Why Rangers should sign Okumu

Rangers are reportedly considering a summer move for IF Elfsborg centre-back Joseph Okumu as they eye up potential replacements for Filip Helander in Steven Gerrard’s squad, with the Swedish international having been linked with a move away from Ibrox in recent weeks.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues have made preliminary enquiries for the 23-year-old defender, as they prepare for the possibility of both Helander and Edmundson leaving this summer.

Helander has played a key role in Rangers’ title success this season and has earned admirers from the Premier League as a result, with both Leicester City and Aston Villa said to be keen on the former Bologna man.

Would he be a good signing?

After spending time in his home country Kenya, Okumu has had spells in South Africa and the USA before finding his feet in Sweden with Elfsborg.

Since then, he has made 34 appearances for the Allsvenskan side, in which he has contributed no goals and one assist.

The Kenyan international clearly had an impressive impact last season, as Elfsborg lost just two league games when he featured, which helped them to a second-place finish in the 2020 league table.

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When Okumu made the move to South Africa earlier in his career, a source at the club praised Okumu as one of the best signings the club made that year and praised the defender, saying:

“He spent few days with us training with us and did well to impress the coach. He is a young, talented boy destined for a great future in football.”

The 23-year-old could help realise that potential should he make the move to Rangers in the summer, although with the report suggesting that there has already been a £2 million bid for the youngster, it seems that he won’t come cheap this summer.

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However, the 6 foot 3 defender could well prove to be an excellent replacement for Filip Helander, so Ross Wilson and Gerrard should definitely look at bringing him to Ibrox ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Rangers could make huge summer profit on gem dubbed “the steal of the century”

Copa do Brasil não atrapalha, e Jean quer oito pontos em sequência difícil

MatériaMais Notícias

O volante Jean fez uma projeção dos próximos quatro jogos do Palmeiras no Campeonato Brasileiro. São Paulo, Grêmio, Flamengo e Corinthians são os próximos adversários do Verdão na disputa nacional e, para o jogador, conquistar oito pontos é uma meta aceitável. A partida disputada contra o Fluminense, em Brasília, no último domingo, a princípio entrou na conta do jogador. Assim, contando os cinco jogos, 11 pontos em seu entendimento é o ideal.

– Nossa conta incluía o Fluminense, eram 15 pontos em disputa, agora faltam 12. A gente quer o máximo, se puder 12, ótimo. Mas temos que ter os pés no chão, sabemos da dificuldade que vamos encontrar. No total, 11 pontos seria bom. Pensando agora nos quatro jogos, oito pontos é acetiável. Mas sabemos que temos condição de buscar os 12. Oito não seria ruim, não – disse o jogador nesta segunda-feira, em entrevista coletiva na Academia de Futebol.

– Essa sequência vai dizer muito, queremos brigar pelo título até o fim, mas temos uma sequência muito forte, principalmente fora de casa, o Grêmio. Mas temos demonstrado força e se para nós é preocupante, para os rivais também é. Não mudamos nossa maneira de jogar. Essa sequência vai dizer muito para o campeonato.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasVerdão vende 19 mil ingressos para quarta e 11 mil para o Choque-ReiPalmeiras29/08/2016PalmeirasCuca minimiza folga na liderança e estipula meta de pontos pelo títuloPalmeiras28/08/2016

No entanto, antes do Palmeiras começar a pensar na sequência complicada de quatro jogos no Campeonato Brasileiro, os jogadores serão obrigados a “virar a chave” para a Copa do Brasil. Quarta-feira, às 19h30, o Verdão recebe no Allianz Parque o Botafogo-PB, pelas oitavas de final da competição. Para Jean, está claro qual é o objetivo principal na temporada, mas, mesmo assim, uma competição paralela não vai atrapalhar.

– Temos que dar mais atenção ao nosso principal objetivo, que todo mundo sabe que é o Brasileirão. Mas temos condições de dar o máximo e brigar pelo título tanto de um, como de outro. Nova etapa, nova competição, temos toda a condição de buscar. Seja pelo futebol demonstrado, seja pelo elenco, com jogadores fortes, esperando pelas oportunidades- justificou, e foi além:

– Nosso objetivo está claro que é o Brasileiro, mas é agora que se mostra a força do elenco, temos jogadores capacitados para serem usados se precisar. Vão entrar e fazer a diferença. Planejamento serve para isso. Somos atletas de alto nível, então a gente não pode deixar a concentração de lado, deixar passar as coisas. (Copa do Brasil) É uma competição muito importante. Temos que começar a nos concentrar, não vou dizer que é fácil, mas de uma forma natural temos que virar. Precisamos conhecer nosso adversário para não ser surpreendido em casa.

O técnico Cuca ainda não definiu quem serão os 11 titulares no confronto de quarta-feira. Nesta segunda, apenas os reservas foram a campo na Academia de Futebol. Quem participou do duelo em Brasília, contra o Fluminense, fez apenas trabalhos regenerativos.

– O time está dando liga, Palmeiras começou a criar um elenco muito forte desde o ano passado. Cuca conseguiu dar liga, encontrar peças boas. Deu seguimento, sequência… Por tudo que estamos fazendo nos jogos, convencendo além de ganhar, fazendo gols e criando chances. Acho que essa segurança, esse histórico, dá essa ideia de que estamos no caminho certo. É difícil se manter, mas estamos preparados para manter o padrão de jogo – finalizou o volante.

Everton face continued Bernard issue

Carlo Ancelotti faces a continued problem at Everton with Bernard after the Brazilian’s winter transfer to United Arab Emirates outfit Al Nasr collapsed on Deadline Day.

What’s the word?

According to the Liverpool Echo, negotiations between the Toffees and Al Nasr fell through in the final hours of the winter transfer market.

Everton had strived to offload the midfielder throughout the mid-season window as they looked to reduce a bloated wage bill, with Bernard earning £120,000-per-week but failing to establish himself under Ancelotti.

The Blues would have been due a fee as part of the deal for a player they signed for free in the summer of 2018, after landing Bernard following his release by Shakhtar Donetsk.

Bernard had appeared set to leave Goodison Park for Al Nasr after agreeing on personal terms with the Middle Eastern side, who entered into advanced negotiations with The Blues over the weekend, per Fabrizio Romano.

The value of the fee that Everton would have received is unclear, with previous reports claiming the Merseyside club valued Bernard at £9m but had agreed to a loan deal that carried a €5m (£4.5m) obligation to make the deal permanent in the summer.

Ancelotti has only started Bernard in two Premier League games this season and has elected to leave the 28-year-old as an unused substitute in 12 of his side’s fixtures to date.

A continued problem for Everton

Bernard failing to secure his move to Al Nasr on Deadline Day has left Ancelotti facing a continued problem at Everton, as the Italian clearly does not value what the Brazilian can bring to the side at Goodison Park.

But the Blues looked lost of forward vision during their 1-1 draw with Leicester City last month, as the Foxes were able to dominate the majority of the game as Ancelotti’s men sat in deep, trying to protect James Rodriguez’s deadlock-breaking strike.

Yet even once Youri Tielemans found a way past Jordan Pickford, via the England goalkeeper’s gloves, Ancelotti turned to Alex Iwobi and Gylfi Sigurdsson to inject a spark in his side, then introduced defender Seamus Coleman for top-scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Bernard was just left on the bench to watch the game, then was completely omitted from the matchday squad which lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Anthony Gordon, who was a back-up against Newcastle, has now joined Preston North End on loan for the remainder of the season and that decision must see Ancelotti think again over his use of Bernard, as a recall has to be on the cards given the potential impact he could have.

Former England international Danny Mills lauds Bernard for what he is capable of with the ball at his feet, and – now his options are reduced – Ancelotti needs to see it on the pitch.

“He is different to the other attackers at Everton,” Mills told Football Insider. “He reminds me of Bernardo Silva at times. That sort of diminutive player with fabulous ability on the ball. He can pick a pass and dribble, but you have to get him on the ball in the right areas.”

If Ancelotti does not give Bernard the chance to gain a more pivotal role, the midfielder will only prove to be a continued problem and Everton’s Director of Football Marcel Brands will have to spend the coming months searching for a suitor willing who is willing to buy him.

AND in other news, the exit of a £28k-p/w dud is great news for a “gifted” Everton outcast

صورة | رونالدو يظهر في تدريبات مانشستر يونايتد بعد شائعات إصابته بـ كورونا

ظهر النجم البرتغالي، كريستيانو رونالدو، مُهاجم فريق مانشستر يونايتد، في التدريبات الجماعية للشياطين الحمُر، وذلك بعد شائعات إصابته بـ فيروس كورونا “كوفيد -19”.

مانشستر يونايتد، كان أعلن يوم الإثنين قبل الماضي، إغلاق ملعبه التدريبي من أجل مكافحة الفيروس وتقليل انتشاره، وعاد اللاعبين، الأربعاء  الماضي، للخضوع لمزيد من الفحوصات الطبية.

وتسبب قرار الإغلاق في تأجيل مباراة الفريق أمام برينفتورد بالجولة السابعة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وكذلك مباراة برايتون في الجولة الـ18.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رانجنيك يتواصل مع والد هالاند وسط ترقب مانشستر يونايتد

ومع عودة اللاعبين والطاقم الفني والإداري، خضع كل المعنيين إلى فحوصات للكشف عن فيروس كورونا، وتبين وجود 19 إصابة ما بين لاعبين وموظفين.

وكانت أثيرت شكوك حول إصابة رونالدو بـ كورونا، وخاصًة وأن النجم البرتغالي لم يظهر الخميس الماضي في مقر النادي.

ولكن رونالدو رد على الشائعات ونشر اليوم الأربعاء صورة من خلال حسابه الرسمي بموقع التواصل الاجتماعي “إنستجرام”، وهو مع زملاءه في التدريبات وكتب: “الفريق الفائز”.

مانشستر يونايتد يستعد لاستئناف مبارياته في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، الأسبوع القادم، إذ يُلاقي مساء الإثنين في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة نظيره نيوكاسل يونايتد بالجولة التاسعة عشر من البريميرليج.

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Liverpool must prioritise Van Dijk deal

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano has recently suggested that Liverpool are working to extend the contract of Virgil van Dijk and will open negotiations with the Dutch international this year.

The 29-year-old defender has well and truly established himself as one of the world’s best in his position since joining from Southampton in January 2018, as he came second in the Ballon d’Or awards in 2019, with Lionel Messi beating him to the award.

The centre-back was instrumental in Liverpool’s title win last season, as he appeared in every single Premier League match, scoring five goals and averaging an incredible 7.32 rating.

Unfortunately, a shocking tackle from Jordan Pickford resulted in the defender damaging his cruciate ligament in October 2020, ruling him out for much of Liverpool’s 2020/21 season but he is making strong progress in the gym and could well make a return before the end of the current campaign.

Despite this injury, which may result in the former Celtic man no longer being the same type of player, the Reds must prioritise tying him down to a new deal this year, as his current deal is set to expire in 2023, and this new contract would surely see him stay with the Reds for the rest of his peak playing days.

Whilst Liverpool are said to be in negotiations with Georginio Wijnaldum over a new deal, as his contract expires in the summer, the former Newcastle man is far more replaceable than Van Dijk is.

The 30-year-old has disappointed with his performances this season, averaging a 6.66 rating for his performances in the top-flight, with fellow midfielders Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Fabinho and Thiago all rated higher, whilst young Curtis Jones is narrowly behind, suggesting that he would not be missed if he left this summer.

Meanwhile, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with Van Dijk in the past and if he is able to rediscover his form from last season when he returns from injury, it would not be a surprise to see those transfer links resurface.

Therefore, extending the £72 million-rated centre-back’s contract must be a priority for Liverpool, as he is clearly a huge part of the way Liverpool play, evidenced by him winning the Premier League player of the year last season following the title win.

And, in other news, 10 duels won: LFC target’s monstrous weekend display proves that Edwards must swoop

محمد صلاح يحقق 3 أرقام مميزة بعد هدفه أمام أستون فيلا

حقق نجم فريق ليفربول محمد صلاح 3 أرقام مميزة بعد تسجيله هدفًا في مباراة اليوم ضد أستون فيلا، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واستضاف ملعب الأنفيلد مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات الجولة السادسة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث فاز ليفربول بهدف دون رد.

ويعود الفضل في ذلك الفوز إلى محمد صلاح الذي سجل هدف ليفربول الوحيد في الدقيقة 76 عن طريق ركلة جزاء. هدف محمد صلاح أمام أستون فيلا

وذكرت شبكة “أوبتا” العالمية أن محمد صلاح سجل آخر 15 ضربة جزاء له في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وهو ثاني لاعب يسجل هذا العدد على التوالي في المسابقة، بعد ماثيو لو تيسييه (23 على التوالي بين يناير 1994 وأبريل 2000).

وأشارت كذلك إلى أن محمد صلاح نجح في التسجيل أو الصناعة في 14 مباراة متتالية في الدوري الممتاز، وهي ثاني أطول سلسلة من المساهمات في تاريخ البطولة بعد جيمي فاردي الذي حقق 15 مساهمة بين أغسطس وديسمبر 2015.

وأوضحت شبكة “سكواكا” أن محمد صلاح ساهم في 30 هدفًا مع ليفربول في الموسم الحالي بمختلف المسابقات، حيث شارك في 22 مباراة وسجل 21 هدفًا، وصنع 9 أهداف، متفوقًا على جميع لاعبي الدوري الإنجليزي.

Kleber Gladiador é denunciado por agressão após briga em casa noturna

MatériaMais Notícias

O atacante Kleber Gladiador está sendo acusado de agressão física. Segundo informações do UOL, um policial militar e um segurança da boate Wood’s, em Foz do Iguaçu, registraram um boletim de ocorrência na 6ª subdivisão da Polícia Civil da cidade denunciando o jogador, que teria cometido o ato em uma confusão que envolveu mais 13 atletas do Coritiba.

O incidente começou quando um grupo de jogadores passou a importunar clientes da casa noturna. Com isso, a segurança do local chamou a atenção dos atletas, que teriam ficado revoltados. Ao não atenderem as reprimendas, os atletas foram convidados a se retirar da boate. Foi nessa hora que começou a confusão e Kleber teria dado o soco em um dos denunciantes. O B.O. ainda diz que os jogadores do Coxa ainda danificaram o patrimônio do local e saíram sem pagar a conta. Ao todo, o prejuízo teria ultrapassado os R$ 2.500.

A casa noturna prepara uma ação para reparar os danos materiais. Além disso, é um dos denunciantes no boletim de ocorrência que acusa Kleber de agressão.

O Coritiba ficou em Foz do Iguaçu até sábado fazendo pré-temporada. A estreia oficial do clube na pré-temporada será nesta quarta-feira, contra o Internacional, no Beira-Rio.

Glasgow Rangers must tie down Jermain Defoe to a new deal after masterclass vs Ross County

Glasgow Rangers striker Jermain Defoe scored on his 800th career appearance as Steven Gerrard’s side strolled to a 4-0 win at Ross County to increase their sizeable lead over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Kemar Roofe gave the Gers the lead before James Tavernier benefited from a defensive lapse of concentration, Callum Morris scored an unfortunate own goal, and Defoe put the finishing touch on a fine team performance.

In typical fashion, the former England international came off the bench to score on the turn from close range – his fourth goal from his past seven appearances in all competitions.

Just weeks after he scored his 300th goal in club football against Livingston at Ibrox, the clinical finisher, who turned 38 earlier this year, celebrated yet another landmark to cap off a remarkable run of form, which prompted praise from Rangers coach Michael Beale, who described him as a “top professional and a role model for younger players.”

Defoe initially arrived at Ibrox in January 2019 and he has scored 29 goals and supplied 10 assists in 59 games for the Gers since he swapped the South Coast of England for Glasgow.

Valued at £1.26m via Transfermarkt,  his current contract with Rangers is set to expire in 2021.

Despite his age, the wily veteran hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down anytime soon, and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that Ross Wilson simply must tie Defoe down to a new contract, given his current vein of form.

His latest display against the Staggies is just further proof that he adds depth, strength and quality to Gerrard’s striker options, which is more than can be said for Cedric Itten, who once again failed to get on the scoresheet.

Per SofaScore, Defoe provided two passes, completed one dribble attempt successfully, and took one shot on target – which is more shots on target than Alfredo Morelos managed, despite the fact the Colombian played the majority of the game.

He’s certainly not done yet, not by a long shot.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers forward Kemar Roofe was the man of the hour against Ross County…

Glasgow Rangers must unleash Bongani Zungu vs Aberdeen at expense of Steven Davis

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard can’t keep Bongani Zungu contained any longer and must unleash the South African midfielder in the Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen at the weekend, at the expense of Steven Davis.

What’s the word?

According to The BBC, the Northern Ireland captain pulled out of Wednesday’s game against Romania for personal reasons earlier this week.

Davis has been an integral part of Gerrard’s side so far this season, having made eleven appearances in the Premiership at the time of writing. Whether or not he will be back in time for their first fixture after the international break, who knows, but this has surely presented Gerrard with the perfect opportunity to give Zungu the time to shine.

It’s since been revealed that the South African is a doubt for the weekend’s meeting at the Govan stadium as he sustained a minor knock whilst away on international duty. However, Gerrard is hopeful that the blow is not too serious and will wait for further assessment before deciding on his involvement ahead of Sunday’s clash against Aberdeen.

Time to unleash Zungu!

Zungu’s brief cameo in Rangers’ 8-0 thrashing of Hamilton Academical has rightly left the right impression on Gerrard, as Ross Wilson’s summer recruit has shown precisely why the Ibrox boss spent the majority of the summer chasing his signature.

The centre-midfielder, who can play in an attacking or defensive role, made a positive start to his life at Ibrox, as he delivered an “impressive” showing with his aggressive style of play and range of passing against the Accies before the international break, spraying passes left, right and centre with a workmanlike performance.

Per SofaScore, Gerrard handed the 28-year-old his first-team debut in the second half, where he made 35 out of 38 passes (92%), took 40 touches of the ball, and completed 3 out of 4 long balls as Rangers ran riot over Hamilton.

He followed this up with another fine performance with the Bafana-Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying round, scoring the second goal of the game against Sao Tome and Principe with a well-timed header from Keagan Dolly’s corner kick last week.

It wasn’t only his goal that caught the eye either as he pulled the strings from the midfield, which is precisely what Davis has done so far this season.

No doubt Gerrard will be keen to reward the £1.44m-rated colossus with his first start for the club against Aberdeen this weekend and it’s about time he unleashed the summer signing as he has only played 142′ minutes of football so far.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard must axe George Edmundson after Nikola Katic injury update…

Alvo do Fluminense, Diego Souza já defendeu rivais cariocas

MatériaMais Notícias

Revelado nas categorias de base do Fluminense, Diego Souza tem no currículo o título estadual de 2005. Em grandefase no Tricolor e muito valorizado após ter defendido a Seleção Brasileira no Campeonato Mundial Sub-20 daquele ano,o meia acabou vendido para o Benfica, de Portugal.

Diego Souza não teve espaço no time português e foi emprestado ao Flamengo. No primeiro Fla-Flu (2 a 2, em VoltaRedonda, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro) defendendo as cores rubro-negras, o jogador foi vaiado pelos tricolores apósmarcar o gol de empate. Na comemoração, subiu na grande e comemorou efusivamente.

Em 2006, mal fisicamente, perdeu espaço no Flamengo e foi retornou ao Benfica, mas na sequência emprestado ao Grêmio.Passou ainda por Palmeiras e Atlético-MG até ser contratado pelo Vasco. No Cruz-Maltino criou enorme identificação, sendo muito importante para o título da Copa do Brasil de 2011, além do vice-campeonato brasileiro e ida até a semifinal da Copa Sul-Americana, ambas na mesma temporada.

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Após ter deixado o Vasco, Diego Souza, além do Sport, defendeu os sauditas do Al-Ittihad, Metalist, da Ucrânia, eCruzeiro.​

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