Former Real Madrid player Predrag Mijatovic blamed Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. for Real Madrid's chastening 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday.
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Madrid lost 3-0 to Arsenal in Champions League Mijatovic blames Mbappe and Vini for lossBelieves Frenchman's arrival has had negative effectFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Former Real Madrid player Predrag Mijatovic reflected on the club's humbling 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday and singled out star attackers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. for the team's lack of success this season.
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Since Mbappe's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu, to much fanfare, last summer, much of the debate has been about how Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti would fit in the Frenchman alongside Vini Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham. Of course, the ex-PSG man has scored 33 goals in all competitions, but he is yet to form the sort of chemistry with his fellow forwards, especially the Ballon d'Or 2024 runner-up, which can help Madrid wreak havoc against organised teams such as Arsenal.
WHAT PREDRAG MIJATOVIC SAID
"Since Mbappe's arrival, Vinicius has been a little afraid to show who's better. The goal seems to be to convince Real fans who's the best. And that's led to him not performing as expected this season. That's been very noticeable," Mijatovic explained (h/t BILD).
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Before Los Blancos can think of mounting an improbable comeback against the Gunners in the return leg next Tuesday at the Bernabeu, they will take on Alaves on Sunday, April 13, with the aim of reducing the four-point to league leaders Barcelona in LaLiga.
West Ham United have made an approach for a £20m Premier League forward who has a history of scoring against the Irons.
Potter gets first West Ham win vs Fulham
Graham Potter got his maiden league victory as Hammers boss at the first attempt on Tuesday evening, with West Ham beating Fulham 3-2 at the London Stadium.
Goals from Carlos Soler, Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta were enough to cancel out Alex Iwobi’s brace for the visitors, with West Ham starting the game with Paqueta in attack due to injuries to Niclas Fullkrug, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.
Talking after the win, Potter said: “It was probably not one for the purists but from our point of view we are delighted with the three points. I think we started the game a little bit passive and credit to Fulham for being in the game well and we tried to get the crowd a little bit more involved.
“Fulham scored and we thought it was a bit tough. It was about sticking together. We had some breathing space but we were never comfortable and that’s why it’s nice to get over the line.”
West Ham now in pole position to sign "experienced" Rangers attacker
He’s enjoying an impressive season…
ByTom Cunningham Jan 15, 2025
Attention can now turn to the transfer window for a few days before West Ham host Crystal Palace, with the Irons on the search for a striker solution for the second half of the campaign.
A number of attackers have been linked with moves to the Hammers, including summer target Jhon Duran. Reports have claimed that West Ham had a recent bid rejected for Aston Villa striker Duran, whereas speculation elsewhere has suggested that West Ham are planning a January loan bid for Marseille striker Elye Wahi.
Now, another name has emerged to solve Potter’s striker selection headache.
West Ham in talks to sign Nottingham Forest forward Awoniyi
According to Jack Rosser of The Sun, West Ham are interested in signing Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi. Rosser claims that the Irons have made an approach over a loan move, although a permanent transfer has also been discussed, with Forest wanting £20m.
Since then, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed that talks are underway over a transfer for the Forest striker.
The 27-year-old has fallen out of favour at the City Ground under Nuno Espirito Santo, with Chris Wood the main man for Forest who are flying in the Premier League.
Awoniyi has been with Forest since 2022 and has a great record against West Ham, scoring three of his 18 goals for the Reds against the Irons.
The Nigeria international actually averages a goal every 75 minutes against the Hammers, so he could potentially be a shrewd option for Potter on loan.
He has found the back of the net just once in 18 appearances in all competitions during the current campaign, though, so West Ham may well be reluctant to match the £20m asking price set by Forest, making this one to keep an eye on before the deadline.
Ipswich Town have agreed another January signing for manager Kieran McKenna, with a move now imminent as per Fabrizio Romano.
Ipswich Town’s January signings so far
The Tractor Boys suffered their heaviest defeat of the Premier League campaign last time out, losing 6-0 against Manchester City at Portman Road.
McKenna admitted it was “painful” for his side, who are now back in the relegation zone alongside fellow promoted sides Leicester City and Southampton.
“Painful game for us. Beaten by a world-class side and they were too good for us. Positives the early parts of the game, but after the first goal they hit top form and top confidence – we weren’t able to find a response.
“They were outstanding and when that’s the case the gulf between us was too much on the day. Once they got the first goal they played really well, our confidence did drop and they caused us a lot of promise individually.
“The players showed some good character in the last 25 minutes. In a difficult moment in the last 20 minutes they regrouped well. We had to take our medicine and work hard to stop Man City.”
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ByDan Emery Jan 21, 2025
Ipswich have been making winter window additions to give McKenna’s side every chance of securing a second top-flight season, though, with Ben Godfrey joining on loan from Atalanta and Jaden Philogene signing permanently from Aston Villa.
Talking after signing, Philogene told Ipswich’s official website: “I’m excited to be here and I know there are great players in the squad. I just want to play as much as possible. As a player I like to dribble and link up play and provide goals and assists. I’m looking forward to it.”
There were reports that McKenna and Ipswich could make up to five signings this month, should all go to plan, and it looks as if a third incoming has now been agreed.
Ipswich Town agree Julio Enciso deal
Ipswich have been linked with a move for Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder Julio Enciso in recent days, and a move has gathered pace in the last 24 hours.
Taking to X on Tuesday evening, transfer expert Romano revealed that Enciso to Ipswich is a ‘done deal’ on loan until the end of the season, although there is no option to buy included in the transfer.
The 20-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder, second striker or left winger and is valued at a career-high €22m by Transfermarkt.
A Paraguay international, called “special” in the media, has made 57 senior appearances for Brighton, scoring five times and providing six assists in all competitions.
He should provide a versatile attacking option for the remainder of the season, and if Enciso can replicate goals like the one he scored against Manchester City, Ipswich would have made a shrewd loan signing.
Turning their attention towards the future, Manchester United are now reportedly closing in on their first signing of the Ruben Amorim era with one target now set to travel to complete a medical.
Man Utd transfer news
Three Premier League defeats in a row and admitting that his side may well find themselves in a relegation battle as the new year gets underway, to say that Amorim has endured a tough start would be an understatement. And things aren’t set to get any easier anytime soon.
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Ruben Amorim wants to add more goals to his United team, and this player would do exactly that.
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Currently just seven points adrift of the dropzone, the Red Devils have the task of becoming just the second team in Europe to defeat Arne Slot’s Liverpool side this weekend before squaring off against Arsenal in the FA Cup. As January potentially commences another nightmare month on the pitch, however, those at Old Trafford must back their manager in the transfer market away from the action.
On that front, the transfer rumours are already coming thick and fast and the Red Devils could even have the first official signing of the Amorim era sealed sooner than they think.
According to Paraguayan journalist Bruno Pont, Manchester United are now closing in on signing Diego Leon with the young defender set to travel to complete his medical at the club.
In a deal worth a reported £4m, those at Old Trafford will have to wait until the summer and after Leon’s 18th birthday to see their new man in action, given that he’s unable to complete a move before that point. At least securing his signature in advance nonetheless, the teenager is undoubtedly a rising star to watch.
Leon could receive a fair few opportunities when he does arrive too, with the left wing-back spot very much up for grabs in the face of Luke Shaw’s continued injuries and the fact that Diogo Dalot is currently playing out of position.
"Powerful" Leon is one for the future
Of course, Manchester United need far more than the arrival of a 17-year-old left-back in 2025, but that doesn’t mean Leon isn’t a good place to start. One for the future, the left-back may solve one of Amorim’s greatest problems for years to come at the reported cost of just £4m. Described as “powerful” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Leon could prove to be quite the coup from Cerro Porteno.
As they wait for his official arrival in the summer, Manchester United should also turn their attention towards players likely to make an instant impact in the hope of pushing on from the embarrassment of a relegation battle.
Cruzeiro e Grêmio fizeram um jogo movimentado na tarde deste domingo em Belo Horizonte, no Independência, pela Série B do Brasileirão. Apesar do equilíbrio, quem saiu comemorando foi a Raposa, que derrotou o Imortal por 1 a 0, graças a um gol contra de Rodrigo Ferreira no primeiro tempo e, de quebra, assumiu a vice-liderança da segunda divisão nacional, com 13 pontos. O time gaúcho é o 4º, com dez. Clique no player acima e veja os lances do jogo.
>>> Veja a tabela de classificação da Série B e os próximos jogos
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Captain hits 77 not out after taking 4 for 31 as Somerset slip to defeat
ECB Reporters Network07-Aug-2022
Jack Taylor gets on to the front foot•Getty Images
Jack Taylor made match-winning contributions with bat and ball as Gloucestershire carved out a hard-earned five-wicket win over arch rivals Somerset in a low-scoring Royal London One-Day encounter at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium.Gloucestershire’s captain returned figures of 4 for 31 with his legbreaks and then made an unbeaten 77 as the home side chased down a victory target of 200 with 7.1 overs to spare in front of a modest but enthusiastic derby crowd.Somerset won the toss, posted 57 without loss in 10 overs and then inexplicably slumped to 112 for 7, one batter after another giving their wicket away cheaply. Lewis Goldsworthy mustered a defiant 66, hewn from 103 balls with two fours, but the visitors were bowled out for 199 in 47.4 overs, with slow left-armer Tom Smith taking 2 for 29 in support of Taylor.Related
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Australian Test batter Marcus Harris proved the mainstay of Gloucestershire’s reply, raising 59 from 90 balls on a typically slow Bristol pitch, before Taylor and Zafar Gohar finished the job off. Kasey Aldridge was the pick of the Somerset bowlers, claiming 2 for 43.Following back-to-back defeats at the hands of Warwickshire and Sussex, Gloucestershire will be relieved to have finally broken their duck, even though the contest will scarcely live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. As for Somerset, they will go into Wednesday’s home game against Durham seeking a first win in three attempts after another disappointing batting display.There was no sign of the trouble that lay ahead as Matt Renshaw and Steve Davies staged a productive opening stand of 57 in 10.2 overs, justifying the decision to bat first. Aggressive from the outset, Renshaw cut and pulled to good effect in making 38 from 45 balls, including five fours and a six, smashed high over long-on at the expense of Zafar. But the Australian flirted with danger outside off stump and twice survived confident caught behind appeals before eventually edging Jared Warner to James Bracey.The introduction of spin from both ends yielded instant dividends thereafter, experienced campaigners Davies and James Hildreth both falling to poor shots in successive overs as the visitors lurched from 72 for 1 to 75 for 3 in the space of seven deliveries. Taylor and Smith both struck with their first balls, the former inducing Davies to hit a full toss to Oli Price at cover for 18 and the latter bowling Hildreth for 1, the batter guilty of an airy shot outside off stump.Somerset contributed further to their own downfall, new batter George Bartlett being comprehensively run out by Chris Dent for seven after being sent back by Goldsworthy in pursuit of a notional single. Having made such a promising start, the cider county had lost four wickets for the addition of 34 runs in 10 overs, in the process offering Gloucestershire a way back into the contest.Academy product James Rew then attempted to sweep Taylor and was caught by Bracey down the leg side, while Ben Green played an ill-advised forcing shot and was held by the diving Price at mid-on as Somerset subsided 111 for 6 in the 27th over.Worse followed when Aldridge missed a straight ball on off stump and was bowled by Pakistani slow left-armer Zafar, at which point Goldsworthy represented Somerset’s last realistic hope of posting a competitive score. In danger of running out of partners and forced by the parlous situation in which he found himself to be circumspect, the 21-year-old Cornishman played responsibly to chisel 50 from 81 balls.He found a willing ally in Siddle, the eighth wicket pair adding 67 in 16 overs to at least partially rebuild the innings. The sole contributor of boundaries during his sojourn in the middle, Siddle struck a straight six and a brace of fours before playing across the line and being bowled by Taylor for 29.Taylor completed his stint by bowling Goldsworthy in the 46th over and Paul van Meekeren accounted for Jack Brooks as Somerset were dismissed with 14 balls unused.Somerset had no option but to press hard for early wickets and new ball bowlers Aldridge and Brooks obliged, sweeping aside openers Chris Dent (3) and Ben Wells (15) respectively inside six overs. Siddle produced late swing to bowl Bracey for 15 and, when Price suffered a rush of blood to the head and hoisted Goldsworthy’s slow left-arm straight to deep mid-wicket, Gloucestershire were 69 for 4 and experiencing a degree of discomfiture.A calming influence in the middle, overseas star Harris offered reassurance, staging a restorative stand of 75 in 18 overs for the fifth wicket with skipper Taylor, who initially suppressed his naturally attacking instincts to play the supporting role that was the order of the day. Harris registered 50 from 82 deliveries, only to then spoon a slower ball from Aldridge to backward point with Gloucestershire in need of 56 more runs from 15.3 overs and the result still in doubt.Dropped on 10 by Renshaw at slip off the bowling of Green, Zafar made good his escape to score 18 not out, while Taylor went to an 83-ball 50 with a huge six over long-on off the same bowler to calm any lingering nerves.
أعلن نادي أورلاندو بايرتس، الإثنين، أن المدير الفني الإسباني خوسيه ريفيرو سيقود الفريق للمرة الأخيرة في مواجهة جولدن أروز، ضمن منافسات الدوري الجنوب إفريقي، مساء الثلاثاء.
وأكد النادي في بيان رسمي أنه وافق على منح ريفيرو إنهاء مبكرًا لعقده، رغم أنه كان ممتدًا حتى نهاية يونيو 2025، دون الكشف عن أسباب الرحيل أو الوجهة المقبلة للمدرب.
ويُعد ريفيرو من أبرز المدربين في الكرة الجنوب إفريقية مؤخرًا، بعد أن قاد أورلاندو لتحقيق لقب الكأس مرتين متتاليتين، إلى جانب تتويجه بكأس الرابطة الموسم الماضي.
اقرأ أيضًا | فينجادا: اتخذت قرارًا خاطئًا تجاه الأهلي الأفضل في إفريقيا.. وآسف على ما فعلته
ويُطرح اسم ريفيرو بقوة لتدريب أحد الفرق العربية، خاصة في ظل بحث أندية كبرى مثل الأهلي والزمالك عن مدربين جدد، عقب رحيل مارسل كولر وجوزيه بيسيرو وقد تتوافق خبرته الإفريقية مع تطلعاتهما القارية.
كما تشير بعض التقارير الصحفية إلى اهتمام نادي الوداد بالتعاقد مع مدرب يتمتع بخبرة إفريقية ونجاحات في بطولات الكؤوس، وهو ما يعزز من احتمالية انتقال ريفيرو إلى شمال القارة.
جدير بالذكر أن ريفيرو، البالغ من العمر 48 عامًا، يتميز بأسلوب لعب هجومي وتنظيم دفاعي مميز، ما يجعله هدفًا محتملًا للفرق الساعية للمنافسة في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
Glasgow Rangers striker Hamza Igamane has been one of the few bright lights of a rather underwhelming season.
The Moroccan arrived at Ibrox with plenty of raised eyebrows among the supporters, yet his performances on the pitch proved all the doubters wrong.
Hamza Igamane
Due to his excellent form in January, Igamane was awarded the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award recently, having netted five goals throughout the month, including an impressive hat-trick against Hibs.
Philippe Clement has a special talent on his hands. The question is, how long will he remain a Rangers player?
Hamza Igamane's future at Rangers
The 22-year-old scored against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League just before Christmas as the Gers secured a point against the North Londoners. Following the game, there were reports that scouts from Everton had travelled to watch the striker in action.
The Toffees weren’t the only team beginning to show interest in the Moroccan sensation, however, as West Ham United, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and Newcastle United had all watched Igamane in action.
Rumours have persisted throughout the January transfer window, but it appears that only a mind-boggling offer will be enough to convince Clement to sell before the deadline on Monday.
Igamane won’t be at Ibrox for long though, especially if he maintains his current level of performance until the end of the campaign.
Hamza Igamane’s season in numbers
A return of 13 goals in 28 matches is certainly impressive, especially given the fact he hadn’t played senior football outside of Africa until his move to Scotland last summer.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect is just how well Igamane has performed in Europe. Many didn’t expect him to be given much of a chance during the first few months of the season, but four goals in the Europa League demonstrate how effective the former AS FAR centre-forward has been in the final third.
Hamza Igamane’s season in numbers
Metric
Premiership
Europa League
Goals
9
4
Assists
1
1
Shots per game
3
1.8
Scoring frequency (minutes)
128
91
Big chances created
5
1
Via Sofascore
When compared to his positional peers in Europe’s secondary competition, Igamane currently ranks in the top 2% for non-penalty goals (1.01), the top 5% for successful take-ons (2.53) and in the top 13% for shot-creating actions across the tournament this season so far.
No wonder clubs such as Everton are taking interest in the youngster, who, if he carries on like this, will have an extraordinarily bright future in football. No doubt about that.
It may prove to be difficult for the Light Blues to keep him at the club beyond this summer, especially with Premier League clubs sniffing around him.
Signing a potential replacement this month might be stretching things, especially as there are several areas which require strengthening first, but another centre-forward must surely be signed this summer.
It looks as though the manager is looking at options already, as the Ibrox side have been linked with a former international striker…
Rangers could land dream Igamane replacement
As reported earlier this week by journalist Alan Nixon, Rangers are monitoring the situation of Nottingham Forest centre-forward Emmanuel Dennis, who is seeking to end his nightmare spell at the club.
Championship clubs Watford and Sheffield Wednesday are also showing interest in the Nigerian international striker, but the Gers could well have the upper hand, especially with the chance to play in Europe and challenge for trophies.
Dennis hasn’t been named in a single matchday squad this term by manager Nuno Espirito Santo, with his last appearance for the club coming way back in May 2023.
Could Dennis be an ideal replacement for Igamane? It remains to be seen whether Clement is seeking a move before the window closes, or if he will wait until the summer transfer window.
Why Emmanuel Dennis would be a good signing for Rangers
The £40k-per-week striker might not have made an impact this season for Forest, but there is no doubting that with the right club, he could shine.
Indeed, he began to showcase his talents back in 2018, scoring twice for Club Brugge during a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Following these displays for the Belgian side, Dennis ended up joining Watford for a fee in the region of just £3.6m and it turned out to be a wonderful piece of transfer business by the club.
A return of ten Premier League goals and six assists may not have been enough to keep the Vicarage Road side in the top flight, but his performances caught the eye of Forest, who splurged £20m to bring him to the club in August 2022.
The move didn’t work out, however, scoring just twice in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign. Manager Steve Cooper did lavish plenty of praise on the 27-year-old upon his arrival, saying:
Loan spells with Basaksehir and Watford last season produced just four goals in total, but it is evident that escaping his current situation at Forest would allow him to play regularly again.
Igamane should remain at Rangers until the summer at least, but the more goals he scores, the harder it will be for Clement to keep him at Ibrox.
The Gers must be wary of past mistakes in the transfer market. Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos were two prized assets at the club and could have been sold for millions.
The board allowed both of their contracts to run down, however, meaning the pair left for nothing in May 2023. The same cannot happen concerning Igamane. Clement must get the best deal possible for the player.
Transfer Focus
If so, then signing Dennis as a replacement could be a wise move indeed, especially judging by his supreme talents in front of goal.
The next couple of days could be very interesting at Ibrox. Expect at least another signing heading through the doors before the window closes.
Let’s just hope Igamane isn’t going the other way.
Shades of Gazza: Rangers battling to land "dynamic" £3.5k-p/w star
Rangers are fighting it out to sign a former Liverpool midfielder.
Rayados defeated América 1-0 on Matchday 16 of the Clausura 2025.
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Monterrey currently sits in eighth place with 25 pointsSergio Ramos and James Rodríguez will face each other on SundayThe Spanish defender has scored four goals across all competitions for his teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Former Spain striker David Villa had high praise for his ex-teammate Sergio Ramos, who continues to shine in Liga MX with Monterrey.
“He can play as long as he wants,” said Villa. “Physically, he’s still strong, mentally he’s a leader, and on the pitch, he makes a difference. Monterrey made a great signing.”
Ramos has been key in Rayados’ late push toward the Clausura 2025 Play-In. The team led by Martín Demichelis bounced back from the painful defeat suffered last weekend in the Clásico Regio against Tigres, where they lost 2-1 with a last-minute goal. Now, with Ramos leading from the back, Monterrey are back on track for a spot in the final phase of the Clausura 2025. The Spanish veteran has played eight matches, scored three goals, and received one red card in the tournament, and his influence has been key in keeping the team in the fight.
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Ramos arrived at Monterrey for the Clausura 2025 amid high expectations, but also with some doubts due to several months of inactivity. The Spanish defender, a World Cup champion and multiple-time winner with Real Madrid, hadn’t played since leaving Sevilla in December 2024, where he spent his final season in Europe.
His lack of match rhythm and age, he's 38, raised questions from the media and fans about whether he could perform at the level demanded by Liga MX. However, as the tournament has progressed, Ramos has managed to silence many of those doubts, becoming one of the key leaders in Monterrey’s backline.
Getty Images SportWHAT SERGIO RAMOS SAID
Monterrey took a big step toward securing a spot in the Clausura 2025 Play-In with a 1-0 victory over América on Matchday 16. After the match, Ramos praised his team’s performance.
"Very important win at home and a clean sheet. Great team effort. This is the path to follow," he said. "Now, let’s go for the last three points, !"
His comments highlight the importance of unity and focus in the final stretch of the tournament. The win lifts into contention, while América continues to struggle heading into the postseason.
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MONTERREY?
This Sunday on Matchday 17, a special reunion is set: Ramos will face off against former Real Madrid teammate James Rodríguez as Monterrey takes on León. Two long-time stars, now rivals in Liga MX, meet in a clash full of intrigue.