Brazil legend Cafu has claimed that the race for the Ballon d'Or stands between Barcelona's Raphinha and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
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Raphinha and Salah lead Ballon d'Or rankings
Cafu believes only those two in the hunt
Makes case for Raphinha to win the Ballon d'Or
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Raphinha and Salah have been pivotal to their sides' successes this season, as Barcelona are chasing their third European treble while Liverpool won the Premier League in totally dominant fashion. The Brazilian and the Egyptian, both, had taken an early lead in the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or after their superb form in all competitions.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
However, both of their forms have fallen off over the last few months, and the rise to form of Lamine Yamal and Pedri to become Barcelona's main men, questions have been raised whether the latter two deserve the Ballon d'Or more than the former. However, Brazil legend Cafu believes that the race remains between Raphinha and Salah are the only ones in the race and made a claim for the Barcelona winger to win the coveted trophy.
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WHAT CAFU SAID
Speaking to the media, Cafu said: "I don't see many players today who can compete with Raphinha, and I'd even say that between him and Mohamed Salah. I think they're the two who will have a chance of winning the Ballon d'Or. Raphinha has 31 goals and 25 assists. He's broken Messi's record in a team considered the best in the world today, full of stars. It's the heart, the defining element, the one that makes Barcelona play. And I'm very happy that he's a Brazilian, a Brazilian who's been standing out. He's the team captain at a great club like Barca.
"Raphinha is always admired by everyone, especially us Brazilians. But the current moment the Brazilian national team is going through is different from that of the player, from that of the athlete that Raphinha is. He's been playing football really well. The Brazilian national team needs him very much; they need his talent, his work… His work with the Brazilian national team could even help them win the next World Cup.
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WHAT NEXT?
Salah seems unlikely to win the Ballon d'Or unless Barcelona drop off and fail to win both the La Liga title and the Champions League. However, even if they fail to win the European title, La Liga would help Raphinha get better odds over Salah.
علقت ليلى بيريرا، رئيسة نادي بالميراس البرازيلي، على مشاركة فريقها في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية المقبل 2025 بشهر يونيو الجاري.
ويعتبر نادي بالميراس أحد منافسي الأهلي في المجموعة رفقة بورتو البرتغالي وإنتر ميامي الأمريكي صاحب الأرض والجمهور.
وتحدثت بيريرا في تصريحات للاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”: “لا يمكننا التنبؤ بفوزنا بالبطولة، ما نضمنه هو أننا سنذهب إلى هناك للمنافسة بكل قوتنا، وسنبذل قصارى جهدنا لنحصد الكأس، هذا ما نضمنه لجماهيرنا”.
اقرا أيضًا | منافس الأهلي.. رئيسة بالميراس ترد على أنباء التعاقد مع رونالدو وكيفية مواجهة ميسي
وأكملت: “سنظهر للعالم أننا سنقاتل حتى النهاية، استمتعوا بتلك الفترة لأنها الأنجح في تاريخ النادي، إنها تجربة رائعة أن ترون ناديكم يحقق كل هذه الألقاب”.
وأردفت مازحة: “إذا فاز الفريق، فالإشادة تذهب إلى اللاعبين والمدرب، وإذا خسر، فالمسؤولية تقع على عاتق الرئيس، هل تفهمون قصدي؟ لا بأس.. حتى أنني أحتفل بنفسي عندما يفوزون”.
وأتمت: “نحن على أتم الاستعداد لخوض منافسات كأس العالم للاندية، لدينا فريق قوي جدًا وسنمتع جماهيرنا، والنجاح في البطولة هو تحقيقها لكن ما دون ذلك سيعتبر مرضي إلى حد ما”.
Kayque fica no Botafogo. O clube de General Severiano anunciou a compra em definitiva do meio-campista na tarde desta quarta-feira. O Alvinegro investiu R$ 300 mil para adquirir 50% dos direitos econômicos do jogador de 21 anos junto ao Nova Iguaçu.
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O negócio estava encaminhado desde a última semana. O Glorioso havia comunicado que ficaria com o atleta, outrora emprestado até o fim do ano, e, mediante o pagamento, o jogador assinou um contrato até 2025.
– Cheguei com uma incerteza, um ambiente novo. Como todos sabem eu vim para o Sub-20, nunca tinha jogado em clube grande e imaginei que poderia viver grandes momentos, mas nem nos meus melhores sonhos poderia imaginar o que estou vivendo neste momento. Me sinto honrado em saber que estou englobado neste processo, neste novo projeto de médio e longo prazo do Clube – vibrou o jogador, em entrevista ao site oficial do Botafogo.
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– Comunicamos a boa notícia aos nossos torcedores e ao nosso Grupo do Futebol, que é a renovação do nosso atleta Kayque. Chegou aqui no final de 2020 para a equipe Sub-20, estava sempre no nosso radar dentro de uma grande parceria que temos com o Nova Iguaçu dos irmãos Jorge e Jânio Moraes, que são parceiros do Clube. E dentro deste contexto todo a gente já vinha conversando há algum tempo e ficamos muito felizes com os últimos jogos contra São Paulo e Internacional, que só comprovaram o potencial que o Kayque tem – afirmou André Mazzuco, diretor de futebol.
Kayque tem sido titular da equipe comandada por Luís Castro e passa por evolução na temporada. O jogador tem 27 jogos pela equipe principal do Glorioso e um gol marcado.
– Estava aqui quando passávamos nosso pior momento e fico feliz por viver novas coisas, novas aventuras e histórias. Agradeço aos torcedores que sempre me trataram com carinho, a minha família que me apoiou quando me machuquei e não era relacionado. Agradeço ao nosso Diretor Mazzuco por ter acreditado no meu potencial, por acreditar na minha pessoa e poder fazer parte deste projeto – completou o atleta.
Manchester United’s horrendous form in the Premier League this season continued on Saturday when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Everton at Goodison Park.
Ruben Amorim was appointed in November and has only won four of his 15 Premier League matches in charge of the Red Devils so far, losing eight of those matches.
The Portuguese head coach has been unable to stop the rot at Old Trafford and the draw with the Toffees was just the latest in a long line of setbacks this season.
Ruben Amorim’s managerial career
Club
Games managed (all comps)
Points per game
Manchester United
22
1.5
Sporting
231
2.29
Braga
13
2.38
Casa Pisa
4
2.25
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, this run of form at Manchester United is the lowest point in Amorim’s managerial career to date, as it is his lowest points per game tally with any club, by a distance too.
This suggests that the former Sporting and Braga boss may not be the problem for the Red Devils, given that United seems to be the outlier in his career, and that it is the players at his disposal who are letting him down.
Man United's highest earners
The Premier League giants have an expensive squad that has been assembled by several different managers with conflicting tactical philosophies, which has led to a disjointed team that is not ideal for Amorim at this moment in time.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorim
Manchester United reportedly have the third-highest wage bill in the division, at £172.1m-per-season, as only Arsenal and Manchester City boast higher.
Unfortunately, the Red Devils have created a squad that has several of their top earners on the fringes of the starting XI or perennially injured.
Manchester United’s top earners (excluding loanees)
24/25 season
Weekly wage
PL starts
Casemiro
£350k
12
Bruno Fernandes
£300k
25
Mason Mount
£250k
4
Matthijs De Ligt
£195k
20
Harry Maguire
£190k
14
Luke Shaw
£150k
0
Christian Eriksen
£150k
7
Wages via Capology
As you can see in the table above, only De Ligt and Fernandes have managed more than 15 starts in the Premier League within the club’s top seven earners at Old Trafford.
This suggests that Manchester United are not getting value for money out of their huge wage bill and that is something that has to change in the coming transfer windows and seasons, if they are to get back to the top of the English game.
Amorim was able to land a signing to bolster his squad in the January transfer window, Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, and the left-back is reportedly on a modest £40k-per-week.
Patrick Dorgu's form for Manchester United
The Danish wing-back made his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup as a right-sided wing-back earlier this month and made two tackles and two interceptions without being dribbled past once, before being taken off at half-time.
He has, however, played the full 90 minutes in his two Premier League appearances for the Red Devils and has shown plenty of positive signs on the left flank.
The 20-year-old played on the right side of the defence in the FA Cup win over Leicester but was moved to his more natural side on the left for the games against Tottenham and Everton in the top-flight.
Dorgu started 21 matches in the Serie A with Lecce in the first half of the season, before his winter switch to Old Trafford, and that has allowed him to hit the ground running in recent weeks.
Patrick Dorgu
Vs Spurs
Vs Everton
Minutes
90
90
Key passes
2
0
Ground duels won
7/8
8/11
Aerial duels won
2/2
1/4
Tackles + interceptions
4
3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Denmark international has quickly found his feet from a defensive perspective, winning the majority of his duels with opposition attackers.
Interestingly, he has won a whopping 79% of his ground duels, so far, and that is an area that the wing-back on the other side, Diogo Dalot, struggles with.
The Portugal international (£85k-per-week) earns more than twice as much as Dorgu (£40k-per-week) but has not delivered enough on the pitch to justify his wage.
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Amorim must brutally bin the 25-year-old flop when the summer transfer window officially opens for business at the end of the season, as his form has not been good enough this season and he does not appear well-suited to the manager’s system.
Chalkboard
The former Sporting head coach deploys wing-backs who are in the team to get forward and create chances for the attacking players, but that is not a strong part of Dalot’s game.
He has only managed three goals and eight assists in 131 Premier League appearances for the club to date, and his attacking quality – as shown in the clip against Wigan above – has rarely been on display.
Dalot’s overall form in the Premier League this season has also left a lot to be desired. YouTuber AliceTalksFooty claimed that the full-back has “fallen off a cliff” after the draw with Everton, and it is difficult to argue with that assessment.
Diogo Dalot (Premier League)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
36
25
Assists
3
1
Goals
2
0
Tackles made per game
2.3
2.2
Clearances per game
2.7
2
Ground duel success rate
57%
49%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Portuguese defender’s play in and out of possession has regressed from last season to the current campaign in the Premier League.
He has particularly struggled with ground duels, losing the majority of them, whilst Dorgu has come in and dominated opposition players in those battles, whilst Dalot has also failed to offer much in the way of quality at the top end of the pitch.
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INEOS should, therefore, ditch the 25-year-old flop in the summer in order to make room for a wing-back who suits his system to be brought in to play on the right side, as the Portugal international does not appear to have the attacking qualities that are needed to thrive under this manager.
Manchester United had a fairly busy January transfer window. The Red Devils made a couple of deals, along with some major outgoings. The biggest departure was that of United academy graduate Marcus Rashford, who left on loan to join Aston Villa until the end of the season.
Brazilian winger Antony also made a temporary switch to La Liga side Real Betis, and Tyrell Malacia joined Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven on loan. There were also loan moves for several academy players, including Ethan Wheatley.
In terms of incomings, United made two signings. Ayden Heaven joined the club from Arsenal on a free transfer, and left wing-back Patrick Dorgu also made the switch to Old Trafford.
Dorgu's time at United so far
Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim addressed a key issue in his side by signing Dorgu. The Dane signed from Serie A strugglers Lecce for a fee of £25m upfront with a further £4.1m in potential add-ons.
The Denmark international was signed to help add depth at left wing-back, an area of United’s squad which clearly needed strengthening. With Luke Shaw out injured and the plan for Malacia to leave on loan, Diogo Dalot was the only option Amorim had on that flank.
It is fair to say that Dorgu has made a strong impression during his short United career so far. He has made four appearances, and was described as “a very promising player” after his impressive performance against Everton last weekend.
Frustratingly, the young Dane was sent off against Ipswich Town in his most recent Premier League clash for a dangerous challenge, which was deemed worthy of a red after a VAR review. Aside from that, he has been excellent in a United shirt so far.
Dorgu clearly has excellent potential, and will surely only get better under Amorim. However, he may not be the only talented left wing-back the club will soon have at their disposal.
The talented youngster who can rival Dorgu
Over the decades, United have been all about giving young stars a chance to prove what they can do in that famous red shirt. The next young player who could be in line to showcase his talent is Diego Leon.
The 17-year-old is a Paraguayan left-back who, according to BBC Sport, had a medical with the club in January. He seems set to make a permanent switch to Old Trafford in the summer from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno, having progressed through their academy ranks.
Last season, the 17-year-old became a key player for the club. He made 19 appearances in the Primera Division Clausura from left-back, completing 90 minutes on 15 occasions. He even managed to get himself on the scoresheet twice.
Already, Leon has made a quick start to the new season in Paraguay. He scored the first goal, a key equaliser, in Cerro Porteno’s 3-1 Copa Libertadores win over Monagas SC. If there were any doubts about Leon’s suitability for playing as a wing-back in Amoirm’s backline, perhaps his goal threat will help to settle them.
Described as an “explosive” player by football analyst Nicolas, Leon’s stats on Sofascore highlight some of his key strengths. For example, he created nine chances last season and made 45 tackles and interceptions.
In contrast, as per Sofascore, Dorgu created 20 chances and made 68 tackles and interceptions this season for Lecce in four more games.
Stat
Diego Leon
Patrick Dorgu
Key passes
9
20
Dribbles completed
18
17
Pass accuracy
71.5%
83.8%
Aerial duels won
21
29
Tackles and interceptions
45
68
It certainly seems like Leon is a player for United fans to get excited about. The 17-year-old no doubt has a lot to learn in the professional game, but he is clearly a talented youngster who is already impressing in senior football.
Whilst Dorgu has made the left wing-back spot his own for now, perhaps further down the line, Leon could begin challenging him for a spot in the side should he become part of the United first-team squad.
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The decision to move the India wicketkeeper was taken because one of his knee injuries needs immediate attention
Sidharth Monga04-Jan-2023Rishabh Pant has been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai*, after being airlifted from Dehradun earlier today, for immediate intervention on one of the two ligament tears in his knee. He was examined by doctors upon reaching the Mumbai hospital on Wednesday evening, and was in a stable condition.”Rishabh will undergo surgery and subsequent procedures for ligament tears and will continue to be monitored by the BCCI Medical Team throughout his recovery and rehabilitation,” the BCCI said in a statement on Wednesday. “The Board will make every effort to aid and expedite the recovery process of Rishabh and will provide him with all the support he needs during this period.”In Mumbai, Pant will be under the care of Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who has previously worked with Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, as well as with other athletes. Pardiwala is Head – the Centre for Sports Medicine, and Director – Arthroscopy & Shoulder Service at Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri, a Mumbai suburb.Related
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The BCCI, while appreciative of the immediate treatment given to Pant at the two hospitals in Uttarakhand, preferred to have his injuries treated by the board’s own empanelled medical team. While Pant’s medical insurance covers his treatment, the cost of the air ambulance was borne by the board.Pant hasn’t had MRI scans for his leg injuries yet, but after two-three rounds of meetings between the BCCI panel doctors and the doctors at Max Hospital in Dehradun, the assessment was that one of the tears needed urgent treatment.On December 30, Pant was on his way to see his mother in Roorkee in Uttarakhand, when his car crashed into a road divider around 5.30am. He miraculously got away without life-threatening injuries even as his car went up in flames.After immediate emergency care at Saksham Hospital in Roorkee, Pant was moved to Max Hospital in Dehradun, where he had plastic surgery on the laceration wounds, facial injuries and abrasions. MRI scans done on his brain and spine that evening returned normal results, but scans of the knee and foot were postponed because of pain and swelling.It is too early to put a timeframe on Pant’s return to athletic activity and then top-flight cricket. He hasn’t started walking yet. India’s three big assignments in 2023 are the four Tests against Australia at home in February-March, a possible World Test Championship final in England in June, and the ODI World Cup in India in October-November. Pant’s chances of playing the Test series against Australia appear to be slim, though it can’t be ruled out. The other big event is the IPL, in April-May, where Pant captains Delhi Capitals.
Having recovered from a long-term ankle injury, she has met all of CSA’s fitness requirements except the 2km time trial
Firdose Moonda18-Jan-2023Dane van Niekerk remains in contention for South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad and will undergo a final fitness test on January 27 in a bid to prove her eligibility for selection.Since recovering from the broken ankle she sustained last January, which kept her out of the 50-over World Cup and the Commonwealth Games, van Niekerk has played at the Hundred and the WBBL, but has not played international cricket as she works to meet the fitness standard set by Cricket South Africa (CSA). She has been left out of the squad for the tri-series against India and West Indies, which starts on Thursday, but coach Hilton Moreeng is optimistic she will lead the team at the World Cup next month.Related
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“We believe she’ll be ready,” Moreeng said. “That’s why she has been given all the opportunity to make sure she is ready, so she can get through the fitness test and make sure she is part of the group. She was part of the camp and she trained with us. She is working hard to make sure she is in that squad.”ESPNcricinfo understands that van Niekerk’s fitness has improved drastically from where it was even before the injury, with one insider saying she is “the fittest she has been in five years.” She has lost 10kg since last year’s Hundred and has met all her markers except the 2km time trial. Female cricketers in South Africa are required to complete the run in 9 minutes and 30 seconds, while male cricketers must complete the distance in 8 minutes and 30 seconds. All players who hope to play for the national side must now meet this criteria, as well as pass a body composition test, although this is a rule that was only implemented in the last few years as CSA sought to be stricter on fitness.Last year, van Niekerk’s team-mate Lizelle Lee was dropped from the national team for failing her body composition test after her weight was deemed over the standard set for her. Lee retired in the aftermath and explained how she felt victimised and body-shamed at the time, as well as questioned why the standard was not more individualised.Sisanda Magala, the men’s white-ball bowler, asked the same question when he was left out of the national squad for failing to make his running times. He told The Cricket Monthly that he hoped his performances, as the leading bowler in the domestic one-day competition made up for the 12 seconds he fell short by on the running trial, but they did not. He has since passed the test and was, on Tuesday, named in South Africa’s ODI squad to play England later this month.Van Niekerk has lost 10kg since last year’s Hundred and has met all her markers except the 2km time trial•ICC via GettyConsidering Lee and Magala’s cases, Moreeng was asked if the rigid application of the standards was fair, and said he believed their uniformity made them so. “We believe they are fair. Every member of the squad knows what is required, even at the domestic level. It’s where we are as a team and as a country, it’s the direction we are moving to. It’s to make sure each and every player, as far as the minimum standards are concerned, meets them,” he said. “It’s criteria that have been designed and given to players all around the country. It’s one of those that tests your strength and aerobic side of things to make sure players will be able to deal with whatever demands the game gives them on a daily basis. It’s all to make sure the player has the best possible time to perform.”But Moreeng conceded that even without passing the running test, van Niekerk remained crucial to South Africa’s chances of success. “She is a quality cricketer,” he said. “Any environment will be blessed to have her.”And those close to van Niekerk say she is fully committed to doing everything she can to ensure she passes the test and is in South Africa’s squad and sees playing at this World Cup as the fulfillment of a dream.South Africa have set themselves a goal of qualifying for the final of their home World Cup, after reaching the semi-finals in 2014 and 2020.
Captain says India team management was supportive of his decision to leave the Test squad and play the Ranji final
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Jaydev Unadkat returned figures of 3 for 44 after putting Bengal in to bat•PTI
For Jaydev Unadkat, the decision to leave India’s Test squad in Delhi, and instead represent Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy final was a no-brainer.”Saurashtra has played an important part in my comeback and success, and it was not difficult to make the decision for the final,” Unadkat told ESPNcricinfo after the first day of the Ranji Trophy final. “I had a chat with the India management, and they were also supportive of the decision. Playing a part in Saurashtra’s success is close to my heart.Unadkat made an impact right away in the final, winning the toss, inserting Bengal in and striking in the first over with Abhimanyu Easwaran’s wicket. In the same spell, he had Manoj Tiwary edging to gully from around the stumps and finished with 3 for 44, with Bengal folding for 174. It was the first time since the 2017-18 final that the team winning the toss chose to field, and Unadkat said his decision to risk batting last was due to the bowler-friendly conditions on day one in Kolkata.Related
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“The green tinge on the pitch played a part in making the toss decision easier in a final,” Unadkat said. “But there were also skills at play from the other bowlers to get the early breakthroughs. We knew we had to maximise the early advantage in the surface because the pitch got flat as the day progressed. We knew that would happen, so it was crucial to get their big wickets while there was some moisture.”My attacking plan to a right-hander has often been from around the stumps, especially when the ball is swinging. For a right-hand batter, ball moving away from around the stumps can be tricky.”This is the first time “full DRS” is being used in a Ranji Trophy game. Saurashtra went for it twice, but neither review panned out, and the one time they chose not to go upstairs, they ended up giving a life to Shahbaz Ahmed. The Bengal allrounder was on 38 when the on-field umpire turned down an lbw shout only for replays to indicate it was out. Shahbaz would go on to score 31 more runs.Unadkat said that DRS in domestic games is new for many of his players, and therefore erroneous calls are part of the learning process. “Given how the first innings ended, it isn’t a big concern now,” he said. “It is also not often that domestic cricketers are playing with DRS in action, so it is new to them too. It happens on the field sometimes, but the introduction of DRS in itself is a big positive.”Abishek Porel and Shahbaz Ahmed rescued Bengal with a 101-run stand•PTI
Match not over yet – Bengal captain TiwaryEven though Bengal are on the back foot in their pursuit of a Ranji Trophy title for the first time since 1989-90, their captain Tiwary retains hope of taking a lead.”The match is not over yet,” he told reporters. “There is still possibility that we bundle them out and take a lead. I say that because I feel the wicket tomorrow could be like today.”We have already discussed the areas of improvement. It’s about eight-wicket taking balls and we must ensure to not leak runs tomorrow.”Light fades quickly in the evenings in Kolkata so day matches here start half an hour early, which brings the bowlers into the game that little bit more. Bengal, whose lead now is a mere 93, are hoping to exploit that.Tiwary was happy with their response after Saurashtra raced away to 38 for 0 inside six overs. In the next 11 overs, Saurashtra scored only 45 more and lost two wickets to finish on 81 for 2. The difference in the two periods of play was a huddle called by Tiwary between the sixth and seventh over, when it appeared that the Bengal players were down on energy from the early assault off Harvik Desai’s bat.”Everyone had become quiet and their morale dropped after a few boundaries were hit,” Tiwary said. “So it was important to remind them that the match is far from over, and told them to bowl with [energy]. And you saw we got two wickets before stumps.”Cricket is a muscle memory game, sometimes you are not in rhythm. If you release late, you bowl short, if you release early, you bowl half volleys. All season, this was the worst start from our bowlers, but it is fine. We hope to improve tomorrow.”
Leeds United have held opening talks over an exit for a £90,000-a-week player to leave this summer, as he’s not set to be in Daniel Farke’s plans.
Leeds racing for Championship promotion with Sheffield United and Burnley
Some may have thought that automatic promotion from the Championship was all but guaranteed for Leeds after late wins over Sunderland and Sheffield United last month.
However, a 1-1 draw at home to West Brom last time out, coupled with both the Blades and Burnley picking up wins at QPR and Cardiff, has seen Leeds’ lead at the top cut.
Both promotion rivals play before Leeds’ trip to Portsmouth on Sunday as well, meaning Farke’s side could be level on points with Sheffield United and just two ahead of the Clarets, should they both secure wins.
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Despite this, those behind the scenes at Elland Road already have one eye on the summer and have agreed a first senior exit for defender Ramus Kristensen, currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Denmark international is now set to join the Bundesliga side on a permanent transfer, with Leeds accepting an offer from Frankfurt worth an initial £5m which could rise to £6.5m with add-ons.
Another player who departed the club on loan following Leeds’ relegation was Jack Harrison. The winger has spent over 18 months on loan at Everton, where he is on £90,000-a-week.
The Toffees look unlikely to make a move permanent, though, leaving Leeds with a question of what to do with Harrison in the summer.
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According to The Yorkshire Evening Post, there is a chance that Harrison could leave Leeds and return to the MLS, after a spell with New York City FC when he was a youngster. It is claimed that ‘exploratory conversations with club representatives in the United States are understood to have taken place’, however, no official approaches have been made.
Jack Harrison for Everton
Harrison, who is now 28, is under contract with Leeds until 2028 after signing new terms when the Whites were in the Premier League back in 2023.
The YEP also claim that Harrison is unlikely to be in Farke’s Leeds plans ahead of the 2025/26 season, where they are hoping to be playing Premier League football.
Leeds
206
34
32
Everton
62
4
3
New York City FC
61
14
10
Middlesbrough
4
0
1
As can be seen, Harrison has not produced much at Goodison Park, contributing just seven goals in more than 60 appearances. He hasn’t registered a goal or an assist in the Premier League during the current campaign, so it’s no surprise that Everton look likely to pass up on their chance to sign the Englishman permanently.
Leeds also have four exciting wingers on their books currently in Dan James, Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto, although Solomon is currently on loan from Tottenham.
Selling Harrison and signing Solomon on a full-time deal could be a wise move from the 49ers, with the Israel international having experience in the Premier League and impressing under Farke this season.
The representatives of a major Arsenal target are set to fly to London for further talks this week, having now reached an agreement on contract terms, according to a report.
Mikel Arteta planning for the summer
Although Liverpool eked out a 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, Mikel Arteta’s side remain in a strong position to mount a title push as we approach a crucial stage of the season.
In truth, another second-place finish would be very tough to take, having narrowly missed out to Manchester City in the previous two seasons, but making up a seven-point gap could prove to be a tall order.
Arteta will be keen to ensure his side set the pace next season, rather than having to chase, and the manager is looking at adding the final touches to his squad, with bringing in a top striker believed to be of particular interest.
Arsenal now make contact for "composed" £50m striker with 20 league goals
The Gunners have made the first move to sign a striker who is the top scorer in his league this season.
ByDominic Lund Feb 16, 2025
Midfield hasn’t been a problem position for Arsenal this season, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey among their most consistent players in the Premier League, but Arteta is still keen to bring in additional depth in the middle of the park this summer.
There have been widespread reports indicating Martin Zubimendi’s move to the Emirates Stadium is more or less wrapped up, but there has now been a new update on the Gunners’ pursuit of the Real Sociedad man.
According to a report from Football Transfers, Arterta’s side have now struck an agreement with Zubimendi on a four-year contract, having held advanced talks over a summer transfer.
The midfielder’s representatives are set to fly to London for further talks this week, with the deal developing, although he still has reservations about the move due to non-football related issues, such as relocating to England.
Arsenal remain confident they will be able to get the deal over the line, however, with Arteta believed to be the driving force behind the move.
Zubimendi could be a statement signing for Arsenal
The central midfielder, who is expected to cost around £51m, could help take Arteta’s midfield to the next level, given the displays he has put in for Real Sociedad for quite some time.
Former Gunner Kieran Tierney has lauded his ex-teammate as “world-class”, and he has been one of Sociedad’s best-performing players in La Liga this season, averaging a 6.91 WhoScored match rating.
Although the Spaniard is not much of a goal threat, he has impressed across a number of key defensive metrics over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Aerials won
1.76 (91st percentile)
Clearances
2.32 (90th percentile)
Blocks
1.38 (69th percentile)
Interceptions
1.30 (74th percentile)
Partey has put in some impressive performances for Arsenal this season, but the Ghanaian turns 32 in June, and there are plenty of signs the 26-year-old Real Sociedad star could be a solid long-term replacement.