Tag Futebol

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank says a “not as highlighted” member of his Spurs squad is extremely underappreciated ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup trip to Newcastle on Wednesday.

Tottenham defence shines in 3-0 victory at Everton

On Sunday, the Lilywhites continued their solid start to the campaign overall by making history away to Everton.

Tottenham became the first away team to win at the brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Merseyside, with a brace from star defender Micky van de Ven and substitute Pape Sarr catapulting the north Londoners to third in the Premier League.

In the build up, much was made about Spurs’ problems with creativity in the final third, especially after a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend and their tepid 0-0 draw away to Monaco in the Champions League — where goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario spared their blushes time and time again with fantastic saves.

Vicario did make a vital stop to prevent Everton from going 1-0 up with a fine, point-blank save from Jack Grealish before van de Ven opened the scoring midway through the first-half.

The Toffees did briefly equalise, only for the goal to be chalked off for a foul on Vicario, with van de Ven then doubling the away side’s lead by getting on the end of another corner just before half-time.

Vicario’s fine form continued, thwarting Beto’s acrobatic overhead kick with an excellent reflex save from close range before denying them again. Richarlison had a chance to kill the game off when he found himself in on goal, but Jordan Pickford frustrated the Brazilian with a one-on-one save.

However, the striker redeemed himself with an assist for Sarr in the 89th minute to seal all three points for Frank’s side – putting what was a torrid week behind them as they prepare for another tough trip to St. James’ Park on Wednesday.

Tottenham will be without nine players to face Eddie Howe’s side, with Frank confirming no changes to their absentee list from their win at Everton.

Tottenham absentee list to face Newcastle	Problem	Estimated return date
Dejan Kulusevski	Knee	22/11/2025
James Maddison	ACL	01/06/2026
Radu Dragusin	Knee	22/11/2025
Ben Davies	Thigh	23/11/2025
Yves Bissouma	Ankle/Foot	08/11/2025
Kota Takai	Ankle/Foot	08/11/2025
Cristian Romero	Groin	01/11/2025
Destiny Udogie	Knee	08/11/2025
Dominic Solanke	Ankle	08/11/2025
via Premier Injuries

While van de Ven stole all the headlines for his obvious contribution, January signing Kevin Danso also enjoyed an absolutely solid outing.

The 27-year-old, tasked with replacing Cristian Romero, has done an excellent job in the Argentine’s stead, especially against Everton, with Danso winning 100 per cent of his duels, both in the air and on the ground.

Danso also made a whopping 18 clearances at the Hill Dickinson, and his defensive heroics were key to Spurs coming away with a much-needed three points.

Vs Everton	Kevin Danso	Micky van de Ven
Minutes	90	90
Tackles won	1/1	0/0
Clearances	18	7
Blocked shots	2	0
Ball recoveries	3	2
Ground duels won	2/2	1/2
Aerial duels won	4/4	1/4
Stats via Sofascore

In the aftermath, Frank was quick to herald Danso’s contribution.

Thomas Frank says Kevin Danso is Tottenham's underrated star

Speaking after Tottenham’s win at Everton in a post-match press conference, Frank claimed Danso’s performance was “not as highlighted”, but just as vital to his side claiming victory.

When asked about Danso again before Tottenham’s trip to the North East, Frank piled more praise on the Austrian – claiming he deserves praise.

Danso was brought in at the start of the year to help Spurs during their defensive injury crisis under ex-boss Ange Postecoglou, and he’s hardly set a foot wrong.

Signed on an initial loan with which became permanent for £21 million in the summer, Danso is proving to be worth every penny, but reports suggest he could face stiff competition for minutes pretty soon.

Tottenham are believed to be in the market for another defender in January, despite Danso’s presence and Radu Dragusin coming back from injury, so it will be interesting to see how often he’ll feature for Frank if a new centre-back comes through the door.

This week, Tottenham Hotspur fans will get to see Heung-min Son again. On Tuesday, he will be there, down N17, beaming and emotional as he waves goodbye to the club he devoted the prime years of his iconic career.

Poetry has a funny way of weaving its way into so many narratives in football, and there was certainly something romantic about the South Korean legend sealing silverware on his final game for Spurs, ending the endless drought.

Tottenham haven’t really replaced their former captain, just as someone on a level with Harry Kane at number nine has not been signed either.

That may change in 2026.

Spurs lining up new forwards

In October, Tottenham announced a £100m equity injection. What this pertains to could go on interminably, but it effectively means Frank’s first-team squad will be seeing some improvements in the near future. Investment is imminent.

And it’s clear that additions are needed up top, with the potency Son provided – even on the decline, the 32-year-old scored 24 goals and assisted 19 more across his final two Premier League campaigns – yet to be matched.

Should the Lilywhites win the race for RB Leipzig prospect Yan Diomande, with their interest confirmed by Caught Offside, Frank might just land the talisman he is looking for.

The report claims Spurs are among the myriad of top clubs to have sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old winger this season, and such competitive intrigue indicates a market value or around €80m (equating to £68m).

The news comes just days after it was revealed by separate sources that Spurs were in ‘very advanced talks’ with the player’s agents last week to sign the player.

Why Spurs should sign Yan Diomande

Diomande might be in the hatchling stage of his career, but already, he is proving that he can throw down with the heavyweights, having made an electric start to his career in Germany with Leipzig, scoring seven goals and supplying four assists across 15 matches this term, having joined from

The Ivorian winger’s technical skills stand out, and a slippery dribbling style makes him a force to be reckoned with. Coach Harry Brook believes he will “be worth £100m plus” in the not-too-distant future, and so it’s worth Tottenham snapping him up promptly.

Already, we can observe startling progress across a range of areas for Diomande. He is physical and he is fast, and he is also fostering a natural-born clinical edge in front of goal, with his defensive work-rate not leaving much to be desired either.

Remind you of anyone? This could be the new Son, especially since he hails from the Bundesliga, with Tottenham signing their departed hero from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

Diomande vs Son (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Diomande

Son

Goals scored

0.36

0.31

Assists

0.21

0.31

Shots taken

2.08

2.75

Shot-creating actions

5.23

4.51

Touches (att pen)

7.16

5.55

Pass completion (%)

81.2

76.4

Progressive passes

3.44

4.25

Progressive carries

6.66

4.30

Successful take-ons

4.01

1.61

Ball recoveries

6.01

3.16

Tackles + interceptions

2.72

0.83

Data via FBref

Diomande is showing signs of elite balance in output. He’s got an eye for goal, but that doesn’t detract from his playmaking, and nor does it mean he shirks away from defensive duties, from using his speed to cover plenty of ground and influence in different areas.

Son, in many ways is irreplaceable, and perhaps that’s why the board opted against trying to find a carbon copy, as they did with Kane.

But now, real quality, bona fide quality, is needed up top, else Tottenham will find themselves struggling to match the might of rivals at the top of the Premier League.

Diomande has talent in spades, and he might just find himself developing into a winger of a similar level with Son, following that Korean legend’s footsteps from Germany over to English shores.

Related Kolo Muani upgrade: Spurs prepare move for "one of the best CFs in the PL"

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a deal to sign a centre-forward who could be an upgrade on Randal Kolo Muani.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery 4 days ago

It is no surprise to anyone that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been in such dominant form this season. The Citizens number nine cannot stop scoring, and already has 19 goals to his name from just 16 games so far in 2025/26, chipping in with an assist, too.

His form in the Premier League has been largely unstoppable. Haaland has found the back of the net 14 times in the English top flight, coming in just 12 appearances. In two of those games, the 25-year-old didn’t score. His form has been as good as ever for City.

However, it is not just at club level where Haaland has been in fine goalscoring form. Norway are reaping the benefits, too.

Haaland’s form in the November international break

Despite only playing 48 games for his country, Haaland has 55 goals already. That makes him the top goalscorer in Norway’s history, 22 clear of anyone else. Captaining his nation in the November internationals, he added four more goals to that tally.

The first of two braces Haaland scored during the international break came at home to Estonia. Two second-half strikes, six minutes apart, helped Norway to a 4-1 win, pushing them closer to automatic World Cup qualification.

Next up was a tougher assignment against Italy. The City striker, however, helped to brush the our-time World Cup winners aside, securing another 4-1 win.

The strikes came within a minute of each other, the first an acrobatic effort in the penalty box and the second an easy goal from close range, with City teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma unable to stop Haaland from scoring.

The goals from Haaland this week will certainly please the Citizens faithful. The fact that their talismanic number nine is continuing his deadly form ahead of a huge festive period surely means they can expect to see similar results at club level.

Haaland, however, was not the only City striker who shone during the November international break.

Man City’s other in-form international striker

There is one question surrounding Haaland, and that is who City have as an alternative to the striker. There is no obvious understudy in the first team, despite the likes of Omar Marmoush being able to operate as a nine.

Well, Pep Guardiola could always turn to the academy if needs be, where the club might have the homegrown Haaland in the form of Reigan Heskey. The 17-year-old is the son of former England striker Emile and has been impressing for City’s academy for several years.

Heskey, who was born in Liverpool, can operate on either flank or as a striker. He shone for City’s under-18s last season in the U18s Premier League, a competition in which he bagged 18 goals in 19 games and assisted a further seven.

Guardiola is possibly the most important person who could take note of this impressive form of the teenager. Well, the Spaniard gave Heskey his first-team debut this season, a seven-minute Carabao Cup cameo against Huddersfield Town, along with his brother, Jaden.

It is not just his club form that has been superb, but his form for England under-17s.

Heskey has been a key member of the Three Lions U17 World Cup squad this month, with football scout Antonio Mango describing him as “unstoppable this international break.”

The 17-year-old attacker played five matches in the competition, finding the back of the net four times and assisting three. He also averaged 1.9 key passes and three successful dribbles per 90 minutes, showing just how much of a threat he is.

Heskey – U17 World Cup stats

Stat

Per 90 mins

Tournament total

Goals and assists

1.4

7

Key passes

1.9

9

Big chances created

0.6

3

Dribbles completed

3

14

Tackles and interceptions

2.3

11

Stats from Sofascore

Heskey is certainly showing deadly form in front of goal, which Guardiola has already rewarded with minutes in the first team. If he continues on this upward trajectory, there is no reason to suggest he cannot break into the squad permanently a bit further down the line.

Haaland was not the only City striker in form for his country this month. Heskey has been on fire, and would love to keep this form going when he returns to club football.

Related No Rodri & the "next Kroos" signs: Man City's dream lineup after January

Here is how Man City could line up if they can get their January targets

Posts 2 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 16, 2025

Not so long ago they used to go in with five frontline bowling options and trust the batters to put the runs on the board. That’s not been the case in Australia

Alagappan Muthu24-Dec-20242:00

Pujara: India should pick another fast bowler for MCG

India seem to be where they want to be with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied at 1-1. Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane are Australian cricket strongholds and they have managed to win one of those games and draw another. Melbourne brings happy memories – they got the better of the hosts in both 2018-19 and 2020-21 – and Sydney brings spin into play. These are just ifs and buts, which don’t really win cricket matches. They do help put the people responsible for winning cricket matches in a nice state of mind. Could Prasidh Krishna be one of those people?This is largely a hypothesis. It doesn’t even have the merit of what happened in the nets, although Prasidh was quite sharp there. On pitches that were described as more for white-ball cricket, he began Saturday’s session by cutting one of India’s best batters in half. KL Rahul has thrived by playing the ball nice and late but on this occasion, he was a little too late to bring his bat down to cope with the inward movement.India have valued batting depth over bowling depth on this tour and yet they have been bowled out for less than 200 in three of their five completed innings. Is the benefit of the extra batter really coming through? Nitish Kumar Reddy is the extra batter; part of a package deal to compensate for lack of batting ability in the tail. He might be needed again in Melbourne if India go in with Washington Sundar as a lone spinner. But if they continue with Ravindra Jadeja, who has been one of their best batters in the last five years, it opens up an opportunity to bolster the seam attack.Related

• India, Australia look to iron out flaws to edge ahead in high-octane series

• MCG pitch to have 'pace, bounce and excitement', but what about runs?

• Bumrah at one end, Ilford Seconds at the other?

• Rohit, Akash Deep hit in MCG nets, but 'no major concerns'

• Shami ruled out of remaining two Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests

Reddy, as India’s fourth bowler in this series, has contributed only 27 of their 336 overs, picking up three wickets and giving away 4.55 runs per over. Thirteen overs is the most he has sent down in an innings and these have been helpful conditions. He is very clearly a batting allrounder and some of his shots suggest he has a really high ceiling – reverse scooping Scott Boland, cover driving Mitchell Starc and hooking Pat Cummins for sixes – but the other job he has been picked to do – hold an end up – is not going so well.There was a time, not so long ago, that India put such a premium on getting 20 wickets in a Test match that they insisted on having five frontline bowling options. It meant they could only fit in five frontline batters and came with the risk of being bowled out cheaply. One of their most famous wins had them focused on avoiding defeat even as late as the start of the fifth day and then once their batting had come through – taking them from 194 for 7 to 298 for 8 declared – they had two sessions at England and their bowling depth helped make the most of it. Jasprit Bumrah (three), Mohammed Siraj (four) and Ishant Sharma (two) all played a part in doing the improbable at Lord’s three years ago.Johannesburg 2018 and Cape Town 2024 were the same, and those were extreme conditions, where the extra batter was a necessity not a luxury. At The Oval in 2021, they won after conceding a lead of 99. Rohit Sharma was in much better form. The lowest score among the top four in the second innings was 44. Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur scored fifties from Nos. 7 and 8. Eventually it was England under scoreboard pressure, chasing 368 with Bumrah (two), Umesh Yadav (three), Jadeja (two) and Siraj (two) sharing the wickets between them.On this tour, Bumrah has taken almost as many wickets as the rest combined (21 vs 26). He needs support.One way forward is to potentially consider Jadeja as a specialist batter (he has the numbers), Washington could come in place of Reddy, and if nothing else help ease the workload on the frontline quicks. Having played only one Test of the series so far, Washington already has 17 overs under his belt, which have gone for 2.88 runs per over and fetched two wickets.Prasidh Krishna was a handful in the tour game at the MCG•Getty ImagesOr India could bring in Prasidh for Reddy. The MCG, over the last three years, has offered 80 wickets for fast bowling and only 14 for spin bowling. After India were run ragged in the first innings in Brisbane, the bowling coach Morne Morkel spoke about the need to be better between overs 30 and 50; to be tighter, bowl dry, create pressure if not by taking wickets then by keeping the runs down.Prasidh, being a specialist on a pitch expected to favour seam bowling, might be well placed to do that. He picked up 4 for 50 and 2 for 37 against Australia A at this venue last month.India have reason to want a little bit of batting insurance. A question mark remains over the captain Rohit, whose lack of form has been papered over by Rahul stepping up to open the innings. Australia would have enjoyed seeing a batter who is averaging 11.69 in 2024-25 come out to face the new ball. Especially this one which has been doing enough for Steven Smith to suggest the last two years have been the toughest of his career. Yashasvi Jaiswal scaled a huge high in Perth but has since gone quiet. Virat Kohli has a hundred too but his other four innings on this tour are 5, 7, 11 and 3. Shubman Gill has looked good for the time he spends at the crease but hasn’t been able to convert his starts. Maybe if they were contributing anywhere close to their usual levels, India might have considered – as they have previously – to go in bowling-heavy and problem-solve from there.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vitória empatou com o Bahia e se consagrou o campeão do Campeonato Baiano no início da noite deste domingo (7). Com o placar agregado de 4 a 3, o Leão levou a taça e manteve a escrita: jamais perdeu uma decisão de estadual após vencer o primeiro jogo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalVitória empata com o Bahia e conquista o título do Campeonato BaianoFutebol Nacional07/04/2024

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

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Histórico de respeito para o Vitória

Ao todo, em jogos de ida e volta, o Leão venceu o primeiro jogo nove vezes, todas contra o Bahia. E em todas essas ocasiões ficou com o troféu.

A última vez antes desta foi em 2016, quando a equipe superou o rival por 2 a 0 no primeiro jogo e perdeu o segundo por 1 a 0. Em 2024, O Vitória venceu o primeiro jogo por 3 a 2 e conseguiu um empate por 1 a 1 na segunda partida. Confira o histórico!

continua após a publicidade1957 – Bahia 0 x 4 Vitória – Bahia 0 x 2 Vitória 1964 – Vitória 2 x 1 Bahia – Bahia 2 x 1 Vitória – Vitória 2 x 1 Bahia 1972 – Vitória 2 x 1 Bahia – Vitória 3 x 1 Bahia 1997 – Bahia 0 x 3 Vitória – Vitória 0 x 1 Bahia 2009 – Bahia 1 x 2 Vitória – Vitória 2 x 2 Bahia 2010 – Bahia 0 x 1 Vitória – Vitória 2 x 1 Bahia 2013 – Bahia 3 x 7 Vitória – Vitória 1 x 1 Bahia 2016 – Vitória 2 x 0 Bahia – Bahia 1 x 0 Vitória 2024- Vitória 3 x 2 Bahia – Bahia 1 x 1 Vitória.

⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?
O Bahia estava atrás no placar agregado e partiu para cima do Vitória desde os primeiros minutos. Aos poucos, o Rubro-Negro foi gostando da partida, até que abriu o placar com o zagueiro Wagner Leonardo.

Em seguida, o Bahia saiu em velocidade em contra-ataque. Biel arrancou e cruzou. A bola sobrou para Everton Ribeiro deixar tudo igual.

No segundo tempo, as equipes até que tentaram passar a frente no placar. No entanto, goleiros fizeram grandes defesas. Além disso, os sistemas defensivos de Bahia e Vitória estavam sólidos e consistentes. Ao final, o Rubro-Negro administrou o resultado para gritar “é campeão”.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?
Agora, o Vitória só volta a jogar no próximo domingo, para estrear no Campeonato Brasileiro contra o Palmeiras. A partida será no domingo (14), às 18h30, no Estádio Barradão.

Já o Bahia entra em campo no meio da semana para enfrentar o Náutico pela quarta de final da Copa do Nordeste. A bola às 21h30 de quarta-feira (10), na Arena Fonte Nova.

Tudo sobre

BahiaCampeonato BaianoVitória

Both fast bowlers went for hamstring scans after leaving the field post lunch on day three of New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield game at the SCG

Andrew McGlashan and Alex Malcolm12-Nov-2025The moment Josh Hazlewood told Steven Smith he felt some tightness in his right hamstring on the third day at the SCG thoughts went to the first Ashes Test in Perth. Smith, who will captain Australia next week, told his fast bowler to take no risks and head to the dressing room with subsequent scans clearing him of injury in a major relief to the home side’s plans, although his final build-up will now be a close watch.However, fellow Ashes Test squad member Sean Abbott has been withdrawn from the squad after scans on his left hamstring confirmed a moderate grade strain.The pair did not appear after lunch on day three, having left the field during the first session, and did not bat in New South Wales’ second innings as they collapsed to a 300-run defeat.”He [Hazlewood] literally bowled his last ball and I looked at him and said, ‘how are you going?’ Smith said, “He’s like, ‘I’m a bit tight in my hamstring.’ I was like, ‘Get off the field. Disappear. You’re done, go and figure it out.’ Fortunately, it was just some tightness and he’s good.”It’s hard when you’re playing in a game and you want to try and do well for your state as well. Then you’ve got an eye on, obviously, next week. Didn’t know about Josh [being cleared] while we were still bowling…I was like, I just don’t want Starcy [Mitchell Starc] to get injured. I was like, [Scott] Boland, you can bowl one spell and be done as well. That’ll be good.”Related

• Victoria storm to 300-run victory to stay unbeaten

• Australia's pace depth: Who's in the Ashes mix if Cummins and co run aground?

• England and Australia Ashes squads compared: who comes out on top?

• Cummins feeling good for Gabba, but rest may be needed

• Ashes squad talking points: Kingmaker Green to dictate Australia's plans

A Cricket Australia (CA) statement said: “Hazlewood left the field late in Victoria’s innings at the SCG today reporting tightness in his right hamstring. He underwent precautionary scans which have cleared him of muscle strain. He will train as planned in the lead up to the first Test in Perth.”Sean Abbott also left the field having reported left hamstring soreness. Scans confirmed a moderate grade hamstring injury. He will not be available for selection for the first Test match in Perth and his return to play plan will be developed over the coming weeks.”Australia captain Pat Cummins, who has already been ruled out of the opening Test as he recovers from a back injury, had provided the first comments on the evolving situation while he was speaking at a CA promotional event near the SCG. Cummins had briefly been at the ground to catch up with the physios, only to find out they were being kept busy.”There was a bit happening there for an hour or so,” Cummins said. “I think Josh, he was pretty chipper when he got out [of the scans], so hopefully he should be fine…obviously a week away from the Test series kind of always there on the side of caution.”I think he was a little bit worried, wanting to get it checked out. When he got back, again I only saw him briefly, but I think he was a bit happier afterwards than he was going into the scans.”Hazlewood, who bowled superbly in the recent white-ball series against India, had claimed his first wicket of the match when he removed Sam Harper.Abbott, who has been named as one of Australia’s back-up quicks for the first Test, had ripped through Victoria’s middle-order to have figures of 4 for 18.”It’s rough for Sean, who’s obviously worked really hard the last few years to get in the position in the squad again,” Smith said. “Injuries happen, so I’m feeling for him right now.”Sean Abbott has been withdrawn from Australia’s first Test squad with a hamstring injury•Getty Images

Hazlewood bowled 18 overs in Victoria’s first innings and nine in the second, while Abbott bowled 19 in the first innings and nine in the second. But both men have bowled on all three days after New South Wales only batted for 49.5 overs on day two when they were bowled out for 128, which gave Hazlewood, Abbott and the other New South Wales and Australia Test quick Starc very little time to recover.From Australia’s likely Test attack for Perth, Starc, Boland and Nathan Lyon have also been involved in the Shield game at the SCG. The ongoing round of games has also seen Cameron Green return to action with the ball, while Beau Webster took eight wickets in the match for Tasmania.Brendan Doggett, the uncapped South Australia quick, is the other pace bowler in the 15-man squad. He took 5 for 66 against Tasmania in Hobart.”He’s been bowling really well the last couple of games, from what I’ve seen,” Cummins said. “You haven’t played a lot against or with Doggy. He missed the first game or two, but he’s come back really strongly. He’s really well placed to be vying for a spot in that first Test. It’s always nice having a squad full of people in form, and he certainly is one of those guys.”If a replacement for Abbott is needed for the first Test squad, Michael Neser would likely head the queue but beyond that, the depth of Australia’s reserves would be really tested.Meanwhile, Cummins said he operated at around 90% during a stint in the nets at the SCG on Tuesday as he continued to ramp up his return to bowling with an eye on pushing for the Brisbane Test, although he conceded there was still significant ground to make up. He will travel to join the squad in Perth on Sunday.”[The Gabba] is what we’re building towards,” Cummins said. “Hopefully by Perth, I’m up there near 100%, and then see where we’re at. It’s still pretty aggressive, going from nothing to trying to get ready for a Test match in four weeks. But we’re going to give it a good shot.”

Celtic look set to finally confirm the appointment of their permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers in the dugout at Parkhead with the arrival of Wilfried Nancy from Columbus Crew.

Rodgers tendered his resignation at the end of October, after a 3-1 loss to Hearts, and experienced manager Martin O’Neill has taken the reins as interim head coach for the past month or so.

The former Celtic boss, as shown in the graphic above, won the Scottish Premiership title in his first two seasons back at Parkhead, and it will be down to Nancy to overcome Hearts to win the division in his first season.

Journalist Graeme Bailey claims that the Hoops are set to confirm the appointment of the MLS boss before the weekend, but that means that it remains to be seen if he will be in the dugout for the weekend’s clash with Hibernian.

Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen and Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna were also said to be in the running for the role, but it is the Frenchman who is poised to replace Rodgers.

Whilst Nancy will have to deal with the players that he inherits for the first month or so of his reign in Glasgow, the incoming boss has already been linked with a move to bring one of his Columbus Crew stars to Scotland.

The Columbus Crew star Wilfried Nancy could bring to Celtic

Earlier this week, it was reported that Celtic are lining up a move to bolster their attack by swooping for one of the French head coach’s key players from the MLS side.

Chalkboard

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

Nancy is reportedly set to swoop for Columbus Crew centre-forward Wessam Abou Ali to provide him with a proven and lethal number nine at Parkhead for the second half of the 2025/26 season.

The Palestine international scored three goals in five MLS games for Nancy towards the end of the 2025 campaign, per Sofascore, after a £5.7m move from Egyptian giants Al Ahly back in July.

Prior to his almost £6m move to the MLS in July, Abou Ali’s form for Al Ahly in Egypt caught the eye, as he showcased his reliability in front of goal in the Egyptian Premier League.

Appearances

19

16

Goals

18

10

Minutes per goal

76

118

Big chances missed

5

1

Conversion rate

40%

23%

Big chances created

3

2

Assists

4

3

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old frontman scored a staggering 28 goals in 35 appearances in those two seasons, which shows that he can find the back of the net on a regular basis.

However, it remains to be seen how much money Columbus Crew would want for the prolific striker because they paid almost £6m for him earlier this year, and he has already scored three goals in five league games.

If the MLS side demand a hefty fee that Celtic are either unable or unwilling to pay in the January transfer window, Nancy will have to look at alternative ways to bolster his attacking ranks at Parkhead.

For example, the French boss could unearth his next version of Abou Ali by helping young striker Callum Osmand fulfill his potential when he is back fit and available for selection.

Why Osmand could be Celtic's own version of Abou Ali

The Jersey-born star is currently out with a hamstring injury and a timeline has not been given on his return date, so it remains to be seen when he will be available to the incoming Hoops boss.

With Kelechi Iheanacho and Osmand both missing through injury, Ireland international Johnny Kenny is the first-choice number nine at Parkhead. The young forward has had an impressive run under interim boss O’Neill with four goals in five matches, per Sofascore.

However, it may be the former Fulham youngster who is the most likely to emerge as the star goalscorer of the Nancy era when you consider his record at first-team and academy level to date.

Appearances

150

83

Goals

47

49

Games per goal

3.19

1.69

Assists

11

13

Games per assist

13.64

6.38

As you can see in the table above, Osmand has scored and created goals at a much more impressive rate than Kenny has throughout his career to date, with an exceptional haul of 49 goals in 83 matches.

Whilst the majority of those goals have been at youth level, the 20-year-old star also showcased his quality in the first-team with a poacher’s finish against Rangers in the semi-final of the League Cup at Hampden Park earlier this month.

Unfortunately, Osmand then suffered his hamstring injury off the bench against Midtjylland in the Europa League in the very next game, shortly after winning a penalty from which Reo Hatate scored.

The ex-Fulham youngster, who was also hailed as “lightning quick” by Fulham expert Jack Kelly, scored one goal and won a penalty in his first three first-team outings for the Scottish giants, which is an impressive start to senior football for the young attacker.

His exceptional goalscoring record in his career suggests that he has the potential to emerge as a real star for Celtic in the future, once he is back from injury, because he has the quality to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

Therefore, the summer signing could be unearthed as Nancy’s next version of Abou Ali, who has been a prolific scorer for his last two teams, as another number nine who can provide a lethal presence in front of goal, if the Hoops are unable to get a deal done for the MLS star.

£1.5m Celtic flop has been an even bigger waste of time than Balikwisha

This Celtic flop has been an even worse signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha for the Scottish giants.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 25, 2025

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has been linked with a free transfer to Celtic next summer and now a fresh claim has dropped over a potential 2026 switch.

The 31-year-old has enjoyed a glittering career, winning the Champions League and Premier League with the Reds, and proving to be one of the standout left-backs of his generation.

Robertson is also the current captain of Scotland, hopefully leading the troops into the 2026 World Cup, and his current Liverpool deal expires at the end of this season.

The veteran defender has been linked with a move to Celtic in recent weeks, with one report claiming that he is open to the idea of signing a pre-contract agreement in January and that Parkhead talks were planned. He grew up supporting the Hoops, so a move there could be a perfect way for his career to end.

Robertson has a huge decision to make, especially as he has won his place back in Liverpool’s starting lineup over Milos Kerkez of late, but the lure of heading to Parkhead is something that may appeal, given his history.

New update on Andy Robertson joining Celtic

Now, speaking to 67 Hail Hail, journalist Graeme Bailey played down rumours of Robertson joining Celtic, saying he is likely to remain at Liverpool beyond next summer, in a new twist.

This is a disappointing update for Celtic fans, with many no doubt liking the idea of Robertson finishing his career at the club, given his brilliance as a footballer.

Approach imminent: Manager with 209 wins to 70 losses excited by Celtic

The Bhoys appear to have made their move as they target a permanent successor to Martin O’Neill.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Nov 10, 2025

At 31 years of age, he is still far from old, and combines a winning mentality with defensive and attacking quality down the left flank, with journalist Henry Winter recently lauding the “intensity” that he brings for the Reds.

Hopefully, the situation changes in the coming months, with Robertson deciding that a new challenge makes sense, but in truth, it does feel more likely that he will extend his stay at Liverpool on a short-term basis. That’s not to say an eventual move to Celtic won’t happen, though.

Approach imminent: Manager with 209 wins to 70 losses excited by Celtic

West Ham United are now preparing the documents to sign a “special” attacker, who could be Nuno’s first signing.

Nuno still searching for first win as West Ham boss

After Graham Potter became the second managerial casualty of the Premier League season, West Ham thought Nuno would be the man to turn things around, but the former Nottingham Forest boss hasn’t made the greatest of starts.

The 51-year-old is still searching for his first win since replacing Potter in the dugout, with the Hammers losing their last three games on the spin in the Premier League, which leaves them in 19th place and four points adrift of safety.

The most recent result is likely to be the most concerning, with the Irons falling to a 2-1 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road, in what could prove to be a real six-pointer come the end of the season.

It was a very poor performance from Nuno’s side, who recorded an xG of just 0.65, which suggests they need to bolster their forward line in the January transfer window if they are to stave off fears of relegation.

According to reporter Alan Nixon (via Caught Offside), West Ham are now preparing the documents to sign Barcelona attacker Dro Fernandez, with a major January recruitment drive now on the cards as a result of their very poor start to the season.

Nuno offered "world class" West Ham signing on loan and it isn't Toney or Endrick

The Hammers need reinforcements in January.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 24, 2025

Fernandez has now emerged as a serious target for the Hammers, and they are looking to be savvy by getting a deal done before his valuation goes through the roof, with the attacker in line to become Nuno’s first signing as manager.

However, the La Liga giants are well-aware of the 17-year-old’s potential, meaning he is likely to have a high valuation, which could potentially be prohibitive.

"Special" Fernandez could be destined for the top

It would perhaps be a surprise if Barca were willing to sanction the teenager’s departure, considering he clearly has a lot of potential, having received very high praise from former coach Javi Roxo in the past.

Roxo said: “Dro was always very special, he has a gift for touching the ball and has always been very creative.

“Dro is capable of everything and if Flick puts him on the wing he can also do well, it won’t be Raphinha but he can look like the Iniesta who played on the left. If he relieves himself of pressure and plays freely, he is capable of anything, his talent is infinite.”

Despite his age, the young Spaniard has already forced his way into first-team contention too, with scout Jacek Kulig left impressed after his recent display in the Champions League.

That said, it would be a gamble for West Ham to sign Fernandez in an effort to get them out of relegation trouble, given his lack of experience, and it may be a better idea to target proven Premier League players.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was unable to make it five wins out of five in the Scottish Premiership when his team faced Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss had won his first four league games in charge of the Light Blues, beating Livingston 2-1 in the last Premiership outing before the weekend’s 0-0 draw with Falkirk.

It was a drab performance that had a goalless draw written all over it and that is, unfortunately, what it turned out to be, as Rohl’s side were unable to find the breakthrough.

Huge question marks remain over many of the players brought in by former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, including Thelo Aasgaard after he struggled again on Sunday.

Why Rohl must drop Thelo Aasgaard

The summer signing from Luton Town is a talented player. His stunning goal against Dundee United and his return of five goals in five games for Norway proves that.

However, the English-born flop has failed to provide any kind of positive consistency to the pitch with his performances for the Scottish giants this season, which is why he has been so disappointing to watch.

Aasgaard did not register a single shot on target and only created one chance for his team in 68 minutes against Falkirk, per Sofascore, which really sums up his season, as the attacking midfielder has scored one goal and provided one assist in 21 appearances.

Chalkboard

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

That is why Rohl should drop the Norwegian talent from the starting line-up for a run of matches to provide someone else with an opportunity, whilst giving the ex-Luton star a chance to recharge and come back stronger.

At the age of 23, Aasgaard is a young player who may just need more time to adapt to the expectations at Ibrox. However, that same patience may not be afforded to Bojan Miovski, who looks like an even bigger problem for the manager.

Why Miovski is a bigger problem than Aasgaard for Rangers

The Macedonia international felt like a sensible signing for Rangers when they bought him for Girona, as he had proven himself in the Premiership, even scoring against the Gers, during his time with Aberdeen.

Unfortunately, though, he has not hit the ground running at Ibrox this season, with one goal in ten games in the Premiership so far this season for the Light Blues, per Sofascore.

His only goal came against Falkirk in Russell Martin’s last game in charge, but he was unable to repeat that feat in the reverse fixture on Sunday, as the left-footed flop struggled badly throughout the match.

Minutes

68

90

Shots

3

2

Key passes

1

0

Duels won

5/10

3/11

Dribbles completed

2/3

0/0

Fouls won

2

1

As you can see in the table above, Miovski was even worse than Aasgaard, who has scored as many goals as the striker in the league this term, at the weekend, as he offered less at the top end of the pitch and lost 73% of his duels.

The Norway international, meanwhile, carries a bit of a physical presence and can hold his own against Premiership defenders, as shown by his 50% duel success rate against Falkirk.

Miovski, who was described as “dreadful” by reporter Mark McDougall, has lost 63% of his duels overall in the Premiership this season, which shows that he has been a flop in and out of possession in the league so far for Rangers.

At 26, the Macedonia international should have come in to hit the ground running in what should be the prime years of his career, especially with his prior experience in Scotland, but the opposite has happened.

Rangers have a talent who could be sold for more than Igamane & Aribo

Rangers have an “unbelievable” talent who may go on to be sold for more than the likes of Hamza Igamane and Joe Aribo.

ByDan Emery Nov 26, 2025

That is why Miovksi is an even bigger problem for Rohl and Rangers than Aasgaard is because his performances are even more alarming, whilst he does not have the same mitigation or time ahead of himself to improve that the Norwegian talent does.