أكد هانز فليك المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي برشلونة، على صعوبة مواجهة فالنسيا في بطولة كأس ملك إسبانيا غدًا الخميس.
ويواجه برشلونة فالنسيا، في ربع نهائي كأس ملك إسبانيا، بعد أقل من أسبوعين على مواجهة الدوري بينهما والتي انتهت بسباعية للبلوجرانا على ملعب لويس كومبانيس.
مباراة الغد ستقام على ملعب ميستايا، وهو ما يشير له المدرب فليك في المؤتمر الصحفي، كأحد الأسباب التي تجعل الأمر مختلف عن سباعية الدوري.
وقال فليك: “تلك المباراة مختلفة تمامًا، نحن نلعب خارج ملعبنا، وسيحاولون الضغط علينا والأجواء في ملعب ميستايا مختلفة تمامًا، مواجهتهم في الدوري على ملعبهم كانت شاقة، والأجواء كانت رائعًا، ولم يكن الفوز سهلًا”.
طالع أيضًا.. اتحاد جدة يرد على أنباء رغبته في ضم دي يونج من برشلونة
وعن موقف داني أولمو وجافي، قال: “داني سيكون خيارًا لنا وقد يشارك في الشوط الثاني، جافي لن يكون متاحًا طبقًا للبروتوكول بسبب إصابته في الرأس، لقد كانت ضربة قوية بالنسبة له ولمنافسه أيضًا في تلك المباراة”.
وكان جافي قد تعرض لإصابة قوية في الرأس وغادر الملعب في مواجهة الأحد الماضي ضد ديبورتيفو ألافيس في بطولة الدوري الإسباني.
وأردف: “البعض يقارن اللاعبين حسب المركز، ولكن لا أنظر بهذه النظرة، لدينا مباراة غدًا ثم مواجهة الحد، ولكل مباراة احتياجات مختلفة، كاسادو لاعب رائع، ودي يونج كذلك، لا يهم من أختار، الأهم هو من سيكون مناسب لطريقتنا في كل مباراة”.
وسُئل فليك عن بيان ريال مدريد تجاه التحكيم، ليرد: “لا اريد الحديث عن هذا الأمر، لقد فعلوا ذلك بطريقتهم، لكن هذا ليس أسلوبنا. نحن لا نقدم الأعذار، ولكل نادٍ طريقته، لكني يجب أن يعلم الجميع أننا بشر ونرتكب الأخطاء. ووظيفة الحكم صعبة للغاية، وعلينا أن نعتني بهم، لأن الأمر ليس سهلًا بالنسبة لهم”.
وواصل: “أعتقد أنني قلت كل شيء، عندما جئت إلى برشلونة قلت بأنني لا أحب الأعذار أو الشكاوي، ويتعين علينا التركيز في كرة القدم”.
وسيتم فيلك عامه الـ60 هذا الشهر، يوم 24، وعندما سُئل عن أحلامه، أجاب: “حققت العديد من أحلامي، تدريب برشلونة كان حلمًا بالنسبة لي، ومن الرائع أن يكون عيد ميلادي الستين في هذا النادي، أحبهم وأجب المدينة وكل شيء، إنه حلم وتحقق”.
وعاد بالحديث عن مواجهة فالنسيا غدًا: “من الطبيعي أن نفكر في عملية المداورة، لدينا مواجهة ضد إشبيلية يوم الأحد، ولن نتمكن من العودة إلى برشلونة قبل الجمعة، لذلك علينا أن نستخدم العديد من اللاعبين، لكن في حراسة المرمى كما قلت من قبل، تشيزني هو رقم واحد”.
واختتم: “أتفهم أنكم تقارنون بينهما. إينياكي حارس رائع، ولكن تشيزني تم اختياره بسبب شخصيته وأسلوبه، كلاهما عظيمان، وكذلك مواهب الفريق الشابة في حراسة المرمى، لقد اتخذنا القرار وعلينا الالتزام به”.
The fast bowler sustained the injury during the second T20I, where he was unable to finish his spell
Andrew Fidel Fernando09-Mar-2024
Matheesha Pathirana is among Sri Lanka’s death-bowling options•AFP/Getty Images
Sri Lanka slinger Matheesha Pathirana is unavailable for the third T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday, after having sustained a grade one hamstring injury on his left leg during the previous match.Pathirana was seen clutching his left hamstring as he attempted to finish his fourth over, but was ultimately unable to close out his final spell, leaving Angelo Mathews to deliver the last two balls.Related
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By a distance Sri Lanka’s fastest bowler, as he breached 150kph on occasion, Pathirana had had a mixed series. He had leaked 56 runs in his four overs in the first T20I, but took 2 for 28 from 3.4 overs in the second. Sri Lanka have looked to use him largely at the death.Sri Lanka do have what is as close to a like-for-like replacement for Pathirana as possible in their squad. Nuwan Thushara also bowls with a round-arm action, though he is not as quick as Pathirana. The other specialist seamers in the squad are left-armers Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.The series is tied 1-1 as the teams go into the final T20I in Sylhet, on Saturday.Pathirana is also Chennai Super Kings’ designated death bowler in the IPL, which begins on March 22 in Chennai.
Arsenal are expected to bid for an "underrated" Mikel Arteta target imminently, as they plan their next summer signing after Riccardo Calafiori.
Edu and Arteta eyeing three more key arrivals for Arsenal
After securing a new option for their back line, and a very promising one at that in Calafiori, sporting director Edu Gaspar and the wider recruitment team will be weighing their next move as the latter phase of this transfer window approaches.
Edu focused on signing £60m star after previous claim he wants Arsenal move
The Brazilian is working to bring in a new striker.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 30, 2024
Just five weeks remain for Arteta and Edu to get Arsenal's remaining top transfer targets over the line, as they prepare for a third-time-lucky attempt to win the Premier League title and get the better of Man City.
The Gunners pushed Pep Guardiola's side all the way to the final day last season, narrowly missing out on their first domestic crown in 20 years, and supporters will be keen to see Arsenal shore up the squad to go that one step further.
Calafiori, who can play both centrally and as a full-back, was announced as the club's first outfield signing of the window earlier this week – after the Italian put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
It has been claimed that Arsenal also want a new goalkeeper, midfielder and forward through the door before deadline day on August 30. Arsenal are apparently still in talks with Wolves over Daniel Bentley for a new option between the sticks, while Arteta continues to register a serious interest in striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.
Napoli star Victor Osimhen has also been subject to an Arsenal approach, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, so it will be interesting to see if Arteta finally gets an out-and-out number nine through the door.
Gyokeres vs Osimhen
Stats (per 90)
Gyokeres
Osimhen
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.82
0.66
Non-Penalty Goals + Assists
1.05
0.68
Progressive Passes
1.57
1.05
Progressive Carries
3.52
1.55
Shots
3.37
3.86
Shots on Target
1.64
1.63
Passing Accuracy
71.7%
66.9%
Shot-Creating Actions
4.08
2.45
Goal-Creating Actions
0.65
0.36
Successful Take-Ons
2.10
0.73
Aerial Duels Won
1.91
1.68
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 League Season
There is also the matter of a potential new midfielder, who may well act as a replacement for the exit-bound Thomas Partey. The Ghanian has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal this window, with clubs in Saudi Arabia showing interest in signing Partey and bringing an end to his four-year stay at London Colney.
Arsenal expected to bid for Mikel Merino imminently
Real Sociedad star and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino, who impressed on-lookers with his displays at Euro 2024, is being repeatedly mentioned by the press as a top target for Arteta.
There have even been reports that Arteta is personally trying to convince Merino to join Arsenal, with The Mirror and senior sports reporter Dan Marsh sharing an update on their chase for the 28-year-old.
They claim that Arsenal are expected to bid for Merino imminently as Edu and Arteta attempt to bring in a new midfield man. The former Newcastle star, called "underrated" by Football Analyst Ben Mattinson, made 45 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad last season – scoring eight goals and registering five assists.
A deal for Merino could cost around £25 million, with the Spaniard now in the final 12 months of his contract.
Carlos Corberan has plenty of promotion near misses on his managerial resume to date in the Championship, having guided both Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion into the play-offs, with the Terriers even getting to Wembley under his reign only for Nottingham Forest to spoil their potential promotion winning party.
The popular Spaniard will hope he can successfully steer the Baggies to promotion this time around, albeit he will have to try and pull off this almighty feat without Brandon Thomas-Asante up top.
Thomas-Asante was seemingly on his way to Hull City, but has since sealed a move to Coventry City following a late hijack, raking in a reported fee of around £2m-£3m.
This will be a blow, but not one that will completely derail the Baggies going forward, knowing that they have plenty of firepower in attack away from the former Salford City man, with the likes of Jed Wallace staying put.
Jed Wallace's time at West Brom
Wallace has been a consistent presence in and around the first team ever since he joined the building back in 2022, only missing four regular Championship games in the process.
The former Millwall man relocating to the Hawthorns will be seen as a masterstroke from the powers that be at the West Midlands club, therefore, with the experienced attacker also joining the club as a free agent, before going on to be a reliable creative force and goalscorer.
Last campaign, the “unbelievable” Baggies captain – as he was once described by ex-Sheffield United defender Jack O’Connell – would pick up six goals and five assists as Corberan’s side eyed an opportunity to break back into the Premier League, with the West Brom boss playing him all over the attacking ranks dependent on the clash ahead.
Wallace would line up in six different positions in the forward ranks come the end of the league schedule, with the ex-Millwall attacker even drafted in to play in Thomas-Asante’s lone striker spot on occasion, with six of his goal contributions for the season coming about when playing as this makeshift centre-forward.
Therefore, if the Championship promotion hopefuls do end up losing Thomas-Asante shortly, they could rely on their versatile 30-year-old to lead the line and do a competent job.
Moreover, Wallace is more valuable to Corberan and Co when you consider his transfer value up against the departing star’s own increased price tag, with the seasoned EFL figure the most valuable asset in the Baggies camp currently, according to Football Transfers.
Wallace's transfer value in 2024
According to the site, the adaptable 5 foot 10 forward is worth in the region of £3.9m, with his value steadily rising and rising ever since entering the building for nothing only two years ago.
That makes him the most worthwhile asset to Corberan at this moment in time, with Thomas-Asante leaving for £3m also seen as West Brom advancing another player’s career, but this time smartly cashing in, with the 25-year-old once worth just £300k when signed from League Two.
Value/Stat – per 90 mins*
Wallace
Thomas-Asante
Value
£3.9m
£3m
Games played
42
39
Goals scored
6
11
Expected goals (xG)
4.18 xG
12.69 xG
Assists
5
2
Big chances missed
2
18
Big chances created
8
5
Glancing at their respective numbers from the 2023/24 campaign, West Brom will also believe they can attract a more clinical finisher to the club over Thomas-Asante, especially with this added injection of £3m in the bank, with the ex-Salford man underperforming when it comes to his xG and missing a whole host of big chances at a hefty 18.
Whoever does become West Brom’s next leading man in attack will know he will have chances galore put on a plate for him with Wallace next to him, as the Baggies aim to win promotion this season to come, and not just settle for being nearly men again.
West Brom pursuing deal to sign £8k-p/w Campbell upgrade
West Bromwich Albion continue to be on the hunt for a brand new striker.
West Ham United and technical director Tim Steidten are close to sealing another new summer signing for new manager Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham promise busy summer transfer window
The Irons have already been productive in the market with deals to sign Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras for a fee worth around £25m and Wes Foderingham on a free transfer. Lopetegui was officially unveiled to the press as the new Hammers boss earlier this week and was quizzed on further incomings, to which he said:
“Of course we are working to improve (the squad). The first thing to highlight is that we’re happy with the players, but of course we’re going to try to improve. We have to work very hard to be ready for the Premier League, and we would like players as soon as possible, but it’s not easy.”
Steidten also promised a busy summer window, adding: “I can’t tell you specifics, but it will be a busy summer for us for sure. The owner and the board have done a really good job over recent years, so we’re in good shape financially. We’re trying to build up the squad. We’re not limiting ourselves to one position – we’re looking at all areas.”
Another target in recent weeks alongside Guilherme and Foderingham has been Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, who worked under Lopetegui at Molineux. The Irons saw an opening bid turned down but were working on an improved package for the 27-year-old, and it looks as if they are closing in on their man.
West Ham agree Max Kilman deal
Taking to X on Thursday afternoon, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that there is now a £40m deal in place between West Ham and Wolves for Kilman, who was viewed as a “key target” for Lopetegui.
Insider ExWHUEmployee provided further details on a transfer, claiming personal terms have been agreed upon, a medical went to plan and an announcement is possible on Friday or Saturday.
“Kilman was at West Ham today for his medical and all has gone to plan. Personal terms for the player have been agreed as has the fee which was said to be a straight £40m. The only negotiations that were still going on was agent fees as they often are but the player is expected to either sign on Friday or Saturday at the latest.”
Max Kilman West Ham graphic
Kilman, who former Wolves captain Conor Coady lauded as “outstanding” in the past, now looks likely to rival Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma and Konstantinos Mavropanos at centre-back at the London Stadium.
Interestingly, reports earlier this week even claimed that Lopetegui could make Kilman the West Ham captain straightaway ahead of the forthcoming campaign, so that will be one to watch with a move set to go through.
Leeds United are currently preparing for another season in the Championship after they lost in the play-off final against Southampton at Wembley last month.
Daniel Farke, who won two promotions from the division during his time with Norwich City, will now be tasked with getting the squad ready for another attempt to return to the Premier League.
The Whites recently learned their schedule for the 2024/25 campaign and face West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, and Burnley within the opening five games, which does not make for an easy start.
Leeds' first five 24/25 Championship matches
Portsmouth
Home
West Brom
Away
Sheffield Wednesday
Away
Hull City
Home
Burnley
Home
Leeds could be in for a rocky start to the season if there is still speculation hanging over the heads of their key players, who have been linked with moves away from West Yorkshire.
Brighton have reportedly been in contact to attempt to sign winger Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto is said to be keen to seal a move back to Italy before the end of the summer transfer window.
There could also be some changes within the goalkeeping department at Elland Road, with one going out and one coming in ahead of next season.
Latest Leeds goalkeeper news
According to the Daily Mail, French side Marseille are interested in a deal to sign Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier to bolster their squad this summer.
The report claims that the Whites need to raise around £100m in player sales this summer after they failed to earn promotion back to the Premier League, with Summerville and Gnonto said to be the most likely stars to be sold.
It states that the Yorkshire-based outfit are looking for a fee within the region of £20m to allow the French shot-stopper to move on from Elland Road.
Illan Meslier
However, it remains to be seen how much Marseille are willing to pay to land the left-footed goalkeeper, which makes it unclear as to how likely he is to leave the club.
With that uncertainty, the Daily Mail adds that Daniel Farke and his team have been looking at potential replacements for the 24-year-old shot-stopper.
The report claims that Slovakia international Marek Rodak is one of the names that they are considering as a possible successor to Meslier next season.
His contract with Premier League side Fulham is due to expire at the end of the month and this means that the experienced Championship performer is set to be a free agent.
Farke could now sensationally land an upgrade on Meslier whilst making a £20m profit if a team matches their valuation of him and they then swoop for Rodak on a free transfer.
Why Leeds should cash in on Illan Meslier
Leeds should cash in on the former Lorient prospect this summer if an offer of £20m, or a bid close to that, comes in for his services this summer.
He has consistently proven himself to be a liability as a shot-stopper for the Whites and it cost the team at crucial moments in the 2023/24 campaign.
Farke's side finished third in the division on 90 points – six points behind Ipswich Town – and they could have racked up more points to compete for automatic promotion if their goalkeeper had not let them down.
23/24 Championship
Illan Meslier
Appearances
44
Save success rate
68%
Goals prevented
-4.49
Error led to shot
1
Error led to goal
1
Red cards
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Meslier let in 4.49 more goals than expected based on the xG of the shots against his goal in the Championship last term.
Whereas, for example, Leicester City's Mads Hermansen prevented 4.68 more goals than expected to help his side to secure automatic promotion – a nine-goal swing compared to Meslier.
This suggests that Leeds may have conceded nine fewer goals if they had the Foxes star between the sticks instead of the Frenchman, just based on their respective shot-stopping quality, which could have earned them enough points to bridge the gap between themselves and Ipswich.
Illan Meslier
Meslier also conceded a staggering 13.14 more goals than expected in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, which shows that his poor shot-stopping is not a new issue.
Therefore, Leeds must now cash in on the French liability this summer after his lacklustre performances in the Championship and then bring Rodak in as an upgrade on him.
Why Leeds should sign Marek Rodak
Firstly, his availability as a free transfer makes him a bargain target for the West Yorkshire side when they currently have to raise the aforementioned £100m in sales.
The Whites could cash in on Meslier for millions and pocket that money without having to spend any of it on a transfer fee for Rodak this summer.
Secondly, the 27-year-old titan, who was once described as "easy-going" by former teammate Mike McEntegart, is a proven Championship performer who knows what it takes to earn promotion from the division.
He has only made two appearances in the Premier League in the last two seasons, with former Arsenal ace Bernd Leno ahead of him, but his track record in the second tier suggests that he could be an upgrade on Meslier.
Championship (per 90)
Rodak (2019/20)
Rodak (2021/22)
Meslier (2023/24)
Post-shot xG minus goals against
+0.16
+0.05
-0.07
Save percentage
76.9%
75.5%
67.5%
Clean sheet percentage
40.6%
42.4%
41.9%
Crosses stopped percentage
2.8%
3.5%
4.9%
As you can see in the table above, Rodak is significantly better than the current Leeds number one when it comes to saving shots in the Championship.
The Slovakian titan won promotion from the division in the 2019/20 and 2021/22 campaign and saved more goals than expected, based on post-shot xG, in both seasons whilst saving more than 75% of the efforts on his goal.
He made 66 appearances across those two years and played a crucial role in the Cottagers' success with his sublime ability to make stat-defying saves.
Whereas, Meslier has consistently shown that he concedes more goals than the average goalkeeper would be expected to, which is why the Marseille target is a liability who should be cashed in on.
Could be Summerville 2.0: Leeds in the mix to sign "in-form" star
The Whites are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the talented forward this summer.
ByDan Emery Jun 27, 2024
Rodak is an experienced and proven Championship star who still has plenty left to give at the age of 27 and Farke must now swoop to sign him on a free transfer to improve the goalkeeper position at Elland Road.
أكد الفرنسي هيرفي رينارد، المدير الفني لمنتخب السعودية، على مواصلة العمل من أجل تحقيق نتائج جيدة، وتأهل الأخضر إلى نصف نهائي كأس الخليج “خليجي 26”.
ويشارك منتخب السعودية في بطولة خليجي 26، والتي انطلقت في الكويت يوم 21 ديسمبر الجاري، وتستمر حتى 3 يناير المقبل.
ويقع المنتخب السعودي ضمن المجموعة الثانية التي تضم كلًا من اليمن والعراق والبحرين.
وخسر المنتخب السعودي في الجولة الأولى أمام نظيره البحرين، بنتيجة 3-2، ومن المقرر أن يلتقي مع شقيقه اليمني غدًا الأربعاء، في الجولة الثانية.
طالع أيضًا | مدرب اليمن قبل مواجهة السعودية: يجب أن نتوخى الحذر أمام “الوحش المجروح”
وقال رينارد في تصريحاته بالمؤتمر الصحفي، اليوم الثلاثاء: “رسالتي للجماهير أنه لا يجب عليهم الاستسلام، نحن نتفهم خيبة أملهم بعد الخسارة أمام البحرين، نعمل بشكل جيد من أجل تصحيح الوضع، كرة القدم مثل الحياة أيام صعبة وأخرى جيدة”.
وتابع: “نمتلك في خط الهجوم الثنائي سالم الدوسري وعبد الله رديف، وهما قادران على التسجيل وتعويض غياب البريكان والشهري”.
واختتم: “قلت للاعبين بأن المنتخب لا يمتلك عدد الأجانب الذين معكم في الأندية، ويجب استشعاركم لمسؤولية تمثيل السعودية، نحن لسنا في وضعنا الطبيعي منذ فترة، ويجب أن نعود لمبادئنا الأساسية واحترام كرة القدم، والأهم في مرحلة المجموعات هو تأهلنا سواء في المركز الأول أو الثاني”.
Essex’s defence of Blast title effectively over after failure to post 200-plus costs dear
ECB Reporters Network11-Sep-2020Laurie Evans hit a magnificent unbeaten 88 from 52 deliveries as Surrey pulled off a thrilling last-ball victory in their Vitality Blast battle to leave Essex still searching for their season’s first victory in the competition.They did so when Gus Atkinson found the boundary from the final delivery after Essex had posted a total of 195 for 8. Evans struck four sixes and seven fours in his 52-ball effort after Cameron Delport and Adam Wheater both scored half-centuries to give Essex a great start to their innings.The openers put on 105 but in the end it did not prove enough once Evans got into his stride to point the way to a magnificent Surrey victory.The Essex openers started off like an express train as they raised the 50 in the fourth over. Wheater collected three successive fours at the expensive of Atkinson during an over in which Delport struck a six. Delport then punished Jamie Overton for three boundaries in succession and as the runs continued to flow the total moved into three figures by the ninth over.Surrey were to claim their first wicket with the total on 105 when Daniel Moriarty had Delport taken at fine leg by Hashim Amla to end an innings of 64 that contained eight fours and six sixes and came from 32 balls.At the half-way stage Essex had reached 117 but then wickets started to fall in quick succession. Daniel Lawrence went for 17 when he was caught at deep cover by Overton to provide Moriarty with another success and the slow left-arm spinner struck again to end the fireworks provided by Wheater. He perished when he was easily stumped by Ben Foakes after contribution of 63 from 40 deliveries with the help of five fours and three sixes.Offspinner Gareth Batty then removed Paul Walter and Simon Harmer with successive deliveries while Topley claimed three quick wickets by removing Michael Pepper, Jack Plom and Aaron Beard. Following their great start Essex will have been disappointed at not reaching the 200 barrier. Ryan ten Doeschate finished unbeaten with 27 from 20 balls while Moriarty and Reece Topley finished with three wickets each at a cost of 36 and 38 respectively. Batty proved the most economical with 2 for 23 from his allocation of four overs.Surrey’s response began disastrously with Amla departing lbw to Aron Nijjar to the spinner’s first ball of the innings. That early setback, however, did not stop Will Jacks and Evans moving into top gear as they brought up the 50 in the fifth over of the innings. But then Surrey lost two quick wickets. Jacks was bowled by Sam Cook for 29 that contained six boundaries while former Essex player Foakes was caught by Walter to provide Beard with success.Evans continued to inflict punishment with some powerful hitting and reached a fine half-century from 27 balls with the help of five fours and two sixes. Soon afterwards he dispatched Harmer and Lawrence for sixes but lost Rory Burns for 30 after the pair had shared a partnership of 78 from just under eight overs. He was caught on the long-off boundary by Nijjar with a total on 137.With four overs left Surrey required 51 but were to lose Overton and Jamie Smith in the same Beard over, at which stage the visitors were still 21 runs short of their objective with less than two overs remaining. But in the end they squeezed home to register a victory that virtually put paid to their opponents making further headway in a competition they won last season.
Arsenal received Joan Garcia boost as Espanyol director Fran Garagarza admitted that the goalkeeper could be sold in the future.
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Arsenal wanted Garcia as Ramsdale's replacementSaw their €20m bid turned down by EspanyolCatalan club remains open to selling him in futureFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
As the summer transfer window neared its end, Arsenal made a serious attempt to sign Garcia as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who left the Emirates. The Gunners made a formal €20 million (£17m/$22m) bid for the keeper but Espanyol quickly rejected the offer as they stuck to their demand of €30m (£25m/$33m) – the release clause amount in his contract.
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In a last-minute move, Arsenal secured the services of Neto on a loan deal from AFC Bournemouth to fill the gap. However, if they decide to rekindle their interest in Garcia in the future, they might not be disappointed as Garagarza admitted to the possibility of selling him at "another time".
WHAT GARAGARZA SAID
In an interview with Garagarza admitted: "If you sense that there will be growth and performance, perhaps the current one could be a sale of a player without reaching completion. For this exercise, we have understood that Joan is an asset and that he is necessary to achieve the objective because he acts in a very specific position. We could not weaken there, we couldn’t. The interest in him is not going to stop. The time to sell Joan may be at another time.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
Garcia had primarily served as a backup goalkeeper during the previous season. However, once he was given the opportunity to play, the young goalkeeper made a significant impact as he recorded eight clean sheets and conceded only seven goals in 14 league games, helping Espanyol secure promotion to La Liga.
“Well, with Joan it is obvious that his talent lies there, even when he had to renew his contract because he was not playing, but we believed in him,” he said.
“His day-to-day life was of a very high level. Obviously, he took advantage of Pacheco’s injury and has taken the position. It is true that there is interest in him, but for us, he is an asset.”
Despite continued financial problems and concerns over whether they will get their takeover across the line this summer, Everton have made their first move to sign a potential replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Everton transfer news
It could be a long summer for those at Goodison Park, who may be left with no choice but to sell star players if Farhad Moshiri fails to find a successful buyer for the club. As things stand, 777 Partners seems unlikely to receive Premier League approval, with their portfolio of clubs beginning to fall apart as of late.
Club now plotting third Everton exit blow alongside Branthwaite and Onana
More frustrating news for Sean Dyche.
ByTom Cunningham May 23, 2024
Without a takeover, the most likely players to leave Everton seem to be Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite, with both star men linked with moves away to top clubs this summer. Branthwaite, in particular, has impressed this season to earn a place in England's provisional Euros squad and links to the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and even Real Madrid.
Whilst his sale would ease Everton's financial concerns, it would also deal Sean Dyche's squad a huge blow and in desperate need of a replacement before the start of next season. And that's where Davinson Sanchez could come in.
According to Sabah in Turkey, Everton have made an approach to sign Sanchez from Galatasaray this summer in an attempt to bring the former Tottenham defender back to the Premier League just one year after he left North London.
A player with plenty of experience, especially in England, he still has plenty to offer at the top level at just 27 years old. Having rediscovered his best form in Turkey too, Everton could be striking at the perfect time. Replacing Branthwaite will be no easy task, but if the Toffees can find the right price for Sanchez and secure his signature, then they may be able to tick that off their list of priorities.
"Beast" Sanchez can become unexpected key man
When Sanchez swapped England for Turkey last summer, not many would have had a potential move to Everton on the cards just one year later, but here the Colombian is, ready to fill their Branthwaite void should the youngster leave this summer. What's more, given that he's been a Champions League defender at his best, a move for Sanchez may well prove to be wise business on Merseyside.
League stats 23/24 (via FBref)
Davinson Sanchez
Jarrad Branthwaite
Tackles Won
28
32
Interceptions
20
50
Aerial Duel Win Rate
75%
68.6%
Pass Completion
91%
80%
Everton know all about the £87k-a-week defender's quality too, given that he's never lost in 90 minutes at Goodison Park and he's only ever lost against the Toffees once in eight games throughout his career.
Sanchez also earned the praise of former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, with the Argentine saying via Four Four Two: "It was a very competitive game after playing on Monday. We nearly changed all the players and of course it's important, after only 48 hours, to say [well done] to Davinson Sanchez because his effort on Monday and [Wednesday] was massive. He showed great mentality. He's a beast."