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As much of the Stamford Bridge faithful have become accustomed to under the ownership of Todd Boehly, this summer looks set to be another one in which Chelsea spend big on a number of young players.

Boehly eyes the next generation of Stamford Bridge stars

Whilst splashing the cash on big name talents has been part of the Blues' transfer strategy in recent windows, Chelsea are constantly looking to bring in young players with high ceilings.

Chelsea could seal bigger coup than Isak by signing £102m striker

The star may align for Todd Boehly and Co with this player’s club eager to cash in.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 30, 2024

The most recent name linked with a move to West London is Mathys Tel. The 19-year-old currently plays for Bayern Munich, where he has scored 16 goals and supplied 6 assists across 69 senior appearances for the German giants.

Joining Tel on Boehly's wishlist is American teenager Caleb Wiley, who already has two caps for the USMNT despite being just 19 years of age. As a natural left back, Wiley could be an excellent option to fill the void left by Ben Chilwell, who has struggled with injury issues since arrving at Chelsea from Leicester City.

The final young star linked with a move to the Blues is Aaron Anselmino. Currently at Boca Juniors, the Argentine sensation has been in talks with the West London club for some time and it appears that a new development has brought the deal almost to completion.

Agreement reached in Chelsea's pursuit of teenage talent

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Argentine press are claiming that Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Boca Juniors' Aaron Anselmino. The outlet have stated that the 19-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge has entered it’s decisive stage as the final details of the deal are ironed out.

This follows recent news from Fabrizio Romano that Anselmino is set to travel for medical tests as soon as a decision is made on an agreement to loan him back to Boca upon completion of the transfer.

The recent development from Sport Witness suggests that this issue around a loan back has now been sorted. The Blues are said to be considering Boca's request to have the player back on loan for another year, with Chelsea reporedly holding an option to cut short the loan in December.

With a reported fee of £14million, it is clear why the local press have been swept up in the excitement surrounding the transfer, with one outlet there describing the fee involved as an "exorbitant" amount for such an inexperienced player.

With just ten first team appearances for Boca to his name, a loan back to the club would prove a sensible option for the 19-year-old centre back's development.

Boca Club President and Argentina icon Juan Román Riquelme has already spoken highly of the teenager however, telling the press: “He is going to compete with the center backs. He seems bigger. With the growth, the head he has and the desire to learn that he shows, he is on his way to being a great footballer.”

With this current iteration of Chelsea well known for giving chances to young players, there is every possibility that Anselmino will return from a loan spell at Boca ready to break into the starting eleven at Stamford Bridge.

Glamorgan left to rue dropped chances as Pope, Amla cash in on Oval shirtfront

ECB Reporters Network23-Sep-2021Jamie Smith scored a career-best 138 as Surrey dug in on a Kia Oval shirtfront in search of a run-filled draw against Glamorgan to finish the LV= Insurance County Championship season.Surrey, in reply to Glamorgan’s 672 for 6 declared, reached the end of day three on 387 for 2 but, on a bowlers’ graveyard of a pitch, the Welsh county will rue dropping Hashim Amla three times as he reached 87 not out.Ollie Pope is unbeaten on 95, having dominated an unbroken stand of 140 in 40 overs for the third wicket with Amla, while Ryan Patel hit 10 fours in his 62 from 138 balls. Surrey will now aim to bat out the final day.Related

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Pope has faced 135 balls, stroking 12 fours, and this is believed to be the first time a first-class match has featured scores of 35 or more from the first twelve batsmen to take the field. It is also the first time since 1995 in Championship cricket that Surrey’s first three wickets have each put on more than 100.Glamorgan, however, did have a clutch of chances to put Surrey’s top order under more pressure, with Patel dropped on 33, Smith dropped on 53 and Amla on 61, 79 and 87 but, in truth, the soporific nature of the pitch – offering no pace or bounce for the quicker bowlers, nor any real turn for the spinners – made the task of taking wickets extremely difficult.Surrey resumed on 45 without loss, and Smith and Patel were soon accumulating steadily. There were also some pedigree strokes from both openers, with one early Smith clip off his pads for four off Michael Hogan being particularly memorable.At 66, though, Patel was badly missed at first slip by Eddie Byrom and then Smith was put down above his head by Hamish Rutherford at mid off when he miscued a lofted drive at offspinner Callum Taylor.Just before lunch Byrom atoned for his drop, claiming his maiden first-class wicket with his rarely-seen legspin when Patel, pushing forward, edged to David Lloyd at slip.That left Surrey 140 for 1 in the 48th over but Amla then joined Smith in a second wicket stand of 107, with the former South Africa Test great getting under way with lovely extra cover and square cover drives off Hogan that brought him successive fours.Smith, who made 123 against Northants in his previous championship appearance in early September, reached his third hundred of the season, and fourth in first-class cricket, from 189 balls and – at the age of 21 – looks a fine prospect. Tall, powerful and well-balanced at the crease, he now has 656 Championship runs at 43.73 this summer and also captained Surrey in the Royal London Cup.His dismissal was freakish, as Smith managed somehow to get a touch to a short legside ball from Byrom that he was trying to flick away for more runs. Caught by keeper Chris Cooke, he had faced 236 balls, across four and a half hours, hitting 17 fours.Amla survived a sharp caught and bowled chance to left-arm seamer Jamie McIlroy and was later put down by keeper Cooke, off Byrom, and slip Lloyd, off Taylor, in the day’s penultimate over.

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da bet7： O técnico do São Paulo, Alex, lamentou a confusão ocorrida nos acréscimos da segunda etapa da derrota do Tricolor por 1 a 0, na semifinal da Copinha, neste sábado.

RelacionadasFutebol NacionalProvocação, invasão e apoio: clima de São Paulo e Palmeiras na Copinha termina mal em Barueri; assistaFutebol Nacional22/01/2022Futebol NacionalCom invasão da torcida no fim, Palmeiras vence o São Paulo e está na final da CopinhaFutebol Nacional22/01/2022Futebol NacionalSão Paulo x Palmeiras na Copinha tem invasão no final; faca foi encontrada no gramadoFutebol Nacional22/01/2022

da premier bet： – É com tristeza, acabei de falar sobre educação. Palmeiras e São Paulo vieram para jogar futebol, fizeram um bom jogo, cada um com suas estratégias e o Palmeiras acabou saindo vencedor. São coisas que não conseguimos controlar. Por isso, é importante que quem está dentro do campo de bons exemplos para quem do lado de fora se absorva coisas boas. De fora para dentro, infelizmente, a gente não controla – disse Alex, ao ‘SporTV’.

Ele ainda falou sobre o papo que teve com Lucas Sena, que segundo o treinador, teve atitudes ‘erradas’ durante a partida, já que entrou muito exaltado.

– Já saiu do Palmeiras de uma maneira ruim e teve algumas situações, na minha frente, que não se deve permitir no futebol profissional. Então, fui trocar uma ideia com ele. É importante que não só ele, como todos os outros meninos, cheguem mais educados no futebol profissional, para que o espetáculo seja melhor, o jogo flua melhor. Infelizmente, vemos algumas situações das quais a gente condena. Uma forma de mudar isso é educando os jovens – finalizou.

Harry Gurney, the Nottinghamshire and England seamer who became a fixture on the T20 franchise circuit, has announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 34.Gurney announced the decision after failing to recover from a shoulder injury that caused him to miss Nottinghamshire’s triumphant campaign in last season’s Vitality Blast.However, Gurney claimed three one-day trophies with Nottinghamshire in the course of his career – two List A finals at Lord’s, and the 2017 Vitality Blast title, in which he claimed figures of 7 for 36 across their two fixtures on Finals Day at Edgbaston.”The time has arrived for me to hang up my boots,” Gurney told the club website. “After trying to recover from the recent injury to my shoulder, I am truly disappointed to have to end my playing career as a result of it.”From the first time I picked up a cricket ball at the age of ten, I was completely obsessed. Cricket has been my life for 24 years and has taken me on an incredible journey that I will cherish forever.”As a left-arm seamer with a natural ability to swing the ball, Gurney played 12 times for England, all in 2014 – 10 ODIs and two T20Is – but enjoyed significantly more success on the T20 domestic circuit, with trophy-winning stints at Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash and Barbados Tridents in the CPL. He also represented Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, and Quetta Gladiators in the PSL.Related

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“Playing for England, in the IPL and winning eight trophies at home and abroad including the Blast, Big Bash and CPL has exceeded my wildest dreams,” he said.Outside of cricket, Gurney runs a pub company, the Cat and Wickets, with his Nottinghamshire and England team-mate Stuart Broad. Although the duo confirmed on Thursday that they would not be renewing the lease on their original Leicestershire project, The Three Crowns, in Wymeswold, near Loughborough, due to the impact of Covid-19, Gurney says he will be continuing in the hospitality industry.”I always prepared for leaving cricket and I have discovered a new path in business that gives me the same excitement that I felt when I discovered the game all those years ago,” he said.”That is a path I will now go down with immediate effect, as I have found this injury recovery too much of a mountain to climb.”Mick Newell, who brought Gurney to Nottinghamshire ahead of the 2012 season, highlighted his achievements in both the red- and white-ball game.”Harry has been a terrific, match winning, bowler for this club for a number of years,” Newell said.”He’s carved out a niche in limited-overs competitions in recent times and been very successful in that at home and abroad, but his record in the First-Class game is something he can be immensely proud of as well.”Harry sets a good example to all cricketers in that he’s prepared himself for life after the game, and that is something I hope will make the transition a lot easier.”He moves into a new phase of his life with the very best wishes of everyone at Trent Bridge, and we hope to see him as a welcome visitor on a regular basis during the coming years.”

Keeper’s unbeaten 91 drives Hampshire reply after Somerset strike early

David Hopps04-Jun-2021

Lewis McManus’ unbeaten 91 dragged Hampshire towards parity•Harry Trump/Getty Images

Such are the privations of the Covid pandemic that Tractor Driver, Somerset’s most famous and voluble fan, has temporarily been banished from his traditional stamping ground on Gimblett Hill. So it was that his plaintive cry for Somerset to deliver wickets with the second new ball came from an unlikely vantage spot behind the Ondaatje Alcohol Free Stand, where presumably ‘Big T’, as his t-shirt identified him, was particularly careful not to breathe the contents of his can of cider on those less inclined towards alcoholic sustenance.Tractor’s imploring did not last long, not because Somerset answered his call – one wicket was the sum of their response – but perhaps because it was a gloriously mellow summer’s evening, or perhaps because Lewis McManus had worn him down as much as the Somerset attack.David Foot, one of county cricket’s most romantic and empathetic writers, died last week at his Bristol home, at 92, and, for all his West Country affinity, he would have admired the manner in which McManus’ workmanlike innings evened the balance and guaranteed two further pay days ahead.After surviving an early short-pitched examination by Marchant de Lange, this was a shrewdly-assembled affair, built around careful drives and enlivened by an occasional reverse-sweep. He finished unbeaten on 91 from 160 balls, Hampshire 75 behind on 285 for 7 and is unnervingly in range of a second first-class hundred to add to the one he made after taking over the gloves from Adam Wheater five years ago.Related

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As McManus’ resistance grew, it was natural for Somerset supporters to rue the absence of Craig Overton and Jack Leach, who are both in charge of hand sanitiser in the England bubble. In the old days, Somerset might even have indulged in a little gentle tomfoolery to remove him.As Foot tells in his final book, , his favourite Somerset cricketer, Arthur Wellard, a mighty smiter of sixes who switched from seam to offspin after the war to rest aching limbs, would occasionally take out his teeth on hot days and field at silly mid-off. “It changed his appearance considerably,” told Foot, “and, according to several of the pros, his improvised dentistry bordered on gamesmanship.”The county cricket media – denuded these days – has adapted to the determined, technology-driven professionalism of the age, but in Foot’s heyday a great affinity for county cricket’s players could come alongside a blithe disregard for watching every ball, especially if the day was warm and there was good company to be found for a couple of lunchtime jars at the Masons Arms where Jeremy Leyton kept the ale in decent nick.Stories of Wellard and Harold Gimblett – about whom Foot wrote a magnificent biography – would be interspersed by the sort of personal verbal take-downs between rivals and colleagues that were once ten-a-penny in most cricket press boxes in the country. Dissections of great literature could share the stage with discussions of the latest sex scandal or dressing-room tittle-tattle. At the close, a masterful report, often no more than 450 words, would be filed to the and when its author returned home to Bristol, his wife Anne would never enquire about the cricket, merely the company. “Was it a good box?” she would ask.Marchant de Lange struck early on•Getty Images

Somerset’s 360 on the opening day had set Hampshire an exacting task, even though batting conditions were slightly easier. Their innings followed a similar path, half the side dismissed for 110 before McManus began to organise a worthy response on an interesting day which rarely captured the heights of the one before.Somerset rid themselves of Hampshire’s vulnerable top order by the 13th over, 31 on the board: Josh Davey defeated Ian Holland through extra bounce before de Lange took two wickets in an over, Tom Alsop caught low at third slip and Cameron Steel, who played briefly for Somerset’s 2nd X1 as a teenager and who is on loan from Durham, patting back a short ball and berating himself for not pulling it. De Lange bowled some fast balls and if Somerset get him right he can make a sizeable impression on their Championship challenge.Sam Northeast and James Vince are the heartbeat of this Hampshire batting order – Vince’s position as low as No. 5 somewhat debatable considering that he once toured Australia as England’s No. 3. Vince buckled down to the task, nevertheless, and looked thoroughly at ease until he was caught at backward point, square-driving, for 29. Northeast provided the most pleasing innings of the day, 67 from 145 balls, before he miscued a pull off Tom Abell and skied to the keeper. The ball took an age to fall and it felt as Davies held it that Somerset could gain a sizeable advantage.Abell had passed McManus’ outside edge with his first ball; the next ball was edged just short of slip. Somerset’s captain marched back to his mark with straight-backed military bearing, convinced that the game was there to be won. The back never slouched, but the scoreboard did as McManus, staunchly supported by Keith Barker, found another 128 runs in the post-tea session, reverse-sweeping Roelof van der Merwe to reach his half-century.The new ball was taken at 216 for 6 which told of Somerset’s discipline, but they looked weary in the final hour and, although they budged Barker, caught at slip to give Davey his third wicket of the day, McManus bedded himself in for the duration.

Having established himself in the Delhi Capitals top order, the keeper-batter from Chandannagar is poised to play a major role for Bengal in the 2024-25 season

Himanshu Agrawal13-Aug-2024Arguments over the merits and demerits of the Impact Player rule have raged ever since its introduction during IPL 2023, but Abishek Porel is unlikely to be drawn into them. He owes his IPL breakthrough to this rule.At the start of IPL 2024, it seemed unlikely he would get much game time. With Rishabh Pant back as wicketkeeper and captain, Porel was fighting with Kumar Kushagra, for whom Delhi Capitals broke the bank with an INR 7.2 crore winning bid, to be the team’s second wicketkeeper. DC also had Tristan Stubbs.But when they were in dire need of momentum in their tournament-opener at 138 for 7 against Punjab Kings, Porel got his chance. He came off the subs bench and blitzed an unbeaten 32 off 10 balls to take DC to 174. That cameo made such an impression that Porel ended up playing all 14 games, and DC’s then head coach Ricky Ponting went on to call him a “very special talent”.Related

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“Ponting said, ‘Just believe in yourself.’ When a legend like him motivates you, then obviously you are moved,” Porel tells ESPNcricinfo. “Pant also told me, ‘ [You can do it]’. Personally, I also felt like I just had to perform this time.”It wasn’t Porel’s first brush with the IPL. He had been part of DC’s squad in 2023 too, having been picked out of a trial in which the franchise looked at six other keepers. Porel remembers being intimidated just being around the coaching staff when he arrived for his first training session.”I was definitely nervous seeing Ponting,” Porel says. “But he was a down-to-earth person, and helped me understand [things] well. Moreover, once I was in Delhi, Ponting, Sourav [Ganguly, director of cricket] sir and Shane Watson [assistant coach] were guiding us nicely, and treating me like one of their own. If there is anyone who knows me today, it is because of DC and Sourav sir.”Porel finished IPL 2024 with 327 runs including two match-winning half-centuries and a number of useful cameos. He struck his runs at 159.51, which put him behind only Jake Fraser-McGurk and Stubbs, and ahead of Pant, among the DC batters who scored at least 200 runs.”I was just prepared for the opportunity,” Porel says when asked if the prospect of fighting for a spot with three other wicketkeepers was intimidating. “The fight was always with myself, because it is me who is my competitor. I knew that if I performed well, I would be able to keep my place.”He particularly enjoyed batting with Australia’s rising star Fraser-McGurk, with the two adding 176 runs in three first-wicket partnerships. Their run rate of 14.46 was the best of any opening pair with at least 175 runs that season.”He seemed to have that magic bat from (a Bollywood movie from 2007),” Porel says with a laugh. “He was swinging it in all directions, and I kept turning my neck to watch the ball fly on both sides of the ground!”Abishek Porel is likely to play as a specialist batter for Bengal this season, with Wriddhiman Saha back in the fold•PTI As a left-hand batter from Bengal, there’s little doubt who Porel idolises. “I obviously want to be like Sourav sir,” he says. “If I end up achieving even a percentage of what he did, then that would be massive. I really like his debut Test hundred; I have watched highlights of it multiple times.”The Porel of 2024 is confident and clear about what he can offer. This sets him up nicely for the upcoming season, where it’s likely he’ll play as a specialist batter for Bengal with Wriddhiman Saha back in the fold after two years away at Tripura.Porel broke through in 2022 only because of Saha’s departure. And like Saha, whose journey from Siliguri to Kolkata is well documented, Porel has walked a long road too, from Chandannagar, a quiet city in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, to Kolkata and beyond.That Porel is firmly established as one of Bengal’s rising stars is a source of extra delight for his extended family, with first cousin Ishan a key fast bowler in the team’s attack alongside India Test players Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep.”It was when (big brother, here referring to Ishan) was representing Bengal Under-14 and Under-16 that I also started getting interested in the game,” Porel says. “He took me to the National Sporting Club in Chandannagar, where I met my childhood coach for the first time.”Barely 11 then, Porel did not have it easy at first. Sometimes he’d have to wait until sunset, when other, older batters would finish, to get an opportunity. He would unfailingly grab his chance.He was “a step ahead of his peers”, according to Parthasarathi Bhattacharjee, who was Porel’s coach when he played for the Bengal Under-23s. But long before that, Bhattacharjee had been impressed by his ability as a puny teenager, when he captained Porel at the Bhowanipore Club.”Abishek could play some terrific shots,” Bhattacharjee says. “People at that age are usually defensive, but he was always gutsy. He was dominating even the senior bowlers, never giving the impression that he had come over from Under-16s.”In 2021-22, as Bengal’s captain in the Cooch Behar Trophy, Porel smashed 716 runs at an average of 89.50 and a strike rate of 82.11 in six games, including three hundreds.It led to his name doing the rounds among the junior selectors, and when five players from the Under-19 World Cup squad contracted Covid-19 in the Caribbean, Porel was called up as a reserve.Porel believes he can break into the India squad if he breaches the 1000-run mark in consecutive first-class seasons•PTI “I was really upset when I hadn’t got the call-up for the original squad,” he says. A chance in the playing XI eluded him, but he took away quite a lot from the experience. “I understood what it means to tour, and got a feeling of what it means to represent the country.”Upon his return, circumstances helped Porel break through in the Ranji Trophy. Saha had left, and Shreevats Goswami wasn’t in the scheme of things anymore. Porel’s first-class debut was a baptism by fire. Bengal were shot out for 88 on a Cuttack greentop by Baroda, but Porel made 21 off 19 balls.Then, in the second innings, Bengal were 242 for 6 chasing 349 when Porel joined Shahbaz Ahmed. They added an unbroken 108, of which Abishek scored an unbeaten 53 off 70, as Bengal sealed victory in what remains his “favourite match”.”We won, and to score runs in that situation – and that too on debut – was special,” Porel says. Bengal made the semi-finals, and Porel scored 303 runs at an average of 33.66 that season, including three fifties, to repay the faith shown by Bhattacharjee, who was then part of Bengal’s senior selection committee.”[Arun] Lal ji was the coach then, and even he told me that he had rarely seen such stroke-making and fearlessness at that age,” Bhattacharjee says.That match was also memorable for other reasons. On the first morning, Porel teamed up with his cousin as “c Porel b Porel” made its first appearance on a first-class scoresheet.Porel made enough of an impact in that first season to earn a Duleep Trophy call-up – he scored an unbeaten 50 against North Zone in his only game – but he hasn’t yet translated his promise into consistent big scores at the first-class level. He currently averages 33.50, and has scored just the one hundred in 23 games.It’s early days still, of course, with Porel only turning 22 in October, but it’s possible he may not enjoy the standing he has today without that opening as an impact sub in IPL 2024. “Life has certainly taken a jump,” he says. “People in Chandannagar have started recognising me.”How is Porel preparing for the new season and the prospect of teaming up with Saha again? “Now that Wriddhi is back, I can chat with him [about my game],” Porel says. “He is like my own , and a guide to me. Even during the IPL, he tells me I can speak to him if I face any problem.”I aim to play all three formats for India – and play regularly. If I get 1000 runs in first-class cricket for two seasons in a row, and hit 500-600 runs in the IPL, I believe a door will certainly open for me.”

It seems like Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has settled on his first-choice midfield pivot. His infamous 3-4-2-1 system has sparked plenty of debate, but with United now five games unbeaten, perhaps it is a sign of things improving.

Indeed, one of those reasons could be continuity in team selection. The midfield is one of those areas, with Amorim choosing captain Bruno Fernandes and the experienced Casemiro as the two pivot players. It has meant the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte cannot get a look in, with the United boss sticking to that pair.

However, the Red Devils might well dip into the transfer market in January to add to the depth in the centre of the park.

Man United's new midfield target

There are reportedly a few names on United’s list for a new midfielder. One of those is Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes, who could cost upwards of £44m, with a deal said to be in advanced stages.

However, the Brazilian is not the only midfielder United are looking at this winter with the likes of Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba high-profile targets from within the Premier League.

Alongside those players, Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher has once again emerged as a target for Amorim’s side, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Indeed, talking to The United Stand, via TEAMtalk, he claims the former Chelsea man is a “definitive” target ahead of the transfer window opening in just over a month. The player is thought to be keen on returning to England in 2026.

This isn’t a deal that would come cheap, though. Atleti could demand a fee of up to £52.4m, as reported back in September, with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace also interested.

How Gallagher compares to Gomes

It has certainly not been the easiest season for Gallagher in La Liga. He has struggled to break into Atleti’s starting lineup, playing 17 times in all competitions, but featuring for just 566 minutes in total. That is an average of just 6.2 full 90-minute games.

The 22-cap England star was more important under legendary Atleti boss Diego Simeone last season. He made 50 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with four goals and six assists and earning himself the nickname “Pitbull” for his energetic performances.

Of course, the Chelsea academy graduate has plenty of Premier League experience. He’s played 136 times in the top flight, becoming an established player for the Blues after a couple of loan spells. Gallagher certainly knows where the back of the net is and has 18 Premier League goals and 13 assists to his name.

If United were to bring Gallagher to the club, he might prove to be a better option than Gomes, the other top target in midfield. Of course, the Brazilian is currently plying his trade in the Midlands for rock-bottom Wolves, for whom he has played 15 times this season.

The Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder has played 104 times for the Old Gold, in a similar system to the one United play under Amorim. He’s even been known to chip in with a goal, bagging seven times in a Wolves shirt.

Yet, despite the familiarity the 24-year-old has with United’s system, Gallagher may well prove to be the better option. His on-the-ball quality exceeds that of Gomes, whilst he still offers plenty without the ball, to succeed in Amorim’s pivot.

Described as an “intensity monster” and as “one of the best midfielders in the sport when it comes to running long distances” by one notable analyst on social media, a look at the stats paints a more vivid picture of what to expect from Gallagher.

Analysing the data from the Englishman’s last season in the Premier League, compared to Gomes’ from last term, highlights the differences. For example, Gallagher created 1.5 chances on average and won 50.68% of his ground duels. In comparison, the Wolves man created 0.7 chances and had a ground duel win rate of 48.01%.

Chances created

1.5

0.7

Opposition half passes completed

29.1

22.2

Take-ons completed

1.1

1

Ground duel success rate

50.68%

48.01%

Interceptions

1.3

0.8

Ball recoveries

6.4

6.1

Described as a “relentless” midfielder by Statman Dave, 25-year-old Gallagher would provide tenacity off the ball and progression and final third quality with it.

That is certainly something he has over Gomes, and, thinking ahead, could be important for United as they hopefully start dominating games and have the ball more.

A fee of £52.4m is sizeable given it is the January window, but the Cobham graduate could help add quality to the United midfield, as they look to push up the Premier League table.

Man Utd now "leading the chase" to sign "special" Casemiro replacement

He has a massive future ahead of him.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 22, 2025

Leeds United are back in action in the Premier League this weekend for the last time before the last international break of 2025 as they face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The Whites were beaten 3-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion on their travels last time out in the top-flight, in what was the latest in a string of dismal away performances.

Matches

5

Wins

1

Draws

0

Losses

4

Goals scored

3

Goals conceded

12

Points

3

League rank

17th

As you can see in the table above, Daniel Farke’s side have struggled badly on the road in the Premier League so far this season, with three points from five matches.

Their only win away from Elland Road came against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have no wins, two draws, and eight defeats in their ten matches home and away this term.

Leeds will, therefore, need to step up and improve on the majority of their performances away from home in the division if they want to pick up any points against the Tricky Trees on Sunday.

Nottingham Forest, who are currently managed by Sean Dyche, have plenty of talented players who could cause the Whites problems if they are not at their best.

The Forest players Leeds have to be wary of

The Europa League outfit have a plethora of expensive attacking players who could test Lucas Perri in the Leeds goal if they get past the likes of Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol.

Dan Ndoye, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White, Omari Hutchinson, Taiwo Awoniyi, Elliot Anderson, the list goes on. Dyche has so many talented players at his disposal.

Hutchinson cost £37.5m, Anderson cost £35m, and Ndoye cost £34m. That is just a taste of the kind of spending power that they have been able to flex in recent seasons to build an exciting squad.

Igor Jesus – 5

Morgan Gibbs-White – 3

Chris Wood – 3

Dan Ndoye – 1

Morgan Gibbs-White – 2

Ryan Yates – 1

Dan Ndoye – 2

Elliot Anderson – 1

Callum Hudson-Odoi – 1

Douglas Luiz – 1

Neco Williams – 1

Omari Hutchinson – 1

Nicolo Savona – 1

As you can see in the table above, Leeds will need to be wary of Jesus and Gibbs-White, in particular, whilst former Whites centre-forward Chris Wood is currently out through injury.

Gibbs-White has provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Tricky Trees in all competitions this season, after a return of seven goals and eight assists in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore.

The England international did, however, miss a penalty in Forest’s 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday night, which could knock his confidence ahead of their clash with Leeds on Sunday.

Whilst the Championship champions need to be wary of the former Wolves star, Farke could unleash his own version of Gibbs-White by dropping Ao Tanaka from the starting line-up.

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The Japan international started the 3-0 defeat to Brighton last time out and should be dropped to allow German central midfielder Anton Stach to return to the side, to provide a threat at the top end of the pitch.

Why Leeds should drop Ao Tanaka for Anton Stach

Per Sofascore, the Japanese midfielder did not register a single shot, key pass, or ‘big chance’ created against Brighton, which shows that he did not have any positive impact in the final third.

On top of his failure to provide quality in possession, Tanaka also failed to win a single tackle and only won one duel in 61 minutes on the pitch for the Whites, as he offered little to the side as a defensive or physical presence.

The former Fortuna Düsseldorf star has no goals, no assists, and no ‘big chances’ created in eight appearances and four starts in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which does not suggest that he is likely to cause Forest too many problems on Sunday.

Stach, on the other hand, has shown that he can provide moments of quality at the top end of the pitch that can win points for his side, when he is at his best.

In fact, the summer signing from Hoffenheim scored in the club’s only away win in the Premier League this season, with a stunning free-kick against Wolves in the Midlands.

Stach also came off the bench against Brighton and won four of his four duels and completed both of his attempted dribbles, per Sofascore, in just 30 minutes on the pitch, which suggests that he may be ready to come back into the starting line-up after such a bright cameo.

The towering central midfielder may not be a diminutive style of playmaker like Gibbs-White, but their respective performances this season suggest that he can be Leeds United’s own version of the Forest star.

Appearances

9

10

xG

0.88

1.90

Goals

1

1

Big chances missed

1

2

Key passes per game

1.6

1.1

Big chances created

2

2

Assists

1

1

Dribbles completed per game

0.7

0.6

As you can see in the table above, the Whites star has been even more creative than Gibbs-White, with 0.5 more key passes per game, whilst scoring as many goals from less xG in the Premier League.

Stach, who was once hailed as “underrated” by writer Bence Bocsák, and Gibbs-White are both midfield players who can make an impact in the final third as scorers and creators, which is why they are difference-makers for their respective teams.

Tanaka, unfortunately, has yet to prove that he can be a difference-maker at Premier League level, with no goal contributions this season, which is why he should be the man to drop out of the XI to bring the German back into the side to face Forest this weekend.

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Hopefully, if Stach returns to the team, he can shine and outperform Gibbs-White to help the Whites to their second win on the road in the division this term.

da blaze casino： The Premier League wound down for the November international break, and Unai Emery seemed content. After all, his side had just given Bournemouth a four-goal hiding, and that marked five wins from six in the top flight.

da lvbet： The Spanish tactician believes he has stopped the early-season rot that had crawled across the Villa Park surface and threatened the stability of the project. Villa have found form, and they believe they can go all the way in the Europa League.

However, there are wrinkles that need to be smoothed out as the January transfer window draws closer.

The changes Emery needs to make at Villa

Aston Villa are well-positioned for the months ahead. However, Emery has several issues to contend with. Chief of which is the future of Harvey Elliott, who is on loan from Liverpool but playing the bittiest of roles at Villa Park. It is anticipated he will return to Merseyside in January.

And what to do with Ollie Watkins? The centre-forward has been his side’s talisman for years now, and yet he’s been horribly out of sorts this season, raising questions as to whether the board need to dig into their purses this winter.

The Three Lions striker has only scored once in the Premier League this season despite starting ten of 11 fixtures. His instinctiveness has deserted him, with Sofascore revealing he has missed four big chances.

Watkins’ Premier League Career

Season

Apps

Goals (assists)

25/26

11

1 (0)

24/25

38

16 (8)

23/24

37

19 (13)

22/23

37

15 (6)

21/22

35

11 (2)

20/21

37

14 (5)

Data via Sofascore

Likewise, Evann Guessand has struggled since moving to England this summer, having started only five times in the Premier League and without registering a goal or assist.

There’s a player in there, for sure, but Leon Bailey out of the squad, Emery could package a few more stars to bring Villa’s chances of a grand-slam season to the fore.

The dream XI Emery could build in January

Aston Villa are in a good position, even having completed a quiet summer transfer window this year. Even so, some more depth could be beneficial up front.

As per FBref, the club’s 9.1 xG total this term puts them above only newly-promoted Burnley for that metric.

That’s why a move is being explored for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, with the £26m-rated Japan star looking to leave the La Liga side and Villa among the frontrunners, according to reports from a few weeks ago.

Kubo is as pacy as they come and ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions per 90, so in theory, he could help Villa in their bid to become a more fluent attacking outfit.

But for all that Villa aren’t creating much, Watkins is letting them down with his profligacy in the final third. That’s why fans will be attentive to the news that a number of unspecified Premier League clubs are considering moves for Ivan Toney, who left Brentford for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in 2024.

Regarded as a “monster” of a striker by his former Bees boss Thomas Frank, Toney, 29, has enjoyed prolific returns in the Gulf region but would be open to returning to his homeland ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

To cap off a prospectively wonderful transfer window, V Sports are understood to be interested in bringing right-back Guela Doue from Strasbourg to the club, looking to hijack Chelsea’s bid for the 23-year-old.

More progressive on the ball than Cash, the Ivorian would serve as a perfect counterpoint, adding the dimension required to wade deep into the European campaign while maintaining the push for top four in the Premier League too.

Aston Villa’s Dream XI after January

Position

Player

GK

Emi Martinez

RB

Guelo Doue

CB

Ezri Konsa

CB

Pau Torres

LB

Lucas Digne

CM

Amadou Onana

CM

Boubacar Kamara

CM

John McGinn

RW

Takefusa Kubo

LW

Morgan Rogers

CF

Ivan Toney

This is not the finished article. Lucas Digne, for example, turns 33 at the end of the season, and a left-back will be coveted in the Villan offices.

But such signings would take Villa’s winter spending to the £75m ballpark, and you have to be realistic about parameters.

It’s more than a start, a flourish on a canvas already bursting with colour. Emery’s Aston Villa are many things, but they are nothing if not progressive.

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Neymar has seen another transfer door open in front of him, with Boca Juniors captain Leandro Paredes claiming that the Argentine outfit are prepared to “wait” for the Brazilian superstar. Neymar is in the process of running down his contract during a second spell at Santos, with it previously being suggested that he could reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami once hitting free agency.

• Santos struggle: Neymar ready for another new challenge

  The 33-year-old playmaker appears destined to accept another new challenge early in 2026. An emotional return to where it all began for him at Santos has not worked out as planned – with Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer enduring more injury issues while becoming wedged in an unexpected relegation battle.

  A parting of ways there appears inevitable, with Neymar looking to make a fresh start ahead of next summer’s World Cup. A return to Europe for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has been ruled out, with it likely that he will remain in the Americas.

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  Boca captain in contact with Neymar

  There has been talk of rival outfits in his homeland expressing interest, while a move across the border to Argentina would allow him to link up with ex-PSG team-mate Paredes in Buenos Aires.

  With Boca Juniors having Copa Libertadores action on their agenda for 2026, Paredes has told of potentially welcoming a familiar face to La Bombonera: “I talk to Ney a lot. The truth is, I have a very good relationship with him. We're friends. We're always in contact, but he's at his club, we have to respect the other clubs, the decisions of the other players, so I can't say much.”

  Paredes went on to say with a smile: “We'll wait for him if he wants!”

• MSN reformed: Will Neymar join Messi in Miami?

  Boca will likely face competition for Neymar’s signature from Inter Miami, with ex-USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel telling GOAL recently of why a deal that could see the fabled ‘MSN’ attacking unit reformed makes sense: “I think it would be a risk on anyone’s behalf; I think it just depends on how you would structure the contract. You also have to weigh the pros and cons — when you sign legends of the game like Neymar, you also have to take into account the commercial opportunities that go with it, and it coincides nearly every time with the salary and wage packet that you are going to give.

  “The plus side is, it is a league that is a step down from where he is playing. Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time, but he can play many more years in MLS. It is a league that will allow players to do that, so I think Inter Miami need to weigh the pros and cons of what they can earn off the field and try to get it correct.

  “If they can structure the contract correctly, then it limits the risk. Having Neymar alongside Messi again — I am not sure. We will wait and see, but the league needs to do something commercially.”

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  Homecoming for Dybala? Another option for Boca

  While waiting to discover what Neymar has planned, Paredes has also reacted to the news that Argentina international team-mate Paulo Dybala could head home if he chooses to sever ties with Serie A side Roma.

  Paredes, who played alongside his fellow World Cup winner in Italy, added: “Having a player like Paulo on the team, with his quality and stature, would be spectacular. I'll let each person make their own decision; I can't interfere, it's not my place. There are so many things to consider, and he's about to become a father too. I hope he makes the best decision for himself and his family. We're waiting for him here with undiminished hope.”

  Dybala’s contract in Rome is due to expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. It may be that he decides to head home – having left Argentina for Italy in 2012 – while Neymar also faces a huge decision on what the immediate future holds for him as questions are asked of whether he is still capable of delivering moments of match-altering brilliance.