Former Barcelona forward Vitor Roque feels he moved to Europe too early in his career as he reflected on his disappointing period with the Catalan club. Now back in Brazil with Palmeiras, Roque believes the return was an important step that will help him move forward professionally. His resurgence has not gone unnoticed, as the Brazilian forward has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies.

• Roque’s forgetful time at Barcelona

  Roque joined Barcelona in 2023 for €35 million (£31m/$40m) after impressing with Athletico Paranaense, where he scored 21 goals in 60 appearances. He had already shown his potential by winning the South American U20 Championship in 2020, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. Expectations were extremely high when he arrived in Barcelona, but his debut season fell short. Under coach Xavi, Roque made only 16 appearances and scored two goals, with limited playing time suggesting a lack of trust from the coach. His situation declined further when Hansi Flick took charge, as he was immediately loaned to Real Betis in August 2024. The loan spell was cut short and by February this year Barcelona had sold him to Palmeiras for €25m (£22m/$29m) plus add-ons. 

  Barcelona sporting director Deco sympathised with Roque for his difficult spell at the club, believing he struggled to cope with the pressure that comes with playing for Barcelona. Deco said: “I feel really sorry for him. With Vitor, I always think arriving in January did not do him any favours. He started well and scored a few goals, but then it became hard to handle the pressure that comes with playing for Barcelona.”

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  Roque reflects on his time at Barcelona

  Now thriving at Palmeiras and back in the Brazil squad, the 20-year-old's career is certainly back on track as he reflected on his La Liga adventure. 

  "I went to Europe very early," he said at a press conference. "I learned a lot and I think the same way. Returning to Brazilian football is not a step backward. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward. Luiz Henrique is a real example. He came back to win titles, and I hope to win some too."

  Roque pointed to Zenit St Petersburg full-back Luiz Henrique as an example, noting how the player returned from Real Betis to Botafogo before earning another move to Europe. "Luiz Henrique is a real example. He came back to win titles, and I hope to win some too," he said.

• Palmeiras resurgence rewarded with Brazil call

  Roque’s path to redemption at Palmeiras was far from smooth, as he went his first 10 matches without scoring. Despite the slow start, the club showed full confidence in him, giving him the time and support needed to settle. Their patience paid off, as Roque delivered an outstanding 2025 season, scoring 20 goals and providing five assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. His resurgence became a key factor in Palmeiras leading at the top of the league with 68 points, edging Flamengo on head to head record. Roque’s strong form has also put him firmly in the Golden Boot race, sitting just one goal behind the league’s top scorer, Kaio Jorge, and he could end up a Copa Libertadores winner as his side meet Flamengo in the final later this month. His performances have earned him a place in the Brazil national team, with Carlo Ancelotti recalling him to the squad.

  Roque spoke about his redemption at Palmeiras, explaining how dejected he had felt before coach Abel Ferreira restored his confidence. He said, “When I returned from Europe, I was in a bad place psychologically, with no confidence whatsoever. When I was at Palmeiras lacking confidence, coach Abel placed his trust in me.”

  He added: “Having a consistent run of games is very important to regain that confidence. I managed to score goals and provide assists. I am very happy to be here.”

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  Ancelotti's prepparation for the World Cup

  Brazil are set to face Senegal in a friendly match this week as Ancelotti prepares to test different player combinations to help shape his final squad for the World Cup next year. They will then take on Tunisia on November 18.

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Bruno Méndez, que foi expulso na partida contra o Grêmio, há três semanas, levou dois jogos de suspensão, pela 3ª Comissão Disciplinar do Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD), nesta quarta-feira (29). Como já cumpriu um, ficando de fora do embate contra o Vasco, ele seria desfalque apenas contra o Internacional no sábado (02), podendo enfrentar o Coritiba na próxima semana. Porém, cabe recurso por parte do Timão.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Bruno foi expulso por uma forte entrada em Besozzi, no início da partida contra o Imortal. Como há uma última instância no próprio tribunal, é provável que o Corinthians entre com um recurso para novo julgamento no Pleno do STJD, o que adiaria a punição. 

O presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves e o gerente de futebol Alessandro Nunes também foram julgados na manhã desta quarta-feira (29). O primeiro foi suspenso por 15 dias, enquanto, o segundo, por 60, em decorrência da confusão no jogo entre Corinthians e Grêmio, pela 34ª rodada do Brasileirão.

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Segundo publicado pelo GE, Alessandro foi condenado nos artigos 243-F e 258-B, levando 30 dias de punição em cada, além de pagamento de multa de R$10 mil. O diretor também havia sido denunciado nos códigos 219 e 243-C, mas foi absolvido. Vale lembrar que o gerente já estava suspenso de forma preventiva e com a punição só poderá ir aos estádios em 2024.

Duílio, por sua vez, foi enquadrado nos mesmos artigos, mas tomou um gancho de 15 dias por seus atos terem sido de menor gravidade – Alessandro tentou invadir a sala do VAR. O Corinthians trabalha para entrar com um efeito suspensivo para que ambos, principalmente o presidente, possam se despedir do clube diretamente da Neo Química Arena.

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+Clique aqui e simule os últimos resultados do Corinthians no Brasileirão 2023

RELEMBRE A CONFUSÃO:

Irritados pelas decisões do árbitro José Pereira de Lima, de não marcar pênalti para o Timão e expulsar Bruno Méndez, no duelo contra o Grêmio, Duílio e Alessandro partiram para cima do juiz, lhe xingando de “vagabundo”, conforme relatado em súmula. Após a confusão inicial, o gerente tentou invadir a sala do VAR, como uma forma de protesto, ainda que não tivesse nenhum indivíduo ali, apenas aparelhos.

“Protestar pela incompetência do (Rafael) Traci em ter auxiliado o árbitro de campo em um pênalti escandaloso. Eu precisava me manifestar, foi uma forma de protesto”, desabafou Alessandro, ao apito final.

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Corinthians

Arshdeep Singh is learning how to enjoy the “boring times” in red-ball cricket and has spent the last few months working on his “mindset” as he tunes up for the upcoming season.Arshdeep, 26, is currently playing for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy match against East Zone in Bengaluru, his last competitive game before the 2025 Asia Cup, which begins on September 9 in Abu Dhabi.”In Test cricket or red-ball cricket, there is a time when the day gets boring,” Arshdeep said. “In the session after lunch, mostly the ball doesn’t do anything. So, how can you enjoy that?”I spoke to [Mohammed] Siraj and he told me that when nothing is happening, how you enjoy that phase would tell you how successful you could be in red-ball cricket. He gave me this small tip. I really liked it.”Related

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Before this, Arshdeep last played competitive cricket at IPL 2025, where he finished as Punjab Kings’ highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets in 17 matches. He earned a maiden Test call-up for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and was in contention to make his debut in the fourth Test, but injured his bowling hand and was ruled out.Having gone close to three months without a game, Arshdeep put in a long shift on the second day, bowling 17 overs, the most by any North Zone bowler. While he only got one wicket, he “felt really good” with the number of overs he got in.”In the last couple of months I was with the team, I trained a lot, bowled a lot and worked a lot with the S&C [strength and conditioning],” Arshdeep said. “I worked on fitness as well and that helped me bowl a decent long spell. After 15-17 overs, my body feels well. It’s [the ball] coming out really well. Not many wickets but yes, they will come as well in the future.”India fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Mohammed Shami share a light moment•PTI

Did it get frustrating at any point in England, having to spend almost two months on the sidelines? How did he keep himself motivated?”When you are not playing, you just try to push your limits. The training is almost the same,” he said. “You just put in more work when you are not playing. More overs, more strength work, more training, so that whenever you get the chance, you are ready and fully fit to go.”I don’t know how many thousands of balls I would have bowled in practice. It’s not like there was a lack of bowling. I was properly managing my workload. The aim is to stay ready whenever you get a chance.”Arshdeep will have to make a quick switch to white-ball cricket, with the Indian team slated to reach Dubai for the Asia Cup preparations on September 4. The fast bowler, however, doesn’t feel the switch to T20 cricket will be tough, and insists it is all about adaptability.”Right from the last Test [at The Oval], I had started practising with a white ball,” Arshdeep said. “I didn’t know that there was a Duleep Trophy match in between. At the end of the day, red ball, white ball or pink ball, you have to play cricket and try and enjoy it.”I have got a chance here [at the Duleep Trophy], will play with a white ball next [at the Asia Cup]. So the aim is to put in a lot of overs under your belt and play any format. The mindset is about how quickly you can adapt. In today’s cricket, a batsman can hit against the red ball and he can play conservatively against a white ball.”So, it’s all about how you can adapt according to the situation, according to the wicket, according to the weather, when you have to put in effort, when you have to conserve yourself.”India’s first game at the Asia Cup is against UAE on September 10. They will play Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19 before the Super Four round gets underway from September 20.

Manchester City picked up another Champions League win to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side overcame Borussia Dortmund, convincingly beating the German outfit 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

City were at their clinical best against Dortmund, bagging two goals in each half. Phil Foden, operating in the right half-space, opened the scoring. He fired his effort home from outside the penalty area on his left foot.

Erling Haaland was next to get on the scoresheet, just before the half-hour mark. The City number nine, who was their captain on the night, scored his 27th goal of the season for club and country. It was an easy goal for someone as dangerous as Haaland, who pulled away into acres of space and fired home.

After the halftime break, Foden scored his second of the night. It was a carbon copy of his first goal, too.

Once again, the England international picked the ball up in the right half-space and bent his strike into the bottom left corner.

Dortmund did pull one back to give them a fighting chance, but Rayan Cherki added a fourth to cap off a good night’s work. Indeed, the Frenchman must be in contention for a start in City’s next game.

Changes Guardiola could make after Dortmund

It was certainly a good performance from the Citizens, with their two standout players, Haaland and Foden, really putting their Bundesliga opposition to the sword.

They are players who have surely locked down their starting spot, although Guardiola could tinker with his lineup based on Wednesday night.

Indeed, Cherki is one of the players who could slot into the side.

He had a superb impact off the bench, scoring a well-taken goal which saw him carry the ball 30 yards or so, into the Dortmund penalty area and unleash his shot past Gregor Kobel.

In his ten-minute cameo, the former Olympique Lyon attacker completed one out of one dribble and won two ground duels. It was a busy night, continuing his good form and surely putting himself in contention to start City’s next game against Liverpool.

Nico Gonzalez also impressed in midfield, and with Rodri still not fully fit, there is a case to suggest he is City’s first-choice number six. Simon Bajkowski, City writer for the Manchester Evening News, gave the Spaniard a 7/10 for his efforts against Dortmund.

There is one player against Dortmund who disappointed, and it will be interesting to see if Guardiola keeps him in the lineup.

The Man City player who struggled vs. Dortmund

It is certainly hard to pick holes in a 4-1 home win in the Champions League. However, there were a few moments against the Bundesliga giants where City struggled to keep a firm grip on the game, particularly towards the end when they conceded.

Indeed, one of the players who struggled more than others was right-back Matheus Nunes. The Portuguese international, who is a midfielder by trade, had a couple of lapses in concentration which could have cost his side late on.

One of those came in the 80th minute, when a sliced pass from Josko Gvardiol went right across the City backline. The right-back was caught napping, and Carney Chukwuemeka pounced on the loose ball.

Luckily for Nunes and City, Gianluigi Donnarumma got there first.

Despite the good performance from his side, it was a disappointing showing from the former Wolves man. Nunes lost the ball 11 times and only managed to win one out of his five attempted duels.

Touches

78

Pass accuracy

86%

Possession lost

11

Recoveries

5

Clearances

3

Ground duels won

1/3

Aeiral duels won

0/2

It was certainly a frustrating night’s work from Nunes. Bajkowski gave him a 6/10 and criticised his defensive awareness, explaining that ‘he abandoned his post too often’. It was a performance that left a lot to be desired.

With a huge game against Liverpool next up, it will be interesting to see if Guardiola keeps Nunes in the side, or chooses to rotate him out of the lineup. Of course, he will be coming up against Cody Gakpo, who has been Arne Slot’s first-choice left winger this season.

The Dutchman is in excellent form, with five goals and assists in ten Premier League games. Nunes certainly can’t afford to switch off like he did against Dortmund, because City will be punished.

It is a big call for Guardiola, who has the likes of Rico Lewis and Abdukodir Khusanov as options at right-back waiting in the wings. The City boss might well decide to rotate Nunes in the crunch clash this weekend.

Forget Haaland & Foden: 41-touch star had "his best game in a Man City shirt"

Man City beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 and this player starred

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 6, 2025

James Sales’ maiden List A century sets up Northamptonshire’s first win of the campaign

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay15-Aug-2025

Northamptonshire 321 for 8 (Sales 117, Robinson 63, Broad 59) beat Durham 171 (Raine 31*, Chahal 3-30) by 150 runs A superb maiden List A century from James Sales – 117 off 110 balls – set Northamptonshire Steelbacks up for a first Metro Bank One-Day Cup win in four games this season, by 150 runs at the expense of Durham at the Banks Homes Riverside.The young Steelbacks side kick-started their Group B campaign following a No Result and two defeats as they successfully defended a commanding 321 for 8 total. Durham, meanwhile, suffered their third defeat in five to threaten their chances of a top-three finish for knockout qualification.Having elected to bat, Northamptonshire were advanced by centurion Sales, who was well supported by New Zealander Tim Robinson’s well-paced 63 off 69 balls and Justin Broad’s more aggressive 59 off 45.Durham then lost early wickets and never realistically threatened. They were bowled out for 171 inside 32 overs. Indian Yuzvendra Chahal finished with 3 for 30 from six overs of leg-spin.Sales, who hit his three sixes down the ground off spin and seam, was strong on both sides of the wicket as he accelerated through his innings having come to the crease at 31 for 1 in the ninth over.The 22-year-old right-hander batted through until the 48th over when he holed out to wide long-on against Ben Raine’s seam.New-ball duo Mitchell Killeen and Paul Coughlin struck twice apiece, but Durham relinquished control of the innings from 35 for two in the 10th over.Killeen had bowled captain Lewis McManus, Coughlin had Ricardo Vasconcelos caught behind by debutant 17-year-old wicketkeeper Robbie Bowman.Sales shared century partnerships for the third and fourth wickets with overseas Robinson and Broad en-route to his fifty off 65 balls and his century off 101.He dwarfed his previous List A best score of 35, though has three Championship hundreds to his name through last season and this.Durham, missing linchpin wicketkeeper-batter Ollie Robinson because of a family funeral, failed to gain control with the ball on the same pitch used for Tuesday’s defeat to Middlesex when the visitors chased an English List A record 388.This pitch was good, but it wasn’t the absolute featherbed of a couple of days ago.The home side lost Coughlin to a suspected shoulder issue having bowled nine overs.The Steelbacks were excellent having failed to reach 230 in either of the first two games played, and they continued their good work when it came to the defence, reducing Durham to 49 for four inside 11 overs.Left-arm quick Liam Guthrie struck twice, as did Luke Procter with his seamers. Alex Lees, Will Rhodes and Colin Ackermann all fell.But the headline dismissal was the first – four for one at the start of the second over – when ex-Northamptonshire opener Emilio Gay was trapped lbw stuck on the crease for a second golden duck in as many matches following disappointment against Middlesex.This was Gay’s first appearance against Northamptonshire since leaving Wantage Road late last summer.And when South Africa Test batter David Bedingham, on 30, miscued Broad’s fifth ball to mid-off, it felt like a decisive blow at 78 for five in the 15th over.Debutant Bowman encouraged for 27 and George Drissell bettered that with 30. But they fell to the spin of Rob Keogh and Yuzvendra Chahal as the score fell to 150 for seven in the 29th.Chahal forced a discomforted Coughlin to miscue to cover before bowling Killeen as he struck twice in the 31st over.Seventeen-year-old debutant off-spinner Nirvan Ramesh then wrapped things up with his maiden first-team wicket, Archie Bailey caught behind. He bowled a tidy 4.2 overs for 23.

In Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United are enjoying the rise of a truly special player. Walk around the city and ask fans for their opinion of the Italian maestro, and many would say he is the very best they have witnessed at St. James’ Park.

It’s just one masterclass after another. Tottenham Hotspur couldn’t cope on Wednesday evening, dumped out of the Carabao Cup following Tonali’s brilliant midfield performance.

Eddie Howe engineered a covert contractual renewal when the star was serving a suspension for betting breaches, and so the Magpies need not worry about their central talisman playing elsewhere any time soon.

But Tonali alone cannot uphold the midfield, and it looks like change is afoot in the engine room, with United gearing up to sign a new central midfielder.

Newcastle angling for new midfielder

Joelinton has been a stalwart at Newcastle for many years, but the 29-year-old has come under fire at times already this season, with his questionable performances leaving some, such as blogger Thomas Hammond, to question whether this is “the start of the end” for the powerful Brazilian, who seems the weak link in this evolving midfield.

The emergence of Lewis Miley certainly suggests Joelinton’s place in the starting line-up is not as secure as it once was, and the continued question marks over Joe Willock’s long-term future in the Newcastle midfield add fuel to the fire.

Well, given that Howe is determined to re-sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, it does seem the cabinet could be set for a reshuffle.

As per Spanish sources, Newcastle are rivalling the mighty Real Madrid for the Three Lions star, who has been valued as high as £120m by Evangelos Marinakis. Technical director Ross Wilson will know he needs to act swiftly.

Moreover, Football Insider have followed reports with the claim that Liverpool and Manchester United have both placed the 22-year-old at the top of their lists.

Why Howe wants Elliot Anderson back at SJP

In the summer of 2024, Newcastle were being pressured by the Premier League’s PSR parameters, and sold two top talents – Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – to divisional rivals, easing away from financial bother.

Anderson signed for Nottingham Forest in a deal worth around £35m, and he’s only gone from strength to strength at the City Ground, with analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as a “powerhouse” of a “midfield warrior”.

Indeed, you need only look at the metrics to see how he has evolved in his short time in red, with the current campaign seeing him take so many touches of the ball, creating and defending and leading by example.

Matches (starts)

37 (33)

9 (9)

Goals

2

0

Assists

6

1

Touches*

54.2

98.2

Accurate passes*

28.7 (82%)

66.4 (88%)

Chances created*

1.0

1.3

Dribbles*

1.0

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.6

7.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

3.7

Duels (won)*

6.5 (52%)

7.8 (56%)

He is the complete number eight, and in this, just like Tonali, who is now considered “the best midfielder in the Premier League” by English legend Paul Scholes.

Anderson isn’t there – yet. However, he is earlier in his development and surely on track to rival the likes of Tonali if he continues to add strings to his bow.

Now part of Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up, Anderson is finding a home alongside the more adventurous Declan Rice. Perhaps Bruno Guimaraes could serve as this type of partner, with Tonali elegantly keeping things moving from the side.

This is all to say that Anderson could be a stunning addition to Howe’s team, and maybe even come to surpass Tonali down the line.

Pulling him back over to Tyneside won’t be easy, but Howe has already shown his hand, speaking of his desire to bring the talent back home in a press conference last month, and must now hope that Anderson is swayed toward the nostalgia of returning to his boyhood club.

In any case, that aside, Newcastle might actually be able to canvass the most compelling proposal to the English talent.

New Tonali: Newcastle's 8/10 ace has been an "incredible piece of business"

Newcastle have proved their skill in the transfer market once again this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 30, 2025

The sweepstakes for 23-year-old Japanese flamethrower Roki Sasaki could be nearing its conclusion. Sasaki, whose representation said he was open to playing for all 30 teams, is now reportedly down to two franchises as he nears a decision.

The MLB's international signing period officially opened on Wednesday, though Sasaki's list of potential suitors has been whittled down throughout the offseason, with teams like the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers being eliminated in recent days.

On Friday, baseball insider Francys Romero reported that the latest team to drop out of the running is the San Diego Padres, who will use their international salary pool to sign left-handed pitcher Carlos Alvarez and shortstop Jhoan De La Cruz.

With the Padres bowing out, two teams remain in contention for Sasaki: the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.

The Dodgers, with their franchise success and particular focus on cultivating Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, have been considered the favorite to land the young potential ace. However, the Blue Jays are also making moves to bolster their international salary pool as negotiations continue.

Zack Meisel of reports that Toronto has acquired $2 million in additional international pool space through a deal with the Cleveland Guardians which will also see the Blue Jays pick up outfielder Myles Straw for a player to be named later. Toronto's pool is up to $8.26 million and could eclipse $10 million with additional deals.

The Dodgers have $5,146,200 in available pool money, and could increase that pot to a maximum of $8,233,920. Teams are allowed to add up to 60% of their total bonus pool via trade.

Sasaki, who spent last season with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, posted a 10–5 record with a 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 111 innings of play. He will return to Chiba if he doesn't sign an MLB contract by Jan. 23, when he 45-day posting window closes.

Hall of Famer and Major League Baseball's career steals leader Rickey Henderson has died at the age of 65, according to multiple reports, and confirmed by the

Henderson, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in the history of the sport, played for nine different teams in his 25-year career, compiling 3,055 hits, 297 home runs and 1,115 RBI. His 2,295 career runs and 1,406 stolen bases remain Major League records.

Henderson was a 10-time All-Star, and won the league MVP in 1990 with the Oakland Athletics, when he hit .325 with 28 home runs, 61 RBI and 65 stolen bases. He also boasted a 1.016 OPS (on-base plus slugging) that season and a .439 OBP. He won two World Series titles in his Hall of Fame career, one with the Athletics in 1989 and another with the Toronto Blue Jays in '93.

He was inducted into Cooperstown as a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2009.

Celtic are now reportedly tracking Evan Ferguson ahead of a potential 2026 move as the Brighton & Hove Albion forward continues to struggle out on loan at AS Roma.

Celtic have faced several problems so far this season, but their frontline has been their biggest issue. Parkhead chiefs failed to replace the impact of Nicolas Kuhn in the summer and part of the reason why Brendan Rodgers resigned was that lack of investment. It’s left them adrift of shock leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and on the hunt for a new manager.

Better than Nancy: Celtic shortlist "attractive" Rodgers replacement

With Wilfried Nancy among the favourites to become the new Celtic manager, should the Hoops instead appoint a 4-3-3 boss with an “attractive” style?

ByBen Gray Nov 12, 2025

Things are unlikely to get any easier for the Hoops anytime soon, either. Recent reports have claimed that Daizen Maeda is now looking to leave the club in the January transfer window and has Premier League sides interested.

The Japan international may force Celtic’s hand this time around too, having revealed to reporters earlier this season that he was denied an exit in the summer transfer window.

Whether that is the reason behind Maeda’s poor form is the question that Celtic will be asking. The forward scored 33 goals in all competitions last season, but has so far managed just four in the current campaign.

If his current struggles continue, then it may be best for all parties to move on and for Celtic to shift their focus towards the likes of Ferguson.

Celtic now tracking Evan Ferguson

According to Graeme Bailey, via 67 Hail Hail, Celtic are now tracking Ferguson and could yet make their move in 2026 with Roma looking to cut his loan spell short and send him back to Brighton in January.

It’s been a frustrating year or so for the young striker. From undeniable, he has become unwanted in Italy after failing to score once in 10 appearances. If anyone needs a next move to work out, it is Ferguson.

Whether Celtic is that move is the big question. The Irishman is still just 21 years old and still so full of potential. If the right deal presents itself, the Bhoys should take a chance on Ferguson in the hope that both parties solve their respective problems.

It’s also worth noting that it wasn’t so long ago that Ferguson found himself at the centre of praise from the likes of Jamie Carragher.

The Liverpool legend dubbed the forward “special” whilst also praising then-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, saying: “I think that lad he has got up front, I think he’s pretty special. He is only going to get better with him as his manager.”

Celtic keeping tabs on "brilliant" Serie A gem who starred vs Rangers last season

A fresh timeline for when Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover could be completed has now been shared after several interested parties presented proof of funds worth £50m.

It’s been a chaotic couple of weeks for the Owls, who finally got the chance to show nightmare owner Dejphon Chansiri the door as he took them into administration. Since then, fans have flocked to the club shop and to Hillsborough in support of Henrik Pedersen’s side as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich City in midweek.

Pedersen shared his pride in Sheffield Wednesday after a well-earned point, telling reporters: “We had courage to play today, it’s the best offensive game we have played this season. We also created big chances after the goal, so proud of the performance and we go in the right direction.

“The first half defensive[ly] we were strong, we were solid. The players are working so hard and I think they deserve better today, but we have to learn, we have to train more. But the positive thing now is we’re creating chances.”

Now on -4 points in the Championship after being hit with a 12-point deduction following their administration, survival seems almost impossible for the Owls, who are paying the price in full for Chansiri’s ownership.

Nonetheless, the good times are at least on the horizon again. The Chansiri era is over and new ownership is on its way. Just who that new owner will be is the big question.

Names such as Mike Ashley and John Textor have both been mentioned in the last week or so, but it remains to be seen whether either of the former Premier League owners make their move to buy the club.

Reporter shares fresh Sheffield Wednesday takeover timeline

The good news for those at Hillsborough is that they may not have to wait long before a new era commences. According to The Star’s Alex Miller, Sheffield Wednesday could have their takeover completed by November 23 when they square off against rivals Sheffield United.

What’s more, at least one well-funded American group has reportedly progressed to the furthest stage of the takeover process in what is a major boost for the Owls.

BBC reporter shares latest £50m step that 3 Sheffield Wednesday candidates have just taken

Things are looking up for the Owls.

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 31, 2025

Co-administrator and managing partner at Begbies Traynor, Kris Wigfield also provided a positive update on the takeover process in the build-up to the Norwich game.

Although relegation seemingly looms for the Owls, everything is pointing towards positive days ahead which will feature new owners.

John McEvoy: Who is the American billionaire looking to buy Sheffield Wednesday?