يواجه ديكو، المدير الرياضي لنادي برشلونة، أزمة جديدة تتعلق بمركز قلب الدفاع، بعدما أبدى عدد من المدافعين تمسكهم بالبقاء رغم نية النادي تقليص عدد اللاعبين في هذا المركز.

رونالد أراوخو وأندرياس كريستنسن بعثا برسالة واضحة برفض الرحيل، بعد أن عادا مبكرًا إلى التدريبات، رغم حصول الفريق على إجازة صيفية ممتدة بعد نهاية الموسم، بحسب صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية.

أراوخو ظهر في المدينة الرياضية يوم الأربعاء، بينما عاد كريستنسن قبل ذلك بعدة أيام، في خطوة تؤكد رغبتهما في الاستمرار ضمن مشروع المدرب، هانز فليك.

اقرأ أيضًا | دون تجميل.. فليك يفتح صدره لـ تير شتيجن ويخبره بقراره النهائي قبل موسم برشلونة

ديكو كان قد صرح بأن الفريق يضم خمسة قلوب دفاع، وأن أحدهم سيكون زائدًا عن الحاجة، ما فتح باب التكهنات حول مستقبل أراوخو وكريستنسن تحديدًا.

أراوخو كان قريبًا من الانتقال إلى يوفنتوس في يناير، لكن إصابة إينيجو مارتينيز، وضغط زملائه، دفعه لتجديد عقده، مع وضع شرط جزائي بـ60 مليون يورو في يوليو فقط.

أما كريستنسن، فيملك عقدًا حتى 2026، لكنه عانى من إصابة مزمنة الموسم الماضي، ورغم ذلك، أكد للإدارة رغبته في البقاء بعدما تأقلم سريعًا مع أجواء برشلونة.

في المقابل، يخطط ديكو لتجديد عقد إريك جارسيا، الذي تألق في نهاية الموسم وغير وضعه من لاعب معروض للبيع إلى عنصر مهم في خطط فليك المستقبلية.

ورغم تمسك أراوخو وكريستنسن بالبقاء، فإن بيع جارسيا قد يُنظر إليه كفشل إداري، ما يزيد من الضغوط على ديكو لحسم ملف الدفاع قبل انطلاق الموسم الجديد.

For Arsenal supporters, the international break has arrived at just the right time.

The Gunners are 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool but have a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid to look forward to.

This two-week break – or three-week break if you count that Arsenal don’t actually play again until April – could be just what Mikel Arteta and Co need to end the season strongly.

Will it be a long enough break for Bukayo Saka to return fit and firing? Time will tell.

Irrespective of how the north Londoners end the season, however, they will desperately need to add bodies in the final third. A striker is of utmost importance.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker

Alexander Isak has and always will be the number one target not only for Arsenal but a lot of clubs.

The trouble is he’s now riding the crest of a wave at Newcastle United having recently won the Carabao Cup.

Reports have also suggested he could cost in the region of £150m to prise away from St James’ Park. His exit, therefore, is now quite unlikely.

So, who are the alternatives? Incoming sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly a fan of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha while Benjamin Sesko is a long-term target.

Transfer Focus

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

Then there’s Jonathan David. That’s according to a report from French outlet Le10Sport in recent days.

The Lille forward is out of contract this summer and set to leave the Ligue 1 club behind when his deal expires. As a result, he’ll be available on a free transfer.

It’s stated that Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United all hold the strongest interest in the Canadian centre forward. The former are one of the sides said to have held ‘concrete talks’ over signing David.

How Jonathan David compares to Alexander Isak & Benjamin Sesko

If money was not an object then the Swede would undoubtedly be the number one option.

However, bringing in David on a free would be an incredibly smart deal when you consider that Arsenal could feasibly sign another forward, particularly with Gabriel Jesus set to miss the rest of 2024.

It’s also important given Arsenal also need to sign a winger to upgrade on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, while midfielder Martin Zubimendi is allegedly set to sign from Real Sociedad.

But, would signing David actually be worthwhile? The answer to that question is, yes.

Notably described as “one of the best strikers in the world” by Canadian football expert Tony Marinaro he’s quietly been going about his business in recent years, scoring consistently for Lille in France.

This season the 25-year-old has bagged 23 goals in 41 outings, backing up a return of 26 in 47 appearances last season. He’s pretty damn prolific.

So, how does he stack up compared to Isak? Here’s what the numbers say.

Goals

0.66

0.83

0.48

Assists

0.14

0.22

0.24

Progressive carries

1.13

2.81

1.68

Progressive passes

2.17

2.68

1.78

Key passes

1.27

1.54

0.72

Pass completion %

81%

74%

67%

Shot-creating actions

2.45

3.29

1.83

Well, Isak is certainly scoring at an increased rate, and on the evidence of the numbers above, he would be a colossal upgrade.

However, it’s important to factor in that one of them would cost you nothing and the other could set you back the best part of £150m.

So, how about comparing him to another of Arsenal’s major targets in Sesko?

Well, in this instance the Canada international appears to be the more all-round package, supplying more key passes, progressive passes and shot-creating actions. He’s also been more prolific in front of goal; obviously the key metric for any striker.

As a result, perhaps this could just be the dream alternative to any possible big-money forwards in the pipeline at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal wonderkid was tipped to be Henry 2.0, but Edu sold him for just £4m

The immense forward would have solved Arsenal’s problems this year.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 20, 2025

Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish has seen a proposed move away from the club to Napoli hit a stumbling block due to his wage demands.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Grealish expected to move this summerLeft out of Club World Cup squadHas been targeted by NapoliFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Serie A champions have been linked with a move for Grealish this summer as Antonio Conte's side aim to build on their title success. However, the move has hit a stumbling block as Napoli consider whether a deal can actually be done, according to . The Italian club will not match Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages, meaning City would have to fund possibly as much as 50 per cent of his salary for a deal to be done.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

City are said to be "optimistic" they can sell Grealish this summer but an initial loan may be a more realistic option. The 29-year-old is eager to play regularly in the 2025-26 season as he tries to convince England manager Thomas Tuchel he deserves a place in his squad for World Cup 2026. Tuchel has already suggested Grealish needs to move this summer after a frustrating campaign last time out.

DID YOU KNOW?

Napoli are not the only club believed to be interested in Grealish. Aston Villa, Newcastle, Milan and Everton have also been linked with the City man this summer.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

GOALWHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?

Grealish has looked in great shape when posting an update on holiday after being left out of Manchester City's Club World Cup squad. His next move is uncertain but a departure from City in the coming weeks certainly appears to be on the cards.

“Not just myself, the whole group’s had some stuff spoken about them. But we’re really tight,” says Australia wicketkeeper

Andrew McGlashan15-Jul-2023

Alex Carey has stood by his controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s which ignited the biggest uproar of the Ashes and led to what he termed some “pretty nasty stuff” being said about him and the team.Speaking for the first time since the dismissal on the final day at Lord’s, Carey reinforced that Australia had noted Bairstow’s habit of quickly leaving his crease and had been a bit taken aback by the level of reaction.Australian players were abused in the Lord’s Long Room as they left the field at lunch – which has led to the suspension of three MCC members – while Stuart Broad was quick to tell Carey “that’s all you’ll be remembered for.” Ben Stokes responded with a stunning display as he made 155 but Australia were able to win by 43 runs to take a 2-0 series lead, which has since been trimmed by a game following England’s Headingley success.”There’s some nasty stuff been said but…it is the Ashes,” Carey said. “There was nasty stuff said before that as well. I feel really well supported. I think the whole group does. From Australia I still think we’ve got lots of fans and from England, I don’t think we’ve made any, but we probably didn’t lose any.Related

Alex Carey has another eventful outing at Lord's

Khawaja: Crowd abuse has gone too far in the Ashes

Simon Taufel: Which part of the Spirit of Cricket did Australia breach?

What happens next? Recapping the crazy men's Ashes

Green does not see Test opening role as realistic

“It’s one of those things where a stumping that’s given out on field is turned into a massive story. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I absolutely respect that. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion on the spirit of cricket as well. Not just myself, the whole group’s had some stuff spoken about them. But we’re really tight. We understand what’s important and who matters and those guys definitely have our back.”We’re all in it together, we were all out there, all walked through the Long Room together, post-match we all discussed it together. Don’t think the group would do anything differently.”Explaining how the dismissal came about, Carey added: “We were switched on to the fact that it was a bouncer plan and it felt like Jonny was pretty switched on to getting out of the way, he wasn’t playing any shots. When he ducked his first movement was pretty much out of his crease, so I instinctively grabbed the ball, threw the stumps down and the rest is history.”Asked if he would do it again, he said: “If there was an opportunity to get a stumping, I definitely would.”Carey said he had previously tried the mode of dismissal in other matches without being successful, and recalled falling that way early in his grade career for Glenelg in South Australia. He was also stood at the non-strikers’ end when Tom Cooper was dismissed in similar manner during a 2016-17 Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales.”I’ve definitely been out to that a few times and I’ve tried to do it in the past as well. My first A-grade game in South Australia, I was out that way. And when I walked off, I was pretty disappointed. [The] captain came up to me, he said, ‘you’ll remember to keep your foot behind the line next time.'”From my point of view, I wasn’t called [out] on it back when I’d have tried it about the spirit of cricket and when I was given out in the same sort of manner, I didn’t question it either.”1:50

Cummins and Stokes respond to controversial Bairstow dismissal

Until the moment of Bairstow’s Lord’s stumping, all the coverage of Carey had been about his superb glovework – he had four previous stumpings off Nathan Lyon – and vital runs, starting in the World Test Championship final against India where he made 48 and 66 not out, followed by 66 at Edgbaston in a stand with Usman Khawaja which ensured Australia did not concede a hefty lead.Behind the stumps he remained sharp at Headingley, where he was the focus of plenty of attention from the crowd, but the runs didn’t flow with scores of 8 and 5 as he was worked over by Mark Wood in the first innings then played on against Chris Woakes in the second.”Nathan Lyon was bowling beautifully before he got injured and creating lots of opportunities,” Carey said. “Murph [Todd Murphy] obviously didn’t have as much opportunity last game but that will certainly change I think in Manchester.”The quicks have bowled beautifully…[I’ve been] just trying to adapt on the go as well with a little bit of wobble that we haven’t seen. Feeling good, feel pretty solid in front of wicket, the last game wasn’t one that I would have loved, but you can see over here that when the clouds come over it’s a different game.”Still, Headingley was not without one other bizarre situation for Carey when he was the case of mistaken identity over an unpaid haircut stemming from Alastair Cook’s comments on radio.”The hair hasn’t been cut since we were down in Chelsea,” he confirmed. “It’s definitely due for a trim. But, no, I’m not that tight. I have been told I’m pretty tight.”Cook has tried to build bridges. “He reached out and apologised so it was nice to hear from him,” Carey said.One way or the other, it’s a first Ashes tour Carey won’t forget in a hurry.

Real Madrid are keen to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica but are refusing to trigger his release clause, aiming to negotiate a structured deal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Madrid want Carreras after Club World Cup
• Los Blancos refuse to pay full €50m clause
• Transfer on hold despite personal terms agreed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Madrid want Carreras as their new left-back but have not met the €50 million (£42m/$57m) release clause in his contract. According to , the Spanish club offered €40m (£34m/$46m), with Benfica willing to consider €48m (£40m/$55m), but no agreement was reached. With both clubs now at the Club World Cup in Florida, Carreras remains a Benfica player for now.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Los Blancos see the 22-year-old as a long-term solution at left-back, but they're applying the same financial strategy used for Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono, staggered payments over time rather than a one-time fee. Activating the release clause would force them to pay the entire fee in one lump sum. The Spaniards' preferred approach gives them flexibility with cash flow and helps avoid unfavourable tax rates. However, Benfica know Madrid need Carreras and are using their leverage. The additional 20 per cent resale clause owed to Manchester United complicates the deal further.

• WHAT RUI COSTA SAID

  Benfica president Rui Costa denied any agreement with Madrid, and said: "We haven't reached an agreement with Madrid. There were proposals that didn't convince us. Not for Alvaro or any other player."

  His message from Florida was clear: Benfica are not in a hurry to sell and will not accept terms that don’t match their valuation.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Madrid will continue talks with the Portuguese side in hopes of reaching a compromise deal. Their internal plan is to finalise the transfer in July, but unless Benfica budge on the payment structure, the saga could drag on.

Celtic are currently on course to secure the Scottish Premiership title for the fourth year in succession, as they sit 13 points clear in the last international break of the season.

The Hoops were beaten 3-2 by their city rivals Rangers last time out at Parkhead but that only delayed what seems inevitable – Brendan Rodgers lifting his second title in as many seasons since his return to Glasgow in the summer of 2023.

Their efforts to win the division have been bolstered by the phenomenal performances of the likes of Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and Nicolas Kuhn, among many others.

As you can see in the clip above, players like Kuhn have provided quality moments at crucial times to win matches for the Scottish giants this season.

What may get lost, however, among the glitz and the glamour of Kuhn, Maeda, and Jota’s wizardry in the final third is the consistent performers who go under the radar.

One former Celtic player who could firmly be placed in the underrated section of ex-stars is Australia international Tom Rogic, who was rarely commended for his efforts on the pitch.

Tom Rogic was an underrated player for Celtic

The left-footed maestro racked up 272 appearances for the Hoops in all competitions over the course of a nine-and-a-half-year spell at Parkhead, joining in January 2013 from Central Coast and leaving in the summer of 2022.

In almost a decade as a Celtic player, Rogic was often a valuable squad player rather than a consistent starter – playing 30 or more Premiership matches in just two of his seasons.

As you can see in the highlights above, though, the Australian star was capable of providing magical moments at times with goals and assists from a central midfield role.

The now-retired dynamo found the back of the net 46 times and provided 51 assists in his 272 matches for the club in all competitions, which shows that he did offer a decent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals during his time in Glasgow.

He was rarely heralded for his performances in the middle of the park, though, as his first inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year did not come until his ninth and final season in Scotland in the 2021/22 campaign.

Former Hoops centre-back Eric Sviatchenko once told the Celtic Way that some of the things Rogic did on the pitch were “effortless” and that he was not sure if the midfielder was “underrated”.

Rodgers, now, has several players in his current Celtic squad who could fall into that same boat as Rogic as underrated performers for the club.

Celtic's most underrated player

Arguably, Celtic’s most underrated player is Canada international Alistair Johnston, who joined the club from CF Montreal in the January transfer window in 2023.

The right-back has been a brilliant performer for the Hoops in the last two years but has not been named in the PFA Team of the Year for his efforts to date.

As you can see in the table above, Johnston has offered quality in and out of possession from a right-back berth in the Premiership since the start of last season, providing a huge creative outlet whilst also dominating attackers in defensive duels on the ground and in the air.

As a defender, his displays may go under the radar compared to the likes of Kuhn, Maeda, and Jota – whose goals grab headlines – but he is an equally important part of the team.

There is another Celtic ace, however, who is now on his way to becoming a Rogic-esque, underrated, figure within the Hoops squad – Hyun-jun Yang.

Why Hyun-jun Yang could be an underrated Celtic star

The 22-year-old winger only managed one goal and three assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for the club in his first season last term, which was far from an impressive return at the top end of the pitch.

A poor start to a career at a club can lead to knee-jerk reactions from supporters, media, and even the manager, and there were plenty of critics after his first year in Glasgow. In fact, we at Football FanCast published an article calling for him to be dropped from the team in December of last season, because of his disappointing performances.

It can sometimes take a lot to change an opinion and Yang’s slow start to his Celtic career left him with a mountain to climb heading into the current campaign.

The South Korean star, whose former club president Kim Byung-ji claimed he “could easily become a world class player like Son Heung-min”, has shown big improvements in his performances this season and is now on his way to becoming an underrated star for the Bhoys.

As you can see in the table above, Yang has already been directly involved in more goals in the Premiership this season than he was in the 2023/24 campaign.

The Hoops whiz has racked up five goals and six assists in all competitions to date this term, five times as many goals and twice as many assists as last season, and has provided an excellent depth option to the manager in the wide positions.

Rodgers, now, knows that he can rely on Yang to start when needed or come off the bench to make an impact in matches, which was not the case in his first year in Scotland.

This suggests that the potential is there for the South Korean starlet to emerge as a Rogic-esque figure for Celtic, in the sense that he could be a long-serving player who can consistently contribute with goals and assists as a quality squad option – even if he does not become an outright star.

Not Maeda or Kuhn: Celtic's "amazing" star should be the Player of the Year

This Celtic star should be the Player of the Year over both Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda.

By
Dan Emery

Mar 21, 2025

This, along with his poor start to life at Celtic, is why he could become an underrated part of the squad, just as Rogic was, in the long run at Parkhead.

MatériaMais Notícias

Junior Santos é o mais novo atacante do Botafogo. O jogador de 27 anos foi apresentado na tarde desta quinta-feira no Estádio Nilton Santos e falou sobre uma ousada meta de gols para alcançar ainda esta temporada.

RelacionadasBotafogoTime do Botafogo sub-23 fará amistosos na ParaíbaBotafogo18/08/2022BotafogoApós renovar contrato com o Botafogo, Victor Cuesta é naturalizado brasileiroBotafogo18/08/2022BotafogoProfissional aos 23 anos, Junior Santos valoriza chegada ao Botafogo: ‘O diamante vem da lama’Botafogo18/08/2022

+E o Matheus Pereira? Mazzuco explica busca do Botafogo por meia

Emprestado junto ao Sanfrecce Hiroshima-JAP, o novo camisa 37 alcançou recentemente a marca de 50 gols na carreira – ele atualmente possui 51. Em entrevista coletiva, o atacante afirmou que quer terminar 2022 com ainda mais sete na conta.

– Minha meta de gols é primeiro conseguir ajudar ao Botafogo, espero chegar aos 58 gols, está bom. Chego aqui com muita confiança, vou me dedicar bastante nos treinos, acho que você se prepara bastante na alimentação, no sono, tenho focado bastante nos jogos, então vou entrar em campo focado para conseguir essas metas – afirmou.

O Botafogo entra em campo às 11h deste domingo para enfrentar o Juventude pelo Brasileirão. Junior Santos deve ser relacionado pelo técnico Luís Castro.

Australia’s one-day captain Pat Cummins faces a six-week layoff due to a fractured wrist sustained in the final Ashes Test but should be available to play some of the ODIs in South Africa and India ahead of the World Cup in October.Cummins, who has so far only captained two ODIs since being named captain last year, suffered the injury to his left wrist while diving in the field during day one of the fifth Test at The Oval. He played out the remainder of the Test but requires a lengthy recovery and will miss the three-match T20I series in South Africa that begins on August 30, preceding the five-match ODI series that begins on September 7.Related

• Mitchell Marsh: Really proud that I've never given up

• Marnus Labuschagne's lack of consistency puts paid to ODI World Cup hopes

• Hardie, Sangha and more – four new names in Australian cricket

• Australia leave UK with the mace and the urn, but no gold star

• Pakistan get government clearance to travel to India for 2023 ODI World Cup

Marnus Labuschagne is the big omission from Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming tours and the World Cup having played in each of Australia’s last nine ODIs and 30 across the last three years.New South Wales legspinner Tanveer Sangha and Western Australia allrounder Aaron Hardie are the new inclusions in the 18-player squad. Both are yet to make their international debut but now have a chance to push for the final World Cup group.Sangha has not played any professional cricket since August last year due to a stress fracture in his back but has toured New Zealand with an Australia T20 squad previously. Hardie has been a regular in Australia A squads in the last 18 months and has also been named in the T20I squad for the South Africa series.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Mitchell Marsh has been named captain for the T20I series against South Africa with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green, David Warner and Ashton Agar all missing the T20I leg of the tour before joining for the ODIs.Glenn Maxwell will miss the South Africa ODI series following the T20Is due to paternity leave but will rejoin the squad for their three-match series against India in India that starts on September 22 and runs immediately into the 50-over World Cup.Cummins will fly to South Africa ahead of the first ODI in Bloemfontein but given the timeframe on his left wrist it is unlikely he will be available for that first match.Marsh is one of a number of candidates who could captain the ODI side in Cummins’ absence. Steven Smith led the side during the last ODI series Australia played in March in India when Cummins was absent following the death of his mother. Hazlewood also captained Australia in one game against England at the SCG last November while Alex Carey has also previously captained the ODI team.Chair of selectors George Bailey sees Cummins’ injury as a positive given his heavy workload during the Ashes and was confident there were enough games for him to prepare ahead of the World Cup, with Australia’s first match on October 8.”He has an undisplaced fracture of his left radius which requires six weeks rehabilitation,” Bailey said. We expect him to join the squad during the South African ODI series. We view a period of enforced rest for Pat as a positive ahead of this important World Cup campaign.Marnus Labuschagne has been omitted from Australia’s ODI side•Getty Images

“There are still a number of games he could play before the World Cup which is more than enough for him to have a strong preparation.”Labuschagne is the only notable omission from Australia’s World Cup plans after being a regular in the ODI team over the past three years. But having made a strong start to his career, including scoring a century in just his sixth match against South Africa in Potchefstroom in 2020, he has struggled to bed down his place in the middle order. Labuschagne averaged just 22.30 in his last 14 ODI innings, striking at 69.87 with only two half-centuries.”We know Marnus at his best is good enough to hold down a spot in the one-day team, we just haven’t seen enough of it consistently in the role that we’d like him to do,” Bailey said. “Leading into the World Cup, there’s some opportunities for others to get a bit more game time. We’ve been really clear with Marnus, he’s going to be part of some Australia A games around the same time so he can focus on some white-ball cricket.”Australia will trim their 18-man squad to 15 in early September but changes can be made up to September 28.Australian ODI squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered numerous injury problems and their need for a fit and available striker couldn’t be more evident heading into the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur plan for summer of major change

Straddling the line between ecstasy and agony, Ange Postecoglou’s final prayer of turning an inconsistent campaign into a memorable one rests on his side’s ability to win this season’s Europa League.

Currently at the quarter-final stage, navigating past Eintracht Frankfurt followed by either Lazio or Bodo/Glimt could secure a place in the final come May. In turn, claiming competition glory would go a long way to attracting talent this summer when evaluating the lure of Champions League football on offer.

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are on Spurs’ radar but would likely only be attainable should qualification for Europe’s premier competition become possible.

Brighton’s Jake Hinshelwood is a candidate to enrich Tottenham’s midfield after his recent displays for Brighton & Hove Albion and may be an affordable target at the £34 million mark.

With the north Londoners in the market for stars with potential, there could be a significant sea change this summer that may pave the way for long-serving stars to depart as part of a new dawn.

That could also be the case managerially, as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola could reportedly succeed Postecoglou if Daniel Levy decides to part ways with the Australian.

Much depends on the outcome of this campaign, albeit Spurs’ Premier League exploits are likely to be a disappointing feature should they continue to produce inconsistent domestic results.

Now, there could be some light at the end of the tunnel as Tottenham are now willing to put forward a significant proposal to bring in one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.

Tottenham prepared to submit super offer for Viktor Gyokeres

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are prepared to break the bank to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting and are willing to make a ‘super offer’, despite his current employers’ reluctance to let him leave this summer.

Possessing a high release clause at the Portuguese champions, it is said that willingness from the Sweden international to seek a new challenge in one of the world’s elite environments could hasten the process of a big-money sale as Spurs look to finally fill the void left by Harry Kane.

Weekly wages: Tottenham Hotspur FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

The north London are among the top six spenders when it comes to players’ salaries, but who earns the most?

By
Charlie Smith

Sep 24, 2025

Continuing his fine form, Gyokeres has registered an incredible 40 goals and 10 assists in 41 matches across all competitions, including six in eight Champions League encounters.

Labelled “fantastic” by Nico Kovac, the former Coventry City striker ranks as Sporting’s best-performing player this campaign and has registered an average rating of 8.03 for his exploits in 2024/25, per WhoScored.

Firepower is necessary if Spurs have designs to establish themselves as one of England’s premium forces again. Nevertheless, they aren’t the only side who will want Gyokeres within their ranks this summer.

Estevao Willian's performance for Palmeiras in their Club World Cup clash with Porto has sent Chelsea fans wild ahead of his summer move to the Blues.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Willian impresses Chelsea fans at CWC
• Helps Palmeiras draw with Porto in opener
• Teenager wins 'Superior Player of the Match'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea supporters have been closely watching Estevao develop at Palmeiras since the Blues agreed a pre-transfer for the Brazilian sensation in the summer of 2024, with the attacker heading to Stamford Bridge after the Club World Cup having now turned 18. In the Verdao's tournament opener against Porto, the 18-year-old managed to win the 'Superior Player of the Match' award on the back of his showing in the clash.

Advertisement

• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  Chelsea fan @Louis_Beneventi wrote: "If you didn’t tell me Estevao was 18, I wouldn’t think it with how he’s playing. The positions he’s taking up, the physicality he’s shown in these opening minutes. I’ve only watched 19 minutes of him, and I think I already love him."

  @falsewinger said on X: "And that's Estevao off. Not his best game, but very promising display once again for a teenager. Chelsea have a gem."

  X user @CFCZeno wrote: "Estevao Willian at 18 years old showed another side to his game that makes him special. Football IQ and Game Intelligence, Decision Making, Movement, he is mentally top. Club World Cup against Porto, and looked he belonged, Chelsea hit the jackpot here."

  @CarefreeLewisG added: "First game against a European side and Estevao already took MOTM."

  @leedsnoinfidel concluded: "Estevao solid player, needs to work on timing of his releases and a couple of decision-making things, but it’s what you expect off an 18-year-old. Definitely think he can contribute next season."

  @UberChelseaFC said: "18 years old and playing across every single attacking position apart from ST against a UCL level side whilst looking very strong. Think I’ve seen enough to know Estevao Willian has got what it takes."

  Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the match between Palmeiras and Porto ending in a goalless draw, Estevao's quality was clear for the world to see. The Brazilian teenager did not necessarily have the best stats, but managed to impress quite a few fans with his ability to drive into spaces and his positioning inside the box.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• WHAT NEXT FOR ESTEVAO?

  The Brazilian teenager will travel to Stamford Bridge after the conclusion of the Club World Cup to start training under Enzo Maresca, with the upcoming season not too far away after the conclusion of the tournament in the United States.