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تأثر نادي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي ماليًا بعد توديعه منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، على يد ريال مدريد الإسباني.

وودع مانشستر سيتي منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا من ملحق دور الستة عشر، بعد هزيمته أمام ريال مدريد بثلاثية لهدف على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” في مواجهة الإياب.

خروج مانشستر سيتي المبكر من دوري أبطال أوروبا، جعله يخسر جائزة مالية قدرها 9.3 مليون جنيه إسترليني كان سيحصل عليها من الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم للوصول إلى دور الستة عشر.

كما فقد مانشستر سيتي ما يصل إلى 44 مليون جنيه إسترليني أخرى كان سيحصل عليها حال الاستمرار في المنافسة الأوروبية، بحسب ما ذكرت صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية.

من ناحية أخرى، سيستفيد مانشستر سيتي ماليًا من المشاركة في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية والتي تضم 32 فريقًا.

اقرأ أيضًا | الغيابات تضرب صفوف ليفربول ومانشستر سيتي قبل قمة الدوري الإنجليزي

وسيحصل مانشستر سيتي على 41 مليون جنيه إسترليني مقابل مشاركتهم في البطولة المنظمة من الفيفا، ويمكن أن يضاعفوا هذا المبلغ إذا فازوا باللقب.

وتنطلق منافسات كأس العالم للأندية في شهر يونيو القادم، وتقام في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، وتشهد مشاركة 32 ناديًا بما في ذلك الأهلي المصري.

Aston Villa kicked off their 2024//25 Premier League season with a highly impressive win over West Ham United last weekend

Unai Emery’s side looked like they were going to have to settle for a share of the spoils against the Irons, that was until Jhon Duran popped up with just 11 minutes left to score the winner.

In what was a tricky opening match, Villa securing all three points will give them plenty of confidence heading into their game against Arsenal this evening.

There could be a few changes to the starting XI, however, as some of the players failed to really shine last weekend, most notably John McGinn.

John McGinn’s game in numbers vs West Ham United

The Scot started on the left of a three-man attack to support Oliie Watkins yet struggled to really make much of an impact during his time on the pitch.

During his 62 minutes on the field, McGinn completed just 12 passes, took 26 touches and attempted zero dribbles.

The midfielder also lost possession three times while delivering zero accurate crosses, and it was clear his spell out wide wasn’t going to carve any openings for Watkins.

Emery’s attacking players will need to be excellent from the very first whistle against the Gunners today to stand any chance of securing a positive result. Could this see McGinn potentially dropped from the starting XI for a homegrown talent?

The player who could replace McGinn vs Arsenal

Ramsey was brought on for the ineffective McGinn with just half an hour of the game to be played last weekend, making a wonderful impact.

He was the one that set up Duran to score what turned out to be the winner, while he also was successful with 100% of his passes, showcasing his excellent distribution.

The Englishman looked much brighter going forwards than McGinn, as he created a big chance, made one key pass and succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts during his second half cameo.

This is the sort of performance that Emery will be demanding from the start as the Gunners travel to the Midlands this evening, which could see Ramsey given a starting berth.

The Athletic journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor lauded Ramsey as “sensational” back in 2021, but the academy graduate didn’t enjoy the most productive of spells last term as he missed 35 matches due to a series of niggling injury issues.

His impressive showing on the first weekend of the season will surely have bolstered his confidence, knowing that he is back fit and firing, ready to establish himself in Emery’s side.

The clash against the title-chasing Gunners will be difficult, but Villa did win 2-0 during their last meeting, a result which arguably cost the Emirates side the 2023/24 Premier League title.

If they channel this type of performance tonight, then there is no reason why they cannot replicate that stunning result from the end of last term.

Willing to pay: Aston Villa want £30m "beast" who'd send Duran packing

He almost joined a PL rival this summer

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 23, 2024

After a long summer of rumours and deals, the transfer window slams shut this Friday, and while Tottenham Hotspur has been relatively busy this summer, there is still time to make a couple more signings.

Ange Postecoglou must go one better than last season and lead the club back into the Champions League places come May, but to help him do that, Daniel Levy and Co must bring him more firepower.

Interestingly, the club were linked with an exciting winger outside of Europe's top five leagues earlier this month, and while he might not be a name fans are overly familiar with, he could challenge Brennan Johnson for his place in the team.

More importantly, though, there are shades of a certain Gareth Bale in him as well.

Bale's Spurs legacy

So, when it comes to the best Tottenham players in recent history, the top two in the eyes of most fans will probably be Harry Kane and Son Heung-min and for good reason.

However, if you go back just a bit further, it's hard to deny that Bale is almost unmatched in terms of pure technical skill and ability to single-handedly win games.

The Welshman spent six years in North London, and while he struggled to begin with, he gradually moved up the pitch and established himself as one of the best wingers in Europe, let alone the Premier League.

In his final campaign with the Lilywhites, before he moved to Real Madrid for a world record £85m, he scored 26 goals and provided ten assists in 44 appearances, equating to an unreal average of a goal involvement once every 1.22 games from left midfield and left wing.

There is no denying that at his peak, he was one of the greatest attackers in the world, and while this latest start touted for a move to Tottenham shouldn't be held up to that standard, he shares some characteristics with the icon.

The player in question is Club Brugge gem Andreas Skov Olsen, who caught the North Londoners' attention back in March, per a report from Voetbalkrant, and while there was no mention of a concrete price for the winger then, more recent reports touting other sides for the star claim that offers of around £25m would be enough to get the deal done.

Now, the similarities between the Danish international and the former Real star stem from their style of play, with data analyst Ben Mattinson claiming that the 24-year-old loves "cutting in on his left foot" and "shooting from distance", which sounds a lot like the player the Welshman was during his final campaign in England.

Moreover, Mattinson describes the Brugge ace as a "quality goal-scoring, physical winger" who possesses a "deadly left-foot", and like the Welshman, he's also over 6 foot, coming in at a strong 6 foot 2, which would only help him keep Premier League defenders at bay.

Lastly, the former Bologna gem has also proven himself to be a real goal threat in recent seasons, and this last similarity he shares with Bale could also be why he'd offer Johnson so much competition at Tottenham.

How Skov Olsen compares to Johnson

Okay, so if Skov Olsen was to come in as some extra competition for Johnson out on the right, it's worth comparing their output from last season, and unfortunately for the former Nottingham Forest ace, it's not a comparison that goes well for him.

For example, in his 38 appearances across both teams last season, the Welshman scored five goals and provided ten assists, and while that means he maintained an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.53 games, it pales in comparison to the Dane.

In his 50 appearances for Brugge last season, the left-footed dynamo scored a whopping 26 goals and provided eight assists for good measure.

Skov Olsen vs Johnson in 23/24

Player

Skov Olsen

Johnson

Appearances

50

38

Goals

26

5

Assists

8

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.68

0.39

All Stats via Transfermarkt

This means that he averaged a goal involvement once every 1.47 games, and while you have to take into account the weaker league, that is still an outrageously impressive level of output and should certainly encourage Spurs to pursue the exciting talent.

Ultimately, Tottenham are not going to find the next Bale in Skov Olsen, but he shares some similarities with the iconic winger, and from his incredible form last season, he looks like an ideal candidate to help get even more out of Postecoglou's attacking style of football.

Therefore, Levy and Co should do what they can to bring him to N17 this summer.

Related Spurs could avenge Lenglet mistake in swoop for "extraordinary" £21m star

The Lilywhites have been linked with an interest in the talented central defender.

Posts 4 ByDan Emery Aug 25, 2024

Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas cut from the list

ESPNcricinfo staff05-May-2021Kyle Mayers and Nkrumah Bonner, who helped West Indies secure the fifth-highest successful chase in Test history in Chattogram in February earlier this year and then were also impressive during the home Test series against Sri Lanka, have been rewarded with their maiden red-ball central contracts, for 2021-22. Wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva, who had narrowly missed a hundred in the Dhaka Test, also got his first red-ball deal.Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein won a white-ball contract for the first time. Hosein, who picked up three wickets on his ODI debut in Bangladesh, was impressive against Sri Lanka as well.Roston Chase, who had an all-format contract last year, was dropped altogether from the list this time. That means former captain Jason Holder is now the only one with an all-format deal.Shimron Hetmyer, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas and Keemo Paul were among those who failed to keep their white-ball contracts.ESPNcricinfo LtdChase, Hetmyer, Cottrell and Thomas had missed the white-ball fixtures against Sri Lanka at home after failing to reach the minimum fitness standards set by CWI. Later, Chase and Hetmyer cleared the fitness tests but were not picked for the Tests against Sri Lanka.Shane Dowrich and Shamarh Brooks – both played their last Test in 2020 – lost their contracts.”I am happy for all the players who have been offered retainer contracts for the upcoming period,” Jimmy Adams, CWI director of cricket, said in a statement. “Especially pleasing was the number of players who were awarded first-time contracts in recognition of their performances during the period under review. I know that the eleven players who have lost their International retainers will be striving and fighting hard to get back into the teams and earn their central contracts back next year.”These players, along with our T20 specialists, will ensure that we have genuine competition for places that will push everyone to attain higher standards of performance.”Despite being dropped for the white-ball series at home against Sri Lanka following mediocre returns in the Super50 Cup (seven wickets in six matches at an economy of nearly 7), Hayden Walsh Jr retained his white-ball deal.West Indies central contracts list
All-format contracts: Jason Holder
Red-ball contracts: Kraigg Brathwaite, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kyle Mayers and Kemar Roach
White-ball contracts: Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Alzarri Joseph, Nicholas Pooran and Hayden Walsh Jr

The keeper-batter, who is recovering from a wrist injury, batted in the nets on Thursday

Firdose Moonda16-Jun-20223:29

Jaffer: SA should bring in a pacer for either Maharaj or Shamsi

Big pictureThe series has moved from the east of the country to the west but India’s situation remains the same: they have to win the next match to stay alive.They’ve been buoyed by their biggest T20I win over South Africa on Tuesday, which could have been even bigger had their middle order not fallen away. Despite that, India will be pleased with the performance of their opening pair, who shared in their highest first-wicket stand against South Africa, and their attack, who challenged South Africa for the first time in the series.Bhuvneshwar Kumar, in particular, has been outstanding up front, moving the ball both ways and causing problems for a struggling South African opening pair. They’ve managed stands of 22, 5 and 23 and will want to be able to get off to better starts as South Africa fine-tune their batting combination. Their middle-order batters have made up for what the top two have lacked but will be disappointed with their lack of fight, and especially the hold Yuzvendra Chahal had over them in Visakhapatnam, where India’s spinners had their first real say of the series. South Africa’s have yet to do the same.On pitches that have been described as tricky for batting, the seam bowlers and their variations have been the biggest talking point, and wicket-taking has been dominated by India. Bhuvneshwar and Harshal Patel lead the bowling charts followed by Chahal and Dwaine Pretorius. South Africa’s biggest name, Kagiso Rabada, has been used more in a containing role while Anrich Nortje is still finding his feet after a lengthy injury layoff. Both will want to have more of an impact before the end of the series,An India batter is also atop the batting charts. Ishan Kishan has scored the most runs so far followed by a rejuvenated Heinrich Klaasen, and both are perhaps unexpected heroes. This pair have the opportunity to make themselves indispensable for their teams in the immediate future, especially with the series on the line.Form guideIndia WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa LWWWWIn the spotlightHis comeback since returning from a Kolpak deal has gone mostly under the radar but Wayne Parnell has put in some quietly impressive performances as he makes a claim for a T20 World Cup spot. He opened the bowling in the second match and was South Africa’s second-most economical bowler with a return of 1 for 23 in four overs and batted for the first time in the third match, where he scored an unbeaten 18-ball 22. With South Africa’s combination accommodating two seam-bowling allrounders at the moment, and Dwaine Pretorius establishing himself as a top-order pinch-hitter, Parnell has an opportunity to make the lower-order finisher’s job his.Shreyas Iyer has got starts in every match but may not yet have done enough to keep his place when Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav return. In the first and second match, he was undone by Dwaine Pretorius’ slower ball and in the third, didn’t time his sweep well enough to clear Anrich Nortje. After the first match, Wasim Jaffer and Dale Steyn said Iyer needed to work on his attacking strokeplay against pace, and the numbers agree. In this series, Iyer has scored 38 runs off 46 deliveries bowled by pace bowlers, including two fours and a six, and 52 runs off 27 balls bowled by spinners, including one four and six sixes. His strike rate against pace is 82.60 and more than double that against spin, 192.59.Quinton de Kock batted in the nets on Thursday and could be fit to return to South Africa’s XI•AFP/Getty Images

Team newsIndia have used the same combination in all three matches so far, and it worked for them in the third match. They’re unlikely to tinker with a winning formula, which could mean a longer wait for Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh to make their debuts.India (possible): 1 Ishan Kishan, 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3 Shreyas Iyer, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Dinesh Karthik, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Harshal Patel, 9 Avesh Khan, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal.Aiden Markram has left India after serving his seven-day quarantine after contracting Covid-19 on June 8. He will not have enough time to complete his return-to-play program before the end of the series. South Africa are also waiting on the fitness of Quinton de Kock, who injured his wrist before the second match, but batted in the nets on Thursday. Given the low strike-rates of the opening pair, de Kock is likely to replace Reeza Hendricks if he’s fit.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock/Reeza Hendricks, 2 Temba Bavuma (capt), 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 David Miller, 5 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6 Dwaine Pretorius, 7 Wayne Parnell, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi.Pitch and conditionsThe pitch at the SCA Stadium in Rajkot is usually full of runs. India chased down 202 in the first T20I played at this venue, back in 2013, while New Zealand defended 196 here in 2017. India successfully chased 154 against Bangladesh in the most recent match here, in 2019, reaching their target with more than four overs to spare. There could be some relief from the weather gods, with cooler temperatures on this side of the country and less humidity.Stats and trivia South Africa have outdone India significantly in the 11th-16th-over phase during this series, scoring at 11.00 per over while restricting the hosts to a run rate of 7.72 in the same phase. South Africa have only lost three wickets in this phase through the series, while India have lost six. But South Africa have struggled in the powerplay, losing six wickets across the three matches while only going at a run rate of 7.11. India have done a lot better, going at 8.33 while losing just the one wicket.Quotes”We’re not expecting things to happen. We know we have to play well, and that’s what we did in the first two games. I don’t think you guys were thinking we were going to come here and win the series 5-0 just because all the big-name players aren’t here. That’s a good Indian team. I’d be foolish to change our approach after one loss.”
“Weather plays a big role in how a pitch plays. So we will assess the pitch and conditions tomorrow and see what the par score could be. If we are defending, we will have an idea, having batted first, which areas to bowl at.”

Updates, analysis and colour from the fourth day of the Australia-India Test from Melbourne

Andrew McGlashan29-Dec-20202.50pm: India win by eight wicketsShubman Gill drives down the ground•Getty Images

Bowled out for 36. Virat Kohli goes home. Mohammed Shami out of the tour. Umesh Yadav limps from the attack. India had to overcome so much that their victory at the MCG, achieved midway through the fourth day by eight wickets, will forever have a part in their cricket folklore. Whether it is part of something even greater will depending on the next three weeks, but for now they can reflect on one of great bounce back victories.The early loss of two wickets will have left India grateful – and Australia rueful – that the target wasn’t in three figures, but it never threatened to be become nervy. Australia’s lower order made them work for the final four wickets during the morning session but they could never break free of the stranglehold on their scoring, so by the time R Ashwin wrapped up the innings on the stroke of a delayed lunch the lead stood at only 69. Their final tally of 200 in 103.1 overs was their slowest Test innings on home soil since 1986 and they managed just 10 boundaries.2.05pm: Nerves for India?Australia have taken two early ones. Is that enough to put India on edge? The struggling Mayank Agarwal edged a big drive against Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins claimed Cheteshwar Pujara again. India’s No. 3 played an uncharacteristically loose flat-footed drive which he thick-edged to gully. A small target has just got a little bigger1.00pm: Lunch – Australia 200 all outMohammed Siraj celebrates the wicket of Cameron Green•Getty Images

India will need 70 to level the Test series. It took them all the morning session to work through Australia’s lower order – it was extended with the innings nine down – before R Ashwin wrapped things when Josh Hazlewood shouldered arms and had his off stump clipped. Australia scored at under two-an-over during the innings, a testament to how well India kept control.It was another interesting session for the DRS as well. Mitchell Starc though he was out, caught at slip, off Ravindra Jadeja but the replays showed he had hit his boot as the ball rebounded off the pad and he was able to make a long walk back to the middle having got almost to the boundary rope. Then late in Australia’s innings Starc survived a line-ball lbw decision when beaten by Ashwin’s carrom ball, the tracker showing it to hitting a good portion of the bails but it remained umpire’s call which had been not out on the field.DRS debates will likely rumble on, but barring something extraordinary India should have wrapped this up by tea.12.10pm: India chip awayIndia have made inroads with the new ball, firstly Jasprit Bumrah bouncing out Pat Cummins and then Mohammed Siraj ending a very good innings from Cameron Green when he picked out midwicket with the pull. Australia’s lead is approaching 50, but they have just two wickets in hand. Green innings, in which he faced 146 balls, was very promising and should ensure that his position is not up for debate for the remainder of the series as Australia try to work out what to do with their misfiring batting order.11.30am: Steve Smith on his strugglesSteven Smith has spoken about his lean series to SEN Radio this morning:”At the moment I’m searching for time in the middle; that’s the most important thing for me,” he said. “When I look at this year, 64 balls is the longest I’ve spent in the middle, during those one-day games.”For me, that’s important. I find a lot of rhythm out in the middle. You can bat as much as you want in the nets but there’s nothing that can replicate what a game can do, so that for me is what I’m searching for at the moment. That can be tough to do, particularly in a Test match when you’ve got some quality bowlers.”And on his battle with Ashwin, he added:”I probably haven’t played Ashwin as well as I would’ve liked; I probably would’ve liked to have put him under a bit more pressure. I’ve sort of let him dictate terms and that’s something I’ve probably never let any spinner do in my career.”I’ve sort of taken it to them, been a bit more aggressive and made them change things. I haven’t allowed that to happen, probably because I’m searching for just being out there for long enough. It’s kind of a two-edged sword in a way, but I think I’ve just got to have the confidence to take it on and play my game.”11.15am: The new ballAustralia have got through the first phase of the day up to the 80-over mark but have only been able to squeeze out 16 runs. They will now have to combat the new ball to have a genuine chance of building a competitive lead. India hustled through their overs, especially R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, building pressure on Cameron Green and Pat Cummins. Both batsmen played quite well – bringing up a fifty partnership – although found it difficult to break the shackles.10.35am: Have your say10.00am: A twist to come?India are on the brink. Australia lead by just two runs with Cameron Green and the bowlers to try and haul the lead towards something defendable. It’s a huge ask. Even if India don’t break through straightaway the new ball is available in 14 overs. Still, stranger things have happened and in this of all years we probably shouldn’t rule out anything. If India do wrap up the game it will have to go down as one of their finest ever victories: bowled out for 36, Virat Kohli goes home, Mohammed Shami injured and then yesterday Umesh Yadav limps off as well.Plenty of questions for Australia to ponder especially around a batting line-up that has completely lost its shape. The return of David Warner can’t come soon enough. They won’t make wholesale changes (for one, the biosecure bubble doesn’t really allow it) but there isn’t really a player in the top six who can claim to have played at the top of their game yet – although a nod to Matthew Wade for how he has adapted to opening.

Despite star man Cole Palmer bagging 22 Premier League goals last season, Chelsea still desperately need more options in the final third if they are to mount a push for a top-four place under Enzo Maresca in 2024/25.

The Italian has the opportunity to stamp his mark on the Blues first-team this summer, potentially reducing the game time of numerous players who currently ply their trade at Stamford Bridge.

Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke only managed a combined 18 goals between them, with the club needing to bolster the attacking ranks to provide more of a cutting edge to a side that missed the joint-second most big chances in the division.

Many names have been linked with a move to the London club, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Michael Olise all touted with a move, but the latter decided in favour of a switch to join German side Bayern Munich.

However, multiple new names have been thrown into the mix over a potential switch to the Premier League, with both players undoubtedly improving Maresca’s attacking unit.

Chelsea’s attempts to sign a new forward

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are in talks to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi this summer.

The 22-year-old scored three times in his 21 Bundesliga appearances last season, showcasing his ability to get in behind the full-back, as demonstrated against Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

The report states the German could be available for as little as £25m this summer, with Chelsea already in talks over a move for his services.

However, the club have also registered interest in Porto attacker Francisco Conceição, with the Portuguese having a €30m (£25m) release clause in his current contract as per Report via Sport Witness.

That said, it's a release clause that will increase in price on Monday to €45m (£38m), meaning suitors could sign him 'this week'.

The youngster has had an excellent campaign, registering nine goal contributions in 27 Liga Portugal outings, whilst scoring the winner for his nation against Czech Republic at Euro 2024.

Whilst they’re both available at the same price, Conceição is undoubtedly a better player and one that would be a better fit for Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

Why Conceição would be a better option than Adeyemi

Whilst both players have undeniable quality and talents that would further improve Chelsea’s frontline, the Porto youngster has the ability to have the greater impact on the squad should a deal for his services be completed this summer.

The 21-year-old may be showcasing his quality in a lower-quality division, but his stats reflect his star qualities, potentially being the next Portuguese star to make his mark on the Premier League.

The “exceptional” Conceição, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to complete more than double the number of progressive carries compared to Adeyemi, whilst also averaging over one more shot per 90.

With the Portuguese talent standing at just 5 foot 6, he has the low centre of gravity to be able to glide past players, as demonstrated in his tally of successful take-ons with the youngster completing 67 attempts – nearly four times better than the German could muster over the course of last season.

His success rate in his attempted take-ons is also significantly greater than the Borussia Dortmund talent, proving why he would be a better option for the Blues to pursue this summer.

Games

27

21

Goals + assists

9

4

Progressive carries

128

52

Shots per 90

3.6

2.3

Pass accuracy

74%

73%

Successful take-ons

67

18

Take-on %

49%

30%

His ability to create opportunities and beat his man is evident, with Chelsea once again needing to dip into the market to try and close the gap to sides such as Arsenal and Manchester City.

However, should they decide to back Maresca in the market once more, it’s pivotal they opt for the right addition, with Conceição undoubtedly the more effective option for Chelsea this summer.

Forget Nico Williams: Chelsea set to make a bid for £25m star

The Blues are preparing a swoop to sign the rapid German winger this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 10, 2024

The 34-year-old forward has signed an extension with Angel City in what she described as the 'last go' of her professional soccer career

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Sydney Leroux signed three-year extension
• Has scored seven goals for Angel City this year
• Joined Angel City in 2022

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  NWSL veteran forward Sydney Leroux will end her career in Los Angeles, with the former USWNT star signing a three-year contract extension in her "last go" as a professional soccer player, the club announced. The forward joined Angel City in 2022 in what seems to be the final move of an 11-year NWSL career – a league she has been in since its inaugural season in 2013.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Leroux is one of the most decorated goalscorers in NWSL history. She is currently eighth on the all-time list, finding the net 48 times in 160 regular season appearances. Her 2024 regular season was her most productive in three years, with Leroux finding the net seven times in 24 matches.

  The forward had a key influence in the USWNT setup for a number of years, appearing regularly from 2011-2017. She finished her U.S. career with an Olympic gold medal, and was a part of the 2015 Women's World Cup winning squad. She scored 35 goals for the national team.

• WHAT LEROUX SAID

  The Angel City forward expressed excitement for her final contract extension: "This is my last go and I’m excited to end my career here. My family and I are so excited to continue to be a part of Angel City and I promise to give my everything until the wheels fall off."

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• IMGAN
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LEROUX?

  Angel City missed out on the playoffs this year, but have one last regular season game remaining – a visit to seventh-place Portland. Leroux, it seems, will have three more years to help lift the Los Angeles club back into the playoff picture.

Aston Villa look to be stepping up their pursuit of a handful of key targets at present, as Unai Emery aims to strengthen ahead of participating in the Champions League next season.

The Villans appear to have a deal for Ross Barkley all but secured, while both Samuel Iling-Junior and Weston McKennie could also be on their way to Villa Park, as part of the deal for Douglas Luiz to join Juventus.

That impending exit could bring with it further midfield additions, however, with Emery and co looking at a couple of standout Premier League talents – according to reports…

Aston Villa eye dream Conor Gallagher alternative

It is no secret that the Midlands side are looking to sign Gallagher this summer, with Chelsea seeking a fee of around £50m in order for Emery to secure his services.

Given that Douglas Luiz appears to be leaving Villa, it is clear another midfielder is pivotal ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

While Gallagher could be a solid signing, might Emery target another Premier League midfielder with bundles of talent instead? As Amadou Onana has emerged as a potential signing.

According to TEAMtalk, Villa have made contact with Everton over a swoop for the young Belgian starlet. The report states that Villa has touched base with the Toffees over a move but have yet to submit a proposal.

He could cost the same as Gallagher – £50m this summer – and the deal could perhaps represent better business than going all out for the Chelsea midfielder.

How Amadou Onana compares to Conor Gallagher

Gallagher performed across a variety of roles last term, predominantly operating as an attacking midfielder, but also slotting in slightly deeper when required, making 50 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 16 goal contributions in the process.

Metric

Gallagher

Onana

Goals

5

2

Key passes per game

1.4

0.6

Aerial duels won

0.7

1.8

Accurate passes per game

47.7

29

Possession lost per game

9.4

6.8

Tackles per game

2.3

2.4

Balls recovered per game

6

5.3

Onana, on the other hand, is more defensive-minded, preferring to operate as either a central or defensive midfielder in the current Everton side. Despite this, he still registered three goals and an assist in 37 matches last term, indicating that he can get forward when needed.

The duo aren’t actually that far apart with regard to attacking statistics. Gallagher registered 3.14 shot-creating actions and 1.38 shots per 90 in the league last term, with Onana registering 2.41 shot-creating actions and 1.25 shots per 90 in the same time frame, which suggests that Gallagher perhaps is in the right place at the right time much more often.

Defensively, however, Onana comes out on top in a few metrics. Not only did he win a greater percentage of aerial duels (74.3% vs 47.2%) compared to Gallagher, but he also won a higher percentage of challenges (50% vs 42.9%) and more total duels won (six vs 5.7) in the top flight last season.

It is no surprise then to see the Belgian sensation dubbed a “warrior” by analyst Ben Mattinson in March this year, and he could be an ideal signing for Villa.

While he may not offer the same qualities going forward as Gallagher, Onana is wonderful when his side don’t have the ball, regularly winning aerial duels and adding a solid presence in the heart of the midfield.

He is still only 22 years old too, which means the midfielder has arguably yet to even hit his peak, suggesting that Emery could even stand to make a massive profit on the player should he blossom at Villa Park.

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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 13, 2024

Gallagher has been excellent for Chelsea recently, but signing Onana may be the most logical move by the Spaniard this summer.

Angel Gomes has refused to rule out a future return to Manchester United after starring for Lille.

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Gomes had a frustrating first stint at UnitedHas risen to prominence after shining with LilleMidfielder remains open to an Old Trafford returnFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Gomes' rise to prominence in France has not gone unnoticed. He was handsomely rewarded for his bright form by being a surprise inclusion in Lee Carsley’s first England squad selection and after excelling in a deep-lying playmaker role, the midfielder has been called up for next week’s international fixtures as well.

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Gomes' burgeoning reputation has caught the attention of several Premier League and European clubs, who are eager to secure his services when his contract runs out. Lille, however, may look to cash in on their star player as early as January if a suitable offer comes in, rather than risk losing him for free next summer.

WHAT GOMES SAID

Gomes’ journey from United to Lille has been one of growth and resilience. After coming through United’s academy, he made just 10 senior appearances for the club before leaving in 2020. Now with Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro struggling in midfield, United are believed to be looking at options in the market.

When asked about the possibility of returning to United, the club where his professional career began, Gomes told "There’ll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it’d be difficult to say no."

However, he was quick to add: "As amazing as it would be, after finding happiness abroad I know [playing in the Premier League] is not the be-all and end-all."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR GOMES?

Gomes’ resurgence at Lille, combined with his England call-up, has positioned him as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. However, his current focus is on continuing to perform at the highest level for Lille as he proved himself again by finding the net to inspire a comeback win over Toulouse on Saturday in Ligue 1. He will now look forward to joining the Three Lions squad for the Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.