The attacker has been plagued by injuries, but he has the chance to bring the curtain down on his BVB career by lifting the European Cup
Marco Reus freely admits there were times when he previously thought about leaving Borussia Dortmund. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool – nearly all of Europe's elite were interested in signing him at one point or another.
"But, in the end," Reus explained, "I always chose my club." Why? Because Dortmund was his "home" and the team felt like his "family". "I belong here," he said.
There were those that questioned his ambition, but Reus remained steadfast in his belief that he could realise his dreams in Dortmund. "I really want to win the Bundesliga with this club," he confessed in 2019. "I want to be in the Champions League final again."
Sadly, his hopes of finally winning a German title were dashed in heart-breaking circumstances last year, with Dortmund suffering a devastating final-day collapse. However, as Reus prepares to bid farewell to his beloved BVB, the Champions League dream is, incredibly, still alive.
On Saturday, Dortmund return to Wembley, scene of their last final appearance 11 years ago, to face the biggest club in the world, in the biggest game in club football.
Reus is unlikely to start against Real Madrid. Truth be told, there's no guarantee of game time at all. But the mere prospect of him being involved in a Champions League final, at the age of 35, and after more injuries than most players could bear, is well worth celebrating.
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'The game's next superstar'
When it comes to Reus, there is an understandable temptation to focus on the negatives. His name has become synonymous with misfortune. For some, he is the great unfulfilled talent, a fantastic footballer cruelly prevented from realising his full potential by one savage setback after another.
Certainly, a decade ago, there were few more exciting attacking midfielders in world football. During Dortmund's run to the Champions League final, where he won a penalty in the 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich, he was directly involved in eight goals, netting 19 times in total in all competitions. He proved even more prolific the following season, scoring 23 goals in 44 games, as well as providing more assists than any other player in the Bundesliga. Put quite simply, there was no better player in Germany at the time.
"I think very, very highly of him," the legendary Franz Beckenbauer said in early 2014. "He's going to be the game's next superstar, that's my opinion. It's really fun to watch him play football."
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'Dream was shattered'
The 2014 World Cup should have been the defining tournament of Reus' career. He was 24 and playing at the peak of his powers for one of the strongest sides in the international game.
However, while his great friend and former Dortmund team-mate Mario Gotze ended up scoring the winning goal in the final in Rio, Reus didn't make a single World Cup appearance, having been struck down by an ankle injury in his Germany's final warm-up game, against Armenia.
A devastated Reus stated, "A dream was shattered from one moment to the next." And not for the last time either.
Just two years after the bitter disappointment of missing out on Brazil 2014, Reus was left out of Germany's Euro 2016 squad after failing to recover in time from a groin injury. Coach Joachim Low lamented, "Marco has serious fitness problems."
It's always felt like the abiding theme of Reus' career, with the attacker once famously admitting that he would "give up all my money to be healthy enough to do my job."
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Looking after his body
Reus did make it to Russia for the 2018 World Cup, and even scored in the group win over Sweden, but he made the decision to pull out of Euro 2020 himself.
"After a complicated, exhausting and, in the end, 'thank God' successful season, I decided, together with (Low), not to go to the European Championship," he wrote on Instagram. "This decision was very difficult for me because I am always full of pride when I am allowed to appear for my country. But after a very intense year for me personally and achieving my goals at BVB, I made the decision to give my body time to recover!"
Unfortunately, even such a sensible approach to looking after himself failed to solve his fitness problems, as Reus went on to be ruled out of the 2022 World Cup with another ankle injury.
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'Time flies'
When one also considers that Reus has only two DFB-Pokal winners' medals to show for his career, it's undeniably difficult not to feel as if he maybe he would have been better served by joining another top club when he had the chance, just like so many of his former team-mates, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.
Reus doesn't see it that way, though. In his eyes, the shame isn't that he stayed, but that so many other great players left.
"I've always said that everyone is responsible for their own career. Time flies and you only have so much of it," he pointed out. "We've had a lot of players here who we could have built a fantastic team with, but they unfortunately made different choices and pursued other career paths. That should be respected.
"For a player like me, who always wants to compete for titles, it obviously stings to see the best players leave the club because they regrettably don't see that they would be able to make the next big step here. But I never had the sense that I should go down this route just because others did. I was always ready to build up something new again and thereby send a message to people: 'I'm staying here no matter what!"
Gary O’Neil will be pleased with the progress his Wolves side has made this season.
The Old Gold have shown a togetherness that allows them to play as a team rather than individuals, and that was on show against Brentford in the 1-1 FA Cup draw last weekend.
Despite being 11th in the Premier League, the Wanderers will look to strengthen their squad in January.
Wolves transfers latest – striker hunt at Molineux
According to The Athletic, Wolves are interested in signing Danny Ings on loan from West Ham.
The Wanderers have been keeping an eye on Ings’ situation, but talks are yet to begin between the clubs. As a result, we may have to wait until later in the winter window to see if things develop into a formal offer for the player.
Danny Ings
The deal is allegedly dependent on Michael Antonio’s recovery from injury, with the Irons forward reportedly out for the best part of six weeks.
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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 How Danny Ings compares to Raul Jimenez
Sasa Kalajdzic was the latest player signed in an attempt to replace the goals that Raul Jimenez brought in the 2019/20 Premier League season (17). However, the 6 foot 6 striker has just joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan after failing to secure a place in the starting XI. He joins a pretty wretched list of forward players who have simply failed to make the grade in the Midlands.
Raul Jimenez
67
13
Patrick Cutrone
4
0
Fabio Silva
72
5
Willian Jose
18
1
Hwang-hee Chan
84
20
Sasa Kalajdzic
14
3
Matheus Cunha
41
8
Diego Costa
25
1
Therefore, Ings could be drafted in as a short-term fix to a long-term issue, who coincidentally is a similar player to Wolves icon Jimenez according to FBref’s similar players model.
The former Liverpool player has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but he has only missed one game since the start of 2021.
Despite being available, the 31-year-old has failed to nail down a spot in the starting XI at West Ham, with either Antonio or Jarrod Bowen being preferred in the number nine role, which has led to Ings playing just 108 minutes in the Premier League this season. Wolves, therefore, could offer him a valuable short-term exit.
West Ham striker Danny Ings.
The West Ham striker would bring experience and goals to the Wolves attack, as according to one football writer Ings is a “clinical finisher," and in fairness, the table below does prove that he knows how to put the ball in the back of the net, notably in the Premier League.
2022/23
35
8
2
2021/22
30
7
6
2020/21
29
12
4
2019/20
38
22
2
2018/19
24
7
3
Ings is the definition of a goal-scorer, but his technique and ball-striking ability are what make him so dangerous.
Indeed, if the striker gets half a chance, he will most likely bury it, which is needed when playing for a side like Wolves, who have created the 12th most big chances in the Premier League this season. This makes him like Jimenez, who has overperformed his xG this season for Fulham.
But just how do they compare specifically? Well, when it comes to how involved they are in the play, where they take their shots from, passing and carrying, there's not much to separate the pair.
Expected Goals (xG)
0.06
0.32
Average shot distance
14.1 yards
13.8 yards
Pass Success rate
63%
66%
Passes into penalty box
0.63
0.57
Touches
32
35
Successful take-ons
0.63
0.65
Carries
17.5
19.8
Overall, the potential signing of Ings is by far from one that the Wolves faithful will be extremely excited about, but given the fact that Hwang Hee-chan will be their only available striker for the rest of the season (when he returns from the AFC Asian Cup), the move does seem smart.
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ByLuke Randall Jan 2, 2024
Even if he doesn’t feature heavily. This transfer has absolutely no risk attached, and therefore, there can only be an upside to the loan.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery will be keen to strengthen his side's Premier League title credentials this month and is now said to be very interested in a free-scoring attacker, according to a report.
Aston Villa eye quality in January market…
As we all know, Aston Villa are no stranger to a high-profile signing in the transfer market, which we already got a glimpse of in the summer when Emery brought Youri Tielemans, Clement Lenglet, Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo and Pau Torres to the West Midlands-based club.
Fast forward to January and the Villans' ambition looks to have paid off as they find themselves firmly in the mix to win the title. In light of their elevated status, journalist Dean Jones has indicated that now may be the right time for Aston Villa to reignite their previous interest in Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith-Rowe.
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By
Luke Randall
Feb 1, 2024
He told GIVEMESPORT: "Villa made a couple of bids for Smith Rowe last year and if that interest is still bubbling away, then this would be an ideal moment to go and have another go. I feel like Arsenal will be tempted to cash in on someone who isn't an essential first-team player. Smith Rowe is a very good player with a really good attitude and good application. I think it'd be a very good signing for Aston Villa."
Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior has also cropped up on their radar and could be available for as little as £17 million, with the added bonus that he is reportedly keen to leave the Old Lady in search of a new challenge. Finding competition for Ollie Watkins in attack will be another priority for the Spaniard this month and a new report has suggested that he is now very keen to bring a proven goalscorer to Villa Park.
Aston Villa keen on Jonathan David…
According to Football Transfers, Aston Villa are very interested in sanctioning a deal to sign Lille forward Jonathan David this month, who is also attracting the attention of Premier League giants Manchester United. The Canada international is reportedly keen to move on from life at the Ligue 1 outfit and it is claimed that his departure could be sanctioned in the coming weeks.
Jonathan David key statistics in 2023/24 – Ligue 1 (Sofascore)
Shots per game
2.1
Shots on target per game
1.2
Expected goals
6.08
Big chances missed
6
Goal conversion
14%
Average match rating
7.08/10
Serie A giants AC Milan could also enter the race to sign the 23-year-old; however, he is believed to have his heart set on a move to the English top-flight; meanwhile, previous suitors Arsenal, who raced Lille for his signature back in 2020 are no longer keen on bringing him to the Emirates Stadium.
Lille's Jonathan David
Labelled someone with a "killer instinct" by former Canada boss John Herdman, David has registered ten goals and six assists from 24 appearances across all competitions this term (David statistics – Transfermarkt).
Clearly capable of hitting the goal trail, the Brooklyn-born striker could be a statement signing as Aston Villa look to maintain their title pursuit.
يتواصل اجتماع مسؤولو أندية الدوري المصري مع رابطة الأندية من أجل حسم شكل ونظام البطولة في الموسم الجديد وموعد نهايته.
وعلم بطولات، أن الاجتماع بين رابطة الأندية ومسؤولي الأندية مستمر وممتد بسبب مطالبات الأندية فيما يخص هبوط الأندية من الدوري.
طالع..”بطولات” يكشف نظام الدوري المصري في الموسم الجديد
وقررت الرابطة، منح شركة ألمانية عقد تنظيم بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، وذلك بداية من الموسم الجديد.
وتشتهر هذه الشركة بتنظيمها للعديد من الدوريات العالمية الكبرى، مثل “يويفا” والدوري الألماني والدوري الإماراتي والدوري التركي.
وعرض ممثل الشركة الألمانية جدول كامل لدوري الموسم المقبل على الأندية ويوضح التصور لجدول الدوري يبدأ 30 اكتوبر وينتهي 6 يونيو.
وطلب مسؤولو الأندية أن يكون هناك فريق واحد فقط هو من يهبط في نهاية الموسم المقبل مع تطبيق شكل الدوري الاستثنائي.
كما يتواصل الاجتماع بسبب مستحقات الأندية لدى الشركة الراعية، وذلك بحضور ممثلين للشركة الراعية في الاجتماع.
وتتمسك الأندية المشاركة في الدوري بما فيهم الأهلي والزمالك بالحصول على المستحقات المالية كاملة لـ34 مباراة، لأن نظام الدوري الجديد سيجعل كل نادي يلعب 26 مباراة فقط.
وعرضت الأندية رأيها في عمل المجلس الحالي لرابطة الاندية وأوضحت السلبيات التي تراها وتم الحديث عن الانتخابات المقبلة وكيفية تلاشي الأخطاء التي وقع فيها المجلس الحالي.
Lauren Hemp admits she signed a contract extension at Manchester City because she can see the club is on an "upwards trajectory".
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Hemp signed new deal until 2027Put an end to Barcelona interestHas faith Man City can win silverwareWHAT HAPPENED?
The Lionesses star signed a three-year extension with City following another impressive Women's Super League campaign. Hemp admitted she feels at home in the north of England and made the big decision to stay despite Spanish giants Barcelona showing significant interest in the 23-year-old,
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The City striker opened up on her thought process after signing a new deal, saying: "We're getting closer and closer and I know City is on an upward trajectory and it's an exciting time to be part of the club. That's why I stayed and signed a new contract. I knew we were going to be successful and it's only a matter of time before we start winning trophies and picking up league titles.
"It's such a special group to be a part of and the togetherness within the squad is second to none. I feel like we can bounce back from things so quickly and, having had some time to reflect over the past couple of weeks, I've got nothing but pride when I reflect on the season."
Manchester CityTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Securing Hemp for three more years is a massive boost for Gareth Taylor's side as they look to build on a positive campaign. The former Bristol City forward bagged 11 goals and tallied eight assists in the WSL in 2023-24 but it was still not enough to secure the title. She will need to be on top form again in 2024-25 if they are to take Chelsea's crown.
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With the season over for City, Hemp will now turn her attention to England's upcoming matches. The Lionesses have a series of Euro 2025 qualifiers over the next few months as they prepare to defend their crown next year. The new domestic season will offer Hemp and City the chance to go one step further than their last campaign after seeing the title snatched away from them on the final day by Chelsea. But with Emma Hayes having departed the Blues, City will see the new season as a chance to assert their dominance in the Women's game.
Well, we won’t be seeing a repeat of that warm-up game. For one, the weather’s being a pest. The UK Met Office predicts at least 50% chance of rain in Nottingham on Thursday.But just for a moment, let’s dare to dream. We know Trent Bridge no longer entertains outlandish notions like an even contest between bat and ball. So maybe it’s a good thing that the forecast is for grey skies. It’ll add even more spectacle to what Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah can already do. This World Cup has offered some tasty cricket, especially when conditions are tilted in favour of the bowlers. And both these teams have batsmen capable of standing up to such a test.ALSO READ: Mitchell Santner – the X factor is in his instinct and his braveryIndia’s top order has been an immense strength for them but it’s been in a bit of flux heading into this game with Shikhar Dhawan injured and KL Rahul expected to take his place.That’s no big advantage to New Zealand because their opening partnership has been among the least productive since the 2015 World Cup. They rely on their middle order for most of their runs, but even there India have them beat because they have the better quality hitters. Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni are perfect to build on the typically good starts that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli give them.So, to even things out, let’s have a grey, gloomy, non-rainy, bowler-friendly day and watch who can rise above.Shikhar Dhawan and Trent Boult are in high spirits•IDI via Getty Images
Form guide
(Last five completed matches, most recent first) India: WWLLL New Zealand: WWWWW
In the spotlight
KL Rahul has started to become an all-purpose fix-it kind of player. At Kings XI Punjab this IPL, he was given the role of anchor. For the same team in the previous IPL, he was asked to forget about everything and just go berserk. For India, he’s the back-up opener, but then showed he has the game to be their No. 4 bat. That really is the thing here. Rahul has the game – when he’s switched on he can even find a way through those nasty inswingers that keep getting him out and that’s why he’s able to adapt to all the roles given to him. Just a question of staying switched on.ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra on what India need to do to beat New ZealandTom Latham might understand those sentiments. He too is an opener by trade but has had to take up a middle order position because New Zealand needed stability there and he’s got the skills to tackle the kind of bowling most No. 5s usually face – spin, spin and more spin. Plus, he’s taken on wicketkeeping duties as well and has become a very safe presence behind the stumps.
Team news
The only question around the Indian team is who will come in at No. 4. Vijay Shankar was the first batsman to hit the nets. Is that enough of a hint that he’ll make his World Cup debut?India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 Dinesh Karthik/Vijay Shankar, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Kedar Jadhav, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Jasprit BumrahHardik Pandya plays a drive•Getty Images
Colin Munro was worked out the last time these team teams played against each other, so there may be a case of having Henry Nicholls back as opener. Plus, seeing as Tim Southee is fit, he could make a return to the XI, if only because of his record against Kohli: 188 runs, 179 balls and five dismissals.New Zealand (probable): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro/ Henry Nicholls, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 James Neesham, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Colin de Grandhomme, 9 Tim Southee/Matt Henry, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent Boult
Pitch and conditions
This game will be played on a fresh strip, one that is more centrally located and therefore helping even out the boundary distances. They’ll still be short though and that’s why most teams prefer chasing here. But if you truly do prefer setting a total, just know that, since July 8 2015, the average first innings score that’s resulted in a win is 390. #GoooooodLuck
Strategy punt
Hardik goes at a strike rate of 114 in his first 20 balls. Out of all the batsmen that have scored at least 500 runs since the last World Cup, that is the absolute best and that is why he is so dangerous. He hits from from ball one; hits any kind of bowling from ball one. But New Zealand might just have a way to get the better of him. His head-to-head with Trent Boult reads 32 runs in 35 balls and three dismissals.
Attack Kane Williamson with spin. He’s got a very modest record against all the options India might consider throwing at him: 53 runs in 69 balls and two dismissals against Yuzvendra Chahal, 18 runs in 25 balls and two dismissals against Kuldeep Yadav and 64 runs in 81 balls and two dismissals against…. drumroll please… Kedar Jadhav.
Stats and Trivia
Kohli needs 57 runs to complete 11,000 in ODIs. And considering he’ll only be playing his 222nd innings, he will be the quickest to the mark, beating Sachin Tendulkar who took 276 innings to get there.
Ross Taylor has been New Zealand’s best ODI player for the past couple of years – average 79 – and he’ll be ultra-crucial against India because of his record against spin: 87 runs in 101 balls and one dismissal against Chahal, 42 runs in 47 balls and no dismissals against Kuldeep
Not a day to remember, but Warwickshire may find that the end justifies their means
Richard Hobson at Edgbaston03-Jun-2019
Dom Sibley works to the leg side•Getty Images
The removal of much of its branding and soporific pace of the play made Edgbaston look and feel more like a working museum than a cricket ground about to be used for the fastest-moving World Cup in history. But despite progress more redolent of the dourest old days of the sport, it also nodded towards a possible future.Dominic Sibley was there at the start and remained there at the end, 81 not out from 264 balls. With England looking for an opening batsman prepared to blunt as much as take apart Australia’s attack come the Ashes, the sight of his big front leg pushing forward, bat not far behind, could easily become a leitmotiv of the series. He is close to a fourth first-class hundred of the season.If Sibley is relatively unknown outside county aficionados, then Stuart Broad is a familiar figure. Not, though, in this incarnation. Over the winter, when he briefly lost his place in the England side, Broad contemplated how best to fill what remains of his career. The answer may well have been on display: no longer a nasty, pouting new ball bowler, but wise first change. Draco Malfoy has become Albus Dumbledore.With James Pattinson available for a first Championship match since 2017, and Luke Fletcher rewarded for his status as Nottinghamshire’s most successful bowler this season, Broad waited until the ninth over to remove his sunhat and join the attack. He was bypassed again when Steven Mullaney took the second new ball as Warwickshire ground on carefully beneath the floodlights.For his first two spells at least, Broad was the pick of the attack. He not only maintained a stranglehold on the scoring (being far from alone in that regard) but also represented the most likely source of wickets. The battle with Rob Yates in particular looked what it was: a man with 437 Test wickets tormenting a 19-year-old only three weeks into his first-team career. To his great credit, Yates never sought to hit his way out of obvious difficulties.Even if the temptation to perm James Anderson with a fresh new-ball partner in Jofra Archer proves irresistible to Joe Root and Trevor Bayliss come the first Test at this same ground at the start of August, the presence as back-up of such an experienced operator in Broad would offer skill and insurance. He is also the man most likely to wind up David Warner and the rest.Broad is already causing mischief, tweeting in fake solemnity the observation that Justin Langer’s plea for an end to the booing of Warner and Steve Smith contrasts with the invitation of Darren Lehmann to make life Down Under a misery for Broad. There isn’t a wooden spoon big enough for Broad to stir this particular pot. He doesn’t sound like a man expecting to be on the sidelines, Archer or not.The pace may be down, but he kept a tight line on the first day here and found a bit of movement at times, especially operating around the wicket to the left-handers. Against less patient batsmen, that is often enough to bring reward. And when he reflects at the end of the season, he might consider Sibley to be the most obdurate of them all. Time after time, he eschewed the invitation to drive at balls outside off stump.Perhaps it was a function of the pitch, perhaps of the first division table or perhaps of the character of the Warwickshire batting that runs came so slowly. The ratio 39/35 sounds like the polling of the main political groups in the days of the two-party system. Those figures here represented runs scored and overs bowled during the session between lunch and tea.Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire occupy the bottom two slots and the only win for either came last week when Jeetan Patel spun the home side to victory against Surrey. Spin is expected to play a large part this time too, explaining why both sides wanted to bat first and why Warwickshire clearly place such value on first innings runs before deterioration takes hold.The loose cut shot that brought the end of Will Rhodes proved a rare concession to temptation, as myriad statistics attest. Sibley needed 185 balls for his fifty. Sam Hain’s second scoring shot came off his 55th ball. Broad returned figures of 7-5-2-1 in his second spell. And, for the most part, the patience of the crowd reflected the pace of the action.Sibley survived a sharp chance to Matt Carter at second slip off Pattinson on 20 and then on 47 when Joe Clarke’s direct hit had him scampering for his ground. In fact, it was Hain, even more abstemious, who was eventually run out having been sent back by his partner, Chris Nash backing up the original throw from Samit Patel to punish a horrible misunderstanding.Warwickshire did accelerate after tea, relatively speaking. They pushed the infield and sought to rotate strike, with Hain and Sibley forcing balls through their favoured leg side. So not a day to remember, but Nottinghamshire have the worst batting record in the division and, come Thursday, Warwickshire may find that the end justifies their means.
Looking to finish off a successful January transfer window in style, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign a player who could be the perfect partner for James Maddison.
Tottenham transfer news
The Lilywhites have already signed both Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin this month to hand Ange Postecoglou a major boost at both ends of the pitch. But they might not be done there, with reports linking the North London club with a move for Antonio Nusa. Spurs are reportedly in pole position to sign the young winger this month in a deal that could be worth £25m. Meanwhile, they've also been linked with a move to sign Blackburn Rovers youngster Adam Wharton and Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
santiago-gimenez-timo-werner-tottenham-opinion
Whilst it remains to be seen whether Spurs will complete further deals before the end of the window, it certainly doesn't seem like they're shortlist is lacking potential targets. Another new target on that list is now seemingly Sebastian Szymanski, who has played a starring role in his debut campaign at Fenerbahce so far.
According to Turkish outlet Askam, Spurs 'will do everything' they can to sign Szymanski and will send scouts to watch the attacking midfielder against Samsunspor. A player that Postecoglou is reportedly personally very keen on, the North London club may have to pay out as much as around €35m (£30m) if they want to land the Polish midfielder this month or, indeed, in the summer transfer window.
Although links with Ederson and Wharton suggest that Spurs are looking to sign a more defensive midfielder this month, it seems as though they could yet turn to Szymanski to boost the offensive side of Postecoglou's team in the middle of the park in the remaining days of the transfer window. Enjoying an impressive season in Turkey, Szymanski is certainly one to watch in the next week or so.
"Superb" Szymanski is a star on the rise
Szymanski's stats paint the picture of a player at the top of his game and one who could quickly become the perfect partner to Maddison at Spurs. The Fenerbahce midfielder has already been involved in 26 goals this season, scoring 12 and assisting 14 in all competitions to more than earn the interest of those in North London. It is a rise that Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig will be proud of, that's for sure, having praised the midfielder during his Dynamo Moscow days. Kulig posted on X:
Szymanski's versatility is also an impressive trait. The 24-year-old can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and a right-winger in what could hand Postecoglou a boost across three different positions. With time running out in the transfer window, though, the Lilywhites have it all to do if they are to land the Fenerbahce star this month.
West Ham United are yet to make a senior addition to their first-team squad during the January transfer window but look set for a busy nine days before the deadline.
Hammers closing in on England international Kalvin Phillips
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Hammers are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips to bolster their options in the middle of the park. Writing on his Patreon account (22/01/2024), the reporter states that the club are 'shortly' set to complete a loan move for the England international ahead of the second half of the season.
Kalvin Phillips about to come on for Manchester City.
West Ham will cover his wages over the next five months and will also pay a bonus fee but there is no option to make the transfer permanent in the summer. Phillips is not the only Premier League player who could be on their way to the London Stadium before the deadline, though, as they are also in the race to sign a young forward from Chelsea.
West Ham's pursuit of a new forward
Nixon added, in response to a question from a supporter, that West Ham are also in the market to add multiple forwards to the squad after the signing of the City outcast.
One attacker who the Hammers are said to be eyeing up a deal for is Chelsea marksman Armando Broja, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The reporter claims that the Blues are now willing to listen to offers for the Albania international as they look to cash in on their academy graduate. Jacobs states that Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham would both prefer to sign the young striker on loan, whilst West Ham and Aston Villa remain in the race as possible destinations for the England-born attacker.
The journalist adds that Chelsea would consider offers of £35m+ for the former Southampton loanee and that it is a difficult deal for clubs to complete this month.
Broja's Premier League goal record
Broja has struggled for goals since the start of last season and his progress has been stunted by a long-term knee injury that was sustained in December of 2022. The 22-year-old whiz missed 45 matches across two spells due to issues with his knee and has only scored two goals in 25 Premier League games either side of that blow.
However, the talented young striker, who U23 scout Antonio Mango has claimed is "magnificently unique", did plunder nine goals in 38 appearances for Southampton on loan during the 2021/22 campaign, which included six goals in 32 top-flight outings.
Appearances
32
Starts
21
Goals
6
Big chances missed
5
Big chances created
2
This shows that the young marksman is capable of scoring goals in the Premier League but he is yet to prove himself on a consistent basis as that horrendous knee injury disrupted his development.
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It would, therefore, be a gamble for the Hammers to bring him in, particularly for a fee in excess of £35m, but he has plenty of time left to develop and improve at the age of 22 and could arrive as a long-term project for David Moyes.
A derrota por 1 a 0 do Bangu para o Fluminense, pela quarta rodada do Carioca ficou indigesta entre os alvirrubros. A irritação com a anulação do gol de Jean Carlos, aos 12 minutos do segundo tempo culminou com uma postagem da foto de um garfo divulgada nas redes sociais do clube.
A divulgação da foto foi uma ironia em relação à decisão duvidosa de anular o gol por impedimento na jogada. O garfo é uma referência à expressão “garfado”, utilizada por pessoas que gostam de futebol para contestarem decisões da arbitragem.
Garfo é um utensílio culinário utilizado pela civilização ocidental moderna para a alimentação. Serve principalmente para segurar alimentos rígidos e levá-los à boca, mas tb se usa na cozinha p/ segurar os produtos e cozinhar, por exemplo, batatas ou cenouras cozidas, em purê. pic.twitter.com/MV8ptoX6oP
— Bangu Atlético Clube (@Banguoficial) March 21, 2021
Abaixo da foto do garfo, estava o texto:
“Garfo é um utensílio culinário utilizado pela civilização ocidental moderna para a alimentação. Serve principalmente para segurar alimentos rígidos e levá-los à boca, mas tb se usa na cozinha para segurar os produtos e cozinhar, por exemplo, batatas ou cenouras cozidas, em purê”.
O Bangu volta a campo na quarta-feira, para encarar o Madureira, às 15h30, em Conselheiro Galvão. A equipe de Moça Bonita tem quatro pontos no Carioca.