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Just days after losing the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen, Celtic could reportedly suffer another blow in the form of an outgoing star amid interest from a European club.

Celtic suffer shock Aberdeen defeat

After taking the lead in the 39th minute through Alfie Dorrington’s own goal, it looked as though Celtic were set to secure the domestic treble that they had been desperately craving. Aberdeen didn’t give up that easily, however, and the story of own goals soon continued. This time, it was Kasper Schmeichel at the heart of the scene, with his mistake allowing the ball to find the back of his own net in the final nine minutes.

Celtic player told to leave with Hoops set to cut contract short

The Hoops have made an intriguing decision.

BySean Markus Clifford May 26, 2025

From there, it was the underdogs with the momentum and the underdogs who eventually came out on top on penalties. Following a shock defeat, Callum McGregor revealed that his penalty miss in the shootout was the worst moment of his career.

The Celtic captain told reporters: “The worst. The worst moment I’ve ever had in football. It’s a real sore one. I’ll just need to go away and try and get over it and come back next year and be stronger.

“We didn’t do enough in the game to deserve it and then when you get to penalties it’s a bit of a lottery. The last few times we’ve come out on the right side of it and today we didn’t. It’s a real sore way to finish the season. Up until this point it’s been an amazing season. We just didn’t do enough to cap it off.”

Despite a dominant Scottish Premiership title win, Celtic will now have all eyes on making further improvements this summer. Whilst incomings will be a priority, however, their success may not come without the consequences of losing some key players in the coming months.

Fenerbahce readying move to sign Celtic star Maeda

Having already lost Kyogo Furuhashi in January, the Scottish giants could now be about to lose another key man. According to Takvim, as relayed by Sport Witness, Fenerbahce chief Mario Branco is now readying a summer move to sign Daizen Maeda. The Japanese winger has enjoyed another excellent season at Celtic Park and could now follow in the footsteps of Kyogo by departing.

Appearances

51

Goals

33

Assists

12

With 45 goal involvements in just 51 games, it’s no shock that Maeda has found himself at the centre of Brendan Rodgers’ praise. The Celtic boss told reporters earlier in the campaign: “If you are a young player coming through and want to give your honesty to the game, work, intensity and everything.

“No cheating, no nothing – even away at St Mirren, the penalty we got last week he tried to stay on his feet – he’s so honest to the game. Natural isn’t it? He’s been absolutely brilliant.”

As Rangers look to rebuild on the other side of Glasgow this summer, Maeda is not a player that Celtic will want to be losing. After watching Kyogo depart, the Japanese winger is more important than ever for the Bhoys.

Leeds United are currently preparing for a huge summer transfer window as they look ahead to trying to avoid instant relegation from the Premier League.

The Whites won the Championship title, with a staggering 100 points, with their win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day, and now have a top-flight season to look forward to.

Daniel Farke and his staff must recruit players who they feel can bolster the squad to improve their chances of survival, and the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly looking to bring a former star back to Elland Road.

Leeds considering move for Premier League midfielder

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United are “considering” a deal to sign Manchester City defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The reporter claims that the England international would be “ready” to return to West Yorkshire ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, having left the club to join the Cityzens in the summer of 2022.

Bailey’s report on The Boot Room adds that a permanent deal would be difficult for the Whites to do, because the midfielder has three years left on his contract at The Etihad, and that they are currently eyeing up a loan move for their former academy graduate.

Phillips has spent the current season on loan with Ipswich Town, who have already been relegated from the Premier League, but his previous form for Leeds in the top-flight suggests that he could star alongside Ao Tanaka at Elland Road.

Why Kalvin Phillips could thrive with Ao Tanaka

The Japanese midfielder enjoyed a fantastic season in the Championship with the Whites and showed potential to make the step up to the Premier League, with his passing and defensive qualities.

Tanaka ended the 2024/25 campaign with a pass completion rate of 90% and a duel success rate of 55% across 43 appearances, which shows that he was efficient in and out of possession in the middle of the park.

Leeds will need their midfielders to be reliable on the ball and strong off it in the top-flight, as they will be battling against relegation, and that is also why Tanaka could thrive alongside a physical operator like Phillips, who was once dubbed “exceptional” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Appearances

29

43

Pass accuracy

85%

90%

Tackles per game

2.6

2.2

Interceptions per game

1.6

1.3

Duels won per game

5.3

4.5

Duel success rate

52%

55%

As you can see in the table above, the English maestro’s defensive form for Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign was even more impressive than the current Leeds star’s in the second tier this term.

This suggests that the potential is there for them to be a robust midfield pairing who can provide protection in front of the back four, whilst also being reliable with their passing into the front players, which could be needed as they battle it out for vital points.

Of course, there are question marks over whether or not Phillips can get back to that level, having struggled of late in loans with Ipswich and West Ham, losing 57% of his duels in the top-flight for the former and 52% of his battles for the latter.

Perhaps a return to familiar surroundings at Elland Road, where he has been successful at the top level in the past, could help him to return to form.

Leeds could seal best striker signing since Wood with move for 20-goal star

Leeds could land their best striker signing since Chris Wood in a swoop for this star.

ByDan Emery May 7, 2025

Signing him on loan, therefore, could be a worthwhile gamble and one that could pay off for Leeds and Farke as it could result in him and Tanaka forming an impressive midfield partnership.

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is said to be keen on selling a “world class” player to Newcastle United as part of a swap deal involving Sandro Tonali this summer.

Tonali open to leaving Newcastle this summer

Tonali has enjoyed an impressive season for the Magpies, helping Eddie Howe’s side win the EFL Cup, as well as making 31 appearances in the Premier League, looking to help them return to the Champions League.

That said, a worrying update recently emerged regarding the future of the Italian, who is thought to be open to the idea of leaving Newcastle at the end of the current campaign.

It has been claimed that the Magpies will be willing to listen to offers above £68.5m for Tonali’s services in the summer, which would bring an end to his two-year stay at St James’ Park.

That would be a big disappointment, with the 24-year-old such an influential performer for Newcastle in the middle of the park alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, but a new rumour has at least suggested that a swap deal involving a top-quality attacker could be on the cards.

Newcastle linked with a move for "world class" Vlahovic

According to TuttoSport [via Sport Witness], Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli wants to sell striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, and Newcastle’s interest is referenced specifically because it could see Tonali head in the opposite direction.

The Serb’s agents want him to remain with the Turin giants for another year, but the club are believed to be looking to strike a deal for him before next season gets underway. As mentioned, Newcastle losing Tonali this summer would clearly be a setback, given his age and influence, but if a swap deal with Vlahovic did happen, the £320,000-a-week striker could be a great addition.

While fitting both him and Alexander Isak into the same team wouldn’t necessarily be easy for Howe, the Serbia international would be a real asset, being described as “world class” by journalist Siavoush Fallahi.

Vlahovic hasn’t had his most productive season in a Juventus shirt, only scoring nine goals in the league, which is perhaps why there is a willingness to allow him to leave in the summer transfer window.

That shouldn’t change the fact that Newcastle would love to have him, though, having scored 14 goals in 34 caps for Serbia, and 55 in 138 matches for Juve.

Newcastle expected to open talks to sign £40k-a-week Nottingham Forest ace

He has enjoyed a great season in the Premier League.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 20, 2025

Seeing Tonali stay put is still arguably more important, however, with the Italy international still having so many years at the top level ahead of him.

Sunderland have now reportedly made contact in the race to sign a teenage sensation, who is on course to leave his current club as a free agent next summer.

Le Bris praises "demanding" Premier League ahead of Liverpool clash

Sunderland just do not know when they’re beaten in the Premier League. They are writing a blueprint that every newly-promoted side must follow to secure survival and their comeback victory against Bournemouth followed that plan to perfection.

The Black Cats came from two goals behind to secure a dramatic victory and keep hold of their place in the top six after 13 games. With Liverpool at Anfield up next, things don’t get any easier, but Sunderland have relished the challenge of upsetting the odds so far this season.

Regis Le Bris was full of praise for both his side and the Premier League itself following Sunderland’s victory over Bournemouth, telling reporters: “This league is really demanding. You make two mistakes and are punished.

“With the ball, we are good, so just keep pushing. We are able to hit their defence, and it was important to be clinical in the box. I think here we have a great energy in the stands. If we give a lot on the pitch, then they will react. We deserved to win in the end.

“It’s important to play game after game. We went to Fulham last week and we lost. We were dominated. We go again. It’s positive to start this week with three points. It’s an exciting league with tough challenges but we want those challenges.”

Survival, which almost looks guaranteed already, would be a major achievement on the pitch, but it would also make an impact away from the action. The Black Cats are already thinking about the future on that front, targeting Rangers teenager Bailey Rice.

Sunderland make contact to sign Bailey Rice

According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Sunderland have now made checks on Rice, who is on course to leave Rangers as a free agent next summer after rejecting the Gers’ contract offers.

The 19-year-old became the club’s youngest post-war player to make a Scottish Premiership appearance in 2023, but now looks destined to leave Ibrox with Sunderland, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City all queueing for his signature.

Manchester City were also tracking the young midfielder when he decided to leave Kilmarnock, only for Rangers to jump in and secure his arrival.

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For Sunderland, it would therefore be a major coup to land a player of Rice’s potential. Man City’s initial interest highlights how highly he’s rated in England and praise from Rio Ferdinand echoed that earlier this year.

The Manchester United legend said on commentary when Rangers squared off against Manchester United last year: “I tell you what, I’m liking Rice by the way, he’s come on and looked composed, the kid’s got something about him, he’s got a lovely left foot on him.”

Sunderland star who Speakman was "excited" to sign is the new Jermain Lens

Returning quicks close out soggy win after Markram, Brevis and Ferreira cameos

Firdose Moonda10-Sep-2025Don’t read too much into it, but South Africa took the lead in the three-match T20I series against England after winning a game initially reduced to nine overs a side by batting for 7.5 and then defending an adjusted five-over target.Wet conditions in Cardiff stalked the match throughout as play began two hours and 20 minutes after the scheduled 6.30pm start, and was then interrupted with seven balls remaining in South Africa’s innings.South Africa were on track for a total over 100 thanks to a top-score of 28 from captain Aiden Markram, who sold for R14 million (US$800,000 approx.) at Tuesday’s SA20 auction and hit two fours and two sixes in the 14 balls he faced. Markam shared in a 32-run second-wicket stand with Lhuan-dre Pretorius before Dewald Brevis and Donovan Ferreira put on 36 off 15 balls to form the spine of a competitive total.A heavy burst of rain ended South Africa’s innings prematurely and England were set a reduced target of 69 of 30 balls. With a required run rate of 13.8 an over, their task was always going to be tough but losing Phil Salt and Harry Brook for ducks made it even more difficult. Jos Buttler returned to the top of the order and scored 25 off 11 but needed support against South Africa’s top seamers to challenge for the result to go England’s way.Wood proves his worthEngland made a late change to include left-arm seamer Luke Wood in their XI in place of Jofra Archer, who was wrapped in cotton wool in wet conditions. Wood seized his opportunity: his second ball, and first to the left-handed Ryan Rickelton, swung away, Rickelton drove with no footwork and edged to Buttler for a golden duck.Luke Wood claimed Ryan Rickelton for a first-ball duck•AFP/Getty ImagesMarkram hit Wood over mid-off for the innings’ first boundary later in that over, then back over his head for six and over mid-on for four at the start of his second over but Wood came back well. Pretorius tried to hit over the leg side but miscued towards mid-off where Brook dived forward to take a stunning catch and Wood ended with 2 for 22.Brevis justifies the big bucksAfter breaking the SA20 pay record and selling for R16.5 million (approx US$944,000) a little over 24 hours ago, Brevis is expected to produce big things and he delivered. When Liam Dawson was brought on in the fifth over, Brevis played the no-look six first up and then smashed a low full toss into the sightscreen for six more. He is a strong player of spin and dispatched Adil Rashid too, over midwicket for his third six.But when Sam Curran was brought on, to bowl his first international spell of the year, he foxed Brevis with an ultra-slow slower ball that Brevis played too early and edged to third. Still, his cameo in partnership with Ferreira showed off his quality – and the reason Pretoria Capitals were willing to splash the cash.Dewald Brevis drills a six down the ground•AFP/Getty ImagesWelcome back, South Africa’s strike bowlersThe wisdom of picking Kagiso Rabada, who sat out the ODIs in both England and Australia with ankle inflammation and will have a big role to play in upcoming tours to Pakistan and India, and Marco Jansen, who has not played for almost three months, could have been questioned but both seemed keen to be back.Rabada’s first ball back was full to Phil Salt, who picked out Kwena Maphaka at deep backward square with precision. Rabada barely had time to celebrate his early strike before Buttler hit his fourth and fifth balls, both pace-off, for four and then six to close out the over strongly.Jansen beat Jacob Bethell to start but was then dispatched over midwicket for six before he had him caught at cover. After Brook missed a coupe, Jansen then found extra bounce to beat his uppercut and ended with a slower ball. He bowled a second over, mixed up his pace well and ended with the wicket of Buttler, caught off the inside edge, to end the game as a contest.South Africa were without Lungi Ngidi, ruled out of the series with a hamstring strain sustained at training on Tuesday, and Keshav Maharaj, who tweaked his groin during the warm-ups. Nandre Burger will replace Ngidi – who is due to fly home on Thursday – and will join up with the squad ahead of Friday’s second T20I in Manchester.

“I just love the contest and love being able to be the one to put a good contribution out there”

Ashish Pant07-Mar-20250:53

Mooney: ‘Nice to see change in perspective of where the women’s game is at’

Player of the Match in the 2023 T20 World Cup final. Player of the Tournament at the 2020 T20 World Cup. An average of 110 at the 2022 ODI World Cup. Player of the Match in back-to-back WBBL finals, in 2018-19 and in 2019-20. The list can go on.There’s something about big games that brings out the best in Beth Mooney. The Australia teams she has been part of have given her ample opportunity to showcase her big-stage temperament. That they crossed the final hurdle was often down to Mooney stepping up when it mattered.What is it about Mooney and her going big in crunch games?Related

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“I really like winning,” Mooney told ESPNcricinfo. “I think winning is always nice in a team sport, and being able to contribute, but I’m quite competitive and gutsy as well. It doesn’t always look pretty when I’m out there, but when I’m in the contest, I don’t want to let the team down. I make sure I do everything I can to get the team over the line and contribute where I can.”Maybe it’s happened by chance, maybe it hasn’t. It’s hard to really put a finger on it, but it’s probably just worked out that way because the Australian team has played in a lot of finals, and I’ve had a lot of opportunities to bat high up the order in ODI cricket and T20 cricket. I just love the contest and love being able to be the one to put a good contribution out there.”Mooney has flown under the radar in the Australia teams that have been studded with superstars, such as Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning. But she has been a beacon of consistency, especially in T20Is. Since the start of 2020, only Smriti Mandhana has more runs than Mooney’s 2230 runs in 65 T20I innings, and she’s played 13 fewer innings. She has the highest average (46.45) among batters in the top 50 on this list and also the most fifties (22) in this period.Mooney is also the highest run-scorer in WBBL history with 5051 runs in 141 innings and is only second to Lanning for most T20I runs for Australia. For someone who does not have an intimidating presence like Grace Harris or Healy, Mooney’s understanding of the T20 game and knowing when exactly to increase the pace stands out.With Alyssa Healy injured, Beth Mooney has been keeping wicket for Australia•Getty Images”In T20, you are looking to take the game on as much as possible. And you know your limits within yourself. Who your best match-up is against what team. I just feel like if you can get yourself going against a certain bowler, then that opens the game right up for you against the other bowlers,” Mooney said. “Sometimes you’re going to – well, that’s not true, you’re going to get out every game – the method is that as long as I’m getting out in a way that is the style of play that I want to go about, then I’m okay with it.”If I’m getting out, just sort of throwing my wicket away a bit, then that’s when I get a little bit disappointed with myself and know I can be better. But I certainly think accepting your fate in T20 cricket goes a long way to making sure that you’re playing your natural game and really trying to get your team into winning positions.”Currently in India playing the WPL, Mooney wants to inculcate that winning mentality and run-scoring appetite in the Gujarat Giants set-up, a team she has been with since the first season. It hasn’t worked out great for Giants yet: they finished at the bottom of the five-team table both in 2023 and 2024. They are doing much better this time and are currently placed third. Mooney reckons that winning or losing, especially in T20 cricket, creates a habit, and Giants haven’t been able to do that.

“I’m 31 years old now. I’ve got no desire to captain teams. I like being a leader, I like being a quiet leader. Someone who can change and have an impact on the group pretty quietly and do my job”

“It’s not really a secret that we haven’t won too many games at Gujarat,” Mooney said. “That’s not through any fault of our own in terms of effort or attitude. I think the attitude of the group has been excellent. The coaching staff are doing the best they can to provide us with lots of opportunities to train and learn about the game.”Sometimes I think T20 cricket can be a little bit about luck, and it can be a little bit about timing. Winning and losing become a bit of a habit, and unfortunately for us, we have probably just lost some pretty close games. I think if we had won, we probably would have got on a nice roll and learnt how to win those games. But certainly, I think we have got a group that I do think can really challenge for the finals.”Mooney was gutted to have been ruled out of the inaugural edition of the WPL owing to a calf strain after just one game, but she returned in the second season to captain the side. While Ash Gardner has taken over captaincy this season, Mooney is keen on imparting a little bit of wisdom to the Indian players at Giants and also learning from them. The other thing that gets her excited during the WPL is the crowd, especially in Bengaluru.”It’s certainly a different experience going from playing in front of a hundred people that were family and friends to, you know, 30, 50, 60,000 [people],” she said. “The International Women’s Day is coming up and that will mark five years since the T20 World Cup final in Australia where we played in front of 86,000 at the MCG. Never in my lifetime did I think that would happen.

“Winning and losing become a bit of a habit, and unfortunately for us, we have probably just lost some pretty close games”Beth Mooney on Giants’ performance

“It’s happened a lot sooner and probably hasn’t happened as often as we would have liked, especially in Australia. But I certainly think over here in India, we get a lot of decent crowds. We are at the Chinnaswamy Stadium at the moment and the RCB fans are loud as hell. It’s just been really nice to see the change in the perspective of where the women’s game is at, and people wanting to watch and do anything they can to get a ticket.”A wicketkeeper since her age-group days, Mooney has been doing keeping duties for the various franchises across the world but not as much for Australia. But with Healy down with injury, Mooney has become their go-to option behind the stumps. And it’s something she loves doing.”I’ve always been a wicketkeeper by trade since I was ten years old,” Mooney said. “It’s probably just worked out that in the Australian team, obviously Alyssa’s been the main wicketkeeper there and I had to find a way into the team somewhere else. It’s a skill set I’m pretty comfortable with and have done it for a long period of time, but I think I’m equally confident in the field.Beth Mooney: “It’s not really a secret that we haven’t won too many games at Gujarat”•BCCI”I’ve probably got the right balance throughout my career to be able to do it in franchise cricket and domestic cricket back home in Australia and then be able to offer a different option for the Australian selectors by taking a second wicketkeeper on tour. I’ve really enjoyed being able to offer that flexibility to the Australian selectors, and obviously now with Alyssa going down with injury, not too much has to change within their starting XI. They can add in an extra allrounder or an extra batter or bowler rather than having to add in two more players to cover the batting and keeping.”For a player of Mooney’s calibre, and cricketing smarts, it is a bit surprising that she has never captained Australia in any format despite being with the national team for nine years. Even her captaincy stints in franchise cricket have been sporadic. With Healy unsure about her future in international cricket beyond the 2025 ODI World Cup, does Mooney harbour any desire to become Australia captain?”No, absolutely not. I’m 31 years old now. I’ve got no desire to captain teams,” she said. “I like being a leader, I like being a quiet leader. Someone who can change and have an impact on the group pretty quietly and do my job. I’ve always said yes to people when they have needed someone to do it, and the right people have asked me to do it, if it’s going to have a positive impact on the group. But no, I certainly don’t harbour any desire to be a captain.”

Celtic are currently ranked 27th out of 36 teams in the league phase of the Europa League after they lost 3-1 to Danish side FC Midtjylland on Thursday night.

The Hoops endured a dismal opening 45 minutes of football, in which they gave up 15 shots against their goal, and went into the break 3-0 down to their hosts.

It was the first loss suffered by Martin O’Neill during his time as the interim head coach of the Scottish giants, after he won his first two games against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership and Rangers in the League Cup semi-finals.

On top of it being a disappointing performance and result, Celtic will also be frustrated to have lost Callum Osmand to a hamstring injury late on in the second half.

The teenage centre-forward, who won the penalty that Reo Hatate scored from, pulled up when chasing a ball over the top and is now facing a spell on the sidelines.

As well as being frustrated by Osmand’s injury, O’Neill will surely be frustrated by several of the performances that were on display from some of his players on Thursday night.

Celtic's worst performers against Midtjylland

Of the players who started the Europa League clash in Denmark, it is hard to argue against Anthony Ralston being the pick of the bunch when looking at the biggest underperformers.

The Scotland international was caught out for the first two goals as he was given the run-around by 19-year-old winger Mikel Gogorza, who beat him easily to cross for the opener and to score the second goal.

Ralston, as shown in the clip above, allowed the teenage forward to cut inside in the box to get his shot away with ease, as he was barely able to put any pressure on the shot.

The Scottish full-back was not the only player who struggled, though, as Football FanCast published an article explaining why Callum McGregor, who failed to win a single duel or tackle in midfield, was also among the worst performers.

Minutes

45

69

Shots

0

1

Shots on target

0

0

Key passes

0

0

Dribbles completed

0

0

Pass accuracy

73%

83%

Duels won

1/5

2/7

Johnny Kenny and Benjamin Nygren, as shown in the statistics above, also produced underwhelming performances as the starting centre-forward and attacking midfielder on Thursday night.

They were tasked with providing a threat at the top end of the pitch from the start of the match, but neither of them were able to register a single shot on target or key pass.

However, Nygren produced one goal and one assist and Kenny scored three goals in O’Neill’s first two matches in the dugout at Parkhead, which shows that they can offer far more than they did against the Danish side earlier this week.

Meanwhile, a player who came off the bench in the 3-1 loss in the Europa League may be on borrowed time in Glasgow, as he was even worse than both Nygren and Kenny.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Paulo Bernardo was brought onto the pitch for Arne Engels with 16 minutes left to play and his cameo against Midtjylland did little to suggest that he deserves more minutes on the pitch moving forward.

Why Paulo Bernardo may be on borrowed time at Celtic

The Portugal U21 international only played 74 minutes out of a possible 810 in the nine Scottish Premiership matches that Brendan Rodgers was in charge of at the start of the season, per Sofascore.

This shows that the former Benfica central midfielder did not get too many opportunities to shine under the Northern Irish head coach, which is why his resignation from the club appeared to be a fresh start for Bernardo.

Unfortunately, though, he was an unused substitute in the 4-0 win against Falkirk and was not selected to be part of the matchday squad for the clash with Rangers in the League Cup, before playing 16 minutes off the bench on Thursday night.

Midtjylland

16

Falkirk

0

Hearts

0

Sturm Graz

0

Motherwell

0

Braga

67

Hibernian

16

Red Star Belgrade

0

Partick Thistle

59

Kilmarnock

0

Bernardo has been a bit-part player for the Scottish giants this season, as shown by the statistics above, and has played fewer minutes in all competitions than McGregor, Engels, Hatate, Nygren, and Luke McCowan, who have all been preferred ahead of him in the middle of the park, per Transfermarkt.

The Portuguese whiz needed to make the most of his 16 minutes of action to impress on Thursday night, to prove that he deserves more game time, but his performance was even worse than Kenny and Nygren’s.

Minutes

16

Key passes

0

Passes completed

2/6 (33%)

Touches

7

Possession lost

5x

Ground duels won

0/2

Aerial duels won

0/3

As you can see in the table above, Bernardo lost the ball five times from seven touches of the ball in his time on the pitch, which is a dismal ratio that will not have pleased O’Neill watching on.

The ex-Benfica man also lost 100% of his five duels for the Hoops, whilst Nygren and Kenny at least won a duel each, as he failed to provide any physicality in midfield.

Bernardo, who was awarded a 4/10 player rating by 67HailHail, struggled in and out of possession in his 16 minutes off the bench, which could leave O’Neill wondering whether to reward him with any minutes against Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Sunday.

The 23-year-old flop, who played 28 matches in the Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, may be on borrowed time in Glasgow unless he can turn things around and earn himself a regular place in the XI before January.

0 tackles, 0 duels won: Celtic man was just as bad as Ralston v Midtjylland

Celtic’s season reached a new nadir with defeat in Denmark on Thursday night.

ByRobbie Walls Nov 7, 2025

If it gets to the January transfer window and the midfielder is still a bit-part player who is rarely getting minutes on the pitch, a decision may have to be made on his future at the club.

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Afastado dos gramados desde agosto do ano passado, Dudu, atacante do Palmeiras, está próximo de ser liberado pelo departamento médico. O jogador, que se recuperou de uma cirurgia no joelho direito, tem treinado normalmente com o restante do elenco e participou dos três tempos do jogo-treino contra o São Caetano, realizado na última sexta-feira, na Academia de Futebol.

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A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Apesar de participar das atividades com bola, Dudu ainda realiza a transição entre parte física e técnica. Na quinta-feira, o Palmeiras recebe o San Lorenzo, da Argentina, no Allianz Parque, em partida que pode marcar o retorno do atacante. Já classificado às oitavas de final da Libertadores, o Verdão luta pela liderança geral da fase de grupos.

A tendência é que Dudu retorne próximo ao prazo mínimo previsto pela equipe médica. À época, a previsão era de que o atacante ficasse entre nove e 12 meses afastado, ou seja, entre maio e agosto.

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Ídolo do clube, o atacante está fora de combate desde o dia 27 de agosto, quando rompeu o ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito e teve constatada uma lesão no menisco (veja detalhes), na vitória do Palmeiras sobre o Vasco por 1 a 0, pela 21ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Com 443 partidas, Dudu é o jogador do atual elenco com mais jogos disputados pelo clube. No período, o camisa 7 conquistou doze taças, incluindo duas Libertadores, marcou 88 gols e distribuiu 102 assistências.

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Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was mocked over social media after producing a howler as Tottenham found themselves 2-0 down inside just six minutes against Fulham on Saturday evening. The shot-stopper was punished by Spurs’ London rivals after going walkabout in the build up to the second goal of a chaotic opening to the Premier League encounter.

Vicario makes a mess of it as Tottenham go behind early doors

Already trailing 1-0 after defender Kenny Tete put Fulham in front after just four minutes, Vicario soon compounded Tottenham’s misery following a rush of blood to the head. Racing off his goal line to thwart Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, the Italy international found himself in all sorts of trouble after miscontrolling the ball on his weaker left foot.

In a tight spot near the corner flag, Vicario – under pressure from the revenge-seeking Jimenez – then got his clearance all wrong as he gave possession straight to the onrushing Josh King, who laid the ball off to Harry Wilson as the Fulham midfielder brilliantly curled the ball into an empty net.

And to make matters worse, Vicario did not appear to apologise to his Spurs team-mates but rather shouted in their direction as Fulham’s players wheeled away in celebration at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWATCH: Goalkeeper gets his clearance all wrong against Fulham

Italy international Vicario trolled for 'comical' and 'trash' mishap

Writing on X, @mionomedev did not mince their words, posting: “Vicario funniest player in the world, dog**** touch, randomly decides to kick it to the opposition and then somehow is the one complaining when they score.”

Describing the moment as “criminal”, @jaydmharris said: “Wilson makes it 2-0. Comical defending as Vicario storms out of his area, miskicks the ball by the touchline and Wilson whips the ball into an empty net.”

Arsenal fan @gunnerpunner was enjoying watching his side’s bitter rivals struggle, writing: “Vicario is trash. Said it since he signed. But he made a few 1v1 saves. Spurs players get so much hype. But they’re all rubbish. Glad it eventually becomes clear.”

And finally, @KevJStewart added: “Yeah, we’re a complete shambles — and despite his occasional displays of shot-stopping, Vicario IS among the worst culprits and NOT good enough on the whole. Idiot. Time for some to admit it. Do think we ultimately need a bigger name in charge and a shedload of quality signings…”

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AFPShot-stopper's unfortunate mishap gave Spurs mountain to climb

Tottenham were hoping to bounce back following back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League and Champions League respectively, but they gave themselves too big of a mountain to climb as they ultimately slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham. 

While Thomas Frank's side pulled a goal back through Mohammed Kudus, they were unable to find an equaliser as they suffered a fourth home defeat in all competitions this season. Spurs have now conceded 11 goals in their last three games, with Vicario between the sticks for each match.

Nottingham Forest have now made contact to sign Everton’s James Garner, amid a new update on the midfielder’s future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Forest are looking to bolster their options in the engine room, amid widespread interest in Elliot Anderson, with Chelsea recently joining the race for the Englishman, who has managed to impress once again this season, despite his side sitting 19th in the Premier League table.

Anderson has also emerged as a regular starter for England, most recently putting in a solid showing as the Three Lions cruised past Serbia 2-0, completing 77 passes, while also winning seven duels, the joint-highest number of any player.

The Tricky Trees played a blinder by signing the 23-year-old from Newcastle United back in 2024, and they have now made an approach for another English midfielder…

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign James Garner

According to a report from Football Insider, Nottingham Forest have made contact over a deal for Everton midfielder Garner, who is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning his future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is in doubt.

Forest have registered their interest in signing the 24-year-old, but there could be competition for his signature from Aston Villa, who have also made a move, while former club Newcastle United remain in the race.

The Merseysiders retain the option to extend the Englishman’s contract by an additional year, so they do not need to panic just yet, but they will be eager to tie him down soon, given that interest from elsewhere is now growing.

Sean Dyche knows the central midfielder well from their time working together on Merseyside, with the former Everton manager saying: “Jimmy Garner was terrific, he’s learning and improving. He’s just a good kid. He’s got that nice little edge about him that he’s a bit of a nark now and again, I like it.

“I think you need that as a footballer. The demands he places upon himself is very pleasing as he works very hard in training and I think he’s getting the rewards with his improvement.”

The Birkenhead-born midfielder has also performed well from a defensive point of view over the past year, even outperforming Anderson on some key metrics.

Average per 90 (past year)

James Garner

Elliot Anderson

Interceptions

1.35

1.02

Blocks

1.39

1.37

Clearances

2.24

2.01

Garner has been a key player for Everton this season, starting every match in the Premier League, which suggests he would be able to hit the ground running at Forest, so Dyche’s side should undoubtedly try and get a deal done this January.

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1 ByJames O'Reilly Nov 5, 2025