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Tottenham Hotspur's 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon has completely changed the mood in north London after an abject run of form that saw Ange Postecoglou's side lose four of five matches in the Premier League, drawing the other game.

There's no hiding from the fact that the recent blip has been an unacceptable lapse in form, injuries or not, but so much credit must be given to the Australian manager for his instant success in transforming the beleaguered Lilywhites squad and propelling them to the forefront of the division across the opening months of the 2023/24 campaign.

But given that he only arrived in the summer after Spurs finished eighth and lost talisman Harry Kane, such can be forgiven: there is a clear philosophy currently being instilled and while defensive reinforcements are needed, the attack deserves attention too.

With that in mind, it might be wise for Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy to invest in the frontline in January, with reports this month suggesting that the London club could be among the frontrunners for prodigious winger Johan Bakayoko.

Tottenham transfer targets – Johan Bakayoko

According to a report from Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke at the start of December, Spurs are preparing to go head to head with London rivals Brentford in January, with Thomas Frank's side failing with a club-record £34m offer in August.

More recently, pundit Alan Hutton conversed with the site to detail his thoughts on the prospective move, claiming that Spurs must jump on the chance to secure his services in January.

Hutton said: “Bakayoko I’ve seen play for PSV against Rangers and I thought he was amazing. He’s very tricky, he’s got pace and power, he can score a goal, so Spurs won’t close the door.

“If there’s an opportunity to bring a player on that level into your club, it will make you better. I’d never turn it down if the fee was correct.”

With emphasis likely to be heaped on the defensive ranks, it's unclear at this stage whether Levy would be willing to bolster across different areas, but should he decide that his frontal areas need more work, Bakayoko could be the dream acquisition.

Johan Bakayoko's style of play

Described as an "essential piece of this magnificent PSV team" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 5 foot 10 winger has been immense across the maiden years of his professional career, understandably drawing attention from Premier League sides.

This season, he has posted four goals and 13 assists from 25 outings across all competitions, creating 2.8 key passes and making 3.3 ball recoveries per game in the Dutch Eredivisie, as per Sofascore.

Dribbling

Ball retention

Passing

Key passes

Finishing

Long shots

*Sourced via WhoScored

Already boasting nine Belgium caps, the progress that Bakayoko has made over the past year or so has been remarkable, having scored five goals and five assists apiece in the league during the 2022/23 league season.

During the later days of the summer, Liverpool, Everton and Paris Saint-Germain were credited with an interest, but despite all of this attention, he would remain in the Netherlands, continuing to hone his craft.

As per FBref, Bakayoko ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across divisions similar in quality to the Eredivisie for assists, the top 5% for shot-creating actions, the top 20% for pass completion, the top 1% for progressive carries and touches in the attacking box per 90 and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

Kulig seemingly can't get enough of this prospect's ability, also stating: "20 years of age. Such an electric player. Still very far from being a finished product but the potential is really high!"

Indeed, progressive, penetrative and creative, Bakayoko would bring so much quality to the Spurs frontline and could be the perfect counterweight for the relentless Dejan Kulusevski, who has also started to find success centrally, further opening up a dimension to Postecoglou's attack.

With Bryan Gil having featured across six of the past seven Premier League matches, it's clear that further improvements could be made to Tottenham's team, and Bakayoko would be the dream upgrade.

Gil has created just 0.3 key passes per game this season and doesn't appear to offer the physicality or decisiveness to succeed – and has failed to score across 37 matches and has been shipped out on loan since signing for Tottenham from Sevilla for £22m in 2021. It's clear that his time is up.

Should the north London outfit succeed in their pursuit after the new year, then Postecoglou would wield one of the most frightening offensive talents around, with more than a little likeness to one Bukayo Saka, who plies his trade down the road with Spurs neighbours Arsenal.

How Johan Bakayoko compares to Bukayo Saka

Saka has been a prominent name on the English football scene for a number of years now but has really blossomed into one of the Premier League's standout forwards over the past few years.

Aged just 22, Football Transfers lists the England international as the fourth most valuable attacking player on the planet – behind only Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and compatriot Harry Kane.

Having chalked up 201 appearances for the Gunners already, Saka has scored 46 goals and supplied 52 assists, praised for his ever-improving "ruthless" streak that has now placed him into "world-class" conversation by England manager Gareth Southgate.

This term, the £195k-per-week gem has already plundered eight goals and 12 assists for Mikel Arteta's side, boasting a supreme creative and tricky edge that Bakayoko is showing signs of replicating.

Saka ranks among the top 17% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues for goals, the top 8% for assists, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 4% for touches in the attacking box per 90, highlighting a willingness to drive into the danger area and an aptitude to sink opponents when weaving into such positions.

Spurs have to complete a transfer for Bakayoko in 2024, especially with Gil flattering to deceive and crucially to prevent a Premier League rival from snapping up his signature.

Postecoglou's talent radar appears to be on the money, and with the kind of man management that the Australian could provide this hotshot, it's a deal that has to happen.

Wolverhampton Wanderers returned to winning ways against Burnley in the Premier League on Tuesday, as a single goal from Hwang Hee-chan ensured the club took all three points and this result will give them a massive confidence boost heading into the festive season.

With ties against the likes of Nottingham Forest, Brentford, and Everton to come before the end of December, Gary O’Neil could take his side closer to a top-half finish with a few more wins.

His squad is ticking over quite nicely at the moment, and they have managed to secure big wins against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur recently.

One of the main strengths has been their ruthlessness in attack, as players such as Matheus Cunha and Hwang have both been in excellent form, scoring four and nine goals respectively as they lead the scoring charts at the club.

While the 40-year-old will be pleased he has two strikers who are in form approaching a hectic spell, if one gets injured, this may cause some problems.

With this in mind, O’Neil could certainly turn to the January transfer window in order to sign another centre-forward, and it looks as though he has someone who is currently starring in the Bundesliga on his radar – Serhou Guirassy.

Wolves transfer news – Serhou Guirassy

At the beginning of December, 90min claimed that the representatives of the Stuttgart striker were confident they could secure him a move to the Premier League in the upcoming transfer window.

There have been scouts sent by clubs such as Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Brentford to monitor his performances, while he has even been linked with a move to Manchester United.

Wolves have also been mentioned as a club who have shown interest in the forward, alongside Arsenal, Everton and Spurs, and it appears as though the Old Gold will have a major fight on their hands to secure his signature.

He could be available for a fee of around £15m as this is his reported release clause, and it could prove to be a solid bargain, especially if he can continue his recent breathtaking form.

While Cunha has been impressive this term, there is no doubt that Guirassy could be a big upgrade on the Brazilian if he does secure a move to the Midlands.

Comparing Serhou Guirassy to Matheus Cunha

The 24-year-old moved to Wolves on a loan deal last December and there was an obligation to buy clause inserted into the deal. The club didn’t take long to activate this, making the move permanent in January.

He currently ranks second in the squad for goals in the league (four), while Cunha also ranks second for big chances created (four) and first for shots on target per game (1.1), showing how effective he has been in front of goal.

When compared to his positional peers over the previous 12 months, however, the Brazilian fails to rank in the top 50% for shot-creating actions per 90 (2.29) and for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (4.21), indicating that he needs to be much more consistent.

For Stuttgart in the Bundesliga this term, Guirassy ranks first among the team for goals scored (16), shots on target per game (1.9) and second for big chances created (five), showcasing better numbers than Cunha.

Wolves could land Cunha upgrade in January swoop for £51k-p/w "record-breaker"

The Old Gold have been touted with an interest in a move for the teenage attacker.

ByDan Emery Nov 20, 2023

Not only that, but when compared to his positional peers, the 27-year-old ranks in the top 13% for both shot-creating actions (3.21) and touches in the attacking penalty area (6.1) per 90, again, much better statistics than what Cunha has achieved in the same period.

This suggests that O’Neil could perhaps secure an upgrade on the former Atlético Madrid frontman by making a concrete move for the Guinean hitman, and he has the required skillset to thrive in the Premier League.

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Not content with being an upgrade on Cunha, Guirassy is similar in style to Harry Kane and this could be another bonus for the manager heading into the second half of the season.

Serhou Guirassy is similar to Harry Kane

Both players find themselves battling it out at the top of the Bundesliga scoring charts this season and the Stuttgart striker is currently trailing Kane by only two goals and the winner will surely come from one of these men.

The Englishman has enjoyed a wonderful start to life in Germany and, while some doubted whether he could sparkle at Bayern, his performances are proving a lot of people wrong, and he is arguably one of the best strikers in the world at this moment in time.

According to FBref, Kane is the second-most comparable player to the 27-year-old and, given his stature in the world of football and his ruthlessness in front of goal, it certainly isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, the duo have registered similar statistics this season with regard to goal contributions (23 vs 17), shots on target per 90 (both 2.06), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.9 vs 3.01) and touches in the attacking penalty area (66 vs 62), demonstrating how similar the players are to each other.

It is clear that the duo have showcased their respective talents in front of goal on a regular occurrence during the current season and while Kane may be a tad too expensive for Wolves, Guirassy is not.

The next few weeks could be an interesting time for the Molineux faithful as they will be hoping O’Neil can not only lead his side to another few important league wins, but also begin to make more concrete offers for his January transfer targets.

Adding another goalscorer to his squad would be a shrewd move, especially as one of Hwang or Cunha could go off the boil at any time.

Guirassy may be a late bloomer, but he is certainly making up for that and with 57 goals scored since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, the "ice-cold" finisher – as hailed by teammate Denis Undav – will no doubt be able to add to that tally should he arrive in England next month.

MatériaMais Notícias

Abel Ferreira esteve no sorteio dos mandos de campo da grande final da Copa do Brasil 2020, na manhã desta quinta-feira (14). Ao lado de Renato Gaúcho, o português viu Paulo Nunes tirar a bolinha que garantiu a chance do Palmeiras levantar mais uma taça de Copa do Brasil dentro do Allianz Parque.

Perguntado sobre a ‘loucura’ do calendário com três competições para se disputar, o atual comandante do Verdão preferiu celebrar o momento do que lamentar pelo calendário apertado.

– A sorte é que jogamos uma final de cada vez. Falei há pouco, gerir energia para estar com força máxima a cada jogo. Estas informações que vamos tirando, as viagens são longas, alguns gramados impactam muito na parte física dos atletas, é verdade. Estamos na luta nas três competições. Espirito de sacrifício enorme. Mas é melhor disputar do que estar no sofá. É pra isso que trabalhamos. As finais foram feitas para se ganhar. No futebol não há equipes que ganham sempre, o importante é sabermos o caminho. – disse Abel.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalCBF sorteia mando de campo e Palmeiras decide Copa do Brasil em casa; confira datasFutebol Nacional14/01/2021GrêmioKannemann prevê duelo complicado contra o PalmeirasGrêmio13/01/2021Futebol NacionalMesmo que o campeão da Copa Brasil vença a Libertadores, vice não terá direito à vaga; EntendaFutebol Nacional13/01/2021

O comandante alviverde acredita que o jogo diante do River Plate deixou lições, mas não quer criar um peso a mais para o elenco pelo que já passou:

– Fizemos analises de cada jogo. Cada jogo é diferente. Vamos estar focados no processo, no que cada um tem que fazer. Temos que estar prontos para competir em todos os momentos. Não vou alterar meu discurso pelo o que aconteceu diante do River. Foi preciso sofrer diante de uma equipe bem treinada por um técnico que está lá há anos. Cada competição tem uma história. Para mim está sendo uma experiência enriquecedora. São esses momentos que nos preparam para um glorioso futuro – finalizou o treinador palmeirense.

>> Confira a classificação atualizada do Brasileirão e faça sua simulação
>>Quem são os fregueses na era dos pontos corridos do Brasileirão? Confira!

Abel Ferreira retorna para a Academia de Futebol nesta tarde para fazer o único treino de preparação antes de encarar o Grêmio de Renato Gaúcho, no Allianz Parque, pelo Brasileirão 2020.

Lionel Messi could make a triumphant return to the pitch Saturday evening for Inter Miami, an assistant coach has revealed.

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• Messi missed four-straight matches for Miami
• Dealing with nagging hamstring issue
• Coach reveals he could play vs Colorado

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After exiting their March 13 match against Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup due to injury, the Argentine has since been sidelined. He missed the March international window for La Albiceleste, and Inter Miami's first leg loss in their recent CCC match to CF Monterrey. However, Saturday could mark his return if his fitness levels allow him to feature.

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  WHAT JAVI MORALES SAID

  "He's getting better every day, like Tata Martino said," assistant coach Javi Morales told reporters. "He's day by day, we're going to see how he feels today, then we'll make a decision for Saturday. He trains every day with the physio and on the field. Sometimes, depending on how he feels, he trains with the team and the physio. But lately, he's been participating in the training sessions so he's getting better.

  "We're going to see how he feels at training. If he feels good, I'm sure Tata will want to count on him [on Saturday] whether it's 10 minutes, 15 minutes or 45. We want to have him. We're going to do the best for him, that's the most important thing. Based on the game tomorrow, we're going to make a decision first, then we'll see what happens Wednesday."

  As for the Herons' congested schedule of late, the Miami assistant chimed in mentioning how they include the player in these conversations for the benefit of both parties.

  "When we play Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday, it becomes a matter of having constant conversations with these players on how they are feeling," he added. "Then, together, we make a decision. They are fine physically, so we shall see what decision we make."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  If Messi can mark his return to the pitch Saturday, it will be an automatic boost for the Herons. They'll need his brilliance on and off the ball, as well as his leadership in their attack. More importantly, though, if they want to advance into the semifinals of the Champions Cup, they'll need him for as long as possible in leg two vs Monterrey.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MIAMI?

  The Herons take on the Colorado Rapids Saturday evening in a cross-conference clash. Ex-Manchester United assistant Chris Armas will look to lead his club to glory over David Beckham's Miami in a highly anticipated match. Then, their eyes will move towards the leg two tie with Monterrey on Wednesday.

Pau Cubarsi has spoken out after beating Sergio Ramos' record to become the youngest-ever defender to represent Spain on Thursday.

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Cubarsi thrilled after making Spain debutBroke Ramos' recordSpain went down 1-0 against ColombiaWHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona starlet Pau Cubarsi had a memorable night at London Stadium on Thursday despite Spain going down 1-0 against Colombia in an international friendly. He came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute replacing Aymeric Laporte, becoming the youngest defender to ever play for Spain at the age of 17 years one month and 28 days. He broke the record previously held by legendary Spanish defender Sergio Ramos who debuted in 2005 aged 18 years, 11 months and 26 days. He is also the second youngest player to ever represent La Roja after clubmate Lamine Yamal who played his maiden international match last year at the age of 16 years and 38 days.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The youngster was on cloud nine after getting an opportunity to represent the national team as he expressed his gratitude towards Spain boss Luis de la Fuente for handing him his debut at a tender age.

WHAT PAU CUBARSI SAID

Speaking to reporters after the game, the teenager said, "I’m very proud of my debut as it was a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. I’m grateful for the coach’s trust and I will try to make the most of it by giving my best. I always try to be me and play calmly."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR PAU CUBARSI?

The defender could be next seen in action on March 26 as De La Fuente's side take on five-time world champions Brazil in a second friendly encounter at Real Madrid's home, Santiago Bernabeu.

Stefan Savic has laughed off Marcus Thuram’s bizarre ball game during Atletico Madrid’s thrilling Champions League triumph over Inter.

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• Spanish giants prevailed on penalties
• Thrilling contest at Civitas Metropolitano
• Plenty of clashes caught the eye in Madrid

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Liga giants are through to the quarter-finals of continental competition after prevailing in a last-16 penalty shootout with rivals from Serie A. Diego Simeone’s side held their nerve after the contest ended 2-2 on aggregate.

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• WHAT SAVIC SAID ABOUT THURAM

  Former Manchester City defender Savic had plenty to celebrate afterwards and was able to make light of a “strange situation” in extra-time that saw him grabbed in a rather sensitive area by Inter forward Thuram. The Montenegro international told of Thuram’s hit below the belt: “It was a strange situation because I’m not used to it! But it’s okay, it can happen in the game. It’s okay. We laughed after that and I don’t know… It’s a strange situation but it’s not so important.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Savic preferred to focus on Atletico’s progress into the last eight, adding: “It’s amazing. It’s a dream night for us. If I wasn’t today on the pitch today, I would like to be in the stands to watch a game like this. It was an incredible game, like a final of the Champions League. It was amazing. I’m very happy that we won this game because we were in a very difficult situation. Nobody believed in us except our amazing fans and the team. We knew that we needed to fight until the end, we knew it would be a long game. The boss said before the game, ‘Prepare everybody, be ready, because it’s going to be a long night’, and it was a long night and all the guys that entered showed the same spirit, the same bravery. We are very happy for the boys.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Atletico will discover their quarter-final opponents when the next Champions League draw takes place on Friday, with a star-studded line-up also seeing Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund make it to that stage.

‘It’s been tough but, you know, I think I needed a break if that makes sense. It’s obviously come under some ordinary circumstances but I was really mentally fatigued after the Ashes’

Daniel Brettig29-Jun-20183:28

Playing in Global T20 Canada part of my rehab – Smith

A renewed Steven Smith has reflected on how mental fatigue led him to making “horrible decisions” in the aftermath of last summer’s Ashes series, culminating in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal that saw him banned from the game for a year.On his return to competitive cricket in Global T20 Canada, Smith said he had been on a journey of many emotions since he was stripped of the Australian captaincy and banned for a year by Cricket Australia. After contributing a quickfire half century to the Toronto National’s successful chase in the opening match, Smith said that while he had been hurt by his inability to help Australian teammates on their losing tour of England, the Canadian sojourn formed part of his “rehab” from the brokenness he experienced in the wake of Cape Town.”I’ve been up and down with my emotions if I’m being honest,” Smith said in Toronto. “I’ve had times, particularly watching the boys play in England, and not play as well as they could have and England play extremely well, it was hurting me that I couldn’t go out and help them, help them win games.”And when they hopped on the plane to go over there I had some emotions that were a bit down. It’s been tough but, you know, I think I needed a break if that makes sense. It’s obviously come under some ordinary circumstances but I was really mentally fatigued after the Ashes. I put so much work into the Ashes, and I think back to the one-day games after the Ashes and I don’t think I’ve ever hit the ball that bad in my life.”I was making horrible decisions and I just felt horrible at the crease. I think it all comes down to the mental part of the game and I put so much into the Ashes that it took so much out of me. A bit of a break perhaps isn’t the worst thing. Hopefully I’ll be able to come back and perform at a really high level gain, but we’ll see what happens.”The first innings back showed signs of some rough edges, but by the end Smith was contributing fruitfully to his team’s victory while returning to the batting crease he described as a “haven”, away from all other distractions. “I normally don’t get real nervous before I play but I’ll be real honest, I was a bit nervous today,” he said.”You know, three months off and I haven’t hit that many balls back home, I’ve had a couple of nets but I haven’t had a hit on turf. A hit indoors yesterday and it felt pretty good and had a bit of luck today and I didn’t feel as good as I probably ever had, but it’s nice to score some runs when you’re not feeling good. Hopefully some positive signs.”Smith credited his manager Warren Craig, his fiancée Dani Willis, his father Peter and a close circle of friends for helping him through the past three months. “That’s made a big difference to me,” Smith said. “They know I absolutely love this game, and all I’ve ever wanted to be is a cricketer and I think they’d just be happy to see me back playing the game and it was fortunate to score some runs in my first game back, I didn’t feel as good as I would’ve liked, but it’s nice to score runs when you’re not feeling good.”I know all the people back home would be really proud of me playing here for the reasons I’m here as well. So it’s nice to be out in the middle. The last couple of months having some time off, I’ve been fortunate to do some really good work with Gotcha For Life and Gus Worland, talking about the mental health space and manning up and being vulnerable. Sometimes it’s okay to not be okay and things like that.”It’s been quite therapeutic for myself, but also I think a lot of the kids at the schools that I’ve gone to, I know we’ve made a big difference so far and that’s made me feel good in a way, and I’m going to do a lot more of that work when I get back home. I’ve been fortunate I’ve had the close people to me to get through what was a pretty difficult time in my life.”As for Smith’s plans between now and the end of his ban in March next year, he emphasised a desire to spend time at his home cricket club Sutherland in Sydney’s grade competition, and also looked forward to marrying Danni. “People have asked me if I’m going to play a lot of tournaments around the world while I’m suspended from international cricket and I’m going to play this one and go from there,” Smith said.”I know I’m going to go back and I want to try to make a difference at Sutherland, Shane Watson’s going to be playing there so it’ll be great to reunite with him. I’m getting married back home as well, so I do have a lot to look forward to, but we’ll see. If I’m playing in other tournaments there’s every chance it’ll be later on, probably next year.”I’m not going to lie, it’s been a difficult time in my life there’s no doubt about that. But I’ve accepted my punishment, accepted what I’ve gone through and I’m moving forward. Part of my rehab is playing cricket as well. That’s what I love doing and I want to help Toronto Nationals win this tournament, and most importantly have a good time. That’s what [Toronto captain] Darren Sammy’s been relaying to us, let’s go out and enjoy it and have fun and play some good solid cricket.”

Umar Akmal’s future with Lahore Qalandars is increasingly uncertain after a troubled campaign for the team and batsman. Six losses in nine games have left Lahore firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and Akmal’s poor form – and familiar questions about his attitude – have seen left him out of the squad. ESPNcricinfo understands that he has not even been travelling to the stadium with the side anymore. Regardless, as per the contract he has with the franchise, he will take home USD 160,000 at the end of the season.That represents some fall for a player who lit up the league in its inaugural season, finishing as top scorer in 2016, making 335 runs at 83.75. He was less successful last season but was retained by Lahore and was always thought to be an important part of the side.But after making just 57 runs in five games in the ongoing season he was dropped, the trouble beginning with a bizarre run-out during the group stage match against Peshawar Zalmi. Since his axing, he has been attending training sessions at the ICC academy.The decision to drop Akmal, ESPNCricinfo understands, was a unanimous one, with team owners, managers, coaching staff and captain all on board. It is also understood that an upset Akmal has responded by sending angry messages to the team owners complaining about the captain Brendon McCullum talking to the media about him.”Umar is a complicated guy and we all know he has well-documented troubles throughout his career,” McCullum told ESPNcricinfo. “But he is incredibly talented and he has done special things in his career and if his career has to finish now, I think it’s fair to say that he has underachieved.”I think it’s a hard message and sometimes you need that, because as a cricketer you need to be honest with yourself and you need those who are prepared to be honest with you.”This is not the first time Akmal has had a fallout with his team – it follows the pattern of his ouster from the Pakistan side. Last year his career took a major hit after the PCB had omitted him from the list of 35 centrally contracted players. He was the most notable omission, with his fitness having been a major concern.He was then involved in a very public spat with national head coach Mickey Arthur, which subsequently led to the PCB slapping a three-game ban on him during domestic season and a fine of PKR 1 million. Besides that, the PCB also revoked all No-Objection Certificates issued to him for participation in overseas tournaments for two months, forcing him to miss the Bangladesh Premier League.Having dropped Akmal, Lahore brought in overseas player Anton Devcich, who smacked a 42-ball 62, albeit in a losing cause, during the match against Islamabad United.”We did not do it purely based on his performance,” said Aaqib Javed, Lahore’s head coach. “As a senior player there is a responsibility but when you are not able to deliver in five games then, as a team, you start thinking of trying something new before it is too late.”We still had chance and we wanted to try our second options. Then we played our sixth match only to score our highest total in the tournament. We then went on to win our next three games. So now getting him back at this stage is difficult because the youngsters you trusted have delivered, it’s unfair if they don’t get more chances.Aaqib also said that it was the management’s concern to look after and support an out-of-form senior player.”We haven’t deserted him but we have allowed him to take a back seat and relax and think,” he said. “He has a full career ahead of him and it’s not the end of the road. He is a good player, and everyone has their ups and downs, but all you need is to show character and push yourself. He can do it and we expect him to do it.”

A number of Liverpool players have been linked with moves away recently, but more than one influential figure could be set for a new deal, according to a fresh update.

Who is leaving Liverpool?

There has been much focus on incoming players at Anfield in recent months, with Jurgen Klopp rightly rebuilding his midfield after huge issues there last season. Dominik Szoboszlai looks like a magnificent signing, following an almost-perfect start to life with the Reds, while the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch also look like exciting additions.

Others have moved away from Liverpool, however, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson among those to have left, while doubts have surrounded the futures of other Reds heroes, too.

Mohamed Salah and Thiago have both been the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League clubs – the former saw a £150m bid for him from Al-Ittihad rejected – and it remains to be seen how much longer they will be on Merseyside for.

Will Thiago sign new Liverpool contract?

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now preparing for talks with Thiago over a new contract at Anfield, as well as veteran centre-back Joel Matip:

"Liverpool will discuss the futures of Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip soon with the Merseyside club ready to make contact with their representatives to begin negotiations over new deals.

"Both players are out of contract at Anfield at the end of this season and Liverpool are open to keeping the fan favourites beyond the current campaign. Talks have not started yet but the Premier League giants are ready to make contact with both players’ entourages."

"Jurgen Klopp’s main priority is to keep hold of Thiago, who was wanted heavily by Saudi Arabian clubs this summer. That interest has not disappeared in the meantime, but the Reds are confident about convincing the Spaniard to stay at the Premier League club, with talks hoped to get underway soon."

This follows the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is on the verge of agreeing a new deal with the club, and it looks like the local lad is set to be joined by the mercurial but injury prone Thiago.

Given his isseus with injuries – he is yet to play a single minute so far this season – a short-term deal seems to be the most logical decision, especially with four new midfielders brought in this summer, and the Spaniard now 32 years of age. That being said, if Klopp sees Thiago as an important figure moving forward, and someone he believes will be available more often, having a player of such brilliance around for another few years certainly wouldn't be a bad thing.

When he is fit and firing, the midfielder is a truly elite footballer who can run the show in the middle of the park – Klopp himself has described his player as "sensational" in the past – and he could be a great role model for younger teammates.

That being said, he is on big money, so it is understandable why some fans would like to see Thiago leave in 2024, so there are both positives and negatives to seeing him stay.

تلقى لوتشيانو سباليتي مدرب منتخب إيطاليا، ضربة قبل إنطلاق منافسات كأس أمم أوروبا “يورو 2024”.

وتستضيف ألمانيا بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا في الفترة من 14 يونيو الجاري وحتى 14 يوليو المقبل.

وتتواجد إيطاليا في المجموعة الثانية والتي تضم منتخبات كرواتيا، إسبانيا وألبانيا.

وتعرض المدافع جورجيو سكالفيني إلى إصابة قوية خلال مباراة فريقه أتالانتا أمام فيورنتينا بالدوري الإيطالي.

والتقى فيورنتينا وأتالانتا في مباراة مؤجلة من الجولة 29 للدوري الإيطالي، انتهت بفوز الأول بثلاثية لهدفين.

وخلال المباراة تعرض سكالفيني لإصابة في الركبة، حيث حاول اللاعب البالغ من العمر 20 عامًا الحصول على الكرة من الجهة اليمنى لكنه سقط فجأة على الأرض متألمًا من قوة الإصابة.

لم يتمكن سكالفيني من استكمال المباراة وتم استبداله في الدقائق الأخيرة للمواجهة، وبدا متأثرًا بالإصابة.

وأكدت “DAZN” أن سكالفيني كاد أن يبكي، وكان يحتاج لمساعدة أطباء أتالانتا للوصول إلى نفق الملعب.

ووفقًا للتقرير، سكالفيني يعاني من التواء في الركبة وسيخضع لفحوصات طبية في وقت لاحق لتحديد مدى قوة الإصابة ومدة الغياب.

وأكد الصحفي فابريزو رومانو أن سكالفيني أصيب بتمزق في الرباط الصليبي الأمامي في ركبته اليسرى وسيغيب عن يورو 2024، ومن المتوقع أن يعود في يناير المقبل.

يذكر أنه تم إدراج سكالفيني في القائمة الأولية المكونة من 30 لاعبًا لمنتخب إيطاليا للمشاركة في بطولة أمم أوروبا 2024، وبعد إصابته لن يتواجد بالبطولة.

إصابة قوية للمدافع الإيطالي الشاب سكالفيني ⚠️#الدوري_الإيطالي#أتالانتا_فيورنتينا pic.twitter.com/cq6mXTBGf2

— قناة أبوظبي الرياضية (@ADSportsTV) June 2, 2024