Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing an “unbelievable” player who is a standout figure in his position in his current league, according to a fresh transfer report.

Blackburn impressing in Championship

It has been such an encouraging start to the new Championship season for Rovers, who remain unbeaten in the competition after their first seven matches. John Eustace’s side sit third in the table behind West Brom and Sunderland, with Saturday’s 2-0 win at home Queens Park Rangers further suggesting that they should be aiming to finish in the playoff places this season at worst.

Perhaps most impressive is the fact that they have continued to excel despite losing star striker Sammie Szmodics to Ipswich Town during the summer transfer window, with last year’s top goalscorer in the Championship moving on to pastures new.

It is still early days, of course, so supporters are unlikely to be getting too carried away, but there is understandable positivity in the air, as Eustace continues to impress as manager. New signings in January could be ideal, in terms of giving the boss extra quality and depth in their promotion push, and it could looks as though they are eyeing up a key addition.

Blackburn want to sign "unbelievable" player in January

According to Football Insider, Blackburn are in the mix to sign Lincoln City centre-back Paudie O’Connor in the January transfer window, with Preston North End and Oxford United also thought to be in the race. He is said to have “established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the EFL”.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season, at which point the League One side would lose him on a free, assuming he fails to sign an extension.

O’Connor may be playing in League One, but he could be a brilliant addition for a team fighting at the top end of the second tier. The Irishman has grown into such a dominant performer for Lincoln since arriving from Bradford City back in 2022, with teammate Jack Moylan describing him as “unbelievable” and former Blackpool manager Terry McPhillips heaping praise on him.

“He was outstanding and he’s been the most unlucky (not to play more), I’ve said that before. To not have played for so long and to come in and play how he played, and then to be a real threat, is impressive.”

Now 27, O’Connor is a very experienced player, so there wouldn’t be the threat of him being overawed by the step up in quality, especially as he once played for Leeds United, meaning he knows how to deal with the pressure of representing a big club.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

If he joined Blackburn midway through the season, he would give Eustace’s side that extra stability in defence that could be vital in the promotion tussle, as well as a goal threat, having scored and assisted twice apiece already in League One this season.

Enzo Maresca has already shown his tactical versatility so far this season, coaching his Chelsea side to three away victories on the bounce, including last week’s 3-0 win against West Ham United.

Many Chelsea fans were worried Maresca would be tactically stubborn, opting to stick to the same formation and team he started with. However, already this campaign, the Italian has proved he is not shy to make early changes, hooking players at halftime and switching team dynamics.

The Blues sit fifth in the Premier League after five games played, winning three, drawing one, and losing one. Chelsea face Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge this weekend, in their bid to make it three league wins in a row.

Why Madueke could be dropped

Noni Madueke has started the season really strongly for Chelsea, scoring four goals in six appearances so far, playing 423 minutes. The 22-year-old winger is seen as a perfect Maresca-style winger, who can hug the touchline, provide the team with width, make runs in behind, and get himself in 1v1 isolations with the opposition fullback.

His best performance came in Chelsea’s demolition of Wolverhampton Wanderers, winning 6-2 at Molineux, with Madueke scoring a hatrick in the second half. A devastating link-up between himself and Cole Palmer saw the Blues tear through the Wolves’ defence on multiple occasions.

Madueke provides the team with a real balance, doing his job on both ends of the ball, and putting in big defensive shifts on the wing, although he wasn’t exactly at his best against the Hammers last week, having been restricted to just 33 touches on the day – fewer than teammate Robert Sanchez recorded in the sticks (55).

Maresca therefore has a selection headache on his hands, as many of his attackers continue to perform. He is challenged with finding new ways to implement them together, one option being to drop Madueke, move Palmer to the right, and insert Christopher Nkunku into the number ten role.

The player to replace Madueke

Nkunku has been playing more of a bit part role for the Blues to start this campaign, starting UECL Qualifiers and EFL Cup games, and coming from the bench in Premier League games. This has seen the Frenchman score six goals in eight games, playing 320 minutes of football so far.

In recent weeks, Nkunku came from the bench against Bournemouth to secure a 1-0 victory, and started against Barrow in the EFL Cup, scoring a hatrick in that game.

This gives Maresca the issue of trying to get him into the team, as he continues to score goals whenever he is on the pitch – having been described as a “monster in the making” in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

As you can see from the metrics above, Nkunku is performing at an exceptional level with his per 90 stats, generating a whopping 0.83 xG per 90, and scoring at a 0.67 goals to shot ratio. It is hard to leave a player in such a rich vein of form out of the side, especially when they are converting chances at an elite conversion rate.

In order to get Nkunku into the side, Chelsea would have to drop Nicolas Jackson to start him upfront. However, with Jackson also in red-hot form, scoring a brace against West Ham last weekend, he has also made himself undroppable for Maresca’s side.

This leaves Maresca with the decision of whether to drop Madueke, losing some initial team balance, moving Palmer to the right-wing, and starting in Nkunku in the number ten, alongside Jackson, or to keep Nkunku on the bench, and look to turn to him in the second half against Brighton. On the evidence of his midweek display, however, unleashing the former Leipzig man may be the best solution.

Whichever way Maresca goes, it is a good problem for him to have currently, with a wealth of attacking options, all staking their claim to be in the starting XI each week.

Maresca must offload Chelsea flop who earns nearly 2x more than Madueke

His time at Stamford Bridge has been a disaster.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 27, 2024

Attempting to make up for a disappointing summer transfer window, Newcastle United are now reportedly battling the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea to sign a young gem they’ve been desperate to welcome to St James’ Park since he was just 16.

Newcastle transfer news

Whilst the Magpies deserve credit for how they’ve started the season, losing just once in the Premier League, it hasn’t taken long for their squad depth – or lack thereof – to catch up to them. Without Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson against Everton at Goodison Park, Eddie Howe was forced to rely on former Toffee Anthony Gordon to lead the line, who missed from the penalty spot to send Newcastle on their way with just a point rather than all three.

It’s depth that Newcastle must solve when 2025 arrives in a problem that sporting director Paul Mitchell seems well aware of, given recent rumours. Ahead of the January transfer window, the Magpies have already been linked with moves for the likes of Antoine Semenyo and now a star for the future.

According to O Jogo via Sport Witness, Newcastle are now battling to sign Roger Fernandes from SC Braga, who they were desperate to sign in 2022 when the winger was just 16 years old. Now 18 years old and even better, Fernandes has attracted the interest of Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa, among others, in a race that Newcastle will hope to win when 2025 arrives.

Isak will love him: Newcastle will look at signing elite PL winner in 2025

He could be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 8, 2024

A player who is even reportedly on the radar of Portugal manager Roberto Martinez ahead of a potential call-up at just 18 years old, Fernandes could quickly emerge to become the ultimate replacement for Miguel Almiron at St James’ Park.

"Exciting" Fernandes would replace Almiron for years to come

Whilst the likes of Jacob Murphy have stepped up to offer Howe an upgrade on the out-of-favour Almiron, Newcastle would be wise to turn towards a future star in Fernandes if they want to sign a permanent solution on the right-hand side. Just 18 years old, the Portuguese winger is already making his mark on senior football, with two goals to his name so far this season to follow last campaign’s total of six goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Dubbed “one of the most exciting talents in Portugal” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig last season, Fernandes remains one to watch amid such high interest from around European football.

As Almiron potentially bows out, Fernandes could arrive to hand Howe an attacking boost for years to come at St James’ Park.

أكد الدولي الجورجي خفيتشا كفاراتسخيليا، لاعب فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي، على صعوبة مواجهة ليفربول في ملعب أنفيلد.

ويحل باريس سان جيرمان ضيفًا على نظيره ليفربول، ضمن إياب دور الـ16 من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، بعد نهاية لقاء الذهاب بهدف نظيف للريدز.

وقال كفاراتسخيليا في تصريحات بالمؤتمر الصحفي: “المباراة 50\50، أعتقد أنه ليس من السهل السيطرة على ليفربول، وحتى مع تقدمهم لكن لا يزال لدينا فرصة”.

طالع أيضًا.. جوتا: الناس توقفوا عن هذا الأمر تجاه محمد صلاح.. ودعونا نحتفل بذكرى الـ 4 سنوات

وأضاف: “نحن واثقون بأنفسنا ومدربنا، سعداء بخوض مباراة مهمة مثل هذه، سنفعل كل ما في وسعنا من أجل الفوز، أنا في المكان المناسب ولدينا كل العوامل التي تحفزنا”.

وواصل: “عندما تلعب ضد ليفربول في ملعب أنفيلد، لا تحتاج إلى حافز إضافي، شرف كبير أن نلعب في دوري أبطال أوروبا، لا أعرف إن كنت الوحيد الذي لعب في أنفيلد من فريقي، لكن الآخرين يعرفون هذا النوع من الأجواء”.

وأكمل: “ننتظر دعم المشجعين، هذا الأهم، لا يهم المباراة في باريس أو أنفيلد، الهدف كما هو، الفوز والتأهل إلى دور ربع النهائي، وتقديم أفضل ما لدينا”.

وشدد: “ستكون هذه المباراة الأهم هذا الموسم بالنسبة لنا، هدفنا هو الاستمرار والمضي قدمًا لما هو أبعد، لقد شعرنا بخيبة أمل بعد ما حدث في مباراة الذهاب، والطريقة التي خسرنا بها رغم أننا كنا الأفضل على مدار المباراة”.

وعن لويس إنريكي: “يمنحنا دائمًا فرصة اللعب كما نريد، سنبذل قارى جهدنا لتطبيق ما يطلبه منا، لدينا فرصة حقيقية غدًا، ويجب أن نتمسك بها”.

واختتم: “الأمر الأكثر أهمية بالنسبة لنا هو استغلال الفرص وعدم تكرار ما حدث في المباراة الماضية، علينا أن نسجل من أول فرصة، ونستخدم نقاط قوتنا كفريق”.

Cristiano Ronaldo achieved another momentous milestone during Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League win over Al-Raed.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Al-Nassr beat Al-Raed 2-1Ronaldo scores in victoryChalks up another recordFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo scored and bagged an assist as Al-Nassr beat lowly Al-Raed 2-1 on Thursday in the league. And according to Marca, the 39-year-old became the 'first and only footballer' in history to reach 700 official club victories.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo will go down as one of the greatest players of all time and is already well past the 900-goal mark – something nobody else has done before. The Portuguese has had a glittering career but the veteran is not done yet.

DID YOU KNOW?

Al-Nassr's victory saw them close to within five points of joint league leaders Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, although both sides have a game in hand. Ronaldo now has 85 goals in 94 games for the Saudi team.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWHAT NEXT?

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr take a break from the league when they host Al-Wasl in the AFC Champions League on Monday.

A “very jittery” Everton player has been lambasted for his performance for his country during the international break, getting a 1/10 rating from one publication.

Pickford starts in England defeat

Many Blues heroes are off representing their respective nations currently, with Premier League action making way for international commitments, much to the frustration of many supporters.

One such figure is Jordan Pickford, who has become England’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for many years now, starting in major tournaments and rarely letting the Three Lions down, most famously proving to be the penalty shootout hero against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup.

On Thursday evening, however, the 30-year-old suffered a shock defeat at home to Greece, with former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley seeing his chances of getting the manager’s job hampered greatly.

Pickford was bailed out hugely by a goal-line clearance by Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, having dawdled in possession in the first half, and soon after he missed an attempted punch and the visitors scored, only to see the goal ruled out for offside. He still conceded twice, however, arguably not doing brilliantly for either goal, even if they may be a little harsh.

Pickford's England performance slammed by media

It was a miserable night for Pickford, who rarely looked like the best goalkeeper that England have to offer, with talkSPORT even handing him a 1/10 rating. Meanwhile, speaking on ITV after the game, Roy Keane wasn’t impressed with the Everton stopper, saying:

“It sends a message about concentration levels, and that spreads throughout the team. Again there’s a lack of urgency. What’s he [Pickford] doing?! Do it quickly. Brilliant defending, very unlucky by Greece but a lovely message for defenders – never give it up. He [Colwill] chased it and did brilliant. But not a good message from Pickford to send.”

Meanwhile, speaking alongside Keane, Ian Wright claimed Pickford was “all over the place” and “very jittery”, with plenty of criticism coming his way.

The Blues ‘keeper has always been a divisive figure among the footballing public, with some impressed by the consistent job he has done for England, but others feeling that a big mistake is never too far away.

His character also splits opinion, and while a chunk of supporters like his extrovert style and passion, others feel he isn’t a calming influence on his teammates, making saves for the camera and being too noticeable in matches.

In fairness to Pickford, he has rarely let England down, as mentioned, and he has bailed Everton out many times in recent seasons during relegation battles, but he has made an iffy start to this season for both club and country.

Friedkin's top pick could now give Everton green light to replace Dyche

He’s under pressure at his current club…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 10, 2024

At Tottenham earlier in the campaign, he got embarrassingly robbed of possession by Son Heung-min, who then tapped into an empty net, and there have been rumours that Sean Dyche is ready to drop him. Granted, he made a big penalty save from Anthony Gordon last weekend, but improvements are needed in his all-round game.

Jordan Henderson has been linked with a sensational return to Sunderland and Dan Neil has now provided some interesting words regarding a possible reunion.

Henderson linked with Sunderland return

The Black Cats are flying this season, sitting five points clear at the top of the Championship table and excelling under new manager Regis Le Bris. On Saturday, they picked up a 2-0 win at home to Oxford United, as they continue to look like a side capable of winning the title.

While Sunderland have a squad brimming with quality, including highly-rated pair Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, they are also a young group of players who could do with extra experience as the season goes on and more pressurised matches arrive.

Henderson has been backed to make a stunning return to his former club in recent months, having fallen out of favour at Ajax and generally lost his way since leaving Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League last year, in what represents a hugely exciting transfer rumour.

It has even been claimed that the 34-year-old is open to the idea of coming back to Sunderland after bursting onto the scene as a teenager, earning him a big-money move to Anfield in 2011 in the process.

Neil makes Henderson claim at Sunderland

In quotes provided by The Daily Mail, Sunderland ace Neil admitted he has spoken to Henderson in the past, adding that he would “love” to play with him at the Stadium of Light.

“Jordan is someone I’d love to play alongside, he’s a top quality player who has won everything in a great career so he’s welcome to come back if he wants. He’s inspired us local lads to keep striving to emulate him.

“I got in contact with him a couple of years back, and we met for a coffee. He gave me some good advice which I’ve kept to heart. It might be a bit nerve-wracking captaining a side with him in it but it’s something I’d happily do.”

Signing Henderson in January could prove to be a masterstroke by Le Bris, should the former Liverpool man be genuinely keen on an emotional reunion taking place.

The Englishman clearly isn’t the force he was during the peak of his powers at Liverpool during his late 20s and early 30s, during which time he captained the Reds to Premier League and Champions League glory, also winning multiple other trophies as skipper.

He is still good enough to be playing for Ajax, however, and there is no reason why he couldn’t be a real force back at Sunderland, putting his vast experience to good use and being a great foil for the likes of Rigg and Bellingham.

Related Sunderland injury not deemed serious in new major boost for Regis Le Bris

A relief for the Black Cats.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Oct 27, 2024

Henderson may have to accept a squad role, considering how well the Black Cats are already doing this season, but he could ultimately be the cherry on top when it comes to Le Bris’ side being a Championship-winning outfit, coming to the fore in big matches and proving to be a calming presence.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo iniciou o sábado (15) com uma boa perspectiva. O clube informou que o zagueiro Rodrigo Caio recebeu alta hospitalar após ter passado dias internado devido a uma infecção em um dos pontos da cirurgia à qual foi submetido no joelho, em dezembro de 2021. O Rubro-Negronão informou quando o defensor se reapresentará.

RelacionadasVídeoLANCE! Rápido: Flamengo balança por Michael, Diego Costa na mira de clube europeu e mais!Vídeo15/01/2022FlamengoVeja motivos que explicam o interesse do Flamengo na permanência de Andreas PereiraFlamengo14/01/2022https://twitter.com/Flamengo/status/1482346682239135750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1482346682239135750%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-23656300891174889091.ampproject.net%2F2112231523002%2Fframe.html

No sábado passado, Rodrigo Caio passou por uma punção para retirada de líquido do local, que ficou inchado. O inchaço comprometia os movimentos articulares do zagueiro.

Rodrigo Caio passou por uma artroscopia no dia 7 de dezembro e, após a virada do ano, relatou que estava com uma inflamação de um dos pontos no local da cirurgia. Desde o último dia 2, o jogador estava internado e passando por tratamento com antibiótico de forma venosa.

Com isto, ele não pôde se reapresentar com o restante do elenco no dia 10. O departamento médico do clube desistiu da punção.

The left hander had moments of fortune but made the most of them to bat all day

Andrew McGlashan17-Oct-2021

He says he doesn’t worry much about what the selectors do these days, but Usman Khawaja sent a statement as he batted throughout the third day’s play at Adelaide Oval to finish unbeaten on 158 to give Queensland a chance of pushing for victory over South Australia.Khawaja, who should have been given out late on the second day, continued to ride his luck as he survived a gloved pull down the leg side shortly after reaching his century and was then dropped in the gully on 119.However, he made the most of the fortune as he repelled an excellent Redbacks seam attack on a surface that while flattening out still offered the quicks some assistance for much of the day.By the close, he and Jimmy Peirson had compiled a fifth-wicket stand of 165 to take the lead to 242 after earlier important contributions from Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw.There could yet be a vacancy at the top of Australia’s order for the Ashes after Will Pucovski suffered another concussion although Victoria remain confident he will recovery swiftly. Marcus Harris, who is the incumbent alongside David Warner from the end of the India series in January, has been tipped to hold his place if Pucovski is sidelined but Khawaja could make a case for selection even if everyone is available.Queensland added 165 in the final session after the first two had brought 142 runs with the batters having to work hard to survive. Labuschagne had hit is first ball for four on Saturday, but it was his only boundary in a 179-ball stay which finally ended when he was lbw to the impressive Nathan McAndrew in a manner that has become familiar early in the season.Renshaw played compactly alongside Khawaja as the pair added 68 either side of the second new ball during the afternoon before he edged the final ball of the session from McAndrew who found consistent movement around the wicket.At that point Queensland’s lead was still only 77 but the evening session went all their way – reward for the hard work when the going was tough. Khawaja went past 150 from 273 balls while Peirson batted as confidently as anyone. The pair took advantage of overs of spin from Lloyd Pope and Travis Head to swell the lead. It will be interesting to see what sort of target Khawaja sets on the final day.

The retention window for the eight older franchises is from November 1 to 30, while the window for the two new ones is from December 1 to 25

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2021The salary purse for the IPL 2022 auction has been set at INR 90 crore per team, an increase from the IPL 2021 auction purse of 85 crore. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, each of the eight older franchises will be allowed to retain up to four players, with the IPL governing council setting different salary slabs for the number of players retained.The two new franchises – Lucknow and Ahmedabad – will be allowed to acquire up to three players each from the player pool after the original eight teams have made their retention picks. The retention window for the eight older franchises is from November 1 to November 30, while the window for the two new ones is from December 1 to December 25. The IPL 2022 auction is likely to take place in January 2022.Retention slabs before IPL 2022 auction•ESPNcricinfo LtdIf one of the eight older franchises retains four players, they will be debited INR 16 crore for the first, INR 12 crore for the second, INR 8 crore for the third and INR 6 crore for the fourth – making for a total deduction of INR 42 crore.For all ten franchises, the amounts for retaining either three, two or one player are the same.If they retain three players then their slabs are: INR 15 crore, INR 11 crore and INR 7 crore, for a total of INR 33 crore.If two players are retained, then the slabs are INR 14 crore and INR 10 crore, for a total of INR 24 crore.For only one player, INR 14 crore will be deducted from a franchise’s auction purse.For uncapped retained players, the amount deducted will be INR 4 crore, whether he is the only retained player or among a few.While the IPL has set out the salary slabs for retention, franchises are free to pay players whatever sum they mutually agree on. What will be deducted from a franchise’s auction purse is whichever amount is higher. If a franchise pays a player less than his retention slab, they will lose the retention slab amount. If a franchise pays a player more than the amount ascribed to a retention slab, then that higher amount will be deducted from the franchise’s auction purse. That applies to the two new franchises too.For example, ahead of the mega auction in 2018, Royal Challengers Bangalore paid Virat Kohli INR 17 crore as their retention fee, and lost that amount from their purse, though the slab had been set at INR 15 crore for the first player’s retention.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the eight old franchises can retain up to a maximum of three Indian players, capped or uncapped. They can’t retain more than two overseas players either, and neither can they retain more than two uncapped Indian players.The retention rules for the two new franchises are: not more than two Indian players – capped or uncapped, not more than one overseas player, and not more than one uncapped player.It is likely that the two new franchises will have a separate draft for their retentions. There is a 25-day window for the new franchises since their retentions will also involve negotiations with the players they want to pick.