides for Melbourne and Sydney after a rain-affected draw in Brisbane left the Border-Gavaskar Trophy poised on a knife’s edge at 1-1.Top of the selectors’ agenda will be extra bowling cover for the injured Josh Hazlewood with Scott Boland the obvious man to come back into the XI. But it would be hard for them not to at least discuss the top three, and in particular their openers, after another difficult week in Brisbane.Related

• India and Australia take a moment to recalibrate as Gabba stalemate leaves everything up for grabs

• Hazlewood likely to miss rest of India series with calf strain

Usman Khawaja, who turned 38 on Wednesday, was undone by Jasprit Bumrah for the second time in the Test match and the fourth time in the series. His partner, McSweeney, escaped Bumrah’s clutches for the first time in the series but instead nicked a wide delivery from Akash Deep. Marnus Labuschagne nicked one of Bumrah’s most innocuous deliveries of the series for just 1 as Australia slumped to 16 for 3 on their way to a bizarre third innings of 89 for 7 declared as they tried fruitlessly to set up a result before rain ended the game.Labuschagne averages 16.40 across five innings in the series, with 64 of his 82 runs coming in one hit in Adelaide. McSweeney averages 14.40 with a highest score of 39. Khawaja is averaging just 12.60, having been arguably Australia’s most reliable batter in 2022 and 2023.It appears unlikely that any change will be made despite the lean returns.Calls from the public for 19-year-old phenom Sam Konstas are growing louder following his stunning 20-ball half-century on BBL debut for Sydney Thunder on Tuesday night. That followed his century against an India attack that featured all of the Test bowlers bar Bumrah.But Cummins defended the contributions of his top three in the context of Travis Head’s two magical centuries in Adelaide and Brisbane, which according to the skipper were set up by the top three ensuring he didn’t walk out to face the new ball.”Everyone’s always hoping to score more runs,” Cummins said after rain ended the third Test. “I think the trend in world cricket pretty much all around the world is the top three is a really hard place to bat at the moment. Particularly here in Australia, the wickets are tough. I think there’s little snippets that have been important. Again, that first innings, Trav walks in 35 overs into the game, I think that makes a big difference, the same in Adelaide. Obviously they [the top three] would be hoping to score more runs, we’d like them to score more runs, but I think they have made some important contributions that others have benefited from.”Usman Khawaja has been cleaned up by Jasprit Bumrah four times this series•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

By that measure, Australia’s top three are doing their jobs given Head’s two centuries, plus Steven Smith’s century and Alex Carey’s 70 in Brisbane put Australia in commanding positions in both games. It is clear that Australia are content, given the quality of Bumrah and the difficulty of new-ball batting, to simply ask their top three to absorb pressure and buy Head time to come in and play the way he does.”The trend is, it seems like, five, six, seven is sometimes where a bulk of the runs are scored in Test cricket all around the world,” Cummins said. “I spoke ahead of this summer when there was all the talk about batting orders, we didn’t really want to move our five, six, seven – they’ve been so important to many of our wins over the last couple of years. We’re not beholden to stats, we know there are certain roles, there are easier times to bat, harder times to bat, just like bowlers, so you are always looking at the best seven batters who will function as a unit and place them as best you can.”McSweeney and Khawaja’s numbers look extremely lean compared to that of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who are averaging 47 and 38.60 respectively in the same conditions against Australia’s attack. But Rahul’s 84 in Brisbane could have been 30 had Smith held a straightforward chance at slip on day four, while Jaiswal has made just 32 runs in five innings outside of his match-winning 161 in Perth.Cummins was particularly supportive of the job McSweeney has done in his first three Tests, having been asked to debut as an opener with no prior experience at Sheffield Shield level and just two brief innings in the role for Australia A.”It’s been really hard for the opening batters for both sides really,” Cummins said. “I’ve been really impressed with the way he’s gone about it. Even today, someone starting out his career still being selfless enough to go out there and try to play shots rather than try and preserve and get a score. Really impressed with him, again probably hasn’t scored the runs he would have liked, but he has played some important knocks that have set up a win in Adelaide and a really good result here.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras segue com sua excelente fase na temporada que chegou a 12 jogos sem derrota somando todas as competições. Com isso e com tudo o que tem acontecido nos últimos anos sob o comando de Abel Ferreira, aumenta o interesse sobre qual seria o segredo de todo esse processo capitaneado pelo treinador português. Ele, porém, não carrega para si esse sucesso e divide com todos os outros agentes envolvidos, como jogadores, funcionários e dirigentes. Mas uma coisa é certa: para trabalhar com Abel não basta ser bom no que faz, é preciso ter caráter.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasTabata aproveita estágio de Alex no Palmeiras para ‘tietar’ o ex-jogador: ‘Meu maior ídolo’Palmeiras18/05/2023PalmeirasCom Marcos Rocha, Palmeiras se reapresenta e inicia preparação para o clássico contra o SantosPalmeiras18/05/2023PalmeirasRichard Ríos foi o 18º jogador do Palmeiras a marcar na temporada; saiba quem ainda não balançou a redePalmeiras18/05/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Contratado em novembro de 2020, o comandante palmeirense já tem dois anos e meio de clube, que lhe proporcionaram uma idolatria incomum, oito títulos conquistados e um time que se consolidou como altamente temido em toda a América do Sul, além de, é claro, marcas e recordes aos montes. E para montar toda essa base nesse tempo, Abel procurou se basear na relação com as pessoas, tanto por ser seu jeito de trabalhar, quanto pela falta de tempo para introduzir outros elementos em maratonas insanas das últimas temporadas.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

– O segredo, a base de tudo, é a relação com as pessoas. É isso que eu faço. Quando eu cheguei, o clube já tinha tudo. Eu trouxe a minha forma de pensar e trabalhar. O clube já tinha toda a estrutura. Eu peguei as peças do quebra-cabeça e juntei. Comecei a montar ele. Essa fotografia, que se sente, é o que o Luan explicou, é o respeito e relacionamento com as pessoas que trabalham contigo. De resto, o conhecimento, está a um clique das nossas mãos – declarou o técnico em sua coletiva pós-jogo contra o Fortaleza.

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Um dos exemplos entre tantos desta era vitoriosa do Palmeiras é a união do grupo, nítida até mesmo para nós que conseguimos ver apenas o que está fora e não dentro do CT. No jogo da última quarta-feira, quando Richard Ríos marca o seu gol, o primeiro desde que chegou ao clube, o colombiano foi comemorar com Endrick, que não estava em campo, mas estava claramente feliz pelo companheiro. Algo parecido aconteceu quando Luan marcou contra o Grêmio, ocasião em que todos os jogadores (até Weverton saiu do gol) foram comemorar com o zagueiro.

– A dancinha a gente já vem falando bastante com o Endrick, se ele tivesse feito ia ser a mesma coisa. Graças a Deus fui abençoado e teve dancinha. O mais importante é a união do grupo, todos são iguais, nos jogos e treinos – declarou Richard na zona mista do Allianz Parque.

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+ Com Marcos Rocha, Palmeiras se reapresenta e inicia sua preparação para o clássico

Dentro desse relacionamento pessoal dito por Abel e dessa cumplicidade dos jogadores, é possível notar que o treinador usou um filtro muito bem preciso para definir quem trabalharia com ele e seguiria nessa jornada vencedora. Para o português, não basta ser bom jogador, é preciso ter caráter. Além disso, ele diz ser um “rapaz de sorte” e não esconde que o respeito entre seus atletas é um motivo de orgulho em seu trabalho.

– Eu não conheço nenhum jogador que trabalhe de forma séria e consistente que não tenha chegado ao seu objetivo. Conheço os outros, que desistem, mas quando desistem a gente manda embora ou troca. Depois é o respeito pelo próximo, isso não tem a ver com ser líder. Às vezes me perguntam “o que é ser líder?” Eu digo que não sei, que é ser eu, que é minha forma de ser, de trabalhar, mas eu acho que eu tenho uma sorte muito grande. Essa galera tem que ter um orgulho muito grande dos pais e das mães, porque são gente de muito caráter, quando se trabalha com gente de caráter, que deixa o ego em casa, que vem para o Palmeiras lutar para um bem maior do que o seu próprio ego, as coisas acontecem de forma natural – disse Abel antes de completar:

– Um dos segredos é exatamente esse: como treina a galera que não joga, quando é preciso ser chamado a jogar, como foi o Luan, como foi o Mayke, como foi o Tabata, eles correspondem e respeitam uns aos outros, me enchem de orgulho, mas tem a ver com o caráter deles, ou tem ou não tem. Eu tenho sorte de ter jogadores de caráter e quem os escolheu, essa é uma regra que vale mais do que só ser bom jogador. Bom jogador é um extra, mas o caráter do homem tem que estar lá, porque quem chuta, quem passa, é o homem, o jogador vem depois.

+ OLHAR DO PORCO: Vantagem construída na Copa pode fazer Palmeiras ter força máxima contra o Galo

Com esse esquema de trabalho e essa exigência pelo caráter, o Palmeiras segue com sua agenda de compromissos cheia e neste sábado, ás 21h, na Vila Belmiro, enfrenta o Santos, pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão. Atualmente, o Verdão é o vice-líder do campeonato com 14 pontos, um a menos do que o Botafogo, que ocupa a primeira posição.

Turning towards an imminent Chuba Akpom alternative, Birmingham City’s move to sign an impressive Bundesliga striker is now reportedly “considered a done deal”.

Latest on Chuba Akpom

Ahead of Friday’s meeting between Ipswich Town and Birmingham to get the Championship campaign underway, the two clubs have been involved in a dramatic transfer chase for Akpom. The former Middlesbrough striker looked destined to complete a move to St. Andrew’s before Ipswich came calling to add a twist to the tale.

The transfer tussle is still going on, but if Akpom gets his wish then he will be off to Ipswich this summer. Whether Ajax grant their forward’s wish or simply choose the better offer is now the big question. Either way, no matter the club, Akpom looks destined to find himself on the pitch at St.Andrew’s on Friday.

Opening games rarely need added anticipation, but Akpom’s decision will certainly add fuel to the fire as newly-promoted Birmingham aim to make an instant statement against relegated Ipswich.

Looking ahead to the game, Birmingham boss Chris Davies told reporters: “We know what this place is like when it’s rocking. I have no doubt, that come 8pm on Friday night, it will be rocking, so I’m looking forward to it. Our job is to focus on our work, prepare for the game in the next few days, and then when it comes around be ready to go.”

Even if they miss out on Akpom, meanwhile, reports suggest that Birmingham may still have a fresh striker of their own to counter Ipswich’s potential transfer victory.

Ducksch to Birmingham "considered a done deal"

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Birmingham City’s move for Marvin Ducksch is now “considered a done deal” after an agreement worth €2m (£1.7m) between the Blues and Werder Bremen.

Birmingham co-owner and former NFL superstar Tom Brady reportedly played a part in talks and was pushing to welcome Ducksch ahead of Birmingham’s Championship return.

At 31 years old, the German will add some vital experience to Birmingham’s frontline alongside young forward Jay Stansfield, whilst also handing Davies a proven goalscorer at the top level.

Bigger talent than Akpom: Birmingham City plot move for "fearless" PL ace

Birmingham City could sign a bigger talent than Chuba Akpom by winning the services of this Premier League starlet.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 4, 2025

Praised as “dangerous” by Werder’s head of football, Clemens Fritz, Ducksch scored nine goals in all competitions last season whilst also creating a further 11 goals. With 20 goal contributions to see his name, it’s clear that the Blues are set to sign undeniable quality at a bargain price.

Sunday's matchup between the two USMNT players paints a portrait of Tillman's rise, Reyna's fall under Mauricio Pochettino

This shouldn't be happening. The soccer matrix is broken. Something in the wiring, the deeply-mathematical calculations which we all use in order to predict player pathways and career moves, has misfired. Reality be damned, this just feels wrong. 

Gio Reyna should not be playing for Borussia Monchengladbach against Malik Tillman's Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday. Such a declaration all sounds rather dramatic, but this fixture is the polar opposite of the way things would have been just two years ago. 

Reyna, of course, was supposed to be the shining light of U.S. soccer. Sure, Christian Pulisic is guy, but in terms of raw, unadulterated talent, Reyna runs him very close. Tillman, meanwhile, is a tier below on that scale – and remains as such. The narrative was that he was never going to be good enough. He would be just out of the spotlight, the guy who was perhaps national team quality, but would have no place in the squad.

Reyna, in fact, was supposed to be the one blocking him.

But now, things are the opposite, the roles reversed. Reyna is the guy on the way down, stuck in mid-table mediocrity. Tillman – even if Leverkusen have endured a rocky start – is very much a player on the rise. They both moved this summer. One has reached new heights. Another was shut out at his previous employer, and left grasping for a new home. This game is, in effect, a microcosm of how things have all gone wrong for one, and simply soared for another. 

Getty Images SportGio Reyna, and the art of falling far

The Reyna journey is well chronicled. He followed the Pulisic character arc at first. He was in the Dortmund team at a young age, setting all sorts of records for the youngest player to do nice things: score, assist, and appear in the Champions League.

Pulisic blazed the trail, Reyna was the one who could not only step into his shoes, but also stretch the limits of how good an American in Europe could be. 

Of course, it all went a bit wrong. Some of the reasons were out of Reyna's control. Others he perhaps could've impacted. Reyna, we were told, had – perhaps still has – an attitude problem. Certainly, for the USMNT there was a perception that he was above the concepts of "running" and "being a good teammate."

Here was a kid with an ego, a guy who knew just how good he was. Maybe he was even too aware of it. 

And then there are the things he couldn't have counted on. Reyna's hamstrings are fickle. So are his calves. He was used so much, so young, that his body simply couldn't keep up with the high intensity of the upper echelon of the Bundesliga.

He's a fluid, luxury player. His legs aren't built for the rough and tumble of the German day-to-day. Reyna got injured a lot. Managerial changes didn't help. By the end of his Dortmund career he was left either watching from the bench or settling for garbage time minutes. It was clear that the journey was over. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMalik Tillman, constantly on the rise

Tillman, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength. He appeared to come from a dangerous place, in a sense. The Bayern Munich academy came with immense expectations. He was in and out of the side for the youth setup, appeared a handful of times for the senior team, and settled for a necessary – if slightly underwhelming – loan to Rangers in the 2022-23 season.

He came back to Germany the year after as a player in stasis, clearly not good enough for the Bayern first team but needing regular football. The solution was another loan, this time to PSV. A couple of knocks rather limited him, but he was otherwise a promising prospect – playing a valuable creative role either in the midfield or out wide for the Dutch giants.

They activated his buy option for what now looks like a bargain at $14.1 million (€12M), and he only developed more. He was probably their best player for the first five months of the 2024-25 campaign. Fellow USMNT-er Ricardo Pepi may have been the one scoring the goals, but Tillman was orchestrating and doing everything else.

He looked a player brimming with confidence, holding his own in the Champions League and providing all sorts of clever passes from a more overt attacking midfield role. He looked a shoo-in for the U.S. team under Mauricio Pochettino. And even when he picked up a serious ankle injury in January, he had shown enough for Bayer Leverkusen to pay his $41.1M (€35M) release clause. He became the German giants' record signing.

Getty Images SportRocky starts for both

The irony here, of course, is that both endured poor starts to the season for reasons out of their control, and are rather in limbo in their squads. Tillman found the back of the net in his Leverkusen debut, and was otherwise immensely effective for an hour. He was less impressive – but still solid – a week later.

However, things were poor at his club. New manager Erik Ten Hag, it was widely reported, had done an excellent job of antagonizing the club and everyone around it in his brief few months in charge. Leverkusen sacked him after three games, deeming the situation irreconcilable despite the short amount of time that had passed. But Leverkusen did the thing all the same, and the man who had spent a record outlay on the American was now out the door.

Reyna, too, was thrown into jeopardy. He perhaps was more pronounced in his need to leave his former club. Dortmund was never going to offer a clear pathway to first team football, and the German side had already tried to sell him earlier in the summer – only for a move to Parma to break down.

Monchengladbach seemed a much more natural fit, not least because of the manager's willingness to use a No. 10. Well, that manager was let go, too. Gerardo Seoane was already on thin ice after orchestrating a dramatic crash out of European football contention towards the end of last season.

A winless start to this one, highlighted by a home battering by Werder Bremen, was enough for the board. Sporting director Roland Virkus admitted that the club no longer had faith that the manager could turn things around. That, too, was a risky move. Seoane should have gone in May. 

Still, the point remains: both are new clubs, neither under the manager who vouched for their signature. That's a precarious spot.

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Getty ImagesThe USMNT picture

It's worth asking what this all means for the USMNT. Tillman was excellent in the Gold Cup – especially the group stages – as a largely backup U.S. side made an agreeable run to the final. It was hard to intellectualize the tournament, but many used it as proof for the fact that Tillman should be in the side when the top players all return.

Success at Bayer Leverkusen, you'd assume, would only reinforce that notion. If Tillman could do it at PSV, then showing that same quality for Leverkusen, at 23, would prove that he could some day be a star for the national team.

Reyna, meanwhile, admitted that the move to Monchengladbach alone was basically brought about by his desire to be back in the USMNT when the World Cup comes around: 

"I believe I'll be there. That was one of the reasons for my move. I'm in open contact with the coach. If I play well at Borussia, I'll definitely find my way back to the national team," he said after his arrival.

Ironically, then, these next nine months will serve as a real test of that. Tillman was left out of the squad for the September camp, Pochettino admitting that he wanted the attacking midfielder to find some form. Reyna was never going to be in it – such was his lack of playing time. 

Daniel Bosman took three wickets in four balls as South Africa Men U19s clinched the Youth ODI series against England Men U19s with a four-wicket win in Stellenbosch.Young Lions captain Archie Vaughan top-scored with 60 but his dismissal prompted a collapse of four wickets in seven balls as the tourists were bowled out for 156.South Africa skipper Bennie Hansen then hit 56, falling just short of guiding his side home, after Tazeem Ali’s three wickets had caused a mid-innings wobble. The hosts steadied to reach the target in 35.1 overs.It was spinner Bosman who turned the game with his three wickets in the 37th over immediately after Vaughan, who had struck six boundaries, was caught off a miscue to the final ball of the previous over from Bandile Mbatha.Bosman’s key over saw Joe Moores bowled attempting a lap sweep before Harry Moore was stumped thanks to sharp hands from Hansen. Bosman then parried a return catch from Eddie Jack and saw it fall to him as he stumbled to the ground.South Africa made a solid start as Adnaan Lagadien and Chad Mason added 49 for the first wicket before Hansen took up the attack with a 46-ball half-century.The Young Lions battled back through Warwickshire spinner Ali, who returned 3 for 51, but the hosts needed only seven more when Hansen edged Alex Green to wicketkeeper Thomas Rew on 57.The two-Youth Test series begins at Coertzenburg Cricket Club in Stellenbosch on 27 January.

Newcastle United’s search for a striker has dominated the final weeks of the transfer window, as Eddie Howe looks to reshape his attack following a turbulent summer.

At the heart of the saga is Alexander Isak, who has made clear he has no intention of playing for the club again.

The Swede has not trained with the squad, did not feature in Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixture away at Aston Villa, and issued a statement on Instagram this week citing a belief that change was in everyone’s best interests.

Eddie Howe admitted in a press conference that he had been aware of Isak’s desire to leave since the end of last season, and while Liverpool remains the forward’s preferred destination, the deal will not happen until Newcastle have found a replacement.

That need has grown increasingly pressing.

Over the course of the summer, Newcastle have already missed out on a succession of striker targets. Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko all moved elsewhere, leaving the Magpies short of options.

The club have also registered interest in Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen, though any move there would prove expensive.

While Howe has strengthened in other areas – signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, and Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton – the striker issue continues to define Newcastle’s summer.

Newcastle hold talks over Chelsea forward

According to Fabrizio Romano, in the “last 48 hours”, Newcastle have opened conversations regarding a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.

However, the reporter claims that both Bayern Munich and Aston Villa are also in the mix, which means that there is plenty of competition to sign the Senegal international.

Villa are pushing hard for Jackson’s signature, with Unai Emery keen to reunite with the striker he coached during their time together at Villarreal.

The news of Jackson’s exit comes after falling down the pecking order at Chelsea, with new arrivals Joao Pedro and Liam Delap deemed more credible options by manager Enzo Marseca.

Chelsea have placed a price tag of £80m on the 24-year-old, but any potential suitor will hope that figure comes closer to £70m as the window draws to a close.

Why Newcastle should sign Nicolas Jackson

Jackson has enjoyed strong levels of returns since his arrival from Villarreal, scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists in 65 Premier League appearances, per Transfermarkt. He also netted in the Conference League final against Real Betis in May, but discipline has occasionally been an issue.

The Blues forward was sent off against Newcastle in a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park last season and again at the Club World Cup against Flamengo.

At 1.87m tall and just 24 years of age, Jackson fits the recruitment model Newcastle have tried to maintain under Howe, targeting young players with room to develop into long-term assets.

Yoane Wissa of Brentford is another forward who has been the subject of interest from Newcastle this summer. The Congolese striker has just enjoyed the most productive season of his career, scoring 19 goals and supplying five assists in 35 appearances.

Only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals in the Premier League last term, underlining Wissa’s consistency in front of goal.

Since joining Brentford, he has registered 45 goals in 137 league appearances overall and has openly expressed a desire to join Newcastle in order to play Champions League football. The Bees, however, have rejected Newcastle’s bids, including an offer worth £40m, and are said to value Wissa closer to £60m.

The forward, who turns 29 in September, is older than the preferred age profile for recruits at St James’ Park, which is said to focus on players aged 24 and under.

He may also be absent in early 2026 due to AFCON commitments. With Brentford enduring a difficult summer that has already seen the departures of manager Thomas Frank, goalkeeper Mark Flekken, captain Christian Norgaard, and winger Bryan Mbeumo, they are reluctant to sanction another key exit.

The debate for Newcastle is whether to prioritise an immediate end product or invest in potential. Wissa’s case is built on proven returns.

Seasonal Returns – Yoane Wissa

2024/25 – Premier League

19 goals, 5 assists

2023/24 – Premier League

12 goals, 4 assists

2022/23 – Premier League

7 goals, 3 assists

2021/22 – Premier League

7 goals, 1 assist

2020/21 – Ligue 1

10 goals, 5 assists

According to FBref, his 19 goals last season came with impressive underlying numbers: 2.77 shots per 90 minutes, 1.27 of those on target, and a progressive passing distance of 49.9 metres per 90, reflecting his ability to create and stretch play.

At 28, he is entering the peak years of his career and would represent a striker capable of delivering right away.

Jackson, by contrast, offers a younger, more malleable profile.

His 3.08 shots per 90 minutes, with 1.38 on target, show a player more inclined to get into scoring positions, even if his shot-on-target percentage of 44.7 is fractionally below Wissa’s 45.6.

Where Jackson stands out is in creative involvement: he averages 2.80 shot-creating actions per 90, compared to Wissa’s 2.13.

Though he lags behind Wissa in progressive passing numbers, Jackson’s ability to carry the ball – 1.90 progressive carries per 90 compared to Wissa’s 1.85 – highlights a player able to move defences through dribbling rather than distribution.

Market value also plays a role. Wissa is currently valued at £27m, while Jackson sits at £43m, but Chelsea’s asking price is substantially higher than that.

Brentford’s hardline stance means Wissa could cost close to £60m despite being older and closer to the end of his peak.

Jackson, at 24, is four years younger and represents the sort of asset Newcastle can build around and potentially resell at value in the future.

Wissa, while immediately reliable, may represent a shorter-term option with less scope for growth. For Howe, the decision will hinge on balancing short-term needs with long-term strategy.

Isak’s refusal to return has left Newcastle desperately short, and with Champions League football on the horizon, the temptation to secure an experienced, proven finisher like Wissa is clear.

Yet the club’s transfer policy under its current ownership has been consistent in pursuing players who can grow with the project. In that regard, Jackson offers a player who, if developed properly, could become a central figure for Newcastle for years to come.

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The urgency of the situation means Newcastle may have little time to deliberate. Every week without a replacement is a week where Howe is forced to field a side without a natural striker.

Wissa has shown he can deliver goals immediately, but Jackson represents the future. For a club determined to compete not only this season but in the seasons ahead, that future may prove more valuable than the present.

كشفت تقارير صحفية عالمية تطورات جديدة بشأن ما تردد حول رغبة ملاك مانشستر يونايتد في بيع النادي لمستثمر جديد.

ووفقاً ل “talkSPORT” فإن عائلة جلايزر لا تزال تقدر مانشستر يونايتد بأكثر من 5 مليارات جنيه إسترليني وسط شائعات عن استحواذ محتمل من الشرق الأوسط.

وأثار رجل الأعمال السعودي تركي آل الشيخ جنون جماهير مانشستر يونايتد بسبب أنه ادعى على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي بأن الشياطين الحمر على وشك الانتقال لملاك جدد.

وكتب آل الشيخ عبر منصة “إكس” : “أفضل خبر سمعته اليوم أن مانشستر يونايتد في مرحلة متقدمة من إتمام صفقة بيع النادي لمستثمر جديد، آمل أن يكون أفضل من الملاك السابقين”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. حقيقة بيع مانشستر يونايتد لـ تركي آل الشيخ

ويعتقد أن المجموعة التي أشار إليها تركي آل الشيخ مقرها الإمارات العربية المتحدة وقد علم من مصادر مقربة من مانشستر يونايتد أنه تم التواصل مع العديد من أساطير يونايتد بشأن الاستثمار المحتمل.

وكانت عائلة جلايزر قد قامت ببيع حصة أقلية لمجموعة “إنيوس” التابعة للسير جيم راتكليف ولكن هناك بند في الاتفاق يعني أن راتكليف سيجبر على بيع أسهمه أو مطابقة أي عرض تقبله العائلة الأمريكية من الأطراف المهتمة.

وعلى الرغم من ضعف نتائج مانشستر يونايتد وعدم مشاركته في دوري أبطال أوروبا إلا أن عائلة جلايزر مصرة على تقييمها للنادي ويعود ذلك جزئياً للخطط الموضوعة بقيادة راتكليف لبناء ملعب جديد.

وتعتقد عائلة جلايزر أن قيمة مانشستر يونايتد ستستمر في النمو بغض النظر عن نجاحه على أرض الملعب ويتطلع تركي آل الشيخ للاستثمار في نادي لكرة القدم في إنجلترا ولكن ليس مانشستر يونايتد.

جدير بالذكر أن تركي آل الشيخ قد نفى أنه سيكون المستثمر الجديد في مانشستر يونايتد أو أي شخص سعودي لكن ما كتبه عبر صفحته الرسمية جاء بصفته مشجع لمانشستر يونايتد يتمنى أن تتم الصفقة.