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.
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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.
Ruben Amorim has been warned that he faces the threat of being replaced by a Manchester United legend at Old Trafford, with a "Frankenstein team" being assembled. The Red Devils have continued to spend big in the transfer market, but are being told that "none of it fits together" as they continue to struggle for consistency. If positivity remains elusive, then a change in the dugout could be made.
Amorim refusing to change tactical system
Amorim has refused to tinker with his tactical beliefs since inheriting managerial reins in Manchester. He arrived in English football having enjoyed considerable success in his native Portugal with Sporting. The 40-year-old remains convinced that his 3-4-3 system will deliver results with United. That is despite finishing 15th in the Premier League last season and suffering defeat in the Europa League final.
The Red Devils have already crashed out of the Carabao Cup this season, at the hands of League Two side Grimsby, and picked up two wins through five top-flight fixtures. Questions continue to be asked of Amorim, but he is said to boast the full support of his board for now. That situation could shift, with it already being suggested that a familiar face – such as Michael Carrick or his fellow former United midfielder Darren Fletcher – could be asked to steady the ship as Amorim is shown to the door.
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Carrick or Fletcher: Man Utd legends back at Old Trafford?
Pat Nevin, who played top-flight football in England for Chelsea and Everton, has told of potential movement in the dugout at Old Trafford: "Short term, I wouldn't be surprised at [Carrick or Fletcher to replace Amorim] at all. That would be absolutely fine. And they might do well. They offered the caretaker role to Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] first didn’t they. It takes the pressure off, you can have a good look around. And if he does well, we just keep him. That's fine.
"You'll get a bit of pressure in the press saying, ‘They don't know what to do, they haven't got a clue, they can't get the right man, all that sort of stuff’. 've been there before. I just blanked it. I don't care. I've got a guy doing a good job here and I wouldn't look for the other manager. And I'll say to them ‘If you keep on doing well, you can get a job’. I'm not hiding anything from anyone here. I'm looking at every possible option. But what you have to do is give it a number of months in that situation. If it does happen and things go badly for him then you have to have a direction. You have to have a two, three, four, five year plan.
"Maybe that's been United's problem. They’ve tried, they've had plans. They've had two, three, four, five year plans that have all lasted a year. And that's not good. Because the next person comes in and they change it, the next one changes it. That's the only reason why they're standing by Amorim just now. It's because they know they didn't spend time with the other ones, so we now end up with a Frankenstein team. All bought by different managers. None of it really fits together. And then you find out they got rid of some people they shouldn’t have gotten rid of like [Scott] McTominay."
Have Man Utd turned a corner after Chelsea win?
United did pick up three points in their last fixture, as they battled to a 2-1 win over Chelsea in a game that saw both sides reduced to 10 men. Nevin is not convinced that result will prove to be a turning point for the Red Devils.
The ex-Scotland international added: "Man United fought, chased, battled, they made enough good use of the extra man to go ahead. But after that Chelsea were there for the taking and it kind of fell away. The belief evaporated a wee bit. And then when they went down to 10 men, that was it. It was ‘hold what we've got’. And I actually thought after that, it was quite a dull game. It wasn't a great game. After that, you have an expectation that goes to 10 v 10. The conditions are wild. It's out there. It's up to Chelsea to go and attack. And Man Utd have got some uncertainty about them. But it kind of fizzled.
"Then there was a big five or 10 minute period at the end which had the goal. But in short, have Chelsea suddenly become very, very special after that game? No, no. We're still waiting to see if they have any chance of challenging. And Manchester United, have they suddenly turned the corner because they beat a 10 man Chelsea? No. Not the case either. I was walking back afterwards in the rain and I was listening to all the Man United fans and they don't think that either. They're not stupid. The biggest phrase that was used around me – and I thought it was very good – was ‘We needed that and we got a bit lucky because of the sending off’. I think that's where most people are and I actually think the manager thinks that too."
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Man Utd fixtures: Next up for the Red Devils
United will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Brentford. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro will be banned for that fixture, having been sent off against Chelsea, with Amorim being forced to shuffle his pack again as a result.
A couple of years ago, Kobbie Mainoo was seen as the latest talent to emerge out of the Manchester United academy, potentially cementing his place in the first-team squad.
The excitement around his performance was understandable, especially after he popped up with key goals, including a late winner against Wolves, before scoring in the FA Cup final back in 2023/24.
However, last year was an injury-hit campaign for the youngster, only making 25 appearances in the Premier League, with just 19 of which coming from a starting position.
Mainoo has also had to face competition from the likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro for the starting role, but has rapidly dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order at Old Trafford.
Things could be about to get a lot worse for the 20-year-old in the months ahead, especially considering the hierarchy are targeting added reinforcements in such an area in the coming weeks.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder
A new name has entered the mix for United over the last couple of days, with Stuttgart talent Angelo Stiller a player the Red Devils are considering, according to recent reports.
The German, who made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, could be available for around £50m this summer – a potential bargain if they don’t land one other target.
Angelo Stiller for Stuttgart
Another player has been firmly in their sights over the last few weeks, with Crystal Palace talent Adam Wharton one option the club are considering, according to one report.
They claim that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 21-year-old, who helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield under Oliver Glasner.
It’s also been confirmed that the player has been valued at around £100m this summer, a potential hefty fee, given he’s only made 36 appearances in England’s top-flight.
Why United’s latest target is a bigger talent than Baleba
It’s no secret that United have been pursuing a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, even holding talks to land the 21-year-old.
At one stage, it appeared as though a move for the Cameroonian was rapidly progressing, with the player himself open to a switch to move to Old Trafford before the September 1st deadline.
However, a deal has somewhat evaporated over the last couple of days, leading to the Red Devils accepting the Seagulls’ stance that the youngster is not for sale this summer.
As a result, the hierarchy have had to look down other avenues, leading to the recent rumours to land German star Stiller after his rapid rise in the Bundesliga in recent months.
Whilst he would be a superb addition, a move for Wharton must now be the priority, potentially being an expensive pickup, but one that would be worth every penny if he carries on his current trajectory.
In his short career, he’s already picked up two more trophies than Baleba, getting a taste for success – something which the Red Devils desperately need in the near future.
When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Englishman managed to massively outperform the Cameroonian in key areas – showcasing why he’d be a bigger talent for Amorim’s side.
How Wharton & Baleba compare in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Wharton
Baleba
Games played
20
34
Goals & assists
2
4
Progressive passes
7.6
3.9
Key passes made
1.8
0.7
Passes into final third
5.3
3.6
Interceptions made
1.6
1.5
Clearances made
1.9
1.4
Carries into final third
1.6
1.5
Recoveries made
7.1
6.6
Stats via FBref
Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, notched more passes into the final third and more key passes completed – having the tools to provide the players ahead of him with chances in front of goal.
He also made more recoveries per 90 and registered more interceptions per 90, outperforming Baleba in such an area – highlighting the defensive quality he possesses.
Given the similarities in the fees touted for the aforementioned duo, either player would be an expensive addition – further showcasing the ambition shown by the board this summer.
The nature of the money involved makes it pivotal that the club make the right decision about whom to sign, with Wharton showcasing that he would be a better addition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Crystal Palace's AdamWhartonin action with Ipswich Town's Julio Enciso
It would be extremely harsh on Mainoo, with any deal massively disrupting his progress in the side, but unfortunately, the world of football is a cutthroat industry, with the academy graduate needing to try and force himself back into the manager’s plans.
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Hobart Hurricanes crumbled to their lowest BBL total, and lost Matthew Wade to a calf injury, in a shambolic six-wicket loss against Melbourne Renegades in Geelong.After being asked to bat first, Hurricanes’ innings at GMHBA Stadium lasted less than 13 overs on Thursday night as they were skittled for 74. They fell well short of their previous low benchmark – 91 against Sydney Sixers in 2015.New Zealander Tim Seifert, who pulled off a remarkable catch behind the stumps, belted an unbeaten 37 as Renegades chased down 75 in only nine overs.Captain Nathan Ellis saved Hurricanes from worse embarrassment, smashing 35 after coming to the crease at 32 for 6. Ellis then bowled superbly, taking 2 for 12 from his three overs, to clearly be Hurricanes’ best player.In a further blow for Hurricanes’ hopes of breaking through for their first title, Wade was assessed for a calf injury after pulling up sore behind the stumps. Wade, who was on the player microphone for Fox Cricket, expressed his frustration via the commentary when there was a long delay in being able to get off the field.Ben McDermott eventually replaced Wade as Hurricanes’ wicketkeeper after two overs of chaotic communication. The former Australia player didn’t return to the field for the rest of the match, sitting on the bench with a compression bandage on his calf.After conceding boundaries from his first two balls, Renegades seamer Tom Rogers struck back to take 3 for 25, including being on a hat-trick. Fellow opening bowler Fergus O’Neill also claimed wickets in consecutive deliveries. Captain Will Sutherland joined Renegades’ wicket party, finishing with career-best T20 figures of 3 for 14.It was the first BBL match in Geelong since last year’s match between Renegades and Perth Scorchers was abandoned due to an unplayable pitch.Renegades move to 1-1 after losing their opening game of the tournament on Monday night against Sixers. Hurricanes will attempt to put a disastrous start to the season behind them when they host Scorchers on Saturday.
Leeds United are enjoying raiding the Bundesliga for some exciting talents this summer transfer window.
Indeed, away from Sean Longstaff’s recent £12m arrival last week, every other pick-up so far this window has come from the German top division, with that trend clear for all to see once more with the imminent £17.4m signing of Anton Stach from Hoffenheim.
Anton Stach in action for Hoffenheim.
Daniel Farke clearly trusts in the Bundesliga when attempting to make wholesale changes to his squad, with yet another target now on the Whites’ agenda from this happy hunting ground.
Leeds interested in move for £8m star
It’s not just the Bundesliga that the Whites are looking at when it comes to top European leagues; however, as reports suggest that Leeds have also cast their net out to Serie A when eyeing up Juventus forward Timothy Weah, alongside delving deeper into La Liga by reportedly approaching Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche.
Moreover, there are still Premier League stars on their mind, too, with Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz very firmly on their radar when attempting to strengthen their forward positions, as Patrick Bamford is now deemed surplus to requirements at Elland Road by Farke.
Whilst that fresh development will make a new striker a top priority, it’s not quite as pressing as Leeds’ need for a Premier League-standard goalkeeper, with the Whites’ wishes for a top-flight-ready keeper potentially coming true in the form of Augsburg stopper Finn Dahmen.
A report from German outlet BILD states that Leeds are interested in sealing a deal for the 27-year-old, who is valued at around £8m according to Transfermarkt, with this deal being considered more important to secure than Stach’s much-talked-about arrival on the scene.
Why Dahmen is a more important signing than Stach
Whilst Stach’s versatility – as can be seen looking at the table below – will be useful for Leeds as they make their way up to a gruelling new division, Farke would love to add Dahmen to his camp even more as Illan Meslier is ditched once and for all.
DM
49
3
5
CB
13
0
0
CM
8
1
1
RM
1
0
0
Last season in the Premier League saw all three promoted sides return to the EFL with a whimper, having leaked a combined 248 strikes between them.
Therefore, it will be absolutely pivotal to Leeds’ survival chances that they possess a stopper ready for the intense challenges in the Premier League, and they could have just that in their new 6-foot-1 target if his Bundesliga heroics are anything to go by.
Staggeringly, across all the major German leagues, Dahmen was voted as the goalkeeper of the season for his standout exploits during the 24/25 campaign, with the former Germany U21 international managing to give up just 19 goals in total from 19 league outings.
Dahmen’s consistent excellence between the sticks would help Sandro Wagner’s men to a comfortable 12th finish in the overall league standings come the final match day of the season, with Leeds aiming for a similarly easy-going final position back in the Premier League.
Stach did chip in with one goal and two assists himself, fighting it out for Hoffenheim, but his superb showings were nearly all in vain as Christian Ilzer’s side were narrowly close to the shock of relegation, still, in 15th spot.
Games played
19
Goals conceded
19
Goals conceded per game
1.0
Saves
65
Goals prevented
+6.86
Ball recoveries per game
7.2
Clean sheets
9
Without Dahmen, Augsburg might well have been looking over their shoulder, too, with a mammoth 6.86 goals prevented from hitting the back of the net courtesy of the number one stopper.
In stark contrast, Meslier, away from letting in 27 goals, prevented -2.73 goals, with his errors nearly costing Leeds dear in their promotion run-in.
Leeds United's IllanMesliercelebrates
Therefore, there will be plenty of hesitation on Farke’s end about persisting with the shaky Frenchman, with Augsburg’s “1-on-1 king” – as he’s been dubbed by football journalist Archie Rhind-Tutt – instantly displacing him on his arrival.
Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick in action with FC Augsburg'sFinnDahmen
Stach might well have to fight it out for a starting spot, on the contrary, whilst Dahmen readies himself to become Leeds’ number one stopper as another golden German export.
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After they splashed out a club-record £30m fee to sign Habib Diarra, some may have expected Sunderland to slow their spending down. That’s far from the case, however, as new Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi and Kristjaan Speakman kick things up a notch.
Noah Sadiki: Sunderland a "huge club"
Since signing Diarra, Sunderland have also welcomed Noah Sadiki from Union Saint-Gilloise to beat Leeds United to yet another transfer target this summer. The central midfielder arrives for around £17.5m, taking the Black Cats’ summer spending to around the £50m-mark in what has been a statement-making window thus far.
After putting pen to paper, the midfielder told Sunderland’s official website: “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me to Sunderland. This is a huge Club, but what convinced me was speaking to the people.
“They spoke about the history, what they want to build, and their belief in the part that I can play. I will bring duels, forward runs, passion, and track back. Above all else, I want to win – and I carry this desire with me every time I step onto the field. This is my team now, and I’m really happy with my decision.”
Union Saint-Gilloise'sNoahSadikiin action with Rangers' Nedim Bajrami
In the middle of a busy but impressive summer, sporting director Speakman also shared his delight after welcoming Sadiki: “Noah’s enjoyed a great level of experience at a relatively young age, and alongside his drive to improve, this makes him an exciting addition to our squad.”
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Speakman and Ghisolfi aren’t done just yet, however. Even after splashing out around £50m, they look destined to spend £20m more to welcome an attacking reinforcement in a deal out of nowhere.
Sunderland agree quick-fire deal to sign Chemsdine Talbi
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have now reached an agreement to sign Chemsdine Talbi from Club Brugge and are expected to announce the arrival of the winger for €23m (£20m) plus add-ons. In another statement of intent from the Black Cats, the 20-year-old represents someone who is only set to get better with experience.
Dubbed “electric” by U23 scout Antonio Mango last season, Regis Le Bris will be signing a player who could instantly become one of the quickest to grace the Premier League – having clocked a faster time than Micky van de Ven last season.
On top of that, the winger possesses an eye for goal after netting seven in all competitions last time out and already has Champions League experience to his name. Out of Diarra, Le Fee and Sadiki, it could be Talbi who stands out as Sunderland’s signing of the summer.
Surrey 164 for 5 (Sibley 67, Curran 52) beat Durham 162 for 8 (Jones 37, Worrall 2-14) by five wicketsDominic Sibley and Sam Curran shared a stand of 95 in 63 balls as Surrey romped to Vitality Blast final’s day with a five-wicket win over Durham at the Kia Oval.Former England opener Sibley plundered 67 in 48 balls (two sixes and six fours) while Curran, who made a hundred earlier in the competition, hit 52 in 34 balls, including four sixes as the hosts chased down a target of 163 with 12 balls to spare.The fact they needed so many was credit to the visitors who fought back from 69 for 6 thanks to 37 from Michael Jones, 24 in 15 from Bas De Leede and a gem of a cameo from Ben Raine (23 from 8) to post 162 for 8. Dan Worrall (2 for 14) and Reece Topley (2 for 20) wreaked havoc in the powerplay for Surrey.Thanks to Worrall and Topley, Surrey dominated early on. Durham’s leading scorer in the competition, Graham Clark, spooned the fifth ball from Worrall to Jordan at extra cover and Ollie Robinson chewed up 11 balls swinging and missing before being bowled by Topley.Worrall cleaned up Alex Lees with a brute of a yorker and although Brydon Carse struck his first ball over the ropes, he left soon afterwards edging Topley to wicketkeeper Burns.Colin Ackerman was run out by a brilliant direct hit from Sam Curran and when Ashton Turner’s brief counterattack (26 from 21) was ended by Sibley’s catch at deep square Durham were 69 for 6 in the 13th over.Scottish international Jones hit back, clubbing Jordan over extra for six. De Leede, who survived a bungled run-out attempt by Burns, followed suit as the pair raised a 50-stand in 30 balls before Sam Curran bowled De Leede off his pads.Jones though kept swinging and Raine (23 from 8), twice cleared the ropes in the final over bowled by Jordan to take the visitors to 162.Buoyed by taking 92 from the last seven, Durham began well in the field, Carse striking twice in five balls to remove first the dangerous Will Jacks and then Laurie Evans caught at slip.Two men who not so long ago were opening for England, Rory Burns and Sibley were trusted with steadying the ship and the latter defied his reputation as something of a plodder with four boundaries in the powerplay.The introduction of spin for the first time on the night in the shape of Callum Parkinson was the undoing of Burns, who hoisted him to safe hands in the deep.Sam Curran joined Sibley as the run-rate rose, 30 balls ticking by without a boundary before the former broke the shackles with a huge six off Nathan Sowter. Parkinson was similarly dispatched.De Leede spurned the chance to take the England all-rounder’s scalp when he dropped a tough caught and bowled with Curran on 31 and with that the hosts assumed complete command.Sibley went to 50 with a glorious six over mid-on before Curran struck a delivery from Sowter almost clean out of The Oval.Only 15 were needed when Sibley fell and though Curran too left before the end, Surrey got home comfortably.
Sheffield United are on the lookout for reinforcements to put themselves in a position to claim promotion and two Tottenham Hotspur stars are now said to be on their radar.
Sheffield United close to finalising Chris Wilder's replacement
Despite achieving 92 points last season, the Blades are set to relieve Chris Wilder of his duties, and the search for his replacement is firmly in the works at Bramall Lane.
Wasting no time, Sheffield United are in advanced talks with Ruben Selles, and he is expected to become the new man in charge following his spell at fellow EFL Championship outfit Hull City.
Showing his frustration at events, BBC reporter Andy Giddings believes sacking Wilder is a decision that shows ‘naivety’ in light of his respectable points tally and record across two spells in Yorkshire.
He explained: “The delay in holding these talks over his future and the time it’s taken to resolve the situation shows a lack of respect to Wilder, in my opinion, a lack of clarity at the top of the club, and a naivety in offering him a new three-year deal in January, when it was known significant changes to the club’s methods of recruitment were coming.”
With their managerial vacancy set to be filled, the Blades will now turn their attention to potential incoming after a heartbreaking playoff final loss to Sunderland.
Chris Wilder’s record in charge at Sheffield United
Matches in charge
305
Wins
140
Draws
57
Losses
108
Trophies/promotions
EFL League One title in 2016/17 EFL Championship runners-up in 2018/19
Looking to the division below, Sheffield United have reportedly made contact with Leyton Orient over Ethan Galbraith, and his versatility could offer a sense of variation for Selles, given he can feature at right-back, in midfield or on either flank.
Nevertheless, the club’s hierarchy could actually be set to raid the Premier League for two rising stars amid recent developments.
Sheffield United want to sign Tottenham Hotspur duo
According to the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United want to sign Tottenham due Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine to help their promotion push next campaign.
Defender Phillips spent last season on loan at Stoke City and made 39 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the latter racked up six strikes and a solitary assist in 32 outings in midfield for K.V.C Westerlo in Belgium.
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Labelled “outstanding” by former Port Vale boss Andy Crosby, Devine is highly rated within the corridors of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and they may feel a move to Yorkshire could be advantageous regarding his development.
In the case of Phillips, it isn’t explicitly clear whether any move for him would be a loan agreement or on a permanent basis. Either way, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson are the only senior central defenders on the books at Bramall Lane right now, signifying a need for cover.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy, following the club’s historic Europa League celebrations, now has some key decisions to make ahead of the summer transfer window, discounting the obvious debate surrounding Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham celebrate first major trophy in 17 years after Europa League triumph
Amid a dismal domestic campaign, where Spurs have recorded 21 Premier League defeats and counting, Postecoglou finally gave supporters something to smile about on Wednesday evening.
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The Australian is now a history-maker.
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After a tense battle with Man United, the Australian and his team ended Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware, with Brennan Johnson’s scrappy winning goal proving the decider on a historic night in Bilbao.
Postecoglou did wonders to transform the narrative surrounding the club’s ‘Spursy’ tag, having long suffered from a reputation of being the ‘nearly team’, and he’s given Levy something to seriously think about in terms of a potential dismissal.
Player
Rating
Guglielmo Vicario
7.7
Yves Bissouma
7.6
Cristian Romero
7.4
Bruno Fernandes
7.4
Destiny Udogie
7.2
While David Ornstein suggests that Tottenham are still leaning in the direction of sacking Postecoglou, the emotion of such a momentous occasion, and the promise of Champions League football next season, makes you wonder whether the 59-year-old should be given a third season.
Injury problems took their toll on a ravaged Spurs squad, and it would be interesting to see if Postecoglou could have better luck next term, especially after a summer transfer window boosted by their place in Europe’s most prestigious competition for 2025/26.
“As much as you try to understand what a trophy would mean to these people, seeing them out there today, is why we do what we do,” said Postecoglou in a rousing speech during their Europa League trophy parade.
“That’s the priceless bit, for this feeling. I’m super pleased that these boys could deliver. All good things come through hard work, toil, perseverance and belief. This group have that in spades, and I’m so pleased that we could crack that stone and now everyone can enjoy it.
“We had to dig deep, for sure, but what the history books will say is that we’re the Europa Cup winners, and it doesn’t say how we did it, just that we did it.”
Cristian Romero informs Daniel Levy of decision to leave Tottenham
Beyond Postecoglou’s long-term future in the dugout, Levy also has some key calls to think about when it comes to £165,000-per-week defender Cristian Romero.
He was crowned the Europa League’s Player of the Season and put in a match-winning performance against United earlier this week, proving integral to Spurs’ trophy glory, but it is believed Atlético Madrid are seriously pursuing a summer move for the Argentinian.
There are even some suggestions that Diego Simeone is personally pushing for Atletico to sign Romero, with Spanish newspaper Marca sharing another update on his future.
The outlet reports that Romero has informed Levy of his desire to leave Tottenham and join Atlético, and this stance hasn’t changed, despite their victory at the Estadio de San Mamés.
As has been the theme of this developing story, there is still a gap in valuation for the player. Spurs ideally want nearly £60 million for Romero, and will categorically refuse to go lower than £44 million. Atlético’s wish is to “significantly” lower Romero’s asking price, but Simeone’s side still need to invest a lot in his signature.
“Underrated? Cristian Romero. Top, top centre-back,” said teammate James Maddison on TikTok when asked about Spurs’ most underrated player.
“For some reason in England, I feel like he has the perception of being a hot head who gets a lot of red cards and isn’t disciplined, but it’s the opposite, he’s a World Cup winner and he’s a top player.”
After putting on five-star display against Crystal Palace, the good news could be short-lived for Manchester City amid reports that one midfield star is willing to take a pay cut to get his move this summer.
Man City put five past Crystal Palace
When Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards struck to hand Crystal Palace a shock 2-0 lead at the Etihad, it looked set to be an all too familiar story for Pep Guardiola’s side. That is, until Kevin De Bruyne took a hold on proceedings.
The Belgian, into his last six games of his Manchester City career, scored a stunning free-kick before playing his part in Omar Marmoush’s swift equaliser midway through the first period.
Putting on a show, Manchester City then hit three goals without a response to seal all three points against an in-form Crystal Palace side. Speaking after an excellent display, De Bruyne told TNT Sports: “I thought the first 20 minutes, it was actually alright. We had a couple of chances but they pounced on two chances, one a corner and then obviously the Eze chance.
“I was wondering, ‘What’s going on here?’, but I think the reaction was really good. Obviously, scoring very quickly the first and the second changed the feeling of the game. I think overall we played really well.”
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It may well prove to be an all-important victory for the Citizens as they battle to secure Champions League qualification, with De Bruyne hoping to ensure of a fitting farewell in the process. That said, the Belgian may not be the only one saying his goodbyes in the coming weeks if recent reports are anything to go by.
Benfica eyeing Bernardo Silva move
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Benfica are now plotting a move to sign Bernardo Silva, who is reportedly willing to take a pay cut in order to secure an exit away from Manchester City.
In doing so, the midfielder would be going full circle back to his boyhood club. Now 30 years old and a player who’s been past his excellent best at times this season, Silva would be completing a fitting move.
If that is to be that for the Portugal international in Manchester, there’s no doubt that he’ll be bowing out as a modern-day legend at the home of the Premier League champions. Guardiola’s praise has often reflected that legend status, too.
The Spaniard told reporters in December: “We are lucky with the players we have, for example, like Bernardo. I know he’s a special player for me, but how he puts his heart into those positions.
“He is an incredible winner and example for us in how he behaves in different positions and always tries to help and read what happens in certain positions. Playing attacking midfield, holding midfield, always defensively he makes an incredible effort.”