Erling Haaland has given a candid response to Norway’s daunting World Cup draw, admitting on social media that he faces a brutal challenge in what supporters are already calling the tournament’s 'group of death'. Next summer’s World Cup will be the largest ever staged, expanding to 48 teams across 12 groups as FIFA introduces a round of 32 for the first time. Yet even within a broadened field, one Group I stands out for its sheer competitiveness.

Haaland set to clash with Mbappe

France, Senegal, Norway and the winner of FIFA play-off 2 – one of Bolivia, Suriname or Iraq – have been drawn together. The draw immediately triggered excitement among fans because it finally delivers a long-awaited showdown between Haaland and Kylian Mbappe on the sport’s biggest stage. The Norwegian is heading towards his first World Cup with Norway in fine form, whereas Mbappe, now spearheading Real Madrid’s forward line, continues to produce the kind of numbers that will define a generation of footballing legends. Mbappe already has the ultimate international accolade, having lifted the trophy in 2018 and dazzling again in the 2022 final. Haaland, on the other hand, has been forced to watch from afar as Norway repeatedly missed out, until now.

AdvertisementA battle between two extraordinary strikers

Haaland was ruthless in qualifying, scoring 16 goals in eight games to haul Norway into their first World Cup since 1998. No player on any continent scored more. For a country whose footballing hopes have long rested on promise without fulfilment, Haaland’s numbers were simply historic. Mbappe’s own statistics this season are equally formidable. He has scored 16 times in 15 league matches for Real Madrid and is only two goals away from becoming France’s all-time leading scorer at just 26. Haaland is already Norway’s record marksman and an incredible 22 goals clear of the next highest on his country’s list. At club level, he has 15 goals in 14 appearances for City in the English topflight. 

He shared his initial reaction on Instagram shortly after the draw was finalised and wrote: "France and Senegal, that’s tough [laughing emoji]. What do you guys think?"

Deschamps welcomes the Haaland–Mbapps spectacle

France manager Didier Deschamps was keen to embrace the drama of the inevitable duel. "It will be a great duel," he told reporters. "Both teams have lots of other big names, but of course Kylian and Haaland are two players recognised around the world and they will be two of the contenders to be the top scorer."

Deschamps was quick to highlight not only the Haaland–Mbappe spectacle but also the renewed significance of France facing Senegal, a flashback to one of the most dramatic opening nights in World Cup history. In 2002, Papa Bouba Diop stunned the world by scoring the winner against the reigning champions, setting in motion a disastrous tournament for Les Bleus as they departed without a single victory.

"Every World Cup has its own story and we need to make sure this one is as beautiful as possible," added Deschamps. "Of course, as France we have a status and there is a lot of expectation around us, but we need to show respect and humility from the beginning. Before thinking about what is at the top of the mountain, we will need to work our way up gradually and the first steps are difficult."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportWhen can England face France?

Given France were among the top four seeds, an eventual meeting with England could only happen in the latter stages of the tournament. England themselves face a challenging route, having been drawn alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

"We have Croatia and Ghana, two regulars in World Cups, and we have Panama," England manager Thomas Tuchel explained. "I don’t know much about Panama, but we will know everything about them when the tournament starts. For me personally, even in the Champions League, you have to focus on the group – the group is always the most difficult, and we want to escape, and we want to win the group. It’s a tough one."

Every World Cup fixture will be announced on Saturday evening. 

The Oman captain on his journey back from injury and his aspirations at the Asia Cup

Shashank Kishore11-Sep-2025Jatinder Singh nearly retired in June 2024. He was suffering from sciatic nerve compression in the spinal cord and the pain was so much worse than the disappointment of not making the Oman squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.The flare-ups were so bad that even bending down was a battle. Walking was measured and slow. Playing cricket seemed impossible in these circumstances.”I remember sitting with my wife and telling her that maybe it was time to retire,” Jatinder, now 36 and Oman’s captain at the Asia Cup, tells ESPNcricinfo. “I didn’t want to be a burden on the team anymore. I felt like I was holding them back.”His wife, Ramandeep Kaur, did not let him quit.”She told me, ‘For the number of years you’ve given to cricket, this injury is just a small blip. You can’t let this one setback define you. Push through it. Once you find your rhythm again, you’ll be unstoppable.'” Her words gave him new direction. Instead of retiring hastily, Jatinder decided to make a comeback.Related

• Oman's Sufyan Mehmood is living his dream after defying his family

• First-timers Oman face in-form Pakistan

• Oman Cricket agrees to clear players' dues from T20 World Cup

• Can first-timers Oman spring a surprise in Group A?

His journey of recovery took him to India. Through his team-mate Suraj Kumar, he found Dr Gaurav Sharma – a sports-science specialist with IPL franchise Gujarat Titans. But what Jatinder thought would be a quick, month-long recovery turned into a painstaking 105-day rehabilitation process in Chandigarh.”When Gaurav saw me, he told me it was not a short-term thing,” Jatinder says. “It was posture-related, and we needed to work on strengthening the smaller muscles so that the shooting pain would not come back.”Jatinder Singh was considering retiring in 2024•ICC/Getty ImagesJatinder stayed in the suburb of Kharar and travelled to the clinic in Chandigarh for treatment. Evenings were spent in sessions with strength and conditioning coach Jitendra Billa near the Mohali stadium. He was dedicated to this routine for three months.”It was exhausting, physically and mentally. But help came from all sides,” he says with gratitude.Former India fast bowler Aavishkar Salvi, who was Oman’s bowling consultant at the time, arranged for Jatinder to stay closer to the clinic. “Salvi bhai spoke to Baltej Singh [Punjab fast bowler], who offered me his vacant apartment for three months.”After nearly eight weeks, when he could resume light training, Jatinder rang Salvi again. “This time, he connected me to Punjab cricketer Jassinder Singh, who helped organise nets and a throw-down specialist for me to be able to resume batting.”For the first time in months, he felt good about playing cricket.”It was still hard mentally,” he says. “When you’ve been through an injury, your mind replays the pain, and you fear it happening again. But with every net session, every treatment, every day at the gym, I started feeling stronger. That fear slowly went away.”By the end of September last year, Jatinder was back. In October, he was appointed Oman’s captain for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. It felt like a blessing after all the pain he had endured.”I never played cricket with the aim of becoming captain,” he says. “My only passion was to play the game. So, for me, this was part of god’s plan. I’m just grateful.””Gratitude” is a word Jatinder often uses while he tells his story, which started on cement pitches and mud grounds in 2011, when most of Oman’s players had full-time jobs and could train only in the evening.Jatinder Singh began playing cricket while working a full-time job•Peter Della PennaThe turning point came when Sri Lankan great Duleep Mendis took over as Oman’s coach in 2014, bringing with him semi-professionalism, part-time contracts, and a culture of discipline. Soon enough, Oman had positive results – they won the ACC Cup in 2015 and secured entry to the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Ireland and Scotland.”We trained and played in 50-degree heat at home and then had to play in near-freezing conditions abroad,” Jatinder says with a smile. The hard work paid off when they beat Ireland at the 2016 T20 World Cup in India.”That’s one of our golden moments,” Jatinder says. “The other big moment was climbing from Division 5 up the ladder and securing ODI status in 2018. And then of course, hosting matches at the T20 World Cup in 2021, along with UAE.”I’ve seen cricket change in our country. From days when we had no facilities, to today, when we have facilities par with some of the best in the world. What we need are opportunities to improve.”Jatinder works in the administration department of a private company – Khimji & Ramdas, which is owned by the family of Pankaj Khimji, the top boss of Oman Cricket. His days are carefully planned: fitness sessions in the morning, nets in the afternoon, office work, and more training in the evening.”It’s busy, but it keeps me disciplined,” he says.That discipline is being tested again as Oman prepare for their biggest challenge – their first Asia Cup. The team recently completed a D20 domestic tournament in Al-Amerat, providing some match practice before facing Asia’s best.”For us, this Asia Cup is like a World Cup,” Jatinder says. “It’s a chance to rub shoulders with the giants, to see how they think and prepare.”I know Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma from the ACC Emerging Cup in Oman last year. We had some great conversations. Abhishek gave us valuable advice about training and told us to back ourselves as a talented group.”Jatinder Singh had moved to Oman at the age of 10•ICC/Getty ImagesOman’s squad is a mix of players from India and Pakistan and is coached by a talismanic Sri Lankan in Mendis. Their bond, he says, is unshakable despite a few tumultuous months, when several regular players were dropped in the wake of a contract crisis that rocked the team.”For all of us, Oman is the top priority,” Jatinder says. “Our team is like a family. We joke around, spend time together, and no one takes anything personally. Most of us live close by in a radius of 25km in Muscat, so we train and socialise together all the time. It makes a big difference.”Family has always been the anchor for Jatinder ever since he moved to Oman as a 10-year-old. His father worked in the Royal Oman Police for decades, rising through the ranks to retire as head of the carpentry department in 2022.”He wasn’t a cricket person at first,” Jatinder says with a laugh. “But now he follows every match and even calls me with advice sometimes.”I’m grateful to every person who helped me, my wife especially. My coaches, my team-mates, even friends who encouraged me when I felt low. Each of them has played a part in this journey. Now, I just want to keep going, to keep making Oman proud.”

Newcastle United made their biggest sale in the club’s history over the summer, in perhaps the biggest Premier League transfer saga of all time.

Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from the North Eastern side for a fee of £125m, which was a British record deal.

Controversy aside, that move represented the change Newcastle have undergone over the past few seasons, since their takeover.

The Magpies more than doubled their money on the Swedish striker, having paid £60m for him. The fact that they can sign expensive talent and flip them for profit shows the positive financial state of the club.

In fact, there are a couple of other Newcastle players who could be future £100m stars, including – but not exclusive to – Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

Why Tonali & Guimaraes already are £100m stars

There is no doubt that Tonali and Guimaraes form one of the Premier League’s best midfield pivots. The Brazilian said it himself earlier this year, describing his partnership with the former AC Milan star as “one of the best midfields in the league.”

Newcastle’s number 39, Guimaraes, has already been valued at £100m by the club, and has previously had a release clause of that value.

Given his importance to the club, it’s easy to see why. The Brazil star has 21 appearances across all competitions and has ten goal involvements this term.

As for Tonali, the Italian is of equal importance to Eddie Howe’s midfield. He’s played 20 times this season, sitting at the base of their midfield and controlling the game, with Guimaraes operating just ahead of him.

Whilst there has never been an official report valuing the midfielder at £100m, it is clear he is a player worth that much.

Paul Scholes even said he is “better than Declan Rice,” with Arsenal paying £105m for the England star back in 2023. It is safe to assume Tonali can hit those heights.

However, it is not just Newcastle’s dynamic pivot who are future £100m stars at St James’ Park.

Newcastle’s latest future £100m player

Newcastle fans certainly adore the midfield, which Guimares says is among the Premier League’s elite. Tonali was lauded by one notable supporter earlier in the season as the “best” player he’s ever seen play for the Magpies.

It isn’t just Tonali, though, whom he heaped praise on. The content creator said Malick Thiaw is “a very strong contender for the best defender” he’s seen pull on that famous Black and White shirt.

Indeed, the German could easily earn a £100m price tag one day. His performances have been exceptional, as already alluded to, with scout Antonio Mango suggesting he was “one of the best signings of the summer.”

It is another example of a great investment from the Magpies, with Thiaw costing only £34.6m.

He’s cemented himself as Howe’s first-choice centre-back, playing 19 times in all competitions this term and even offering a threat from set pieces. Thiaw bagged twice against Everton in a 4-1 win last month.

Indeed, his stats reflect just how good a centre-back he is.

The 24-year-old averages 4.53 progressive passes and 3.81 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 17% and 15% of Premier League centre-backs, respectively.

There is perhaps a case to be made that Thiaw is just as important to Howe’s side this term as Tonali and Guimaraes. He’s certainly played a similar number of games, completing 90 minutes in the Premier League ten times in a row now.

If the midfield duo are worth £100m, it is easy to see how that can be the case for Thiaw in the future.

He has all the attributes to go to the very top, and is highly rated by Newcastle fans and How alike. The German has been exceptional this season and will be hoping this form continues.

He's the next Bruno Guimaraes: Newcastle to launch move for £30m "monster"

Newcastle United could win themselves a future Bruno Guimaraes by making a move for this £30m ace.

By
Kelan Sarson

3 days ago

Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Brandon King, Khary Pierre and Jomel Warrican all bring with them qualities that could stand West Indies in good stead in India

Deivarayan Muthu29-Sep-2025Alick AthanazeThe 26-year-old left-hand batter from Dominica has impressed a number of greats from the Caribbean, including Brian Lara and Ian Bishop, as well as those elsewhere. After he made his Test debut at his home ground in 2023, where he made 47 and 28, R Ashwin, who played in that fixture, picked him among a group of players who could dominate the next decade. While Athanze has scored only four fifties in 25 innings, his ceiling is high and he is being seen as a future all-format regular for West Indies.In the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, he had emerged as the highest run-getter, with 418 runs in six innings at an average of over 100, with Shubman Gill behind him (372 runs in five innings). Athanaze has grown to become one of the better players of spin in this Test squad: he stood up to Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz during his 90 against Bangladesh in North Sound last year.Jomel Warrican was a revelation on West Indies’ tour of Pakistan earlier this year•PCBJomel WarricanA left-arm fingerspinner who tosses the ball up and also gets it to fizz through, Jomel Warrican is now West Indies’ first-choice specialist spinner, especially after leading West Indies to their first Test win in Pakistan after 34 years with a match haul of nine wickets in Multan in January this year. His pace variations and accuracy stood out during the two-Test series in Pakistan, where he claimed the Player-of-the-Match award for his 19 wickets at an absurd average of nine.He will, of course, face a stiffer challenge in India and will be expected to bowl long spells in conditions that might be conducive to his style of bowling. He is also West Indies’ Test vice-captain and can contribute with the bat lower down the order too.Khary Pierre is 34, has never played Test cricket, but is tipped to be West Indies’ second spinner in the India Tests•Getty ImagesKhary PierreWith Motie getting a break, Khary Pierre, who turned 34 last week, is set to make his Test debut in India as West Indies’ second specialist spinner. If he gets his maiden cap in Ahmedabad, he will become the oldest player to debut for West Indies in the longest format since 1973.Like his senior partner Warrican, Pierre is adept at keeping the stumps in play and varying his pace, though he doesn’t give the ball a big rip. His recent form in the West Indies championship – he bagged a chart-topping 41 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 13.56 – strengthened his case for a maiden Test call-up though he isn’t exactly young. Pierre works closely with Akeal Hosein, another left-arm spinner from Trinidad, and is a multiple CPL winner with St Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders. He is also electric in the field, which Jamal Smith, CWI’s senior talent manager, acknowledged at a press conference earlier this month.Brandon King is still largely unproven in Test cricket•AFP/Getty ImagesBrandon KingBrandon King is the CPL’s batting royalty – his unbeaten 132 is the highest score in the league and his unbeaten 83 off 50 balls led Jamaica Tallawahs to the title in 2022. He has since become a T20 globetrotter and was recently picked by Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 auction, but is unproven in Test cricket. He has played just three Tests so far and his first-class average of 33.56 is not flash.But then again, West Indies don’t quite have the depth that India and some other countries possess, and with Brathwaite falling out of favour, King, 30, might open the batting along with the returning Chanderpaul in the first Test in Ahmedabad. He is proficient against pace and his biggest challenge will be against India’s spinners in potentially spin-friendly conditions. If he manages to counter Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, he might boost his Test and IPL prospects.Justin Greaves hasn’t passed 40 in 13 innings since scoring his maiden Test century but his seam-ups provide balance to the XI•Cricket West IndiesJustin GreavesIn Shamar Joseph Test at the Gabba in 2024, Justin Greaves had scored a steady 33 in the second innings and in his next Test, at home, against Bangladesh, he made his maiden Test hundred to go with two wickets.Greaves, however, hasn’t passed 40 in 13 innings since but his seam-ups have provided balance to the XI. Against Australia, he picked up nine wickets in three games and could have a role to play as West Indies’ third seamer in India, with Pierre likely to play at the expense of a frontline seamer. Having missed CPL 2025 with injury, Greaves will have to shake off the rust and adapt quickly to Indian conditions.

India roll over for 93 in their chase of 124 with their captain Shubman Gill absent with a neck injury

Sidharth Monga16-Nov-20252:52

Philander: South Africa found ways to get a win

South Africa started the day staring at defeat, only 63 ahead with three wickets in hand, but registered a stunning win, their first in India in 15 years and the second-smallest successful defence in Asia. The whooping and cheering among the South Africa players echoed amid a shocked Sunday crowd at Eden Gardens as the visitors bowled India out for 93 in the absence of their injured captain Shubman Gill.Temba Bavuma was ever present, scoring the only half-century of the match and taking South Africa to a lead of 123 on a pitch with extravagant sideways movement and variance in bounce. He was helped a little by some ordinary spin bowling on the third morning, but he had earned the errors after defending resolutely on the second evening.Related

Kolkata minefield: Bavuma stands tall, Washington stands longer

'I don't buy this' – Pujara won't accept transition as excuse for losing Tests at home

'Job's far from done' – Conrad eyes series win

With 'small hands' and strong instincts, Bavuma shows self-assurance of a player at his peak

Stats – South Africa's first win in India since 2010

The target of 124 was always going to be tricky with Simon Harmer outbowling India’s spinners in the country where he had a forgettable tour in 2015-16. The uneven bounce made Marco Jansen a handful, causing the double jeopardy you need to defend small totals.India began the day in the ascendance but not with bowlers likeliest to take a wicket. Axar Patel opening the day was a surprise, and as the singles flowed with ease you could sense panic. Rishabh Pant, who had been excellent with his rotation of bowlers and field placements on the second evening, began to change bowlers too quickly and also took a desperate review against Bavuma when Ravindra Jadeja had clearly pitched outside leg from over the wicket.That Jadeja was bowling over the wicket in itself was a sign of desperation when all you really needed to do on this surface was bowl a good length and shut the scoring. Jadeja, who until day two was the best player of the match, just struggled to maintain that length and bowled seven overs for 21 runs. Washington Sundar, one of the three spinners in the last four home Tests, was not used at all.Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch added crucial runs in the morning•Getty ImagesBavuma’s defence found an ally in Corbin Bosch’s big hits, which he deployed mainly against Kuldeep Yadav. The two added an invaluable 44 for the eighth wicket, 25 of which came off Bosch’s bat. Eventually it was the fast bowlers that kept India alive. Jasprit Bumrah hit the top of Bosch’s off, and Mohammed Siraj, in only his second over of the innings, got the better of Harmer and Keshav Maharaj with reverse swing.It was always going to be a tough target on this pitch, but India had hope in South Africa’s selection of only two spinners, one of whom, Maharaj, had gone for 16-1-66-1 in the first innings. Jansen, though, stunned them at the start in his first two overs to send back the openers. Both these balls jumped off a length, got big on the batters, and took the outside edge.Simon Harmer was unplayable at times•BCCIWashington, India’s newest No. 3, played resolutely again, mirroring the first half of Bavuma’s innings and facing the most balls in the match, but as it tends to happen on these pitches, Dhruv Jurel put a long hop into the hands of deep midwicket. The ball did stop on him as it tends to happen on these pitches.Harmer might have got on the board with this fortunate wicket, but he bowled beautifully to earn that stroke of luck. Ten years after a crushing tour of India, he is back a much-improved bowler. He could change his trajectory subtly, most of the times able to bowl a good length at different paces. It showed in how he completely tied up the most dangerous batter in the India line-up, Pant, and eventually earned a return catch with dip and turn.ESPNcricinfo LtdAt 38 for 4, Washington and Jadeja added 26 runs, looked comfortable, but this is when Jadeja’s old-school method of defending with the bat behind the pad came back to haunt him. Just like in the first innings. Once again out lbw pad-first to Harmer, Jadeja ended forgettably a Test he had been largely good in, one during which he became only the fourth man to take 300 wickets and score 4000 runs.Aiden Markram reminded India of the nightmare Glenn Phillips had been on lottery pitches last year when he came on and finally got the edge of a distraught Washington, who scored 31 off 92 to go with his 29 in the first innings. Harmer then spun one past Kuldeep when he slowed it down tantalisingly.At 77 for 7, India were left needing a miracle from Axar, who threatened one when Bavuma gave him a sighter against Maharaj. He hit two sixes and a four, but when he happened to mishit he found a calm Bavuma making a difficult over-the-shoulder catch look ridiculously easy.Siraj lasted only one ball, triggering wild celebrations, the loudest from Kagiso Rabada, who has tasted only defeat on two previous tours of India and was missing this Test with a rib injury.

He was not informed of the decision to drop Shamim, and said he has been told he would have little say in squad selection

Mohammad Isam26-Nov-2025T20I captain Litton Das has expressed his unhappiness with the Bangladesh selectors’ decision of dropping Shamim Hossain from the squad for the first two T20Is against Ireland. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said last Friday that they were dropping Shamim to give Mahidul Islam Ankon a chance in the middle order.Litton, however, said that the selectors didn’t inform him or coach Phil Simmons about such a decision.”I think it would have been better if [Shamim] was in the team. But this is not my call, [it is] totally the selectors’ call,” Litton said. “I don’t know why, but the selector dropped Shamim without giving us notice. I have known that a captain would know which player would be in the team, and which player would be out of the team. I don’t see any reason behind Shamim getting dropped. It would have been better if he was in the team.”Related

• Bangladesh look to fine-tune their prep for T20 World Cup

• Saifuddin returns but no Taskin for first two T20Is vs Ireland

Litton also said that he has received a directive that he would have little say in squad selection. Litton, however, did not say where the instructions came from or when he got them.”The selection panel and board has told me that I have to totally work with whatever team they have selected,” Litton said. “I can’t have a say about which player I want or don’t want. I have known for a long time that a captain has a planning for organising the team. Recently, I have been informed that my job is to deliver something good from the field with [the] team that I have been given.”Litton, however, said that he will continue leading the side despite such conditions given to his leadership. “I won’t say it is insulting, but I think the captain and coach must be informed. We don’t know anything about [the selection]. If the same thing happens during the World Cup, I will try to implement with the team to the best of my ability.””Why not Shamim [Hossain]? He performed extraordinarily in some of the series” – Litton Das•AFP/Getty Images

Litton also said “sorry” to Shamim, calling it a disappointment for the player.”It won’t disturb the team but [the situation] is disappointing,” Litton said. “You can’t expect the same performance in every series from every player. We have been trying to build a team for a long time. Why not Shamim? He performed extraordinarily in some of the series. Getting dropped from there, it is disappointing for Shamim.”As a captain, I can’t say anything more than sorry to Shamim. I don’t expect all 15 players in my squad to perform at the same level. We have to back a player when he doesn’t perform in two or three series. I am really sorry that I couldn’t back him.”Shamim has had only single-digit scores in his last three T20I outings for Bangladesh, which may have prompted the selectors to drop him. Shamim, however, has made some important contributions in Bangladesh’s T20I revival this year. He made 48 against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in July. That innings took Bangladesh to a massive win, which is now considered as a turning point for them.Shamim also contributed against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Asia Cup. His 22-ball 33 against Afghanistan in early October was the last time he reached double figures, before his run of three successive single-digit scores in T20Is.Meanwhile, chief selector Gazi made a statement after Litton’s comments on the non-selection of Shamim.”Our focus should be on the Ireland series that’s coming up, but because of what our captain Litton Das said at a press meet, I wanted to say a few things,” Gazi said. “We held a brief meeting with the captain and coach before the Bangladesh squad for the Ireland T20Is was announced. When we asked about his opinion about Shamim Hossain, Litton Das told us that he wants Shamim in the team against Ireland. He also informed us that he spoke to the coach [Simmons], who said he also wants the same batters who played against West Indies, in the next T20I squad.”After discussing with Hasibul Hossain [another selector], we decided to leave out Shamim from the squad. We thought that we will announce the squad for the first two matches so that if we win the series by then, we can do some experiment in the third T20I. We announced the team following the rules, after going through cricket operations and the board. The selectors don’t always have to agree with the captain and coach when making selection calls. We don’t have to take any permission. We are accountable to the board.”

Tottenham Hotspur are now readying a January move for an “amazing” striker, who has been praised by Thomas Frank in the past.

Tottenham looking to sign new striker despite Richarlison returning to form

Frank managed to stave off some of the pressure by recording a 2-0 victory against Brentford on Saturday, which was his side’s first home Premier League victory since the rout of Burnley on the opening day of the campaign.

It was a comfortable win for Spurs, who never really looked threatened throughout the match, with the Bees recording an xG of just 0.29, and Richarlison continued his recent uptick in form, scoring his sixth Premier League goal of the season.

That said, some of Frank’s other attacking options haven’t been quite so prolific in front of goal, with Randal Kolo Muani still yet to open his account in the Premier League, while Dominic Solanke has featured in just three matches in all competitions, having struggled with an ankle injury.

As such, the manager may want to bring in a new striker during the upcoming transfer window, and a Premier League star has now entered the frame as a target.

That is according to a report from Football Insider, which states Tottenham are now readying a January move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with his future at Selhurst Park up in the air.

Palace may be forced to cash-in on the centre-forward, given that no progress has been made in negotiations over a new contract, and it has previously been revealed they could look to hold out for £44m.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke also added: “He’s under contract until 2027 but if he’s not going to sign a new deal by next summer, you would imagine Palace would be more increasingly open to selling Mateta to get a fee for him, rather than potentially letting him run down his contract.”

"Amazing" Mateta has earned move to top club

Lauded as “amazing” by Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, the Frenchman has been in impressive form this season, netting nine goals in 23 matches in all competitions, while also providing two assists.

The 28-year-old has now proven himself over a number of years in the Premier League, scoring a combined 30 goals across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns, meaning he has earned the opportunity to prove himself at a top club.

Related Tottenham determined to sign Barcelona star and ready to offer 'immediate leading role'

He’s been on fire for the Catalans.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini 5 days ago

In fact, Frank was personally left impressed by the Palace star for his performance in a 2-1 defeat against Brentford last season, describing him as “very hard to handle.”

As such, Tottenham should definitely look to capitalise on the Eagles’ stalling contract negotiations by pursuing a move for Mateta in the upcoming transfer window.

ساند أسطورة نادي تشيلسي، محمد صلاح، نجم نادي ليفربول، وذلك في ظل التصريحات النارية التي أدلى بها الدولي المصري يوم السبت الماضي بشأن وضعه مع الريدز.

محمد صلاح خرج عن صمته خلال الأيام الماضية، وذلك بعد بقائه كبديل مع ليفربول في آخر ثلاث مباريات لعبها الريدز في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ولم يشارك محمد صلاح في أي دقيقة مع ليفربول خلال لقاء ليدز يونايتد يوم السبت الماضي، والتي انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي بثلاثة أهداف لكل فريق.

واتهم محمد صلاح إدارة ليفربول بعدم تقديم الدعم الكافي له وبعدم تنفيذ الوعود التي قدمت له، مشيرًا إلى أن علاقته مع المدير الفني آرني سلوت قد تدمرت تمامًا.

لكن جون تيري أسطورة تشيلسي ومنتخب إنجلترا، يرى أن محمد صلاح على حق فيما قاله بشأن أنه أصبح كبش فداء للنادي، وله كل الحق في الغضب لاستبعاده من التشكيلة الأساسية.

اقرأ أيضًا .. ذا أتلتيك عن أزمة محمد صلاح: ليفربول لم يشعر بالصدمة من تصريحاته

وقال تيري في تصريحات نقلتها شبكة ليفربول إيكو عن محمد صلاح: “هل تعتقدون أنه وقع ضحية خطأ أم أن مدرب ليفربول على حق؟ أعتقد أنه أول من يقول إنه بعيد عن مستواه هذا الموسم لكنني أتفق معه أيضًا، أعتقد أنه وقع ضحية خطأ إلى حد ما، أعتقد أن العديد من لاعبي ليفربول بمن فيهم هو نفسه، كانوا بعيدين عن مستواهم مؤخرًا”.

وأضاف تيري في حديثه: ”وأما استبعاده ، فأنا لا أمزح، إذا كان هناك لاعب واحد قادر على الفوز بالمباريات لليفربول فسيكون هو، لذا فهو قرار حاسم من المدرب”.

واختتم تيري في تصريحاته عن محمد صلاح: ”وأيضًا، عندما تبقيه في صفك وعندما تشرك لاعبين ذوي خبرة في الفريق وتقدم لهم أسباب استبعادهم، فلن تجد خيارًا آخر، ولكن إظهار هذا الاحترام من المدرب أمر بالغ الأهمية”.

Aroldis Chapman has seen both sides of the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry, having pitched for New York for seven seasons and now Boston this past season. And, as Chapman made crystal clear during a recent appearance on the podcast, he doesn't intend on ever going back to the other side of the rivalry.

"No way, not even dead," Chapman said in Spanish in response to being asked if he'd ever play for the Yankees again. "If I were told that I was being traded to New York, I'd pack my things and go home. I'll retire right on the spot if that happens. I'm not crazy. Never again."

Why does Chapman feel so adamantly about never playing for the Yankees again?

"I dealt with a lot of disrespect [with the Yankees]," Chapman said. "I put up with a lot of things. I knew that they just wanted to find a way to get rid of me, but they didn't know how. And I just dealt with it quietly, kept playing, and doing what I always do."

Chapman was dealt to the Yankees in December of 2015 in exchange for four minor league players amidst allegations into a domestic violence incident allegedly involving the talented relief pitcher. Citing conflicting accounts and insufficient evidence, prosecutors declined to convict Chapman, though he received a 30-game suspension from MLB.

Chapman, after recording a 2.01 ERA and 20 saves in his first 31 games with the Yankees, was dealt to the Chicago Cubs at the 2016 trade deadline, then later reunited with the Yankees on a five-year deal that ensuing winter.

Chapman, a hard-throwing lefthander who routinely hits triple digits with his fastball, was largely effective during his tenure with the Yankees. From 2017 to 2022, he recorded the fifth-most saves in MLB, a 3.05 ERA and posted a 37 percent strikeout rate.

Unfortunately, for Chapman, his Yankee tenure was remembered more for two key home runs he allowed in the postseason, a 2019 American League Championship Series-winning dinger served up to Astros star Jose Altuve and a ninth-inning go-ahead blast to then-Rays infielder Mike Brousseau in the 2020 American League Division Series.

Chapman and ths Yankees also didn't seem to end their relationship on the best of terms.

Chapman's disappointing end to Yankees' tenure

In August of 2022, his last season in the Bronx, Chapman was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a "pretty bad infection" arising from a new tattoo he had recently got at the time. While the Yankees publicly showed no signs of frustration with the flamethrowing closer amid the unfortunate situation, that would soon change later that year.

Days before the Yankees were set to take on the Guardians in the ALDS, Chapman, after disappointing for much of the season, skipped a mandatory team workout and was then fined and subsequently left off the ALDS roster. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was openly critical of Chapman, calling his absence "disappointing" and questioning whether the eight-time All-Star was "all in."

Judging by Chapman's words, it seems pretty clear who he directs his ire towards with the Yankees.

"I got along well with all the players," Chapman said. "Never had a problem with anybody, even the manager. We're friends and we talk and everything. The bosses are the ones who make those decisions."

Chapman bounced from the Royals to the Rangers—with whom he won his second World Series title—and the Pirates before signing with Boston last winter. He pitched to a 1.17 ERA with 32 saves for the Red Sox in '25.

MatériaMais Notícias

Apesar de ser eleito entre os melhores zagueiros da Itália por três temporadas consecutivas, Bremer sabe que ainda tem estrada para percorrer para ser titular da Seleção Brasileira. O zagueiro da Juventus se sente preparado para a oportunidade e mantém os pés no chão, ao mesmo passo que sabe que não deve começar entre os 11 iniciais.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSeleção BrasileiraEndrick celebra relação com Vini Júnior e revela detalhe sobre MbappéSeleção Brasileira05/06/2024Seleção BrasileiraCaso Paquetá, entrevistas e mais: tudo sobre o dia da Seleção Brasileira nos EUASeleção Brasileira04/06/2024Seleção BrasileiraYan Couto desconversa sobre o futuro: ‘Tenho contrato até 2026’Seleção Brasileira04/06/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Venho trabalhando para isso desde quando cheguei na Juventus há dois anos, acho sim que estou preparado para essa oportunidade. Acho que não vou partir como titular, mas estarei preparado

---

avaliou Bremer. E completou:

– Eu tenho pouco tempo na Seleção, quero contribuir seja nos treinos ou nos jogos e fazer minha história na Seleção, todo mundo que vem para cá quer mostrar seu valor e eu não sou diferente.

Ao todo, Bremer tem sete convocações pela Seleção Brasileira. Dos quatro jogos que disputou, o zagueiro da Juventus foi titular em uma partida e entrou no decorrer das outras três.

Bremer analisou a concorrência com os demais companheiros, que jogam em clubes importantes e de destaque no futebol europeu.

– A zaga é uma das posições mais difíceis, todos os jogadores estão em grande clube, Premier League, Real Madrid, Juventus. Vai ser uma briga sadia, quem o professor optar para ser titular vai servir bem a Seleção. São grandes zagueiros, em grandes clubes – disse o zagueiro.

continua após a publicidade

A Seleção Brasileira entra em campo neste sábado para enfrentar o México em amistoso preparatório para a Copa América. A bola rola às 21h30.

🎙️ MAIS RESPOSTAS DE BREMER:

COMEÇO DA CARREIRA
– Lógico. Joguei no Galo em 2018, estou muito feliz por ter feito parte do Atlético-MG, venho construindo uma grande história na Juventus. Cheguei na reta final da Copa. Espero dar continuidade na Juventus e também aqui.

ENDRICK
– A gente já teve convocações juntas, desde os tempos do Diniz. Tem força física, bom tecnicamente também. Fora de campo quer aprender, tem humildade, é sensacional.

continua após a publicidade

LÍDERES NA SELEÇÃO
– Estamos criando um novo ciclo. O Bruno Guimarães, o próprio Lucas Paquetá está crescendo nessa função, tem cinco ou seis anos na Seleção. Isso vem no dia a dia. São esses jogadores que estão crescendo bastante, estamos querendo fazer uma nova história na Seleção.

ESQUEMA TÁTICO
– Com Tite, peguei o final do ciclo, mas vi bastante, ele trabalhava a fase defensiva. Se for ver os jogos dele, ganhava sem tomar gols ou tomando poucos gols. Se tivesse que comparar, ele seria mais um treinador italiano. O Dorival começou a pouco tempo, os laterais apoiam bastante, é mais solto. Joga e precisa que os laterais sejam ofensivos, um pouco diferente do Tite. São propostas diferentes, mas o objetivo é ser campeão.

– Defensivamente tem que estar mais atento, com os laterais subindo mais você precisa estar na preventiva, atacar marcando, que é o que o Dorival fala, o “cinturão”.

Tudo sobre

BrasilBremerFutebol NacionalSeleção Brasileira