أعلن الاتحاد الزيمبابوي لكرة القدم، عن إنهاء التعاقد مع مايكل نيس المدير الفني لـ المنتخب الأول، وذلك قبل شهور قليلة من انطلاق بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا.
وتقام منافسات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا، في المغرب خلال الفترة من 21 من شهر ديسمبر المقبل حتى 18 يناير 2026.
ويقع منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثانية في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا والتي تضم منتخبات أنجولا وجنوب إفريقيا وزيمبابوي.
وأكد الاتحاد الزيمبابوي في بيان رسمي، أنه يوجه الشكر إلى مايكل نيس على جهوده ومساهماته في تطوير الكرة خلال فترة عمله، مشيرًا إلى تقديره لالتزامه وخدمته للمنتخبات الوطنية.
طالع.. رسميًا | قائمة المنتخبات المرشحة لجائزة الأفضل في إفريقيا.. موقف مصر
وشدد الاتحاد على التزامه بمواصلة تعزيز برامجه الفنية والتطويرية، ومتابعة خططه الإصلاحية لإحداث مزيد من التقدم في مختلف قطاعات اللعبة.
وأوضح الاتحاد أن تفاصيل المرحلة الانتقالية والترتيبات الفنية المؤقتة سيتم الإعلان عنها في وقت لاحق.
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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca looked as if he had gone public with his desire to sign a new centre-back this summer after Levi Colwill’s injury, amid their ongoing attempts to bring in both Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
Colwill will miss the majority of 2025/2026 after tearing his ACL, leaving Maresca with precious few options for his backline, and the Italian stated last week that the club need more names in that area.
However, in his press conference prior to Chelsea’s clash with West Ham at the London Stadium, Maresca has now gone back on that message, claiming it was lost in translation, and they’re looking at finding an internal solution.
Benoit Badiashile is still injured and will remain out until September, but it is worth noting that members of the Chelsea coaching staff are backing him as a reliable option behind-the-scenes.
Renato Veiga has just sealed a £26 million move to Villarreal, so he can no longer be called upon, while Axel Disasi is believed to be attracting serious interest from Bournemouth.
According to journalist Sebastian Staszewski, they were considering a defensive rising star earlier in the window, but talks have hit a “standstill”.
Chelsea pause talks for Motor Lublin defender Bright Ede
As per the reporter, Chelsea have “paused talks” for Motor Lublin defender Bright Ede, after previously being interested, and this has handed Man United a chance to swoop in and get the teenager instead.
The £7 million defender would come in among BlueCo’s pool of promising young talents, but if Chelsea were to sign a centre-back before the deadline, they arguably need a more proven asset, despite lots of praise for Ede from certain sectors.
The summer window may now have slammed shut for another year, but Everton can still be active outside of the window with a free agent signing on the table.
Dewsbury-Hall shows love for Everton fans
The Blues have made an encouraging start to the new Premier League season, winning two of their three matches, seeing off Brighton and Wolves in back-to-back recent outings.
Multiple new Everton signings have made a positive impression at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and while Jack Grealish is stealing the plaudits, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who scored against Wolves, has spoken glowingly about his new fans after joining from Chelsea earlier this summer.
“I always knew how good the Everton fans were, but genuinely, home and away, you don’t see an empty seat, which for me tells you all you need to know.
“They’ve welcomed me so well since I’ve got here, which means a lot for me and my family and gives me the confidence to go and try to play well for the Club. Look, it was a great day today. I’m happy that we sent them home with three points and yeah, on to the next. It’s been a big, big week and the players deserve a lot of credit.”
While the window has closed, there is still a chance for Everton to sign players who are free agents, which has led to a promising new update emerging.
Everton backed to make out-of-window signing
Speaking to Everton News, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Everton could still look to sign a new defender – one who is without a club currently and therefore a free agent. Celtic have already done something similar, bringing in Kelechi Iheanacho after the window shut on Tuesday due to their striker shortage.
On the face of it, Everton’s squad looks fairly strong after an impressive summer, with the likes of Grealish, Thierno Barry and Tyler Dibling adding plenty of firepower in the final third.
That said, added squad depth is never a bad thing, and if Moyes feels that another defender would bolster his side’s chance of enjoying a successful season, he needs to be trusted, especially given how much of a problem position the right-back spot has been in recent years.
Tyler Dibling
Southampton
£35.1m
Thierno Barry
Villarreal
£26m
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall
Chelsea
£24.8m
Carlos Alcaraz
Flamengo
£13m
Adam Aznou
Bayern Munich
£7.8m
Mark Travers
Bournemouth
£4m
Merlin Rohl
Freiburg
Loan
Jack Grealish
Manchester City
Loan
Tom King
Wolves
Undisclosed
With Jarrad Branthwaite out injured currently, there is arguably a lack of depth at centre-back too, with veteran pair James Tarkowski and Michael Keane being relied upon week in week out. There is also no guarantee that Branthwaite will remain an Everton player for the long-term future, so if the right player is available on a free transfer, it is certainly something that the Blues should look into.
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Kurt Zouma could be a potential option, for example, especially as Moyes knows him so well from their time together at West Ham, with the 30-year-old bringing experience to the back-line.
Durante o clássico entre Corinthians e São Paulo, que terminou empatado por 1 a 1, a construção das jogadas que originaram o gol de Michel Araujo chamaram atenção.
RelacionadasSão PauloTalles Costa e Welington avançam em tratamentos de lesões no São PauloSão Paulo15/05/2023São PauloÁrbitro de Corinthians x São Paulo relata na súmula ofensas de tricolores e gritos homofóbicos da torcida alvinegraSão Paulo15/05/2023São PauloMichel Araujo projeta jogo do São Paulo pela Copa do Brasil e dispara: ‘Temos responsabilidade de ganhar sempre’São Paulo15/05/2023
Isso porque demandou um trabalho coletivo e precisou de 22 toques até a bola chegar ao gol alvinegro, sem dar chances de defesas para o goleiro Cássio. Ao todo, o Tricolor teve a posse de bola por pouco mais de um minuto – o que foi registrado pelo perfil oficial do clube nas redes sociais após o término da partida.
No lance, dez atletas participaram da construção do gol – sendo a assistência partindo de Rafinha, pelo lado direito, que pouco antes tinha recebido a bola de Wellington Rato. Mas antes disso, o começo da jogada surgiu com Rafael, após a cobrança de um tiro de meta.
+ ATUAÇÕES: Rafinha faz pênalti infeliz e compromete ótimo trabalho defensivo do São Paulo em Itaquera
Este gol mostrou algumas das características que tem sido desenvolvidas sob o comando de Dorival Júnior: ofensividade, posse de bola e criação por dentro. E isso pode ser demonstrado com base em números.
+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão + Confira os jogos e classificação resultados do Campeonato Brasileiro na tabela do LANCE!
De acordo com dados do FootStats, durante o clássico com o Corinthians, a equipe de Dorival teve uma média de 638 passes certos – o que é muito, principalmente se comparar com as estatísticas do rival, que contou com somente 303 passes certos, não sendo nem a metade do Tricolor. Além disso, teve cerca de 65% da posse de bola.
Inclusive, algumas interações entre jogadores chamaram atenção. Entre elas, duas em destaque: Arboleda e Beraldo (que estão rendendo bastante no setor defensivo) e Rafinha e Gabriel Neves (que chama atenção uma vez que mostra justamente esta capacidade de saída por dentro). Ou seja, a defesa trocava os passes para gerar espaço, e quando a bola chegava no Rafinha, a procura era por Gabriel Neves para a saída por dentro – citada anteriormente.
Porém, mesmo com estas características cada vez mais evidentes, ainda existem pontos a serem melhorados – principalmente na parte ofensiva. Ainda segundo estatísticas do FootStats, o Tricolor ainda peca nas finalizações. Contra o Corintians, foram seis tentativas – com somente uma certa.
No Brasileiro todo, está entre os últimos colocados no ranking referente ao fundamento. Ao todo, foram 73 finalizações, com somente 26 certas. Em primeiro lugar, está o Palmeiras – vice-líder da tabela da competição e 113 no total, com 48 certas.
Veja a construção do gol de Michel Araujo:
???? Trabalho em equipe ????
22 passes trocados até a batida e o golaço de Michel Araujo!#VamosSãoPaulo ????????
Newcastle United supporters are waiting to see who could replace Alexander Isak at St James’ Park. Still, Eddie Howe is also interested in filling the void left by Callum Wilson’s departure and may now be making progress on that front.
Newcastle United consult several striking options amid Isak uncertainty
Alexander Isak continues to push for a move to Liverpool, leaving Howe searching for a replacement figure to replicate his excellent goalscoring exploits should the Sweden international depart the North East this summer.
Joining the striker merry-go-round, Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is wanted by Newcastle after news that the Magpies have missed out on RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United despite their best efforts.
His peculiar red card offence at St James’ Park would signal a suspension period upon joining. Still, AC Milan could offer the Senegal international another high-profile alternative destination to Stamford Bridge.
Per David Ornstein, the Magpies could move for Porto’s Samu Aghehowa and he is high up on the list of potential candidates to take on their striking vacancy.
Brentford’s Yoann Wissa is another prolific forward being targeted by Newcastle, and reports suggest £35 million could be enough to seal a deal, albeit the Bees may opt to play hardball before offloading their star man to a Premier League rival.
Surprisingly, the DR Congo international could be paired with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who may be less at the forefront in the West Midlands following Evann Guessand’s transfer to Unai Emery’s men.
Newcastle open talks to sign "fantastic" midfielder who's keen on SJP move
Eddie Howe has already approved…
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There are plenty of spinning plates in the window and stories constantly breaking as the days draw closer to the end of market activity, offering encouragement to the Magpies that plenty of time is still there to recruit key targets.
While Isak’s future is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, Howe may be about to take a step closer in the hunt for a Wilson replacement.
Newcastle eyeing surprise move for Michail Antonio
According to Dave OCKOP, Newcastle are plotting a move to sign striker Michail Antonio after he left West Ham United upon the expiration of his contract, making it a one-in-one-out on the free agent transfers.
The Jamaica international was involved in a car crash late last year and has since fully recovered from the incident. However, the Hammers weren’t able to tie him down despite the offer of a new deal at the London Stadium, creating a scenario where he could head to the North East.
Labelled “brilliant” by Jake Humphrey, Antonio registered 83 goals and 42 assists in 323 appearances for West Ham across all competitions, with 68 of his strikes coming in the Premier League.
Now set for a new challenge, the 35-year-old could be a financially advantageous short-term option to bolster Newcastle’s forward line, though it may be counterproductive to bring in someone at the twilight stage of their career at the expense of William Osula.
Remember when it felt like very little was happening with Newcastle United in the summer transfer market?
That’s changed. For better or worse, chaos has erupted on Tyneside over the past few weeks, with the £55m signing of Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga the precursor to a flurry of transfer-related activity that has yet to reach an outcome.
Alexander Isak wants to leave the club and sign for Premier League champions Liverpool, who last weekend saw a £110m bid rejected for the Sweden international. However, he has since returned to United’s training facilities, his future uncertain.
Such an offer would have been insulting were it not so blatantly an unsettling tactic, and the gravity of the situation weighs heavily on Eddie Howe, who at least is buddied with Sudarshan Gopaladesikan, United’s new technical director and successor to the contentious Paul Mitchell.
Dealing with the unwanted sale of Isak, arguably the Magpies’ best player, marks a testing start for Gopaladesikan, but he certainly seems to be making the most of a bad situation, pushing full throttle for a fitting replacement.
Newcastle pushing to sign striker
There’s a bleak sense that Isak, 25, will play Premier League football in red for the upcoming season, though his sale to Liverpool, of course, hinges on Newcastle signing a suitable successor at number nine.
And the first-choice target is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with a formal offer already lodged. What comes next is unknown; the Slovenian is assessing his options with Manchester United ready to table a bid of their own.
Should Sesko wind up at Old Trafford, it will feel like yet another blow for the Tynesiders, who have faced their share of rejection across the past few months. That said, there’s an alternative forward who might end up being the better pick.
According to Portuguese journalist Eduardo Burgos, Newcastle have revived their interest in Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, and while they have yet to make an offer, Howe’s transfer coterie have been monitoring him across 2025.
FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal
The Liga Portugal giants will hold out for €80m (equating to £68m), putting him in the same ballpark as Sesko.
So then, which one to go for?
Why Newcastle should sign Samu Aghehowa
Aghehowa is a 21-year-old centre-forward who left La Liga and joined Porto from Atletico Madrid in a bargain deal worth €15m (about £13m). The Madrid-based side retained a whopping 50% sell-on clause.
Curiously, Chelsea had agreed a £34m deal for the powerful goalscorer, only for the move to collapse and for him to join Porto for a cheaper fee.
FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal
He’ll be grateful for that turn of events, no doubt, for the past year has been one of fundamental development for Aghehowa, whose maiden campaign with the Portuguese giants yielded 27 goals and three assists across 45 matches in all competitions.
As per FBref, the 6 foot 3 powerhouse ranked among the top 14% of strikers across Europe last year for goals scored per 90 (0.71), which certainly bodes well for his future success as a goalscorer at the forefront of the global game.
Newcastle might want to consider raising their interest higher still, as Aghehowa could even turn out to be a better signing than Leipzig’s Sesko.
Sesko vs Samu
Sesko is unquestionably a talented forward with prowess lying in his athleticism and power. That said, he’s raw, and there’s no telling as to whether his potential will be reached.
A detractor could argue that Samu plies his trade in Portugal, regarded a division of inferior quality to the Bundesliga. Although it’s clear that the Porto talent has an aptitude for scoring goals on any field of green, for he previously did well in La Liga, netting nine times across 35 games in his breakout term, and bagged six times across last year’s Europa League campaign too.
Samu Aghehowa
Porto / Liga Portugal
30
19
Bradley Barcola
PSG / Ligue 1
34
14
Luca Stassin
St. Etienne / Ligue 1
33
14
Aleksey Batrakov
Loko Moscow / Russian PL
29
14
Emanuel Emegha
Strasbourg / Ligue 1
27
14
Benjamin Sesko
RB Leipzig / Bundesliga
33
13
Aghehowa’s league goals alone placed him above all within or beneath his age bracket across Europe’s major leagues, and that includes Sesko, who has since turned 22.
And it’s not as if the former Chelsea target hasn’t made his mark against those competing on English shores. After all, he bagged a brace against Man United on the continental stage last year, winning five aerial duels and covering much ground besides.
Given that Newcastle need a striker who will promise goals with consistency, it might be worth switching focus to Aghehowa, who is shaping into quite the formidable focal frontman, sinewy and tall and clinical in the danger area.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has remarked in the past that the Spaniard is a “monster in the making”, and with similar strengths in physicality and ball-striking, who could truly argue that Sesko has the higher potential, given that he’s yet to truly announce himself as a prolific marksman?
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoreacts
With 27 goals and seven assists across 64 Bundesliga outings, Sesko has a lot to prove, but he’s a big talent, for sure, and Howe has the tactical nous and interpersonal skills to will him toward elite status.
Just imagine what the acclaimed manager could do with Aghehowa leading his Magpies line.
Another Elanga: Newcastle to reignite interest in "exceptional" £50m titan
The experienced international could boost morale at Newcastle.
A new report claims Liverpool have made contact with a “superb” Paris Saint-Germain star over a summer move to Anfield and the Champions League winners have already responded.
Liverpool eyeing two Premier League players after Kerkez
Reds supporters couldn’t have asked for a much more positive start to the summer transfer window, with the arrival of Florian Wirtz having the potential to be huge. Not only that, but Jeremie Frimpong has also joined and Milos Kerkez is on the verge of coming in from Bournemouth.
Liverpool’s business may not stop there, however, and another Cherries player, Antoine Semenyo, continues to be linked with a move to the club. He has been mentioned as an option for some time, following an excellent season in the Premier League in 2024/25, in which he scored 11 times.
Antoine Semenyo for Bournemouth.
A new centre-back has to be looked at by the Reds at some point, considering Jarell Quansah is off to Bayer Leverkusen, and a bid for Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi could be made at some point this week.
Further up the pitch, Lyon winger Malick Fofana has been talked about as an exciting young target, with Liverpool ahead of Chelsea in the race to snap him up.
Liverpool make contact with PSG star Barcola
According to The Boot Room, Liverpool have now made contact and enquired with Paris Saint-Germain about signing winger Bradley Barcola this summer.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are all in the same boat, but it is stated that PSG don’t want the France international to leave and have told those clubs their stance.
Paris St Germain's BradleyBarcola
It looks unlikely that Liverpool will be able to entice Barcola to Anfield, but if the situation changes, they should be looking to bring him in as a hugely gifted option.
The Frenchman is now a Champions League winner after PSG’s brilliance last season, and he played his part in the success, scoring three goals and registering four assists in the competition.
At just 22, there is still so much more to come from Barcola as the years pass, and while he is at his best on the left wing, his versatility allows him to be a huge threat on the right flank and even in a central attacking role.
He was lauded as a “superb” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig back in 2023, and has only grown as a footballer since then, and Liverpool’s best chance of signing him may be if PSG sign another attacker this summer, potentially stunting his growth there.
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Granted, new wide options aren’t essential for the Reds, especially if both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo stay put, but players with the long-term ability of Barcola may not come around too often.
Dominant displays with bat and ball, including Jofra Archer’s successful Hundred debut
ECB Media24-Jul-2024Southern Brave 139 for 3 (Vince 56, Hughes 45) beat London Spirit 138 for 9 (Dawson 45, Overton 3-16) by seven wicketsA superb display from Southern Brave’s lethal seamers and a ruthless run-chase orchestrated by James Vince ensured the men’s competition’s inaugural winners prevailed against London Spirit at Utilita Bowl.Invited to field first, Brave’s attack dominated the opening stages, with left-arm spinner James Coles inducing a miscued lofted drive from Adam Rossington for the first wicket.Craig Overton took the catch and Overton then took centre stage, picking up the next three wickets – all to outfield catches – to rip through the Spirit’s middle order.England superstar Jofra Archer touched 90mph in his first appearance in The Hundred – a spell that went for just nine runs – while Tymal Mills and Chris Jordan provided ferocious back-up.When the Guyanese overseas star Shimron Hetymer skewed Mills to backward point, the Spirit were tottering on 49 for 5 from 48 balls.Thereafter Andre Russell joined Spirit skipper Dan Lawrence, signalling his intentions by clubbing his first delivery to the fence. After launching a short ball from Archer for the first six of the match, Russell then handed Archer his first wicket, Russell’s upper cut picking out Overton at deep third.Jordan burst through to trap Lawrence for an enterprising 38 (30), leaving Liam Dawson to offer spirited lone resistance at the death. Dominating the latter stages, Dawson took 14 runs from the final three deliveries, his unbeaten 45 (19) giving the Spirit impetus going into the run-chase.Any optimism was short-lived. Vince stroked four boundaries in his first five balls to set Brave on their way and in partnership with the left-hander Daniel Hughes, the pair put on 95 for the first wicket.Jofra Archer finally played his first game in the Hundred•Harry Trump/Getty ImagesHughes nicked Ravi Bopara to Rossington behind the stumps for 45 (31) but Vince went to his fifth half-century in the competition’s history and despite Vince lofting a catch to long-off with the score on 117, the final 22 runs were negotiated with little undue fuss. Needing 139 to win, the Brave eased home with 11 balls to spare.Meerkat Match Hero Craig Overton said: “It was a pretty good surface, it did a little bit with the new ball, and we wanted to make it as hard as possible, bowling with no width, and it came off today.”We’ve got some decent pace in our boys, so I knew their batters would be coming at me a bit more, so I knew I had to be on it and hit my lengths. Sometimes it might play in my favour and today it obviously did.”It’s massive to start well in this competition, there’s only seven games in the group stage so you need to start well.”Vincey is a phenomenal player and he’s done it for years in the Vitality Blast, he’s carried that form into The Hundred and it’s nice to see him back in form today.”
Leeds United supporters are surely still in a celebratory mood after their side brushed off any playoff final agony to lift the Championship title on a colossal 100 points.
There will be some anxiety seeping in as to how the Whites will cope with the Premier League. However, the summer transfer window is also a time for those at Elland Road to become even more excited about who could possibly don the famous Leeds white in the top division.
Daniel Farke could well be about to flex his past Norwich City connections to finally bring Emiliano Buendia into the building, with the addition of Buendia to the Whites ranks somewhat of a coup, considering his previous excellent performances for Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Why Buendia signing would be a coup
Buendia and the German used to be a match made in heaven in Norfolk, before the Argentine ace spread his wings for pastures new at Villa.
Indeed, the exciting ex-Canaries midfielder made the Championship his playground under Farke’s watchful eye, as seen in his terrific tally of 24 goals and 41 assists pulling on Norwich yellow and green.
He would initially kick on when given first-team opportunities in the West Midlands, with this goal even breaking Leeds hearts back in early 2023, but injury troubles have since hindered his chances at progressing further at Villa Park.
But, even with Buendia being missing for a hefty 56 games during the 2023/24 season due to a devastating cruciate ligament tear, he does still boast ten goals and 15 assists up a level, which will be of great use to Leeds as they carefully navigate back up.
Yet, whilst the opportunity to pick up a former £33m-rated star on loan shouldn’t be passed up on, another move would go down as a bigger coup than Buendia’s temporary signature being won if it were successfully pulled off.
Leeds could re-sign Bielsa favourite
Leeds will be aiming to leave the past in the past for the most part, especially when it comes to the sinking feeling of being relegated back down to the Championship.
But, Farke and Co. would surely be tempted by the prospect of adding Kalvin Phillips back to their roster.
Indeed, the Mail on Sunday – as has been relayed by MOT Leeds News – stated in their recent print copy that the newly promoted Whites want to bring Phillips back to his old boyhood home after his shoulder surgery at Manchester City.
It has even been further speculated that Leeds could win back their former fans’ favourite for a cut-price – valued at £10m by Transfermarkt – which would be a deal that’s hard to refuse, particularly when you remember Phillips’ heroics at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa saw him join Pep Guardiola’s men for a bumper £45m.
This would surely go down as a stroke of genius on Leeds’ end if Phillips were to return and get back to his previous West Yorkshire best.
Indeed, his last spell at the club resulted in many an England call-up under Gareth Southgate, alongside the 29-year-old looking assured at the daunting level, instead of now being known as a waste of City’s flashy millions.
Phillips’ PL numbers for Leeds
Stat
Phillips (20/21)
Phillips (21/22)
Matches played
29
20
Goals scored
1
0
Assists
2
1
Touches per game
65
62.1
Accurate passes per game
41 (85%)
38.9 (82%)
Big chances created
5
1
Total duels won
5.3
4.9
Stats by Sofascore
When playing in the top-flight previously for Leeds, Phillips had shown himself to be a competent battler who was also keen at creating chances for his attacking teammates, with the table above showing off both his grit to win duels galore, but also his ability to fashion openings.
It would even lead to the 29-year-old being labelled as “exceptional” by football talent scout Antonio Mango, with nobody more desperate than Phillips himself to try and recapture these lofty heights.
Of course, this might well go down as a misfire if the beloved ex-number 23 returns and buckles under all the intense pressure.
But, on the contrary, it could well be viewed as an unbelievable coup, especially if he rolls back the years in the heart of Leeds’ midfield for far less than his steep £45m valuation.
Better than Kelleher: Farke targeting Leeds move for “phenomenal” £25m star
Leeds United could now attempt to sign this goalkeeper instead of landing Caoimhin Kelleher’s services.
Manchester United will desperately need to land new attacking talent this summer, as seen by their recent moves in the market, which has led to a deal for Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian has been on their radar over the last few months, but a deal seems to be edging closer after Fabrizio Romano confirmed the club had struck a deal with the fellow Premier League outfit Wolverhamtpon Wanderers.
However, further reinforcements are likely needed, especially when considering the side only registered 44 goals in their 38 league outings this campaign.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
Such a tally is the fifth-lowest in the division, with all the teams within the bottom three and Everton the only teams to manage fewer, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly league standing.
Ruben Amorim has wasted no time in pursuing other options, with countless players on the Red Devils’ radar ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Striker Liam Delap has been firmly on United’s radar over the last few weeks, with his £30m relegation release clause potentially a bargain given his tally of 12 goals this campaign.
The 22-year-old has reportedly agreed personal terms over a switch to Old Trafford, looking to fend off any interest from fellow Premier League outfits Chelsea and Everton.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
However, he’s not the only name on their shortlist this summer, with a move for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha now edging closer to completion. Reports on Tuesday evening noted that United have met the conditions required to prise him away from Wolves and the player has been given permission to undergo a medical.
An exciting option once that deal is done could well be Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké, according to CaughtOffside.
Their report claims that talks have already been held over a move for the 22-year-old Frenchman, who has registered 22 goals and 12 assists throughout 2024/25.
It also states that the Red Devils are preparing a serious offer for his signature, but it remains to be seen how much they would bid for his services given his £84m price tag.
Why United’s £84m target would be Amorim’s own Isak
Alexander Isak is a player who every side in world football must wish they had their own version of given his goalscoring exploits over the last couple of seasons.
The Swede, who currently plies his trade for Newcastle United, has registered 27 goals this campaign – 23 of which in the league, which saw him finish second in the Golden Boot race.
Over recent months, numerous teams have been interested in a move for the 25-year-old, but have been quoted a fee in the region of £150m – highlighting how impressive he’s been at St James’ Park.
Given the nature of such a fee, it’s virtually impossible that the Red Devils could fork out such a figure, which has led them to pursuing other options in the final third.
Ekitike is one player who could be the club’s own version of Isak, with the Frankfurt star comparable to the Newcastle talisman on FBref based off their respective figures and also described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The Frenchman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists this season, but he’s registered more shots on target per 90 – highlighting his clinical abilities in the final third.
He’s also completed more passes than Isak, whilst completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, offering Amorim an all-round option in his attempts to take United back to their former glory.
Games played
33
34
Goals & assists
23
29
Progressive carries
3.3
2.7
Shots on target
1.5
1.3
Shots taken
4
3.1
Pass accuracy
76%
74%
Shot-creating actions
3.5
3
Take-ons completed
1.8
1.4
Ekitike’s impressive figures don’t stop there, registering more shot-creating actions, along with more progressive carries per 90 – handing the players around him the chance to bolster their own tallies.
Whilst £84m may appear to be a small fortune for the striker, it’s a deal that would hugely improve the options at the manager’s disposal heading into 2025/26.
Should he manage to get anywhere near the levels produced by Isak in the Premier League, it would be a bargain and one that could push the side one step closer to a return to European football next season.
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