Tag Futebol

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is personally attempting to seal a head-turning appointment at N17, with Spurs talks already held over his potential hire as the Lilywhites look to tempt him with a north London move.

Daniel Levy responds to protests in Tottenham statement

Levy and ENIC’s running of the club have attracted fierce protests, following a dismal Premier League campaign where Ange Postecoglou’s side lie 14th in the table after 15 top flight defeats – the highest number of losses of any side outside the bottom four.

Ex-scout: Andoni Iraola could sign £46m Premier League star for Tottenham

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with replacing Ange Postecoglou.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 30, 2025

The fan group known as Change for Tottenham are planning another protest against Levy and the boardroom, and criticism has surrounded their on-field transfers as Spurs carry on the 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware.

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

In response to critics, Levy addressed the club’s spending power, stating that Tottenham cannot spend what they do not have.

“I often read calls for us to spend more, given we are ranked as the ninth-richest club in the world,” said Levy (via The Guardian).

“However, a closer examination of today’s financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues. Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power.

“We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club – indeed, our off-pitch revenues have significantly supplemented the lower football revenues this year, testament to our diversified income strategy.”

Amidst the widespread dissatisfaction with Levy among Spurs supporters, pressure is mounting on Postecoglou in the dugout, and calls for the Australian’s dismissal have been growing.

Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham is in “serious doubt” (The Athletic), and it is believed that Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is Levy’s top managerial target to potentially replace the 59-year-old.

There could also be changes further upstairs, with ex-managing director Fabio Paratici reportedly attracting interest from Spurs as the Italian’s worldwide ban from football is due to end on June 30th.

Reports from Italy last week claimed that Tottenham are ready to make a “rich offer” to Paratici, with the former Juventus chief holding Levy talks. Now, an update on this has come to light from The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey.

Daniel Levy "working hard" to appoint Fabio Paratici at Tottenham

According to their information, Levy has indeed held negotiations with Paratici, which occurred last week, and it appears the Spurs chair is determined to seal his return to Hotspur Way ahead of AC Milan.

Bailey writes that Levy is “working hard” to re-appoint Paratici at Tottenham, and while the Rossoneri pose a real threar amid their hunt for a new director, this hasn’t deterred Spurs.

Levy has made a plea to Paratici during talks with the Italian, to come back and ‘finish what he started’.

The 52-year-old enjoyed a productive stint as Tottenham’s managing director before being forced to resign, having played a key role in signing the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr.

It is also believed that Paratici played a leading role in convincing Guglielmo Vicario to join Spurs, despite being banned at the time, and the official is still quite popular among sections of the fanbase.

Borussia Dortmund have admitted they are open to selling Jamie Gittens amid speculation of him being disgruntled at the club.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Dortmund open to selling Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
• Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle reportedly interested
• German club's sporting director confirms they may cash in

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 20-year-old forward, who had a limited role under coach Niko Kovac, is open to returning to England, with Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United reportedly ready to make a move for him this summer. According to reports, Chelsea are willing to offer the Englishman double his current salary.

  The Bundesliga club is expected to hold discussions in the coming weeks as they assess potential offers for the prodigy, who is currently valued at around €50–60 million.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gittens' situation at the German club has taken a dramatic turn this year. Despite a blistering start to the season with five goals and four assists in just 15 Bundesliga games under former head coach Nuri Sahin, the English winger has found himself more often on the sidelines since Niko Kovac took over the club in late January.

  In the 2024-25 season, he managed 48 appearances for Dortmund and scored 12 goals and five assists. Dortmund are not pressured to sell with more than three years left on his contract, but their larger objective to lower the salary bill can speed up his exit. As part of a planned summer squad shake-up, the club is also thinking about getting rid of other first-team players, such as Giovanni Reyna, Niklas Sule, Salih Ozcan, and Julian Brandt, according to a report from the Mirror.

• WHAT SEBASTIAN KEHL SAID

  Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has hinted that the club could be open to letting go of one of its rising stars this summer, depending on the offers they receive.

  Speaking to Sport1, Kehl said there is strong interest in the player and confirmed that discussions are set to begin soon.

  “There’s definitely a market for him. He’s a very exciting player,” Kehl stated. “We’ll be having discussions soon. If offers come in, we’ll have to deal with them.”

  Kehl also gave insight into Dortmund’s broader strategy ahead of the summer transfer window.

  “We want to reduce wages,” he explained. “That said, it’s possible we’ll continue with some of these players. But some may no longer be part of the BVB squad next season.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GITTENS AND DORTMUND?

  In the next few weeks, talks between Dortmund and clubs that are interested are likely to get more serious. The German club could look to reinvest funds from the winger’s potential sale to strengthen their squad. Reports suggest that BVB are eyeing moves for Jobe Bellingham and Robin Koch as part of a broader rebuild.

  For now, however, the club’s focus shifts to the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will look to make a strong international statement. Dortmund begin their campaign against Fluminense on June 17, before facing Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan Hyundai in the remaining group-stage fixtures.

Ruben Amorim is now ready to brutally axe one member of the Manchester United squad for a massive loss this summer, according to a fresh report, as he looks to put his mark on the Red Devils.

Manchester United transfer latest

It was a relatively busy January transfer window for Manchester United, but it was largely outgoings that dominated the headlines. The Premier League giants, who currently sit 13th in the top flight, sent a trio of first team players out on loan as they looked to trim their squad and their wage bill for the second half of the campaign.

Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa for the remainder of the season in a deal that sees the Midlands outfit pay 75% of his hefty wages, which could rise to 90% based on performances. Unai Emery’s side also have an option to buy the forward at the end of the season for £40m should he impress in claret and blue.

Man Utd now eyeing move for £50,000-p/w target man with 15 G/A this season

He could be a rogue option to help Amorim’s side in the seasons ahead.

1

By
Ben Browning

Feb 6, 2025

Meanwhile, Antony’s agonising Old Trafford stay was also finally ended, with the club’s £86m signing leaving to join Real Betis on loan, and the Spanish side allegedly also paying a massive 84% of his wages during his time away from the Theatre of Dreams, with the duo’s exits saving the club significant funds.

These savings, in turn, helped the Red Devils move to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, with the flying wingback arriving in a deal worth an initial £25m which could rise to £30m, a move that in turn allowed Tyrell Malacia to leave Old Trafford on loan.

But the Danish defender is just the first step in what is a major overhaul under Amorim at Old Trafford, with the club already exploring a move to sign former protegee Geovany Quenda this summer, and funds needing to be freed up to continue the job. Now, Amorim is reportedly ready to cash in on one of Erik ten Hag’s signings as he looks to find money to continue to make his mark at Manchester United.

Manchester United ready to cash in on forward

That is according to a fresh report from TEAMtalk, who point to Rasmus Hojlund as the player in question. The Dane arrived in Manchester from Atalanta with a hefty reputation as one of the most promising young strikers around, something which persuaded the Red Devils to shell out £72m (including add ons) to bring him to Old Trafford.

However, he has only shown glimpses of his potential, and has stuggled under Amorim since his arrival at the club in November, with the ex-Sporting coach opting to play midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as the no.9 in Hojlund’s place in their most recent Premier League outing.

Rasmus Hojlund under Ruben Amorim (Premier League)
Appearances	12
Starts	8
Goals	1
Assists	0

His best form came under Erik ten Hag, when he went on a goalscoring run that drew praise from Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer.

“I really like him. That’s six games on the spin now scoring goals. I’ve loved his attitude, it’s been really tough for him at times but he’s stuck at it, he’s been patient and now he’s getting his rewards”, he explained after he scored twice against Luton Town.

“His second goal was instinctive, I mean his reaction. You have got a split second to think about things there. The ball has come at him with pace and then to twist your body and guide it in, it’s an incredible and very clever finish.”

However, he has struggled to find form since and now the report claims that Manchester United are willing to cash in on the Dane this summer, and will accept offers around the £40m mark, something that would mark a massive loss on their initial outlay.

It is claimed that “a new striker is a priority for Amorim in the summer” and, as a result, “there is a good chance” Hojlund could be moved on amid interest from West Ham United and Juventus in the 22-year-old. His departure could allow Manchester United to move for former Amorim pupil Viktor Gyokeres, in whom they hold a long-term interest.

Everton are back in action in the Premier League this evening as they prepare to welcome city rivals Liverpool to Goodison Park for the final time.

The Toffees lost 2-0 to Bournemouth at Goodison Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday and that, along with Liverpool’s shock defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle at Pride Park, means that this will be the last Merseyside derby at the stadium.

They are, of course, set to abandon their long-time home to move to a new stadium for the 2025/26 campaign and they will be hoping for a memorable derby day to bid farewell to the hallowed turf.

In terms of the league table, a win is not the be-all-end-all for the Toffees, who are already nine points clear of the relegation zone and slowly climbing closer to midtable instead of being in a relegation scrap.

For Everton supporters, however, this is about more than points on the board and any seasonal objectives, it is about getting one over their rivals and disrupting their charge for the title.

Everton's last win over Liverpool

You do not have to go back very far to find the last time Liverpool walked away disappointed after a clash with their rivals, as Sean Dyche’s side secured a fantastic win at Goodison Park in April of last year.

Jurgen Klopp’s team came to the other side of Merseyside with a chance to move level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

As they are this season, Liverpool were chasing a title and a win over Everton would have put them in a fantastic position to attack the final month of the campaign.

As you can see in the highlights above, however, the Toffees dented their chances of giving Klopp a big send-off with a phenomenal 2-0 win under the lights at Goodison.

Jarrad Branthwaite handed the hosts the lead in the first half when Alexis Mac Alisster scuffed his attempted clearance in the box straight to the England international.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin made sure of the three points in the second half when he brilliantly headed Dwight McNeil’s corner past Alisson to make it 2-0 on the night.

Unfortunately, though, the English centre-forward is one of the players who will not be available for David Moyes to select in his first Merseyside derby since returning for a second spell at the club.

The latest Everton team news

The former Sheffield United attacker, who is reportedly valued at £25m by Everton, will remain on the sidelines after he suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Brighton last month.

Youssef Chermiti, who arrived from Sporting for £15m in the summer of 2023, is currently out with a hamstring injury, after initially missing matches with a foot injury earlier this season, and will also be watching on from the sidelines.

This means that Everton will be without their £40m-rated attacking duo for this clash, whilst Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is also unavailable, and that means that Beto is the only senior, recognised, centre-forward option for Moyes.

Everton’s absentees against Liverpool
Player	Injury
Dwight McNeil	Knee
Seamus Coleman	Muscle
Youssef Chermiti	Hamstring
Armando Broja	Ankle
Dominic Calvert-Lewin	Hamstring
Orel Mangala	Knee
Via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the Toffees manager is set to be without several important first-team players for this clash with Liverpool tonight, but he is also set for a boost.

Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Ukraine international Vitalii Mykolenko is due to be available after missing out on the defeat to Bournemouth with a calf issue.

Everton's predicted line-up

The Scottish boss could make a few changes to the starting line-up that was selected for the 2-0 defeat to the Cherries at Goodison Park last time out in the FA Cup.

England international Jordan Pickford should retain his position in the XI, as he has been the first-choice throughout the season in the Premier League, but the defence in front of him could look slightly different.

Everton have lined up with a 4-2-3-1 formation in all of Moyes’ matches so far but Liverpool arrive as the top scorers in the division, with 56 goals in 23 games, and the manager could be tempted to switch to a 5-2-2-1 formation to keep the likes of Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo at bay.

This could mean that winger Jesper Lindstrom could be dropped from the team to make way for Michael Keane, who has made 50 clearances in ten league games this season, to join James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite at centre-back, with Jake O’Brien remaining at right-back.

24/25 Premier League	Michael Keane
Appearances (starts)	10 (9)
Goals	2
Clearances	50
Error led to shot/goal	0
Ground duel success rate	42%
Aerial duel success rate	58%
Stats via Sofascore

On the left side, Mykolenko’s return to fitness should see Young dropped from the XI. The Ukraine international is a naturally left-footed player who would offer more balance on that side, rather than having Young trying to push forward on his weak foot.

This would create a back five that would be tasked with shutting out the best attack in the league and provide Pickford with a bit more protection than he had from the back four in the loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, by having another body in the way to block shots and make clearances.

As you can see in the XI above, the third change to the starting line-up could be the introduction of Carlos Alcaraz for his full debut in an Everton shirt.

The 22-year-old star, who joined on loan from Flamengo in January, created two chances, hit the post, and completed 93% of his attempted passes in just 25 minutes off the bench last time out, and could be more suited to playing as one of two attacking midfielders behind Beto than Abdoulaye Doucoure is.

Everton’s French midfielder has contributed one goal and zero assists in 20 starts in the Premier League and could be kept in reserve to use his energy and running power off the bench if they need to see out a result in the second half.

Everton v Liverpool: Team news, where to watch, referee & VAR

It is the last meeting between the two sides at Goodison Park.

By
Charlie Smith

Feb 12, 2025

Following an underwhelming January transfer window, Newcastle United have now reportedly been offered to chance to land a bargain deal in the race to sign one of Europe’s best strikers.

Newcastle transfer news

If those at St James’ Park were left frustrated by Newcastle’s summer business then they’d have been left even more exasperated by their lack of spending last month. Once again limited by profit and sustainability concerns, the Magpies were forced to sit out of the window and watch on as rumours over Alexander Isak’s Tyneside future came thick and fast.

On the pitch, meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s side have been enjoying far better fortunes – recently reaching the Carabao Cup final after thrashing Arsenal 4-0 across two legs in which Isak once again stole plenty of headlines.

Of course, Newcastle’s fortunes on the pitch won’t take away from some awkward PSR questions that they’ll have to face at some stage in the near future. As things stand, it very much seems as though the Magpies will have to sell before they can buy which could yet cast further doubts over Isak’s future.

If it is to be the Swede sacrificed though, then those at St James’ Park could have a replacement lined up. According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle have now been offered the chance to sign Victor Osimhen by triggering his bargain £60m release clause.

Newcastle’s "lost" flop is now on par with Isak after being sold by Howe

Newcastle have one of the most potent strikeforces in Europe but must rue this failed signing.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Feb 8, 2025

In usual circumstances, £60m would be considered a hefty fee but when taking into account reports that Napoli were previously demanding as much as £113m to sell their striker, it’s an opportunity that Newcastle should not turn down.

In another world, if Newcastle raise funds through other sales, Isak and Osimhen could even form one of the most lethal strike partnerships in European football in what would be the ultimate dream in Tyneside.

"Ridiculous" Osimhen would be unstoppable alongside Isak

Whether it remains a dream world or becomes Newcastle’s incredible reality remains to be seen, but it’s difficult not to wonder just how unstoppable Isak and Osimhen would be together. It’s an attacking duo undoubtedly capable of dragging a side from the edge of Champions League football into the top four and potentially beyond on a permanent basis.

Starts

22

14

Goals

17

12

Assists

5

4

Scoring 12 goals in the Turkish Super Lig in 14 starts, Osimhen has added a further five in all competitions to take this season’s total to 17 in impressive fashion. Even outside of Europe’s top five leagues, the Nigerian has managed to steal the headlines and could yet make his return to the spotlight with a bang when the summer arrives.

Previously dubbed “ridiculous” by Statman Dave, Osimhen is likely to be among the summer’s best buys at £60m. As the transfer window approaches too, it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle are in a position to finally spend their riches and welcome a blockbuster arrival.

Wrexham’s promotion fate rests in their own hands, but what happens if they finish level with Wycombe on points and goal difference?

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Red Dragons sit second with two games leftChairboys still in the promotion pictureDramatic finish to 2024-25 campaignFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

That remains a possibility in League One, while Charlton Athletic will believe that they are not out of the top-two picture just yet. There are just two more rounds of fixtures to be taken in by teams in the third tier of English football.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

As it stands, Wrexham – who have welcomed Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to fixtures in recent weeks – occupy second place. If they can cling on to that position, then history will be made when taking a third successive step up the EFL ladder.

DID YOU KNOW?

Wycombe are, however, just two points adrift of the Red Dragons. There are a number of scenarios that could play out and see the Red Dragons finish on the same number of points as the Chairboys. They are also level pegging in the goal difference department at present.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT THE EFL HANDBOOK SAYS

If there was to be no separating the two teams on those fronts come the end of play on May 3, then Reynolds and McElhenney would face an agonising end to the regular season. That is because the EFL handbook states: “If any two or more Clubs have scored the same number of points and have the same goal difference, the higher or highest placed Club shall be the Club having scored the most goals in League Matches in that Season.”

Could performances at the tournament have any bearing on T20 World Cup selection?

Andrew McGlashan03-Aug-2022

Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell are among the Australians in the Men’s Hundred•Getty Images

Sean Abbott (Manchester Originals)His Sri Lanka tour was over before it had really started when he fractured a finger in training. Has developed into one of the leading domestic allrounders in Australia, capable of packing a punch with bat and ball. Is among those who will leave before the end of the tournament due to the Zimbabwe ODIs in Townsville.Hilton Cartwright (Oval Invincibles)Capable of giving the ball a tremendous thump with the bat and one of the best fielders in the game. Has been playing for Derbyshire in the lead-up to the Hundred.Related

Glenn Maxwell still hungry to succeed in Test cricket

Men's Hundred tactics board: Par scores, home advantage and 10-ball sets

The Hundred – everything you need to know (or have forgotten)

Hundred team-by-team previews: Southern Brave, Birmingham Phoenix the teams to catch

Tim David (Southern Brave)One of the most talked-about players in the Australian game at the moment with all eyes on whether he gets a place in the T20 World Cup squad. A strong return for Brave will keep that bubbling ahead of decision day in mid-September. Made two appearances last season.Nathan Ellis (London Spirit)Won Hampshire the Blast title twice, holding his nerve in extraordinary scenes after being called for a no-ball, to cap a tournament where his death bowling stood out. Making a strong push for the T20 World Cup squad, which he has spoken about after his late call to the Hundred to replace Riley Meredith.Josh Inglis (London Spirit)The wicketkeeper-batter made 173 runs at a strike-rate of 136.22 for Spirit last season and this time will take over from Glenn Maxwell when he leaves for international duty having himself not been included for the ODIs.Glenn Maxwell (London Spirit)Will be one of the headline overseas names and is a player capable of winning white-ball matches off his own bat, regardless of how many balls are involved. However, he will be one of the Australians leaving early for international duty.Ben McDermott (London Spirit)McDermott finished the T20 Blast for Hampshire very strongly, producing the top score in the final, after being picked as a Hundred wildcard. Likely to be Spirit’s wicketkeeper.Kane Richardson (Birmingham Phoenix)No longer holds a CA contract but remains part of the white-ball plans, although may start to face pressure from Ellis so a strong Hundred could be useful for him ahead of T20 World Cup selection.Daniel Sams (Trent Rockets)Picked up as a wildcard, Sams’ power with the bat could be as valuable as his left-arm pace bowling. During the T20 Blast for Essex he struck 71 off 24 balls against Sussex. Was a reserve at last year’s T20 World Cup and remains on the fringes of the team.Marcus Stoinis (Southern Brave)Stoinis had his Sri Lanka tour cut short by a side injury so this tournament will be his return to action ahead of the Australian season. Has become a finisher in Australia’s T20I side but opens in the BBL so it will be interesting to see where Brave use him. Won’t be available all tournament.Ashton Turner (Manchester Originals)Had his T20 Blast campaign with Durham interrupted by a dislocated shoulder and largely struggled to make an impact.Matthew Wade (Birmingham Phoenix)Enjoying a final flourish to his international career as Australia’s T20 finisher, and has stated the upcoming World Cup will be his swansong.Adam Zampa (Welsh Fire)One of the leading white-ball spinners in the world, the Hundred will be Zampa’s first outing since the tour of Pakistan having skipped Sri Lanka for the birth of his first child. Should be a key weapon in Fire’s attack before heading back to Australia to play against Zimbabwe.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is personally considering whether to pursue an ex-Man City defender in January after being told that the player could be available for a reasonable fee in the winter.

Ange Postecoglou short of centre-backs amid Spurs injury crisis

Postecoglou faces the very distinct possibility of being without all of his first-team centre-backs as things stand, with Radu Dragusin sustaining ankle damage in their last outing against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

Tottenham emerge as possible destination for £33 million Barcelona player

The Catalans have decided to sell in 2025.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 28, 2024

Depending on a late fitness test before their clash with Wolves on Sunday, the 59-year-old may not have Dragusin to call upon, with injuries to Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies leaving Postecoglou bereft of natural centre-halves.

The emergence of Archie Gray as a makeshift option in that position has seriously helped to plug the necessary gaps, but it is currently unclear as to how Postecoglou plans to cope without the Englishman’s partner if Dragusin is indeed out for an extended period.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

December 29

Newcastle United (home)

January 4

Arsenal (away)

January 15

Everton (away)

January 19

Leicester City (home)

January 26

Naturally, with the January transfer window set to open in a matter of days, Tottenham have been linked with a host of new centre-backs.

RC Lens starlet Abdukodir Khusanov is reliably believed to be a Spurs transfer target heading into the new year, while other reports have linked Leeds United star Pascal Struijk, Feyenoord stalwart David Hancko, PSG’s Milan Skriniar, Getafe’s Omar Alderete and Inter sensation Yann Bisseck as other centre-backs who could join Tottenham in January.

By his own admission, Postecoglou has held numerous recruitment meetings with technical director Johan Lange in the build-up to next month, and the Australian says they’re “working hard” on reinforcing their options.

“There’s certainly a need to reinforce if we can,” said Postecoglou on January signings at Tottenham.

“Everyone knows January’s not an easy time to do that. But the club’s working hard behind the scenes to see what we can do to help players we’ve got at the moment who are giving everything in every game and dipping into every bit of energy they have to try to get us through.”

Ange Postecoglou personally considering move for Ko Itakura

According to GiveMeSport, Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Ko Itakura is a mid-season option for Spurs.

The Japan international’s contract expires in 18 months, which could hand them an opportunity to agree a move for a doable price, and Postecoglou is informed of this situation.

GMS writes that Postecoglou has been made aware that Tottenham could strike a “cut-price” January deal for Itakura, and the former Celtic boss is personally contemplating whether to reignite a pursuit for the Bundesliga centre-back after previously holding an interest.

The 27-year-old was on Man City’s books before the Sky Blues sold him to Monchengladbach in the summer of 2022, where he has gone on to become a pivotal figurehead at the heart of their backline.

Itakura has started all of their German top-flight games this season, helping Mönchengladbach to boast one of the finest defensive records in the division.

Ipswich Town have shown in their last two Premier League outings that there’s plenty of fight in their camp, with an unexpected home win against Chelsea being followed up with a battling 2-2 draw away at Fulham.

That draw at Craven Cottage might well have been all three points on another day if Leif Davis hadn’t clattered into Raul Jimenez for the home side’s equaliser, but a share of the spoils was still a positive result for Kieran McKenna’s men to take back to Suffolk come full-time.

Yet, McKenna and Co won’t be resting on their laurels as they do find themselves submerged in the bottom three still on goal difference, meaning this month’s busy transfer window could come in handy in boosting the underdogs’ chances of survival.

Who Ipswich could sign in January

Whilst there has been significant talk this January that Liam Delap could up and leave the relegation-threatened outfit, there have also been plenty of rumours linking Ipswich with some notable incomings.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

One recent report from journalist Alan Nixon suggests that the Tractor Boys would be willing to fork out £30m to win Botafogo striker Igor Jesus’ services this month, with Everton also reportedly keen near the foot of the division.

Whilst this could look like Ipswich are preparing for the worst regarding Delap’s fate, Jesus’ arrival would make sense as they aim to boost McKenna’s options up top, away from George Hirst and Ali Al-Hamadi already at Portman Road.

What Jesus could offer Ipswich

With reports linking the Tractor Boys with a move for Liverpool’s exciting young winger Ben Doak alongside the expensive South American, this could be a duo made in heaven as far as McKenna is concerned.

Indeed, Doak has set the Championship alight so far this season on loan from Liverpool, with two goals and six assists standing out from his league numbers to date at Middlesbrough, alongside his ability to twist and turn defences with slaloming solo surges up the pitch.

Capable of playing down either wing, McKenna might well believe the Scotsman could become his new Omari Hutchinson if he can get his hands on him, having managed to get ten goals and six assists out of the ex-Chelsea man down a division before letting him loose on the Premier League.

Botafogo

31

8

Shabab Al-Ahli

88

43

Coritiba

49

5

Whilst Doak would undoubtedly boost the Tractor Boys in midfield, with Wes Burns the only recognised option down the right owing to injuries, Jesus would also come in and give McKenna another option he could fall back on if Delap is having a rare off-day with some impressive numbers, notably at Shabab Al-Ahli.

Football journalist Zach Lowy even described the Brazilian’s heroics as “incredible” across 2024, with his rich vain of form in front of goal playing out in the Middle East seeing him win an international call-up.

Both players entering the building this January could well give McKenna the depth he craves in attack, and would make the Tractor Boys even more of a threatening prospect going forward to try and surprise more teams in their ongoing bid to beat the drop. The thought of the two linking up in attack should also be a salivating prospect for the masses at Portman Road.

Whilst it would be risky to fork out £30m on an unknown entity in the English game, Ipswich never looked back after splashing £20m on Delap who had never cut his teeth in the Premier League prior, with the hope this wild buy – alongside the added energy of Doak – can help the Suffolk side survive against all the odds.

After Godfrey: Ipswich target £16m monster who outperformed Delap last year

The experienced forward would add more goals to Ipswich’s attack.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 6, 2025

تحدث مصطفى فتحي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بيراميدز، عن مواجهة أورلاندو بايرتس في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلتقي بيراميدز اليوم مع أورلاندو، في إياب نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد التعادل ذهابا بدون أهداف.

طالع.. أحمد الشناوي: أسعى لتحقيق ما فشلت فيه مع الزمالك.. وهدف بيراميدز الثلاثية

وقال فتحي في لقاء مع قناة “أون سبورت”: “اللاعبون جميعهم مركزون، ونحتاج إلى الفوز ببطولة كبيرة لنبني عليها في المستقبل”.

وتابع: “قدمنا مباراة جيدة في جنوب إفريقيا، لكن هذا لا يعني أن فريق أورلاندو سيأتي ويسلّم المباراة لنا، بل من المؤكد أن هدفهم هو تحقيق الفوز، ومعظم مبارياتهم خارج ملعبهم يكونون فيها أفضل من أدائهم على أرضهم”.

وأتم: “يجب علينا أن نركز من الدقيقة الأولى حتى الأخيرة، وأن نحسم المباراة مبكرًا لنتأهل إلى النهائي، وبعد ذلك نفكر في ما هو قادم”.