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Chelsea midfielder Roméo Lavia and his injury hell has continued into this season, with the Belgian hauled off after just six minutes against Qarabağ in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Lavia, who was spotted launching a water bottle in frustration moments after being substituted in Azerbaijan, was forced to sit out 226 days last term through injury, and managed just over half an hour throughout the entirety of 2023/2024 after his near-£60 million move from Southampton.

Estevao

8.2

Alejandro Garnacho

7.5

Leandro Andrade

7.4

Matheus Silva

7.0

Marko Jankovic

7.0

via WhoScored

The stats surrounding his absences make for very grim reading, and what’s more, Lavia has never even completed a full 90 minutes for the west Londoners.

The 21-year-old was once Southampton’s “shining star” and a player to get “very excited” about, according to journalist Sam Tighe in 2023, but injuries have plagued Lavia ever since he signed on the dotted line at Stamford Bridge.

On his day, and when available, Lavia is a phenomenal alternative to the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández in Chelsea’s midfield, with Enzo Maresca effusive in his praise for the ex-Man City academy star.

However, his consistent lack of availability is a major cause for concern, and supporters are beginning to speculate whether the Blues could decide to pull the plug and sell him next year.

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has provided an update.

Chelsea tipped to move for Adam Wharton amid Roméo Lavia injury

Speaking to the Chelsea Chronicle, Bailey tips them to potentially enter the race for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton next year, albeit not in January, or other big-name midfielders like Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga.

However, he emphasises that Chelsea were already planning to sign a new midfielder before Lavia’s latest injury, so it isn’t exactly a reactionary decision, and the club remain huge fans of their 2023 signing.

Wharton, in particular, would be an intriguing option for BlueCo.

The 21-year-old earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the last Euros after his stellar 2024 form, but he was forced to sit out most of last season after needing groin surgery.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham were among the clubs scouting Wharton at Blackburn Rovers before Palace ultimately took the plunge (The Guardian), with reports now suggesting that the Eagles value Wharton at an eye-watering £100 million.

Unless Wharton rediscovers his 23/24 prowess, Palace are very unlikely to get a fee of that magnitude, even if he is still considered by some as one of England’s brightest midfield prospects right now.

Worcestershire powered through to the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final with a 131-run (DLS) victory over Somerset at New Road.Put in, the home side totalled a solid 275 for 9 as Daniel Lategan struck his List A-best 78 against a disciplined Somerset attack with Jack Leach’s excellent 10-1-28-2 at its heart. Ben Green took 4 for 52.The target looked around par on a good pitch but Somerset’s top order imploded against Khurram Shahzad (4 for 36). The visitors lurched to 108 for 7 from 23.4 overs before rain arrived with them more than 100 runs behind the DLS score.After the resumption they further crumbled to 141 all out as Worcestershire emphatically secured a place in the final at Trent Bridge on September 20.Somerset chose to bowl but were kept waiting for their first breakthrough as openers Lategan and Brett D’Oliveira (45) added 85 in 15 overs. The bowlers gave little away though and, as risks were taken in search of acceleration, wickets began to fall.D’Oliveira drilled Kasey Aldridge to extra cover. Kashif Ali was caught with the greatest nonchalance by Finley Hill on the midwicket boundary off Green. Jake Libby skied Aldridge to mid off.Nineteen-year-old Lategan posted a polished maiden List A fifty but fell lbw, reverse-sweeping, to Leach as the spinner built pressure which also saw him bowl Rob Jones through a failed sweep. After Ethan Brookes was lbw, sweeping Tom Lammonby, Worcestershire needed some late order contributions. They got them from Henry Cullen (32) and Matthew Waite (24) before Tom Taylor (22 not out) clubbed three sixes to hoist the total to 275.Pakistan international Shahzad then began with two wides, one of which went for four, in his first three balls. From the dubious platform of 0.1-0-6-0, however, he built an opening spell of 7-2-36-4. Lammonby and Lewis Goldsworthy were beaten for pace when trying to pull and sent up catches. Archie Vaughan was brilliantly caught by Ben Allison at mid-wicket. Thomas Rew edged to slip.Worcestershire’s other seamers deepened Somerset’s plight. Waite had Joshua Thomas well caught by Lategan on the long-leg boundary and Allison dismissed Finley Hill, caught at slip, and Green, caught at mid-off.Green fell to the last ball before heavy rain arrived with Somerset in dire straits at 108 for 7. They resumed needing another 165 from 14.2 overs and quickly lost Aldridge, caught behind, and Leach, stumped, off Brookes.Last pair James Rew and Jake Ball needed to find 137 runs from ten overs. They managed five before Rew lifted Brookes to long off to trigger loud and long celebrations from the home fans.

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O Palmeiras perdeu por 2 a 1 para o Santos neste último domingo (8), na Arena Barueri e se complicou na luta pelo título do Brasileirão 2023.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasEm crise, Palmeiras tem estratégia para blindar elenco de críticasPalmeiras09/10/2023PalmeirasAbel revela que jogadores pediram para sair do Palmeiras por ameaças: ‘Não aguentaram a pressão’Palmeiras08/10/2023PalmeirasCom nova goleada, Palmeiras vence o Caracas-VEN e garante vaga na próxima fase da Libertadores FemininaPalmeiras08/10/2023

+ Confira a classificação do Campeonato Brasileiro

Acumulando sua terceira derrota seguida na competição, Abel Ferreira foi muito honesto na coletiva pós jogo e algo que chamou a atenção foi o fato do técnico mais uma vez expor que tem um ‘x-9’ dentro do clube.

Segundo Abel, a filosofia do ‘Todos Somos Um’ que fez com que o clube tivesse ganhado praticamente tudo nos últimos anos, está com os seus dias contados.

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Não sabemos se ele está falando isso pelo racha da torcida organizada com a direção, se é pelo funcionário do clube que têm vazado tudo para a imprensa ou também da pressão da torcida em cima de alguns atletas e no próprio trabalho do treinador.

Na minha opinião, a maior culpada por todo esse desgaste no ambiente do Verdão em 2023 é a presidente Leila Pereira.

Omissa na hora de prestar explicações pra torcida nos momentos mais delicados do ano, Leila mantém uma postura arrogante perante à torcida, e deixa Abel tomando as pancadas da imprensa sozinho.

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Leila também é culpada por não ter cumprido as suas promessas para o ano, principalmente a de não ter reforçado um elenco que parece não ter mais energia para competir na sua máxima potência. O enfraquecimento do time é nítido e cada vez mais Crias da Academia são expostas pelo péssimo planejamento desenhado para esse ano.

É sintomático que após a eliminação mais doída dos últimos anos, um jovem de 20 anos tenha sido o escolhido para prestar explicações para a torcida.

O conturbado ambiente político também reflete no clube e a postura arbitrária de Leila com alguns conselheiros de oposição mostra que a coisa pode ferver e muito no próximo ano de eleição.

Nas arquibancadas, torcedores já estão cobrando parte do conselho que se beneficia do apoio a atual presidente e pouco contribuem para uma evolução da instituição em diversas frentes.

É triste que o ‘Todos somos Um’ esteja terminando, Abel tentou ao máximo fortalecer o coletivo e mostrar que quando todos remam para o mesmo lado, a correnteza fica muito mais fraca.

Se o técnico tem sua parcela de culpa pela decepção desse segundo semestre, Leila Pereira tem o triplo.

+ Abel revela que jogadores pediram para sair do Palmeiras por ameaças: ‘Não aguentaram a pressão’

Vamos ver como ela se sai agora que a porcentagem de torcedores insatisfeitos com a sua gestão aumentou consideravelmente.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

West Ham have been given hope of signing a “special” striker in January amid manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s damning update on Niclas Füllkrug, with the importance of bringing in a new centre-forward brought even further to the forefront.

West Ham given Niclas Fullkrug update after thigh injury

Now confirmed by Nuno, the injury-prone Fullkrug is set to be out for “a while”, with Standard Sport reporting that West Ham are waiting on scan results to determine his exact recovery period.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, after West Ham’s striker was excluded from the international squad to face Luxembourg and Wales, announced that Fullkrug torn a muscle bundle in his thigh and Kicker stated he could face “several weeks” out.

The 32-year-old’s injury is a significant blow for West Ham, compounding the club’s ongoing striker shortage. Fullkrug, who has been battling persistent fitness issues ever since joining the Hammers last year, is now set for a likely significant spell out — leaving Nuno with very limited options.

Brentford (home)

October 20

Leeds United (away)

October 24

Newcastle United (home)

November 2

Burnley (home)

November 8

With Fullkrug sidelined, West Ham are left relying primarily on Callum Marshall, a promising but inexperienced young striker, and Callum Wilson, whose own injury history raises questions about his ability to consistently lead the line.

This lack of attacking depth puts considerable pressure on Nuno, and the tactician could even be tempted to play winger Jarrod Bowen up front, as the Englishman has done in the past.

In any case, the message is clear — West Ham need a new striker in January.

In the build up to winter, the Irons have been linked with a host of intriguing options, including Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney and Man United’s Josh Zirkzee.

One insider reported this week that West Ham have been offered an unnamed forward who “fits the bill” on loan, and while we’re just speculating, it could well be Real Madrid starlet Endrick.

The Brazilian, who’s struggled to play his way into Real’s first team due to a combination of injuries and fierce competition for places, was reportedly open to the prospect of a London Stadium loan move last January.

Given he’s yet to play a single minute under Xabi Alonso this term, the idea of a temporary Premier League move could well appeal to the 19-year-old once again, and journalist Dean Jones has shared a positive update on West Ham’s hopes of signing Endrick.

West Ham given Endrick transfer hope after Real Madrid update

Speaking to TEAMtalk, Jones reports there is “very little doubt” that he’ll be offered the chance to leave in January if his game time continues to be limited, and West Ham are genuine contenders to sign Endrick on a short-term basis.

The South American, who scored 21 goals in 82 senior appearances for Palmeiras before joining Real, despite his very young age, is still one of the most promising young Brazilians in world football.

Despite his limited appearances in La Liga and the Champions League, Endrick actually played a key role during Real’s run to the Copa del Rey final last season — bagging five goals in the competition and scoring in nearly every game before their loss to Barcelona.

Endrick’s arrival would be a real statement of intent from the heavily criticised West Ham board, and perhaps exactly the calibre of signing they need up top.

Wednesday night saw Arsenal pick up their second win in as many Champions League games this season.

Was it the perfect performance? No, probably not, but Mikel Arteta made a slew of changes to the lineup, and on another night, they could have scored a handful more goals.

Moreover, several starters really shone, including David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and, even though he didn’t score, Viktor Gyokeres looked lively.

However, when it comes to the man of the match, it’s hard to look past Martin Odegaard, who, unlike one of his teammates, has undoubtedly played himself into the lineup for West Ham United.

Arsenal's best player vs Olympiacos

It would be fair to say that, following his ankle injury, last season was one to forget for Odegaard.

The Arsenal captain looked a shell of his former self for the best part of a year, so much so that plenty of fans and pundits alike began to doubt his quality and ability to get back to his best.

Now, it’s certainly still early doors in that respect, but the Norwegian looked great in his cameo against Newcastle United on Sunday, and then took things up another level against Olympiacos on Wednesday.

According to content creator Connor Humm, the Gunners’ number eight showed a version of himself that “has been absent too long” and was “sensational.”

It would be hard to disagree, as for much of the first half and moments of the second, he seemed to be constantly playing perfect balls through the Greek side’s defence and got his rewards with an assist for Bukayo Saka’s strike.

The Drammen-born star was so effective that the Standard’s Simon Collings gave him a 9/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he ‘looked so sharp and played some majestic through-balls’.

Such high praise is more than justified by his statistics, as in his 95 minutes of action, the 26-year-old amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 1.65, took 86 touches, played four key passes, was accurate in seven of ten long balls, took one shot on target, completed 100% of his dribbles and made one clearance.

Minutes

95′

Expected Goals

0.72

Expected Assists

0.93

Assists

1

Key Passes

4

Touches

86

Long Balls (Accurate)

10 (7)

Shots on Target

1

Dribbles (Successful)

1 (1)

Clearances

1

Tackles

1

In short, it was the kind of performance that has to see him keep his place for the weekend, which is the opposite for another starter.

Arsenal's worst player vs Olympiacos

While most of the team played well, some starters, such as Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli, were not particularly impressive, despite the latter’s goal.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, it would be hard to deny that the most disappointing display in red and white on Wednesday night came from Leandro Trossard.

The Belgian international retained his place in the starting lineup from the Newcastle game, but unfortunately, he was even less effective than he had been in that match.

In fact, if there is one word to describe the 30-year-old’s display against the Greek outfit, it would be frustrating.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion star kept finding himself in promising positions, but time and time again, he’d waste the moment, either through a wayward shot or a poor pass.

Collings felt similarly about the winger, giving him a rather generous 6/10 match rating and writing that he ‘wasted’ his fair share of chances.

Unsurprisingly, his statistics tell a similar story: in 73 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.48 but failed to produce either, took 48 touches but completed just 17 passes, lost 50% of his duels, lost the ball 14 times, and was dribbled past twice.

Minutes

73′

Expected Goals

0.44

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.04

Assists

0

Passes

17/25 (68%)

Touches

48

Long Balls (Accurate)

4 (2)

Shots on Target

1

Lost Possession

14

Duels (Won)

12 (6)

Dribbled Past

2

It was a performance that did little to dispel the idea that the 5 foot 8 ace is far better coming off the bench than starting games.

Therefore, while it might seem harsh, Arteta should look to drop Trossard for the upcoming game against West Ham.

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Liverpool have made an approach for a Premier League player and Marc Guehi alternative – one who has been hailed for his “ambitious” nature.

Guehi "extremely unhappy" after failed Liverpool move

The Reds completed a superb summer transfer window by signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a British record fee of £125m, but it could have been even better.

It looked as though Liverpool would also snap up Guehi, agreeing a long-term move with the Englishman, only to see Crystal Palace deny him his move at the eleventh hour. Manager Oliver Glasner reportedly threatened to quit if the 25-year-old was sold to the Reds, with the Eagles not having enough centre-back depth without him.

It has made for an ugly situation, with Guehi thought to be “extremely unhappy” at the situation, according to journalist Ed Aarons, and he is now unlikely to sign a new deal ahead of his current contract expiring next summer. That will then allow him to depart on a free transfer.

Liverpool may need to look at different defenders looking ahead, should they feel that their chance of signing Guehi has been and gone, and another Premier League player has been linked with a move to Anfield.

Liverpool make approach for Nathan Collins

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have made an approach for Brentford captain Nathan Collins, potentially seeing him as a different option to Guehi moving forward. It’s worth stressing that a formal offer hasn’t been lodged, but the Premier League champions do see the £43m-rated Irishman as “on their shortlist of defensive targets”.

Collins would be a solid signing for Liverpool, having impressed as both a performer and a leader for Brentford, being hailed by Thomas Frank during their time working together.

“He can carry the ball out of defence and also has the composure to find the right pass during build-up play. His character is really good, and we know that character is everything. He will fit into our culture, I have no doubt about that. I see leadership potential in Nathan. He’s a perfect Brentford player – hungry and ambitious with a desire to learn.”

With all due respect to the Brentford skipper, though, Guehi still stands out as the leading option for Liverpool, whether that be in January or beyond. He has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders, and has every chance of starting for England at next summer’s World Cup, and they shouldn’t give up on signing him after one hiccup.

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But Collins could be a shrewd alternative, and he is a year younger than Guehi, allowing Arne Slot to bring him in at a good age and turn him into an even more formidable all-round defender.

There was a lot made of what Celtic did and did not do in the final days of the summer transfer window, which officially slammed shut last Monday.

The Hoops were unable to sign a new centre-forward to bolster the squad, despite allowing Adam Idah to sign for Swansea for £7m, on deadline day.

This meant that the Scottish Premiership champions had to swoop for Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer the following day, after Sevilla terminated his contract early.

Whilst supporters will want to focus on who came in, and who did not, there also needs to be an appreciation of the players who moved on from the club, including Nicolas Kuhn.

Celtic’s model revolves around bringing in and developing young players to sell them on for a profit, but they then need to find replacements for those players to ensure that the team does not suffer as a result.

Matt O’Riley left the Scottish giants to sign for Brighton & Hove Albion last year and his move away from Glasgow left a gaping hole in the middle of the park.

Why Matt O'Riley's exit was a big blow for Celtic

The left-footed star took his game to the next level under Brendan Rodgers in the 2023/24 campaign after Ange Postecoglou moved down south to join Tottenham Hotspur.

O’Riley, who now plays for Marseille, only scored seven goals in 54 appearances in the Premiership for the Australian head coach, but did deliver 15 assists in that time.

This shows that he was a creative midfielder who did not offer a significant threat as a goalscorer from the middle of the park prior to Rodgers’ return to Parkhead in the summer of 2023.

O’Riley stepped up his game in the final third in the 2023/24 campaign, though, with a return of 18 goals in the Premiership to lead the Hoops to the title.

Sofascore rating

7.91

1st

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Big chances created

14

1st

Key passes per game

2.5

1st

As you can see in the table above, the Denmark international was a pivotal part of Rodgers’ team because he was the main threat in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

This is why his move to Brighton last summer was a big blow because the Scottish giants lost a star who could deliver goals and assists at an exceptional rate.

O’Riley’s ability to score goals, in particular, was important for Celtic because it took some of the pressure off the forward players, which is exactly what the team need right now with their issues in the centre-forward department.

Kelechi Iheanacho only scored four goals in all competitions last season, per Sofascore, whilst Hyun-jun Yang and James Forrest have combined for six league goals since the start of last term.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

This is why there may be more of an emphasis on the midfielders needing to step up and score goals for Rodgers this season, and they may have their next Matt O’Riley already brewing at Parkhead.

The Celtic star who could be the new Matt O'Riley

Celtic broke their transfer record to sign Arne Engels from Augsburg for a fee of £11m last summer to ‘replace’ O’Riley, and he did not have a bad first season in Glasgow by any means.

The Belgium international delivered ten goals and 13 assists in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which is a very respectable return for a central midfielder, but there was a lack of goals from open play.

Arne Engels

21

2

Reo Hatate

24

9

Callum McGregor

29

8

Luke McCowan

12

5

Paulo Bernardo

11

2

As you can see in the table above, Engels ranked joint-bottom alongside Paulo Bernardo for non-penalty goals in the Celtic midfield last season in the Premiership.

This is why it is Benjamin Nygren who could be the next O’Riley in the making at Parkhead, not Engels, because the summer signing has the potential to deliver a huge goal threat from midfield for the Hoops.

The Sweden international arrived in Glasgow from Nordsjaelland after an impressive haul of 16 goals and four assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for the Danish outfit last season, per Transfermarkt.

Whilst Nygren is more versatile than O’Riley, having played the bulk of his minutes on the right flank, he did score four of those 16 goals in his six appearances as either an attacking or central midfield player.

Since making the move to Parkhead, the Swedish star has mainly played in a central midfield role in the 4-3-3 set-up, and showcased his knack for goals from a central position with his strike against Aberdeen.

The left-footed star has scored three goals in four Premiership matches to date, per Sofascore, and only one of his 19 goals for Nordsjaelland and Celtic since the start of last season came from the penalty spot.

His Sweden teammate Alexander Isak, now of Liverpool, described him as a “fearless” star who plays with “confidence”, which has already been clear to see during his short time with the Hoops.

Nygren takes risks with the ball, losing the ball 19 times per game, He wants to progress his team up the pitch. He wants to take shots and create chances, averaging three key passes per game in the Premiership, per Sofascore.

His impact from a central midfield and a right wing position has been impressive, and his form in Denmark suggests that it is sustainable as well.

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Therefore, the 24-year-old star may be the next O’Riley for Rodgers as a central midfield star who has the potential to go and score 15 to 20 goals in the Premiership this season if he can remain consistent with his performances.

Celtic may have completed the signing of Kelechi Iheanacho, but another out of window move could also be on the cards for the Scottish Premiership champions.

An "inexplicable" summer transfer window for Celtic

The Hoops may be top of the table early in the campaign, but this is far from a happy period at the club, with Brendan Rodgers unhappy at a lack of transfer business this summer. Speaking to Sky Sports, Tino Callaghan from the Celtic Exchange podcast echoed the manager and lambasted Celtic’s summer, not holding back in his criticism.

“It is absolutely wild, inexplicable how it’s come to this. It’s certainly frustrating from a fan point of view. It also seriously undermines Brendan Rodgers. He said in his many words just in the last couple of days, Adam Idah won’t be going unless I get a replacement.

“We haven’t got a replacement and there may be this out-of-contract signing of Kelechi Iheanacho which in itself is pretty embarrassing. The club, whether that’s Dermot Desmond [majority shareholder] or Michael Nicholson [chief executive] or the board, they’re certainly letting the manager down and absolutely letting the fans down.

“Celtic are doing their level best to make a title race where there wasn’t one before and I know people on the outside looking in will say you’re top of the table, you’re cruising there and things are fine. Things are not fine and there’s a concerning pattern starting to emerge. Celtic signed 10 players this window, but actually, how many will have an impact on the first team?”

Celtic now keen on signing "explosive" attacker

Now, according to The Herald, Celtic are “interested” in signing Emmanuel Dennis on a free transfer, looking to bring him in alongside fellow attacker Iheanacho, who joined on Tuesday evening after ripping up his contract with Sevilla.

The 27-year-old Dennis departed Nottingham Forest by mutual consent after three years at the club, and he appears to be another slightly desperate option for the Hoops.

This isn’t going to do much to quieten the dissenting voices among the Celtic fanbase, with Dennis feeling more like a panic signing than anything, even though Tom Cleverly has spoken glowingly about him in the past.

“We know that Dennis has got that explosive burst. As a defender, you can think you’re comfortable on the ball, and then he appears from nowhere.”

It has been an awful summer for Celtic, who have continually missed out on attacking signings throughout the transfer window, from David Datro Fofana to Kasper Dolberg. Fofana opted to join Championship side Charlton Athletic instead of the Hoops, which isn’t necessarily a great look for them, considering the the Addicks are 16th in the English second tier.

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Meanwhile, Dolberg has joined Ajax in a separate blow for the Scottish champions, while Adam Idah has left for Swansea City, despite Rodgers not wanting him to go until sufficient cover had come in.

تحدث الدولي البرازيلي رودريجو جوس، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد عن حقيقة اقترابه من الانتقال إلى برشلونة

وأجرى الدولي البرازيلي حوارًا مطولًا مع صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تحدث من خلاله حول كارلو أنشيلوتي وعلاقته القوية به ومنتخب البرازيلي وأسرار كثيرة من كواليس انتقاله إلى الفريق الملكي.

وقال رودريجو، إنه كان قريبًا من الانتقال إلى برشلونة قبل مجيئه لريال مدريد، موضحاً: “قبل التوقيع مع ريال مدريد، كان كل شيء جاهزًا، وكنت قد وقعت لبرشلونة، هذا صحيح لكن والدي أخبرني أن ريال مدريد اتصل بنا وكان يجب أن أختار، بالنسبة لي كان الأمر سهلًا للغاية، كنت أعرف ما أريد وما هو حلمي، لم أتردد أبدًا”.

وأكمل: “كنت في سانتوس وبدأت ألعب بشكل جيد، سعى برشلونة للتعاقد معي ​​ولطالما قلت إنه نادي عظيم وأكن له احترامًا كبيرًا لكن ريال مدريد كان حلمي وكان قراري سهلًا في هذا الوقت، لم أستطع الانتظار أكثر من أجل ريال مدريد، وعندما حان الوقت، فعلنا ذلك بالطريقة الصحيحة”.

وعن القميص الذي أهداه له والده في سن السادسة: “شجعت ريال مدريد وكنت مندمجًا مع إنجازات الفريق. إضافةً إلى ذلك، كان هناك العديد من البرازيليين في الفريق، وبدأتُ أتابعهم خاصة بعد التعاقد مع كريستيانو رونالدو، تابعت جميع مباريات ريال مدريد لمجرد رؤيته، أنا من مشجعي سانتوس في البرازيل لكنني لطالما أحببتُ ريال مدريد منذ صغري، كان حلمي أن ألعب في أوروبا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رودريجو يكشف عن تعليمات ألونسو.. ويؤكد: لا أستمتع بالكرة الذهبية ومودريتش أبي

وعن الفترة الصعبة التي عانى منها في الصيف الماضي قال: “الحقيقة هي أنني مررت بوقت عصيب للغاية على المستوى الشخصي، قضيت وقتًا طويلًا دون التحدث مع أحد، لم يكن أحد يعلم بما أمر به، كانت فترة عصيبة للغاية، لم أكن على ما يرام لا جسديًا ولا نفسيًا، كان ذلك صعبًا جدًا، أولًا بفضل الله، ثم بفضل عائلتي والمدرب أنشيلوتي ساعدني على تجاوز كل ذلك”.

وأوضح: “كارلو ساعدني كثيرًا، كان يرى كل يوم أنني لست على ما يرام وأنني لست لائقًا للعب، ولا أستطيع مساعدة الفريق لكن لم يكن هناك وقت للتعافي لأننا كنا نلعب كل ثلاثة أيام، وعندها لا يمكن التوقف لحل المشكلة، رأى أنني إنسان، وأن لدي مشاكل حقيقية، لقد فهم لحظتي ووضعي المعقد، قال لي ابق هنا بهدوء، أنت لست لائقًا للعب الآن، شكرته وطلبت اللعب لكنه كان يعلم أنه يجب عليه استعادة نفسي أولًا قبل الملعب، المهم هو أن أكون في حالة بدنية جيدة”.

واستطرد: “لقد كانت فترة عصيبة للغاية في حياتي لكنني الآن تجاوزت كل شيء، وأنا بخير، كلما سنحت لي الفرصة، أشكر كارليتو وابنه دافيد والجهاز الفني، الجميع ساعدني وبالطبع عائلتي، الآن لا أشعر إلا بالفرح، أنا سعيد ومتحمس جدًا لتقديم موسم رائع”.

وعن مغادرته الصيف الماضي: “في كل صيف يحدث لي الشيء نفسه، أتلقى عروضًا من هذا النادي أو ذاك، كل أسبوع كنت ألعب في فريق إذا انتبهت لما يُنشر، بالطبع هناك دائمًا عروض ولن أكذب بشأن ذلك لكنني أوضحت دائمًا للنادي أنني أريد مواصلة النجاح هنا، أكثر مما حققته بالفعل”.

واسترسل: “الفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا مرتين في سني أمر كبير لكنني الآن أريد المزيد من الكؤوس الأوروبية بهذا القميص، أقول دائمًا طالما يريدني ريال مدريد، سأكون هنا، إذا قال لي ريال مدريد يومًا ما ابحث عن فريق جديد فسأقول حسنًا”.

وأتم: “لكن هذا لم يحدث لطالما أخبرني النادي أنهم يعتمدون عليّ، وعندما واجهت مشكلة كانوا بجانبي تكهن الناس لأنني التزمت الصمت لكنني كنت أعرف ما سأفعله هذا الموسم مع مدريد، وأنني سأركز على تقديم أفضل ما عندي، لم يزعجني ذلك، كنت هادئًا، وها أنا كالعادة، هذا موسمي السابع”.

Glasgow Rangers and the 49ers Enterprises are now eyeing as many as three more specific signings for manager Russell Martin this summer, according to a promising new Ibrox transfer claim.

10 signings for Rangers already this summer

The Gers have had an extremely busy summer to date, bringing in 10 new signings in total, with some arriving permanently and others coming in on loan.

Oscar Cortes’ loan switch to Ibrox from Ligue 1 side Lens has been made permanent, for example, and Oliver Antman is an exciting attacking addition from Go Ahead Eagles.

Meanwhile, highly-rated Tottenham teenager Mike Moore was an eye-catching loan addition, with Martin no doubt wanting to take him up a level before he likely returns to north London next summer, and Djeidi Gassama has added an attacking threat out wide after his move from Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday.

Despite this, Rangers’ start to the season has been unconvincing, with back-to-back draws in their opening two Scottish Premiership matches, highlighting the need for further signings this month. A fresh update bodes well in that respect.

Rangers’ summer signings in 2025 to date

Signed from

Price

Oscar Cortes

Lens

£4.5m

Oliver Antman

Go Ahead Eagles

£3.8m

Thelo Aasgaard

Luton Town

£3.4m

Emmanuel Fernandez

Peterborough United

£2.5m

Djeidi Gassama

Sheffield Wednesday

£2m

Joe Rothwell

Bournemouth

£397,000

Lyall Cameron

Dundee FC

Unknown

Mikey Moore

Tottenham

Loan

Nasser Djiga

Wolves

Loan

Max Aarons

Bournemouth

Loan

Jayden Meghoma

Brentford

Loan

Rangers looking to sign three more players

According to a new report from Football Insider, Rangers and 49ers Enterprises are now targeting three different positions to strengthen in before the summer transfer window reaches its conclusion.

It is claimed that a striker, winger and centre-back are the “priority targets” for Gers currently, with Martin “keen to upgrade on the likes of Cyriel Dessers after a slow start to the season.”

This will be music to the ears of Rangers supporters, who will no doubt be frustrated at the start they have made to the 2025/26 season, with Martin possibly already under some pressure from a section of the fanbase.

The Gers have already shown that their squad doesn’t possess the depth and quality to fight Celtic until the end in the Scottish Premiership title race this season, and Hearts are posing a bigger threat than them after two matches.

A new striker is a must, in order to boost the firepower at Martin’s disposal, including in Europe, with Maccabi Tel Aviv marksman Dor Turgeman a potentially excellent option to lead the line.

Meanwhile, Brentford left-back Jayden Meghoma is the most recent player who the Gers have signed and said after joining:

“I am very excited to be here, it is a fantastic club, and I know a lot about the rich history of Rangers. When the deal was presented to me, I thought straight away that it would be a fantastic opportunity for myself and my family. The main thing for me is getting results. Rangers is a big club, and I am ready, I am hungry and excited to get going.”

Related Rangers submit opening £1m+ offer to sign another Championship ace

The Gers are still waiting for a response…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Aug 15, 2025

It promises to be a busy remaining few weeks of the transfer window at Ibrox, with 49ers looking to work their magic, giving Martin the best possible chance of success, both this season and beyond.