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Barcelona overturned a first-half deficit to claim a 3-1 win at Real Oviedo, with Robert Lewandowski making a decisive impact off the bench. The striker remains patient over his substitute role but continues to find the net, while Hansi Flick’s tactical tweaks and substitutes, including Frenkie de Jong, proved crucial in securing the comeback.

Lewandowski shines off the bench again

Polish international Lewandowski once again demonstrated his value as a super-sub, scoring five minutes after entering the pitch. The striker met Frenkie de Jong’s perfectly timed header with a precise flicked effort that gave Barcelona the lead. Despite being eased back into match rhythm after preseason injury issues, Lewandowski has now scored three goals off the bench this season, having netted a double against Valencia. It is a big change for the hitman, who is adapting to a new role as a substitute. 

However, he is not concerned by his limited playing time so far, telling reporters: “I’m patient. The most important thing is that if I play, I want to score a goal to help the team. Physically, I feel very good.” 

AdvertisementAFPTactical mastery by Hansi Flick

Flick’s substitutions at half-time, most notably bringing on De Jong for Marc Casado, turned the game in Barca’s favour. The changes stabilised the midfield, improved ball circulation, and allowed Barca to control possession and create decisive chances, highlighting Flick’s adaptability and game-reading ability.

Lewandowski scores off the bench again as Barca win

Despite Alberto Reina’s spectacular first-half strike after a goalkeeping error from Joan Garcia, Oviedo were largely kept at bay. Goalkeeper Aaron Escandell made multiple acrobatic saves, including denying Marcus Rashford and Raphinha, keeping the game competitive before Barca’s superior quality shone through. 

“Yes, Oviedo plays good football, and in the first half we struggled to finish, but in the second we played faster. In the end we scored three goals,” Lewandowski explained.

However, Oviedo remain in the relegation zone with just three points from six games, highlighting the gap between the struggling hosts and the title contenders.

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AFPBarca shines on-field but upcoming fixtures and off-field trouble stays

Barca’s comeback began with Eric Garcia’s equaliser from close range, capitalising on a saved Ferran Torres shot. Lewandowski's header then put the visitors ahead, followed by Ronald Araujo’s late finish from Marcus Rashford’s corner. The result extended the Blaugrana’s unbeaten start to the season. They have scored in their last 26 league matches, a feat they have only previously matched between November 2020 and May 2021.

The Catalans will host Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, continuing their temporary home stint while they await permission to return to Camp Nou. The Catalans aim to consolidate their position near the top of La Liga and maintain scoring consistency. Lewandowski, Flick, and the squad will look to sustain momentum ahead of the crucial return to Camp Nou on 18 October against Girona, ensuring the team remains title contenders while managing squad rotation and fitness.

BlueCo have now held direct conversations with the agents of a “top player” to convince him to join Chelsea, it has been revealed.

Blues set for frantic finish to deadline day

There are yet to be any new arrivals at Stamford Bridge on deadline day, but after a recent twist, a high-profile departure could be on the cards, with Nicholas Jackson back on his way to Bayern Munich, after the deal was called off on Sunday.

The Blues have reached an agreement with Sunderland to recall Marc Guiu from his loan, with the Spaniard set to deputise for Joao Pedro, should Jackson depart, with Liam Delap set for a spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

Another area in which Enzo Maresca has been keen to strengthen is attacking midfield, with a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s Facundo Buonanotte already agreed, while the manager has also held talks over a deal for Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez.

That is according to journalist Ben Jacobs (via TEAMtalk), with the reporter stating BlueCo have personally been in contact with Lopez’s agents to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge, saying: “Fermin Lopez’s situation is that Chelsea predominantly in the last week worked on the player side only, Enzo Maresca spoke to the player directly, and there were several conversations between the agent of Fermin Lopez and the Chelsea hierarchy.

“That followed a bid which was around €40million. The player would have to go to Barcelona and say I want out – that hasn’t happened.

“Number two, Chelsea’s offer would have to be in excess of €60million. So I don’t think this one is live or likely at the moment, but like I say with Chelsea, you can never say never.”

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ByKelan Sarson Sep 1, 2025 "Top player" Lopez could be fantastic late signing

Scout Jacek Kulig has provided an overview of the Barca star’s abilities in the past, describing him as an “advanced playmaker”, who is similar to former Chelsea attacking midfielder Oscar.

Much like the Brazilian, the 22-year-old flourishes when it comes to setting up chances for his teammates, having amassed ten assists for Barcelona in all competitions last season, while also providing eight goals.

Given the Spaniard’s age, and the fact he has already established himself as a first-team regular for Barcelona, it could be worth shelling out the €60m (£52m) required to get a deal over the line, but they will have to move swiftly.

With the transfer window closing at 7pm, Chelsea are at risk of missing out on Lopez, which would be disappointing, given that he has been described as a “top player” by former Barcelona boss Xavi.

Everton enter the new Premier League season with a clear priority: finding a dynamic winger capable of slotting straight into David Moyes’ starting lineup.

The club’s summer so far has been a mix of arrivals and departures as Moyes attempts to reshape the squad after a campaign that saw the team rise to mid-table after a tough start.

Already this summer, Everton have strengthened multiple positions.

Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers has arrived to act as a back-up to England No.1 Jordan Pickford, while Carlos Alcaraz’s loan from Flamengo was made permanent.

Forward Thierno Barry joins with the potential to develop into a key attacking contributor.

However, undoubtedly the most high-profile arrival is Jack Grealish, the England international acquired on loan from Manchester City, whose creativity could immediately influence games at Goodison Park.

Everton assessing Dibling alternative

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Ashley Young have all departed on free transfers after their contracts expired, leaving gaps in the squad that need addressing.

This, coupled with Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom returning to their parent clubs, leaves the wide areas somewhat thin.

Transfer Focus

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

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This has made Moyes’ pursuit of a new wide attacker an urgent priority, especially one capable of taking defenders on, creating scoring opportunities, and contributing goals himself.

According to BBC Reporter Giulia Bould, Everton are “now looking” at 21-year-old England U21 international Omari Hutchinson, following their unsuccessful pursuit of Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.

Hutchinson, described by Chelsea insider Felix Johnstone as a “special talent,” made 31 Premier League appearances last season, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 2,593 minutes of action.

Hutchinson moved to Ipswich on a permanent deal in 2024 for around £20m and has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young attacking talents in England, now valued at £35m by his club.

Capped ten times at U21 level, he was part of the England squad that won a second consecutive U21 European Championship in Slovakia, highlighting his pedigree on the international stage.

This interest in Hutchinson comes after Everton’s protracted and ultimately stalled negotiations with Southampton over Tyler Dibling.

The 19-year-old English winger, highly rated for his ability to take defenders on and create opportunities, has attracted attention from Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich.

Southampton’s valuation of £45m plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause, however, has proven prohibitive.

Dibling has been training away from the first team and is expected to hold talks with the club regarding his future imminently.

Hutchinson provides Everton with a potential alternative who offers many of the same attributes that made Dibling so appealing.

Comparing the two: Dibling vs Hutchinson

Versatile across multiple positions, Hutchinson combines technical ability and creativity, making him a constant threat.

Statistically, Dibling and Hutchinson offer intriguing points of comparison.

Dibling vs Hutchinson – PL 2024/24

Player

Overall G/A

Goals

Assists

Dibling

5

2

3

Hutchinson

3

2

1

Source: FBref

While both operate primarily as wingers, their playing profiles differ slightly.

Dibling is more defensively engaged, drawing 2.44 fouls per 90 minutes compared to Hutchinson’s 1.54 and recording more tackles in the midfield third (0.91 versus 0.56).

He also successfully tackles a higher percentage of dribblers (63% versus 28.7%) and blocks more shots per 90 minutes (0.24 versus 0.09).

These numbers suggest a player more willing to contribute defensively, capable of pressing and disrupting opposition attacks.

Hutchinson, in contrast, shows a slightly stronger attacking output in certain areas.

He attempts 4.77 take-ons per 90 minutes, completing 1.89, compared with Dibling’s 5.36 attempts and 2.20 successes.

While Dibling may be more aggressive in duels, Hutchinson’s dribbling style is composed and creative, often unlocking defences with skilful movement rather than sheer physicality.

He brings vision and a sharp understanding of space, traits that could complement Everton’s midfield and forward lines.

Beyond the statistics, both players offer flexibility.

Hutchinson’s ability to operate on either wing, as an inverted winger or in more central attacking roles, mirrors Dibling’s versatility and makes him a valuable asset in Moyes’ tactical system.

Everton’s desire for a winger capable of contributing immediately, both in terms of goals and creativity, makes Hutchinson a compelling alternative after the club’s inability to secure Dibling.

Ultimately, Everton appear to have identified Hutchinson as a player who combines, albeit limited Premier League experience, youth international credentials, and attacking quality within a budget-friendly framework.

With departures leaving the wide areas depleted, Moyes’ pursuit of a winger who can replicate Dibling’s potential impact is logical, offering the team a creative spark capable of changing games in the early stages of the season.

Everton’s opening fixture against Leeds at Elland Road offers an early opportunity for Moyes to integrate any new wide attacker and immediately benefit from a player capable of stretching defences, creating chances, and contributing directly to goals.

As the transfer window continues, Hutchinson’s arrival could signal Everton’s intent to compete more aggressively, restore attacking dynamism, and provide Moyes with the tactical options required to challenge for higher Premier League positions.

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Grace Harris had cut loose for defending champions Brisbane Heat but it wasn’t enough while the second game of the day provided an upset

AAP02-Nov-2024

Danni Wyatt-Hodge set up Hobart Hurricanes’ chase•Getty Images

. “Just play attacking cricket but being smart about it. I thought that was probably about par. We knew we could chase that if we put our minds to it and get our heads down. Me and Lizzie just wanted to make the most of the powerplay and stick to our strengths … keep things simple and play aggressive cricket.”Lee’s dismissal for 38 failed to curb the momentum of Wyatt-Hodge, who struck six fours and three sixes in her game-changing innings. Heat removed Nicola Carey, victim to a sensational catch from Nadine de Klerk, and Wyatt-Hodge then continued to rally, leaving Hobart with a tricky equation of 33 runs from the final three overs.Legspinner Grace Parsons’ economical haul of 1 for 15 from four overs, including the all-important scalp of Wyatt-Hodge, gave Heat genuine hope of victory. But Elyse Villani’s reverse-swept boundary, her second four in a dramatic final over delivered by Charli Knott, secured the win.Courtney Webb led Melbourne Renegades’ chase•Getty Images

Melbourne Renegades’ comfortable triumph over Perth Scorchers could prove one of the shocks of this season. Beaten in both of their opening games and wooden-spooners last year, Renegades bowled superbly to have heavyweights Scorchers all out for 140.Sophie Molineux was particularly brilliant with a tournament-best 4 for 17 from her four overs, bowling Amy Jones and Chloe Piparo in the middle before helping clean up the tail.All 10 of the Scorchers’ wickets fell to spin, with Hayley Matthews, Alice Capsey and Georgia Wareham taking two each as the pressure continually told.Beth Mooney hit 36 up top for the Scorchers, but after she fell trying to scoop Capsey it was only Alana King (26 off 15) that truly got going.Renegades then made light work of the chase, with Courtney Webb hitting Chloe Ainsworth over the long-on rope in the first over and taking 12 off the next from spinner Lilly Mills.In her 79th WBBL match, Webb finished with her highest score of 61, dominating a 102-run opening stand with Matthews that helped Renegades to victory with 14 balls to spare.The result leaves Sydney Thunder top of the ladder ahead of Heat with two wins and one loss, while two-time defending champions Adelaide Strikers are last with a 1-2 record early in the shortened 10-round season.

تحدث ديكو، المدير الرياضي لنادي برشلونة عن أهداف الموسم الحالي للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بقيادة هانز فليك ومواجهة باريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وأجري ديكو حوارًا مطولًا مع صحيفة “لانس” البرازيلية، كشف خلاله أبرز ملفات فريق كرة القدم وتجديد اللاعبين ومدى ترابطهم بالمدرب هانز فليك وطموحات الفريق للموسم الحالي.

وقال ديكو عن أهداف الموسم الحالي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “هناك العديد من الفرق التي عززت صفوفها بشكل ممتاز، مثل ليفربول الذي تعاقد مع لاعبين جدد، وريال مدريد أيضًا، الفرق كلها أفضل، علينا أن نكون أقوياء للغاية إذا أردنا التأهل إلى النهائي”.

وأكمل: “باريس سان جيرمان فريق رائع، لقد نجحوا في بناء فريق قوي في السنوات الأخيرة، وأجروا التعاقدات المناسبة، ولديهم مدرب أحبه حقًا، يتميز بالتنافسية والجدية، وهم من أبرز المرشحين للفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا مجددًا، ستكون مباراة جيدة وجذابة للجمهور لكنها أقرب إلى مباراة تأهيلية”.

وأردف: “علينا أن نتعامل مع كل مباراة على حدة، لا جدوى من الحلم بدوري أبطال أوروبا إذا لم نتجاوز دور المجموعات، إنها مباراة جيدة لكننا سنسعى جاهدين لحصد النقاط لتحقيق هدفنا وهو التأهل”.

وعن تغيير معايير دوري أبطال أوروبا والذي يسمح لأصحاب المركز الأول والثاني في مرحلة الدوري بالاحتفاظ بأفضلية اللعب على أرضهما حتى نصف النهائي: “أعتقد أن الموسم الماضي كان غير عادل في المباريات خارج أرضنا، لقد فُقدت ميزة التواجد بين أفضل 8 فرق لفترة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ديكو يتحدث عن مستقبل دي يونج وليفاندوفسكي ويؤكد: لاعب برشلونة رحل من باب الامتنان

واستطرد: “لعبنا جميع مباريات الإياب تقريبًا من دور المجموعات خارج أرضنا مثل ربع النهائي ونصف النهائي، كنت أعتقد أن أفضل الفرق يجب أن تتمتع بهذه الميزة، لقد صححوا ذلك هذا العام لذلك هناك دائمًا مجال للتحسين لكنني معجب بهذا النموذج”.

وعن فترة تدريب تشافي للفريق: “كان مهمًا في عصره، فقد جلب الاستقرار وحقق الفوز، هذا الانتقال من تشافي إلى هانز، ربما كنا نعتقد آنذاك أننا بحاجة إلى شخص يتمتع بمهارات إدارية مختلفة لأسباب عديدة، أعتقد أنه كان مناسبًا تمامًا في النهاية، سارت الأمور على ما يرام”.

واستطرد: “هانز فليك مدرب عصري، عمل لفترة طويلة كمدرب مساعد في المنتخب الألماني، حقق نجاحًا باهرًا مع ألمانيا ثم مع بايرن، كان بايرن فريقًا يلعب بأسلوب لعب هجومي، وخطة لعب واضحة وهجومية، وهو ما يشبه إلى حد ما فكرة برشلونة”.

وأردف: “يمكن الجدال حول الجودة لكنك لا ترى فريقًا دفاعيًا، تمكن هانز من تحسين وتعظيم إمكانيات اللاعبين الذين كنا نملكهم، أعتقد أن هذا كان مفتاح نجاح الموسم الماضي”.

وعن دور تياجو ألكانتارا كمساعد لـ فليك: “عندما وصل هانز، ساعده لمدة تزيد قليلًا عن شهر، كانت تلك فترة انتقالية بعد رحيله وبفضل العلاقة التي جمعتنا، ضمه هانز إلى الجهاز الفني، وكان بالغ الأهمية في البداية”.

وأتم: “ثم لأسباب شخصية، لم يستطع، إذ كان لا يزال يقيم في إنجلترا، كانت هناك دائمًا إمكانية لعودته وهذا التزام المدرب، ونحن نحترمه، تياجو شخص يعرف النادي جيدًا، شخص جيد، وسيساهم بشكل إيجابي كثيرًا، أعتقد أن سلامة المدرب وراحته أمران أساسيان بالنسبة لنا والنادي يدعمه تمامًا”.

Fast bowler is understood to have made considerable progress in his recovery after an ankle surgery

Shashank Kishore09-Aug-2024India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has made considerable progress in his recovery from an ankle injury that has sidelined him from cricket since the ODI World Cup last November. The hope is that he will be ready to play India’s home season, which begins with a Test series against Bangladesh in September.The selectors have been apprised of Shami’s progress and a decision on whether he should play at least one of the Duleep Trophy matches, beginning on September 5 in Anantapur, to prove his fitness will be taken soon.Shami is currently in his final stages of rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Last month, he had resumed bowling for the first time since his surgery and is understood to have slowly built up his bowling workload after being pain free.Related

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Prior to India’s departure for the tour of Sri Lanka in July, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed Shami had “started to bowl” and the first Test against Bangladesh starting on September 19 in Chennai “was always the goal” for his comeback.”We more or less know who the guys are, there are some injuries at the moment and hope they will be back up,” Agarkar had said. “Shami has started to bowl which is a good sign. September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal. I don’t know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that.”There are so many Tests coming. We will need some depth. Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, these are the obvious ones. But there will be some conversation around it. Got a lot of first-class cricket coming up so we can build guys up like that.”Mohammed Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup•AFP/Getty ImagesLate last month in Kolkata, Shami had expressed hope of playing for Bengal first before returning to the national team, while he took part informally in a few motivational and fitness sessions for the state players.Even if Shami misses some or all of India’s home Tests – two against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand – he still has enough time to build his bowling rhythm for the tour of Australia, for which the team will depart shortly after the third Test against New Zealand ends on November 5. There is the Ranji Trophy beginning in October, following the BCCI’s decision to split the first-class competition into two halves to prevent matches being affected by weather disruptions, especially during winter in north India. India’s A team will also play two first-class games in Australia from October 31, giving Shami plenty of opportunities should he need them.The ankle injury, which came to light soon after the 2023 ODI World Cup, was initially believed to be not so severe. Shami had been included in India’s Test squad for the two-match series in South Africa in December-January subject to fitness. He was subsequently withdrawn from the tour.Shami went back to the NCA in the hope of recovering for the home Tests against England in February-March, but was advised surgery after he experienced continuous swelling on his right ankle, forcing him to miss the series and IPL 2024 for Gujarat Titans.Shami was a key player in India’s run to the final of the ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets in just seven games at an average of 10.70 and strike rate of 12.20.

Aston Villa now want to sign a “world-class” ace from Chelsea who could be a potential replacement for Emi Martinez, according to a recent report.

Latest on Emi Martinez’s future at Aston Villa

Martinez has now not only established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League but also one of the best in world football after his heroics with Aston Villa and his national team. His move to Villa Park back in September 2020 proved to be a real turning point in his career, but despite how good he’s become and the fact he is under contract until 2029, his future at the club is in extreme doubt.

That is because at the beginning of last month it was reported that Unai Emery is ready to move on from the Argentine and sell him this summer. It was reported then that teams from Saudi Arabia were showing the most interest, but now the likes of Manchester United and Atlético Madrid have also expressed significant interest.

Before the season ended, Emery refused to say whether Martinez would still be an Aston Villa player next season.

“We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don’t know. We will see about the team and the players, but of course, they are responding on the field.”

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Martinez has been away with Argentina, helping his country qualify for the World Cup in 2026, and speculation over his future hasn’t gone away, with his wife, Mandinha, speaking about her husband’s tears at Villa’s final home league game.

“He wasn’t in tears. No. Anybody who knows Emi knows he is an emotional character, and that’s who he is. It just shows you how much he loves the Villa fans. I love the Villa fans. We love Villa.”

Aston Villa want to sign Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea

But as Villa still weigh up what to do about Martinez’s future at the club, according to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have registered their interest in signing Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea, after he spent last season on loan in France with Strasbourg.

The report states that Chelsea have now put their goalkeeper up for sale, given the Serbian asked to be left out of the club’s Club World Cup squad, as he wants assurances on regular game time. Chelsea’s decision to sell him has now alerted teams like Aston Villa, who could be in the market for a new number one.

The Villans are not alone in their pursuit though, as Brentford, Wolves, Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Fiorentina have also registered their interest. The report states that the Blues would be looking to get £25 million for Petrovic, which is double the £12.5 million they paid back in August 2023 when they signed him from New England Revolution.

Apps

31

Clean sheets

10

Goals conceded

38

Goals conceded per game

1.2

Saves made per game

3.6 (74%)

Penalties saved

1/8

Passing accuracy per game

36.0 (79%)

Errors leading to shot

1

Errors leading to goal

0

Petrovic finished his campaign on loan with 10 clean sheets in 31 Ligue 1 games, as manager Liam Rosenior labelled his goalkeeper “world-class”.

Much will be made of what new Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin does in the transfer market this summer.

Plenty of the Ibrox faithful are writing him off already, but by making astute signings and winning on the pitch, he will be able to get everyone behind him.

The Light Blues have been linked with a few players in recent weeks. With investment coming from the 49ers, this summer marks a critical turning point for the club.

Dor Turgeman is a striker who the club have reportedly opened talks to sign, while former Wolves centre-back Conor Coady is also a rumoured target this summer.

Both would be solid signings and signify that the club mean business ahead of the 2025/26 season, no doubt about that.

The caveat being, however, that the Gers may have to sell a player or two in the process, especially with several prized assets attracting attention.

Hamza Igamane has been on the radar of Everton since late last year. Indeed, the Toffees even sent scouts to watch him perform against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League.

Mohamed Diomande is another who the Premier League side are reportedly keen on signing this summer. The midfielder enjoyed a solid first full season at Ibrox and now clubs from down south are eyeing him up.

It is Nico Raskin who is attracting the most attention following a stunning campaign in Glasgow, however. Will Martin keep the midfielder for another season? Or might he be tempted to strike when the iron is hot and secure a magnificent profit on the Belgian?

Nico Raskin's 2024/25 season in numbers

Raskin won both the Rangers’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards and both were well deserved indeed.

Despite struggling with an injury through pre-season and having to wait until September to make his first appearance of the campaign, Raskin made up for lost time.

He began dominating games alongside Diomande at the heart of the pitch and was even made captain when James Tavernier was injured. He led the club to an impressive 3-0 Old Firm victory at the turn of the year, before scoring and assisting in the same fixture a few months later.

That 3-2 win was the Light Blues’ first at Parkhead since October 2020 and his leadership qualities were regularly on display.

In the top flight, the former Standard Liege starlet not only registered 14 goal contributions, but he also created nine big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game.

For someone typically known for his defensive output, these attacking statistics are certainly impressive. From a defensive point of view, the Belgian averaged 2.8 tackles per match, along with winning 6.6 total duels and recovering 5.6 balls per game in the Scottish Premiership.

Metric

Premiership

Europa League

Goals

4

1

Assists

10

1

Big chances created

9

1

Tackles per game

2.8

3.7

Total duels won per game

6.6

6.4

This combination of attacking dynamism and tenacity when looking to win the ball back established Raskin as the club’s bright spark last term.

His performances even led to a debut for Belgium and there is no doubt his future lies away from Scotland.

Should Martin cash in this summer, the Light Blues could well target someone who is in a similar mould as a player…

Rangers could land the dream midfield target

Brazilian midfielder Metinho has been eyed as a potential signing for the club this summer, as has former Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark.

Transfer Focus

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

As reported by TEAMtalk earlier this week, however, Rangers are battling several European clubs in the race to sign Colo Colo starlet Vicente Pizarro.

He won the Chilean Primera División in 2022 with his current club, and they are reportedly demanding a fee of around £4m to secure his services.

Given the fact Rangers could lose Diomande or Raskin this summer, signing another midfielder is high on Martin’s priority list.

Pizarro would be an ideal replacement for the Belgian starlet, as he has exuded similar qualities during his stint with Colo Colo.

Why Vicente Pizarro could be Rangers’ next Nico Raskin

Pizarro tends to operate as a defensive midfielder for his club, making 19 appearances during the current campaign.

While his attacking statistics may not be as impressive as the ones Raskin registered (four goal contributions in 19 matches), Pizarro has excelled in other areas, especially during the Copa Libertadores.

Indeed, when compared to his peers in South America’s most prestigious club competition, he ranks in the top 11% for passes attempted (66.41) per 90 and in the top 16% for pass completion percentage (88.2%).

Elsewhere, the midfielder even ranks in the top 5% for interceptions (2.18) and in the top 12% for clearances (2.62) per 90 in the competition this season.

These statistics suggest that he could be an excellent like-for-like Raskin replacement. Someone who would be able to slot in seamlessly next to Diomande when the 2025/26 campaign starts.

Pizarro was profiled by analyst and content creator, Kai Watson, amid the reported interest in him last month.

He was even dubbed “impressive” by Ben Mattinson last year following a performance for Colo Colo and it is clear that the midfielder would be an interesting signing.

He played 45 minutes for Chile against Argentina in the recent World Cup qualifier, although he couldn’t prevent his country suffering a 1-0 loss.

Given the fact he is already an established international player at the age of 22, it means Rangers could make a big statement of intent by signing him in the coming weeks.

He could turn out to be another player who the club bring in for a relatively small fee that will secure a massive profit in the coming years.

Much will depend on whether Raskin stays or goes this summer. Whatever happens, being linked with players such as Pizarro is only a good sign.

Thelwell now prioritising Rangers move to sign 20-goal ace who Martin loves

The Gers are ready to get their summer underway.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 7, 2025

Liverpool are on the verge of winning their second-ever Premier League title in the coming weeks, as they sit 13 points clear at the top of the table with just six games left to go.

The Reds have only won the Premier League once in the history of the competition, winning under Jurgen Klopp in the 2019/20 campaign, and are not set to secure their second.

Arne Slot is on course to claim the title in his first season as a manager in England, having arrived from Feyenoord last summer, and he will go down as the latest in a long line of impressive recruits from the Eredivisie.

Liverpool have tapped into the Dutch market for players in the past, whether that has been directly from the Eredivisie or not, and have now done so to find a brilliant manager, having been successful in the past on the playing side of recruitment.

One Dutch recruit, who did not come directly from the top-flight in the Netherlands, was integral to the first Premier League title success, as central midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum played a key role.

Why Wijnaldum was integral to Liverpool's title win

The Netherlands international played 37 of the club’s 38 Premier League matches that season, starting 35 of them, as part of a regular midfield trio of himself, Jordan Henderson, and Fabinho.

Of the players to start at least one game, no Liverpool star completed a higher percentage of their passes than Wijnaldum (90.8%), which shows how reliable he was with the ball at his feet.

He also averaged 4.20 progressive passes and 2.27 progressive carries per 90 to build up play from a midfield position, which shows that the Dutch ace did not always play it safe with the ball at his feet.

Wijnaldum’s development at Anfield was interesting because he was signed from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016 off the back of a return of 11 goals and five assists in the Premier League for the Magpies during the 2015/16 campaign.

The Dutch star arrived at Liverpool as an attacking midfielder who had proven his quality at the top end of the pitch in the top-flight for his previous club, but Klopp developed him into an all-round midfielder who could be a solid option as a number eight.

He ended his Liverpool career with just 22 goals, four of which came in the Premier League in the title-winning campaign, in 237 matches, which illustrates his change in style from Tyneside to Merseyside.

That change in style, however, made him integral to Klopp’s title-winning team because Wijnaldum was a consistent performer, hence his 35 starts, who offered reliability and progression in possession, putting in the hard yards whilst providing quality on the ball.

Instead of being a consistent goalscorer or constantly creating chances, the former Newcastle star did his job in the middle of the park without too much fuss, chipping in with the odd goal here and there, to make himself a reliable figure for the German head coach.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Liverpool have, now, unearthed their new version of Wijnaldum in the current squad, and it is not Alexis Mac Allister – despite his impressive form of late, with a goal and an assist in his last two matches.

Liverpool have unearthed their new Georginio Wijnaldum

Mac Allister did arrive at Liverpool off the back of scoring ten goals in the Premier League for Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2022/23 campaign, but six of those strikes came from the penalty spot.

This meant that the Argentina international only provided four goals and two assists in the top-flight outside of penalties before his move to Liverpool to become a well-rounded midfielder at Anfield.

Whereas, Dominik Szoboszlai scored ten goals and provided 13 assists as an attacking midfielder for RB Leipzig in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign before his switch to England, and only two of those goals were penalties.

The Hungary international, as Wijnaldum did when he joined from Newcastle, arrived at Anfield as an incredibly promising attacking midfielder who had the potential to provide goals and assists, and has followed the Dutchman’s path to becoming an all-rounder in the middle of the park.

Szoboszlai has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 63 appearances for Liverpool in the Premier League to date, which illustrates the shift in style in his game since his time in the Bundesliga.

The Hungarian dynamo has been moulded into a perfect box-to-box midfielder for the Reds since switching Germany for England, utilising his fantastic work rate and engine in midfield more so than his ability to score and create goals.

He has started 24 of his 30 appearances in the Premier League so far this term and, interestingly, offered more than Wijnaldum did during the title-winning campaign under Klopp in several parts of the game as a midfielder.

As you can see in the chart above, Szoboszlai has been far more creative with his use of the ball than the Dutchman was, whilst also doing more out of possession by making blocks, tackles, and interceptions.

That chart shows that the 24-year-old Liverpool star, who was described as “unstoppable” by Fabrizio Romano earlier this year, is a brilliantly well-rounded midfield figure because he can combine quality on the ball with hard work and defensive quality off it, making him a key player for Slot in the middle of the park.

24/25 Premier League	Dominik Szoboszlai
Appearances	30
Goals	5
Big chances created	9
Assists	3
Tackles + interceptions per game	1.3
Duels won per game	2.9
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Szoboszlai has still found a way to incorporate his attacking qualities into his game, with eight goal contributions, but they are not as prevalent as they were during his time with Leipzig in the Bundesliga.

Therefore, Liverpool have repeated the masterclass they played with Wijnaldum, turning him from an attack-minded midfielder into an all-round number eight, with the Hungary international, who is now set to have played an integral role in the club’s second-ever Premier League title success.

Liverpool strongly positioning themselves for £68m goalscoring midfielder

He would offer a goalscoring boost from midfield.

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 16, 2025

Hopefully, this trophy will be the first of many titles in his Premier League career with the Reds, as they will hope that this season is far from a one-off success.

Leeds United are back in pole position in the intense automatic promotion tussle unfolding in the Championship, with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday night sending them straight back to the top of the unpredictable division.

However, nothing is set in stone just yet, with Daniel Farke’s Whites in an equally promising position last campaign, only for playoff final misery to greet them at the hands of Southampton.

This promotion near-miss had the potential to completely break the West Yorkshire outfit – considering the amount of notable sales that were later signed off on – with the likes of Georginio Rutter and many more heartbreakingly swapping the second tier for luxurious Premier League pastures.

How Leeds' record sales are now performing

Leeds did hold onto Rutter for longer than they would have anticipated, with the enigmatic 22-year-old not actually leaving Elland Road for good until the middle of August last year.

Still, even with all that time to prepare for the exciting Frenchman’s departure, his eventual £40m exit to Brighton and Hove Albion would prove to be a difficult pill to swallow.

After all, Leeds have never really replaced Rutter’s firepower in the number ten position back at Elland Road, with the Seagulls number 14 now up to an impressive eight goals and five assists this season, whilst Farke persists with the likes of Brenden Aaronson.

At least Farke has full-throttle wingers such as Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani to call upon to make the £25m sale of Crysencio Summerville less painful, with the Dutchman experiencing an up-and-down spell at West Ham United to date.

Summerville has only picked up a meagre one goal and two assists from 22 appearances this season at the Hammers, with injury difficulties getting the better of him this year so far.

Whilst both Rutter and Summerville have blown hot and cold, there is one former Leeds man who has transformed into one of the world’s best away from West Yorkshire, leading to some bold valuations appearing above his head.

The "special" Leeds ace now worth £100m

It won’t come as the greatest shock to see this ex-Whites favourite excelling so much far away from England, considering he is their record sale at a hefty £55m when Victor Orta signed off on his exit to Spain.

As has been seen in the unfortunate tale of Kalvin Phillips, sometimes a more opulent environment can work against you, but Raphinha is now regarded as one of the shining stars in world football at Hansi Flick’s treble-chasing Barcelona.

In Europe’s elite competition alone this season, the spellbinding Brazilian has managed to match Lionel Messi’s ridiculous Barca numbers, with Raphinha now up to a staggering 19 goals and assists from just 11 outings.

Moreover, the constantly captivating 28-year-old has a ridiculous 50 goals and assists in total from 45 overall appearances, with the Barca superstar more than living up to Marcelo Bielsa’s claims now that he was “special” when playing out of his skin week in week out at Leeds.

24/25

Barcelona

45

28

22

23/24

Barcelona

37

10

13

22/23

Barcelona

50

10

10

21/22

Leeds

36

11

3

20/21

Leeds

31

6

9

His consistent excellence at the Camp Nou has even led to bids worth around €100m (£86m) reportedly being made, with these insane numbers tallied up also leading to lofty FBref comparisons being drawn to well-known names across Europe.

Those include the likes of Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer, who are worth around the £128m and £111m mark respectively, according to Transfermarkt.

Flick and Co will just be savouring the brilliance of Raphinha for as long as they can, whilst his ex-employers find themselves far more removed from the grandeur of European football fighting it out to return to the Premier League.

Perhaps, the Whites may be ruing Orta’s failure to rake in an even bigger transfer fee…

Leeds have an "unplayable" star but he's in danger of being Costa 2.0

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