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West Ham United have now submitted an offer of around £20m for a “natural goalscorer”, with Nuno personally a big fan.

West Ham targeting new striker with Fullkrug heading for exit

It has recently been revealed that Niclas Fullkrug is heading for the exit door this winter, having struggled to find the back of the net consistently since arriving from Borussia Dortmund, scoring just three goals in 28 appearances for West Ham.

Callum Wilson has been the man leading the line as of late, and the Englishman has impressed, bagging a brace in the 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth, but there are also question marks over his long-term future at the London Stadium.

Given that Wilson is set to turn 34 in February, and his contract expires at the end of the season, it would be a shrewd move to bring in a younger striker, and the Hammers are desperate to sign at least one new centre-forward in the upcoming window.

That is according to a report from Hammers News, which states West Ham have failed with an opening bid of £20m for Al-Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo, with the Saudi Pro League side adamant they won’t sanction a departure.

However, the Irons may return to the negotiating table with another offer, such is their determination to get a deal done, with Nuno personally a big fan of the Brazilian, who was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest during the manager’s time in charge there.

Nuno has made bringing in a new striker the number one priority for the January transfer window, and if the Hammers were able to get a deal for the 22-year-old done, they would be signing a player in red-hot form.

West Ham and Tottenham get Ivan Toney response after holding discussions

The Al-Ahli striker is fielding enquiries ahead of January.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 29, 2025

"Natural goalscorer" Leonardo on fire in Saudi Arabia

Indeed, the Al-Hilal star has been fantastic since the Club World Cup in the summer, scoring four goals in five matches in the new-look competition, and he has since impressed considerably domestically too.

The former Santos man also earned high praise from scout Jacek Kulig courtesy of very impressive attacking numbers during his time in Brazil.

With Fullkrug heading for the exit door, West Ham undoubtedly need to bring in a new striker this winter, and Leonardo could be capable of leading the line for Nuno’s side for years to come.

Manchester United find themselves building something worthwhile under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to outstrip their rivals to sign Leicester City sensation Jeremy Monga.

While having to settle for a draw at the City Ground last Saturday may have been a frustrating outcome, there were plenty of positives on show as the Red Devils came from a goal down to claim a point at Nottingham Forest.

Four Premier League matches unbeaten may not have the same ring to it as five wins in a row. However, there is undeniable progress being made at Old Trafford, and Amorim’s side are starting to find consistency in time for the festive run of fixtures.

Still, the former Sporting boss is keen to seek more improvement, pointing out that his side suffered from lapses of concentration that ended their hopes of another victory on the road.

He said on Match of the Day: “If I think about game, we lost control for five minutes. I feel in the recent past if we had had this situation, going from 1-0 up to 2-1 down, we would’ve struggled so much more than we did today.

“My feeling is that we played well but we dropped a little bit of energy. When we are full of energy, we are the better team. My players are giving everything but we have the potential to do better and sometimes we have these moments.”

There is a feeling that the best is still to come under Amorim. His reign has taken time to get off the ground, but the January window and beyond offers another chance to shape his team with key reinforcements.

With that in mind, the Red Devils are feeling some optimism that they could beat bitter rivals Manchester City to sign a top talent.

Man Utd looking to beat Man City to sign Leicester City star Jeremy Monga

According to Football Insider, Man Utd hold optimism that they can sign Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, and they could land him for as little as £2 million due to the fact the 16-year-old isn’t yet eligible to pen a professional deal at the Foxes until he turns 17.

Coming under the bracket of nominal compensation, the Red Devils’ target has registered a solitary strike and an assist in 12 appearances this campaign, breaking Jude Bellingham’s record as the Championship’s youngest ever goalscorer against Preston North End.

Compared to Ousmane Dembele by Ben Mattinson, he came close to joining Manchester City and Liverpool earlier in the year, and the Red Devils see Monga as the next in a line of poaching elite talent from other clubs following their additions of Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi Martin.

Manchester United are keen to back Amorim over the coming years, and securing prodigious stars who can potentially go on to become worth millions is an effective way of breeding squad improvement, factoring in financial limitations.

Man Utd are also preparing a big-money bid for a star from South America

That process will take time and effort, granted, though profiling players like Monga is the way to go if the Red Devils have designs on eventually rejoining the Premier League elite.

Eni Aluko has spoken out in support of Mary Earps after seeing the former England goalkeeper attract criticism for some of the comments made in her new book. Hannah Hampton, who helped the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory, was among those to feature in Earps’ tales. Aluko claims the legendary shot-stopper has every right to share her side of a professional story and should not be “demonised” for doing so.

Earps' new book: How Lionesses legend caused controversy

Questions have been asked about why Earps, who announced her international retirement prior to the latest European Championship, felt the need to deliver a tell-all autobiography while still being a player herself. Many in that position wait until retirement before putting their story down on paper.

Two-time Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Earps claims in her publication – All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me – that England boss Sarina Wiegman could be considered to have been “rewarding bad behaviour” when recalling Hampton, who had previously been dropped, to the Lionesses camp. Hampton went on to become a penalty shootout hero at the Euros.

Earps also accused Wiegman of displaying a “clear lack of care for me and my welfare” prior to losing her No.1 spot, with bridges seemingly being burned by a 32-year-old shot-stopper who has never been afraid to speak her mind.

AdvertisementGetty Images/GOALAluko defends Earps from 'mob culture' criticism

Ex-Lionesses star Aluko has told of Earps’ decision to go public at this stage of her career: “I do have some empathy for Mary because I have been in that situation before, where you come out and you say: ‘I didn’t like what happened there in this England environment’. And when you do that, sometimes you get demonised just for giving your perspective and saying I think that’s wrong.

“So Mary has written a book, she has given her perspective, and she is entitled to that perspective. I don’t really like this sense of sort of mob culture where you try to silence someone for just giving their perspective.

“I think the problem is that Hannah Hampton was absolutely brilliant in the summer. Sarina Wiegman, I’m a huge fan – she is one of, if not the best coach we have ever seen in England. I think the timing is the problem for Mary and maybe that is where she has been ill advised. A book is something that is evergreen and I’m not sure he had to come out now. But I do sympathise with Mary because I don’t want her to feel like there is a mob of people attacking her, because I have been there and it’s not nice.”

Bronze leaps to the defence of former team-mate

Earps’ former team-mate, Lucy Bronze, is another to have defended the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year from the criticism that has come her way on the back of releasing an explosive book.

The experienced Chelsea defender, who is a close friend of Earps, has told : “Female players are constantly under a magnifying glass. In a football team you have a group of 20-30 players – there’s no way everyone will think the same things. There are different personalities – and there is high pressure.

“Men are solely judged on their ability and their lifestyle to a certain extent, but only if it's a huge headline. Generally, for most of the popular female footballers, there’s a constant lens on what we’re doing – on and off the pitch.”

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Getty/GOALNo apologies: Earps has never been afraid to speak her mind

Earps has made no apologies for her statements and hopes that she can “draw a line” under any supposed tension with Wiegman at some point in the near future – with talks between the pair being planned.

She acknowledges that there will always be differences in opinion when it comes to elite sport, especially when it comes to those filling playing and coaching posts, and will happily explain herself to anyone that wants to ask questions – with Earps, who won Euro 2022 and finished on 53 caps for her country, currently plying her club trade in France for Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea have now opened talks to sign a “powerful” new forward who’s scored 15 goals this season, joining the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the race for his signature.

Blues open talks to sign new forward amid resurgent form

After a slow start to the campaign, there were a few questions asked about Enzo Maresca’s position as manager, but the Italian’s side have since returned to form, winning their last three matches on the spin in all competitions.

Most recently, the Blues picked up a 3-0 victory on the road against Nottingham Forest, which cost Ange Postecoglou his job, and Pedro Neto put in a very impressive display, chipping in with a goal and an assist, while also completing three dribbles.

Alejandro Garnacho’s performance, on the other hand, wasn’t quite as eye-catching, with the 21-year-old still yet to get off the mark in front of goal since arriving from Manchester United, and Jamie Gittens hasn’t exactly hit the ground running either.

The former Borussia Dortmund man is without a goal or an assist in his opening eight games this season, with the Englishman’s form likely to be a concern for Maresca.

That’s the risk clubs take when they decide to sign up-and-coming talents, rather than ready-made top players, and it is certainly a questionable approach from the west Londoners, who have the capabilities to attract some of the best wingers in the world.

However, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have joined the race for a new youngster, having opened agent talks over a deal for Vasco da Gama starlet Rayan Vitor, who certainly isn’t short of potential suitors.

Barcelona, PSG, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also named as interested parties, with the 19-year-old emerging as one of the best young talents to come out of Brazil in recent times, but a deal would be relatively expensive.

The teenager has a £35m release clause in his contract, although the Blues may be able to hash out a deal for closer to the £26m – £29m mark.

Chelsea now in pole position to sign £80m "key target" ahead of PSG and Liverpool

The Blues are looking to complete a statement deal.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Oct 18, 2025

"Powerful" Vitor could be a future star

Jamie Carragher has previously made it clear exactly what he thinks of Chelsea’s recruitment policy, saying: “The club hides behind a prolonged transitional period that keeps being extended, focusing on signing the same type of young players in every transfer window.”

In truth, the young Brazilian would probably fall into that category, but that’s not to say he wouldn’t be a long-term success at Stamford Bridge, having shown signs he could go on to become a future star.

The Vasco da Gama star has 15 goals to his name in 2025, and he has received plaudits from scout Ben Mattinson.

That said, having signed Garnacho, Gittens and Estevao in recent times, it would be a questionable decision to bring in yet another young winger, and signing a centre-back should be a priority, given that Maresca is light on options at the back.

After another disappointing start to the season, Manchester United and INEOS have reportedly joined the race against Atletico Madrid to sign a La Liga defender.

Ratcliffe reiterates patience in Amorim project

Despite failing to win back-to-back Premier League games once in almost 12 months and struggling to take the Red Devils into European football, Ruben Amorim still has the backing of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The minority owner has reiterated the need for patience, drawing comparisons with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, who are now reaping the rewards for sticking with their man.

That suggests that even defeat against Sunderland would not have put Amorim’s job at risk and the former Sporting Club boss must now repay that faith.

The manager, himself, has remained just as stubborn in his decisions – refusing to change what many believe to be a broken system. He told reporters earlier this season: “So it’s not the system. It’s the small details, the way we play the game.

“And I understand what people think. ‘What would this team be in a different system?’ I don’t know. Maybe this team would win more games. But if we don’t change certain things, we are not going to win titles whether we change to 4-3-3 or 4-4-2.”

The task for INEOS in the face of Amorim’s stubborness is handing the United boss the reinforcements he needs to get his system going and that should make 2026 interesting. Reports are already suggesting that they could go for one La Liga star.

Man Utd join David Affengruber race

According to reports in Spain, Man United are now battling Atletico Madrid to sign David Affengruber. The Elche centre-back has become an unexpected star in Spain’s top flight so far this season, helping his side rise to as high as seventh. Now, INEOS are reportedly fans of his ability and have eyed a 2026 move to secure his signature.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Oct 9, 2025

The Man United owners could land a fairly cheap deal, too. Although Elche are set to demand over €25m (£22m) to sell their defender next year, their final price is unlikely to reach an absurd amount given their place in the football food chain.

League stats 25/26

David Affengruber

Matthijs de Ligt

Minutes

663

630

Progressive Passes

22

14

Ball Recoveries

49

23

Tackles Won

12

12

When compared to Matthijs de Ligt, Affengruber’s quality becomes even clearer. The 24-year-old has been excellent both in and out of possession this season and should represent a serious option for Man United if he continues his current form.

De Ligt, meanwhile, represents another big-money player who’s struggling to impress at Old Trafford and getting him back to his best form should be among Amorim’s top priorities.

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has confirmed winger Daniel James’ ankle injury will rule him out for up to six weeks.

James, who has recently struggled with a core muscle injury which kept him out of last week’s home draw against Bournemouth, has turned an ankle in training and will be sidelined until November.

The Wales winger will miss Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Tottenham at Elland Road and both his country’s upcoming matches against England at Wembley and the World Cup qualifier against Belgium.

Farke said: “Daniel James will be out for a few weeks, he’s rolled his ankle sadly in training.

“The doctors say he’s likely out four to six weeks so realistically we expect him back just after the November international break.

“If he would be back before it would be a bonus and a surprise. It’s not great news.”

Gnonto and Gray could also miss Spurs

Farke, whose side currently sit 12th in the Premier League, also revealed Willy Gnonto has not yet recovered from a calf injury which has kept him out of the last two matches.

Teenager Harry Gray will also miss out against older brother Archie’s Tottenham after sustaining a hip flexor injury.

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Leeds United can take Brenden Aaronson out of the XI by bringing this star into the team.

ByDan Emery Mar 29, 2025

On the plus side, goalkeeper Lucas Perri has returned to training following a thigh problem, although the Brazilian summer signing will not be included in Farke’s squad this weekend.

Tottenham made the long trip to the Arctic circle in the Champions League on Tuesday night, fighting back to draw 2-2 against Bodo/Glimt, but Farke does not think this will have a bearing on Saturday’s encounter at Elland Road.

The German added: “I don’t think so because nowadays you don’t travel with a bicycle or on a ship or a coach. They have their private jets, so it shouldn’t be too uncomfortable.

“It’s not like in my generation when the travel was horrendous. They have chefs around.

“But it could be tricky sometimes, say if it was a Wednesday night (match) and then early Saturday kick-off.

“From Tuesday, I wouldn’t expect anything (adverse) and I also expect he will bring some fresh legs on the pitch.”

Tottenham are fourth in the table having lost one of their eight league matches this season and head to Leeds after drawing their previous two, against Brighton and Wolves.

DC fast bowler also said changing the ball after ten overs in the chase was helping control the ball better

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Apr-20254:56

Mohit Sharma: ‘Preparation is my greatest strength’

Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler Mohit Sharma is enjoying the use of saliva on the ball again and says the ball is reverse swinging more in IPL 2025 after the rule was changed for this season.Another rule to come into effect this IPL was giving the team bowling second the option of changing the ball after ten overs – whether there was dew or not – which is also “making a difference” for the bowlers.When asked on the eve of DC’s next game, against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Delhi, if the use of saliva was making a difference, Mohit said: “100%. In 70% of the games, the ball is tailing in and it’s only because the saliva is heavy, and our sweat is not so heavy. If the ball is heavier on one side it will tail in. Right now, there’s not as much dew in most grounds to say that the wet ball is also reverse swing.”The ICC had banned the usage of saliva on the ball five years ago, a rule which was followed by the member boards across all levels of cricket, because of Covid-19. Just before the start of this season, the IPL authorities changed the rule back to allow its use again after the majority of IPL captains called for the change.Related

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Along with that, they also introduced the rule of letting the bowling captain change the ball in the second half of the chase, mainly to offset the effect of dew on the ball, as a wet ball is harder to grip and control. The bowling team can choose to change the ball any time after the tenth over in the second innings, whether there is dew or not.It was seen recently in DC’s last game when they hosted Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday. With considerable dew around in Delhi, MI opted to change the ball after 13 overs when DC needed 61 to win from 42 balls with six wickets in hand, and brought back legspinner Karn Sharma. He got turn straightaway with the dry ball and had Tristan Stubbs miscue the third ball of the over to Naman Dhir.”There’s help (after the ball is changed) and we saw it in the last game too,” Mohit said. “The first ball had been used for 12 overs and was a little wet because dew had started to settle in when our innings had ended. There was more dew in the second innings. And later the 13th or 14th over Karn bowled, the ball turned to Stubbs.”So definitely the second ball, which is harder, makes a difference although by the 15th-16th over, the ball’s condition is like the first one. But being a bowler, 100% there’s a difference. Like if I’m bowling the 14th or 15th over after the ball change, I’ll be more confident of bowling a yorker because the ball is dry, it won’t slip.”

Newcastle United’s summer has been a whirlwind of activity.

The Magpies made headlines with the British-record sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, a move that reshaped their attacking plans.

While the summer window largely focused on the Swedish international’s acrimonious exit, manager Eddie Howe has successfully strengthened in all areas of the pitch.

Strikers Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa arrived from Stuttgart and Brentford to fill the hole left in attack, and Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga all arrived to provide competition in other areas.

Newcastle were able to prise Ramsey away from Aston Villa in a very similar way to which Elliott Anderson left the club last summer.

In a bid to balance the books, Anderson was allowed to join Nottingham Forest – a move that paid off, as he earned his first England Men’s senior call-up this week, before shining on debut in the World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

These moves underscore a summer of both tactical foresight and financial management, ensuring Newcastle can remain competitive both in Europe and the Premier League.

Why Elliot Anderson was sold

Anderson, a 22-year-old talent from the North-East, had risen through Newcastle’s youth system, establishing himself as a promising attacking midfielder.

Despite his evident potential, he was sold to Forest in 2024 in a £35m deal that saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way for £20m.

Crucially, the transfer was sanctioned to ensure Newcastle remained Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) compliant.

Both player and club reportedly had no desire to part ways, but financial regulations and squad depth necessitated the move.

Similar to Ramsey’s arrival this summer, Anderson’s departure reflected Newcastle’s need to carefully manage resources after heavy spending following the club’s takeover.

While Anderson may have remained lower in the pecking order under Howe behind Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton, his career has flourished at Forest.

Last season, he made 37 league appearances, scoring twice and assisting six, catching the eye of the national selectors with a first England call-up after representing Scotland at youth levels.

His on-field output underscores his growing influence. According to FBref, he ranks in the 88th percentile for assists per 90 (0.19), 77th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.07), 89th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 (1.18), 88th percentile for tackles per 90 (3.07), and 87th percentile for clearances per 90 (2.40).

The move has also proven financially shrewd for the Midlands club. That being said, Newcastle have their own rising England star…

How Tino Livramento's market value compares to Anderson

While Anderson’s departure dominated headlines, Newcastle have enjoyed the quieter rise of a defensive asset who has arguably outshone him in value and influence.

Tino Livramento, who joined from Southampton in 2023 on an initial £32m deal, has cemented himself as a key figure in the Magpies’ backline.

The 21-year-old Chelsea academy graduate famously contained Mohamed Salah in the Carabao Cup final.

With 66 Premier League appearances for Newcastle under his belt, Livramento has proven both durable and adaptable, earning him a spot, alongside Anderson, in Thomas Tuchel’s squad. The pair both featured in Saturday’s 2-0 victory, with Livramento replacing Reece James late on.

Football analyst Jacob Whitehead has described the Newcastle man as “outstanding,” highlighting the right-back’s intelligence on the ball, defensive awareness, and ability to contribute in the attacking phase.

Livramento’s statistical output reinforces this praise.

Matches Played

37

Progressive Carries

83

Progressive Passes

158

Tackles

54

Blocks

37

Aerials Won

27

He ranks in the 88th percentile for pass completion rate at 86.1%, 87th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.26), and 83rd percentile for progressive carries per 90 (0.85).

His consistent performances not only provide a reliable defensive option but also support Newcastle’s attacking structure, showing he is more than just a defender.

Market Movers

The comparison between Anderson and Livramento highlights the strategic depth of Newcastle’s squad planning.

While Anderson has thrived at Forest, Livramento has quietly become one of the club’s most valuable assets, offering both immediate returns and long-term potential.

Indeed, Livramento is now deemed to be worth as much as €56m (£49m), according to Football Transfers, ensuring that is even more valuable than his compatriot, who has a market value of €52m (£45m).

Newcastle’s decision to allow him to grow within the squad ensures they are building a balanced team, blending youth development, strategic sales, and shrewd acquisitions.

In a summer where striker sagas and headline-grabbing moves often dominate coverage, Livramento’s understated rise is a reminder of the value in consistent, intelligent squad building.

Newcastle have managed to both comply with financial regulations and strengthen the squad, leaving the club well-positioned for the Premier League campaign ahead.

It's not Isak: Newcastle have already sold the "nearest" CF to Shearer

Alexander Isak is gone, but have Newcastle previously sold the next Alan Shearer?

ByWill Miller Sep 5, 2025

Robert Lewandowski has been urged to leave Barcelona to once again become the main man in a top team. Legendary Polish goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski believes his compatriot is being unfairly sidelined in favour of other big names at Barcelona and that he should leave the club to seek a new opportunity. He added that the striker's 17th place finish in the Ballon d'Or was too low.

• Lewandowski tipped to move to Saudi Arabia

  Tomaszewski insisted that the forward should put an end to his stay at the Catalan giants in favour of a move at a club where he is more popular. The former goalkeeper suggested he should follow the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema by moving to the Saudi Pro League.

  He told : "Robert should now close the Barcelona chapter and go to a club in Saudi Arabia, just like the best players in the world – except Messi – have done. Robert is not very popular in the team and the best players do not give him the ball."

  It seems a bizarre claim for Tomaszewski to make, given Lewandowski played 34 times in La Liga last season and scored 27 goals. The Pole has started this season strongly too, adding three goals in five games. It is also unclear whether Lewandowski would want to move to a perceived weaker division, when he is currently still performing to a high level at one of the world’s best clubs.

  Lewandowski was named as the 17th best player in the world at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, a ranking which Tomaszewski believes was too low. “Robert has made it onto the list of 30 nominees for the tenth time, and that's what counts,” he said. “The journalists decide where he'll end up. I think he should be in the top ten.

  “The winner [Ousmane Dembele] was undoubtedly a controversial player, but he won the Champions League with the team, and it would be foolish for someone outside of that league to win this award.”

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tomaszewski is not a Flick fan

  In his interview with , Tomaszewski also took aim at Barcelona boss Hansi Flick and claimed the German coach was not doing a good job. He said: “Barcelona has a squad to win the Champions League. I hope they don't extend Flick's contract, because he's not doing a good job. He can't continue. With so much football quality, he should have won everything in Europe. But they lost to Inter, who were then humiliated by PSG in the final.”

  It might be difficult to find many who agree with the former Polish shot stopper about Flick, with Barcelona playing some of the most exciting football in Europe and scooping up multiple titles last season. The Blaugrana cantered to the La Liga crown last season, led by a crop of young talent and spearheaded by the veteran Lewandowski.

  This season, the Polish forward has formed part of a rotating front three with the likes of Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford also given chances down the middle of the attack. The strength in depth of Barcelona’s attack has allowed for this rich rotation, but this has not hampered Lewandowski’s output. There is little to suggest that the Pole is an unpopular player within the squad and that he would be keen to move to Saudi Arabia.

• Barcelona to take top spot on Sunday?

  Lewandowski could find himself on top of La Liga by the end of the weekend. The Blaugrana could take advantage of Real Madrid’s thrashing by Atletico Madrid and leapfrog their great rivals into top spot. After winning each of their opening games to the league season, Los Blancos were humiliated 5-2 to hand Xabi Alonso his first domestic defeat in charge of the Spanish giants. With victory on Sunday over Real Sociedad, Barcelona can move up to 19 points and one point clear of Madrid in second.

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  Lewandowski's future remains open

  Lewandowski’s contract at Barcelona comes to an end next summer, but there is an option for the club to extend it by another year. Should the striker choose to depart, he will no doubt have a long list of suitors lining up contract offers in an attempt to persuade him to join their club. Saudi clubs will be amongst those options, but even at 37-years-old Lewandowski looks as if he could keep playing at the top of European football for years to come.

علق الإعلامي أحمد شوبير على تعادل نادي الزمالك أمام غزل المحلة بهدف لمثله، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما مساء أمس السبت، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، مشيرًا إلى أن الفريق الأبيض نجا من أزمة لائحية كادت تكلفه خسارة نقاط المباراة إداريًا، كما وجّه انتقادات فنية لبعض قرارات المدرب يانيك فيريرا وأداء عدد من اللاعبين.

وقال الإعلامي أحمد شوبير في تصريحات إذاعية صباح اليوم الأحد: “الزمالك نجا بالأمس من أزمة كبيرة، فحتى النقطة التي حصل عليها كانت مهددة بالضياع”.

وأوضح: “اللائحة الخاصة بالدوري المصري تنص على قيد ستة لاعبين أجانب فقط في القائمة، على أن يشارك منهم خمسة داخل الملعب، وقد بدأ الزمالك المباراة وفي قائمته سبعة لاعبين أجانب، وهم: محمود بنتايج، خوان بيزيرا، صلاح مصدق، شيكو بانزا، عبد الحميد معالي، سيف الجزيري، وبارون أوتشينج الكيني”.

وأضاف: “يبدو أن أحد مسؤولي الزمالك تفطن للأمر قبل انطلاق اللقاء، فتم استبعاد بارون أوشينج وإدخال سيف جعفر بدلًا منه، وبالمناسبة، القائمة المعدلة التي تم اعتمادها رسميًا هي التي سُجلت في الاتحاد، لأن بعض الجماهير كانت تعتقد أن الزمالك سيُعتبر خاسرًا إداريًا بثلاثية نظيفة، كما حدث في واقعة سابقة بين مودرن والإسماعيلي الموسم الماضي حين فاز الأخير إداريًا، لذلك يجب على إداريي الزمالك أن يكونوا أكثر انتباهًا لمثل هذه التفاصيل”.

وتابع شوبير: “أريد أن أتوقف قليلًا عند المدرب يانيك فيريرا، أنا لست من أنصار التغيير السريع في الأجهزة الفنية، لكن ما حدث بالأمس كان غريبًا، فقد استبعد المدرب اللاعب آدم كايد لأسباب فنية رغم أنه كان أساسيًا في جميع المباريات السابقة، ولم يكن يفكر في إشراك سيف جعفر أصلًا، ثم قرر ضمه فجأة بعد استبعاد أوتشينج، وأشركه خلال المباراة بشكل غير متوقع، هذا القرار يثير التساؤلات”.

وأوضح: “عندما أُصيب عدي الدباغ أمام الأهلي، دفع المدرب بناصر منسي لكنه لم يقدم الأداء المنتظر، وأمس عندما أُصيب أحمد شريف – الذي كان من أنشط لاعبي الفريق في الجهة اليسرى – شارك عبد الحميد معالي ولم يقدم أي إضافة، ثم بدأ المدرب في تغيير المراكز بين بيزيرا وناصر ماهر ومعالي، فتأثرت المنظومة الهجومية بشكل واضح، وهذه نقطة فنية مهمة للغاية”.

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واستطرد: “تحدثت قبل لقاء الأهلي والزمالك وقلت إن مفتاحي لعب الزمالك هما ناصر ماهر وعبد الله السعيد، لكنهما لم يظهرا بالمستوى المطلوب في القمة، ناصر ماهر يمتلك مهارة عالية، ولكن عليه أن يدرك أنه يلعب في نادٍ كبير ينافس على البطولات دائمًا، اللعب الفردي لا يخدم الفريق، فنحن لا نتحدث عن ألعاب فردية كالكراتيه أو التنس، بل عن كرة القدم التي تتطلب جماعية في الأداء”.

وأردف: “ناصر ماهر أضاع العديد من الفرص في الفترة الأخيرة بسبب الفردية الزائدة، وهو ما يثير غضب جماهير الزمالك، أحمد ربيع قدم مباراة ممتازة وسجل هدفًا رائعًا من ضربة ركنية حولها برأسه إلى الشباك، كما ظهر أحمد حمدي بشكل مميز في خط الوسط وشكّل مع عبد الله السعيد ثنائيًا متجانسًا، من الناحية الفنية لا توجد مشكلة كبيرة في وسط الزمالك، لكن هناك خللًا دفاعيًا واضحًا يحتاج إلى معالجة”.

وأوضح: “هدف غزل المحلة في مرمى الزمالك كان غريبًا للغاية، الكرة جاءت عشوائية من دفاع المحلة، لكن مدافعي الزمالك تعاملوا معها باستهتار، فقدموا الكرة هدية لمهاجم المحلة الذي مرر لزميله، وأصبح الموقف اثنين ضد اثنين أمام دفاع الزمالك، وهو وضع دفاعي لا يُعد سيئًا إلا إذا كان المنافس من طراز عالمي كـ ليونيل ميسي أو كريستيانو رونالدو، ومع ذلك، استغل مهاجم المحلة الفرصة وسجل محمود صلاح الهدف ببراعة في شباك محمد صبحي”.

واستمر: “نحن نتحدث عن لاعبين دوليين في صفوف المنتخب الوطني، لذلك من غير المقبول أن تحدث مثل هذه الأخطاء، الجميع يُشيدون بحسام عبد المجيد ومحمد إسماعيل، لكن ما حدث بالأمس يطرح علامات استفهام حول تركيز اللاعبين داخل الملعب”.

واختتم شوبير تصريحاته قائلًا: “المدرب فيريرا عليه أن يتحكم في ردود أفعاله، فليس من اللائق أن يواصل نشر تعليقات عبر صفحته بعد كل مباراة تحمل طابعًا انفعاليًا، تصريحاته مثل: (نفقد نقاطًا لا نستحقها والمباريات لها سيناريوهات مختلفة) غير مناسبة، لأن عليه أن يتعامل مع هذه السيناريوهات باحترافية، وأن يركز على معالجة الأخطاء بدلًا من تبريرها، الأمور في الزمالك تحتاج إلى هدوء وعمل منظم أكثر من أي وقت مضى”.