تحدث أحمد الشناوي، حارس مرمى فريق بيراميدز، عن المواجهة القوية والمرتقبة أمام أوكلاند سيتي النيوزيلندي، التي تجمع بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.
ويحل أوكلاند سيتي بطل أوقيانوسيا ضيفاً على بيراميدز، في استاد الدفاع الجوي، في إطار الدور الأول من بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.
وقال أحمد الشناوي في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “يوجد استعداد خاص للبطولة التي نخوضها لأول مرة، إن شاء الله سنقدم مباراة جيدة”.
طالع أيضاً.. تشكيل بيراميدز المتوقع أمام أوكلاند سيتي اليوم في كأس إنتركونتيننتال
وتابع: “هذه تجربة جديدة علينا وإن شاء الله نفوز على أوكلاند سيتي وتكون خطوة جيدة للفريق”.
وأتم: “تعبنا واجتهدنا الموسم الماضي وربنا كلل مجهودنا بدوري أبطال إفريقيا، والآن نشارك في كأس إنتركونتيننتال”.
وأتم: “درسنا أوكلاند سيتي وهو فريق متمرس وموجود في البطولة دائمًا، مباراة صعبة ولكن إن شاء الله سنستطيع أن نحسمها”.
The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter will be available for the entire BBL
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Aug-2024
Tim Seifert will bring further power to Melbourne Renegades’ top order•AFP/Getty Images
Melbourne Renegades have signed New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert on two-year deal as a pre-draft BBL signing.Seifert, 29, will have full availability across those two seasons as Renegades look to improve on last season’s seventh place finish. His BBL deal means he will miss at least part of the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, and won’t be in contention for the white-ball series against Pakistan over Christmas and New Year. Last month he turned down a domestic contract with Northern Districts in order to open up freelance T20 opportunities.Related
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Seifert has played three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand while has also been part of T20 leagues around the world. Overall in the format he averages 27.43 with a strike-rate of 130.12 including three centuries. Last month he finished as the leading run-scorer in the Lanka Premier League with 400 at 57.14 and a strike-rate of 135.13.It appears likely he will form a power-packed top three for Renegades alongside Josh Brown, who joined from Brisbane Heat, and Jake Fraser-McGurk while he also shapes as a frontrunner to take the keeping gloves after overseas signings Quinton de Kock and Jordan Cox shared the role last season.”I’m thrilled to be here for the next two seasons, I’ll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on that deeper level which doesn’t often happen in franchise cricket so I’m excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least,” Seifert said.”That top three spot would be outstanding and if Cam [White] feels like I’m the man to take the gloves I’ll be ready for that too. At the same time, I’m ready to fit in and play whatever role Whitey and the Renegades need me to play.”Renegades general manager James Rosengarten added: “Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program, so we’re excited to welcome into the club.”The beauty is Tim has full availability which is extremely valuable for topline overseas players this BBL season and its fantastic for our club to lock in Tim and still retain our prized Platinum pick.”The BBL draft will take place on September 1. Renegades have pick numbers 2, 10, 23 and 26.
Celtic recently made another addition to their squad with the signing of versatile central defender Hayato Inamura from Japanese side Albirex Niigata.
The 23-year-old star, who can play as either a centre-back or as a left-back, has joined the Scottish giants on a four year deal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Celtic supporters should not be expecting him to play week-in-week-out in the Scottish Premiership next season, though, as it has been revealed that the defender is a signing for the future.
When asked if he would be part of the first-team squad, Brendan Rodgers said: “No, he won’t be. He’s a part of the investment of the club.”
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
The head coach added that the Hoops will “see where he’s at as a young player and then it’s whether he stays with the squad or whether he has to go out on loan” during pre-season.
This means that fellow left-footed central defender Auston Trusty may be safe for now, after he endured a difficult first season at Parkhead last term.
Why Auston Trusty is in a difficult position at Celtic
Despite the fact that left-footed defender Liam Scales earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Celtic decided to pay a reported fee of £5m to sign left-sided centre-back Trusty from Sheffield United last summer.
£5m was a healthy sum of money to spend on a player who plays in the same position as a star who was named the best in his position in the division the previous season, which suggests that the club felt he would come in as an upgrade on Scales.
Unfortunately, that did not turn out to be the case as Trusty endured a frustrating first season in Glasgow, and ended the campaign as second-choice behind the Ireland international.
The American dud was an unused substitute in six of the last eight games, including the SFA Cup final, and that was because Scales significantly outperformed him.
24/25 Premiership
Auston Trusty
Liam Scales
Start
22
21
Clean sheets
10
14
Dribbled past per game
0.5x
0.2x
Clearances per game
4.0
4.8
Ground duel success rate
63%
68%
Aerial duel success rate
65%
74%
Error led to shot
4
1
Error led to goal
1
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Irishman was far more effective for Celtic in the Premiership than Trusty, with fewer errors and a higher success rate in duels, helping the team to keep more clean sheets in the process.
The £5m signing, who was criticised against Aberdeen in his most recent appearance, is in a difficult position at Parkhead, and it is one that could get even worse for him.
Celtic eyeing new left-sided defender
According to CelticWay, the Scottish Premiership champions are ‘considering’ a bid to sign Familicao central defender Justin De Haas this summer.
The report claims that the Hoops are weighing up an approach for the Dutch centre-back to bolster their ranks after Maik Nawrocki clinched a loan move to German outfit Hannover.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that Celtic scouts have assessed De Haas during the summer transfer window, and the club are now plotting a potential swoop to bring him to Parkhead.
The 25-year-old defender, who is said to be attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, is valued at around £3m by the Portuguese club, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to pay that asking price.
Celtic should now press ahead with a deal to bring the left-footed defender to Parkhead in the coming weeks because he could send Trusty packing this summer.
Why this is bad news for Auston Trusty
This report of the club’s interest in De Haas is bad news for the USA international because it could mean that the former Sheffield United man is surplus to requirements in Glasgow, just 12 months on from his arrival.
As aforementioned, Trusty has already fallen behind Scales in the pecking order in the left-sided centre-back position because of his poor performances in the Premiership last term.
It then seems unlikely that Celtic would pay £3m to bring in another left-footed defender, who is 25 and in the prime years of his career, to be a third-choice option in that position, which is why this could spell danger for Trusty, as he may have to find a new club.
Whilst there is no reported suggestion yet that the American flop is likely to move on from Parkhead, the signing of De Haas could leave him with little game time behind two other players in his position, especially given that Rodgers has made it clear that he wants to play left-footers on the left and right-footers on the right at centre-back.
24/25 season
De Haas (Liga Portugal)
Trusty (Premiership)
Appearances
29
22
Goals
2
1
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.0
2.3
Dribbled past per game
0.3x
0.5x
Clearances per game
5.4
4.0
Error led to shot
0
4
Error led to goal
1
1
Penalties committed
0
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the £3m-rated colossus outperformed Trusty at league level last season, whilst playing in the Portuguese top-flight, by making more defensive interventions and fewer big errors at the back.
The 6 foot 4 giant, who has previously been described as “aerially dominant” by RangersJournal writer Kai Watson, could come in as another upgrade on the American dud, on top of Scales already being one.
This is why Trusty could be sent packing this summer because the arrival of a second left-footed centre-back who is even better than him could limit his game time next season and force the defender to consider his long-term future at Parkhead.
Of course, Rodgers could go against his preference and use a left-footed player as a back-up option to Cameron Carter-Vickers in the right centre-back role, but that would not be ideal for the left-footed Trusty either.
Celtic can sign a better ST than Kvistgaarden in "complete" £6.8m star
Celtic could forget all about Mathias Kvistgaarden by signing this striker this summer.
1 ByDan Emery Jul 6, 2025
Therefore, this latest development will not come as good news for the former Arsenal centre-back, who could find himself on the chopping block this summer.
Warwickshire lose Alex Davies after being set 498 to win late on the third afternoon
ECB Reporters Network25-Jun-2024
James Vince struck an imperious 166 not out•Getty Images
Warwickshire 254 and 40 for 1 need a further 458 to beat Hampshire 298 and 453 for 6 dec (Vince 166*, Dawson 120, Hannon-Dalby 3-65)James Vince and Liam Dawson harvested merciless centuries as Hampshire piled pressure on Warwickshire on the third day of their Vitality County Championship match at Edgbaston.Vince scored an unbeaten 166 off 197 balls, his 29th first-class century, and Dawson 120 (157 balls), his 15th, in a sixth-wicket partnership of 255 in 53 overs as the visitors amassed 453 for 6 declared.That set the home side a victory target of 498 in a day and 12 overs and Warwickshire reached 40 for 1 by the close. Both teams will enter the final day with a chance of victory, but a draw is much the likeliest outcome on a pitch that is flattening out by the hour.It remains to be seen whether Hampshire’s pragmatic approach on the third day proves successful. They plumped for steady accumulation, only very belatedly showing some aggression after tea when Vince and Dawson were each past 100. That policy of attrition may well transpire to have asked too much of their bowlers to force victory in such batter-friendly conditions.When Hampshire resumed on 88 for 2, Nick Gubbins and Felix Organ took no risks. They extended their partnership to 50 in 19 overs before Gubbins, having struck just three fours in 202 minutes, edged Danny Briggs to slip.Vince lifted his second ball, from former team-mate Briggs, over long-on for six, but thereafter the pattern of defending and nurdling resumed and continued throughout a turgid morning. Organ’s stubborn defiance ended when he was slickly caught at point by diving substitute Che Simmons off Olly Hannon-Dalby.The former Yorkshire seamer then trapped Ben Brown lbw and at 184 for 5 further quick wickets would have left Warwickshire scenting their first Championship victory of the season, but Vince and Dawson took full advantage of the easing conditions. They batted through the afternoon for 139 runs in 34 overs, Vince reaching his first century of the season from 185 balls, against an attack which persevered nobly but impotently.When, deep into the last session, the lead passed 450 a declaration appeared overdue, but Vince and Dawson stayed to turned the screw on a tiring attack under the broiling Birmingham sun. They passed Hampshire’s previous highest sixth-wicket stand against Warwickshire – 251 by Phil Mead and Jack Newman at Bournemouth in 1928 – before Dawson swung Dan Mousley to deep midwicket where Will Rhodes judged the catch well. After James Fuller raised the 450 with the sixth six of the innings, over long-off off Jake Bethell, the declaration at last arrived.Hampshire had 12 overs to get into Warwickshire’s top order and they struck an important blow in the ninth of them when Kyle Abbott’s first ball trapped Alex Davies lbw. The home side have a lot of batting to do to get safe on the final day – but very favourable conditions in which to do it.
Will Celtic claim a fifth successive Scottish Premiership title this forthcoming season?
The Hoops’ title defence will commence for Brendan Rodgers’ men on Sunday 3rd August, before the first Old Firm of the season at Ibrox will be staring them in the face just four games in.
Throw a season-defining Champions League play-off into the August mix, and there is plenty for Celtic supporters to be excited about in the early period of the year.
Celtic's search for a new striker
Rodgers and his team have seemingly been very busy already in this transfer window.
Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan have already put pen to paper at Parkhead, while Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren are set to arrive imminently too.
Nevertheless, after Kyōgo Furuhashi was sold to Stade Rennais for a reported £10m in January, a new centre-forward remains high up their priority list.
With top target Mathias Kvistgaarden of Brøndby seemingly heading elsewhere, a report by The Daily Record suggests that Celtic could make a move to sign Bojan Miovski.
They state that the Hoops have ‘shown firm interest’ in the North Macedonian striker in the past, intimating he is certainly on their list of potential targets.
Why Bojan Miovski could replicate Kyōgo Furuhashi's Celtic success
Miovski joined Aberdeen from MTK Budapest in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of £600k and his career really took off in the Granite City, scoring 44 goals in 98 appearances for the Dons, thereby earning a £6.8m move to Girona last summer.
However, after scoring only four times for Blanquivermells, the Catalan club might be looking to sell, hence why he is purportedly available.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
So, would he be a good signing? Well, finding a striker as good as Kyōgo will be difficult, to put it mildly.
The Japanese forward netted 85 times in 165 appearances for the Bhoys, with Graeme Macpherson of the Scotsman asserting that he is the club’s best striker since Henrik Larsson, which is the highest of high praise.
So, does Miovski have the talent to make a similar impression, should he move to Glasgow this summer?
Well, one should not read too much into his season at Girona. Signed to replace Pichichi winner Artem Dovbyk, this was always going to be a tough act to follow.
Meanwhile, Girona themselves, having upset the odds to finish fourth in La Liga, thereby qualifying for the Champions League, really struggled to balance the two competitions, finishing 16th this season, avoiding relegation by a solitary point.
Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski.
Miovski, for his part, failed to nail down a regular starting spot, included in a La Liga lineup on just 12 occasions, limited to only 1,241 minutes across all competitions, both of his league goals coming during a 4-1 win over Espanyol at Montilivi in November.
So, it’s fairer to assess his statistics from his time in Scotland.
Miovski’s SPFL statistics
Statistics
22/23
SPFL rank
23/24
SPFL rank
Goals
16
4th
16
5th
Shots on target
35
7th
43
3rd
*Shots on target %
50.7%
3rd
41.3%
12th
Big chances missed
15
3rd
16
3rd
Average SofaScore rating
6.86
64th
9.64
67th
*minimum 30 shots taken.
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore
As the table outlines, scoring 16 goals in back-to-back Premiership seasons for an Aberdeen team that finished 3rd and then seventh is an impressive achievement, on top of his four goals in Europe, four in the Scottish Cup and four in the League Cup; some nice symmetry there.
Journalist Bence Bocsák described his performances for the Dons as “quality”, hence why he was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, sighting Miovski’s international exploits too, scoring eight times for North Macedonia to date, five of which have come since September last year, most recently on target during a World Cup qualifier against Wales in Skopje.
Meantime, Scott Bradley of Breaking the Lines labels him a ‘clinical finisher’, praising his ‘excellent movement’, while Nick Devlin has previously asserted that Miovski was “the best player in the league in his position” during his time in red.
Thus, if Celtic are able to secure his services, at 26-years-old, he is ready to make an impact from day one, and would unquestionably score a bucket load of goals for the hoops.
Dream Kyogo replacement: Celtic confident of signing "phenomenal" striker
Celtic are reportedly keen on a deal to sign a striker who would be a dream replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi.
Newcastle United are thought to be interested in completing the signing of an “exceptional” Premier League player in the summer transfer window.
Who are Newcastle being linked with this summer?
The Magpies continue to push for new signings all over the pitch, as Eddie Howe prepares for an exciting season back in the Champions League in 2025/26.
Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi is a long-time target and Newcastle are said to be among the favourites to snap him up this summer, with a move away from the Eagles arguably feeling more likely than ever.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford has also emerged as an audacious summer target, as the Magpies battle the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona for his signature. It feels highly likely that he will leave Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim not considering him an important part of his plans.
Bryan Mbeumo has constantly been mentioned as the leading choice to bolster Newcastle’s right-hand side, but it looks as though the Brentford ace could be off to United or Tottenham instead. For that reason, Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert is reportedly being lined up as an alternative option.
Newcastle keen on "exceptional" Liverpool attacker Jota
According to a new claim that has emerged from Anfield Index, Newcastle are interested in signing Liverpool striker Diogo Jota this summer.
The Portuguese is considered a “potential attacking target” for the Magpies, with his future at Anfield up in the air, not least because the Reds have been linked with Alexander Isak, even holding talks with him over a move and remain in contact with the Newcastle star.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota
On £140,000-a-week, Jota is a top-quality player when fit and firing, with Jurgen Klopp making it clear what he thought of him during their time working together.
“Exceptional player, exceptional boy. He has everything that a Liverpool player in this squad needs. He has the technical skills, he has the physical skills and he is very smart and can learn all the tactical stuff pretty quick. On top of that, he can play all three positions; in a 4-2-3-1 he could play as the 10. So, it is very helpful. He has the speed, has the desire to finish situations off really good. I think his goalscoring record is pretty impressive.”
If Jota is potentially being seen as a replacement for Isak, though, it would be very risky, considering the Portugal international is an injury-prone player who was limited to only 14 starts in the Premier League last season.
He also turns 29 later this year, and the fact that Liverpool may be willing to sell him suggests that he could be past his peak, with his fitness woes catching up with him.
Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star
Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer
ByRoss Kilvington Jun 16, 2025
If the Reds ace is brought in as a backup option to Isak, it is easy to see it being shrewd business, given Jota’s ruthlessness in front of goal, but he may not be considered a key starter for Howe.
Celtic recently confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window when they unveiled left-back Kieran Tierney as the newest arrival to Parkhead.
The Scotland international is joining from Premier League side Arsenal on a free transfer when his contract with the Gunners expires at the end of this month, six years on from his move to The Emirates in 2019.
Tierney, as you can see in the graphic above, won five Scottish Premiership titles during his first spell in Glasgow, and he will be hoping to add to that tally in the years to come.
Whilst the Hoops will be looking to add more options to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window, Brendan Rodgers will also have to deal with speculation over the future of his star players.
Brendan Rodgers
Football Insider reported last month that Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda have both attracted interest from other clubs this summer, and it remains to be seen whether or not they will remain in Glasgow beyond the end of the window.
Rodgers will, of course, not want to lose any of his star attackers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as Kuhn, for example, would leave a big hole to fill on the right flank.
Why losing Nicolas Kuhn would be a big blow for Celtic
The German winger leaving Parkhead before the end of the summer transfer window would be a big blow for the Scottish giants because of the quality that he can provide at the top end of the pitch.
Kuhn, who joined the club from Rapid Vienna at the start of 2024, had six months to settle into the Premiership in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, before he hit his stride this term.
The 25-year-old ended the season with an eye-catching haul of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, which included three goals and one assist in ten outings in the Champions League.
Wingers with the most assists in the Premiership (24/25)
Player (club)
Assists
Nicolas Kuhn (Celtic)
8
Ianis Hagi (Rangers)
7
Daizen Maeda (Celtic)
7
Danny Armstrong (Kilmarnock)
6
Shayden Morris (Aberdeen)
6
James Forrest (Celtic)
5
Nicky Cadden (Hibernian)
5
Martin Boyle (Hibernian)
5
Hyun-jun Yang (Celtic)
3
Glen Middleton (Dundee United)
3
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, the bulk of his assists came in the Premiership, where he led the league for assists among wingers and in all positions.
The former Bayern Munich academy star also provided a big goal threat in the Scottish top-flight, though, with a return of 13 goals in 32 appearances in the division.
His contributions at the top end of the pitch, as both a scorer and a creator of goals, are why losing him would be such a blow for Celtic, but they are reportedly eyeing up a star who could be their next Kuhn.
Celtic in talks to sign £2m attacker
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic are in talks with Nordsjaelland winger Benjamin Nygren’s representatives over a potential move to Parkhead this summer.
The reporter claims that the Hoops have already approached the Danish club to seek permission to speak to the forward, and they are now in discussions with his agents.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Joseph adds that the Hoops will move on to talks with Nordsjaelland if they can agree personal terms with the attacker, as they are yet to agree a fee with his current team.
Meanwhile, CeltsAreHere adds that a fee of £2m will be enough to secure a deal for the 23-year-old star’s services, as his current contract with the Danish outfit is due to expire at the end of December, and that there is also interest from clubs in Belgium and Germany.
Celtic must, now, work hard to convince Nygren to make the move to Glasgow this summer because he could come in as a natural replacement for Kuhn, or as fantastic competition for his place in the team.
Why Nygren could be Celtic's next Kuhn
The 23-year-old star would be a fantastic replacement for the German attacker from a stylistic perspective, as they are both left-footed forwards who like to drift infield from the right flank.
This means that Nygren could play a similar tactical role to the one that Kuhn currently plays for Rodgers in Celtic’s team, which suggests that he could slot into the side with ease, either as a replacement or as competition for him.
The Sweden international, who was described as an “underrated” talent by Danish Scout on X, also has the quality on the ball to replicate Kuhn’s impact in front of goal in that position.
Nygren produced 15 goals in 34 games during the 2023/24 campaign and 16 goals in 32 matches in all competitions this season, which speaks to his ability to make a difference on a regular basis in the final third.
24/25 Superliga
Benjamin Nygren
Percentile rank vs wingers
xG
10.90
Top 4%
xG on target
16.95
Top 1%
Shots on target
40
Top 1%
Goals
15
Top 1%
xA
5.97
Top 8%
Assists
2
Top 50%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, he was one of the top-performing wingers in the Superliga during the 2024/25 campaign, ranking incredibly highly among his peers as both a scorer and a creator.
His meagre assist tally of two should not be a cause for concern because of his xA of 5.97, which suggests that he was let down by wasteful finishing from his teammates, rather than only having two assists due to a lack of creativity.
Therefore, Rodgers could find his next version of Kuhn by completing a deal to sign Nygren, because he is another left-footed right winger who has the potential to deliver goals and assists, or at high-quality chances created, on a regular basis for the Scottish giants.
It is now down to Rodgers and the club to convince the player to turn down interest from Belgium and Germany in order to win the race for his signature before the start of pre-season next month.
More exciting than Osmand: Celtic in the running to sign "terrific" winger
Celtic are interested in a deal to sign a winger who would be an even more exciting signing than Callum Osmand.
According to a report by Football Insider, the Villans are under pressure to ‘sell a prize asset’ before 30 June to avoid breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules, claiming that Martínez is one of the most likely candidates to be sacrificed.
Well, there are plenty of suitors for the back-to-back Yashin Trophy winner.
Goal documents Manchester United’s interest, while The Telegraph claim that numerous Saudi Pro League clubs would be delighted to secure his signature.
Well, given, as noted by Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic, Martínez’s propensity to deliver ‘defining moments’ and ‘standout performances’, he will be a difficult man to replace, but have Aston Villa actually managed to identify an upgrade?
Aston Villa's first-choice Emi Martínez replacement
According to a report by John Townley for Birmingham Live, Aston Villa will ‘target’ a move to sign LOSC Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, should Martínez be sold.
Lucas Chevalier for LOSC Lille.
French publication L’Équipe has previously noted that newly-crowned European champions Paris Saint-Germain are tracking the 23-year-old, with TEAMtalk claiming that he is valued at just £34m by les Dogues.
Chevalier joined Lille as a 13-year-old, making 127 appearances for the senior team, conceding exactly 127 goals and keeping 44 clean sheets in this time.
So, could he soon be swapping Northern France for the English Midlands?
Why Lucas Chevalier would be an Emi Martínez upgrade
During his three seasons as Lille’s number one, Chevalier has earned countless rave reviews.
Alongside Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyonnais, they were the only non-PSG players to feature in Ligue 1’s team of the season.
Meanwhile, following les Nordistes’ stunning 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in October, Joel Domenighetti of L’Équipe described Chevalier’s display as ‘exceptional’, while Nick Hartland of Get French Football News labels him ‘one of the breakout stars’ from this season’s competition.
Described as “one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig, what makes him so good is that – in the words of Liam Tharme and Matt Pyzdrowski of the Athletic – he not only boasts ‘excellent reach’ and exceptional ‘handling’, but also that his ‘super-strength’ is his ‘accomplished’ in possession play.
Lucas Chevalier for Lille.
So, how did the young Frenchman compare to the man he could be replacing between the Villa Park posts this season?
The table makes for interesting reading, considering the duo played a near-identical number of minutes this season across their respective domestic leagues and the Champions League
Chevalier vs Martínez 2024/25 comparison
Statistics
Chevalier
Martínez
Appearances
48
49
Minutes
4,350
4,275
Goals conceded
53
57
Clean sheets
13
14
Post-shot xG – goals-conceded
+9.6
+4.7
Saves
123
144
Save %
74.9%
72.8%
% of crosses stopped
5.4%
11.3%
Ball recoveries
83
45
Errors leading to an opposition shot
4
8
Note: Martínez’s statistics are Premier League and Champions League only.
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and FBref.com
Across Europe’s top five leagues, the Frenchman ranks tenth for post-shot xG – goals conceded, while he is also 11th in this season’s Champions League for the same metric, a key figure as Lille upset the odds to finish seventh in the league phase.
Meantime, his save percentage ranks highly both domestically and in the Champions League, with his Ligue 1 figure of 74.6% a noteworthy amount higher than Martínez’s 69% in the Premier League.
This is not to denigrate Martínez in any way, given that former Aston Villa striker Chris Sutton believes the Argentine has been an “outstanding goalkeeper” and a “brilliant shot-stopper” since joining the club in 2020.
Nevertheless, if the Claret and Blue Army are able to sell the 32-year-old for a big fee and replace him with a 23 year old, this is surely an upgrade they should be looking to make.
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Glasgow Rangers and 49ers Enterprises could be a marriage made in heaven. Of course, things are still very much in the pre-wedding phase.
The club were crying out for new investment and this summer can see the beginning of a new era for the Light Blues. First of all, a permanent manager must be appointed, preferably sooner rather than later, especially given the size of the task at hand.
It remains to be seen just how big a budget the manager will be given this summer to improve the squad. It might be the case that he will have to sell a few players in order to raise funds and reduce the wage bill.
Vaclav Cerny, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, and Rafael Fernandes have all returned to their parent clubs following their respective loan spells at Ibrox.
Elsewhere, Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence, and Leon Balogun have all departed following the end of their contracts. Balogun and Hagi were both part of the squad that won the Premiership title in 2021.
A new era indeed. Regardless of who the new boss is, players such as Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell could be sold, especially after strong loan spells at Birmingham City.
Robin Propper must be another player who has to go this summer.
Why Rangers must sell Robin Propper
Last summer, Philippe Clement sought several signings that would turn his side from also-rans to title winners.
In came players such as Nedim Bajrami, Hamza Igamane, and Cerny, but it was the defence that the club really needed to strengthen.
Connor Goldson was sold after six years at Ibrox and a new centre-back was identified as being a priority for Clement ahead of the season.
This led to the Gers bringing in FC Twente captain Propper, who had made over 100 appearances for the Dutch side. On the surface, it looked like a shrewd signing, especially as the club paid just £1.5m to secure his signature.
After a few months, however, it was evident that the Dutchman was struggling to cope with the physicality of Scottish football. He was regularly being out-muscled and outfought by strikers of teams further down the table, while his lack of pace didn’t help either.
He delivered worse performances in the Europa League, and when compared to his positional peers in the competition, his statistics are poor to say the least.
Robin Propper’s stats in the Premiership this season (per 90)
Accurate passes
57.9
Tackles
1.6
Clearances
4
Total duels won
5.6
Possession lost
8.5
Balls recovered
3.3
Via Sofascore
Indeed, he ranks in the bottom 75% for pass completion percentage, progressive passes, progressive carries, and tackles per 90 in the Europa League. The defender just cracks the top 45% for blocks and clearances per 90 for the Light Blues.
While Rangers may have reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, they might have gone further had Propper not been part of the team.
He will turn 32 in September, and it is obvious that his best days are behind him, based on his disappointing performances for the Gers this season. Depending on the style of play of the new manager, Propper must surely be aiming to look for another team this summer.
With Balogun already departed and Ben Davies likely to be sold as well, signing a centre-back or two during the transfer window is imperative, and the arrival of a new one could result in Propper’s exit.
Could the 49ers turn to the Premier League to bring someone in?
Rangers eye swoop for Premier League defender
Last week, Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie delivered some transfer news on X surrounding the club’s interest in Ipswich Town centre-back Cameron Burgess.
He posted: “Rangers are interested in Ipswich defender Cameron Burgess as they seek to bolster their defence ahead of the new season.
“29-yo has played 18 times in the Premier League this season.”
The link certainly came out of the blue, but it was a welcome one. With Ipswich suffering relegation from the top flight, now could be the perfect time for the Gers to make a move for the Australian.
If so, the manager must axe Propper.
Why Rangers should sign Cameron Burgess
Across his 18 Premier League appearances for Ipswich Town this term, Burgess has won 3.6 total duels per game – a success rate of 68% – while also making an impressive 6.9 clearances and 0.9 tackles per game for the Tractor Boys.
It wasn’t enough to see them slip back into the second tier, but Burgess wasn’t the problem, far from it.
Burgess has showcased his talents when compared to other defenders in the Premier League, ranking in the top 21% for aerial duels won (2.57), the top 2% for clearances (7.48), and in the top 5% for percentage of dribblers tackled (81.8%) per 90 this season.
Scottish scout and analyst Kai Watson hailed the defender amid the links to Rangers, saying: “Cameron Burgess may not be the most exciting signing on paper but he’ll bring necessary experience to the back, particularly if Balogun departs.
“He’s 6’4, left sided, an Australian international and uses the ball well (Ipswich struggled to keep it which impacts his %s).”
As Watson mentions, Burgess uses the ball well at the back, but what Rangers need is a defender who is physically capable of getting the better of opposition forwards in the penalty area.
Too often have the club seen opposition players get plenty of time in the final third, which has given clubs such as Motherwell, St Mirren and Hibs chances to secure victory against the Glasgow side this season.
Propper was a big factor in some of these defeats. By signing Burgess, the Gers will be getting someone who is currently at the peak of their powers.
His contract expires in a couple of weeks, which means he won’t cost the Light Blues a single penny, making the move all the more attractive.
Perhaps not the big-name signing many of the supporters are hoping for, but the Australian would offer some solidity to a backline which has struggled throughout 2024/25.
He won’t demand a massive wage either. Everything points to this being a smart piece of business by the club; that much is certain.
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Arsenal are ready to sell an “exceptional” player, as he has now expressed a concrete interest in leaving this summer, according to a report.
Arteta blames red cards and injuries for lack of success
The Gunners managed to sign off on a high at the Emirates Stadium, securing a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United to secure Champions League football next season, but there will be major disappointment about the fact they have once again missed out on a trophy.
In the end, Liverpool ran away with the Premier League title, with Mikel Arteta’s side set to finish second for the third season on the spin, and there has been widespread debate about why they have been unable to get over the line.
Gary Neville has questioned the decision not to sign a striker, which means Mikel Merino has been leading the line since February, but Arteta has provided a different explanation for his side’s lack of success.
When asked why the north Londoners have come up short once again, the Spaniard told Sky Sports: “Red cards and injuries, for sure.”
“But without that, we don’t know what would have happened. “Would we have been much closer? For me, the answer is without a question, yes.”
Injuries have no doubt been a major issue for the Gunners, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel all spending prolonged periods on the sidelines, and the latter’s absence has meant an increase in game time for Jakub Kiwior.
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However, according to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), Kiwior’s time at the Emirates Stadium could be coming to an end, with Arsenal now ready to cash-in on the defender for a fee of €35m (£29m) this summer.
There is widespread interest in the centre-back from Italy, with Napoli, AC Milan and Atalanta in the race, and the 25-year-old has now expressed a concrete interest in leaving.
"Exceptional" Kiwior impressing Arteta
Gabriel’s absence has not been ideal for the Gunners, with the Brazilian missing the Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals, but the Poland international was solid in both legs against Real Madrid, limiting the reigning European champions to just one goal.
Arteta has been left impressed by the back-up defender too, saying: “He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much throughout many months. He has suddenly been thrown into the most difficult context playing at the highest level when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or confidence. He’s been exceptional.”
Most recently, the former Spezia man put in a commanding performance against Newcastle, achieving the highest SofaScore match rating of any player after making a number of important defensive contributions.
Jakub Kiwior
Performance vs Newcastle
Clearances
11
Interceptions
2
Blocked shots
2
Tackles
4
As such, it would be a bonus if Arsenal are able to retain Kiwior beyond the summer, but his recent performances mean they may be able to achieve a sizeable fee for the defender, and they should not stand in his way if he is eager to leave.