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Manchester United’s central midfield department has been one that has come into huge question over the last couple of months, with Ruben Amorim needing improvements in such an area.

The 40-year-old has often had to rotate the options to the heart of the side, with Bruno Fernandes often the man to start as a number eight on a regular basis.

The Portuguese international has mainly been joined by Casemiro in the two midfield roles in 2025/26, which has allowed the latter to make a name for himself in the Premier League.

However, at 33, the Brazilian is now entering the latter stages of his professional career, with the player set to leave at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract.

As a result, the hierarchy will desperately need to target added reinforcements in the midfield department, especially with the January transfer window now approaching.

Man Utd looking to sign mega-money midfielder

Over the last couple of days, United have been named as one of the sides interested in a deal to sign RB Leipzig star Assan Ouedraogo in the January window.

The German star has endured a phenomenal start to the 2025/26 campaign, featuring in 11 Bundesliga outings and already posting a total of six goal contributions in the process.

However, it’s been reported that Ole Werner’s side are extremely reluctant to offload the 19-year-old, who is seen as a player with huge potential to explode into an elite-level talent.

He’s not the only player currently in the Red Devils’ sights at present, with Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson still firmly in their sights ahead of the winter window.

According to journalist Andy Mitten, Amorim’s men “would love” to sign the 23-year-old midfielder who has been a shining light at the heart of the Reds side in 2025/26.

It’s also been reported that such a deal could rise to around the £100m mark, which would be a club record for United, passing the figure forked out for one player in 2016.

Why Anderson could be Man Utd's new Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba joined United in a staggering £89m deal back in the summer of 2016, with such a deal becoming the most expensive in the club’s long-standing history.

The Frenchman arrived for his second spell at Old Trafford, amassing over 225 appearances and often catching the eye with various impressive moments over his six-year period.

From long-range strikes to vital efforts in Manchester derbies, he truly did capture the hearts of the supporters – that’s despite concerns over his fitness and attitude at certain times.

However, there’s little denying he’s one of the most technically gifted players to operate in the deep-lying midfield roles, as seen by his tally of 86 goals and assists for the Red Devils.

Despite Bruno operating in such a role, there’s little denying the first team have lacked a technical player of Pogba’s quality, but that could be about to change with a move for Anderson.

Like Pogba, he would be a massively expensive addition, but his underlying stats from the 2025/26 campaign showcase his incredible technical ability with and without the ball.

The Englishman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has completed 8.3 progressive passes per 90, with 8.2 of his efforts being made into the final third.

Games played

12

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

83%

Progressive passes

8.3

Passes into final third

8.2

Take-ons completed

1.3

Ball recoveries

8.5

Tackles made

2.8

Duels won

7.2

Such numbers showcase his incredible ball-playing ability, with such talents allowing him to pick out numerous of the club’s £200m additions in attacking areas.

He’s also completed 1.5 key passes per 90 to date, with 1.3 of his passes being into the opposition’s 18-yard box, further highlighting his world-class talents in possession.

However, without the ball, Anderson has been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 2.8 tackles made and 7.2 duels won per 90 in the Premier League this campaign.

The aforementioned figures showcase why he would be the perfect box-to-box option for Amorim’s side, which could get the best out of Bruno once again in the near future.

£100m for a player in the modern market is slowly becoming an acceptable choice, as seen by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, who have all spent such a figure on players in years gone by.

However, if United are to do it, Anderson would be the perfect player to spend such an amount on, with the midfielder having the immediate quality to impress, whilst potentially improving tenfold in the years ahead.

Alongside Zirkzee: Man Utd's "waste of time" must not start again for Amorim

Ruben Amorim has a bold decision to make over the future of one Manchester United flop.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 25, 2025

Thibaut Courtois has acknowledged Real Madrid’s relationship with manager Xabi Alonso has included “better or worse moments” after their vital 3-0 win over Athletic Club. The result snapped a run of three winless away games in La Liga and eased growing scrutiny around the squad. The Belgian goalkeeper also praised Los Blancos' response while urging the squad to maintain intensity.

• Real Madrid break three-match winless streak with 3-0 win

  Real Madrid returned to winning ways on the road with a commanding 3-0 victory against Athletic Club at San Mames, a performance described by Alonso as their most complete display of the season. Courtois produced a crucial save at 1-0 to deny Athletic Club their best opening, helping Madrid close the gap to Barcelona to a single point. The win came at a cost, however, with Eduardo Camavinga and Trent Alexander-Arnold sustaining fresh injuries during a night that otherwise revived confidence.

  The match carried added significance given Madrid’s previous three league fixtures had yielded draws, prompting external pressure on both the players and Alonso. Los Blancos played with noticeably higher intensity than in recent weeks, particularly compared to their sluggish performance in Girona, where Courtois admitted they “didn’t give enough”. The improved organisation, pressing and defensive structure helped Madrid control phases of play that had troubled them during November’s downturn.

  Despite the comfortable scoreline, the wider backdrop remains shaped by ongoing concerns over tactical consistency and dressing-room harmony. The clash followed a period in which reports claimed several senior players were unconvinced by Alonso’s methods, contributing to speculation about fractures within the squad. While Madrid delivered a response on the pitch, the internal noise surrounding relationships and expectations remains a defining theme of their season.

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• AFP
  

  Courtois opens up on Real Madrid squad's relationship with Alonso

  After the win over Athletic Club, Courtois gave a clear assessment of Real Madrid’s improved performance and the mentality shift required to avoid repeat lapses. “In the first half in Girona, we didn’t give enough, and we have to understand that today, if you don’t play at 100%, you can easily be beaten. What we’ve said is that we need to stop talking and start acting. Matches are always different; Athletic plays with a high defensive line, which creates more space, and it’s more difficult for us against Girona or Elche when they defend,” he told .

  He also highlighted the collective effort behind their victory. “We can improve against teams that play deep. It was a good team performance. We have to keep working and believing. In the end, we’re a team, and everyone has their role. Everyone played a great game. Everyone wants to contribute to the team’s success.”

  Courtois then addressed rumours of a strained relationship between the dressing room and Alonso, insisting the situation had been exaggerated externally. “I think we’re always close to him. Ultimately, we’re at Real Madrid, any small gesture is magnified by 10, and we’re people. Sometimes tensions are high, but I don’t think there was a problem between the team and the manager,” he told . “We started very well. In relationships, there are always better or worse moments, but I don’t think any player has felt that they were not OK with him, and we’re always OK. I don’t think there was ever a problem, on the outside, there’s always noise, but internally, we don’t notice it. There’s a lot of talk externally, when maybe on the inside it’s not like that, but we can’t come out and deny everything.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Real Madrid dressing room split over Alonso

  Courtois’ comments arrive during a crucial phase of Alonso’s tenure, as Real Madrid’s tactical misfires and dressing-room tensions have intensified scrutiny around the club. The early part of the campaign was defined by experimental setups and inconsistent performances, including a heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid. These setbacks contributed to the perception that Madrid lacked structure and presence in midfield, particularly during difficult stretches in November.

  Reports have also highlighted a dressing-room divide, with certain players struggling to adapt to Alonso’s tactical demands and rotation strategy. The publicised conflict with Vinicius Junior, who reacted angrily to a substitution in El Clasico and has reservations about renewing his contract at Real Madrid if Alonso remains, has amplified the sense of unease within the squad.

  Madrid’s victory at San Mames may signal a turning point, but the team remains under the microscope due to their inconsistent pressing, fluctuating intensity levels and reliance on moments of individual brilliance.

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• Real Madrid and Alonso face crucial winter period

  Real Madrid now prepare for back-to-back home fixtures against Celta Vigo in the league and Manchester City in the Champions League, matches that will test whether their improved display in Bilbao represents genuine momentum. Alonso must balance tactical refinement with squad management as injuries continue to accumulate, further complicating his efforts to re-establish stability. With external pressure unlikely to fade, Madrid’s ability to sustain results and harmony will determine whether they can shift the narrative and mount a stronger title challenge over the winter period.

كشفت تقارير صحفية خطة التعافي التي سيتبعها برشلونة مع نجمه لامين يامال، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي بعد إصابة العانة التي يعاني منها منذ فترة والتي جعتله يغيب عن منتخب إسبانيا في المباراتين الأخيرتين بتصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

وكانت عودة لامين يامال في الجلسة التدريبية السابقة قد اقتصرت على التدريب في صالة الألعاب الرياضية، قبل أن يعود للتدريب في الملعب صباح أمس بجانب زملائه في إشارة إيجابية لبرشلونة قبل لقاء أتلتيك بلباو.

بعد خضوعه لعلاج بالترددات الراديوية في 10 نوفمبر، نال جناح برشلونة قسطًا من الراحة ولمدة 72 ساعة، ثم بعد ذلك راحة كاملة قبل أن يبدأ برنامجًا تأهيليًا خاصًا مع اثنين من أخصائي العلاج الطبيعي بالنادي الخميس الماضي.

ووفقًا لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، فإن هدف إدارة برشلونة هو أن يتمكن لامين من العودة إلى المباريات خلال 7 أو 10 أيام.

عودة جزئية في بلباو وجاهزية للندن

لم يستبعد النادي مشاركة لامين لبضع دقائق أمام أتلتيك بلباو يوم السبت ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني، وهو اختبار بسيط لهدفه الرئيسي وهو الوصول إلى قمة لياقته البدنية قبل مباراة تشيلسي بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يتطلع لاعب برشلونة بحماس كبير للعودة إلى ملعب كامب نو لكن الأولوية هي تعافيه التام وإذا لم يكن يتحسن بشكل جيد، فلن يعود إلى الفريق، يتابع طبيب بلجيكي متخصص تطور حالة صاحب الـ18 عامًا وقد أجرى تقييمًا له ووافق عليه، ومن المقرر أن يعود إلى برشلونة للعمل مع الدكتور برونا لإعادة تقييم حالته استعدادًا لعودته والمرحلة التالية من العلاج.

الألم والقلق وتجنب الجراحة

أوضحت مصادر مطلعة للصحيفة الإسبانية أن لامين كان يعاني من ألم شديد وقلق بشأن مدى خطورة الإصابة، لم يُنظر في إجراء عملية جراحية أبدًا ولم يرغب اللاعب ولا من حوله في معرفة أي شيء عن غرفة العمليات، ما فكروا فيه هو استشارة أخصائيين خارجيين وهو أمر بادر برشلونة بترتيبه من خلال استقدام الطبيب البلجيكي الذي يشرف على علاجه حاليًا.

اقرأ أيضًا | برشلونة يتلقى دفعة معنوية قوية قبل مواجهة أتلتيك بلباو

وأكملت الصحيفة أنه رغم رغبة لامين في الإنضمام إلى المنتخب، وصل إلى معسكر المنتخب الإسباني مساء الاثنين، 10 نوفمبر، مُدركًا أنه لن يتمكن من السفر مع “لا روخا”، كان برشلونة قد أبلغه هو وفريقه بالعلاج الذي خضع له يوم الاثنين ولذلك افترضوا مسبقًا أنه سيغيب عن مباريات نوفمبر.

أوضح الأطباء لـ لامين يامال خطورة إصابته وإن لم يُعالجها فقد تستمر لأشهر، يدرك اللاعب هذا الأمر وهو مُركز تمامًا على تعافيه، الأولوية الآن هي التغلب على الإصابة دون أي انتكاس وتقوية المنطقة المصابة.

درس الكلاسيكو

بعد مباراة الكلاسيكو ضد ريال مدريد، قرر لامين يامال تقليل حضوره الإعلامي، وتواجد أقل على منصات التواصل الاجتماعي ولن ينشر الفيديو المُخطط له إلا في حال مشاركته في مباراة تشيلسي، علاوة على ذلك، أنهى علاقته بالمغنية الأرجنتينية نيكي نيكول، وهي علاقة شهدت بعض اللحظات الصعبة في الأيام الأخيرة التي أثرت عليه.

طموح وشغف لا يتوقف

برغم من أن لامين يبلغ من العمر 18 عامًا إلا أنه يملك شغفًا وطموحًا ثابتًا لا يتغير، أن يكون رقم واحد ويقود برشلونة إلى القمة، يُدرك أنه يجب عليه تحسين جوانب روتينه اليومي دون أن يفقد شخصيته التي دفعته إلى هذا الصعود السريع بين الصفوة في منزله الجديد، جهز منطقة للعلاج الطبيعي وأنظمة استشفاء مائية، إيمانًا منه بأهمية كل تفصيل.

Manchester United youngster James Overy has been handed a shock call-up to the Australia senior national team ahead of their upcoming friendly matches this month. Socceroos boss Tony Popovic, who has been left "impressed" by the teenager, has even hinted that Overy could earn a role in his World Cup squad for next summer's tournament in North America.

Overy training with Man United's senior side

After regularly featuring for United's U-18 and U-21 teams in the U-18 Premier League and Premier League 2 in the 2025-26 campaign, Ruben Amorim has called Overy into training with the first team. His call-up to the senior fold at Old Trafford has caught the eye of Australia boss Popovic, who has named the teenager in the Socceroos squad for their upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia on November 15 and 19, respectively.

Overy, who turned 18 only last month, also featured in two games for Australia in last month's U20 World Cup. The youngster, who primarily plays as a right-back, has also been deployed as a winger and on the left side of the defence for his country. Impressed by his versatility, Popovic has already opened the door for Overy to break into his World Cup plans.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Thought he’s worth having a look at'

Popovic told reporters: "I just thought he’s worth having a look at, and let’s see. I’m very open-minded with what that looks like for the immediate future and obviously long term. Right now, he’s in a very good moment, and I hope he comes in here and – we’ll do everything we can to make him feel comfortable – that he expresses himself on the field, is not too nervous, and he just comes out and plays and does what he loves doing. 

"Watching him closely in Chile, I was impressed. We have good contacts at Man U [United], so we know what he’s doing at training, we know how much he trains, how much he trains with the first team. He’s getting games with the under 18s, the under 21s, and he’s in the process where he’s getting called [to first team training] up a lot more often. They have a plan with him, like they do with all their youngsters, but he’s Australian and we’re delighted with the progress he’s making. We can see the physical gains he’s making in terms of his loading at training, and how well he’s adapting to that and the rigours of a Premier League top club training."

Overy's journey at U-20 World Cup

Overy was Australia's youngest player at the U20 World Cup in Chile last month. He featured as a left-back in the team's second group game against Argentina, which they lost 4-1 and then played in his natural position in the final game as Australia won 3-1 against Cuba. The Socceroos failed to qualify for the knockout stage as they finished third in the group behind Argentina and Italy with three points. Due to a -2 goal difference, Australia were ranked fifth among the best third-placed teams, out of which four nations qualified for the knockout stage. 

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Getty Images SportHow is it going for United senior team?

Amorim's Red Devils have had a mixed experience in the 2025-26 campaign so far. After spending heavily in the summer transfer window, Amorim's side got off to a nightmare start as and were struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup second-round loss against fourth-tier Grimsby Town compounding their misery. However, United picked form in October, registering three wins on the trot in the league against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton. 

They then played out 2-2 draws with both Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, which has left the club seventh in the league heading into the November international break. United next face Everton on November 24.

Manchester United have been known over recent years to invest heavily in youngsters who can make an immediate and long-term impact at Old Trafford.

Part of their £800m spending spree in the last four years has seen numerous big-money talents arrive at the club – with Leny Yoro making the move to join the Red Devils last summer.

Despite being just 18, the hierarchy forked out a reported £52m for the teenager’s signature, even fending off competition from Real Madrid for his services.

He’s since become a key component of Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad, already racking up 42 appearances in the last 12 months or so since his big-money transfer.

However, whilst he still has bags of time to reach world-class status, the Frenchman would do very well to hit the heights of one player during his own stint at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man Utd’s best ever young first-team addition

Back in the summer of 2004, eyebrows were raised across England after United paid a staggering £27m for the signature of teenage sensation Wayne Rooney from Everton.

Such a fee was a mammoth investment for an 18-year-old, but over two decades on, it’s clear the transfer is one of the Red Devils’ best in their 146-year history.

He would spend 13 successful years as a star player at Old Trafford, winning countless individual awards along with team success under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The now 40-year-old won England’s Player of the Year award on five separate occasions, even winning the PFA Player of the Year award back in 2009/10 after scoring 34 times in all competitions.

Under the management of Sir Alex, he won five Premier League titles and a Champions League – subsequently making himself one of the most decorated English players of all time.

Individually, he was just as impressive, scoring 253 times for the Red Devils, a tally that ranks him top of the club’s all-time goalscorer charts – sitting ahead of Sir Bobby Charlton.

His talents were also there for all to see at international level, scoring 53 times, a record that saw him top the list for the Three Lions until Harry Kane came along.

Alongside his tangible contributions, Rooney made a name for himself as a warrior on the pitch, with one current player currently possessing a very similar playstyle.

The United player who is becoming the new Rooney

After scoring just 44 times across the 2024/25 campaign, Amorim made it abundantly clear to the United hierarchy that he wanted reinforcements within the final third.

Bryan Mbeumo was just one of the signings made during the off-season, arriving in a staggering £71m transfer from fellow top-flight outfit Brentford.

The Cameroonian international has already made a stellar start to life in Manchester, scoring five times and registering one assist in his first ten outings for the club.

His latest appearance against Brighton and Hove Albion was arguably his best to date, subsequently scoring twice and helping secure the manager’s third Premier League win in a row.

He was also joined at the Red Devils by Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian also costing a pretty penny at £62.5m including add-ons from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian international has occupied the number ten role with Mbeumo at Old Trafford and has undoubtedly played a key role in the recent revival under Amorim.

Unlike the Cameroonian, he’s had to wait to make the desired impact, only registering his first goal for the Red Devils in this weekend’s convincing win over Brighton.

However, he’s still received key praise from former first-team member Patrice Evra, who claimed Cunha “has the same raw chaos as Rooney” – certainly high praise indeed.

His underlying stats at Old Trafford showcase the reasoning behind Evra’s comments, with the Brazilian currently creating 1.2 chances per 90 in the Premier League.

Games played

8

Goals & assists

1

Chances created

1.2

Shots on target

1.6

Dribbles completed

1.9

Possession won in final third

0.7

Fouls won

2.4

Ball recoveries

4.3

Other figures, such as 1.6 shots on target per 90 and 1.9 dribbles per 90, showcase his ability within the final third, which has already seen the forward become a fan-favourite.

However, his chaos without the ball is reflected in his tally of 0.7 ball regains per 90 in the final third – a tally which ranks him in the top 25% of all attackers in the division.

It’s certainly early days in his career at Old Trafford, but the signs are all positive for Cunha to become an influential figure in any success endured in the years ahead.

Should he continue on his current path, there’s no reason why he can’t have a similar impact to Rooney during his own period at the Theatre of Dreams.

Forget Cunha & Mbuemo: Man Utd star was the shining light against Brighton

Manchester United secured their third win in a row against Brighton & Hove Albion last night.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 26, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Vila Nova e Chapecoense se enfrentam neste domingo (1º), às 15h45, pela 30ª rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. O jogo é no Estádio Onésio Brasileiro Alvarenga.

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O confronto será marcado pela estreia do técnico Lisca no comando do Vila Nova. O Tigre é o 8º colocado com 46 pontos e ainda sonha com o acesso à elite do futebol nacional. Já a Chapecoense luta contra o rebaixamento para a Série C do Campeonato Brasileiro.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

+ Confira a tabela da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

FICHA TÉCNICA
VILA NOVA X CHAPECOENSE – 30ª RODADA DA SÉRIE B DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO
Local: Estádio Onésio Brasileiro Alvarenga, Goiânia (GO)
Data e horário: Domingo (01/10), às 15h45 (Brasília)
Árbitro: Yuri Elino Ferreira da Cruz (RJ)
Assistentes: Daniel do Espirito Santo Parro (RJ) e Daniel de Oliveira Alves Pereira (RJ)
VAR: Carlos Eduardo Nunes Braga (RJ)
Onde assistir: Band e Premiere

Liverpool are considering making an offer for a “huge talent” in the near future, having sent scouts to watch him alongside interest from some of their biggest rivals.

Neville calls Liverpool underdogs in title race

The Reds’ 2-1 defeat away to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon was a tough one to take for the Premier League champions, but it was a result that had been coming, following too many unconvincing performances.

Speaking on Sunday after Arsenal’s late 2-1 win at Newcastle United, Gary Neville hinted that the Gunners are now already favourites after just six games, despite Liverpool beginning the campaign as the front-runners, and still being two points clear at the top.

“Only two teams can win this league: Liverpool or Arsenal. When the first goal went in, I said, ‘big’, and I thought the second one was coming, I genuinely did. I thought I could feel something happening in the ground. Those Arsenal players did too and it did happen.

“I think it’s a big moment. Look, it’s September, it’s ridiculous… it [the title race] doesn’t start until March. But what you’ve got to do along the way is send out some calling cards. You’ve got to send out some clear messages that we’re here and we’re proper, and that’s what I think Arsenal have done today.”

Away from the current on-field action, Liverpool continue to be linked with possible new signings, including one big talent with a huge future in the game.

Liverpool send scouts to watch "huge talent"

According to a fresh claim from journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon, Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Genk starlet Konstantinos Karetsas in action, with an offer potentially being tabled for him soon. The £20m-rated 17-year-old could be sold in January or next summer, with Everton, Sunderland, Newcastle United and Bournemouth eyeing a move for him, too.

Karetsas is a massive talent who is already impressing so much at the age of just 17, scoring three goals and bagging six assists in 53 appearances for Genk.

The attacking midfielder also has two goals in five caps for Greece, having switched his allegiances from Belgium, as well as being hailed as a “huge talent” by scout Jacek Kulig.

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Karetsas would surely love the idea of moving to Liverpool over the other clubs mentioned, with all due respect to them, and he has the talent to be a long-term star at Anfield.

After enduring the summer of all summers at Anfield, Liverpool could still miss out on their top target amid interest from Real Madrid, who beat the Reds to Jude Bellingham back in 2023.

Isak delivers emphatic Liverpool statement

Alexander Isak was made to wait, but eventually he got his move. Arriving on deadline day in a deal worth around £125m, the Swede finally got his wish and will now be looking to go from a player on strike to a player back in action at his very best.

Joining Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo on Arne Slot’s list of attacking options, there’s a strong argument that Liverpool now have the strongest frontline in all of Europe. As such, it came as no surprise that Isak instantly set his sights on creating history in Merseyside.

Without their new star striker, Liverpool have not even got out of first gear but remain the only side in the Premier League with a 100% win record. Slot’s side needed late winners against Bournemouth, Newcastle United and, most recently, Arsenal as their rivals quickly became sick of the sight of the champions before the international break.

Now, those same rivals will be dreading the impact that Isak could make. It must be said, however, that he wasn’t the only top target on deadline day and after Liverpool hesitated, they’ve seemingly allowed Real Madrid to swoop in.

Real Madrid now eyeing Marc Guehi move

As relayed by reports in Spain, Real Madrid have now set their sights on signing Marc Guehi on a free deal when his current contract expires next summer. The defender looked destined for Anfield on deadline day after a deal was agreed and medical completed, before Crystal Palace pulled the plug in ruthless fashion.

Leaving the door for rivals to make their move when his contract expires, Liverpool could suffer an all too familiar hijack at the hands of Real Madrid. Of course, it wasn’t so long ago that the Spanish giants jumped ahead of the Reds to sign Jude Bellingham – who has thrived ever since – and pried Trent Alexander-Arnold away from Anfield this summer.

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Liverpool should be desperate to avoid a repeat and secure the arrival of Guehi once and for all, either in January or next summer. Described as “calm and composed” by former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, the Crystal Palace defender looks set to have a big decision to make when the time comes.

Guillermo Ochoa’s AEL Limassol debut ended in disaster, as the Mexican goalkeeper conceded five goals in a heavy 5-0 loss to Omonia on Monday. The setback capped a turbulent summer in which Ochoa served as a Gold Cup backup and saw a move to Spanish side Burgos collapse before landing in Cyprus to chase regular minutes.

• AEL LIMASSOL
  

  Four months without action

  It took Ochoa four long months to step back onto a professional pitch, but his long-awaited debut in Cyprus turned out to be a disaster. His last official appearance dated back to May, when he played for AVS in Portugal’s Primeira Liga – a 3-0 defeat to Moreirense that closed his chapter in that league.

  The defeat dropped AEL Limassol off the summit of the Cypriot top division, with the club now third on goal differential, tied for points with Omonia and league giants APOEL. 

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• AEL LIMASSOL
  

  A debut to forget

  Ochoa held firm for just 21 minutes in his first start for the club, his seventh in Europe, before Senou Coulibaly opened the scoring with an unstoppable strike. Early on, the veteran showed poise and barked instructions to organize his back line, but repeated defensive lapses left him exposed and chasing the game.

  The pressure only mounted after the break. Willy Semedo doubled Omonia’s advantage in the 50th minute, and the floodgates opened late with goals from Evangelos Andreou in the 75th minute, Ioannis Kousoulos in the 78th minute, and Angelos Neofytou in the 83rd minute. Ochoa made several saves to keep the score from growing even worse, but the lopsided result underscored a rocky beginning to his Cypriot adventure.

• AFP
  

  Ochoa chasing World Cup history

  Ochoa's objective is clear; he is aiming for a record sixth World Cup. He joined AEL Limassol in an effort to earn consistent minutes and regain rhythm as he hopes to convince Mexico coach Javier Aguirre that he belongs on Mexico's roster in next summer's tournament. 

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  October friendlies ahead

  Mexico will face Colombia on Oct. 11 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as part of the upcoming FIFA window. Four days later, on Oct. 15, El Tri will take on Ecuador at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.

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A equipe das Laranjeiras driblou o calor do gramado e chegou a ter chances com Agner, Lucas Felipe e Luís Fernando. Entretanto, por mais que o ímpeto tricolor continuasse, o placar continuou em branco.

Os comandados de Ricardo Resende voltam a campo no confronto com Bangu, às 10h, pelo decisiva partida das quartas de final da competição.