Being one of the biggest clubs in world football, Manchester United have completed some hugely exciting signings over the years.

While they don’t always work out, the Red Devils have signed more than their fair share of bona fide superstars over the years, like Paul Pogba and Ángel Di María, just to name a couple.

However, when it comes to the transfer that captured the most headlines and caused the most excitement among the fans, it’s hard to look past Cristiano Ronaldo’s return in 2021.

Interestingly, if reports are to be believed, United are looking to make another signing in that vein this summer.

United working on Ronaldo repeat

While last season was Manchester United’s worst in the Premier League era, the club have had an excellent summer when it comes to transfers.

Transfer Focus

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

While it looked like they’d struggle to bring in their targets at one point, the Red Devils have now overhauled their entire frontline with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

Yet, instead of sitting back and being pleased with their efforts, the club look intent on making more signings, and are now looking at a deal which would be very reminiscent of Ronaldo’s in 2021.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Sun, which claims United are interested in David de Gea.

In fact, the report has revealed that INEOS and Co have been making ‘discreet calls’ behind the scenes and have been tipped off that a clause in their former player’s current contract with Fiorentina could see him ‘leave for a relatively small sum.’

It’s unclear what that fee would be, but given Andre Onana’s struggles last year, United should pay it and bring the Spaniard back, just like they did with Ronaldo.

Why De Gea would be Ronaldo 2.0

While there are probably other signings you could compare it to, especially when it comes to the position, there are a few reasons why bringing De Gea in this summer would feel a lot like Ronaldo’s move in 2021.

The first is obviously the fact that it would be United resigning an old player, although more than that, it would be the club bringing back someone who had been one of their very best players for years.

During his time in the North West, the “phenomenal” Spaniard, as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand, made an astounding 545 appearances for the Red Devils, in which he kept 190 clean sheets, averaged 1.84 points per game and won more than his fair share of major honours, including one Premier League title, an FA Cup and the Europa League.

Moreover, like the former Real Madrid star, the shot-stopper would be making his way back to Old Trafford from Serie A, and he would also almost certainly do so under the promise he’d get plenty of first-team football this season.

After all, one of the primary reasons this deal even seems plausible is the fact that Andre Onana has been an issue for the club, and they need someone more reliable between the sticks as soon as possible.

Saves

2.74

2.59

Save %

72.6%

68.9%

Clean Sheets

0.31

0.26

Clean Sheet %

31.4%

31.4%

Penalty Save %

66.7%

25.0%

Passing Accuracy

73.2%

72.6%

Key Passes

0.09

0.03

We can see that the former United star would be able to fulfil that role by looking at both players’ underlying numbers from last season, as in almost every relevant metric from saves per game to save percentage and even passing accuracy, he comes out on top.

Ultimately, while some might argue United shouldn’t go back for a player they sold in the past, it’s clear they need a more reliable goalkeeper this season, and from everything we’ve seen over the last year or two, it’s clear that De Gea is precisely that.

Therefore, just as they did with Ronaldo four years ago, the Red Devils should bring the Spaniard back to Old Trafford.

Bad news for Mainoo: Man Utd to open talks to sign £100m Baleba alternative

Manchester United have made their move for another star instead of Carlos Baleba.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 17, 2025

Jamie Carragher has hailed Harry Kane as the “best striker England have ever had”, with the Bayern Munich superstar putting on another finishing masterclass in the Champions League. The former Tottenham Hotspur frontman has been told that he would have smashed Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goals record had he chosen to remain in his homeland.

• Clinical Kane downs Chelsea

  England captain Kane was at his clinical best when bagging a brace for Bayern in their European showdown with Chelsea. He converted from the penalty spot before putting the seal on a convincing 3-1 win at the Allianz Arena.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Trophy curse lifted in Germany

  Kane headed to Germany in 2023 after deciding that his trophy curse could not be lifted at Spurs. He has become a Bundesliga and Supercup winner in Munich, with remarkable individual standards being maintained.

• Passed up Premier League goal record

  The prolific 32-year-old is Tottenham and England’s all-time leading scorer, with Carragher of the opinion that another entry in the history books would have come his way had he opted to stay in north London.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  The GOAT! Carragher's opinion of Kane

  Ex-Liverpool and England defender Carragher told : “He is one of the greatest goal scorers the game has ever seen. I believe he’s England’s best ever objective scorer. He’s carried it out in the Premier League with a team that aren’t one in every of the top groups. He’s gone overseas now with Bayern Munich. All eyes are on him and there is large stress.

  “You think of strikers England have had in the past and there have been some great ones, but he’s scored more goals for England than Alan Shearer. If he’d have stayed in the Premier League, he’d have got that record too. His numbers are off the scale. He can come deep, he can get on the ball and he can play people in. He’s the best striker England have ever had.”

Sam Surridge admits that it feels “surreal” to be involved in an MLS Golden Boot battle with Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is maintaining remarkable individual standards at Inter Miami, but former Nottingham Forest striker Surridge is keeping pace with the South American superstar when it comes to prolific strike rates in 2025.

Surridge moved to MLS in same summer as Messi

Surridge made his way to the United States a matter of days after Messi accepted a call from Manchester United and England legend David Beckham. They have been plying their respective trades in MLS since the summer of 2023.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGettyHow many goals have Messi & Surridge scored?

Messi helped to down Surridge and Nashville in the Leagues Cup final shortly after his arrival in South Florida, with Supporters’ Shield and MVP honours being savoured since then. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has 30 goals to his name this season – with 22 of those being recorded in MLS action.

Why Messi remains one of the best in the business

Surridge has found the target on 21 occasions, telling of rubbing shoulders with a member of the global elite: “Being in a race with Messi is special for me. It is a bit surreal.

“Messi could end up scoring however many goals in a game, and I can’t control that. I focus on what I can do. It's also great that he's doing well because it's almost like me against him in a way, but there's still some others in the race to get the Golden Boot.”

Surridge added on Messi still being one of the best in the business: “Yes, he is, 100%. Him and (Cristiano) Ronaldo. Messi is not just doing it in MLS, he’s still doing it internationally. It’s only a couple of years ago, he won the Ballon d’Or whilst playing in Miami. It's great for the league that he's here.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettySuarez also used as a source of inspiration

It is not just Messi that Surridge looks to for inspiration, with the 27-year-old adding on Inter Miami’s vastly-experienced No.9 Luis Suarez: “I've always looked up to him. Suarez is a great player, someone I always would watch on YouTube, watch his movement, watch how he can create chances for himself.

“He doesn't move as well as he used to, but these players, they always try and find an extra yard. He's still got that fire.”

With Burger, Williams and Nortje also injured, SA may need to dig deep into their reserves to fill a fast-bowling position for the Champions Trophy

Firdose Moonda17-Jan-2025 • Updated on 19-Jan-2025South Africa’s bowling stocks have taken another hit after Gerald Coetzee, who was expected to be named as Anrich Nortje’s replacement in the the Champions Trophy squad, missed Joburg Super Kings’ match against Pretoria Capitals with a hamstring injury on Thursday and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the SA20 on SundayCSA, however, said Coetzee “remains in contention for selection” for the Champions Trophy and that a decision on his inclusion would be made in the first week of February. The deadline for submitting the final squads to the ICC is February 11.Coetzee had played JSK’s previous match against Durban’s Super Giants at Kingsmead, which was his first competitive game since the Test against Sri Lanka in Durban, where he injured his groin. He was ruled out of the rest of the international summer, after he had come back from a hip niggle and a 12-week conditioning block. He did not play any cricket between a game at the MLC in July (his only one in the competition) and a domestic match for the Titans in October. Then, he appeared fitter and faster than before, playing in all four of South Africa’s T20I fixtures against India, and took 4 for 85 in the first Test against Sri Lanka before he was ruled out again.Related

Ryan Rickelton, the new showstopper at Newlands

Jury's out on South Africa's Champions Trophy picks as SA20 provides selection pointers

Rassie van der Dussen consciously evolves his white-ball game amid injury scare

Back injury rules Nortje out of Champions Trophy

It was confirmed by South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter that Coetzee had been in line for a Champions Trophy place but left out in favour of the more experienced Nortje. With Nortje sidelined with a back problem and Coetzee now injured as well, Walter, who is the sole selector of the team, will have to mine the depths of the reserves.With Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder already in the squad, Walter could look to 18-year old tearaway Kwena Maphaka or South Africa’s most recent ODI cap, Corbin Bosch, if he is looking for pace or may have to move away from that entirely. Death-bowling specialist Ottneil Baartman is another option with almost everyone else in contention currently injured.Nandre Burger will not return to action this summer after suffering a lower-back stress fracture while Lizaad Williams is recovering from knee surgery. Daryn Dupavillon, who was playing for Pretoria Capitals, is also ruled out of the SA20 with a hamstring concern.Dupavillon is the eighth seamer to be injured this summer. The others were Ngidi (groin), Coetzee, Mulder (broken finger), Nortje (broken toe, then back), Williams, Baartman and Burger. Barring Burger, Nortje, Williams and now, Coetzee, the others have returned to action.

Everton’s summer transfer strategy has been bold but calculated.

The arrival of Thierno Barry from Villarreal for £27.6m underlined a clear ambition to reshape the attack after the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Tall, powerful, and direct, Barry has been brought in to spearhead David Moyes’ frontline, but even with his signing the squad is not yet incomplete.

The most pressing gap is on the right wing. With Jack Harrison returning to Leeds after his loan, Moyes has been left without a natural option in that role.

Everton’s interest in Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu shows the urgency of the search, but reports suggest their main focus has been on securing a player capable of making an immediate difference in the Premier League.

The profile they are chasing is clear: a young winger with the ability to carry the ball over long distances, stretch opposition defences, and contribute in the final third. Such a signing would not only bring balance to the squad but also unlock Barry’s strengths by providing him with the service and support needed to thrive.

Everton’s interest has already led to an ambitious approach in the transfer market.

Everton’s pursuit of Malick Fofana

That ambition has been embodied in their attempt to land Malick Fofana from Lyon.

The 20-year-old Belgian winger has been described as “explosive” by football analyst Ben Mattinson and labelled a market opportunity that Europe’s elite should be targeting.

According to L’Equipe, via Sport Witness, Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also among the clubs monitoring his situation, but so far Everton have been the only side to explore a move with a formal offer.

The proposal, worth €36m (£31m) including bonuses, was rejected, with Lyon insisting on a fixed €40m (£35m) fee. The French club are under financial pressure, needing to raise €40m (£35m) before June 2026 to balance the books.

Manager Paulo Fonseca is keen to keep Fofana, but the economic reality may force their hand.

For now, the player is only prepared to leave for Champions League football, which means that the Toffees will need to convince him to make the move to Merseyside.

In stylistic terms, he shares traits with Kaoru Mitoma and Pedro Neto: direct, unpredictable, and relentless in moving the ball forward.

For Everton, who lacked that profile last season, such qualities would transform their attack.

Why Everton should sign Malick Fofana

Fofana’s statistical output places him among Europe’s most exciting young wingers.

According to FBref, he ranks in the 97th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (6.60), the 94th percentile for carries into the final third (3.28), and the 85th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (6.14).

His efficiency in the final action is just as impressive, with a 99th percentile ranking for shots on target percentage (55.8%) and the 93rd percentile for penalty-area crosses (0.62 per 90).

Malick Fofana – Ligue 1 2024/25

Matches Played

29

Starts

16

Goals

5

Assists

4

Progressive Carries

112

Progressive Passes

45

What makes Everton’s pursuit of Fofana particularly intriguing is how well he could complement Barry.

The 22-year-old French striker is a classic target man in some respects. Standing at 6ft 5in, he dominates aerial duels, winning nearly two-thirds of those contested inside the penalty area.

Yet his game is not limited to physicality. Barry ranks highly for runs in behind and crosses received, showing a willingness to stretch defences and exploit space.

Last season at Villarreal, he scored 11 goals from an expected goals tally of 11.7, per FBref, adding four assists in the process. His aerial presence is matched by a sharp instinct for finding pockets of space, a skill that drew comparisons with Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade.

Everton see him as the long-term successor to Calvert-Lewin, but Moyes has admitted he will need time to adjust to the Premier League.

This is why a player like Fofana could be invaluable.

His ability to dribble past opponents and deliver precise balls into the box would immediately provide Barry with the kind of service he thrives on.

By cutting inside from the right, Fofana could create overloads in central areas, forcing defenders to step out of position and leaving Barry with space in the penalty box.

His 93rd percentile for penalty-area crosses suggests he is adept at picking out strikers, while Barry’s 86th percentile for aerials won shows he would be ready to capitalise.

The partnership would not be one-dimensional. Fofana’s threat in front of goal, reflected in his 55.8% shot accuracy, means opponents should not simply treat him as a provider.

Defences would be stretched both vertically and horizontally, creating opportunities for Everton to vary their attacking play. For a team that often struggled with breaking teams down last season, this variety could be transformative.

Everton’s 13th-place finish last year was built on defensive resilience and a late-season surge, but their lack of attacking spark prevented a higher finish.

With Barry and potentially Fofana, they would have the balance of power and flair: a forward who can dominate penalty areas and a winger who can consistently carry the ball into dangerous zones.

Of course, the financial challenge is significant. Meeting Lyon’s €40m (£35m) demand would represent a huge outlay, and Fofana’s preference for Champions League football complicates matters further.

Grealish can make him world-class: Everton "in negotiations" for £40m star

Everton still need to sign several more first-teamers before the end of the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 22, 2025

Yet the logic behind their pursuit is plain to see. At just 20, he offers immediate impact and long-term potential, making him a rare opportunity in the market.

For Everton, landing Fofana would be about creating a partnership in the final third that could reshape their identity under Moyes. Barry’s power and presence combined with Fofana’s creativity and explosiveness could provide exactly the attacking edge the Toffees have been missing.

“We’ve been able to keep ourselves in Test matches on the back of our bowling,” Coley says ahead of Test series in Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jan-2025

“It’s a new series, a new opportunity,” West Indies Test coach Andre Coley said ahead of the two-match series in Pakistan.The last series between the two sides, in Kingston in 2021, was drawn 1-1, but West Indies have not won a Test in Pakistan since November 1990. It’s also true that there haven’t been too many of these – only seven since that game – but the best West Indies have done since that 1990 series is a draw, in Multan in November 2006.As such, the series is part of the World Test Championship cycle, but doesn’t mean much for either team in terms of context: South Africa and Australia have qualified for the final, while Pakistan and West Indies bring up the rear, eighth and ninth respectively on the nine-team table. It’s also a chance for Coley to sign off on a positive note before Daren Sammy takes over.Related

Spin-friendly Multan awaits WI as Pakistan look to continue home momentum

Jangoo earns maiden Test call-up for Pakistan tour; Motie back

Pakistan to host Bangladesh, England and WI in packed 2024-25

“Once you play a series or a match there’s an opportunity in itself,” Coley said at a press interaction on Tuesday. “It’s not about us creating history, it’s about using the learnings from 2024 and that consistency that was inserted for the last 12 months, being more set around the brand of cricket we want to play.”Different people in the squad who would have missed out on opportunities before can use this as an opportunity to do better and do it in conditions that could be different in some instances.”When you talk about Test cricket, it’s not only the opposition’s skill that provides tests, but the different conditions, different environments, and different game situations provide those tests. And that’s why you want to play at this level and in this format, to test yourself over four-five days. The game could change so rapidly.”The magical eight-run win, scripted by Shamar Joseph, against Australia in Brisbane in January was by far West Indies’ best result in Test cricket last year, but it was one of only two wins for them in the entire WTC cycle so far. And Coley pointed to the inconsistencies of the batters for the team not being able to build on the work by the bowlers.”Obviously, Jayden [Seales] back to full fitness, Shamar Joseph making his debut in 2024, Alzarri Joseph… Kemar Roach has been a standout in terms of his leadership, on and off the field, with his skill and mentorship. [Gudakesh] Motie and [Jomel] Warrican have been consistent when given an opportunity,” Coley said, counting off his main bowlers, of whom the two Josephs are not in Pakistan. Anderson Phillip is, and Kevin Sinclair is the third spinner.”We’ve seen a couple of innings where our batters have… Kavem Hodge scoring his first hundred, Alick Athanaze missing out on at least three; there have been instances where we have had significant partnerships from a batting perspective. But they haven’t really been very consistent and put ourselves in match-winning totals.”The standout has been that we’ve been able to keep ourselves in Test matches on the back of our bowling, and what the young bowlers have done. It’s time, going forward in 2025, that the batsmen now, having been given certain opportunities to test their skills, to learn and translate those into performances.”The first Test will be played in Karachi, from January 16, and the second in Multan, from January 24, with West Indies playing a three-day tour game in Islamabad from January 10 to get used to the conditions.

India batter Jemimah Rodrigues is glad to have ended her seven-year wait for a maiden international hundred, adding that her “patience” and the way she “shifted gears” helped her achieve the milestone. Her match-winning 102 against Ireland in the second ODI in Rajkot also helped India to their highest-ever ODI total of 370.”Feels great, it was a long-awaited one, and glad I could do it for the team today,” Rodrigues said. “I just tried to keep small targets and just kept achieving it. And I like the way that I shifted gears today. Initially I showed a lot of patience, which was again a big positive for me because it was important for me to spend time there to get those runs. And you know, I was getting the runs. But I was not spending enough time to make it bigger. So I was happy I could do that today.”Related

• Rodrigues' maiden international hundred seal series win for India

• Stats – India break partnership records, post their highest-ever ODI total

• Jemimah Rodrigues – a new star in the making

Rodrigues revealed she took inspiration from her Under-19 days to work towards three digits. It was her unbeaten 202 while playing for Mumbai against Saurashtra in the U-19 Women’s One Day competition that put her in the limelight back in 2017. Rodrigues explained how she kept her spirits high after falling for 9 in the first ODI.”I got angry with myself [the way I got out in the first ODI],” she said. “I needed to be positive towards myself because that works for me. If I keep being too harsh on myself, I go very low. But it was important for me to keep being positive rather than thinking, ‘okay, I got out but next match what could I do better’. I tried to get back to Under-19 where I’ve scored a lot of 100s, I’ve scored a 200 too. I tried to get back to what I used to do then and today I try to apply it, and it came off well.”Regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s absence meant it was “an added responsibility” for her to contribute, more so because she’s been pushed up the order to play at No. 4. While Rodrigues took time to settle in, bringing up her half-century off 62 deliveries, she shifted gears in the last ten overs taking just 28 balls to her ton. On her way, she also raised a 183-run stand with Harleen Deol, who scored an 89. Before their partnership, openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal had put together a total of 156 runs.”If your openers give you that kind of a start, you know it’s always much more easier for us to handle the middle overs and take it well,” Rodrigues said. “[There were] two back-to-back wickets, so Harleen and I had to just give ourselves some time because I think Ireland bowlers are also on top at that time. So I think one thing about 50-over matches, you know we can take a little bit of time and that’s what we did. We calculated well. We settled the 40s, just play risk-free cricket and we know we can always make up for it.”Rodrigues mimicked playing a song on her guitar with her bat after reaching her milestone, a celebration she’d been waiting to do “for the last seven years”. While she was relieved to have finally been able to do that, she hoped it was the first of many hundreds for her. Her next goal is also to help India get to the 400-run mark.”It feels good. But there are lot of places we can still improve as a team because we always look to keep improving. We’ve spoken that when we do well try and be a little more critical about how we can get better than that. So yeah, next game hopefully 400.”

Chelsea appear to be closing in on a deal for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons as widespread reports indicate that talks are seriously progressing, but key issues surrounding the Dutchman are now being brought to the surface.

£40m star drops Chelsea transfer hint on Instagram amid Xavi Simons talks

The west Londoners are set to be even more busy.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 5, 2025

Despite having already spent an estimated £277 million on incomings this summer, Chelsea have done extremely well to balance the books through outgoings, which will be imperative amid their pact with UEFA to produce a ‘positive transfer balance’.

If Carney Chukwuemeka seals his long-awaited return to Borussia Dortmund on a permanent deal, which could yield around £22 million, Chelsea’s money raised through outgoings will near the £250 million mark.

Given Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Alfie Gilchrist and Nicolas Jackson, among others, could also depart in the coming weeks, Chelsea are in a pretty healthy position to add Simons to their squad.

In what is a very exciting prospect for Enzo Maresca, a move for the 22-year-old is a separate topic to that of Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho, and Sky Sports reported earlier this week that Chelsea are in talks to sign both players.

Their move for Simons is believed to be the furthest along, though, with negotiations described as advanced by Fabrizio Romano and the player “clear” in his desire to leave Leipzig for Stamford Bridge.

As Chelsea attempt to make room for Simons, who’s racked up 21 goals and 23 assists in all competitions for Leipzig since the start of 2023/2024, Maresca has been sent an intriguing warning over the ex-PSG sensation.

Chelsea sent Xavi Simons warning as talks advance

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Trans Euro Express podcast, Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard has shared rumours he’s heard of potential attitude problems.

“He scores goals, he makes goals, he’s always trying to affect the game. He’s a real puzzle, Xavi, because I like watching him play. I like what he brings to a game. He’s got really silky skills,” said Hatchard.

“The debate in Germany has been: Is he a team player? Does he have attitude problems? All of that.

“Now, that might be paper talk. That might be just media noise, and it just isn’t true, because there are some coaches that speak up for him. But there are also coaches that have alluded to, he could be more of a team player, his attitude could be different, etc.”

The pundit also questioned how Simons would cope behind Cole Palmer in Maresca’s pecking order, as both men play in the same position.

“What I’m fascinated by is if he does go to Chelsea, how does he deal with not being the main man? Because he won’t be, because Cole Palmer’s the main man.

“He plays in Cole Palmer’s position. So he’s not going to be the main man. They might play him off the left, because he naturally gravitates to the left anyway.

“But I’m just fascinated to see how he deals with it, because it’s not a work-rate thing. The work rate’s there, because you don’t play for Leipzig if you don’t work without the ball. It’s not that.”

Leipzig’s demand for Simons is rumoured to be around £60 million, so the cost of a transfer mistake for BlueCo could be huge here if they get it wrong.

The last thing Maresca needs is another ‘Joao Felix-type’ scenario on his hands, so it will be very intriguing to see how Simons may fare in London.

Leeds United’s Championship hoodoo is finally over.

After slipping up in the second-tier playoff final to Southampton at the close of the 2023/24 season, the Whites had to dust themselves down and go again, and they did just that, with 100 points successfully accumulated last campaign as the Championship title came to Elland Road.

The best possible start to life back in the big time has also just greeted Daniel Farke’s men, with new recruit Lukas Nmecha the difference maker from the penalty spot to hand Leeds a narrow 1-0 win over Everton.

There will be no resting on their laurels, however, as the Premier League newcomers look to add even more exciting signings while the busy transfer window remains open.

Leeds lead race for £43m sensation

After all, the dust has barely settled on that Monday night success, and yet Leeds are very near to completing signing number nine of a full-on summer.

As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via X, Leeds are set to announce the signing of AC Milan winger Noah Okafor for a fee around the £18m ballpark.

This capture really should boost a Leeds attack that did manage to register 21 shots on goal against the Toffees, only to be thankfully bailed out by Nmecha’s calm approach from the penalty spot.

A new striker addition could also be on the cards in the form of FC Nantes ace Matthis Albine, with Caught Offside revealing that Leeds are among the frontrunners for the Frenchman’s services, having already held talks with the 22-year-old, who is also keen on moving to West Yorkshire.

Despite stealing a vast majority of headlines after the Everton game, Nmecha could well find he’s been upgraded on if the €50m (£43m) striker does seal a switch to England shortly, on top of Joel Piroe also feeling less secure about his first-team minutes moving forward.

How Abline compares to Piroe & Nmecha

It might well feel cut-throat to insinuate that Piroe and Nmecha will fade into the background if Abline were to arrive at Elland Road imminently.

Indeed, the German has just got Leeds up and running in the unforgiving terrain of the Premier League, while his Dutch counterpart collected the Championship golden boot accolade last campaign when firing home a clinical 19 strikes.

However, both do display some worrying deficiencies in their attacking games that could hold them back from being the lethal heroes Leeds need to help survival be reached, compared to their new French target, who scored stunning strikes like this last season in Ligue 1 with ease.

Despite powering home those 19 strikes, Piroe would still manage to squander 13 big chances in the Championship – as per Sofascore – which could prove to be costly in a fight against the drop. He’s already shown signs of rust at the intimidating level, too, with an unmemorable 27 touches of the ball registered against Everton, before being taken off by Farke.

Moreover, Nmecha is just fresh off a season that was riddled with injuries at Wolfsburg, culminating in just three efforts being powered home when he was fit enough to line up for 19 Bundesliga clashes.

Away from Piroe and Nmecha displaying many downsides, however, Abline will be raring for the challenge of the Premier League if a pricey move gets off the ground before September’s deadline, having fired home a career-best total across the 2024/25 campaign for Nantes.

Games

34

Goals

9

Big chances missed

6

Assists

2

Big chances created

6

Key passes*

0.8

Last campaign saw Abline fire home a large chunk of his overall 16 goals for Nantes, with 11 strikes tallied up as Luis Castro’s men survived comfortably in the French top-flight in 13th spot.

The “unstoppable” forward – as he has been hailed by journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos – could well grow into even more of a lethal attacker performing for the relegation-threatened Whites, therefore, knowing now what it takes to be a dependable hero in a battle against relegation.

Throwing Abline into the mix would give Farke plenty of options in attack, with the “instinctive” finisher – as he has also been lauded by analyst Ben Mattinson – no doubt craving the tag of being Leeds’ main man week in week out, at the expense of both Piroe and Nmecha.

Based on all the evidence noted, he will certainly have a persuasive case on his side to be the Whites’ starter up top.

"Deal to be finalised soon" – £17m league winner has decided to join Leeds

The Whites are set to sign a “magnificent” player.

1 ByDominic Lund Aug 19, 2025

تحدث وليد صلاح الدين، مدير الكرة بالنادي الأهلي، عن فترة تواجد الإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو، على رأس القيادة الفنية لفريق القلعة الحمراء.

وقال صلاح الدين، عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “الكرة في العالم كله عبارة عن نتائج، هي التي تضعك في مكانٍ جميل جدًا جدًا إذا كانت إيجابية، وتضعك في مكانٍ غير جيد إذا كانت سلبية، وهذا على مستوى العالم كله، خوان لابورتا كان مجتمعًا مع المدير الرياضي لبرشلونة، ومع فليك، يناقشون هزيمة برشلونة في مباراتين، فالعالم كله كذلك”.

واستمر: “توقعات الناس في كأس العالم للأندية كانت أن النادي الأهلي جاء طبعًا بكوكبة من النجوم، الأقوى في إفريقيا، وبالتالي كان الحزن شديدًا لأن الأمل كان أن الأهلي يتخطى الدور الأول، وهذا لم يحدث”.

طالع.. بسبب مباراة الزمالك.. وليد صلاح الدين يكشف عن أهم قرار لجهاز الأهلي المؤقت منذ تعيينه

وأكمل: “بعدها الإجازة كانت طويلة جدًا جدًا، 18 يومًا من مستر خوسيه ريبيرو، وهو ربما فكّر حينها أن الفريق متجانس ولعبنا كأس عالم بمستوى عالٍ جدًا، بالتالي يُريح اللاعبين الذين لم يحصلوا على راحة بين موسمين، لكنه أطال المدة كثيرًا، وكان يتوقع أنه سيعود لخوض خمس مباريات ولديه جودة عالية يستطيع من خلالها الفوز حتى لو لم يكن في أفضل حال، ويؤدي في المباريات، هذا لم يحدث”.

واستكمل: “بعد الـ18 يومًا، عاد الأهلي تقريبًا يوم 24/7، وكان لديه أول مباراة يوم 9/8 أمام مودرن، المسافة قليلة جدًا، 20 يومًا، خاض خلالها مباريات كثيرة، لدرجة أنه لعب مباراتين في يوم واحد”.

وأردف: “الفكرة أن الفترة كانت قصيرة جدًا، فلم يحصل اللاعبون على كل عناصر اللياقة البدنية والجانب البدني إذا لم يكن في أفضل حال، فلن تستطيع تنفيذ أفكارك كما يجب والميزة التي يتميز بها الفريق أنك تضغط على أي خصم في الدقائق الأخيرة، لكنها لم تكن بأفضل صورة في بداية الدوري، لذلك تعادلت مع مودرن 2-2، وبعدها لم تستطع الفوز في اللحظات الأخيرة”.

واسترسل:” كل هذه أسباب لا علاقة لها تمامًا بغرفة الملابس، لكن مع النتائج تبدأ الأخبار في الظهور واكتشفت في هذا الشهر أن هناك كثيرين أرزاقهم معلقة بالأهلي وبالكلام عن النادي، وقد يكون أحدهم يملك صفحة أو قناة، ورزقه كله من وراء هذا المجال ولا بد أن يتحدث، وحتى لو قال (أنا أهلاوي)، لكنه في النهاية لا، هناك ضرب وضرب وشائعات وأمور غير عادية”.

وأشار: “شائعات غير موجودة، اللاعبون يتحدثون إلي ويقولون يا كابتن، والدتي ووالدي يتصلان بي ويقولان إن هناك كلامًا مكتوبًا كذا وكذا، هل فعلت شيئًا؟ أقول له لا يوجد شيء يا حبيبي، نحن أمام بعضنا”.

واستطرد: “مثل آخر شائعة خاصة بأفشة، قالوا إنه (شوّح) للكابتن عماد النحاس، وأن الأخير قال كذا، ثم سيغادر النادي الأهلي، وعُرض للبيع، (أي كلام)، بينما أنا كنت أتحدث مع أفشة”.

وتطرق إلى بعض الأمور في الملعب، قائلًا:” أشعر بالجنون عندما نلعب بـ10 لاعبين، لا أحب أن نلعب بـ10 أبدًا تحت أي مسمّى، حتى عندما يسقط أحد اللاعبين بعد انتهاء التبديلات، مثل محمد علي بن رمضان في مباراة سيراميكا، تجدني أسرعت تجاهه وقلت له قف، لا تدع الطبيب يدخل، لأن الطبيب لو دخل سيُخرجك وسنلعب بـ10 في تلك الحالة، كان حسين الشحات قد أصيب بتمزق وخرج، فبدأنا نلعب بـ10، والـ10 هذه أراها في الكرة خطيرة جدًا”.

وأضاف: “حينها كنت أقول لأفشة لا أريد أن نلعب بـ10، انزل، انزل، ووقف، هو طبعًا لاعب يريد أن يأخذ دقيقتين أو ثلاثة من الهدوء النفسي قبل أن يعود، لكن اللعب سيُستأنف وفجأة تجد القصة صارت فيلمًا”.

وقال: “سأتحدث إن شاء الله مع المدرب الجديد، وسنحاول أن نعمل على أمور تأخذنا لفكرة الكرة، مثل أن تكون غرفة الملابس رقمية تتناول الإيجابيات والسلبيات والفريق الذي سنواجهه والكرات الثابتة، نحن لو تحدثنا في الكرة، فبإذن الله الأهلي سيفوز بكل البطولات”.

وأشار: “ما الذي يمنعنا من الحديث في الكرة فقط؟، تحتاج إلى مجهود جبار، وإلى التفاف من جمهور النادي الأهلي الحقيقي، تحتاج طبعًا إلى كل من ينتمي للنادي الأهلي ويحب النادي”.

وأردف: “إذا كنت إعلاميًا وجاءتك معلومة مضروبة بنسبة مليون في المئة، فتأكد أننا لدينا مصادر، لدينا قناة النادي الأهلي، لدينا المركز الإعلامي للنادي، لدينا وسائل التواصل الرسمية للنادي الأهلي، طالما لم يصدر منها شيء، فالكلام كذب، وأنا أحاول قدر الإمكان أن أُبعد ذلك عن اللاعبين، لأنني أعلم أن تأثيره سيكون كبيرًا على أدائهم في الملعب”.