Tag Futebol

Tottenham Hotspur are a club that has lost its way in recent years, in the relentless pursuit of silverware.

Chairman Daniel Levy would even admit his failures whilst striving for such a goal, which led him astray from the progression he was earning. He told a recent fan forum: "I had gone through a period where we'd almost won. With Mauricio we went through some very good times. We didn't quite get there but we came very close and we had a change in strategy. The strategy was 'let's bring in a trophy manager'.

"We did it twice and look you have to learn from your mistakes. They're great managers but maybe not for this club. For what we want, we want to play in a certain way and if that means it has to take a little bit longer to win maybe it's the right thing for us. That's why bringing Ange in was from my point of view the right decision."

Whilst his managerial moves were questionable across that period, so too has his transfer business, naturally seeking to back each of his new appointments in an effort to push them on towards that trophy-winning goal.

Although there have been some truly terrible acquisitions before Mauricio Pochettino joined the club, many of the more financially draining ones have come following the heavy modern-day injection of ridiculous fees. As such, they likely would litter a list consisting of their worst-ever buys.

Who is Spurs' worst-ever signing?

Whilst many might rush to laud Tanguy Ndombele as easily their most torrid deal, given he still remains their record signing at £63m and is currently out on his third loan since joining in 2019, there are others who might rival the underperforming Frenchman.

For example, if the £60m Richarlison is to continue his barren run in front of goal – having scored just five times to for the club to date – there is every chance he could end up leaving a similarly torrid legacy in north London.

Then, whilst not quite as lucrative gaffes, the likes of Davinson Sanchez, Roberto Soldado and Sergio Reguilon have also drained the club respectively whilst failing to live up to the billing of their initial purchases.

Another who falls into this category is Moussa Sissoko, who joined from Newcastle United as a dynamic right midfielder set to perfectly facilitate Pochettino's full-back-dependant system.

Having impressed on Tyneside, despite his 31 goal contributions across 133 games marking a hardly outstanding return, there was hope he might provide an injection of physicality both out wide and in the engine room alongside some much-needed goals.

However, the latter was definitely in short supply, as he would then score just five times, assisting a further 16 before his eventual departure. In fact, pundit and former Celtic man Chris Sutton would lambast their business, speaking harshly about the 71-cap dud: "Sissoko was a bad buy. And Pochettino's questioning him now.

1

Tanguy Ndombele (Lyon)

£63m

2

Richarlison (Everton)

£60m

3

Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest)

£47.5m

"That was a really odd move I think to virtually everybody in the country looking from the outside thinking why on earth have they signed Sissoko? He downed tools last season. How can you trust him? That's a massive disappointment. A lot of money wasted."

Then, the nadir of his Lilywhites career inarguably came in the Champions League final, when his thoughtless decision to physically instruct his teammates saw him concede a penalty within two minutes. Pointing as he stood facing Sadio Mane, a right-footed delivery struck his outstretched arm, and Mohamed Salah would give Liverpool the lead in the biggest game in the north London outfit's history.

Although his actual fee does not amount to even half of Ndombele's, the significant underperformance combined with his equally expensive wages suggests that, pound for pound, the 34-year-old is certainly within the conversation for worst-ever Spurs signings.

How much did Spurs sign Moussa Sissoko for?

Whilst Sissoko's contribution was not completely useless, it was the fee attached to his name that held such huge expectations and therefore made him such a poor signing.

Having already made himself a mini hero before joining, as he reportedly turned his phone off to snub a move to Everton, it quickly became the Toffees who arguably benefitted from that move, having avoided spending £30m on such a disappointment.

He would explain his reasoning behind such a move in 2016: "It’s simple. I spoke with Everton in the past, but they didn’t make an offer to Newcastle when I wanted. And then Tottenham came. And so when they came, I wanted to join this club directly. Because, like I said, it’s a big club. So in my head, everything was clear. I wanted to sign here, that’s why I came here."

How much did Moussa Sissoko earn?

To make matters worse, the current FC Nantes midfielder was handed an equally lucrative deal that truly stretched the Lilywhites' finances.

He would earn a ludicrous £80k-per-week across his five years in north London, which amassed another £20.8m too on top of his initial transfer fee. Therefore, overall Sissoko would drain the club of £50.8m.

Given he was signed with the intention of finding the net with regularity as well as injecting energy, his tally of five meant that Pochettino actually paid £10m for every goal scored.

What is Moussa Sissoko's market value now?

Having enjoyed a brief stint with Watford following the conclusion of his contract, it would quickly become a short stay as the Hornets fell to relegation. As his stock plummeted, he would seek some kind of late renaissance with a return to his homeland, where he now features for FC Nantes.

However, time has not been kind to the 6 foot 2 enforcer, whom Transfermarkt now values at a lowly €2.5m (£2.1m).

It is a testament to their vast overpayment that, according to the website in question, the peak of his valuation came during 2019 and only reached €25m (£21.6m).

Why is Moussa Sissoko worth that much?

The reasoning behind such a low valuation is easy to outline, given his declining powers alongside his increasing age.

Sissoko is reaching the twilight years of an admittedly very solid career, and whilst hardly laden with silverware, he can look back on some key moments with fondness.

However, of late he has even been struggling to shine in Ligue 1, with his 6.45 average match rating simply showcasing that he has shown little to merit any kind of higher value.

Newcastle United dazzled last weekend when dismantling a woeful Sheffield United side at Bramall Lane 8-0, but it was the stoical showing against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup that will have really set the fans alight as they dream of new levels of success this season.

Having fallen to Manchester United at the final stage of the competition last term, Eddie Howe's side have a chance for redemption as they await a trip to Old Trafford in the fourth round of this edition, having just defeated Manchester City with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

It has extended a run of matches without conceding a goal – now four games strong across all competitions – that includes successive Premier League wins and an away draw at the San Siro against AC Milan, where the Magpies have started their return to Champions League football after two decades away.

Despite decimating Aston Villa 5-1 in August, on the opening weekend of the league season, with an incisive and unforgiving showing of attacking intent, Newcastle failed to overcome the daunting subsequent run of Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion, losing all three, thrown into the depths of the division and leaving rivals jesting at their expense.

But now, despite a bit of tardiness in clicking into gear, Newcastle look to have done so and done so with aplomb; cohesive and confident, sights are set on achieving success across all four fronts this season, and there is a high chance of doing so.

While £55m summer signing Sandro Tonali continues to flatter to deceive after joining from AC Milan, with the Daily Mail's Craig Hope stating that the Italy international was "wasteful on the ball" against Pep Guardiola's side, Newcastle are growing as a team, and fans must remember to urge caution.

Anthony Gordon certainly didn't impress over the latter phase of the 2022/23 season after joining from Everton for £45m in January, but now, he's an integral member of this thriving Tyneside outfit and an "outstanding" star this term, as was said by Jamie Carragher last week.

Against City, the 22-year-old was once again at the centre of the success after coming on at half time.

How did Anthony Gordon perform vs Manchester City?

Gordon endured a testing start to his Toon career as he scored just once – on the final game of the season, against Chelsea – before the summer, not quite making the resounding introduction to life at St. James' Park as he would have hoped after such a lofty fee.

After a starring pre-season that included winning Player of the Tournament with England U21s as he won the European Championship, the one-time Preston North End loanee is now making the increments to his game as he cements a regular starting berth on Newcastle's wing.

This season, Gordon has already scored two goals and supplied two assists from five starting appearances in the Premier League, and as the Magpies struggled against City's suffocating style on Wednesday night, his introduction at the break indeed paid dividends.

Hailed for his "untouchable" presence by one analytical writer, Gordon entered the fold and played a key role in turning the tide, making two tackles, one clearance, taking a shot on target and winning two duels, as per Sofascore.

It's also worth noting that the £60k-per-week phenom ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles per 90, as per FBref, illustrating the energy and application that prompted Howe to forge ahead with a bid in the first place.

Lauded for injecting 'pace and intensity immediately after coming on' by Newcastle World's Jordan Cronin, Gordon is proving to be an invaluable member of this Magpies team, and while he faded after being shifted centrally in the latter phase of the contest, he has shaken off the criticism of his past substandard showings.

While Gordon's performance was good, and a reflection of the role he has played this season, it was Tino Livramento who truly shone on the night, with the former Southampton and Chelsea full-back proving his worth and then some with a stunning display.

How good is Tino Livramento?

Signing from Southampton for an initial £32m in the summer, having spent the lion's share of last season out injured as the Saints suffered relegation from the Premier League, Livramento was handed his first start against the Sky Blues.

Waxing over Livramento's performance, The Times' Henry Winter said this: "Tino Livramento man of the match imo. Superb in subduing Jack Grealish. Calm, concentrated, mobile, fearless."

The winner of Chelsea's Academy Player of the Season in 2021, Livramento grasped his first start with both hands, shining down the right flank in a display that will be most pleasing to the Newcastle hierarchy, who have found a worthy successor to Kieran Trippier's position.

As per Sofascore, the 20-year-old recorded an impressive match score of 7.5, incredibly making eight tackles (including one last man tackle), winning 11 of 18 contested duels, completing 93% of his passes, succeeding with a dribble and losing possession only eight times.

It was truly an incredible performance, with the star rightfully bestowed the Player of the Match award after such an influential showing, and with Newcastle indeed still competing in every competition, his presence will surely be instrumental over the coming months.

Heralded for his "outstanding" performance and "match-winning" tackle to deny Nunes in the dying embers by Hope, Livramento's early performance certainly bodes well for his future success on Tyneside, and while he is young and inexperienced, Howe has clearly landed a prodigious talent capable of making the right-back role his own and then some over the coming years. Until then, however, perhaps a role on the left could be forged, proving a more attacking outlet than Dan Burn.

He has played on the left-hand side just once in his career, although boasts a goal and an assist. Promising signs indeed.

This level of depth is certainly a testament to the burgeoning of Newcastle's squad over the past few years, not only talented but suffused with players worthy of the badge.

Having finished the previous campaign with Wout Weghorst as the starting option in attack, Manchester United will hope to have ended their longstanding centre-forward woes with the signing of Danish superstar, Rasmus Hojlund, with the 20-year-old joining from Atalanta on a deal that could rise to £72m.

After years of short-term signings in the striking department – including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo – the promising marksman could be the man to lead the line for the foreseeable future, with the Old Trafford outfit seemingly crying out for a prolific presence through the middle.

The Red Devils could, however, have found a dream, long-term centre-forward option far sooner – and for far cheaper – in the form of Slovenian sensation, Benjamin Sesko, with the towering hotshot looking like another case of one that got away for United.

Why didn't Man United sign Benjamin Sesko?

The Premier League giants are no strangers to having snubbed the chance to sign exciting young strikers on the cheap, with the most famous example seeing the club fail to pounce to land Erling Haaland – who scored 52 goals for rivals Manchester City last season – on a measly £4m deal from Norwegian side, Molde.

Described as the 'next Haaland', young Sesko is another forward who had caught the eye of the United hierarchy in the recent past, with The Athletic revealing that the powers that be had the chance to sign the then-teenager from Domzale in 2019.

As per the report, the Slovenian side had been demanding just £2.5m if they were to sanction the sale of the 6 foot 4 starlet, albeit with those back in Manchester believed to have viewed that valuation as 'excessive' at the time.

That decision to pass up the chance to sign the Radece-born "Machine Man" – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – remains a true headscratcher, particularly with the in-form powerhouse seeing his price tag rise substantially in recent times.

How much is Sesko worth now?

Following a subsequent move to Austrian side, Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, the emerging talent particularly impressed during his extended loan spell at FC Liefering, bagging 22 goals and six assists in just 44 outings, prior to returning to his parent club.

The 22-cap international – who already has seven goals for his country – made a rather smooth transition to life back at Salzburg after recording 40 goal involvements in just 79 games across the last two seasons, sparking renewed interest from United last summer.

Despite claims that technical director John Murtough was holding talks with the player's agent, it was later confirmed that the prolific gem had sealed a move to sister club, RB Leipzig – with the Daily Mail reporting that the fee was as high as £55m.

That represents a 2100% increase in value in relation to what the Red Devils could have signed him for just four years ago, with Erik ten Hag likely ruing the fact that the previous regime did not do more to get their hands on a potentially "generational" talent – as hailed by journalist Ryan Taylor.

Life in Germany has already started brightly for the 20-year-old as he has two goals from just two Bundesliga outings so far this term, while also catching the eye with one goal and two assists in a recent standout showing against Northern Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying.

As such, even if Hojlund does go on to prove a success in English football, United could potentially have snapped up a similarly exciting asset to the Copenhagen native in the form of Sesko, albeit without having had to break the bank.

You can tell that Ellyse Perry loves her job as a professional cricketer. She’s only 27 but has already been doing this for a decade, debuting as a not-yet-17-year old in 2007. Nothing of the grind, though, appears to have worn her down. An easy smile greets every question and Perry, the world’s pre-eminent allrounder, is relishing this era of televised games, packed stadiums, decent wages and the respect her peers get as professional sportspersons.”We’ve spoken about how it almost feels like a second career at the moment,” she tells ESPNcricinfo in Mumbai, ahead of the T20 Tri-Series also involving England and India. “We are very fortunate to have the support of Cricket Australia back home who have made our roles full-time and we are all full-time professional cricketers now who get to train every day and work really hard at our craft.”The quality of cricket being played now around Australia and around the world has just grown really rapidly and it’s just an exciting game to watch and people are really drawn to that. As a result, we are getting lots of crowds and people wanting to watch the matches on TV and a lot of interest from the media. From that point of view, it has been absolutely brilliant.”I think it was growing really solidly for the 10 years that I have been involved and before that as well, but for whatever reason things have just come into alignment in the last couple of years and there’s been a huge shift and growth in the sport. I think in a large part the ICC have done a lot to make sure that the game is built on really solid foundations but also that we’ve got a lot more to build on and grow which is exciting for the future.”Much of the impetus for women’s cricket came from the World Cup in England last year. In an unforgettable semi-final, Perry’s Australian team was demolished by India on the back of an astonishing assault from Harmanpreet Kaur. Though Perry politely sidesteps the question when asked if revenge was on their minds as they landed in India for a three-match ODI series earlier in the month, they certainly have played like a team possessed. The games in Baroda were won by eight wickets, 60 runs and 97 runs. Perry herself, as she usually does, made an impression with both bat and ball, making 127 runs and picking up four wickets with her lively medium-pace.”Certainly, in terms of the process and development of our team it has been a really important series for us and particularly in the manner that we’ve played, not just the result,” she says. “The performances across the board from so many different individuals in each match was just brilliant and really satisfying for us because it’s never easy to come to India and playing in Indian conditions so to do what we’ve done has been really great.Getty Images

“It has been amazing, looking at the amount of people that came to our matches in Baroda, the support that they were displaying for the Indian team was just brilliant. It was one of the best atmospheres I have played in front of and consistently across those three games. The Indian team are very, very good, they’ve got some exceptional players who are world class. Some senior players and also some really great youth that are up and coming and are going to be wonderful cricketers for a long period of time.”Over the next ten days, Perry and her teammates will lock horns against England and India in a tri-series of T20 matches in Mumbai. Perry believes that with the World T20 later in the year in the West Indies, the series, which she says features “arguably the three best teams in the world at the moment”, provides the opportunity for invaluable match practice and to identify personnel and tactics for the tournament.While the focus is on the limited-overs formats for now, Perry, who has played only seven Tests over her career, would like to see more long-format games played. She suggests more teams could adopt the formula used for the Women’s Ashes where the series is decided based on points accumulated across Test, ODI and T20 games. However, for now, Perry’s focus is on ensuring she can help Australia capture a fourth World T20 title in November. And, of course, build on the momentum the women’s game has gained in recent times.”I think the World Cup last year where the final was sold out was just tremendous and it has really set a very high standard for future tournaments,” she says. “Since that we have obviously seen the reception of the Indian team here and how much support they’ve now got and interest in how the girls play. Back home we had a very successful Ashes series, it drew lots of crowds and people to that event which was absolutely brilliant.”Going forward, I hope that occurs everywhere around the world, wherever we are playing, so it’s a great opportunity for the West Indies and everyone is really looking forward to this competition. From my point of view, every T20 World Cup we have played since it started, each one has got bigger and better. I think the quality of play has gone to a new level as well. So, I think it is really exciting.”

Chelsea's lacklustre start to the season continued this past weekend following their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.

Questions are now being asked over the Blues' transfer business, with one journalist saying he doesn't understand one signing in particular.

Robert Sanchez was one of several additions the west London club made during the summer transfer window.

The Spanish shot-stopper departed Brighton & Hove Albion in a £25m deal that saw him become Chelsea's new no.1 after the sales of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Despite impressing during his Seagulls spell, it seems not everyone is convinced he's the right man for such an important position.

What was said about Robert Sanchez?

Speaking on his talkSPORT show, journalist Andy Jacobs was critical of Chelsea's "scatter gun" approach, specifically pointing out the Blues new 'keeper as an example.

"Sanchez, I don’t get it. He was Brighton’s third keeper. You paid £25m for him," Jacobs said on his show with co-host Paul Hawksbee.

"He’s not a great shot-stopper. His distribution is pretty poor. Brighton didn’t think he was good enough; why do you think he’s good enough?"

Although he made 90 appearances during his time on the south coast, Sanchez was replaced by Roberto De Zerbi towards the end of his time at the club.

The Italian manager opted for English veteran Jason Steele instead, stating that the 'career backup' was "closer than Robert to my style."

When looking into the Spaniard's stats from the 2022/23 season, it doesn't do much to strengthen his cause.

Based on the statistics compiled by FootyStats, Sanchez had a save percentage of just 62% last season, putting him in just the 16th percentile of all Premier League goalkeepers. He also only managed a pass completion rate of just 74.4%, placing him in only the 37th percentile.

In comparison, Steele ranked in the 13th percentile for save percentage, putting him lower than his former teammate. However, that only tells a small part of the story, as Steele ranked in the 86th percentile in clean sheets and in the 92nd percentile for pass completion.

What next for Chelsea?

With the international break taking place over the course of the next two weeks, Chelsea have an opportunity to reflect on what has been an inconsistent start to the season. Just four points from their opening four games sees the Blues sat in 12th place at the start of their Premier League campaign.

Since new owner Todd Boehly has joined the club, it has been far from stable. He has overseen four managers in a little over a year and has signed 27 players in the same period of time.

Former boss Frank Lampard spoke about the difficulty of working with such a big squad, explaining that "if I really want to focus on the 11 for tomorrow, that means I've got to have like 18 players over there, and you kind of saw the body language of some of them, they walked off like…again."

Chelsea fans will hope that new manager Mauricio Pochettino fares better in managing the ginormous squad he has at his disposal but the early signs are troubling, especially considering the business he has sanctioned, with the arrival of Sanchez already causing division in the media.

Aston Villa have plenty of the elements needed for another bright season under Unai Emery, with Ollie Watkins certain to be at the heart of any success earned…

Who else could Aston Villa sign this summer?

The English forward hit a truly rich vein of form last term as the Midlands outfit turned a relegation battle into a European finish, as he most recently hit a midweek hat trick against Hibernian just days before he starred in their win over Burnley.

As he enters the prime years of his career, his Spanish boss will seek to do all he can to ensure the necessary chances are forged for the 27-year-old to thrive.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

Therefore, perhaps he could seek to break the bank for one final big purchase of the summer, reigniting their interest in Joao Felix to tempt another star to Villa Park.

With the Portugal international desperate to depart Atletico Madrid, their bargaining power dwindles with each passing day despite the 23-year-old still having four years left on his £240k-per-week deal.

Is Joao Felix going to Barcelona?

With Emery having already used his impressive pedigree to tempt Mousa Diaby and Pau Torres to join his revolution, there is every reason to believe that he could once again work his magic despite Felix being vocal about where he would prefer to be playing.

"I’d love to play for Barça," he noted. "Barcelona has always been my first choice and I’d love to join Barça."

However, the well-documented financial troubles of the Catalan giants could force him into the hands of the Villans, who would surely benefit from the addition of such an exceptional creator.

His last full season in Spain saw him record ten goals and a further six assists across all competitions, having shone in LaLiga with his patented silkiness and ability to forge chances for his teammates.

He easily maintained a 7.15 average rating throughout that 2021/22 term, buoyed by the seven big chances he created and 0.8 key passes he recorded per game, via Sofascore.

With an ability to shine as a deeper midfielder or as a shadow striker, as when compared to other forwards across Europe it becomes clear just how big of an impact he could have on Watkins should he translate his fine form to the English game once again.

Epecially given the fact that he ranks in the top 3% for total shots per 90, the top 4% for both progressive passes and progressive passes per 90, and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.

It was no surprise to see him lauded by journalist Nick Emms, who arguably offered the highest praise that a Chelsea fan can offer during his loan spell:

"Joao Felix is the first player to excite me like this since Eden Hazard. World-class."

To place that kind of dynamism beside Watkins, who scored 15 and assisted six times last campaign in the league, and Premier League defences would have an impossible task at quelling this double threat.

With pace and power to pair with his bulky 5 foot 11 frame, there is every reason to believe that the former Brentford star could even seek to emulate Erling Haaland, who cuts a similar physical profile despite having broken so many goalscoring records, and whose 29% goal conversion rate is just not too far from Watkins' 17% from last season.

Last season saw him score 52 across all competitions, setting the benchmark for all other strikers to try and emulate.

Manchester United and England great Wayne Rooney has even suggested that "Erling Haaland is the best footballer in the world right now" – a notion many would struggle to dispute.

However, should the conditions prove to be favourable for Watkins, and they continue their fine form from last season with Felix supporting him, there is every reason to believe that he could emulate the Norwegian goal machine given how similar their physical profiles are.

MatériaMais Notícias

O último sábado ficou marcado negativamente na história do Figueirense, um dos maiores clubes de Santa Catarina. Revoltada com a falta de resultados dentro de campo, a torcida invadiu o Orlando Scarpelli para cobrar os jogadores.

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Após o término da confusão, o Figueirense confirmou que cinco pessoas do departamento de futebol ficaram feridas.

Neste domingo, a Abex, Associação Brasileiras dos Executivos de Futebol, divulgou uma nota de repúdio sobre o fato e pede justiça para identificar os culpados.

Veja abaixo

“A invasão ocorrida hoje (sábado) no Estádio Orlando Scarpelli e a agressão aos profissionais do Figueirense escancaram um cenário cada vez mais próximo em nossos dias: a iminente aproximação da tragédia no futebol brasileiro.

Quem instiga?

Quem organiza?

Quem lidera?

Quem são os responsáveis?

Até quando as autoridades irão ignorar o problema?

Cremos que todos nós.

As pessoas de bem porque, por medo dos marginais, se calam.

Os diversos segmentos que formam nosso cenário futebolístico, por não entregarem o verdadeiro nível de discussão a respeito do assunto.

Os agredidos são pais de família. Os agredidos são filhos de alguma família. São seres humanos, com méritos e limitações (óbvio que não tão escancaradas como as dos delinquentes).

Os protestos tão comuns em CTs, Aeroportos, Portas de Estádio etc. ignoram a coletividade que vive acerca destes lugares ou quem precisa deles para se deslocar. Julgam ter uma causa maior para honrar.

Convicta de que nesse jogo só existem derrotados, a ABEX Futebol levanta sua voz e a direciona a todos envolvidos em nosso futebol (cidadãos e entidades) que o querem ver de forma mais evoluída e civilizada, e traz à tona a seguinte questão:

– Quem vai precisar morrer?

ABEX

Associação Brasileira dos Executivos de Futebol”

It has been an extremely challenging and disheartening window for West Ham United.

The Irons remain the only Premier League club yet to make a signing, and with the new season set to start in less than a fortnight, they are now in a frantic spiral to get the squad ready.

It has been complicated by reports that a rift is beginning to form between David Moyes and recently appointed technical director Tim Steidten.

It is understood that the pair are unable to agree on targets, and a new era of collaboration has rapidly deteriorated.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

The positive transfer news of the summer for the Hammers is that Carlos Borges is close to joining the club.

The Manchester City wonderkid is in advanced talks for a move to east London for a fee in the region of £14m. That's according to reports from the Standard at the back end of July.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The 19-year-old is expected to choose the Hammers over Brighton, Borussia Dortmund, and Eintracht Frankfurt, in what would be a monumental boost for everyone of a claret and blue persuasion.

For that money and limitless potential, Borges is surely expected to feature on a regular basis for a side lacking depth in forward areas.

Who is Carlos Borges?

The attacker was born in Portugal and joined the Manchester City academy in 2015. In the northwest, he has progressed through the youth ranks and become one of the globe’s most promising and effervescent youngsters.

Borges began his rise to prominence in the 2020/21 season when he recorded 32 goal contributions in 24 matches and was named as the U18 Player of the Season for Manchester City.

But, the 22/23 season is when he’s been at his most scintillating, notching a remarkable 47 goal involvements in 33 appearances across all competitions for the U21 side.

The Portuguese dynamo has emphatically demonstrated that he is superior to the youth level and is deserving of regular minutes for a senior outfit.

Journalist Tom Young has described the prodigy as the “real deal” and he could emulate Declan Rice’s pathway into becoming one of West Ham’s most influential performers.

Therefore, due to his output and directness, Borges could rival or even surpass Divin Mubama’s status as West Ham’s next-most exciting teen.

The 18-year-old has netted 54 goals in 84 appearances for the east Londoner’s academy teams and was part of the side that won the 2023 FA Youth Cup.

This prompted Moyes to begin including the striker in the senior squads, and he scored his first goal for the club in Europa Conference League knockout victory over AEK Larnaca.

Gianluca Scamacca and Michael Antonio are heavily linked with moves away from the London Stadium, creating space in the frontline for Mubama and Borges to pounce upon.

After the Englishman was named the Young Hammer of the Year for the 2022/23 season, Academy manager Kenny Brown, said: “Divin has been instrumental in the success of our U18s this season and has also found great goalscoring form in the U21s.

"He has led the line for both of our Academy teams throughout the season and has done so in an impressive manner, earning himself opportunities in the senior side.

“He now falls between three different teams, gets asked to train and play across all of those teams, and he takes it in his stride. That’s a true testament to him and his character, and he is getting the rewards and plaudits for that.”

Many are looking at West Ham’s lack of transfer activity in a negative light and are casting a doomed fate over the upcoming season, but the possible integration of Borges and Mubama into the first team on a regular basis could provide the spark that the fans are craving.

Chris Gayle’s laboured fifty turned out to be invaluable on a tricky surface, helping the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots make their first ever CPL final

The report by Peter Della Penna06-Sep-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Chris Gayle carried his bat for Patriots to score 54•Randy Brooks – CPL T20 / Getty

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots are one step away from completing a remarkable worst-to-first turnaround after defeating Trinbago Knight Riders by 38 runs on Tuesday night at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. Coming off the back of a last-place finish in 2016, and having never made the playoffs prior to this season, the win over Knight Riders put Patriots into Saturday night’s final.As was the case on the opening weekend in Florida, Chris Gayle turned in a slow, but steady, half-century that proved especially valuable by the end of play. The captain’s fifty was backed up by three wickets from seamer Sheldon Cottrell as the Knight Riders batting order was left exposed by the absence of the injured Brendon McCullum.One ball that shaped the course of the matchRonsford Beaton opened the match with a superb maiden to Gayle, but it arguably should have been a wicket maiden. Bowling over the stumps to the left-hander, Beaton swung a yorker into Gayle’s left toe in front of middle stump. Perhaps surprised at his good fortune, Beaton gave a mild appeal and umpire Johan Cloete responded in kind with a mild shake of the head to give it not out. Replays confirmed the ball would have cannoned into middle and off stump.Instead, Gayle went on to craft a patient 54 not out off 51 balls in a total of 149 for 7, earning himself a repeat trip to the final after leading the Tallawahs to the CPL title in 2016. The knock was reminiscent of his 66 not out off 55 balls against Guyana Amazon Warriors in a total of 132 for 3 earlier this season at Lauderhill. He dedicated the win to the people of Leeward Islands, who are bracing for Hurricane Irma.It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Super DanDan Christian was drafted in as a replacement for McCullum. Fresh off the plane from England, where he helped Nottinghamshire to the Natwest T20 Blast title, Christian gave Fabian Allen a stiff challenge for catch of the tournament.Evin Lewis skied a drive over extra cover off Beaton in the third over, that appeared as if it would fall safely with no protection on the off side boundary. But Christian would not be denied. The ball hung in the air for six seconds, enough time for Christian to sprint 40 yards to his right from mid-off. He called off Colin Munro, who had also been running back from cover, and lunged to pull off a dramatic catch before giving Munro a piggyback ride into the circle for raucous celebrations as Knight Riders had struck a key blow early on.Bravo’s mixed bagDespite Christian’s heroics, Knight Riders paid the price for being unable to dislodge Gayle. Dwayne Bravo ended with four wickets on the night, but he also conceded at least one boundary ball in each of his four overs. In almost every instance, the sequence started with a boundary, before a wicket to bounce back. It began in the 14th with a six over square leg by Brandon King, followed next ball by a top-edge that was taken by Denesh Ramdin.Carlos Brathwaite drove Bravo twice down the ground in the 16th and again to start the 18th, before Bravo nabbed him on the second ball of the 18th, splicing a catch to cover. Mohammad Nabi was beaten by a Bravo yorker to end the over to leave the score on 122 for 5 with 12 balls to go. But Patriots clipped 17 runs in a crucial final over, in which Gayle finally brought up his fifty with another straight four. Devon Thomas cracked a six over midwicket before he was caught at long-on off the last ball of the innings.Not so super subWilliam Perkins, who had yet to play this season, opened the batting with Sunil Narine but the results couldn’t have been worse.Perkins was already twitching after three scratchy dots in the first over; and his nerves were even more evident when he set off for a run off the fourth ball from Cottrell. He connected well and Lewis only needed to take four strides to his left at cover, before gathering and firing a direct hit at the striker’s end. Narine had given up and was well short of his ground. Perkins’ forgettable night ended soon after, when he feathered a pull shot to Thomas down the leg side off Ben Hilfenhaus. Knight Riders were 2 for 2, seven balls into the chase.Operation Knight FallMilitary man Cottrell accomplished his mission of tying down Knight Riders even further to help secure the victory. Munro’s attempted flick ended as a leading edge that floated tamely back to Cottrell, putting the hosts in a deep hole at 6 for 3. By the halfway point of the chase, the required rate had climbed to more than 10.By the end of the 14th over, the Knight Riders were seven down when Dwayne Bravo attempted to resuscitate the chase, smashing Nabi’s first two balls of the 15th over deep midwicket for six. But Cottrell dismantled the final threat posed by the Knight Riders, claiming Javon Searles at long-off and Bravo at third man in the space of three balls.

Ellyse Perry’s 91-ball 71 formed the bedrock of Australia’s 220 chase, which they saw off with five wickets in hand in the penultimate over

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jul-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJess Jonassen’s three-for stifled New Zealand’s top order•International Cricket Council

Ellyse Perry flexed her batting muscle to help Australia to their third win in as many games at the Women’s World Cup. Her 91-ball 71 formed the bedrock of the 220 chase against New Zealand, which they eventually saw off with five wickets in hand in the penultimate over.The heroes were, however, Jess Jonassen and Megan Schutt, who picked up three wickets a piece to scupper New Zealand’s hopes of posting a bigger total. Jonassen, who was left out of the previous game, did the bulk of the damage to the top order. Her strikes of Amy Satterthwaite and and Katey Martin within a space of three deliveries in the 23rd over led to a breakdown in momentum.Suzie Bates, playing her 100th ODI, soldiered on to bring up an uncharacteristic half-century, before playing to a premeditated sweep to Jonassen’s arm ball. At that stage, Jonassen’s figures read 3 for 22 off seven overs. Katie Perkins, playing her first innings of the tournament, provided the late lift with a sprightly 59-ball 52. She was complemented by Erin Bermingham, who made 35, as New Zealand, tottering at 147 for 6 in 37 overs, recovered to post 219 for 9.Beth Mooney and Nicole Bolton treaded a caution-first approach during the course of their 49-run opening stand. Meg Lanning and Perry, who came together with Australia at 72 for 2, then steadied the innings with a 71-run stand to take them close to 150. Australia were cruising, but not for long as 16-year old legspinner Amelia Kerr gave New Zealand a glimmer of hope.Lanning, who was looking to step out and defend, was deceived in flight and dip as she nicked one to the wicketkeeper for 48. Next delivery, Kerr accounted for Elyse Villani with a wrong’un. Australia were suddenly four down, with 77 to get. But they weren’t to be denied as Perry carried on in Alex Blackwell’s company – the pair took Australia to within a run of victory before Blackwell hit the winning runs with eight balls to spare.