لم يقدم محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول الإنجليزي مستويات قوية مع الريدز بعد موسمه المذهل العام الماضي، وقد أثار تساؤلات العديد من الجماهير.

وقدم النجم المصري أفضل موسم فردي له مع ليفربول، حيث ساهم في 57 هدفا في جميع المسابقات وحصد لقب الدوري الإنجليزي والحذاء الذهبي وجائزة أفضل صانع ألعاب.

ولم يحالف الحظ محمد صلاح رغم هذه المساهمات التهديفية في التتويج بجائزة الكرة الذهبية، التي ذهبت إلى عثمان ديمبلي نجم باريس سان جيرمان وجاء نجم ليفربول رابعاً.

ومع اقتراب مباراة مانشستر يونايتد، دافع دارين بينت لاعب أستون فيلا السابق عن محمد صلاح وعبر عن استيائه من الانتقادات الموجهة لصاحب الـ33 عاماً على أدائه مع الريدز مقارنة بما قدمه على مر السنوات الماضية.

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وقال بينت في تصريحات لـ “TALKSPORT” :”المقياس الذي يستخدمه الناس هو مقياس ميسي ورونالدو، حقق الثنائي أرقاما خيالية لمدة 15 عاماً”.

وأضاف :”لكننا الآن نتحدث عن واحد من أعظم اللاعبين في تاريخ كرة القدم، صلاح قد يضعه البعض في نفس التصنيف، أنا أقول إنه أحد الأعظم في البريميرليج وهذا ليس جدلاً”.

وأضاف :”ما أقوله ليس محل نقاش لكن عندما تنظر لأرقامه، سجل 44 هدفا عندما انضم إلى ليفربول، لذا سأتحدث عن أرقامه منذ انضمامه وحتى الآن، في جميع المسابقات ما بين 44 و27 و23 و31 و31 و30 و25 و34 العام الماضي”.

وأكمل :” في مرحلة ما قد تتوقع رحيله وهو في الثالثة والثلاثين من عمره، كان سيتباطأ، مازالت أتوقع أن ينهي الموسم الحالي بأكثر من 30 هدفا في جميع المسابقات لأنه قادر على ذلك”.

وبشأن توجيه انتقادات لصلاح بسبب لقطة تسجيل تشيلسي للهدف الثاني أمام ليفربول من جبهته، قال: “أنظر لفريق ليفربول الذي بدأ ضد تشيلسي، إننا نهاجم جانبهم الأيمن، لكنني انظر إلى برادلي وكوناتي أكثر وليس لدور صلاح الدفاعي، منطقة الظهير الأيمن في ليفربول كانت مشكلة وكلا الجانبين أليس كذلك؟، لن تذهب إلى جانب فيرجيل فان دايك لأنه واحد من أفضل اللاعبين في العالم، أيضاً مستوى كوناتي غير ثابت”.

MatériaMais Notícias

A ‘zica’ envolvendo lesões no estádio do Palmeiras ainda não foi embora. Embora o São Paulo tenha se classificado, e com uma boa vantagem, para as semifinais da Copa do Brasil, perdeu um dos atletas que mais estava se destacando no meio de campo. Gabriel Neves teve duas fraturas na região da costela constatadas após o clássico desta quinta-feira (13).

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Ainda sem prazo para recuperação, é um desfalque certo para o clássico deste domingo (16), contra o Santos, no Morumbi. Mas esta não é a primeira vez que Gabriel Neves se lesiona em uma das suas melhores fases.

Em setembro do último ano, justamente quando estava conseguindo se firmar no elenco tricolor, sofreu uma lesão no ligamento colateral medial do joelho direito, durante uma partida válida pela Copa Sul-Americana, contra o Atlético-GO. Por conta deste problema, Gabriel Neves perdeu o restante da temporada passada, não participando de decisões importantes, como a final da Copa Sul-Americana.

+ Para os tricolores paulistas apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

+ Veja os 20 melhores jogadores do Brasileirão no século 21 segundo o ChatGPT

Embora tenha se recuperado já para o começo de 2023, não estava vivendo um bom momento sob o comando de Rogério Ceni. Com pouco espaço na equipe, chegou a ficar cerca de dois meses sem entrar em campo. Com Dorival Júnior, não só conquistou mais espaço, como a titularidade também. Nos jogos mais recentes, Gabriel Neves se tornou uma das principais peças no meio de campo tricolor -e inclusive, chegou até mesmo a marcar seu primeiro gol com a camisa da equipe, contra o Athletico-PR.

Mesmo já machucado, aguentou o clássico até os 27 minutos do segundo tempo. Em diversos momentos, Gabriel Neves era visto com as mãos nas costas, como se tivesse sentindo dores, mas insistiu. Agora, como dito anteriormente, está sem prazo para retornar.

In a fresh concern for Liverpool, Real Madrid are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign another one of Arne Slot’s stars alongside Ibrahima Konate in 2026.

Update on Konate's Liverpool future

It’s an all too familiar story for Liverpool. In fact, it’s one that they just experienced with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The fullback opted out of signing a new deal and instead joined Real Madrid. Now, Konate could be about to follow in his footsteps. The Frenchman has less than 12 months remaining on his current deal and is yet to put pen to paper amid interest from the Spanish giants.

Reports have even suggested that Real Madrid could come knocking as soon as January, just like they did for Alexander-Arnold. Last time out, the Reds rejected their early, cheap offer. Whether they are willing to lose another player for free instead of cashing in for the second year running remains to be seen, however.

For all of Liverpool’s excellent business, securing Konate’s future would be one of their best deals of the season. With Virgil van Dijk now 34 years old and in the first year of his two-year contract extension, the torch is very much ready to be passed to the Frenchman. It’s just up to him whether he accepts it or joins Alexander-Arnold in Madrid.

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It’s no real surprise that those in Spain are so keen to secure his signature, either. Konate is at the peak of his powers and would instantly replace the ageing Antonio Rudiger. But it’s not just the defender that Madrid want to steal from Anfield. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve got another player in mind.

Real Madrid now eyeing Gravenberch move

According to reports in Spain, Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid are now eyeing a move to sign Ryan Gravenberch alongside Konate in 2026. The midfielder has picked up where he left off last season in the current campaign and has looked better than ever at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield. That was always going to grab Madrid’s attention.

Unlike Konate, however, it won’t be a cheap deal for Gravenberch. The Dutchman is reportedly valued at €75m (£65m) in a price that is only likely to increase as he continues to make the Reds tick.

Full of praise for Liverpool’s surprise package last season, former defender Jamie Carragher said: “Probably the biggest surprise this season is not just him as a player, because a lot of players have an average first season and they grow in the second.

“But he’s playing a completely different role, a holding midfield position that Liverpool have been trying to sign someone in for about two or three seasons. I don’t see anyone taking his role, I think he’s nailed that position as Liverpool’s No 6.”

Manchester United had to react to what happened in the 2024/25 campaign after they endured a dismal end to the season under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils lost 18 of their 38 Premier League matches, finishing 15th in the division, and lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League.

Instead of opting to change manager once again, despite Amorim’s struggles and some question marks over his 3-4-2-1 system, the club opted to change things by dipping into the transfer market.

Manchester United invested in the forward line, despite a lack of European football, by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko to bolster the manager’s options up front.

It is now down to Amorim to find a way to get the best out of those three exciting attacking recruits to ensure that the Red Devils do not go through another dismal season.

Mbeumo has already scored twice, against Grimsby and Burnley, since moving from Brentford, but United supporters are still waiting to see the best out of Cunha in a red shirt.

Why there is more to come from Matheus Cunha

The Brazil international has failed to score a goal or create a ‘big chance’ for the team in his three Premier League starts for United so far this season, per Sofascore, which shows that he has had an underwhelming start to his career in Manchester.

However, there is no need to panic because Cunha is a proven Premier League star who has shown that he can deliver consistent quality at the top end of the pitch, as evidenced by his form for Wolverhampton Wanderers last season.

The chart above shows that he should be a huge upgrade on Mason Mount in the number ten position when he finds his feet at Old Trafford and starts to deliver the kind of performances everyone knows that he is capable of, due to his ability to make an impact in front of goal.

Cunha, who signed for Wolves from Atletico Madrid, has proven that he can score goals and create high-quality opportunities for his teammates at an impressive rate in the Premier League.

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian maestro scored 27 goals and created 20 ‘big chances’ in 55 appearances in the top-flight for Wolves in the last two seasons, outperforming his xG by a significant margin in both of those campaigns.

This shows that Manchester United have signed a star who is proven in the division and will deliver quality in the final third if Amorim can set the team up to get him in enough positions to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, there is no need to panic or rush to judgement over Cunha’s fairly slow start to life at Old Trafford, because there is plenty more to come from the Brazilian maestro, given what he has already achieved in the Premier League in the Midlands.

If the former Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder does fail to translate his Wolves form over to Manchester, though, Amorim may find the club’s own homegrown version of Cunha from the academy.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

19-year-old attacking midfielder Jack Moorhouse, who is currently on loan at Leyton Orient in League One, could emerge as Manchester United’s own Cunha in the future if he continues to develop and progress in his career.

Why Jack Moorhouse could be a homegrown Matheus Cunha

Judging young players and predicting what their ceiling is or how they will develop over time is not an exact science, which is why so many players fail to make the grade after emerging as exciting talents early on in their careers.

Moorhouse did not burst onto the scene at 16 like Lamine Yamal or score in the Premier League at 18 like Kobbie Mainoo, but he has shown some very promising signs that bode well for the future.

The teenage talent scored four goals and provided two assists in 13 starts as an attacking midfielder for the Red Devils at U18 and U21 level, per Transfermarkt, almost a goal contribution every other game.

Analyst Ben Mattinson, in the post above, was impressed by his performances for United’s academy sides, describing him as a “game-breaking ball carrier” who is “ideal” for the left-sided number ten role in Amorim’s system, which is currently occupied by Cunha.

Moorhouse’s best performance for Leyton Orient so far this season came in a 3-1 win over Peterborough United in the EFL Trophy, and his display was Cunha-esque on paper.

As you can see in the table above, the Ireland U21 international showcased his quality as a goalscorer, a creator, and a dribbler, which are Cunha’s main three attributes as a player.

You can see in the clips above that Moorhouse loves to drive forward with the ball at his feet, taking players on, and he scored an excellent goal from range with his weak foot.

Albeit against very different opposition, the goal was not too dissimilar to the one that Cunha scored against Premier League champions Liverpool earlier this year for Wolves.

Both Moorhouse and Cunha are attack-minded midfielders who can score goals and create chances for their teammates, but they are also exciting players to watch because of the way they carry the ball and take defenders on.

Therefore, Manchester United may be brewing their homegrown version of the Brazil international at Carrington and Leyton Orient, and it is now down to the Irish maestro to develop and take the next steps in his career to convince Amorim to bring him into the first-team next season.

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Lahore Qalandars became the first team to beat Islamabad United in nearly 14 months, snapping a PSL-record ten-match winning streak

Danyal Rasool30-Apr-2025

Lahore Qalandars became the first team to beat Islamabad United in nearly 14 months, snapping a PSL-record ten-match winning streak, beating United by 88 runs. Qalandars, who were also the last side to beat United before this streak, had the path paved for them by a near-perfect T20 batting performance. Each of the top six scored between 22 and 44, four boasting strike rates in excess of 145, as they posted 209. It was followed by a professional bowling performance that picked up enough wickets at regular intervals to ensure – one partnership aside – that United’s response would not be a serious attempt at a chase.United made five changes to a side that had won each of their first five matches, but Qalandars came out hungrier. Mohammad Naeem has struggled for fluency all season, but signalled a shift with three boundaries on the trot against Ben Dwarshuis in the fourth over, which Fakhar Zaman followed up by with a pair of sixes against Naseem Shah. The team nature of the innings was epitomised by Fakhar launching Jason Holder for a six off the final ball of the powerplay, one ball after a superb bit of fielding saw Naeem run out.Hunain Shah, one of the players brought into the side, couldn’t stem the flow at the end of the powerplay as Abdullah Shafique helped himself to three boundaries in the over, but then again, no United bowler, barring perhaps Imad Wasim, could. Imad deceived Fakhar in the flight to send him back for a brisk 44 off 30 before striking again in his following over to remove Shafique.Sikandar Raza added the finishing touches to Lahore Qalandars’s innings•PCB

But Qalandars’ middle and lower order is becoming one of their strengths, and Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza took turns making United pay. Mitchell plundered 18 off the usually electric Holder while Billings helped himself to three sixes off five deliveries as United’s fielding discipline fell apart. The irrepressible Raza topped it off by ransacking Dwarshuis’ 19th over for 21 and Holder’s last for another 16 as 96 came off the final six.United are the last side to give up a pursuit of a large total, but the partnerships they usually put together in such situations never looked like forming. A 69-run stand between Andries Gous and Salman Agha offered a glimpse of United’s ability and mindset in games of this nature, keeping Qalandars honest as the asking rate was kept within the realms of possibility. But once Raza darted one through the defences of Agha in the 12th over, the mess it made of his stumps foretold United’s impending fate. Four balls later, Haris Rauf struck to remove Azam Khan, the first of four wickets for Qalandars’ quickest bowler.When he got Gous playing down the wrong line, he had sent United’s most established threat packing after an entertaining 27-ball 41, and unlike Qalandars, United couldn’t get the rest of their batters chipping in to burrow their way through to the total. Raza picked up another couple as the innings began to disintegrate, and when Rauf coaxed Naseem into carving one straight down third’s throat to wrap the game up, United had lost their last nine for 41.The magnitude of the win took Qalandars up to second place, with the team they had so thoroughly vanquished still sitting comfortably up top.

يستأنف برشلونة مشواره في الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، بعد الخسارة أمام ريال مدريد في الجولة العاشرة في الكلاسيكو بهدفين لهدف واحد.

وقد ارتفع رصيد ريال مدريد للنقطة 27 في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم، بينما تجمد رصيد برشلونة عند النقطة 22 في الوصافة.

وكان كيليان مبابي قد افتتح التسجيل لصالح ريال مدريد في الدقيقة 22، بعد أن تلقى تمريرة رائعة من زميله الإنجليزي جود بيلينجهام.

وتعادل فيرمين لوبيز لصالح برشلونة في الدقيقة 38 من أحداث الشوط الأول، بصناعة من الإنجليزي الآخر في برشلونة ماركوس راشفورد.

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وقبل نهاية الشوط الأول في الدقيقة 43 أحرز جود بيلينجهام هدف ريال مدريد الثاني بعد أن تابع كرة من داخل منطقة جزاء برشلونة.

ولم يظهر برشلونة بمستواه المعهود في مباراة اليوم، وفشل في الخروج بنقطة من ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” متأثراً بالعديد من الغيابات والإصابات في صفوفه. موعد مباراة برشلونة القادمة بعد الخسارة أمام ريال مدريد في الدوري الاسباني

يلتقي برشلونة ضد إلتشي، على ملعب مونتجويك، يوم الأحد 2 نوفمبر، في الجولة الحادية عشر من الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم، في تمام الساعة السابعة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت مصر.

MatériaMais Notícias

O último jogo do Botafogo no primeiro turno do Brasileirão deve abrir caminho para uma novidade no setor ofensivo do líder do Brasileirão. O técnico Bruno Lage indicou no treino desta sexta-feira (11) que Janderson deve ser escalado como centroavante no lugar no qual originalmente joga Tiquinho Soares.

O camisa 9 se recupera de uma lesão sofrida no empate em 0 a 0 diante do Cruzeiro e ficará longe dos gramados por até cinco semanas. A partida será realizada no sábado (12), às 21h.

O treinador alvinegro acenou com outra variação no setor ofensivo. Gustavo Sauer pode iniciar a partida atuando como ponta-direita. A presença de Júnior Santos também não está descartada entre os titulares.

O lateral-esquerdo Marçal está fora do confronto, devido à suspensão pelo terceiro cartão amarelo. Hugo entrará em seu lugar.

O Botafogo vai a campo com: Lucas Perri; Di Plácido, Adryelson, Cuesta e Hugo; Marlon Freitas, Tchê Tchê e Eduardo; Gustavo Sauer (Júnior Santos), Victor Sá e Janderson (Júnior Santos).

Will he or won't he? Lionel Messi has a massive decision to make and, just eight months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, we still don't know whether he'll lead Argentina's title defence. "At my age, it's only logical to think I might not," the 38-year-old told TyC Sports just last month. But, let's face it, there's never really anything logical about Messi's career.

He's football's miracle-man, blessed with a heavenly gift for making a mockery of the laws of physiology and physics. Truth be told, what he achieved with Argentina at the last World Cup in Qatar shouldn't have been possible either. He was 35 at the time and still running rings around the likes of Josko Gvardiol. 

However, if Messi does decide to walk away from the international arena before next summer's tournament in North America, how would Argentina cope? After all, it would be an "enormous loss", as coach Lionel Scaloni recently admitted, because "there will be no heir to Messi". The man is irreplaceable, both as a player and a leader. Scaloni, though, has already been preparing for a future without his talismanic No.10 and there's already a strong support structure in place. 

For starters, under Scaloni, the fundamental game plan has never changed thus far, whether Messi plays or not, while the coach also says that Argentina are already in possession of players capable of limiting the damage caused by their skipper's inevitable retirement. Nico Paz is undoubtedly one such player…

• 'A player for the future of Real Madrid'

  As is obvious to anyone that watches Paz play, he's a pure street-footballer, a product of the piazzas he played on as a kid in Tenerife, where he was born and raised. His father Pablo was a centre-back, though, and good enough to earn 14 caps for Argentina – one of which arrived at the 1998 World Cup for a squad containing stars such as Gabriel Batistuta, Javier Zanetti, Diego Simeone, Juan Sebastian Veron and Hernan Crespo.

  It was perhaps inevitable, then, that the young Paz would start out playing in defence. However, after Real Madrid signed him from Tenerife before he'd even turned 12, they quickly realised that Paz's street-honed skills were far more suited to an attacking role. Consequently, by the time Paz made his professional debut, in a routine Champions League win over Braga on November 8, 2023, he was impressing for Real Madrid Castilla both as a right winger and a centre-forward.

  Then-Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti was often criticised for not trusting more in the club's youth sector but, credit where it's due, the Italian repeatedly invited Paz to train with the senior squad – a move that got the Toni Kroos seal of approval. "This boy should train with us every day because he is very good," the German playmaker enthused.

  Ancelotti was also willing to bring Paz off the bench midway through the second half of another Champions League clash at the tail end of November – only this time against Napoli, and with the game tied at two goals apiece. It proved an inspired decision. 

  With just six minutes of normal time remaining, Paz cut inside onto his favoured left foot and deceived Alex Meret with a low strike from more than 20 yards out. Joselu may have added another goal for Madrid in the dying seconds but Paz was the talk of the Santiago Bernabeu after the game.

  "He is a player for the future of Real Madrid," an understandably chuffed Ancelotti proclaimed after the 4-2 win. "He has all the quality that a Real Madrid player needs to have."

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• The key move to Como

  However, a mini-injury crisis had contributed to Paz making four appearances in total during the first half of the 2023-24 season, so when several key men returned to action, the youngster went back to playing predominantly for Madrid's reserve team in the third tier of Spanish football.

  As a result, Paz and his representatives pushed for a transfer in the summer of 2024. Madrid agreed to let him go, too, but on the condition that a buy-back clause be included in the deal – which Paz was pleased about, given it meant he wouldn't have to give up on his dream of becoming a regular at the Santiago Bernabeu.

  The only point of contention, then, was where he would go. Como were particularly keen. The Serie A side had done their homework on Paz and director Carlalberto Ludi was certain that they could help him realise his great potential by making him the "centrepiece" of their project.

  The problem was that several other sides wanted the winger too. "There was a lot of interest," Ludi told . "We weren't in the front row, but we were the most determined to sign him."

  Crucially, Como also had an ace up their sleeve in Cesc Fabregas and the World Cup winner's contribution was, as Ludi said, "decisive" in terms of getting the €6 million (£5.2m/$7m) deal done.

• The Cesc Fabregas factor

  Paz was on holiday with his family in Greece when his father received a message from Como coach Fabregas. The attacker admitted, "It was a really special moment for me." Crucial to his development, too.

  "Having a legend as a coach is incredible," Paz told his club's media channel. "He's a person that puts you at ease and who teaches you a lot, both about life and about football."

  It clearly wasn't just a case of Cesc speaking the same language as Paz. The former Arsenal and Barcelona ace clearly viewed the game in the same way. As one of the finest midfielders of his generation, Fabregas understood that desire to be on the ball all the time. 

  "The best thing is that he gives me the confidence to play my football," Paz told . "He keeps me calm and wants to have me playing in between the lines – and that's something really important for me.

  "I also remember him as a player: he had so much quality, and had an amazing final ball. He knew when to arrive in the penalty area to score goals, and that's something I have to improve, to get into the box more. That final pass of his is something that I study a lot."

  As a former prodigious talent himself, Fabregas also knew the potential pitfalls of restricting Paz in any way in these formative years.

  "He's a special player and he must be free to express himself,” the Spaniard said after Paz scored his first goal for Como in a 1-1 draw with Parma on October 19, 2024. "We must not make him robotic."

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• 'The best moment of my career'

  There's certainly nothing rigidly mechanical about Paz, who boasts a certain balletic quality to his movements, and particularly the Zinedine Zidane-like pirouettes that have become such a pleasingly regular sight in Serie A.

  The way in which his tall and slender frame glides past opponents before dissecting defences with pin-point passes has also evoked memories of Kaka, while his left foot has provoked comparisons with Martin Odegaard.

  Paz, though, says he spent – and still spends – hours watching clips of Messi in action to learn as much as possible from the player he considers the greatest of all time.

  It, thus, won't come as a surprise to learn that he barely managed to utter a word to his idol when he was called up to the Argentina senior squad for the first time last October.

  "I get nervous when I see him," Paz confessed to . "So, I didn't speak much at all because I was so embarrassed!"

  Still, while Paz might not have been able to talk to Messi, he proved more than capable of passing to him, as the debutant teed up the No.10 for his hat-trick goal in the 6-0 rout of Bolivia at the iconic Monumental Stadium.

  "It was the best moment of my career so far," Paz told Como's official website. "Providing an assist for the best player in history – and on my debut – was surreal. Considering Leo's age, I never thought I'd have the chance to play with him, but it happened, and was one of the best things that could ever have happened to me in my life." Being singled out for special praise from the great man himself probably ranks as a close second for Paz.

  "Nico has a lot of quality," Messi said at the time. "He has a great head on his shoulders, he understands the game perfectly and I hope he continues like this. He played, he enjoyed it and I think he'll feel comfortable in this team because he likes having the ball." It was then pointed out to Messi that Paz was only one month old when he made his debut for Barca's senior side. "I knew about this!" he said, laughing.

  The question now, of course, is whether we could see Paz and Messi combining at next summer's World Cup in spite of the 17-year age gap and, funnily enough, the only real doubt is over whether Messi will decide to take up his place in Scaloni's squad, because Paz looks like a shoo-in.

Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown is attracting interest from Europe’s elite, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid all reportedly monitoring the 22-year-old. Despite the attention, Frankfurt have confirmed they will not entertain offers until next summer. Brown, who recently made his German national team debut, could command a fee of up to €60 million.

Brown emerging as top Bundesliga prospect

Brown has quickly become one of Frankfurt’s brightest young talents, standing out alongside players such as Can Uzun and Jonathan Burkardt. The 22-year-old impressed in his debut season, contributing three goals and six assists from left-back while also showcasing strong defensive capabilities. Brown made his senior debut for Germany in a 4-0 win over Luxembourg, further highlighting his rise on the international stage.

Frankfurt, who signed Brown from Nuremberg for €3m in 2024, are now preparing for substantial interest from top European clubs. With a contract running until 2030 and no release clause, the Bundesliga side are in a strong negotiating position and are reportedly considering a transfer fee of around €60m (£52m/$69m) for the left-back according to a recent report by

AdvertisementEintracht Frankfurt set transfer demand for star left-back

According to reports, Real Madrid, Arsenal and City are among the clubs showing serious interest in Brown. Despite the attention, Frankfurt have made it clear that the player will not be available for sale until the next summer transfer window at the earliest.

Brown’s performances for Frankfurt, coupled with his recent international debut, have positioned him as one of Germany’s most promising defenders. Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche has overseen his development carefully, and the club’s previous dealings, such as the lucrative sales including Hugo Ekitike, suggest that they are prepared to negotiate a high-value deal if the right offer comes in.

Brown's rise and potential impact

Brown progressed through the youth systems of Jahn Regensburg and Nuremberg before joining Frankfurt, where he quickly cemented himself as a first-team starter. He has the versatility to contribute offensively and defensively, which has made him a standout performer in the Bundesliga.

The left-back’s ability to support attacks and maintain defensive solidity has drawn attention from clubs seeking young, dynamic defenders. While Arsenal have a number of options at left-back, including Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly, Brown’s combination of youth, international experience and Bundesliga pedigree makes him a highly attractive long-term prospect for any top club.

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GettyWhat next for Frankfurt and Brown?

Frankfurt’s decision to refuse to open transfer negotiations until next summer sets the stage for a potential bidding war for Brown, with the likes of Madrid, City and Arsenal on alert. For Brown, continued strong performances for Frankfurt and further international caps with Germany could increase his value and cement his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising left-backs. Meanwhile, interested clubs will monitor his development closely, preparing to make a move once Frankfurt officially opens negotiations in the next transfer window.

Plans have been leaked at Celtic to show their appreciation for the Lisbon Lions next season, marking the 60th anniversary of their 1967 European Cup success.

The greatest Celtic team ever?

There have been many great sides in the Hoops’ rich history, allowing them to dominate the Scottish game and also thrive in European competition.

None are more famous than the Lisbon Lions, though, whose 1967 triumph remains a legendary Celtic achievement, following a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the final in Portugal.

They are a truly legendary Celtic outfit who have rightly received so much love down the years, not least from current Hoops hero Callum McGregor.

Celtic's 2026/27 plans to honour Lisbon Lions

Now, Footy Headlines report that Celtic plan to honour the Lisbon Lions next season with a new-look logo, in order to coincide with it being 60 years since their European Cup win, stating:

“The special Celtic 26-27 crest is an ornate and classic design, fitting for such a momentous occasion. In a wonderful touch that pays tribute to the location of the final, the text around the crest reads ’60° ANIVERSÁRIO’ – which is Portuguese for ’60th Anniversary’. The logo features the traditional four-leaf clover, the club’s name, and the founding year ‘1888’, all rendered in a beautiful gold against a Celtic green background.”

The 2026/27 crest is set to feature on the home shirt and also likely to be on the away and third jerseys. This is a lovely touch by Celtic, ensuring that their past legends are remembered, following what remains arguably the greatest achievement of all time at the club.

Hoops icons should never be forgotten, making the current squad realise that there are certain expectation levels at Parkhead, and while being European champions is close to impossible for them in the modern game, there are still standards that should be met.

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Hopefully, Celtic will be honouring their former greats as Scottish Premiership champions next season, although improved form is required after a hit-and-miss start to the 2025/26 campaign.