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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca looks set for a busy summer indeed. He may be close to leading the Blues to their first trophy since 2021, but the Italian is already thinking ahead to next season.

There has been no shortage of big-name players being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks.

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is one trending target, with reports coming from Spain that the club would love to sign the Brazilian.

Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as another potential option to bolster Maresca’s frontline this summer. Journalist Simon Phillips claimed that Chelsea had been scouting the Frenchman ahead of the summer transfer window following his excellent campaign for Eintracht Frankfurt.

While the need for attacking players is obviously key for Maresca, especially if the club secures Champions League qualification for 2025/26, bringing in another centre-back or two is equally important.

Across all competitions this season, the club have conceded 57 goals, including 43 in the Premier League.

37

19

14

4

71

37

20

6

11

66

37

19

9

9

66

37

19

9

9

66

36

19

8

9

65

37

19

8

10

65

They will face tougher competition in Europe certainly, heightening the need for a defender capable of stepping up to the plate.

It looked as though they were frontrunners to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, but that plan was scuppered recently…

Chelsea have missed out on Dean Huijsen

Following an excellent season for the Cherries, Huijsen certainly attracted attention from elsewhere, and it appeared as though he would be leaving the south coast sooner rather than later.

According to the Mail, Chelsea were targeting a swoop for the Spanish defender, with the report claiming fellow admirers Liverpool, believed that the Blues were leading the chase.

Recent developments, however, now mean that the youngster won’t be making the move to London this summer.

Real Madrid activated the £50m release clause in his contract in order to secure his services at the end of the season.

This is a big blow for Maresca, as capturing Huijsen, especially with clubs such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool showing interest, would have signalled a statement of intent.

Now, the Italian will have to turn to other defensive targets ahead of the transfer window opening on June 1. By that time, the Blues will know which European competition they will be playing in next season.

Could this allow the club to sign more high-profile players?

Chelsea keen to open talks with teenage defender

Maresa could turn to Premier League defenders Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite as potential alternatives this summer, according to Sky Sports.

It is likely both Crystal Palace and Everton will attempt to put Chelsea off by placing huge price tags on their prized assets. If so, the Blues could well turn to the continent for another centre-back.

According to TEAMtalk, with Huijsen now unavailable, Chelsea are reportedly keen on opening talks with Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

The 19-year-old is a sought-after player, with the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal all showing interest in prising him away from the Netherlands.

Ajax have set an asking price in the region of €45m-€50m (£38m-£42m), meaning if the Blues were to sign him, he would be cheaper than Huijsen.

The report claims that talks are set to begin soon between the Premier League side and Hato. If so, Maresca will be looking to get this deal over the line as quickly as possible.

Why Chelsea must sign Jorrel Hato

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig is used to waxing lyrical about young talent, but his praise for Hato back in 2023 proves just how highly-rated he really was.

“17 years of age. De Toekomst’s Finest. One of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.” Said Kulig and the youngster has gone from strength to strength since.

Player

Year joined

Hakim Ziyech

2020

Daishwan Redan

2017

Juan Familia-Castillo

2016

Per Weihrauch

2006

Moubarak Boussoufa

2002

Jesper Gronkjaer

2001

Mario Melchiot

1999

Despite only turning 19 in March, the Ajax sensation has already racked up 111 competitive appearances for the club, registering 13 goal contributions in that time.

Although the club collapsed over the final few games, allowing PSV Eindhoven to steal the Eredivisie title away from them, Hato enjoyed a wonderful campaign.

His 90% pass accuracy in the top flight was third-best in the squad, behind only Youri Baas and Josip Sutalo, while he ranked first for tackles (1.9), fifth for interceptions (0.7) and third for clearances (2) per game for Ajax.

He also won 4.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 52% – while recovering 4.2 balls per game in the Eredivisie this term.

These performances led Kulig to hail him for his “immense quality” and for having an “excellent season” for the Dutch club.

Huijsen may be on his way to Madrid, but is there a case for Hato to perhaps turn out to be the better long-term prospect for Chelsea?

Why Jorrel Hato can be a better signing than Dean Huijsen

While Huijsen is a superb centre-back, Hato offers positional flexibility which could see him thrive under Maresca.

Not only is he an excellent ball-playing centre-back, but Hato is also just as comfortable at full-back, particularly on the left side of the defence.

Domestically this season, the Dutch youngster has registered eight goal contributions for Ajax, along with recording 0.45 goal-creating actions, winning 36 tackles, making 33 carries into the final third and taking 413 touches in the final third.

Compare these statistics to Huijsen, however, and it is clear who could fit into Maresca’s style better.

The Spaniard has recorded four goal contributions for the Cherries this term, while he also recorded 0.12 goal-creating actions, wins 26 tackles, made 29 carries into the final third and has taken only 137 touches in the opposition’s final third in the top flight.

Hato’s ball-playing ability in advancing out of his own half could give Chelsea a new dimension next season.

Huijsen may have been flavour of the month for a while, but for a cheaper transfer fee, Maresca could sign a defender who has the potential to be even better.

Tosin upgrade: Chelsea eyeing £25m Huijsen alternative as priority target

Chelsea are eyeing up a Dean Huijsen alternative who could be even better than Tosin Adarabioyo.

ByDan Emery May 18, 2025

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has been officially charged with ball tampering in the ongoing Test. Here is the sequence that led to the state of events

Andrew Fidel Fernando and Osman Samiuddin17-Jun-2018Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has been suspended for one Test for ball tampering. In addition, Chandimal, coach Chandika Hathurusingha and team manager Asanka Gurusinha, have also been charged with a Level 3 spirit of cricket offence, for their part in having kept the Sri Lanka team off the field for almost two hours on day three of the St. Lucia Test. If found guilty of the spirit of cricket offence, the three men could receive suspensions of between two to four Tests. Here is the sequence of events that led to this situation.

• Following play on the second evening, in which Sri Lanka were straining for wickets, umpires Aleem Dar, Ian Gould and television umpire Richard Kettleborough, had had some concerns over the methods Sri Lanka had used to maintain the ball. As a result, they asked the television crew if they had any suspicious footage.
• The next morning, the umpires viewed footage (which may be viewed here) of Chandimal retrieving something from his pocket, putting it into his mouth, and only a few seconds later, applying that saliva to the ball before handing it to bowler Lahiru Kumara.
• Upon viewing this footage, the umpires laid the charge of ball tampering, about 10 minutes before the teams were due to take the field on day three. Incensed partly by the timing of this charge, and the fact that the ball had been changed by the umpires, the Sri Lanka team refused to take the field.
• Over the course of two hours, in which Sri Lanka team management was seen in animated discussions with match referee Javagal Srinath, and had also been in contact with cricket administrators in Colombo, the matter was discussed at length.
• Among Sri Lanka’s concerns was the timing of the charge. They believed it should have been laid on the second evening itself, rather than having been sprung on the team just before play.
• Eventually Srinath issued an ultimatum: either Sri Lanka take the field before 11:30 am (the scheduled start had been 9:30), or forfeit the game. Sri Lanka resumed play just before this period elapsed.
• That Srinath allowed Sri Lanka such a lengthy grace period is because the team was in constant contact with him and the other match officials. In fact, there was one false start – Sri Lanka had taken the field to resume play before being hauled off it again by team management. In the time they were on the field, Chandimal was in discussion with at least one umpire.
• Later on day three, Sri Lanka cricket issued a release stating that the team strongly denied all charges, with the support of its administrators. Chandimal pleaded not guilty to the charge, and play went on as usual.
• The match was eventually drawn – Sri Lanka essentially running out of time as they attempted to dismiss West Indies in the final innings. The rain had also washed out most of the final session. West Indies had five wickets remaining.
• A hearing was held following the end of the second Test, during which Chandimal was shown the footage. According to ICC release, Chandimal had said at this hearing that he did not remember what he had put in his mouth.
• Finding this explanation unconvincing, Srinath imposed the harshest possible sentence for a ball-tampering offence: a one-Test suspension. In the wake of the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, match officials had in fact been instructed by the ICC to impose the harshest possible penalties on ball tamperers – a fact that Srinath had conveyed to both teams before the start of the series.
• In addition to this suspension, the match officials charged captain, coach and manager with a Level 3 spirit of cricket offence. If coach and manager are found guilty, they will not be allowed to be in the dressing room while they serve out their suspensions. Chandimal is allowed to be inside the dressing room, but cannot step out into the field of play, even to carry drinks.

Leeds United are now expecting to complete the transfer of an “excellent” player on a long-term deal at the end of the season, according to a new report.

Leeds eyeing new defender and midfielder this summer

The Whites still have work to do to become a Premier League team, but given how the campaign has gone for them so far, it still looks more likely than not they will be promoted. If that does happen, it is expected to be a busy summer for the Yorkshire side, as the 49ers look to back manager Daniel Farke and make sure they have the best chance of remaining in the top flight.

Leeds had a "very talented" gem who was ahead of Gray, then he left for £0

Not every promising Leeds United youngster goes on to make the grade at a senior level.

By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 25, 2025

Leeds could be in the market for a new defender, and according to Give Me Sport’s Ben Jacobs, the Whites are keen on signing Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Elvedi has been on Leeds’ radar for a while now, with the Championship leaders looking into a deal during January, but the player wasn’t keen on a move to the Championship. However, Elvedi would be willing to move to Elland Road, as long as they are in the Premier League.

As well as looking at signing a new centre-back, Farke also wants to improve his midfield options, and it’s been reported that Leeds are looking to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City. The midfielder is set to be available for a transfer this summer after his loan stint at Ipswich Town, and the Whites are now keen on reuniting with their former player, but a loan deal looks more likely given his hefty wages.

Leeds expect to complete signing of "excellent" £15m forward

But as well as looking at new recruits for next season, Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds are now expected to sign Manor Solomon on a permanent basis this summer.

The Whites signed Solomon on a season-long loan deal from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, and he has performed so well that he has become a key player for Farke in Leeds’ attack. Bailey has now revealed that Solomon is expected to leave Spurs at the end of the season, and the Whites are keen to get a permanent deal completed.

“I don’t believe Ange Postecoglou’s future will matter when it comes to Solomon; he will be allowed to leave. Leeds are keen to do it and firmly believe he will go,” Bailey told LeedsUnited.News.

Manor Solomon’s 24/25 Championship stats
Apps	31
Starts	22
Goals	7
xG	5.75
Chance conversion	16%
Assists	7
xAG	5.39
Touches per game	36.4
Big chances created	13

The 25-year-old, who has seven goals in 31 Championship games this season, is likely to cost Leeds between £10-15 million this summer.

The Israel international has only played a handful of games in the Premier League, but he’s already received huge plaudits from none other than Man City captain Kevin De Bruyne, who called Solomon an “excellent player”.

“I know Manor Solomon from the Premier League. From Fulham, Tottenham, and now he has moved to Leeds. He has the qualities to play at this level. He is an excellent player.”

Unbroken stand of 134 secures eight-wicket win as Kent rearguard goes in vain

ECB Reporters Network20-May-2024Matt Renshaw hit an unbeaten 82 as Somerset moved into second place in Vitality County Championship Division One with an eight-wicket victory over Kent at Taunton.The visitors battled their way to 564 all out in their second innings from an overnight 409 for 5, Joe Denly leading the fight with 67 off 129 balls before being last man out. Grant Stewart hit six fours in contributing 37, while Josh Davey recovered from illness to take 2 for 40.That left Somerset to make 189 for victory in a minimum of 54 overs. The outcome was never in doubt as opener Renshaw cracked six fours in a 122-ball innings and Andy Umeed made 73 not out to help their side take a maximum 24 points. Kent had to be content with two.The home bowling attack anticipated a tough day under clear skies on a flat pitch. It might have been shorter had Craig Overton not spilled a chance offered to second slip by Harry Finch in the opening over, completed from the previous evening by Migael Pretorius.Finch went on to make 20 and helped Denly take the total to 455 before Davey, who had not bowled on day two because of a sickness bug, took up the attack from the River End and had the wicketkeeper caught behind edging a defensive shot.Having switched ends, Davey struck again with the score on 480, pinning Joey Evison lbw for 17 and leaving Kent 104 ahead with three wickets remaining. Denly batted throughout the morning session with few mishaps, but lost another partner on the stroke of lunch when Beyers Swanepoel edged to Overton at second slip off Pretorius.If Somerset thought the job was almost done, Denly and Stewart proved them wrong with a stand of 59 at the start of the afternoon session, Stewart opting to counterattack and taking three fours off a Davey over.The patient Denly went to a trademark fifty off 110 balls with a nick through the slips for four. It was one of few false shots amid stubborn resistance and Somerset were struggling for another breakthrough when skipper Lewis Gregory took responsibility for wrapping things up.Joe Denly battled his way a half-century•Getty Images

Stewart had faced only 41 balls when playing one big shot too many and getting an inside edge onto his middle stump, having helped Kent extend their lead to 177. With only last man George Garrett left at the other end, Denly was forced to open up and gave wicketkeeper James Rew his sixth catch of the game when advancing down the pitch to a short ball from Gregory.With Garrett still missing from their attack because of a groin injury sustained while bowling in the first innings, Kent faced a huge task to make inroads into Somerset’s top order. But they struck with the score on 24 when Sean Dickson, on 6, chased a wide leg-side delivery from Swanepoel and glanced a catch to wicketkeeper Finch.Tom Lammonby has been in great form this season and moved briskly to 30 off 24 balls before his brimming confidence led to an error, skying offspinner Marcus O’Riordan to deep mid-off where Zak Crawley took a comfortable catch.Tea was taken immediately with Somerset 60 for 2 and Renshaw unbeaten on 24. A further 129 runs were needed with a minimum of 40.2 overs left in the day and, with their Australian left-hander at the crease, the hosts had good cause for optimism.Umeed has settled consistently into the No. 4 batting role in recent games and again looked in good touch as the third-wicket pair blossomed in the final session, Renshaw bringing up the hundred with a square cut for two off O’Riordan.With the sun still shining brightly over the Cooper Associates County Ground, Renshaw’s fourth boundary took him to a 76-ball half-century, his third of the season. Umeed progressed carefully to his second Championship fifty for Somerset and went on to pass his previous best score for the county of 60 before ending the match with a six and extending the unbroken stand to 134.Kent had given their all after a poor first innings batting effort, but could not prevent unbeaten Somerset building on an impressive start to the summer.

Germany's Joshua Kimmich lauded Cristiano Ronaldo's career consistency before going head-to-head with 40-year-old superstar this week.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ronaldo praised by upcoming opponent
• Kimmich amazed by superstar's numbers
• Veteran's club career still uncertain

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of playing his 100th game for Germany in this week's UEFA Nations League semi-final against Portugal, Joshua Kimmich was asked at the pre-match press conference about facing Cristiano Ronaldo. The skipper spoke with great respect for an opponent who is still playing at the highest level in his fifth decade on earth and has scored more international goals than any male player in history.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo's Portugal tally of 136 goals is a world record in men's international football. His 219 caps is another world record, by some distance, the only male player to represent a senior national side more than 200 times. Ronaldo made his senior club debut back in 2002 and has been a Portugal international for 23 years, more than half his life. There is some debate about tallies recorded by players from older generations, notably Pele – who claimed to have scored over 1,200 goals, but Ronaldo's career goal tally of 936 is also recognised as a world record.

• WHAT JOSHUA KIMMICH SAID

  "I read that he scored [136] goals for the national team," Kimmich told reporters. "Cristiano Ronaldo has crazy numbers, especially when you look at the consistency, he's been playing at a very high level for over 20 years, performing for his country. For me, 100 caps already makes me very proud."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  For all that Ronaldo is undoubtedly an all-time great, his powers are definitely waning. He has struggled to make a telling impact for Portugal at successive major tournaments in 2022 and 2024 and hasn't found the net in a game against what might be considered an elite international opponent since a brace against France at Euro 2020 – four years ago.

MatériaMais Notícias

da spicy bet： O Botafogo encerrou a preparação para a partida diante do Resende. Sob comando do Luís Castro, os jogadores realizaram um treinamento na manhã deste sábado no Espaço Lonier e viajaram para o Espírito Santo logo em seguida.

O Glorioso contará com alguns desfalques importantes para a partida. Expulsos no clássico com Flamengo em Brasília, Marçal, Joel Carli e Tiquinho Soares serão ausências no duelo. Com uma lesão no joelho, Patrick de Paula está fora da temporada. Em tratamento, Rafael também não joga.

+Relembre 10 vezes que a arbitragem foi agredida em um campo de futebol

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da dobrowin： +Matheus Nascimento ganha chance de mostrar serviço e abandonar posto de ‘promessa’ no Botafogo

Recuperados das lesões, Eduardo e Gatito Fernández vêm treinando com os jogadores nas últimas semanas, mas ainda não têm um prazo para retornar aos gramados. Com isso, Luís Castro precisará colocar em campo com um equipe alternativa.

A provável escalação do Glorioso é: Lucas Perri, Daniel Borges, Adryelson, Víctor Cuesta e Hugo; Tchê Tchê, Lucas Fernandes e Gabriel Pires; Carlos Alberto, Víctor Sá e Matheus Nascimento.

Resende e Botafogo se enfrentam neste domingo, às 16h, no Kléber Andrade, em partida válida pelo Campeonato Carioca.

Anger has largely been replaced by acceptance among those of a Manchester United persuasion, with Sunday’s FA Cup penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Fulham having almost been met by a sense of inevitability among those in Old Trafford.

To their credit, the United faithful stuck by their team even in the wake of that latest setback for Ruben Amorim and his charges, with the Stretford End uniting in a chorus of cheers for a crestfallen Joshua Zirkzee, following the Dutchman’s inability to convert the decisive spot-kick on the day.

That tame spot-kick does, however, ensure that the club have even one less thing to play for heading into the final months of this disastrous campaign, with all the Red Devils’ eggs now placed in the Europa League basket, in the bid to secure an unlikely Champions League qualification.

On the evidence of the weekend disappointment, even getting into the quarter-final stage of the continent’s second-tier competition will be a tough ask, with United in real danger of allowing the season to fade out with a whimper.

Attention then will largely turn toward the summer window and what will be yet another crucial squad overhaul for those at the Theatre of Dreams, with key decisions needing to be made all across the pitch – starting with the goalkeeper.

Andre Onana's frustrating performance vs Fulham

On the face of it, Andre Onana can reflect on a solid showing against the Cottagers last time out, having notably pulled off a handful of key saves to take the game to penalties, including a fine sprawling dive to deny Emile Smith Rowe’s curling strike.

Unfortunately for the hosts, the experienced shot-stopper was far less effective when the shootout rolled around, producing a string of “early” dives – as noted by journalist Daniel Storey – which handed a real advantage to Marco Silva’s men.

Not only did the former Inter man fail to get close to any of the away side’s four spot-kicks, but he also regularly drew the ire of those inside the Theatre of Dreams for taking an age to carry out each goal-kick, with the Cameroonian seemingly content to allow the seconds to tick by, even amid the need to chase a winner.

Stat

Record (per 90)

Ranking

Goals against

1.44

Top 44%

Save percentage

67.3%

Bottom 32%

Save % (penalties)

25%

Top 26%

Clean sheet %

25.9%

Top 34%

Touches

40.67

Top 27%

Avg. length of goal kicks

46.6

Top 31%

Crosses stopped

5.8%

Bottom 50%

Defensive actions outside area

0.67

Bottom 18%

Fresh off the back of his involvement in both of Ipswich’s goals in midweek, the 28-year-old – who has made three errors leading to a goal in the Premier League this season – hardly did himself any favours on Sunday evening, with it somewhat unfortunate that Amorim has no able deputy to call upon, following the loss of both Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton to injury.

Onana’s short-term future may then be safe, yet while he is also seemingly keen to stay put in Manchester for the 2025/26 campaign, consideration must surely be made regarding a change in the sticks, with reports in recent weeks suggesting that Amorim is craving a new number one.

If the one-time Ajax man was to be sent for the exit door this summer, it would be no surprise if he were to be joined by a man who also arrived at the club almost two years ago – Rasmus Hojlund.

The Man Utd star who looks finished under Amorim

There were audible groans directed toward Onana amid his hesitancy when getting the game restarted, yet the club’s number 24 wasn’t the only villain on the day, with young Hojlund also the subject of ironic jeers as he left the field just after the hour mark.

The struggling striker – who has now gone 18 games without a goal in all competitions – was again rather lifeless up against compatriot Joachim Andersen, having also notably lashed a rare effort wide inside the first half.

Remarkably, that attempt was one of just nine total touches that the Dane recorded on the day, having also lost the ball on five occasions and failed to complete a single attempted dribble, as well as winning just one of his five total duels.

Signed for £64m in the summer of 2023, the ex-Atalanta marksman did end last term as United’s top scorer with 16 goals across all fronts, yet a return of 23 goals in 73 games for the club in all marks a relatively meagre haul for such a costly addition.

The 21-year-old’s ongoing woes were also further exposed by the lively display of his replacement, 17-year-old Chido Obi, with the teenage sensation having been far more involved at the top end of the pitch.

Indeed, the former Arsenal youth asset lashed an effort wide after turning Calvin Bassey inside the area, while also seeing his close range effort saved by Bernd Leno from the angle.

Those missed attempts indicated that the new arrival remains rather raw, but the ability to create chances for himself – in contrast to Hojlund – was rather telling, having also been far more effective with regard to his hold-up play, having enjoyed an 80% pass accuracy rate and completed 100% of his dribbles.

Frustratingly, Obi isn’t actually eligible to feature in the Europa League, having been left off United’s updated squad list last month, ensuring Hojlund will remain as Amorim’s sole centre-forward option for the remainder of the competition.

That reprieve for the more ‘senior’ striker should seemingly be a short-term one, however, and with Serie A interest mounting ahead of the summer, a hasty exit could be in store for United’s number nine.

There is potential there, of course, as Hojlund showcased last season, yet having already been upstaged by an inexperienced teenager in recent weeks, it certainly looks as if the £85k-per-week enigma is on borrowed time under Amorim.

Man Utd star left on a free & it's become a bigger mistake than McTominay

Manchester United may have made a mistake when they allowed this star to leave.

ByDan Emery Mar 4, 2025

Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper has revealed some major contract news involving a “brilliant” ace and a “lion” in the Canaries’ squad according to a new report.

Latest Norwich City news

The Canaries are back in action on Saturday, as they travel to Blackburn for the lunch time kick-off. Ahead of the game in Lancashire, head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup has revealed some important team news.

EFL chief now believes Norwich will attempt move to sign £2.5m defender

The Canaries could sign a 6’6 defender…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 20, 2025

Thorup has revealed that midfielder Kenny McLean will miss the game at Ewood Park through illness, but they are hopeful he will be back for their next match, which is against Oxford United.

Forward Lewis Dobbin is going to be part of the matchday squad, despite the fact he came off at half-time against Stoke City in the last match.

Thorup was also asked about striker Josh Sargent, who has scored three goals in his last two games, and the Norwich coach had some advice for the USA international: “He can be out of the game for periods, and we want him to push a bit more to always be involved. When he is involved, he’s such a big threat.”

Norwich chief reveals double contract talks

As the Canaries prepare for the game against Blackburn, sporting director Knapper has told Pink Un that contract talks with Borja Sainz and Marcelino Nunez are ongoing, and he remains relaxed about their futures.

The midfield duo have been key performers for Norwich this season, but with them both now in the final 18 months of their contracts, teams around Europe have taken notice and there has been transfer interest in recent transfer windows.

The pair will enter the final 12 months of their contracts in the summer, and therefore, Knapper has revealed that work has begun to secure their futures at the club.

“There are conversations ongoing in both cases. There’s been good dialogue with the camps of both of those players, and that will continue. Ultimately, these things take time, and you need to try to find alignment between all parties. There’s no conclusion either way on any of those scenarios.

Sainz

Nunez

Apps

29

22

Goals

15

4

xG

10.9

3.1

Goals per 90

0.53

0.22

Assists

4

2

Progressive carries

99

22

Progressive passes

76

94

Shots per 90

3.17

1.89

Passes attempted (completed)

742 (554)

1200 (969)

“I’m sure as the coming weeks play out, and we start to see how things look for us as a club in terms of the play-offs, the potential involvement in those, and the possibility of us not even being in this division next year – that will obviously have an impact as well, particularly from the players’ perspective. They are both live issues, but at the same time, we’re relaxed about it. Things will play out in the way they do, and we’ll react. I’m sure we will get a good outcome for the club, whatever the situation.”

Sainz, who has been dubbed “brilliant” by Thorup this season, has played 29 times in the Championship, while Nunez, who was described as a “lion” by David Wagner, has played 22 games. Sainz has started every league game he has been available for this season, while Nunez has started all but two, as both have been among the goals and assists.

The pair have been real key performers, but the chances of extending their stay at Carrow Road could depend on whether they achieve promotion or not, currently sitting four points off the play-offs.

يواجه هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة، مهمة صعبة هذا الموسم، في ظل وجود عدة خيارات في جميع مراكز اللعب، مما يعقد موقفه في اختيار تشكيلته الأساسية خلال المباريات.

وكان هانز فليك قد اعتمد على ثلاثية في خط الوسط أمام ريال مايوركا، تتكون من فرانك دي يونج وبيدري وفيرمين لوبيز، والذي حصل على مكانه على حساب داني اولمو الذي كان لاعبًا أساسيًا الموسم الماضي.

اقرأ أيضاً.. خطوة تحسم مصير لاعب برشلونة ومواجهة ليفانتي قد تشهد ظهوره الأخير

ونشرت صحيفة “سبورت” الكتالونية أنه باستثناء هذا الثلاثي، هناك أيضًا داني أولمو وجافي ومارك كاسادو وبيرنال، ويمكن للرباعي أن يلعب بشكل أساسي في أي فريق تقريباً في القارة الأوروبية.

وتشتعل المنافسة بين الجميع خاصة لاعبي مركز خط الوسط في برشلونة، ومع ذلك فإن الفريق ينتظره جدول مباريات مزدحم للغاية وستكون هناك غيابات ولا يوجد دائماً عدد كاف من اللاعبين.

وحصل جافي وداني اولمو على وقت للعب في الشوط الثاني ضد ريال مايوركا، بينما لم يلعب كاسادو لدقيقة واحدة، على الرغم من أنه كان لا يستهان به خلال النصف الأول من الموسم الماضي في ظل إصابة بيرنال الخطيرة.

وعلى الرغم من افتقار كاسادو للخبرة، إلا أنه قدم فترة رائعة مع برشلونة وقد سيطر على خط وسط الفريق في عدة مباريات، خاصة أول شهرين أو ثلاثة أشهر الموسم الماضي.

وقد ترددت شائعات في وقت سابق عن رحيل كاسادو بعد تلقي برشلونة عروض وكذلك ممثلي اللاعب، وقد كانت هناك اتجاه لصعوبة حصول اللاعب على وقت للعب في برشلونة.

وقد أبلغ هانز فليك لاعب خط وسط برشلونة أن المنافسة في خط الوسط هذا الموسم ستكون نارية، ولن تمنح الدقائق بسهولة لأي لاعب.

ومع ذلك فإن مارك كاسادو يشعر بالانتماء لبرشلونة، وسيبذل قصارى جهده، وكان دائمًا ينصح ممثليه بعدم الالتفات للعروض خاصة من الدوري الإنجليزي حيث أبدت عدة أندية مثل تشيلسي اهتمامها به.

It has been a tough start to life at Manchester United for new manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager replaced Erik ten Hag midway through the season, but it has been a baptism of fire for the former Sporting CP boss.

So far, Amorim has managed 20 games at the helm of the Old Trafford club. In that time, the Red Devils have won ten, drawn two and lost eight. Having a positive record is something, but losses such as a 2-0 away defeat to Wolves and Crystal Palace springing a surprise by winning 2-0 at Old Trafford have been frustrating.

There has been much conversation about Amorim’s back three system, but it seems like he will not be switching things up. One of the most crucial parts of his system is at wing-back, which has been a struggle at times for United.

Why wing-backs are important for Amorim’s system

Amorim sets up his side in a 3-4-2-1 system, with two number 10s in behind the striker and wing-backs responsible for creating width in the absence of wingers, looking to get crosses into the box.

This season, it is a role that has been occupied by full-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, and wingers such as Amad, and, at times Alejandro Garnacho. New signing Patrick Dorgu has also been signed to play as a wing-back.

Nick Wright, an analyst for Sky Sports, explained the use of Amoirm’s wing-backs in an article shortly after his appointment. He explained that they “are primarily attacking weapons, responsible for providing width and contributing goals and assists”.

This has not necessarily been the case throughout Amorim’s tenure. We have seen his wing-backs either struggle to contribute to goals, or underlap the number 10s rather than always hold width, although the latter is clearly an instruction from Amorim. Amad has been a success story in this position, managing to score a hat-trick there against Southampton in a 3-1 win.

There is one player who could have excelled in this role, but he has struggled for fitness this season and has barely had any involvement under Amorim.

INEOS must sell one of Amorim's wing-backs

It has been a really tough campaign for the experienced Luke Shaw. He has been sidelined with several injuries for the majority of 2024/25 and has currently missed 53 games with three separate fitness issues.

In total, the England international has managed just three appearances all season. He has not played since the 1st December against Everton when he made a 34-minute substitute cameo in a 4-0 win.

Despite his injury problems, the 29-year-old has been a stalwart at Old Trafford in the 11 years he has played for the club. He has played 278 games in the famous red shirt in total, scoring four goals and grabbing 28 assists in that time.

At one point during his Red Devils career, Shaw was incredibly highly thought of by many people. Gary Neville, who knows what it takes to succeed as a full-back at Old Trafford, once called him “the best left back in the country”.

However, perhaps it is time for the Red Devils to cut their losses in their number 23. Shaw is a fantastic player, but his injury issues are such a big roadblock to him playing regular football. Given he earns £150k per week, the joint sixth-highest earner at the club, United could save themselves a fortune and reinvest the money.

£350k

£18.2m

Casemiro

£300k

£15.6m

Bruno Fernandes

£250k

£13m

Mason Mount

£195k

£10.4m

Matthijs de Ligt

£190k

£10.14m

Harry Maguire

£150k

£7.8m

Shaw, Eriksen

It is frustrating that United fans are yet to see the England ace play as a wing-back under Amorim. Whilst his body may not be able to handle to demand of getting up and down the flank, he is technically a perfect option to slot into the role. Of course, he also scored one of the most famous goals in England’s history from that very position, the opener in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

It is a real shame that Shaw’s injuries have hampered his career at Old Trafford. Had he not been so affected by fitness issues over the decade he has spent as a United player, he could have consistently been the “best”, as Neville rated him.

Perhaps he can get back to full fitness and over his injury issues once and for all, but it would certainly be hard to blame United if they decided to cut their losses in Shaw sooner or later.

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