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This summer looks set to be a massive one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta told us as much in April, and considering his side finished a distant second place to Liverpool in the Premier League this season, it’s not hard to see why.

However, on top of bringing in some truly game-changing attackers to help push the club over the finish line at home and in the Champions League, the Gunners need to address other areas of the team.

For example, while Martin Zubimendi looks set to join, the midfield could still do with more rejuvenation, and based on recent reports, that might happen as the club circle an up-and-coming talent who could send Thomas Partey packing.

Arsenal transfer news

For some time this season, it looked as if Thomas Partey would be thanked for his service and allowed to leave at the expiration of his contract this month.

Transfer Focus

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

However, on April 23rd, The Athletic’s David Ornstein broke the news that talks had begun over a new deal that could see the former Atlético Madrid star remain in North London for two or more years.

Since then, there have been a few updates on the talks, but nothing definitive either way.

Interestingly, while talks are still going on, the club have now been linked to an exciting midfield talent who could be an ideal replacement for the 32-year-old: Lucien Agoumé.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are now very interested in the Sevilla star.

In fact, the report claims that Arteta, in particular, wants the club to sign the Frenchman, who has caught the eye of Manchester United as well.

A potential price is not mentioned in the report, but considering the £17k-per-week ace joined the Spanish side for €4m – £3.4m – last summer, there is a chance he wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Even so, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Agoumé, as he looks incredibly promising and someone who could make resigning Partey unnecessary.

How Agoumé compares to Partey

So then, if Arsenal are looking to sign Agoumé this summer and as a potential replacement for Partey, how do the pair stack up to one another?

Well, as they are both primarily defensive midfielders by trade, the best way to see what’s what is to take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.

Interestingly, and perhaps somewhat surprisingly, it’s the Sevilla gem, who talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a “10 out of 10 talent” who comes out on top when we do this.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.16

0.14

Progressive Carries

1.23

1.20

Progressive Passes

5.74

5.41

Passing Accuracy

81.5%

87.2%

Key Passes

1.15

0.68

Passes into the Final Third

5.36

5.24

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.81

1.02

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.13

0.10

Shot-Creating Actions

2.55

2.00

Goal-Creating Actions

0.21

0.37

Tackles

2.98

2.63

Blocks

1.28

0.98

Interceptions

1.69

1.11

Clearances

1.79

1.56

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.00

0.12

Ball Recoveries

5.79

4.41

Aerial Duels Won

1.79

0.85

Aerial Duel Win %

51.2%

46.7%

Now, while the Gunners’ star does better in some areas, such as passing accuracy, passes into the penalty area and goal-creating actions per 90, he is a distant second in practically every other relevant statistic.

For example, the former Inter Milan gem comes out on top in things such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, tackles, blocks, interceptions, clearances, key passes, ball recoveries and many, many more, all per 90.

On top of all of that, the Yaoundé-born star also has a far better injury record, having missed just 16 games for club and country across his entire career.

In stark contrast, the Odumase Krobo-born titan has missed 81 games for club and country since the start of the 20/21 campaign.

Ultimately, Partey has been a great player for Arsenal and could well contribute for another year or two, but if there is an opportunity to sign Agoumé, the club have to take it, as he looks like the perfect midfielder to come in and replace the 32-year-old.

He's just like Saka: £68m winger is Tognozzi's dream target for Arsenal

The exciting wonderkid would be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 13, 2025

With Vitor Pereira having resoundingly guided the Old Gold away from any relegation danger, the goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers now will be that their Premier League campaign doesn’t peter out on a poor patch of form.

Wolves have now lost their last two games in the elite division, but amazingly, the West Midlands side still find themselves above both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in 14th position.

Pereira would have found the task of turning around Wolves’ fortunes a lot trickier if he didn’t have the explosiveness of Matheus Cunha at his disposal, with the Brazilian now a wanted man heading into this summer’s upcoming transfer window.

The latest on Matheus Cunha's future at Wolves

Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils are seemingly the frontrunners for Cunha’s in-demand signature at this moment in time, despite finding themselves below the Brazilian’s current employers in the league standings.

Indeed, writing for the Athletic lately, the reputable David Ornstein reported that “Man Utd will seek to get personal terms in place” having already “made an offer”.

Cunha would certainly ramp up the entertainment levels at Old Trafford if a move were reached, with the South American superstar helping himself to a sizeable haul of 17 goals and six assists across all competitions this season.

At points this campaign, it could be argued that the “sensational” forward – as he’s been labelled by Micah Richards in the past – has been a one-man machine for his side in their bid to stave off any relegation worries, meaning he could well struggle when he’s not the main focal point in a more pressurised environment.

Well, it’s safe to say that’s been no problem for a former Wolves flop…

Wolves flop is now a bigger name than Cunha

Cunha walked away from Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in 2023 having failed to set the world alight in Spain, culminating in Cunha picking up just seven goals and eight assists from 58 appearances.

Therefore, it could occur that the 25-year-old struggles if the Theatre of Dreams comes calling. But, in the curious case of Vitinha, the glitz and glamour of Paris St. Germain has ended up being a perfect location for him to thrive and grow after a forgettable loan stint at Molineux during the 2020/21 season.

Vitinha would only pick up one goal and one assist from 22 unmemorable Old Gold displays, but the silky number 17 has been strutting his stuff for some time now in the French capital to put any lingering Wolves demons to bed.

He has never looked back since hammering home this first-ever effort for PSG in 2023, with a further 17 goals and 11 assists being tallied up across his three-season stay to date, helping Luis Enrique’s giants reach a deserved Champions League final.

24/25

49

7

2

23/24

41

9

5

22/23

48

2

4

The former Porto man’s standout second season at the Parc Des Princes even saw a Ballon d’Or nomination come his way, amidst talk from his own manager in Enrique that he was an “incredible” asset to the dominant Ligue 1 force.

Whilst Cunha does find himself deep in a spectacular patch of form currently, it’s not a given that the hot-headed attacker will be a rip-roaring success story away from the confines of Molineux, considering he also only lasted around 50 games at past employers RB Leipzig, when offering up an average output of nine strikes.

Whereas, when assessing the £50m-rated Vitinha at this point in time, there could be even more to come still from the Portuguese livewire under Enrique’s wing, with a Champions League medal to follow not the wildest shout.

Their own Kante: Pereira plotting Wolves move for £17m "midfield destroyer"

Wolves are chasing their first summer signing

ByRoss Kilvington May 10, 2025

In the Premier League, Arsenal have been left to bemoan their lack of a fit centre-forward.

Truth be told, even before Kai Havertz sustained a season-ending hamstring injury, they needed more cover in an attacking area.

Just weeks before, Gabriel Jesus was dealt a cruel blow of his own, picking up an ACL injury that means we are unlikely to see him play again in 2025.

That didn’t spur the recruitment team at the Emirates Stadium into life and they have been made to pay the price since.

Still, Mikel Merino has been in fine form since becoming the club’s leading number 9, scoring six goals in his ten outings as a striker. Not bad numbers indeed.

However, the Spaniard, despite his incredible finish against Real Madrid, is not the long-term answer.

Arsenal's hopes of signing a new striker

Andrea Berta has now been in the job a few weeks and his main objective over the summer transfer window must be to strengthen the club’s offence.

It promises to be an exciting summer at Colney with the Gunners not only needing a new forward but also a winger, a back-up goalkeeper and potentially even a midfielder. Martin Zubimendi is reportedly edging close towards a deal.

So, who will the shiny new striker be? That’s the question on everyone’s lips down at N5.

David Ornstein confirmed a few weeks ago that Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres is one of their leading targets but work is also being done on Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

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

A flurry of reports linked the Slovenian with a move last summer but he ended up penning new terms with German club RB Leipzig.

A year on and his departure from the Bundesliga looks far more likely. Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Arsenal continue to keep a ‘close on’ on the 21-year-old with new steps now taken in a bid to secure his signature.

The report notes that the London club have had ‘direct contact’ with the player’s camp to discuss a move and the feeling after that meeting has been a positive one.

Sesko’s contract – which expires in 2029 – currently contains a release clause valued at around €70m (£60m).

How Sesko compares to Haaland and Isak

A few years ago, Arsenal were monitoring the progress of Alexander Isak. The Swede was at Real Sociedad at the time and wasn’t yet a truly rampant goalscorer.

The year was 2022 and Isak’s contract in Spain also contained a release clause, one that was slightly more than Sesko’s at about £75m.

Sadly, the Gunners deemed that too expensive and since then, he signed for Newcastle for £63m and become one of the Premier League’s leading lights, scoring 20 goals this term, third to only Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the top-flight.

So, Arsenal must learn their lesson. Miss out on Sesko now and you could be looking at a price tag of over £100m in a few years’ time.

The Slovenia international may not be the finished article just yet, but he possesses a unique profile and Berta must buy now, with Arteta undoubtedly having the ability to turn him into a top-class talent, just like Isak.

Indeed, if Arteta can get a tune out of Merino in the club’s forward line, a midfielder by trade, just think what he could do with an actual striker.

Viktor Gyokeres

45

44

Victor Osimhen

33

29

Alexander Isak

35

24

Hugo Ekitike

41

20

Benjamin Sesko

40

19

Matheus Cunha

29

15

Described as “the new Erling Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko has found the net 19 times in 40 matches this term and seems to be getting better season by season, still aged 21.

Like Haaland, he’s a tall centre-forward. The Norwegian stands at 6 foot 4 while the Arsenal target is a fraction taller at 6 foot 5.

What that allows the pair of them to do is a number of things. Not only are they physical but their lengthy running stride and pace makes them a total nightmare for a defensive line.

Sesko would not get as much time and space in the Premier League, something Haaland is now all too familiar with, but their games marry up nicely when assessing their ball striking as well.

Just look at the thunderbolt below from Leipzig’s star man. It’s a thing of beauty and something that, let’s be honest, no Arsenal player in the current squad is capable of.

Perhaps the biggest difference is that Sesko is actually right-footed, but that’s not a bad thing, particularly when you consider Havertz is left-footed, meaning Berta would be adding more variety to the attack.

While someone like Gyokeres – who has scored 44 goals this season – and Isak, a proven Premier League striker, would be amazing signings, perhaps the best thing to do is go out and get Sesko, an unpolished diamond but someone who possesses elite potential.

100% duels won, 94% passing: Arsenal star is now as undroppable as Rice

Arsenal failed to overcome Brentford on Saturday evening.

2 ByMatt Dawson Apr 13, 2025

England legspinner unfazed by spotlight as he holds his own in England’s Test team

Vithushan Ehantharajah07-Feb-2024It was an early checkout for England at the Novotel Hotel in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday morning, as they jetted off for a brief sojourn in Abu Dhabi.The golf clubs will meet them there, while the cricket kit goes on the road to meet them in Rajkot next Monday. For now, thoughts on how to combat Jasprit Bumrah have been parked in favour of a new conundrum: how to balance a few rounds against quality time with those family members who have travelled to the UAE. Rehan Ahmed, however, does not have that problem.”Nah, not sure how anyone plays that sport,” Rehan says, when asked about the team’s favourite pastime. “Shocking sport. If you go to Topgolf in Dubai [driving range/restaurant] it’s not bad. I hold it like a cricket bat.” Even managing director Rob Key, a golf tragic, has failed to get him into it.Most 19-year olds are quite happy telling older generations their idea of fun is no fun at all. But the fact that Rehan is not tempted to hack around just to fit in speaks of his comfort with who and where he is. Besides, he’d prefer to catch up on the Turkish television series, Ertugrul. “I started it in Pakistan and I still have three years left of it,” he says. “It’s about the Ottoman Empire. And by the time I finish it, I’ll have forgotten the first part, so I’ll start again.”The last 13 months have been a whirlwind: 16 England caps across all formats and a lucrative two-year central contract with the ECB. It began with a five-wicket haul on Test debut against Pakistan in Karachi, and now he’s holding his own as the wildest selection in a wildcard team away to India.Rehan’s eight wickets mean he is England’s second-highest wicket-taker in the series so far. Six of them came in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, where he operated in a spin trio alongside Tom Hartley and debutant Shoaib Bashir. Rehan was both the youngest and most experienced on show.Ben Foakes ‘is a joke’, says Rehan. ‘I have never seen anyone as good as him”•AFP via Getty ImagesHe was also parachuted in at No.3 on the penultimate evening of the Test, looking to give the fourth-innings chase a shock. It didn’t work – Rehan’s cameo of 23 of 31 was not quite a big enough dent in a colossal 399 target. It meant he also did not come good on a promise to his favourite player, Kevin Pietersen, who was commentating on the first two games. “He spoke to me and said ‘right, I just want to see sixes’,” Rehan says. “I said I would be trying. I didn’t get one. It’s the thought that counts.”The intention was sound, particularly as a reprisal of Rehan’s role as the original ‘Nighthawk’ the previous winter, after Stuart Broad had trailed the role in England’s home summer. It was Rehan’s idea, too, collaring Ben Stokes as they walked off the field after India’s second innings had come to an end.Related

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“I don’t know where I got that confidence from,” he says. “But I just felt it was a good time to go in, and I’ll take any opportunity I get to do that. So yeah, I went straight to Stokesy and Baz and was like ‘let me get the pads on’.”He’d like a more permanent promotion – “top seven, top six would be nice” – but appreciates he’s lacking runs at present. One century for Leicestershire, against Derbyshire at the end of the 2022 summer, and an 85 and 90 against Yorkshire and Glamorgan last season are his most notable first-class scores. Those who have closely monitored Rehan’s progress at the ECB wonder if he might end up being more of a batter as his career takes shape.For now, the bowler is doing his bit. And Rehan’s reflections on how the tour has gone so far are refreshingly mature.”I don’t think there’s many places where you can say leg-spin does very well,” he says. “I think it’s more about adapting as well as you can.Rehan’s role as the Nighthawk was a qualified success in the second Test•Getty Images”I think I bowled a bit slow in the first Test. The batsmen had a lot of time to play more. So I tried to speed up a little bit but again, tried to keep it balanced as well. I think it’s more of a thinking game than anything. Not a skill thing. I think if you just keep it very simple, you’ll be all right.”Even so, his legbreak does seem to be turning more in this series than previously. Something he has worked on, perhaps?”I think I’m just playing in India, so it’s going a bit more,” he says. “I mean, I’ve been working on it as much as I can. I’ve not really thought about trying to get big sidespin. I just try to hit the stumps as many times as I can.”So yeah, I have tried to put more spin on it. Tried to get it on the seam and stuff, but I just feel like bowling cross-seam with variable bounce is more dangerous in India than bowling on the seam quite traditionally.”Rehan’s most productive form of dismissal has been caught behind, which is a testament to Ben Foakes’ work behind the stumps – “I reckon he is the best keeper in the world, ever … I have never seen anyone as good as him” – and a consistent attacking line. There have been times when India’s batters have got hold of him, but he has never wavered. It’s not in his nature.”I don’t like bowling maidens,” Rehan says, despite the fact that only Bumrah (14) has sent down more than his 11 in the series to date. “I think that’s just boring. I’ll try and change some things.”‘We all trust Stokesy. He is always looking for the betterment of the team.’•Associated PressStokes’ use of Rehan has varied, even if the onus has always been on taking wickets. He used him as late as the 61st over in the first innings of the last Test, something which Rehan admits got him angsty. He went on to take 3 for 65.”Every time he looked at the scoreboard behind me, I was like [gestures warming up]. When he gave me the ball, he was like, ‘do I need to say anything to you?’ And I was like, ‘Please give me the ball’.”The thing is we all trust Stokesy. Everyone knows what goes on in Stokesy’s head. He is always looking for the betterment of the team. That’s what I want as well. Whatever the team needs, I will try to do. Obviously, Stokesy will always put the team first. It’s not about making me happy. If he believes I will get a wicket at a certain time, he will put me on.”They just don’t care about how bad things can go,” he says of Stokes and Brendon McCullum. “It’s always about what good you can get out of it. So if I bowl four bad balls and get a wicket, that’s better than bowling 16 good balls in a row.”Stokes’ belief in Rehan is matched by his sensitivity. With Islam playing a huge part of Rehan’s day-to-day life – “much more important than cricket” – he has been allowed to miss the odd training session to observe optional fasting days. Appreciation of a player’s faith is the very least you would expect from any team, but Rehan appreciates how open he can be with his.

They just don’t care about how bad things can go. It’s always about what good you can get out of it. So if I bowl four bad balls and get a wicket, that’s better than bowling 16 good balls in a row.

“Stokes is so good with that. I remember a time in Abu Dhabi where there was a team day out on a Friday. We had Friday prayers. Obviously me and Bash [Shoaib Bashir] were there. I messaged Wayno [Wayne Bentley], the team manager, asking if we could miss this day because we need to pray.”Stokes messaged me straight away and said: ‘Come to me whenever you want about this kind of stuff, I understand it fully’. And yes, he’s stuck by his word. Every time I pray he is so respectful, very understanding. Everyone is on this tour.”In the short term, the third Test looms with the series locked at 1-1. Predictions for the surface range from flat to the sharpest turner of the three so far. England, as they have done throughout this series, will analyse the preparations to make a call on their team the day before the Test.Whether that means continuing on with their current line-up of three spinners and one seamer remains to be seen. Whatever they decide, and with Jack Leach unlikely to recover fully from his damaged right knee, Rehan is a lock for now. Could this be a chance to cement himself as a man for all conditions?”I think to stay in the team you have to justify your place,” Rehan says, not expecting any ‘wildcard’ charity. “I need to get wickets and runs.”

He has overtaken the likes of Washington Sundar and Krunal Pandya as the next 50-over World Cup approaches

Shashank Kishore26-Jul-20222:17

Is Axar more than just Jadeja’s understudy in ODIs now?

Had Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja been available, and India been at full strength, there would have been no space for Axar Patel in the XI for the ODI series in the Caribbean, his first in nearly five years.But, to deal with the changed times in international cricket, India have moved towards a model of keeping a large pool of 40-45 players, who are match-ready at all times. The challenge has been to identify back-ups for each role, but the task of finding a No. 2 for Jadeja has been made that much easier by Axar.With India’s backs to the wall in the second ODI on Sunday, Axar delivered a fine exhibition of range-hitting, tactical smarts and calmness – all at once. The end result: an unbeaten 35-ball 64, including a last-over six, MS Dhoni style, to seal a win that looked distant when he walked out to bat with India needing 107 off 68 balls.Related

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Axar has done it in the IPL. Rohit Sharma, who couldn’t contain his excitement at Sunday’s result, would know. In Delhi Capitals’ opening game this year, Axar had walked in to bat when they needed 74 off 40, with only four wickets remaining. He waltzed an unbeaten 17-ball 38 to take them home against Mumbai Indians.It was a game where he also outsmarted Daniel Sams, known for his back-of-the-hand slower one, and yorker king Jasprit Bumrah in the death overs. During the knock, he showed his batting wasn’t only based on premeditation, but one aided by a strong base, decisive feet movement, improved technique, and game smarts, too.These weren’t the only ones in recent times that he has done it with the bat. Nearly two years ago, Axar made a mockery of Dhoni’s gut feel when he launched into Jadeja to hit him for three sixes in the final over to seal a win for Capitals over Chennai Super Kings in Sharjah.Then, in a Test against New Zealand last December in Mumbai, Axar constructed a 128-ball 52 in the first innings. There, he hit Ajaz Patel repeatedly with and against the turn with ease by using his long reach to get to the pitch and then uncorking his wrists to pick gaps on either side. In the second innings of the same Test, he brought out the basher in him to make 41 not out off 26 balls with India looking for a declaration.Axar Patel is fast becoming a key component of any team he’s part of•Associated PressOn the basis of what he did on Sunday, it would be hard to believe this was his first ODI half-century in 22 innings. Axar’s clean hitting down the ground, effortlessly peppering the arc between deep midwicket and long-off, stood out.”Hundred-odd is chased in the last ten overs in the IPL. So I went in with the intent that we could do it here as well, and not let it get to us that we have to get so many runs still,” Axar told the BCCI website when discussing the chase. “Our thinking was that we would take at least one chance every over.”This “thinking” like a batter has come about recently. Priyank Panchal, Axar’s captain at Gujarat, has seen visible changes in Axar’s thought process over the past four years, and believes the confidence of having done it a few times is finally unlocking the batter in Axar. His county stint with Durham in 2019, where Axar had to learn to add more strings to his bow, also played a part.”When your role is that of a bowling allrounder, there is a tendency to focus on one discipline more than the other, and that was what was happening with Axar,” Panchal told ESPNcricinfo. “The moment he started putting a price on his wicket, he finally began to realise what he was missing out on. His technique started to get tighter, he started thinking like a batter, he would analyse deeply about where he was going wrong, and work towards getting better.”And then once he started becoming more confident in his set-up, he started working on his power game. He was always powerful, but when he combined his smarts with his improved power game, you could see the balance shift. At Gujarat, he has consistently won matches at No. 5. It was always a question of self-belief. He’d often joke, ‘I’ll win this game for you’ and when he actually started doing it, he began to realise his potential more.”Axar Patel is now in contention to be a strike force in India’s ODI spin arsenal alongwith Yuzvendra Chahal•AFP/Getty ImagesThat is making Axar a key component of any team he is a part of – Gujarat, Capitals, now India. This is because his bowling stocks have also been on the rise for a while now, as he has moved on from being the one-dimensional darts bowler who looked to only restrict.A clever use of the crease, variations in pace, developing a loop and deceiving batters in the air have all given his bowling a new dimension. His roaring start to Test cricket – 39 wickets in six games – is proof of that, even though it would be fair to argue that sterner tests may only come when he plays on less favourable surfaces.And Axar 2.0 has given India options. At the start of the year, Washington Sundar was firmly in India’s white-ball plans. An organised batting technique and the ability to bowl thrifty offspin made him jump the queue Axar had once been a part of. Then there was Krunal Pandya, who broke through on the back of delivering consistently for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.From being a quiet understudy who would get games only when Jadeja was injured or rested, Axar is now a contender to be a strike force in India’s ODI spin arsenal alongwith Yuzvendra Chahal. With next year’s 50-overs World Cup at home, this heated race for the spin-allrounder’s spot can’t be a bad thing for Indian cricket.

For the first time in 24 years, baseball fans in Seattle have experienced the taste of a postseason victory at home.

The Mariners defeated the Tigers 3–2 in Game 2 of the ALDS on Sunday night, evening up the series 1-1. The victory marked the first time in almost a quarter of a century that the Mariners won a playoff game at their home stadium.

As a result, it was an emotional scene at T-Mobile Park, as fans in Seattle soaked in the feeling of an October win. The Fox broadcast captured the scenes in the Pacific Northwest to perfection, showcasing some excited fans as they finally experienced the long-awaited moment.

One fan was captured on the broadcast tearing up and exchanging a wholesome embrace with a loved one.

The last time the Mariners won a home playoff game was October 15, 2001, when they defeated Cleveland 3–1. That season, they advanced to the ALCS but were ultimately defeated by the Yankees in a five-game series.

Fans are hoping this year will be different. Seattle is one of five MLB teams to never win a World Series, and it's clear that the team's supporters are ready for the drought to snap.

Game 3 is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 7 from Comerica Park in Detroit. The series could potentially return to Seattle for a Game 5, if necessary.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has lauded Marcus Rashford’s professionalism and attitude after the England forward found himself starting fewer matches following the return of Raphinha to full fitness. Despite a dip in minutes, Flick insists the 28-year-old has been "perfect" behind the scenes, offering a model response to competition within a title-chasing squad.

Flick praises Rashford’s response to reduced role

Rashford has featured regularly since arriving from Manchester United, starting 14 matches in all competitions. However, with Raphinha reclaiming his place on the left flank and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal locking down the right, the loanee has begun just one of Barcelona’s last six games since the October international break. However, rather than disrupting squad harmony, Rashford has shown maturity in accepting his reduced role, which has impressed Flick. 

AdvertisementAFPA dressing room example in a competitive front line

Barcelona’s front three has largely settled into a familiar pattern in Flick’s 4-3-3 system, with Robert Lewandowski flanked by Raphinha and Yamal. Rashford has been used as an impact option, entering at half-time in three of the last five matches, a role that demands patience and focus. However, Flick revealed a private exchange that encapsulated Rashford’s mindset.

"I try to speak to every player when they are not selected, and the last time I checked with him he replied me ‘boss, you don’t have to tell me about your decisions'," Flick said on Rashford. "'The most important thing is the team. We have to win the three points. The rest is not that important’.

"This is the perfect mentality. I am so happy to have him. When he is on the bench, he shows that we have a good and deep squad. What I can say is that he is an absolutely professional player. In the beginning, he had to adapt a little bit, but now he is at his best level."

Rashford rediscovering himself in Catalunya

Rashford’s move to Barcelona came after a difficult period at United, where he fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim and struggled to rediscover consistency. In Catalonia, however, Rashford believes he has found an environment more conducive to expressing himself. Speaking to he described embracing a culture where collective purpose is paramount.

"I've always been, like many people in the world, an admirer of Spanish football," he said. "To play for the biggest club in Spain is a huge honour. I'm looking forward to playing more games here, just doing my best and try to help the team to win. It's a club that demands this. The environment is always pushing us to be the best players we can be so it's perfect to be in a place like this as a player."

Rashford has been candid about the scrutiny he faced in England, where questions were raised about his commitment and focus. In Barcelona, he insists the narrative feels different.

"I don't see anything here as like a pressure," he said. "It's just, I'm here to play football. It's been amazing. I feel welcome, I feel at home. I've just been enjoying every step of the way."

Beyond the pitch, Rashford has taken deliberate steps to integrate into life in Spain. Living away from Manchester for the first time, he has enrolled in Spanish lessons to ease communication with his team-mates.

"All my team-mates welcomed me well and I also felt very good in the city," he added. "It’s the first time I’ve lived away from Manchester, but I’m already starting to feel at home. I want to learn more Spanish and I’m trying."

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(C)Getty ImagesFuture decisions on the horizon

Barcelona hold an option to make Rashford’s move permanent for €30 million (£26m/$35m) at the end of the 2025-26 season, a clause that could become increasingly relevant if his positive influence continues. In October, Rashford openly stated his desire to extend his stay, hinting at a long-term future in Blaugrana colours. While his role has evolved from being a regular starter to a rotational player, his impact and professionalism have not gone unnoticed. Flick’s side sit four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. As they prepare to host Osasuna on Saturday, the emphasis remains on collective momentum rather than individual status and Rashford’s acceptance of that principle has only strengthened Flick’s hand.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a goleada para o rival na última rodada do Brasileirão, o elenco do Vasco aproveitou a Data Fifa para treinar visando o próximo confronto contra o Palmeiras. Apesar de ter desfalques, o técnico Álvaro Pacheco poderá contar pela primeira vez com Adson.

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O atacante não participou na última partida por um desconforto muscular, apesar de ter sido poupado, não houve lesão constatada. O jogador tem participado normalmente dos treinos com o elenco durante a semana e poder ser relacionado para enfrentar o Palmeiras no Allianz Parque.

Além de Adson, o técnico argentino também poderá contar com o Cria da base JP. O volante de 19 anos estava a serviço da Seleção Brasileira sub-20 desde a segunda-feira passada, na Granja Comary, e se reapresentou ao Vasco na manhã de domingo (9).

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A volta de JP acontece em momento oportuno. O Cruz-Maltino não poderá contar com Praxedes, que lesionou na partida contra o Flamengo e está sendo tratado pelo Departamento de Saúde e Performance (Desp). O Vasco ainda não divulgou previsão de retorno para o meio-campista.

O Vasco enfrenta o Palmeiras nesta quinta-feira (13), às 21h30 (Brasília), no Allianz Parque, em busca de retomar o caminho de vitórias e superar o momento crise no futebol que se instaurou após a goleada para o Flamengo. O clube carioca está na 14ª posição com seis pontos, enquanto o Verdão ocupa a 7ª posição com 11 pontos.

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AdsonBrasileirãoFutebol NacionalPalmeirasVasco

West Ham face a pivotal January transfer window that may well determine their Premier League survival, but manager Nuno Espírito Santo also faces the threat of losing players.

Players who could leave West Ham in January

Niclas Füllkrug tops the departure list following his disastrous £27 million move from Borussia Dortmund, with the 32-year-old’s spell marred by repeated injury lay-offs.

He’s scored just three goals since arriving in 2024, failing to find the net at all this season, and his agent, Thorsten Wirth, has publicly acknowledged the transfer simply hasn’t worked.

Fullkrug is reportedly desperate for regular playing time to salvage his 2026 World Cup hopes, with Hamburg, Wolfsburg, Stuttgart, Hoffenheim and AC Milan all expressing rumoured interest in the Germany international ahead of January.

There is also the matter of James Ward-Prowse, who’s been completely excluded by Nuno ever since the Portuguese’s arrival at Rush Green.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

The 30-year-old was a firm regular under Graham Potter and named vice-captain, but Nuno’s appointment has seen him miss out on every single Premier League matchday squad.

Ward-Prowse is resigned to leaving West Ham in January as a result, with reports suggesting he could be joined by Guido Rodriguez as the Argentine attracts interest from abroad.

They may not be the only midfielders set for the London Stadium exit door either, as uncertainty continues to surround the future of Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazil international, who sent an interesting response to backlash surrounding his ridiculous sending off against Liverpool over the weekend, is reportedly open to the prospect of a mid-season exit and could well leave as their most high-profile departure.

Former West Ham senior scout, Mick Brown, has now told Football Insider that Paqueta leaving the club is a credible possibility.

West Ham set for 'big decision' over selling Lucas Paqueta

Brown says that West Ham are set for a ‘big decision’ over selling Paqueta next month, and Nuno will be ‘fuming’ about the 28-year-old’s conduct against Liverpool following one of the most bizarre dismissals you’ll ever see.

The former Lyon star, who was once on the verge of joining Man City before his spot-fixing allegations scuppered the deal, will leave the club in 2027 as things stand when his contract is due to expire.

Paqueta has already admitted that he desires a return to Flamengo one day, and admitted the move was actually close to happening last summer.

Nuno will need a replacement for Paqueta if he does leave, but West Ham are believed to be in the market for a new midfielder.

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Portuguesa e Nova Iguaçu se enfrentam neste sábado (24), pela décima rodada do Campeonato Carioca. A bola rola a partir das 18h30 (de Brasília), no Estádio Luso Brasileiro, com transmissão do Canal GOAT (Youtube). A Lusa é a sexta colocada com 14 pontos somados, enquanto o Carrossel da Baixada é o terceiro, com 18 pontos, e se classifica às semifinais com uma vitória.

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✅FICHA TÉCNICA
Portuguesa x Nova Iguaçu
10ª rodada do Campeonato Carioca

Data e horário: sábado, 24 de fevereiro de 2024, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Estádio Luso Brasileiro
Onde assistir: Canal GOAT

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

PORTUGUESA (Técnico: João Carlos Ângelo)
Dida, Joazi, Wellington César, Diego Guerra e Pará; Carlos Coppetti, João Paulo e Anderson Rosa; Romarinho, Miguel Vinícius e Patrick Carvalho.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

NOVA IGUAÇU (Técnico: Carlos Vitor)
Fabrício Santana, Cayo Tenório, Gabriel Pinheiro, Sérgio Raphael e Maicon Esquerdinha; Índio, Ronald, Xandinho e Yago Ferreira; Bill e Carlinhos.

Tudo sobre

Campeonato CariocaNova IguaçuOnde assistirPortuguesa-RJ