Atual vice-campeão, o Olaria inicia no sábado a sua caminhada na Série A2 do Campeonato Carioca diante do Americano em Campos. O time comandado pelo técnico Palinha Olivério é apontado como um dos favoritos ao acesso para a elite do futebol do Rio de Janeiro. Como ponto positivo na preparação, o clube conta com a manutenção do treinador e comissão técnica que levaram o time da rua Bariri ao título da B1 em 2021 e à ótima campanha na temporada passada na Série A2.
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A permanência do treinador é mais um sinal do novo momento vivido pelo clube. Não é segredo para ninguém que o time do subúrbio carioca vem tendo o seu futebol gerido pela RIC’S Estrelas do Esporte, empresa de marketing esportivo, que desde que chegou no azulão tem resgatado o DNA da Bariri e tem em seus pilares de gestão o trabalho com resultado em médio e longo prazo. Além da montagem do elenco, estrutura para a pré-temporada e análise de cada jogador mapeado pelo clube, a gestão tem investido pesado no departamento de futebol. Paralelo a isso, a diretoria do clube segue com a reforma do estádio Antônio Mourão Vieira Filho, que está com cara de novo para receber as partidas da equipe.
+ Fique por dentro dos confrontos das oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil
– Estamos tocando um projeto audacioso e com planejamento bem definido. Hoje temos a comissão técnica e 80% do grupo que foi mantido da última temporada. É um trabalho executado com muita dedicação e profissionalismo pela direção, executivos, comissão técnica, são pessoas altamente capacitadas dentro de cada função. Posso dizer que o Olaria trabalha para subir de divisão e ficar na elite, estamos prontos para esse próximo passo”, disse Fernando Santos diretor executivo do clube que seguiu acrescentando.
– Nós fazemos contrato longo com nossos atletas e isso atrai o jogador na hora de acertar com clube, a mensagem passada é de profissionalismo. Pagamos em dia e buscamos sempre a melhor estrutura para os jogadores e comissão técnica. Trabalhamos realmente com um projeto de médio e longo prazo, o Olaria é grande, um clube centenário que merece figurar novamente na primeira divisão. Estamos trabalhando muito, respeitamos demais os nossos adversários mas vamos trabalhar dia e noite pelo acesso – encerrou Fernando Santos.
O Olaria viajou nesta sexta-feira para Campos, onde amanhã enfrenta o Americano, às 15 horas, na estreia da Série A2 do Campeonato Carioca, no estádio Ary de Oliveira e Souza
Arsenal have announced that former Rangers winger Archie Stevens is now a Gunners player, with the promising forward signing a professional contract with the Premier League giants. The talented teenager saw his time in Scotland brought to a close when walking away from Ibrox upon the expiration of his deal in Glasgow over the summer – making him a free agent.
Senior debut at 16 & then released
Stevens, who has represented England at U17 and U18 level, now finds himself back in his homeland. He made just one senior appearance for Rangers, in a Scottish League Cup clash with Queens of the South in August 2022 – when he was just 16 years of age.
AdvertisementGettySenior experience: Useful loan taken in
A loan spell was taken in at Dunfermline Athletic of the Scottish Championship last season, allowing more useful game time to be seen. Stevens will now be dropping back from senior action and into the U21 ranks at Arsenal.
Mertesacker impressed with new arrival
Terms have been presented to him after impressing during a trial spell. Arsenal’s academy manager Per Mertesacker has told the club’s : “Since Archie has been with us, he has really impressed as a person and player. He has fit into our environment seamlessly and has been really impressive in matches and in training. Archie has absolutely earned this next stage in his career with his professional contract with us. We welcome Archie to our Academy and are all looking forward to working with him in his continued development.”
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Goal account opened in friendly
Stevens said of lining up against Chelmsford City and Monaco II in pre-season friendlies, with the target being found against French opposition: “My first game was against Chelmsford in pre-season, I think I gave a good account of myself. Then we had the Monaco game out in France, which was a great opportunity. I came on in the last 30 minutes, so I wanted to make an impact. I saw the ball come to me in quite a wide area, but I thought I need to get something away, whether it’s a shot or a pass and I went for goal.”
He added on his ambition: “I can't wait to show what I can do. Obviously, it's such a massive club, so it's a dream come true to be here, I'm just grateful for the opportunity.”
Tottenham are in dire need of attacking reinforcements as we fast enter the business end of this summer transfer window, especially after Son Heung-min’s departure to the MLS and a heartbreaking update on James Maddison’s knee injury.
Spurs announced on Thursday morning that the latter is set to undergo surgery on a ruptured ACL, which is expected to keep him out for a very large portion of 2025/2026, with Maddison joining fellow chief creator, Dejan Kulusevski, back on the sidelines after only just returning to action.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
It’s a hammer blow for Thomas Frank, who was banking on Maddison to be their star number 10 this season.
Having already been robbed of participating in the Europa League final due to that same right knee, the England playmaker will now watch from the side once again as Spurs try to forge ahead without him.
The pressure is now firmly on Spurs’ recruitment team, specifically chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange, to dig their heels in and source an immediate replacement for Maddison as soon as possible.
Reports have linked the club with a move for Eberechi Eze at points this window – an ideal fit stylistically, but with Crystal Palace digging their heels in and Arsenal pursuing a deal for the 27-year-old, it won’t be easy.
Tottenham have also contacted Man City over a move for Jack Grealish in recent days, according to Fabrizio Romano, but Everton are currently in more formal talks and ahead of Frank’s side in the race right now.
Harvey Elliott is another attacking midfielder who emerge as a target for Spurs, as per talkSPORT.
However, RB Leipzig are currently in discussions over the England Under-21 sensation, so Spurs will need to decide whether they’re going to potentially rival Ole Werner’s side pretty soon.
Frank is faced with the near-impossible task of somehow filling the voids left by Maddison, Son Heung-min and the injured Dejan Kulusevski, with a report by Turkish news outlet Takvim now claiming Tottenham could turn to the Süper Lig for answers.
Tottenham to make "official offer soon" for Galatasaray star Baris Yilmaz
As per the media outlet, Galatasaray forward Baris Yilmaz is of serious interest to the north Londoners.
AZ Alkmaar's Ernest Poku and Seiya Maikuma in action with Galatasaray'sBarisAlperYilmaz
The 25-year-old, who played in a variety of attacking roles last season, ended 24/25 with 14 goals and six assists in all competitions – starting on the right against Tottenham when the Turkish champions beat them 3-2 in the Europa League.
Now, Takvim states that the player’s agent recently met with Galatasaray chiefs to discuss his future at the club – sending them a clear message about Tottenham’s serious interest.
The unnamed representative informed Okan Buruk’s side, as quoted by Takvim, that Tottenham “will make an official offer soon” for Yilmaz.
Baris Yilmaz
Galatasaray are set to demand around £30 million for the Turkey international, who also played a key role during his country’s surprise run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals last year.
Yilmaz has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, and members of the media believe he could be a “fascinating” option for any English side.
“Yilmaz is different,” said journalist Graeme Bailey to the Geordie Boot Boys in January.
“He’s a fascinating player. He can play anywhere across the front three and is a very clever footballer. He’s a good age. He’s an interesting one to keep an eye on. Nottingham Forest have looked, and there are others in the Premier League too.”
Arsenal are closing in on their next major signing of the summer, with sporting director Andrea Berta sealing a huge transfer coup.
Earlier this week, the Gunners officially announced Cristhian Mosquera’s arrival from Valencia – nearly a fortnight after news emerged that they reached an agreement to sign the defender for a potential £17 million.
Player gets green-light to join Arsenal, medical scheduled in next 24 hours
He could play a part in their pre-season tour.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 24, 2025
Arsenal have paid Valencia an initial £13 million for the 21-year-old, but it could rise by a further £4 million with add-ons. According to Fabrizio Romano, Mosquera “only” wanted to join Mikel Arteta’s side, and Berta thinks he’s a very exciting new addition to the squad.
“We’re very happy and excited to have signed a hugely talented young player in Cristhian Mosquera,” said Berta in an official statement.
Real Betis' Vitor Roque in action with Valencia'sCristhianMosquera
“We identified Cristhian as one of the strongest young defenders in European football, and he is an important signing for our future.
“Cristhian is a versatile defender who will strengthen our squad. We cannot wait to see him playing for us. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Cristhian and his family to Arsenal.”
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£153m
After Mosquera, it is widely reported that Arsenal are about to end their long-winded pursuit of a prolific number nine with the signing of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.
Berta and co actually reached an agreement in principle to sign Gyokeres at around the same time as they made a breakthrough for Mosquera (The Athletic), but negotiations dragged out due to issues surrounding bonuses and add-ons in the deal.
However, a breakthrough has since been made, and Gyokeres is set for an imminent Arsenal medical ahead of his potential £64 million move (Fabrizio Romano).
Viktor Gyokeres agrees £135,000-per-week Arsenal contract
Now, A Bola have also lifted the lid on some key contract details.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their first goal
According to the Portuguese newspaper, via The Daily Cannon, Gyokeres has agreed a £135,000-per-week contract to join Arsenal, which will run for five years, and they back up that the 27-year-old will soon be announced as Berta’s next new incoming in a major boost for Arteta.
One of this summer’s most drawn-out transfer sagas is now coming to an end, and barring a last-second catastrophe, supporters can look forward to having a proven goalscorer lead their line next season.
According to journalist Duncan Castles this week, Gyokeres and his camp even had to navigate a legal row with Sporting before sealing his move to N5.
“Sporting wrote to Gyokeres to inform him he was in breach of contract, to which his lawyers replied, saying they didn’t feel he was in breach of contract because Gyokeres had promises from the club that they would allow him to leave this summer if his agents brought a certain fee and the club had reneged on those promises,” said Castles on The Transfers Podcast.
“There’s now a legal dispute between player and club in the background, and a general sense that I’m getting from Portugal is that Sporting want to make this as difficult for Gyokeres as possible.”
They replace Jaiswal, Dube and Samson, who will return to India with the rest of the T20 World Cup-winning squad before flying out to Zimbabwe for the last three games
ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jul-2024
Sai Sudharsan is currently with Surrey, playing in the County Championship•AFP/Getty Images
B Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma and Harshit Rana have been drafted into India’s 15-member squad for the first two (of five) T20Is in Zimbabwe starting later this week. They will replace Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal, all of whom will return to India with the rest of the T20 World Cup-winning squad before flying out to Zimbabwe for the last three games.The victorious T20 World Cup squad was expected to land in India on Monday, but their arrival has been delayed because of Hurricane Beryl, which led to the airport in Barbados being shut down. ESPNcricinfo understands that Samson, Dube and Jaiswal will be part of a felicitation ceremony in India before they travel to Zimbabwe.Rinku Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, who were part of the reserves for the World Cup, are likely to join the squad in Harare directly from the Caribbean. Shubman Gill, who has been named captain of the squad in Zimbabwe, is set to join the squad directly from the USA, where he was on holiday after being released from India’s touring reserves at the end of the group stage.Sai Sudharsan, who made his international debut on the tour of South Africa last December, is currently playing for Surrey in Division 1 of the County Championship and is likely to join the squad in Harare on July 4 after the conclusion of Surrey’s ongoing fixture against Essex. Sai Sudharsan had re-signed with Surrey last month after an impressive maiden stint with the team last year. It’s Sai Sudharsan’s first call-up with the India T20I side.For Jitesh, the call-up is a lifeline of sorts after he fell out of favour with the selectors following a disappointing IPL 2024, where he scored just 187 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 131.69.Rana, for whom this is a maiden India call-up, was part of the victorious Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at IPL 2024. Rana had been at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy till late last month as part of a conditioning camp for rising fast bowlers. He was the joint-second-highest wicket-taker for KKR (19 wickets at an average of 20.15), the same as Andre Russell and only behind Varun Chakravarthy, who had 21.The series kicks off on July 6, followed by matches on July 7, 10, 13 and 14. All matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club.India’s squad for 1st and 2nd T20Is vs ZimbabweShubman Gill (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana
A new report claims Liverpool have made contact with a “superb” Paris Saint-Germain star over a summer move to Anfield and the Champions League winners have already responded.
Liverpool eyeing two Premier League players after Kerkez
Reds supporters couldn’t have asked for a much more positive start to the summer transfer window, with the arrival of Florian Wirtz having the potential to be huge. Not only that, but Jeremie Frimpong has also joined and Milos Kerkez is on the verge of coming in from Bournemouth.
Liverpool’s business may not stop there, however, and another Cherries player, Antoine Semenyo, continues to be linked with a move to the club. He has been mentioned as an option for some time, following an excellent season in the Premier League in 2024/25, in which he scored 11 times.
Antoine Semenyo for Bournemouth.
A new centre-back has to be looked at by the Reds at some point, considering Jarell Quansah is off to Bayer Leverkusen, and a bid for Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi could be made at some point this week.
Further up the pitch, Lyon winger Malick Fofana has been talked about as an exciting young target, with Liverpool ahead of Chelsea in the race to snap him up.
Liverpool make contact with PSG star Barcola
According to The Boot Room, Liverpool have now made contact and enquired with Paris Saint-Germain about signing winger Bradley Barcola this summer.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are all in the same boat, but it is stated that PSG don’t want the France international to leave and have told those clubs their stance.
Paris St Germain's BradleyBarcola
It looks unlikely that Liverpool will be able to entice Barcola to Anfield, but if the situation changes, they should be looking to bring him in as a hugely gifted option.
The Frenchman is now a Champions League winner after PSG’s brilliance last season, and he played his part in the success, scoring three goals and registering four assists in the competition.
At just 22, there is still so much more to come from Barcola as the years pass, and while he is at his best on the left wing, his versatility allows him to be a huge threat on the right flank and even in a central attacking role.
He was lauded as a “superb” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig back in 2023, and has only grown as a footballer since then, and Liverpool’s best chance of signing him may be if PSG sign another attacker this summer, potentially stunting his growth there.
Slot's answer to Mane: Liverpool chasing "monster" £70m Premier League star
Liverpool have set their sights on another attacking star this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2025
Granted, new wide options aren’t essential for the Reds, especially if both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo stay put, but players with the long-term ability of Barcola may not come around too often.
After a defeat in the Europa League final and a Premier League campaign filled with disaster, the last thing Manchester United needed was more football.
Ruben Amorim is crying out for a holiday, yearning for some time off, as too are his players.
Sadly, that isn’t the case. They’ve embarked on a post-season tour to Asia, which rather typically, has started in embarrassing fashion.
Facing off against ASEAN All Stars in front of over 70,000 people, a Red Devils team mixed with academy players and experienced senior pros were beaten 1-0.
While the game ultimately doesn’t matter, it did rubber stamp why United are in dire need of improving the squad this summer.
Man United’s summer transfer plans
The season has only just finished but INEOS are already closing in on their first big addition of the summer.
On Tuesday, it was revealed by multiple sources that Matheus Cunha was set to undergo a medical after United agreed to pay his £62.5m release clause at Wolves.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhacelebrates
He’s not the only forward player who could arrive from another Premier League club, with reports suggesting that they’ve held talks to sign Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo.
The winger was one of the standout players in England’s top-flight this campaign, scoring 20 times, enough to rank him as the fourth top scorer in the league behind Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
It’s evident United are doing their utmost to improve the attack and could bolster further through Liam Delap.
One report a few days ago revealed that personal terms had been agreed with the player, although talkSPORT shared the breaking news on Wednesday that he’s now likely to join Chelsea.
Games
33
38
Goals
15
20
Assists
6
8
With all that said, who would be the number one option for former Manchester United icon Gordon Strachan?
Gordon Strachan's number one option for Man United
Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week on behalf of Esports Insider, Strachan gave his view on the club’s transfer business this summer.
Asked who would be a better signing, Delap or another target in Victor Osimhen, the former Scotland international said:
“Delap. Absolutely. He’s young, he’s enthusiastic and I don’t think he’ll bring any baggage.” Why is added baggage a problem? Well, Strachan felt like the last thing United needed was another disruptive figure.
“Some recent signings from Man United have had a bit of baggage, in fact the whole club has a bit of baggage at the moment, but Delap would be a safe signing.”
Outlining the Ipswich forward’s best qualities, the player turned pundit commented: “I don’t think defenders like playing against him. If you went round all the defenders in the Premier League and asked who you don’t like playing against, he’d be one of them. This guy seems to really just annoy people, annoy people into making mistakes. He’s a great finisher and there’s a humility about him.”
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
Compared to Rasmus Hojlund who cost £72m, Delap would be a relative bargain, possessing a reported release clause of £30m.
After Cunha: Man Utd make formal move for "deadly" Garnacho upgrade
Man Utd’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha may well just be the start of a hectic summer
There is a big task ahead for Daniel Farke and the recruitment team at Leeds United after the 2024/25 season ended with promotion to the Premier League.
The Whites lifted the Championship trophy at Home Park after they beat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 on the final day of the campaign, thanks to a last-gasp winner from Manor Solomon.
They ended the season with a staggering 100 points on the board, beating Burnley to the title on goal difference, and can now prepare to play in the top-flight next term.
The three newly-promoted clubs have all been relegated from the Premier League in each of the last two seasons, which paints a picture of how difficult it is going to be for Leeds, and Burnley, next term.
They will need to nail their recruitment to build a squad that is capable of following in the footsteps of the six teams that have fallen before them, which makes the summer transfer window absolutely vital.
Leeds need to land top-quality players who can come in to make an instant impact in the first-team, as they did when they once splashed the cash on Rio Ferdinand.
Why Rio Ferdinand was a great signing for Leeds
Back in November 2000, the Whites swooped to sign the England international from West Ham United for a reported fee of £18m, which was a British record fee at the time.
Although Ferdinand was only 22 at the time of the move, Leeds knew that they were signing a quality operator at the heart of the defence because he had already played 155 times for the Hammers in their first-team.
Rio Ferdinand
The English colossus made 32 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Elland Road, including seven in the Champions League, before he hit his stride in his second year in West Yorkshire.
Ferdinand went on to play 41 times in all competitions in the 2001/02 campaign and was named in the PFA Team of the Year in the Premier League for his performances at centre-back, which speaks to how impressive his displays were.
His form for Leeds in those two seasons led to interest from elsewhere, and Manchester United swooped in to sign him for a British record £30m in the summer of 2002.
This shows that the defender was a great signing for Leeds because he was one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in his second season, as shown by his inclusion in the Team of the Year, and they made a substantial profit on him within two years of his arrival.
Leeds could, now, find their next version of Rio Ferdinand by moving to sign a new central defender this summer, amid reported interest in a Ligue 1 star.
Leeds eyeing move for Ligue 1 star
According to The Sun on Sunday’s print edition (4 May, page 55), as relayed by MOTLeedsNews, Leeds have sent scouts to watch Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi in action this season.
The report claims that the West Yorkshire outfit have made the centre-back one of their top targets heading into the summer transfer window, following their promotion to the Premier League.
It states that Marseille are looking for a fee in the region of £20m for the 26-year-old defender, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites are willing to pay that much money for him.
The outlet also reveals that the Argentina international, who currently plays under Roberto De Zerbi in France, would be interested in a move to England, which should come as a boost to Leeds in their pursuit of the £20m-rated star.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It is now down to Leeds to enter talks with Marseille, if they decide to press ahead with their interest in the Argentine ace, to wrap up a deal for Balerdi before any other teams enter the race for his signature.
If the Whites can get a move over the line for the Ligue 1 colossus in the summer transfer window, the right-footed titan could be Rio Ferdinand 2.0 for the club.
Why Balerdi could be the next Ferdinand for Leeds
As aforementioned, part of what made Ferdinand such a great signing for Leeds was that he was already an experienced player at the top level who could slot straight into the side.
Balerdi has played 161 times for Marseille, 124 times in Ligue 1, and has been capped six times by Argentina at international level, which shows that he has plenty of experience at the top level.
This means that Leeds would not be signing a young player with little experience in Europe’s major leagues and taking a big gamble on a promising gem, they would be signing a star who is ready to make an instant impact in the Premier League.
Balerdi’s performances in Ligue 1 for Marseille this season suggest that he could come in as an instant upgrade on Joe Rodon, despite the Welsh star’s solid showings in the Championship.
Appearances
24
46
Tackles per game
2.0
0.9
Interceptions per game
1.3
0.6
Duels won per game
5.0
4.4
Aerial duel success rate
65%
60%
Ball recoveries per game
6.1
4.0
As you can see in the table above, the Argentina international has made more defensive actions – recoveries, tackles, duels won, interceptions – per game than Rodon has on average, whilst also being more dominant in the air.
These statistics suggest that he could make an instant impact at Elland Road because he has already outperformed the Wales international at a higher level, which suggests that he could be an upgrade on him.
In March, De Zerbi described him as an “extraordinary” player and hoped that “big European teams” forgot about him in the summer transfer window.
This suggests that Leeds would also be signing a player who could be on the radar of ‘big’ European sides in the future, which could see him sold on for a profit further down the line if he is a success in the Premier League.
Better signing than Solomon: Leeds lining up move for £25m "machine"
Leeds United could land an even better signing than Manor Solomon by signing this £25m star.
ByDan Emery May 2, 2025
Balerdi could, therefore, arrive as Ferdinand 2.0 as a proven top-level centre-back who could hit the ground running before being sold to a huge club in the future for a profit on the £20m that could be spent on his services this summer.
Aston Villa are thought to be best placed to sign a star in a transfer that could cost a total of £130m over five years, according to a former scout.
Rashford impressing at Aston Villa as Romano shares update
Marcus Rashford has been catching the eye at Villa Park after joining Villa on loan with a £40m option to buy in the summer from Manchester United.
Under Unai Emery, Rashford has impressed enough to break back into the England side, now under Thomas Tuchel, and he recently scored his first goals for Villa against Preston North End in the FA Cup and followed that up with another against Brighton on Wednesday.
There have been rumours of a permanent move to the Midlands for the forward, and Fabrizio Romano recently shared what he knows about the situation.
“Aston Villa are very happy with Marcus Rashford in general,” said Romano.
“So I don’t think, in any case, if they decided to trigger the £40m option clause, I don’t think they would do that just to sell the player again. So in that case, I see Marcus Rashford staying at Aston Villa and having the opportunity to make something long-term with the club. What I can say about Marcus Rashford is that it’s going to be really important to understand financially what happens for Aston Villa.”
Now, another promising claim has been made on the 27-year-old sticking around at Villa Park.
Aston Villa in pole position to sign Rashford in potential £130m package
Ex-scout Mick Brown now believes that Aston Villa are in the best position to sign Rashford on a permanent transfer. There have been claims by Football Insider that a transfer could cost £130m due to Rashford’s £350,000-per-week wage over a five-year period alongside the £40m fee.
Games
11
Goals
3
Assists
4
Talking to FI, Brown said: “Marcus going out on loan has been a win-win. There was no way his situation at Man United was going to improve, so from that point of view he’s gone away and improved his position. There’s never been any doubt about Marcus’ talent, and now he’s found a platform to display that.
“Aston Villa have gained from it because they were brave enough to take him on loan. Now, I think they’ll be in the best position to keep him on a permanent deal even though there’s going to be interest from elsewhere.
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“He’s established there and it’s been a good deal for everybody involved. I think there’s more to come for him there now that he’s got his first couple of goals – that link up with Asensio has been excellent. If they can keep that going and Villa can keep him at the club they’ll be much better for it.
“Manchester United will no doubt benefit as well because they can maximise his price tag when if he had stayed he was a depreciating asset.”
Rashford is also of interest to Bayern Munich, with reports at the end of February saying that the German giants are going all in to sign the winger. However, Brown believes Villa are best placed to seal a transfer, although it could be very expensive for NSWE between now and 2030.
It’s one step forward and two steps back for Newcastle United, who were defeated on the road in the Champions League against Marseille, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the double.
Eddie Howe’s side responded with vim and vigour after the international break to beat Manchester City at St. James’ Park, but this served as a sobering reminder that there is much work to be done away from Tyneside, with the Toon having won only one game away from home all season.
Harvey Barnes’ fine form continued as he swept home from close range only minutes into the affair, but United failed to channel their counter-attacking approach and were ultimately overwhelmed by the French hosts.
It was a frustrating performance, epitomised by the woes of Nick Pope between the sticks.
Why Howe must consider dropping Nick Pope
Pope joined Newcastle from Burnley for about £10m in 2022, and he has since. This season, he has started all 12 of the Magpies’ Premier League fixtures, though he has failed to keep a clean sheet across five successive matches.
There have been tenuous calls to drop the 33-year-old all year, but these are rising in volume and intensity, and the veteran’s mistake in France will only fan those flames, with United losing clarity and conviction in their performance after the gaffe.
Given that Aaron Ramsdale is patiently waiting in the wings, having been signed on loan this summer, there’s justification for dropping Pope going forward, it may be that Howe needs to drop his mainstay between the sticks and start to rewire his defence, as has already started through the likes of Malick Thiaw and full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.
Newcastle still have three wins from five in the Champions League this season, and may yet find the form to seal a place in the automatically-qualifying top eight.
But Howe does need to continue to chop and change, and Pope isn’t the only one whose starting berth is at risk.
Newcastle star is now relegated to the bench
At the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Anthony Gordon was awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Year. But last year was a testing one for the England international, in contrast with United’s resurgence, and he has fallen further into the mire since the summer.
Against Marseille, Gordon’s woes continued as he proved utterly ineffectual in a makeshift centre-forward role.
Writer Firdie Idris remarked that the decision to field Gordon, a pacy left winger, as a central striker “never works”, and his display against Marseille only corroborated that claim.
In his central berth, Gordon only created one chance and hit the target with only one shot. He didn’t even attempt a dribble and won only one of five duels, as per Sofascore. He also completed just 14 passes as an isolated figure in Howe’s offensive line.
Penning their post-match thoughts, The Shields Gazette could only hand the Three Lions star a 4/10 match rating, criticising him for being on the back foot throughout the contest.
Anthony Gordon for Newcastle (25/26)
Match Stats (* per game)
PL
UCL
Matches (starts)
7 (7)
5 (5)
Goals
0
4
Assists
0
1
Touches*
35.4
39.2
Shots (on target)*
2.0 (0.7)
2.2 (1.0)
Accurate passes*
14.7 (80%)
16.4 (77%)
Chances created*
1.0
0.4
Dribbles*
1.4
1.4
Ball recoveries*
2.6
3.2
Tackles + interceptions*
0.7
1.4
Duels (won)*
4.7 (49%)
4.0 (41%)
Data via Sofascore
Truthfully, Gordon has been out of sorts all season. Prolific on the continent, he has yet to kindle any semblance of good form on the domestic front, and this was not a display to imbue within him a kind of confidence that will be needed ahead of Premier League clashes against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Given that Gordon is one of Newcastle’s most profitable players, there’s reasoning behind the call to cash in down the line. Certainly, given the need for further investment over the coming transfer windows, it’s something PIF might consider as Barnes continues to go from strength to strength.
In any case, Gordon needs to raise his level. He is one of the outfit’s most talented players and is horribly underperforming. Like Pope, Howe would be wise to drop him for the forthcoming fixtures and rekindle his will to win.
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