Tag Futebol

Next summer’s Big Bash League will be subject to a host of in-game tinkering that does not allow for a wider debate over the tournament’s overall value to broadcasters, and stops short of the macro changes desired by its independent reviewer, the respected television executive Dave Barham.At a time of major upheaval in the game, as Cricket Australia, its state association owners, and the Australian Cricketers Association haggle over cricket’s cost-base and general finances in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 10th edition of the BBL will not depart from the 56-game regular season and five-game finals series that formed the basis of the league’s major increase in rights value to be worth about half the A$1.18 billion total in 2018.Instead, the BBL’s managers, including the tournament head Alistair Dobson and CA’s executive in charge of events, Anthony Everard, are to propose a raft of tweaks to playing conditions to the joint CA-ACA and umpires playing conditions committee that is due to meet in July.These changes are expected to include:

• Bonus points available to teams for their progress at the 10-over point of an innings
• Substitutions also allowed within that same period
• Powerplay split between the first four overs of the innings and two overs floating elsewhere
• Free-hits for the bowling of wides
• The addition of extra breaks for advertisements and player strategy after every five overs.
• A draft for overseas players is also expected to be up for consideration

While Barham has publicly raised the question of the tournament’s size in addition to his findings in a confidential discussion report tabled to CA earlier this year, the governing body is understood to be extremely hesitant about opening up any form of content-level discussion with its broadcasters Fox Sports and Seven, due to the likelihood of any reduction in content meaning a discount in the fees owed. This has certainly been the case for the AFL and NRL, which have had to put on shorter seasons due to the impact of Covid-19 and paid for it in terms of rights fees.CA’s earlier announcement of a full schedule of international cricket for the summer was geared at the same outcome, to calm any fears among domestic and overseas broadcasters about the possibility of reduced amounts of matches – none more vitally than the 10 fixtures to be played between Australia and India in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.Debutant Nathan McSweeney made a spectacular attempt to catch Steven Smith•Getty Images and Cricket Australia

At the same time, the inclusion of white-ball fixtures against New Zealand in the back half of January appear to crowd the period in which Barham and others have hoped the BBL will conclude in, free of competition from international matches so as to ensure the likes of David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins join their other Australian counterparts in taking up deals with local clubs. Declining standards of overseas players has been an issue, as the Bangladesh Premier League has been successful in attracting players to earn more money for fewer games.”I hope they’re brave,” Barham told this week. “I hope they actually make some serious change and be brave and be bold because I wouldn’t want the Big Bash continue on the path it’s on. It’ll always be an interesting deal, and I think sports have really got to look at quality over quantity and I always look at the NFL. They’ve got 16 rounds, it’s been 16 rounds for a long time and it’s so easy for sporting administrators to think we need more money, let’s play more, let’s do more.”It’s not necessarily the best answer; the NFL rights have been going through the roof and they haven’t changed the number of rounds ever as far as I can tell. It depends on your ratings. The AFL’s now gone to that format and that’s what it is and has been established, but cricket went from 35 games to 61 in two years. So 35 games to 61 is a massive increase that is way out of proportion.”That’s really tested everybody, and it was a school holidays sport that was doing a million people a night on Channel Ten, that’s a massive audience, averaging more than what AFL and NRL did on a per-game basis. So you go from a million people a night, and I think they’ve dropped 40% in ratings by expanding. You’ve got to look and think carefully before you think that the answer is just putting on more games.”There has been considerable debate between CA, broadcasters and the ACA about the shape of the BBL and its size. While the extra games attracted a greater fee, production costs to cover 61 games, a significant number of them in regional centres, have added to the balance sheet headaches for broadcasters while they have also seen audiences thinning out as a result of the increase in number of matches to watch.

Leeds United are likely to have to cash in one of their big earners this summer after he admitted that he could see himself at another 'amazing' club next season.

Farke's side falter at Coventry

The Championship has been full of twists and turns this season, and it seemed set for another one when leaders Ipswich Town fell to a 1-0 defeat in the East Anglian derby on Saturday lunchtime.

It opened the door for both Leeds United and Leicester City to move into the automatic promotion spots, but while the Foxes took the opportunity with glee, Daniel Farke's side couldn't, falling to a 2-1 defeat against Coventry City to dent their promotion hopes.

Development: “Standout” Leeds star now expected to sign bumper new contract

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

By
Henry Jackson

Apr 7, 2024

The loss leaves Leicester City clear by a point atop the table, and with a game in hand on both of their rivals. Leeds, meanwhile, sit a point behind Ipswich and should they both win their remaining games, Farke's side will become the first side in Championship history to face play off action with over 90 points to their name.

In fact, they would reach 100, a landmark that in other seasons has seen them crowned champions, but this time may not even be enough for promotion.

Championship table 23/24 as it stands
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goal difference	Points
Leicester City	40	28	4	8	43	88
Ipswich Town	41	26	9	6	32	87
Leeds United	41	26	8	7	43	86

Another season in the Championship is likely to spark wholesale squad changes, but some look set to leave irrespective of the division the Elland Road outfit find themselves in come September.

Aaronson keen on permanent exit

Now, Brenden Aaronson has revealed that he would be keen on making his loan move to Union Berlin permanent come the summer.

The USMNT star was signed by Jesse Marsch in the summer of 2022, and signed a 5 year deal worth £45,000 per week, making him one of the club's highest earners when he returns this summer.

It had previously been reported that the club were willing to cut ties with him permanently, but that has been disputed and his future still appears to be up in the air.

For Aaronson though, he seems happy to leave Elland Road should the opportunity arise to remain at Union Berlin, where he has scored twice this season and is currently trying to help them avoid relegation.

“I can see myself remaining here", he told the media. “The club is amazing. it’s not upto me at the end of the day but I have so much respect for Union, the way it has been built, the staff, it’s an amazing family club and they’ve done an amazing job.

“For me, it’s (about) making the right decision in the summer, evaluating the year and going from there. Staying is an option but I can’t say much more.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Leeds grant him his wish, which would likely see them take a major loss on the 30m euros they shelled out for him just two years ago.

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois da derrota do Palmeiras para o Red Bull Bragantino nesta quarta-feira (23), Abel Ferreira voltou a cobrar a diretoria do clube por reforços em entrevista coletiva. O treinador enfatizou o descontentamento com a falta de peças no elenco, especialmente em função da recorrência de pedidos não atendidos, e se mostrou, mais uma vez, bastante inconformado com a situação.

– O Empereur é outro fora, né?! Até esqueço das ausências. Em março entreguei um relatório com tudo que era preciso. O Palmeiras precisava de jogadores para a Recopa, Supercopa, final do Paulista. Eu não conto com reforços. Há muito tempo fiquei sem esperanças – declarou.

Novamente, Abel ressaltou a falta de opções, em especial no setor defensivo. Em seguida, contestou a ideia de que o Alviverde não teria feito uma boa partida contra o Massa Bruta, mas destacou que quantidade de erros de sua equipe nos 90 minutos foi determinante para o resultado final do confronto.

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– Não concordo. A equipe jogou, produziu. Se olharmos para a defesa, não é a mesma do ano passado. Mas são esses recursos que tenho. E peço calma para a torcida. Não fizemos um jogo brilhante, mas fizemos um jogo satisfatório.

– Tivemos oportunidades no primeiro tempo e, na primeira oportunidade, o adversário faz gol. Temos que continuar a trabalhar. O futebol é feito de erros. E nesse tipo de jogos contra boas equipes, os erros pagam-se caros. A equipe que errou mais perdeu o jogo – concluiu o treinador.

O português elogiou a atuação do goleiro Cleiton, elegendo o jogador como o melhor em campo. Além disso, citou como diferença fundamental entre as equipes uma possível falta de pressão sobre o time de Bragança por ter uma menor torcida.

– O Bragantino é uma equipe que trabalha junta há muito tempo. Não tem torcida, não tem cobrança nenhuma, joga livre e feliz. Tem bons jogadores. Hoje, o goleiro do adversário foi o melhor em campo. Basta saber quanto pagaram pelo goleiro, por isso ele faz a diferença em campo – apontou.

Ainda oscilando na temporada, o Palmeiras, de Abel Ferreira, volta a campo neste domingo às 20h (horário oficial de Brasília) no Allianz Parque contra o Bahia pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão 2021.

continua após a publicidade

Aston Villa are thought to be eyeing up a move for a Premier League teenager following his bright start in the top flight.

Aston Villa transfer rumours

It is shaping up to be a memorable first full season in charge for Unai Emery, with the Villans currently on course for a top-four finish.

The club are also still competing in the Europa Conference League, but away from the pitch, NSWE and Monchi appear to be looking ahead to the upcoming transfer window, despite backing Emery in the past two windows.

Aston Villa signings 2023/24

Fee

Pau Torres (Villarreal)

£33m

Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen)

Undisclosed

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Free

Rico Richards (West Bromwich Albion)

Free

Nicolo Zaniolo (Galatasaray)

Loan

Morgan Rogers (Middlesbrough)

Undisclosed

Kosta Nedeljkovic (Red Star Belgrade)

£6.5m

Joe Gauci (Adelaide United)

Undisclosed

Lino Sousa (Arsenal)

Undisclosed

A plethora of names have been linked with moves to Villa Park, with speculation increasing over a free transfer for Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso.

Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville is another rumoured target, whereas a sensational return to the Midlands for Jack Grealish has recently been mooted. Alongside possible big-name signings, Villa could also look at some young, homegrown talent, and their latest target fits that bill.

Aston Villa eyeing Ollie Arblaster move

According to The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Aston Villa are monitoring Sheffield United teenager Ollie Arblaster ahead of a possible move.

West Ham United are also keen on the midfielder following what has been an eventful campaign. He began the season out on loan with Port Vale, where his ‘outstanding’ performances as well as an injury resulted in him being recalled by Chris Wilder in the New Year.

The Blades boss gave Arblaster a Premier League debut off the bench against Arsenal and has since started in draws with AFC Bournemouth and Fulham, turning out in defensive and central midfield roles.

The 19-year-old was recently rewarded with a call up to England’s Elite squad, formerly England U20s, and was praised by former Sheffield United forward Carl Asaba. He called Arblaster “brilliant” for the impact he has made for the Blades, saying:

"His performances are brilliant. The way he played against Bournemouth was great. To deal with all the hype of the England Elite squad and then to go and score, it's just brilliant.

"He will get a great reception from the lads. I remember when I was here and we had Phil Jagielka breaking into the youth ranks and coming through. When we saw him after international duty, we were full of praise and admiration.”

Aston Villa gifted chance to sign £100m player for Emery this summer

NSWE could get a player worth nine digits for a much lower fee this summer.

ByBen Goodwin Apr 1, 2024

Should the Blades suffer likely relegation from the Premier League, then perhaps a move to Villa Park for Arblaster could be one to watch, although they may have to act fast with West Ham also keeping an eye.

تغير موقف نادي ريال مدريد الإسباني، تجاه لاعبه الفرنسي أوريلين تشواميني، وفقًا لتقارير صحفية إسبانية.

وسلطت “ريليفو” الإسبانية الضوء على تشواميني وموقف النادي والمدير الفني كارلو أنشيلوتي، تجاه اللاعب.

ويشير التقرير إلى أن ريال مدريد بدأ يستعد للاستماع للعروض المقدمة لبيع تشواميني حيث أن النادي فقد الثقة في لاعبه.

وأفادت أنه في وقت سابق كان ريال مدريد يرفض الاستماع إلى أي عروض مقدمة للاعب لكن تغير الوضع.

وأوضحت أن أنشيلوتي فقط لايزال مؤيداً لما يقدمه تشواميني هذا الموسم، لكن الشخصيات التي كانت مقتنعة به في المواسم القليلة الماضية الآن أصبحت تؤيد فكرة رحيله.

اقرأ أيضًا | بعد هزيمة الكلاسيكو.. بيريز يحدد “منقذ” ريال مدريد بعد رحيل أنشيلوتي

ويثير مستوى تشواميني حاليًا شكوكًا أكثر من اليقين، لقد تم إنفاق 80 مليون يورو على لاعب كان عليه السيطرة على خط الوسط، وخاصة هذا الموسم، وهو لا يفعل ذلك. 

وبعد عامين من التأقلم والأداء أكثر من مقبول، انخفض أداؤه هذا الموسم كلاعب خط وسط وقلب دفاع، وأظهر العديد من الثغرات، والتحليلات التكتيكية للمباريات الأخيرة تترك الكثير من الشكوك.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، كان دور تشواميني في الكلاسيكو أمام برشلونة مقلقًا للغاية ولم يتألق أبدًا في مركزه.

ويذكر التقرير أنه هناك خلاف مع أنشيلوتي، فالنادي يحب كامافينجا أكثر من تشواميني، ويفضل مجلس الإدارة، بقيادة فلورنتينو بيريز، المراهنة على إدواردو في مركز مواطنه.

West Bromwich Albion were too hot for Huddersfield Town to handle in an explosive 45-minute display from Carlos Corberan's Baggies, the Championship promotion hopefuls going into the half-time break 1-0 down only to then win comprehensively 4-1.

Brand new Terriers boss André Breitenreiter would have been pleased with his side's efforts in the first half, only for all their good work to go to waste courtesy of Mikey Johnston terrorising the West Yorkshire hosts in another vibrant showing from the Celtic loanee.

Helping himself to two goals in the entertaining lunchtime kick-off, supporters of the West Midlands club will be demanding with more ferocity now that a permanent signature is sought after for the slick Republic of Ireland international at the conclusion of the season.

Mikey Johnston's performance vs Huddersfield in numbers

Johnston signing on a short-term loan deal could be viewed now as one of the best bits of business conducted by any second-tier club in January, with the 24-year-old winger causing yet another back four in the division all sorts of bother at the John Smith's Stadium.

Away from bagging two goals, Johnston would also twist and turn Huddersfield defenders with ease by constantly bombing forward – the Hoops loanee successfully completing two dribbles on yet another bright afternoon for the explosive attacker in his new colours.

Johnston wasn't just selfish in his approach in attempting to pile on the Terriers misery by firing more efforts at the Huddersfield goal, the electric Baggies number 23 amassing two key passes in the game – which culminated in him assisting Okay Yokuslu's strike – alongside three successful long balls to push his team up the field.

There's no doubt in anyone's mind that the electric 24-year-old will stick it out as West Brom's main man down the left channel as they aim for playoff glory.

Corberan will also be understandably set in stone over Yokuslu remaining as another key name on his teamsheet, after the Turkish midfielder's imperious showing against Huddersfield.

Okay Yokuslu's performance vs Huddersfield in numbers

The ever-reliable West Brom number 38 stood firm throughout the contest even when his team were under the cosh in the first 45 minutes, his continued strength rewarded in the action-packed second half with a rare goal for the Baggies.

Yokuslu's venomous effort hitting the back of net was his first goal of the season, the defensive midfielder knee sliding with the rest of his pumped-up teammates in the celebrations with the scoreline at a more convincing 3-1 as a result of his thunderbolt.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

1

Touches

76

Accurate passes

55/63 (87%)

Duels won

7/11

Tackles

4

Stats by Sofascore

Yokuslu was dogged in his approach as well, alert to whenever the hosts ventured forward with seven duels won and four tackles completed on top of remaining calm and composed with the ball at his feet.

Accumulating 76 touches of the ball over a standout 90-minute display, the Turkish midfielder was the perfect glue between the defence and the attack all afternoon by battling from deep whilst also playing in the likes of Johnston to foray forward with purpose.

Corberan will see both Johnston and Yokuslu as crucial players he needs to keep getting the best out of as the fixtures come thick and fast, with the race to make the playoffs intensifying in the weeks to follow as West Brom aim to break through into the Premier League.

MatériaMais Notícias

A realização de partidas e eventos, assim que for permitida a presença de público em estádios no Rio de Janeiro, pode ter novidades. Na semana passada, a Câmara dos Vereadores aprovou o projeto de lei de autoria do vereador Tarcísio Motta (PSOL-RJ), que estabelece que gratuidades e ingressos com benefícios de meia-entrada nos estádios deverão ter condições de retirada e venda equivalentes aos demais bilhetes. O projeto agora espera sanção do prefeito Eduardo Paes (DEM-RJ).

O Projeto de Lei 1656/2019, elaborado em 12 de dezembro de 2019, tem como objetivo pôr fim às restrições que aconteciam para a comercialização destes bilhetes nos eventos. Antes dos jogos passarem a ser realizados com portões fechados em virtude da escalada da pandemia de Covid-19 no Rio de Janeiro, a permissão para gratuidades e as vendas de ingressos com meias-entradas aconteciam em dias e horários específicos.

Ao LANCE!, o vereador Tarcísio Motta destacou que o intuito é assegurar um direito que é garantido a cada cidadão.

– O nosso projeto não exclui que o torcedor apresente a obrigação de comprovar seu benefício de meia-entrada nem justificar sua gratuidade. Mas os dias e horários mais restritos traziam consequências nos jogos. Estas restrições acabavam excluindo da bilheteria muitos torcedores com direito adquirido, mas que não tinham condições de deslocamento para retirar os bilhetes no dia estabelecido – disse.

Aos seus olhos, caso seja aprovado, o Projeto de Lei ajuda a tornar os estádios mais democráticos.

– Uma das ideias do projeto é esta. Assim que for permitida a volta do público, passada a pandemia, queremos tornar a ida ao estádio mais acessível. Este é um dos caminhos para tornar o estádio mais plural, mais diverso – declarou.

Após a aprovação do projeto na Câmara dos Vereadores, o prefeito Eduardo Paes (DEM-RJ) tem até 90 dias para definir se ele será sancionado como lei.

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It's been a rollercoaster of a season for Crystal Palace fans this year.

The Eagles have picked up some impressive results in the Premier League, such as their 2-2 draw away to Manchester City, but they've also looked abysmal at points, such as in their 4-1 defeat to bitter rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Unfortunately, there has been more of the latter than the former so far, which resulted in the sacking of Roy Hodgson and the hiring of the exciting Austrian coach, Oliver Glasner, earlier this month.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss has already seen his side pick up four points in two games, and while there's a lot of work to be done, one thing he should do is make sure the club don't offer another contract to one of their senior players in the summer, a player who somehow earns more than Marc Guehi.

Marc Guehi's time at Crystal Palace

Guehi has been out of action since the club's embarrassing defeat to Brighton earlier this month, and while there was hope he might be back in action soon, it was confirmed earlier today that he's going to miss at least another two months following knee surgery.

The nine-capped Englishman was signed for a fee of £18m from Chelsea in July 2021 after spending an impressive season and a half on loan with Swansea City in the Championship, and has since become an integral cog in the Eagles' machine.

In his first season in south London, he made 42 appearances for the club and chipped in at both ends of the pitch, scoring four goals and providing one assist alongside his impressive defensive displays.

He would make another 40 appearances the following season, and even with his current injury problems, he already has 26 this year.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2021/22

42

4

1

2022/23

40

1

0

2023/24

26

0

1

Total

108

5

2

Alongside his defensive abilities, the Abidjan-born monster has become one of Palace's most prominent leaders and was named captain for the first time in a game against Watford in February 2022, something he described as a "huge honour."

Since then, he has pulled on the armband many more times in the absence of Joel Ward, and he has rarely, if ever, looked out of place doing so.

With all that in mind, you might expect the "top-class" centre-back, as he was described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, to be one of the club's top earners. Yet, his £50k-per-week wage is not even in the top five, and he sits comfortably behind a senior player who is undoubtedly less crucial to the side.

Nathaniel Clyne's wage at Crystal Palace

Yes, the highly-rated and incredibly impressive Guehi earns significantly less – £30k-per-week, to be exact – than right-back Nathaniel Clyne at Selhurst Park.

Now, the first thing to say is that while there might still be some value in keeping the 32-year-old around in terms of experience and squad depth, his number of performances combined with his woeful output makes it a hard case to push.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2020/21

16

0

1

2021/22

22

0

1

2022/23

25

0

0

2023/24

14

0

0

Total

77

5

2

For example, in the four seasons he has spent at the club since his return in October 2020, the former Liverpool full-back has made just 77 appearances, scored five goals and provided two assists, which is a worse offensive output than Guehi, which just isn't good enough for a modern-day right-back.

Moreover, the "poor" defender, as described by journalist Josh Bunting, is currently earning £80k-per-week, equating to about £4.1m-per-year and making him the joint third-highest earner at the club.​​​​​​​

Player

Weekly Wage

Annual Wage

Michael Olise

£100kp/w

£5.20m

Dean Henderson

£100kp/w

£5.20m

Eberechi Eze

£100kp/w

£5.20m

Odsonne Edouard

£90kp/w

£4.68m

Nathaniel Clyne

£80kp/w

£4.16m

Joachim Andersen

£80kp/w

£4.16m

With the recent arrival of Daniel Munoz and the progressive mentality of Glasner, it seems impossible to justify the wages that Clyne is currently earning, and while he might be a great professional, the club cannot offer to renew his deal this summer.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Philippe Clement has enjoyed a terrific start to life with the Scottish giants since he replaced Michael Beale in the dugout in October.

The English tactician, who has since joined and then departed English side Sunderland, was relieved of his duties whilst the Gers were seven points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table.

Clement has overseen a phenomenal turnaround at Ibrox that has left his team top of the table and two points ahead of their closest rivals after 26 league matches.

The Belgian boss has only had one transfer window to shape his squad – in January – and brought in Mohammed Diomande, Oscar Cortes, and Fabio Silva to bolster his options.

It will be interesting to see what Clement is able to do in the summer with regards to the playing group, as it has been reported that he wants to lower the age of the squad.

Rangers star who could be allowed to depart

A recent report from Football Insider claimed that Gers star Tom Lawrence could be ditched at the end of the season, due to the manager's desire to piece together a younger side.

The outlet stated that Clement wants to bring in high-potential youngsters with the potential to develop as part of an exciting team at Rangers moving forward, which appears to spell bad news for the older contingent of Light Blues players.

Football Insider name Lawrence as one player who could be sold during the summer transfer window as any sale would be pure profit for the club, who signed him on a free transfer from Derby County in the summer of 2022.

Borna Barisic is also said to be on his way out of Ibrox on a free transfer at the end of the current season, as his contract with the Scottish giants is due to expire.

Whilst Rangers and the Belgian tactician could look to dip into the market to find high-potential players to replace the likes of Lawrence, Barisic, and others, they could also look to the academy to bring through and develop their own homegrown stars.

Ross McCausland has made 25 first-team appearances in all competitions so far this season, and contributed with three goals and four assists from the right flank.

18-year-old whiz Zak Lovelace also played twice in the Premiership earlier this term before suffering an injury, which shows that there are talented prospects coming through the B team.

With this in mind, Clement could unearth a dream homegrown replacement for Lawrence, should the midfielder depart on a permanent basis in the summer transfer window, by bringing Alex Lowry into the first-team set-up.

Alex Lowry's time with Hearts

The 20-year-old maestro spent the first half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Hearts in the Premiership and gained valuable minutes in the top-flight.

He started ten of his 12 appearances in the division as Steven Naismith provided him with plenty of opportunities to catch the eye in the middle of the park or out wide.

Lowry failed to score in those 12 matches but did contribute with two assists for the team, to go along with his one goal and two assists in two League Cup outings for the Jam Tarts.

23/24 Premiership

Alex Lowry

Appearances

12

Chances created

22

Dribbles completed

17

Dribble success rate

52%

Sofascore rating

6.92

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Gers academy graduate showed glimpses of the quality he can provide in midfield with his ability to create chances and glide past opposition players with the ball.

However, the young gem was not a regular starter, possibly due to his lack of regular goals and assists, heading into the January transfer window and Naismith decided to send him back to the Light Blues.

Goals and assists may come for Lowry as he continues his development, though, as his record for Rangers at youth level has been particularly eye-catching.

The talented wizard, who was once described as "dangerous" by ex-boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst, racked up 12 goals and three assists in 16 appearances for Rangers B.

Lowry, who has produced two goals and two assists in 14 first-team matches for the club, has the potential to be a big goalscoring threat from midfield and could go on to emerge as a key player for Clement if he can translate that to senior level.

Tom Lawrence's form this season

The Wales international has made 13 appearances in the Premiership so far this season and, like Lowry, has caught the eye with his creative quality.

Lawrence, however, has not scored a single goal for the Light Blues in the top-flight this term, which means that they will not be losing a big goal threat if they decide to cash in on him.

The former Leicester City gem has, though, created four 'big chances' and assisted two goals for his teammates in those 13 league outings.

23/24 Premiership

Tom Lawrence

Alex Lowry

Appearances

13

12

Chances created

21

22

Dribbles completed

Nine

17

Touches per game

40.5

43.6

Goals

Zero

Zero

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, both players have performed to a similar level in the Premiership this season, as they are both creative midfielders who have failed to find the back of the net.

At the age of 30, Lawrence is not a long-term option for Rangers and may have already reached the peak of his development, which is why Clement could cash in on him in the summer.

The Gers should not plan to have the experienced whiz as a regular starter moving forward, due to his age, whereas Lowry is at the opposite end of his career at the age of 20.

He has the majority of his career, injury permitting, to look forward to and is a player the head coach can work with and develop over the years to come.

Even if Lowry does not establish himself as a regular starter next season, the academy prospect could learn from a player like Todd Cantwell and then look to break into the side consistently in the future.

Therefore, Clement could unearth a dream Lawrence replacement, and save the club millions, by bringing the youngster up into the first-team instead of swooping for a multi-million pound new signing.

Harry Kane has ended any lingering doubt regarding his future at Bayern Munich, with the prolific frontman making a goal promise for 2024-25.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

Left Spurs for Germany in 2023Hit 44 goals in debut campaignStill looking for major silverwareGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international completed a big-money move to the Allianz Arena during the summer of 2023. He was able to maintain remarkable individual standards during his debut campaign in Germany, with the target found on 44 occasions, but his long wait for major silverware goes on following a trophyless season.

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Bayern’s inability to break Kane’s duck when it comes to collective honours has led some to suggest that the 30-year-old could look to beat a hasty return to the Premier League, with Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer boasting plenty of admirers in his homeland.

WHAT KANE SAID

He is, however, tied to a contract at Bayern until 2027 and has vowed to lead their trophy charge next season. Kane has posted on Instagram after landing the Globe Soccer Best Goalscorer award for 2023-24: “Proud to have picked up this award – it’s really an award for the club and all my teammates as well as they’ve made me so welcome in my first season in the Bundesliga. Looking to score even more next season.”

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WHAT NEXT?

An unfortunate end of season injury prevented Kane from trying to chase down Robert Lewandowski’s single-season Bundesliga record of 41 goals – as he was left on 36. He is now putting club efforts to one side, with England looking for their record-breaking captain to inspire Euro 2024 glory this summer.