تحدث الدولي الأرجنتيني لاوتارو مارتينيز، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إنتر ميلان، عن شعوره بالظلم في اختيارات الكرة الذهبية وعن مواجهة برشلونة في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ولم يتمكن الفريق الإيطالي من حصد اللقب للمرة الثانية في تاريخه، بعدما خسر أمام باريس سان جيرمان بخماسية نظيفة في نهائي “ذات الأذنين” لموسم 2024/2025.

وتأهل إنتر ميلان إلى نهائي البطولة بعد فوزه على برشلونة بشق الأنفس بمجموع الأهداف 7/6 في مباراتين كانتا في غاية الإثارة والمتعة.

وقال لاوتارو من خلال حواره مع “فرانس فوتبول” عن بعض الخرافات التي نشأ عليها: “اعتدت أن أدخل الملعب بقدمي التي ألعب بها، اليمين، من الشائع جدًا في الأرجنتين وأمريكا الجنوبية أن تسير المباراة بسلاسة قدر الإمكان، أما البقية فأحتفظ بها لنفسي فهي خرافاتي”.

وعن حدوث مباراة ملاكمة مع أنطونيو كونتي عام 2021 أكمل: “تشاجرت معه قليلًا في ذلك الوقت، انتهى الخلاف في النهاية ثم نصب زملائي حلقة للسخرية لأنه كان من الأفضل الضحك عليها، كانت لحظة جميلة للاسترخاء”.

اقرأ أيضًا | لاوتارو مارتينيز: خماسية باريس سان جيرمان أصعب ألم في حياتي.. ولم أتحدث لـ5 أيام

وعن قوة باريس سان جيرمان أكتر من برشلونة، أردف: “إنهما فريقان مختلفان، لكنني لطالما ظننت وأخبرتُ من حولي أنهما المرشحان الأوفر حظًا، عندما أقصينا برشلونة بجودتنا ولعبنا وتواضعنا، حققنا هدفنا وهو الوصول إلى النهائي، ولو لعبنا كما استعدينا لكانت لدينا فرصة كبيرة للفوز، لكننا لم نفز”.

وعن تعرضه للظلم في ترتيب الكرة الذهبية 2024 كشف: “نعم، توقعت أن أحتل مرتبة أعلى بعد أن أنهيت الموسم كأفضل هداف ولاعب في الدوري الإيطالي، وفزت بكوبا أمريكا بخمسة أهداف، منها هدف الفوز في النهائي، كما فزت بكأس السوبر الإيطالي، مسجلًا في نصف النهائي والنهائي، أحترم قرار الحكام، سألوني عن رأيي وقلت ذلك، هكذا أنا لم أكن يومًا ضمن المرشحين”.

وعن حلمه التتويج بالكرة الذهبية أتم: “التقدير الفردي مهم بالنسبة لي، العمل الجماعي يقدم على الفرد ولكن عندما نحقق أهدافنا الشخصية فذلك لأننا نقدم أداءً جيدًا للفريق، أهدافنا الجماعية هي التي سمحت لنا بالوصول إلى هذه المرحلة، إن التواجد ضمن أفضل 30 لاعبًا هو مكافأة رائعة بالفعل لكنني أحلم بتقديم أفضل ما لدي في موسم واحد، أحلم بالفوز بجائزة الكرة الذهبية وهي جائزة مرموقة للغاية”.

As Newcastle United continue to close in on a deal to sign Anthony Elanga, manager Eddie Howe is reportedly setting his sights on the next “smart” signing that the Magpies could make.

Newcastle closing in on Elanga

Whilst Newcastle are yet to reach an agreement with Nottingham Forest, their second bid worth around £55m has reportedly been submitted and negotiations are underway. Pushing to get the deal done, a deal to sign the Swede could be on the horizon to finally hand those at St James’ Park one of their top targets this summer.

The Nottingham Forest star enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out and may well get the chance to form one of the quickest frontlines that the Premier League has to offer next to Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. On paper, it is an attack that most defences should be wary of as Newcastle aim to retain their Champions League place next season.

With Champions League football part of a packed calendar in the coming campaign, however, Newcastle will need more than just Elanga through the door this summer. Having learned the hard way the last time they were among Europe’s elite, the Magpies must add a depth of quality to Howe’s side this time around.

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Unlike last time too, PIF should be in a position to spend and finally free from PSR concerns. Just who arrives as a result of that spending power is the big question. Whilst names such as Giorgio Scalvini have threatened to steal the headlines, Howe has reportedly set his sights on yet another attacking addition for his side this summer.

Howe now personally eyeing "smart" Bakayoko deal

Even with talks underway to welcome Elanga, another winger could yet arrive at St James’ Park before the end of the window. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Howe is now personally eyeing a “smart” deal to sign Johan Bakayoko, who is reportedly open to a move from PSV Eindhoven this summer.

O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Bakayoko I’m sure would probably be interested in a move if it was the right offer. He wants to be playing at the highest level, which Newcastle can offer to him with Champions League football.

“With his contract going into the final year, it could be a lot cheaper than potentially some of those other players, so he could be a very smart signing for Eddie Howe.”

Starts

18

31

Goals

9

6

Assists

1

11

Successful Take-ons

47

25

Based on his output, Bakayoko would be well worth his £40m asking price, which could even turn into an instant bargain. When compared with Elanga, it’s clear that Newcastle would suddenly have two very dangerous wingers at their disposal. If Howe wants quality in depth then signing both would certainly be one way to welcome exactly that.

Southampton are now in advanced talks to sign an international striker who is represented by the same agency as midfielder Flynn Downes.

Southampton are expected to lose one or two key players over the coming months and therefore will have to enter the market to find replacements as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking under Will Still.

Done deal: Southampton have "agreed" £6.8m exit of "incredible" attacker

He has played his final game for the club.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 20, 2025

Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be considered their most important player, as he managed to stand out last season in what was a diabolical campaign for the club. His performances for the Saints earned him a call-up to the England national team, and that has now earned him the attention of Portuguese giants FC Porto.

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Southampton have turned down a bid worth £19 million for Harwood-Bellis from Porto. Despite being under contract until 2028, the Saints are open to selling the defender in this transfer window, but they believe he is worth much more.

Southampton paid £15 million to sign the player from Manchester City last summer, so the likelihood is they’re going to want closer to double that price.

Southampton in advanced talks to sign £7m striker

But while Harwood-Bellis may eventually be on his way out of St Mary’s Stadium, Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reports some good news – Southampton are closing in on the signing of Damion Downs from FC Köln.

The 20-year-old is considered to be a top target for Saints this summer, and they have submitted a bid worth €8 million, which is roughly £6.85 million, to the German side. Downs is currently away with the USA for the Gold Cup, so a deal for the forward is likely to be completed once that competition is finished.

Downs, who has earned two caps for the USA national team, has been at FC Köln since 2020, when he joined their under-17 team. The young forward worked his way through the age groups and was finally promoted to the first team during the 2023/24 season, where he played 10 Bundesliga games. Downs became even more of a regular last season, as he played 29 games, this time in Bundesliga 2, and scored an impressive ten goals in the process.

Apps

42

Goals

13

Assists

6

Downs has just one year remaining on his contract, and Saints will be hoping that can work to their advantage, as the German side are likely to want to sell the player before he leaves the club for nothing in 12 months.

They may hold another advantage in the race to sign Downs too, as the striker is represented by agency Wasserman, who also represent current Southampton midfielder Downes, perhaps smoothing negotiations when it comes to agreeing personal terms.

Manchester United had problems aplenty last season, but one of the most damning issues was the inability to produce the kind of slick attacking performances that would have merited a European-qualifying finish or indeed a trophy.

Bruno Fernandes did all he could, posting 19 goals and assists apiece across all competitions, but it wasn’t enough to stop Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, nor did it amount to silverware, or a respectable Premier League finish.

But the Red Devils can now look forward to a pre-season of preparation under the wing of Ruben Amorim, and despite all the issues, optimism remains that a corner can be turned, especially with the prestigious club’s pull still firmly intact.

Perhaps the greatest British outfit of all time, United fell by the wayside last term, but Old Trafford remains one of the most attractive destinations for high-quality players, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha rejecting offers from teams like Arsenal to complete a “dream” £62.5m move to Manchester this week.

The Brazilian forward has been hailed as “one of the most coveted players in the league” by content creator Dev Bajwa.

However, he’s not the only top Premier League forward INEOS have pushed to reel in this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo in talks to move to the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd

Man United’s reputation as one of Europe’s big boys was underscored when Brentford’s Mbeumo intimated his preference to join Old Trafford this summer, even though Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom have Champions League football to look forward to, have been firmly in the race.

After scoring 20 goals across 38 league outings, the intrigue is understandable, and also points toward a revised United strategy to strengthen by securing Premier League-proven players.

However, Mbeumo’s stock is high, and while he is hoping to make the move to Old Trafford, Spurs’ appointment of Thomas Frank has thrown something of a spanner in the works, with the former Bees boss’ arrival giving the Londoners renewed optimism that they could strike a deal for the Cameroon international.

United will remain confident that they can complete a statement signing, but if not, why not turn to an alternative who has also enjoyed success on English soil over the past couple of years?

Man United join race for PL star

As per Caught Offside, Manchester United have joined the race for Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, who’s coming off the back of a prolific campaign in the Premier League.

The Dutchman, 26, is highly regarded at the Vitality Stadium, who are under no pressure to cash in. However, if suitors were to make an offer worth roughly €55m (£47m), they might just be tempted.

A host of rivals, such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham, are also keen, but the Red Devils registered their interest some time ago and could use their peerless pull once more to bring him in.

Why Man Utd want Justin Kluivert

Kluivert has truly stepped out of his famous father’s shadow to become his own player, joining Bournemouth from Roma two years ago in a deal just shy of £10m.

Across his two campaigns at the club, the Netherlands international has scored 22 goals and supplied ten assists, though it’s been his “red-hot” 2024/25 season that has taken him into another sphere, as has been noted by journalist Ryan Taylor.

If Man United do miss out on Mbeumo, Kluivert could prove the perfect alternative. As per Sofascore, he only missed six big chances in the league, putting away 12 more chances. Moreover, he averaged 1.4 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game while completing 81% of his passes, bespeaking technical control and indeed the right application of his abilities.

This offers shades of Mbeumo, in a way. The Brentford sensation, 25, supported his prolific success through a base range of talents, averaging 1.8 key passes, 1.4 dribbles, and 4.7 successful duels per game.

Kluivert was utilised across a range of attacking areas by Andoni Iraola last season, and that is in keeping with his career at large, suggesting he could perform across different berths for Amorim, whose three-pronged attacking set-up could see him dovetail right in.

Justin Kluivert – Career Stats by Position
Position	Apps	Goals	Assists
Left winger	136	35	25
Right winger	85	20	21
Attacking midfield	57	15	8
Centre-forward	7	2	1
Data via Transfermarkt

He’s proven his capacity to impress across the frontline, which speaks of dynamism in a similar vein to Mbeumo, a right-sided forward by trade but not without his strengths as a focal frontman, actually playing seven times as Frank’s striker over the past year, scoring four goals and laying on one assist.

Kluivert’s demonstrable Premier League success, so clinical and composed, could see him become a star in Amorim’s system. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of forwards in the division for goals and assists per 90, leading the data-driven site to rank Mbeumo up as one of his most comparable players.

United need more goals, and by injecting Amorim’s fold with talents such as Cunha and Kluivert (or indeed Mbeumo), they would take a confident step toward a lifting resurgence.

Furthermore, they’re hardly one-trick ponies. All are physical and multi-faceted players, capable of creating chances and using their athleticism to serve the fluency of the wider team.

Amorim has weathered a storm, all right, but there might just be light at the end of the tunnel. United have been here before, roused by ostensibly effective transfer windows, but there’s a certain astuteness about INEOS’ dealings right now which suggests brighter fortunes may lie around the corner.

Ekitike upgrade: Wilcox in constant contact to bring "monster" to Man Utd

Manchester United appear to be making positive moves over a deal to land a new striker for Ruben Amorim.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 14, 2025

Tottenham have now made an intriguing promise to top target Mohammed Kudus in talks with the Premier League star, and West Ham are expecting an imminent new bid for him as the transfer saga rumbles on.

Related Tottenham now "pushing to sign" £70m "beast" who's "very open" to the move

Spurs are in “ongoing” negotiations to sign a forward.

Posts 2 ByDominic Lund Jul 7, 2025

Kudus is now a priority signing for Spurs, as reported elsewhere, but chairman Daniel Levy will need to dig deep into the club’s coffers to reach an agreement, having already seen a £50 million offer rejected (BBC).

The former Ajax star, who made quite a splash during his debut campaign in England, didn’t quite live up to those heights during his second season at the London Stadium, but Thomas Frank and co appear convinced that Kudus could get back to his very best by joining them.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Even though club-to-club talks are proving complicated, with West Ham holding out for the best deal possible as they look to reinvest the cash in their own summer recruitment drive, Spurs are boosted by Kudus’ desire to make the move to N17.

The 24-year-old only has eyes for Tottenham right now, and isn’t interested in joining any other club as things stand.

If the transfer materialises, it would be the two sides’ first agreed deal since Scott Parker’s switch to Spurs in 2011 – ending an unofficial transfer embargo between West Ham and the Lilywhites.

Now, very reliable West Ham insider, ExWHUemployee, has shared his own update on the story.

Tottenham make Mohammed Kudus promise with new bid imminent

According to Ex, Chelsea’s issue with the plethora of non-homegrown players in their squad has opened the door for Spurs to strike a deal ahead of the west Londoners.

Tottenham have also “promised” Kudus that he’d be the “main man” if he were to join Frank’s side, and those within West Ham are expecting them to make an imminent improved offer for the African.

“Chelsea have been in contact with the club but have yet to offer the financial package that the club wanted,” said the insider, via West Ham Way.

“At the moment no other club has bid. It appears that Arsenal have turned their attention elsewhere to the homegrown Noni Madueke from Chelsea. Chelsea have their own issues with an abundance of non-homegrown players, and it has enabled Spurs to push ahead.

“Liverpool were thought to be Kudus’ preferred choice, but West Ham have yet to receive an offer from them or any real suggestion that they could. Of course, Liverpool have other things on their mind to deal with due to the tragic news surrounding their club this week and may be putting all business temporarily on hold whilst they come to terms with the loss.

“We spoke to our top source at the club within the last half hour and asked for an update and we were told: Spurs, sadly, only bid £50m. We hope other clubs will come in. There are very few clubs that buy players for £50m/£60m and need a RW.

“West Ham are expecting Spurs to come back with an improved offer in the next day or so and will hope at least one other club will compete.

“Kudus is said to be happy to move to Spurs. He will get Champions League football and has been promised he will be the main man, whereas at Chelsea he would be one of many for example.”

It might sound like it, but it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to state that this summer has been one of Chelsea’s best in a very long time.

Enzo Maresca’s men came into it as Conference League champions and with Champions League football secured, only to then go and demolish Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.

On top of the successes on the pitch, the West Londoners have been incredibly busy off it, welcoming in a host of brilliant players, including striker duo Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Yet, the Pensioners are not done there, as reports have now linked them with a goalscoring monster who is so dangerous he could be bad news for the two forwards.

Chelsea's summer business

To ensure Maresca’s side can kick on next season, the board have gone out of their way to back the manager over the last month or so.

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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On top of the £60m for Pedro and the £30m for Delap, the West Londoners splashed £48m on the dynamic Jamie Gittens, who racked up 17 goal involvements in 49 games for Borussia Dortmund last season.

However, the Blues may have saved their most audacious transfer for last, as they’re now being linked to an incredibly in-demand forward who would possibly be bad news for Pedro and Delap: Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are one of a number of clubs who admire the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

Newcastle United are currently leading the race for his signature and have seen a £70m offer rejected, but Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen on the player, alongside the Blues, per Jacobs.

In terms of how much he’d ultimately cost, reports from earlier this summer claimed that an offer of around £85m should be enough to tempt the German side into selling.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, even if it would potentially be bad news for Pedro and Delap.

Why Ekitike could be bad news for Pedro and Delap

The first thing to say is that both Delap and Pedro are incredibly talented forwards, with the former already racking up a goal and an assist in six games for the Blues and the latter doing even better, scoring three goals in three games.

However, when it comes to pure output, the pair pale in comparison to what Ekitike was able to produce last season, and that ultimately is why his arrival could be bad news for their future game time.

For example, in 48 appearances this season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

In other words, the 23-year-old machine was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.

In contrast, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.

Ekitiké vs Pedro & Delap in 24/25

Players

Ekitiké

Pedro

Delap

Appearances

48

30

40

Minutes

3644′

2136′

2670′

Goals

22

10

12

Assists

12

7

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.56

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

125.64′

190.71′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Likewise, the former Ipswich Town gem did well, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2670 minutes, but that still comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.85 games, or every 190.71 minutes.

Then, on top of his vastly superior output, the Frankfurt star, whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” also has the advantage of more top-level experience.

He has made four appearances in the Champions League and 12 in the Europa League, compared to six for the Brazilian and none for the Englishman.

Ultimately, there are enough games in a season for all three to get game time, but should Chelsea sign Ekitike this summer, his outrageous ability in front of goal would surely see Pedro and Delap relegated to second and third choice, respectively.

Related PL rivals eyeing £100m Chelsea star; his exit could make room for Ekitike

It would be wise of Chelsea to cash in and upgrade.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 16, 2025

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.