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Manchester United have been known over recent years to invest heavily in youngsters who can make an immediate and long-term impact at Old Trafford.

Part of their £800m spending spree in the last four years has seen numerous big-money talents arrive at the club – with Leny Yoro making the move to join the Red Devils last summer.

Despite being just 18, the hierarchy forked out a reported £52m for the teenager’s signature, even fending off competition from Real Madrid for his services.

He’s since become a key component of Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad, already racking up 42 appearances in the last 12 months or so since his big-money transfer.

However, whilst he still has bags of time to reach world-class status, the Frenchman would do very well to hit the heights of one player during his own stint at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man Utd’s best ever young first-team addition

Back in the summer of 2004, eyebrows were raised across England after United paid a staggering £27m for the signature of teenage sensation Wayne Rooney from Everton.

Such a fee was a mammoth investment for an 18-year-old, but over two decades on, it’s clear the transfer is one of the Red Devils’ best in their 146-year history.

He would spend 13 successful years as a star player at Old Trafford, winning countless individual awards along with team success under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The now 40-year-old won England’s Player of the Year award on five separate occasions, even winning the PFA Player of the Year award back in 2009/10 after scoring 34 times in all competitions.

Under the management of Sir Alex, he won five Premier League titles and a Champions League – subsequently making himself one of the most decorated English players of all time.

Individually, he was just as impressive, scoring 253 times for the Red Devils, a tally that ranks him top of the club’s all-time goalscorer charts – sitting ahead of Sir Bobby Charlton.

His talents were also there for all to see at international level, scoring 53 times, a record that saw him top the list for the Three Lions until Harry Kane came along.

Alongside his tangible contributions, Rooney made a name for himself as a warrior on the pitch, with one current player currently possessing a very similar playstyle.

The United player who is becoming the new Rooney

After scoring just 44 times across the 2024/25 campaign, Amorim made it abundantly clear to the United hierarchy that he wanted reinforcements within the final third.

Bryan Mbeumo was just one of the signings made during the off-season, arriving in a staggering £71m transfer from fellow top-flight outfit Brentford.

The Cameroonian international has already made a stellar start to life in Manchester, scoring five times and registering one assist in his first ten outings for the club.

His latest appearance against Brighton and Hove Albion was arguably his best to date, subsequently scoring twice and helping secure the manager’s third Premier League win in a row.

He was also joined at the Red Devils by Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian also costing a pretty penny at £62.5m including add-ons from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian international has occupied the number ten role with Mbeumo at Old Trafford and has undoubtedly played a key role in the recent revival under Amorim.

Unlike the Cameroonian, he’s had to wait to make the desired impact, only registering his first goal for the Red Devils in this weekend’s convincing win over Brighton.

However, he’s still received key praise from former first-team member Patrice Evra, who claimed Cunha “has the same raw chaos as Rooney” – certainly high praise indeed.

His underlying stats at Old Trafford showcase the reasoning behind Evra’s comments, with the Brazilian currently creating 1.2 chances per 90 in the Premier League.

Games played

8

Goals & assists

1

Chances created

1.2

Shots on target

1.6

Dribbles completed

1.9

Possession won in final third

0.7

Fouls won

2.4

Ball recoveries

4.3

Other figures, such as 1.6 shots on target per 90 and 1.9 dribbles per 90, showcase his ability within the final third, which has already seen the forward become a fan-favourite.

However, his chaos without the ball is reflected in his tally of 0.7 ball regains per 90 in the final third – a tally which ranks him in the top 25% of all attackers in the division.

It’s certainly early days in his career at Old Trafford, but the signs are all positive for Cunha to become an influential figure in any success endured in the years ahead.

Should he continue on his current path, there’s no reason why he can’t have a similar impact to Rooney during his own period at the Theatre of Dreams.

Forget Cunha & Mbuemo: Man Utd star was the shining light against Brighton

Manchester United secured their third win in a row against Brighton & Hove Albion last night.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 26, 2025

Thomas Frank is clearly a clever man. The Tottenham Hotspur manager is a bona fide tactician, and he has credentials in the Premier League after lifting Brentford into the top flight and keeping them there with a flourish.

But the Danish coach’s skills haven’t yet translated to Tottenham, not in the same manner, not with the same snap and grace.

Tottenham are 11th in the league standings, and they have two points from their past five matches. Home ground misery has spilt from last season into the new campaign, and this is forming the crux of a general air of frustration that may threaten Frank’s tenure if he does not find a solution quickly.

Much has been made of the north Londoners’ creative problems this season, but Frank’s resilient and organised defensive structure is also leaving something to be desired, prompting Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici to start searching for reinforcements.

Spurs searching for a defender

Frank’s well-ordered system lends itself to stability in the Premier League. He is not known as an attack-centric coach, but the rises of Bryan Mbeumo, Ivan Toney and Yoane Wissa bear testament to his man-management skills and tactical expertise across the board.

But it’s clear that Tottenham need more high-quality depth at the rear, with questionable recruitment in recent years leading to a lopsided outfit that quite simply doesn’t boast the wider quality to challenge at the very top of the division.

Burnley

28

28.8

West Ham

28

23.1

Nott’m Forest

22

21.3

Leeds

26

19.7

Tottenham

18

19.5

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are talented centre-halves, but the pool is shallow beneath them, and that’s why Tottenham are gearing up for a winter raid on a Premier League rival.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are preparing an ambitious £40m bid for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who has been among the standouts for Fabian Hurzeler this season.

The Dutchman is physical and technically dynamic, and given that he is contracted to the AMEX until 2027, now represents the perfect time to strike.

What Van Hecke would offer Spurs

Van Hecke, 25 years old, has been at Brighton since signing from NAC Breda in 2022, spending his first two years out on loan and since featuring 107 times across all competitions. He was immense last term, earning praise for his “unbelievable season” from his manager.

You may have seen Van Hecke’s name crop up in recent days. He netted a brace during Brighton’s frantic 4-3 defeat to winning machine Aston Villa, emulating both Romero and Van de Ven in that regard.

Standing at 6 foot 2 and with a limber frame, the Netherlands native is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and athletic centre-backs in the Premier League, ranking among the top 5% of positional peers in the division this season for goals scored, the top 21% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

This underscores both his athleticism and proactivity on the ball. In this, he shares traits with Romero, who has scored three times but also assisted two goals across all competitions this year.

But the central point here is that Van Hecke is good enough to start; he would not move to the capital and play under Frank only to languish on the fringes.

Romero is the captain and a real talismanic force for a squad in need of guidance, but given Van Hecke’s enterprising passing and willingness to run, might he threaten countryman Van de Ven’s place in the starting line-up?

Matches (starts)

13 (13)

14 (14)

Goals

3

3

Assists

0

0

Touches*

69.2

86.4

Accurate passes*

53.2 (91%)

62.6 (87%)

Dribbles*

0.3

0.1

Ball recoveries*

3.7

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

2.5

Clearances*

3.5

5.1

Duels (won)*

3.4 (51%)

5.6 (60%)

Errors

2

1

Van de Ven simply isn’t winning enough duels this season. He is an elite athletic profile and a force to be reckoned with, but there is gas in the tank he is not burning right now, and a true challenger for his starting spot could jumpstart him into action.

Then again, Van Hecke does have the quality to nail down a berth, with former striker Pierre van Hooijdonk actually describing him as a “positively crazy” defender, something that can work in your favour as a centre-back, if harnessed effectively.

This Romero-esque player could prove a jackpot signing for Tottenham if signed, not only deepening Frank’s options but also enriching the quality of a team that has more to give.

Spurs star is becoming Frank's own version of Kane & he's not even a forward

This Tottenham star is becoming a talismanic force for Frank’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

Bangladesh’s death-over expert was instrumental in their victories in their previous two games in the Asia Cup

Mohammad Isam and Shiva Jayaraman23-Sep-20254:47

Chopra: India lives in Bangladesh’s head rent free

Mustafizur Rahman equalling Shakib Al Hasan’s national record of 149 T20I wickets validates his stature as Bangladesh’s best bowler in the format. Seventy of those 149 wickets have come in the death overs (16-20) – the most by any bowler in this phase in men’s T20Is.He took 3 for 20 with his left-arm pace in Bangladesh’s first Super Four match of the Asia Cup, against Sri Lanka; his two wickets in the 19th over kept the opponents down to a target which his team’s batters were able to achieve. In the game before that, Mustafizur had taken 3 for 28, successfully spearheading Bangladesh’s defence of 154 against Afghanistan to earn two crucial points.Related

• Bangladesh solve the middle-overs riddle

• India go in as strong favourites against upbeat Bangladesh

Mustafizur is a proven death-overs specialist: in the last 18 months, he has an economy rate of 3.0 while bowling the 19th over. He’s done it over six matches, an incredible feat regardless of the opposition. For context, Jasprit Bumrah’s economy in the 19th over during this period is 6.5.His mix of offcutters from over the wicket that went away from the right-hand batter was all the rage when Mustafizur emerged in 2015. Even R Ashwin wondered how he managed to bowl that cutter and still got the ball to carry to the wicketkeeper standing back.Shoulder injuries, however, forced Mustafizur to expand his skills. Between 2019 and 2021, he worked with fast-bowling coaches Ottis Gibson and Allan Donald to bring the ball back into the right-hand batter. In recent years, he worked hard on angling the ball across the right-hand batters with his left-arm angle at decent pace, but mixing it up with offcutters.Mustafizur Rahman needs one wicket to become Bangladesh’s top wicket-taker in T20Is•Associated PressMustafizur has the second-best economy rate (7.94) among bowlers with at least 50 wickets from overs 16 to 20 in T20Is. When narrowed down to matches between Full Member nations, Mustafizur still has the second-best economy rate (6.48) in the death overs, behind Bumrah, since April 2024. To be anywhere near Bumrah is impressive.Mustafizur’s career has had ebbs and flows since his debut across formats in 2015. He is no longer picked for Tests and he isn’t as impactful in ODIs as he is in T20Is. Like most bowlers, he’s had his struggles against particular batters and he could face one of them against India on Wednesday. Hardik Pandya has a T20 strike rate of 212.50 against Mustafizur since 2024, and poses a threat to his death-over effectiveness.Ahead of the game, Bangladesh’s head coach Phil Simmons said Mustafizur was now the leader of the attack. “[Mustafizur] has been bowling really well – he’s been the main bowler,” Simmons said. “And he’s carrying that mantle of being the senior bowler on the team. And even in meetings and everything, he’s really stepping up. So it’s great to see him performing out there.”In his debut IPL season, in 2016, Mustafizur Rahman won the Emerging Player award•BCCIBefore the Sri Lanka game, Bangladesh’s fast-bowling coach Shaun Tait had said he tries to keep Mustafizur comfortable to get the best out of him. “He has all the experience; he doesn’t need me to talk to him too much about the way he’s bowling,” Tait said. “If he’s in an environment where he’s happy, I think he’ll perform well. My job with him is just to make sure he’s happy and confident. The rest he takes care of himself.”Many of the world’s best T20 bowlers have honed their skills in franchise leagues around the world, and Mustafizur has been among the busiest Bangladesh players on the circuit. After playing the BPL in 2015-16, his first T20 tournament, he represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2016, winning the Emerging Player award after taking 17 wickets in his debut season. He also had successful IPL seasons in 2021 and 2024, taking 14 wickets in each year for Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. Apart from the BPL and IPL, he has also played in the Vitaility Blast, PSL and LPL. While he’s built up his experience, his performance has been a rung or two below the A-listers, and hence he doesn’t evoke the same aura.For Bangladesh, Mustafizur is their go-to bowler at the death. He usually bowls his first over in the powerplay, his second in the middle overs, before returning for two overs at the end. His record against India reads eight wickets at an average of 57.37 and economy rate of 9.4. He will need to improve on that for Bangladesh to upset the reigning T20 World Cup champions.

Chelsea and Enzo Maresca face their sternest examination yet when Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Maresca’s side enter the London derby riding a wave of confidence following their stunning 3-0 Champions League demolition of Barcelona on Tuesday night.

The emphatic victory showcased Chelsea’s evolution from early-season inconsistency into genuine contenders, with teenage sensation Estevao’s spectacular solo goal providing a potential glimpse of the exciting future being built in west London.

However, Arsenal represent an entirely different proposition.

Mikel Arteta’s men arrive at the Bridge unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Chelsea, not to mention 16 games unbeaten overall since losing to Liverpool in August.

The Blues currently trail Arsenal by six points in the Premier League table, meaning Sunday’s clash carries enormous significance for their title ambitions.

Victory would reduce that deficit to three points and encourage realistic title hopes, while defeat would establish a potentially irrecoverable nine-point gap to the leaders with barely a third of the season completed.

Maresca faces crucial selection decisions, particularly surrounding Cole Palmer’s fitness.

Chelsea have already signed "the next Cristiano Ronaldo" for half of his release clause

He could be their next Estevao-esque talent.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 27, 2025

Chelsea have done well to cope without their superstar player, but reports have suggested that Palmer could be in contention to face Arsenal after breaking his toe recently.

The England international has been out since Chelsea’s defeat to Man United at Old Trafford in September, first being kept out by a niggling groin problem before then suffering that toe injury earlier this month.

It’s been a nightmare start to 25/26 for Palmer personally, with the Englishman desperate to get back on the field.

Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer update ahead of Arsenal clash

Now, in some good news for the Blues, Maresca has confirmed that Palmer is ready to start against Arsenal this weekend.

In more good news, Maresca also confirmed that midfielder and summer signing Dario Essugo also took part in a training session this morning.

Palmer’s availability for Sunday’s clash provides Chelsea with their most potent weapon against the Premier League leaders, coming as a big boost for Maresca.

The 23-year-old has been instrumental in Chelsea’s transformation under Maresca, providing the sheer quality that elevates their attacking play.

The former Man City star racked up 18 goals and 14 assists last term, spearheading Chelsea to the Conference League, Club World Cup and a top four Premier League finish.

His composure in decisive moments separates him from Chelsea’s other attacking options, and against high-pressure opponents like Arsenal, Palmer’s calmness on the ball and intelligent decision-making will prove invaluable.

Suddenly, Chelsea’s chances of upsetting Arteta have just increased tenfold.

Orla Prendergast claims three wickets as hosts subside once again at Chelmsford

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Sep-2025The Blaze 59 for 0 (S Bryce 33*) beat Essex 211 (Smale 41, Prendergast 3-43) by 35 runs (DLS) Orla Prendergast led the wickets charge as The Blaze won a rain-affected encounter with Essex at Chelmsford to book a home semi-final at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.Prendergast took 3 for 43, including a momentum shifting double strike to help bowl out the hosts for 211. Her efforts were ably supported by Lucy Higham’s 2 for 33 and some outstanding out-fielding, typified by Kathryn’s Bryce’s run-out of Ariana Dowse.Six of Essex’s batters reached double figures, but only Sophia Smale (41) got beyond 40, Jo Gardner making a run-a-ball 36. The pair added 52 for the seventh wicket after the hosts collapsed from 104 for 2 to 133 for 6.Blaze openers Sarah Bryce (33 not out) and Georgie Boyce had knocked 59 off the target in 11.2 overs when the weather closed in.Dowse and skipper Grace Scrivens gave the hosts a a solid start, the former caressing one through the covers and driving another square for four. Scrivens reached 16 before mishitting a half-tracker from opposite number Kirstie Gordon to square leg and a brilliant pick up and throw from Katherine Bryce ran out Dowse for 20.The response to the double setback was good with Lissy Macleod (30) and Lancashire loanee Liberty Heap (33) targeting the straight boundaries in a stand of 59 at almost a run a ball. Essex looked poised to push on, but Heath’s demise, top edging a short one from Prendergast to midwicket sparked a mid-innings slump.Flo Miller was another Prendergast victim and when Higham sent Macleod packing courtesy of a stunning caught and bowled, three wickets had fallen for six runs in 16 balls.Higham then bowled Amara Carr with a beauty, before Smale and Gardner rallied the home side’s flagging effort, the latter striking the ball powerfully back past the bowler in the mid-on/mid-off arc.But before they could entertain hopes of a score of 250, Prendergast splayed Gardner’s stumps and thereafter only Smale who was last out held up The Blaze for long.The bad weather was closing in by the time The Blaze began their reply, Sarah Bryce and Georgie Boyce immediately showing aggressive intent. Bryce hit Gray for the only six of the match while Boyce three times struck the ball firmly to the fence along the floor.By the time rain drove the players from the field enough overs had been completed to constitute a match and The Blaze were a mile ahead on the DLS and looking forward to a semi-final.

Gabriel Jesus will reportedly not be registered in Arsenal's Champions League squad for the league phase of the competition as Cristhian Mosquera's injury is worse than originally feared. The Brazilian is coming back from a serious knee injury that has kept him out since the start of the year but just as he nears a first-team return, it seems the forward has been dealt a new blow.

Long road to recovery for Jesus

The former Manchester City man sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee back in January and he has not played for Mikel Arteta's team since. The 28-year-old featured in a behind-closed-doors match late last month, prompting manager Mikel Arteta to deliver an optimistic view on his condition.

"Very good. He's doing everything with the team at the moment for the last almost two weeks. We're going to give him some exposure as well internally with some games, so he gets that fitness. But he looks really good in training, and he's going to be a big addition to the team," he said.

Then, last week, he played for the Gunners' under-21s as he steps up his comeback. It is not yet certain when he will play for Arsenal's first team again but it is likely to be in the coming weeks. However, it appears he won't be involved with their Champions League campaign for the time being.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesMosquera's injury setback

During Arsenal's 2-0 win over Brentford last week, centre-back Mosquera picked up an ankle injury, meaning he joins fellow defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba on the sidelines. 

After that game, Arteta said on the summer signing: "He’s going to be out for weeks. Unfortunately, it’s much more than what we expected, the way he was feeling. So, he’s going to be out for weeks."

He was absent for Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend, with right-back Jurrien Timber partnering Piero Hincapie at the heart of the Gunners' defence. Now, according to Football London journalist Tom Canton, Mosquera's injury is worse than first hoped. As a result, Jesus will not be registered for the league phase of the Champions League but he could feature if they make it to the knockout rounds. Canton previously noted that a UEFA rule change allowed clubs to submit a temporary replacement of an outfield player who is ruled out for an extended period of time with a long-term injury or illness, but this is only applicable up until the sixth matchday, which was Arsenal's trip to Club Brugge on Wednesday. But it appears Arsenal have opted against registering Jesus for this upcoming fixture.

Arsenal setbacks continue

On top of Arsenal's mounting injury list, particularly in defence, Arteta's side suffered an agonising stoppage-time loss to Villa on Saturday. Naturally, the Spaniard admitted this defeat was hard to take.

He told BBC Match of the Day: "Very painful, especially after all the effort in the match. It was an open game. Congratulations to Aston Villa, they are a really good side. We conceded a big chance in the first half with Matty Cash's goal. We had some dominance in the second half. I had the feeling we were going to win the game, so to lose it in the manner we did is painful. Eighteen games unbeaten, you lose a game and that's what it is – this is football. It is what it is. We had a big chance when Declan [Rice] put the ball across for Noni [Madueke], they then won a throw-in at the other end and got the goal. That's football and the quality of this league."

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AFPWhat comes next for Arsenal?

The north London team, who are top of the table in Europe's elite competition, face Club Brugge, Inter Milan and Kairat in their remaining Champions League group phase games. Sandwiched in between those fixtures are Premier League matches against Wolves, Everton, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Villa, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.

Ahead of the next contest, Arteta added: "The level of consistency the boys have shown in this period is incredible, so I only have thoughts to think we can do it again."

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A Argentina enfrenta a Costa Rica nesta terça-feira (26), em um amistoso internacional no Estádio Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, em Los Angeles, nos Estados Unidos. A partida está marcada para começar às 23h50 (horário de Brasília) e terá transmissão do Sportv.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasNotíciasColoque R$100 e ganhe mais de R$500 se você acredita no triunfo da Argentina sobre a Costa RicaNotícias26/03/2024Futebol NacionalSem Messi, Argentina vence El Salvador com tranquilidade em amistosoFutebol Nacional22/03/2024Futebol InternacionalDesconvocado da seleção argentina, Messi está fora da partida do Inter Miami; entendaFutebol Internacional22/03/2024

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Durante a Data Fifa, a Argentina venceu El Salvador por 3 a 0, enquanto a Costa Rica venceu Honduras por 3 a 1.

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Confira abaixo todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto da Argentina com a Costa Rica (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
Argentina x Costa Rica – Amistoso

🗓️ Data e horário: terça-feira, 26 de março de 2024, às 23h50 (hora de Brasília)
📍 Local: Estádio Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, em Los Angeles, nos Estados Unidos
📺 Onde assistir: Sportv

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➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários da Sul-Americana

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

ARGENTINA (Técnico: Lionel Scaloni)
Emiliano Martínez; Nehuén Perez, Cristian Romero, Tagliafico e Nico González; Leandro Paredes, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández e De Paul; Julián Álvarez e Lautaro Martínez

COSTA RICA (Técnico: Gustavo Alfaro.)
Keylor Navas; Taylor, Arboine, Cascante, Calvo e Mora; Galo, Campbell, Zamora e Brenes; Ugalde

Tudo sobre

ArgentinaSeleção Argentina

Chelsea are in conversation with the representatives of a defender as midfielder Moises Caicedo offers his opinion on the potential transfer, according to a new report.

Chelsea play Bournemouth after Leeds United blow

Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon desperately seeking a response to their shock midweek defeat at Leeds, with Enzo Maresca’s title credentials under scrutiny after a damaging loss that left them nine points adrift of Arsenal.

The Blues suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss at Elland Road on Wednesday, falling two goals behind by halftime before Pedro Neto’s second-half strike proved insufficient.

The defeat represented their second loss to newly-promoted opposition this season, raising fresh doubts about their ability to maintain consistency and challenge Mikel Arteta for the Premier League.

Bournemouth present a challenge despite their own recent struggles.

The Cherries have endured a miserable November without a single victory, collecting just one point from four games while conceding 12 goals.

Tuesday’s narrow 1-0 home defeat to Everton extended their winless streak to five matches and marked their first loss at the Vitality Stadium all campaign.

Andoni Iraola’s side have plummeted from second to 14th during this barren spell, though they remain only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with significant room for optimism.

The hosts have collected 14 of their 19 Premier League points on home soil this season, establishing the Vitality as a fortress until Everton’s breakthrough.

Chelsea arrive as clear favourites based on superior stats and historical dominance, having won 15 of 23 meetings between the two clubs.

However, the visitors face selection headaches, with Caicedo still serving his suspension after picking up five yellow cards.

The Ecuadorian’s absence is a significant blow given his pivotal role protecting the defence, and Caicedo’s presence was sorely missed against Leeds.

Related Fabrizio Romano says 24-year-old has now played his last game for Chelsea

He doesn’t have a future in west London.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2025

Chelsea boast the division’s best away attacking record with 15 goals in seven games, averaging over two goals per match. Yet, their vulnerability without Caicedo was exposed ruthlessly by Leeds, with the midfield lacking its usual protection.

While the £150,000-per-week star continues to sit out, he’s at least making himself useful in other ways.

Chelsea hold talks with Joel Ordonez as Moises Caicedo offers opinion

That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report on Chelsea’s serious interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

Chelsea have renewed contact with Ordonez’s representatives in recent weeks as they intensify their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with Caicedo also offering behind-the-scenes ‘thoughts’ about his former Independiente del Valle teammate.

The west Londoners are said to have tracked him since before his 2023 move to Belgium, maintaining long-standing interest in the player.

Caicedo and Ordonez developed their friendship during their time together at Independiente’s famed South American academy, and have remained close through international duty.

The Chelsea midfielder now appears to be playing agent, giving his verdict on Ordonez to the club’s hierarchy.

Liverpool represent significant competition for Ordonez’s signature, though.

Arne Slot’s side have monitored him closely over the past year as they desperately seek solutions to their defensive crisis. The Reds initially prioritised Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but understand he will not depart Selhurst Park during January, forcing them to explore alternative options.

Crucially, both Club Brugge and Ordonez himself are open to a winter transfer, with England emerging as the most likely destination.

Fresh discussions between the player’s camp and Chelsea have taken place recently, building on months of established communication channels, but Man City and Tottenham are also keen.

City and Spurs have shown admiration for Ordonez, closely assessing him in recent weeks as they evaluate their own defensive requirements.

However, Chelsea and Liverpool currently lead the race after laying more groundwork, and perhaps Caicedo’s presence could prove key here in the race for Ordonez’s signature.

MatériaMais Notícias

Avaí e Goiás se enfrentam nesta segunda-feira (27), às 21h30, na Ressacada, pela sétima rodada da Série B do Brasileirão. A partida contará com transmissão do Sportv e Premiere (clique aqui para assinar o Premiere por 30 dias grátis!)

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Confira todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre Guarani e Paysandu (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅FICHA TÉCNICA
Avaí x Goiás
Série B – Sétima rodad

Data e horário: segunda-feira, 27 de maio de 2024, às 21h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Ressacada, em Florianópolis (SC)
Onde assistir: Premiere, SporTV
Árbitro: Anderson Daronco (FIFA-RS)
Assistentes: Jorge Eduardo Bernardi (RS) e Michael Stanislau (RS)

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES:

AVAÍ (Técnico: Gilmar del Pozzo)
César; Marcos Vinícius, Tiago Pagnussat, Vilar e Mário Sérgio; Willian Maranhão, Ronaldo Henrique, Pedro Castro, Giovanni e Mauricio Garcez; Gabriel Poveda.

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GOIÁS (Técnico: Márcio Zanardi)
Tadeu; Diego, Lucas Ribeiro, David Cruz, Edson e Cristiano; Welliton, Marcão Silva, Juninho (Rafael Gava) e Paulo Baya; Thiago Galhardo

كشف محمد رمضان، المدير الرياضي السابق للنادي الأهلي، عن كواليس الأزمة التي نشبت بينه وبين محمود عبد المنعم كهربا خلال بطولة كأس السوبر قبل الماضية في الإمارات، والتي انتهت بقرار ترحيل اللاعب إلى القاهرة قبل تتويج الأهلي باللقب.

وقال رمضان في تصريحاته عبر برنامج “الناظر” على قناة “النهار”: “بعد مباراة سيراميكا كليوباترا، دخل كولر ليتحدث مع اللاعبين ويهنئهم على الأداء في المباراة الأولى وعلى النتيجة، بينما كهربا لم يشارك، فقام كهربا بتجاوز في حق المدير الفني”.

وتابع: “طلبت منه أن يلتزم الصمت، فصدر منه لفظ ما، ليس لفظًا نابياً حتى لا يفهم الناس الأمر بشكل خاطئ، لكنه لفظ لا يجوز أن يصدر أمام اللاعبين، لذلك كان لا بد من اتخاذ موقف”.

وأشار: “الخصم أمر معتاد، وكنت لا أزال جديدًا، وهذه أول عقوبة أتخذها، وعلى أساسها سيُقيّم اللاعبون طريقة عملي، القرار كان قاسيًا، لكنه كان ضروريًا”.

وأضاف: “لم أعد إلى الكابتن محمود الخطيب قبل اتخاذ قراري، فأنا صاحب القرار، وهو لم يراجعني فيه، أبلغت رئيس البعثة بالقرار، وطلبت أن يتم حجز تذكرة سفر له ليعود إلى مصر”.

وأشار رمضان إلى رد فعل اللاعب قائلًا: “كهربا كان مصدومًا من القرار، وعندما عدنا إلى مصر قدّم اعتذارًا، فقلت له: أنت لم تخطئ في حقي، بل أخطأت في حق زملائك وفي حق المدير الفني، أريدك أن تعتذر لهم”.

وأضاف: “واعتذر لهم، وهذا ليس ضعفًا منه، لأن الاعتذار يمنع حدوث فجوة بينه وبين المدير الفني، ويمنع أن يتخذ منه موقفًا، وذهب بالفعل للاعتذار للاعبين وللجهاز الفني”.

وأوضح: “بعد ذلك، قام كولر بإشراكه في المباريات، واحترمت هذا القرار، بل فاجأني أنه دفع به في المباراة التالية مباشرة بعد العقوبة، رغم أنه كان من المفترض أن يبتعد قليلًا كنوع من العقاب، لكنه أشركه في ثاني مباراة”.

وشدد: “وجهة نظري كانت أن اللاعب أخطأ، وكان ينبغي أن يعاقب لفترة أطول ليكون عبرة لبقية اللاعبين، لكنني لم أتدخل في قرارات المدير الفني”.

طالع أيضًا | محمد رمضان يكشف عن علاقته المتوترة بـ كولر والجدال الكبير قبل خروج الأهلي أمام صن داونز

وتطرّق محمد رمضان إلى ملف التجديدات داخل النادي الأهلي، حيث قال: “كنت من أنصار ألا أنتظر اللاعب حتى يدخل عامه الأخير ليجدد عقده، بل من المفترض قبل ذلك بعامين أو ثلاثة أن أقيم اللاعب: كيف هو أداؤه؟ كم يبلغ عمره؟ وكيف يبدو متوسط أعمار الفريق ككل؟ فأنا بالنسبة للاعبين أنظر إلى مجموعة من المعايير مجتمعة”.

واستطرد: “ومن ضمن اللاعبين الذين كنا نجدد لهم محمد الشناوي وياسر إبراهيم، فكنا نجلس لنجري المفاوضات، وهذا حق للاعبين، هناك من يستغرب عندما أقول إنني ألتمس للّاعب العذر، حتى لو كان يحصل على ملايين، فاللاعب تنتهي علاقته بكرة القدم عندما يعتزل”.

وأشار: “اللاعب يكون عادة في أوائل الثلاثينات، فكيف سيكون دخله بعد ذلك؟ الأمر صعب، ثم إن أجيالنا عندما نحسب الأمر، نجد أنه في كل عقد يظهر ألف لاعب، وبعد اعتزالهم، كم لاعبًا يبقى موجودًا على الساحة؟ عدد قليل جدًا لا يُذكر، ولذلك أشعر بتعاطف نسبي مع اللاعبين”.

وأكد: “والمهم أن الشناوي وياسر، بعد المفاوضات، اتفقنا على رقم ووقّعا على الاستمارات، ووقعا على بياض، وعندما رحلتُ، أبلغت الكابتن وليد عندما تولّى منصب مدير الكرة، وأخبرته بأن هؤلاء اللاعبين قد اتفقوا معي على رقم محدد، وذكرتُ له الأرقام، وأنهم وقعوا على بياض، وهذا أمر يُحسب لهم بأمانة”.

وواصل: “أما بالنسبة لمروان عطية، فقد كان متبقّيًا في عقده سنتان أو سنتان ونصف تقريبًا، وكان التجديد معه سهلًا، أنهيت الاتفاق معه، وهو قال: (هل سأحصل على مقدم مبكر؟) فالعقد يتغير من وقت تعديله، ولن يبقى على نفس القيمة، بل أعدّل القيمة وفق مستواه، ولذلك كان الأمر سهلًا”.

واختتم: “وكان من المفترض أن يتم الأمر ذاته وكنت أخطط لفعله مع إمام عاشور، لكنني رحلت قبل ذلك، ولم أتحدث معه، كان هذا هو هدفي، فهو لاعب صغير السن نسبيًا، وكان متبقّيًا في عقده عامان، والعام الأخير يجعل النادي ضعيفًا أمام اللاعب، وهذا ليس في مصلحة النادي، لم أكن أرغب في الوصول إلى تلك المرحلة، خاصة أنه في ذلك الوقت كان أفضل لاعب في مصر بلا شك”.