Dele Alli's hopes of sealing a move to Wrexham on a free transfer have disappeared after the Championship side confirmed the final place in their squad for the 2025-26 season has gone to returning star Ollie Rathbone. The former Como midfielder had been linked with a move to Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac's side after being released by the Serie A side but must now look elsewhere for a fresh challenge.

No place at Wrexham for Dele

Dele's future has been the subject of plenty of speculation following his release from Serie A side Como in the summer. The former Tottenham man made just one appearance for the club, which resulted in a red card against AC Milan, but isn't thought to be ready to call time on his career just yet. Wrexham had been touted as a potential destination for Dele but that door has now closed on the 29-year-old. The Welsh side did have one spot left in their squad for the current campaign but have confirmed that has now gone to Rathbone, who is returning from a lengthy injury lay-off, leaving no place left for Dele, as reported by Wales Online.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWrexham squad now complete

Wrexham's Hollywood owners enjoyed a big spending summer after being promoted to the Championship. A total of 13 players were brought in, including Liberato Cacace, Josh Windass, Conor Coady, Kieffer Moore. and Nathhan Broadhead. Rathbone is now the final player to be added to the squad, with manager Phil Parkinson happy with his progress as he prepares to make his long-awaited return to action.

"He's had a great 10 days so he's had a nice block of training now," he told The Leader. "We had a game arranged and the team we were due to be playing pulled out a couple of days before, which was frustrating, but we were able to have an in-house game last Wednesday. Then we've had further 11-v-11s this week as well just to prepare everybody for what is an important period coming up when we start again at Stoke."

Dele searching for new challenge

Dele has been spotted training in Bali as he considers his options and his next move. The 29-year-old is available as a free agent and has been happy to show off a training regime and his footballing skills while in Indonesia on Instagram. The former Tottenham man's talent is not in doubt but his lack of game time in recent seasons has led to question marks over his next move. Dele had looked set for a new challenge at Como, after an injury-ravaged time at Everton, but the club's decision not to offer a contract and allow him to move on is a real setback in his bid to get his career back on track.

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Wrexham struggling in Championship

Wrexham, meanwhile, are finding life tough in the Championship despite a big-spending summer. Parkinson's side have managed just two wins from their first nine games but the boss is still feeling positive. 

He told reporters: "We're pleased in terms of a lot of the performances The stats back that up with the performances getting more consistent through the game. It's keep improving the performance level. We've gone through some work with the lads this week and remind us of what we feel we're doing well and what we can do better, and looking forward to seeing us take that into this next run of games.

"In every game we've created good opportunities, and that's obviously important for us. But equally, the shape when we're attacking has been better and the structure out of possession. When to close and when to stay in our shape, I think we've improved on that in recent weeks and that's a key part of the game, not to go chasing in ones and twos. You've got to be ready as a group to press and when you go, you've got to go aggressively and look to win the ball back like we did when Lewis O'Brien got his chance against Birmingham."

Ben Charlesworth sparks Kent collapse but hosts need steady hand to reach target of 162

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay19-May-2025

Cameron Green’s fifty saw his side over the line•Jacob Hurry

Cameron Green held his nerve to steer Gloucestershire to a hard-earned three-wicket victory over Kent on the final day of a thrilling Rothesay County Championship Division Two match at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.Set a modest 162 to win in a minimum 57 overs, the home side made heavy weather of the chase as they were reduced to 57 for 4 and 138 for 7, Nathan Gilchrist claiming 4 for 43 to threaten an unlikely Kent comeback. But Australia international Green performed admirably under pressure to post a crucial match-winning innings of 67 not out from 90 balls, including a six and six fours, as the hosts dug in to reach their target with 13.5 overs to spare.Ben Charlesworth had earlier produced a startling cameo with the ball to set up Gloucestershire’s first home win in nearly three years. Regarded as an occasional bowler after being restricted by injury in recent times, the right arm seamer took three wickets in a devastating 14-ball burst as Kent were dismissed for 253 inside 89 overs in their second innings.Chris Benjamin and Grant Stewart appeared to be making a decent fist of saving the game when staging a half century partnership for the fifth wicket, only for the latter to fall to Charlesworth shortly before lunch and spark a collapse in which the visitors lost their last five wickets for 20 runs in 10.5 overs.This was Gloucestershire’s first home win in 16 attempts since beating Warwickshire at Bristol in September 2022 and this first victory of the season was greeted with glee by long-suffering supporters. The home side banked 24 points to climb the table, while Kent took six after suffering a second defeat in as many outings.Resuming on 135 for 4, a slender lead of 43, Kent batters Benjamin and Jack Leaning extended their defiant partnership to 82 in the face of a probing examination from Gloucestershire’s seamers, who bowled well as a unit to build pressure.Imaginative in his field settings, Gloucestershire skipper Cameron Bancroft deployed a short midwicket and invited a mistake. Leaning fell into the trap, attempting to force a ball from Josh Shaw into the on side and looping a catch up to Ollie Price to afford Gloucestershire the breakthrough they craved. He had contributed a patient 34 from 86 balls and frustrated the home bowlers for best part of an hour on the final morning.Ahead by 88, Kent were now pinning their hopes on Stewart and Benjamin mustering a repeat of the huge partnership that formed the basis of their first-innings total on day one. Benjamin upheld his end of the bargain, going to a watchful half-century from 129 deliveries. Rather more robust in his approach, Stewart played his natural game, taking on the seamers and scoring 41 at better than a run a ball to dominate a progressive stand of 53.That was the cue for Bancroft to throw the ball to Charlesworth, who effected a crucial double breakthrough shortly before lunch. Stewart’s high-risk strategy backfired, the Italy international dragging the ball on to his stumps, and when Charlesworth bowled Jaydn Denly for 5 soon afterwards, Kent were 241 for 7, and in trouble. The lead was 149, but the new ball was two overs away and Gloucestershire sensed an opportunity.Before even the new ball could be taken, Charlesworth made a further intervention, inducing Jake Ball to send a leading edge to point where a full-length Miles Hammond took a startling catch on the run to reduce the visitors to 243 for 8. Having previously sent down a mere 33 overs and taken three wickets at an average of 47.3 this season, the 24-year-old allrounder had doubled his tally in the space of six overs from the Ashley Down Road end to utterly transform his team’s prospects.The rout continued after Gloucestershire took the new ball, Ajeet Singh Dale dismissing Kashif Ali lbw for three on his way to career-best match figures of 9 for 179, eclipsing the 7 for 41 he took against Worcestershire at New Road in April 2023. Benjamin was last man out, edging Tom Price to second slip after chiseling 58 from 149 balls.If Gloucestershire believed the route to victory would be straightforward, they were made to think again, losing both openers inside three overs. Pushing half forward to a length ball from Gilchrist, Charlesworth was brilliantly caught by Leaning at second slip, while Ball produced an excellent delivery to have Bancroft caught behind as the hosts slipped to 12 for 2. Gilchrist then held a return catch off his own bowling after squaring up Ollie Price to further reduce Gloucestershire to 37 for 3.It was 57 for 4 soon afterwards, Hammond inexplicably playing at a wide delivery from Stewart and nicking off to Tawanda Muyeye at first slip for 18. Their nerves jangling, Gloucestershire then received a crucial let-off when the diving Leaning put down a sharp chance at second slip off the bowling of Kashif, affording Green a life on 3. Gloucestershire managed to reach the tea interval without further loss on 65 for 4, requiring 97 more to win in 38 overs.A period of stability was called for and Green and James Bracey calmed any nerves, raising a 50 partnership from 58 deliveries, and then accelerating as the ball softened and Kent’s bowlers wavered. Making good his earlier escape, Green hoisted Kashif over midwicket for an imposing six and mustered five fours on his way to a 71-ball half century.But Kent still fancied their chances when Gilchrist returned to take two wickets in as many balls, Bracey holing out to deep midwicket for 19 and Graeme van Buuren offering a catch behind to bag a pair as Gloucestershire slipped to 121 for 6 with 41 still needed. Tom Price pursued a ball down the leg side and was caught behind off the bowling of Stewart to set-up a tense finale, but the indomitable Green and Zaman Akhter carried the home side over the line.

Liverpool have been handed a fresh boost in their pursuit of Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo as it was revealed that the winger has a release clause in his contract after signing a new-and-improved deal during the summer. The Ghanaian held talks with Tottenham and Manchester United before opting to stay with the Cherries, where he has kicked on.

• Semenyo drawing heavyweight interest

  Semenyo's start to the new campaign has caught the eye of several top clubs, including the current champions. Liverpool parted with star left-winger Luis Diaz in the summer before adding Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak to their ranks, but may dip back into the transfer market between now and the start of next season to recruit a top-class wide player. Alongside Liverpool's interest, Chelsea and Tottenham have been tipped to move for the Ghana international, who has nine goal contributions in eight games so far this term. 

  During the recent window, clubs were quoted £70million (€80m) to sign the wide man, before he opted to sign a five-year extension on the South Coast. However, reports have revealed that his new deal came at a cost to Bournemouth. A release clause is believed to have been inserted into the fine print, meaning there will likely be a tug-of-war for his signature as early as January.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Release clause figure kept under wraps

  Although it is now public knowledge that Semenyo's contract includes a release clause, Bournemouth have been reluctant to reveal the exact figure. It is expected to be close to the £70m the club were demanding in the summer, but the secrecy means there is nothing stopping clubs placing a bid that exceeds that number. 

  The scenario follows a similar path to Morgan Gibbs-White's failed move to Tottenham earlier in the year. The midfielder had a clause of just over £60m, but it was confidential, despite Spurs somehow activating it. In the end, Gibbs-White committed his future to Nottingham Forest, providing the north London club with a valuable lesson that others will also take note of if they are considering a move for the 25-year-old. 

• 'Humble' Semenyo raising standards at Bournemouth

  As a result of Semenyo's six goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, Bournemouth sit fourth in the table, just two points away from leaders Arsenal. Despite losing their entire backline during the summer, the Cherries have rallied and look as fierce as ever under Andoni Iraola. Semenyo believes the club's start has set the bar high for the rest of the season. 

  He said: "We’ve been riding high for a little bit. I think the bar has been set quite high. On the whole it’s been a good start to the season, definitely. We want to be humble and not get too big-headed; we take it easy game by game. But we’re pleased with our start and the players are giving everything to keep it going and to continue it."

  Bournemouth have already beaten Tottenham this season and gave champions Liverpool a tough test at Anfield on opening night. Those results have been followed up with wins against Brighton, Fulham and Wolves, plus draws to Leeds and Newcastle. It is tough to paint a clear picture of what the table might look like in May, but so far Bournemouth are proving they can compete with any team in the division.

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• AFP
  

  When will Semenyo get his move?

  There has been no clarity on when Semenyo's release clause comes into effect. Some clubs structure their deals with players so that deals can only be triggered in the summer, to avoid losing key players in January. This may be the case with the winger, as Bournemouth dream of Europe. It is more likely clubs will have to wait until the summer of 2026 before they can officially pursue the hottest ticket currently in the Premier League.

  However, similarly to Matheus Cunha's deal to move from Wolves to Manchester United, clubs may be able to lay the groundwork for an early summer transfer, although Semenyo's focus will likely remain on Bournemouth for as long as they can compete at the top end of the table. And in the rare scenario that the Cherries do qualify for Europe, he may opt to remain and lead them into a competition abroad for the very first time in their fascinating history.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras encara o Deportivo Pereira nesta quarta-feira (23), na Colômbia, em jogo válido pela ida das quartas de finais da Libertadores 2023.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasNotíciasComo foram os últimos jogos do Palmeiras na Libertadores?Notícias22/08/2023PalmeirasCinco pontos de atenção que o Palmeiras precisa ter com o Deportivo Pereira na LibertadoresPalmeiras22/08/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras goleia o Atlético de Madrid em torneio sub-17 no México, e goleiro comemora: ‘Impusemos nosso jogo’Palmeiras21/08/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Grande surpresa entre os oito melhores do continente em 2023, o time de Pereira tem um elenco modesto e que vale muito menos do que muitos clubes que disputaram a atual edição da competição continental.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

Segundo o site ‘Transfermarket’, o elenco do Deportivo Pereira somado hoje está avaliado em 12,95 milhões de euros, cerca de quase 70 milhões de reais na cotação atual.

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Já o do Palmeiras, um dos mais valiosos do Brasil e da América Latina, vale um pouco mais de 12 vezes o valor da modesta equipe colombiana.

O time de Abel Ferreira está avaliado em 162,8 milhões de euros, o que daria cerca de 875 milhões de reais na cotação atual.

+ Cinco pontos de atenção que o Palmeiras precisa ter com o Deportivo Pereira na Libertadores

Somente em termos de comparação, Endrick, o jogador mais caro do atual elenco do Verdão, vale duas vezes mais do que todo o elenco do Deportivo Pereira.

Apesar da grande diferença de jogadores e de estrutura, o Verdão precisa de muita concentração para não ser surpreendido pelo time do técnico Alejandro Restrepo.

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No início desta temporada, o Palmeiras sofreu uma lição importante que pode ser muito bem comparada com o duelo desta quarta-feira pela Libertadores.

+ 24 anos depois, Palmeiras encara um colombiano em mata-mata de Libertadores

Na final do Paulsitão 2023, o Palmeiras encarou o modesto Água Santa, e com uma folha salarial 22 vezes maior do que o time de Diadema, acabou sendo derrotado por 2 a 1 no primeiro jogo da decisão. Por competência do alviverde imponente, a segunda decisão foi uma goleada por 4 a 0 e o Verdão ficou com o bicampeonato Estadual.

Deportivo Pereira e Palmeiras se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (23), a partir das 21h30 (horário de Brasília), e o jogo terá transmissão da Rede Globo e dos Canais ESPN.

انتقد حلمي طولان المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر المشارك في كأس العرب، تضارب مواعيد معسكر إعداده قبل المشاركة في البطولة الدولية مع مباريات الدوري المصري.

وتلعب بطولة كأس العرب في الفترة من 1 حتى 18 ديسمبر المقبل، ويقع منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة، التي تضم كلاً من، الأردن والإمارات والفائز من (الكويت ضد موريتانيا).

وقال حلمي طولان في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة ام بي سي مصر: “الأزمة تتصعب أكثر، وواضح جدًا إن في عدم احترام وعدم اهتمام من رابطة الأندية بمنتخب مصر المشارك في كأس العرب، المفروض يتم مراعاة هذا المنتخب لأنه يمثل مصر، والدوريات في العالم كلها بتتعمل لخدمة المنتخبات، فالأولوية لازم تكون لهم”.

وأكمل: “لا يجوز لعب بطولة كأس العرب يوم 2 ديسمبر والرابطة محددة مباريات للأهلي والزمالك يوم 25 و26 نوفمبر، وأنا أرسلت برنامج المنتخب وتمت الموافقة عليه من الرابطة، ثم تراجعوا عن كلامهم”.

خاص | منتخب مصر الثاني يخوض وديتين قويتين قبل كأس العرب

وأوضح: “أنا لست صغيرًا لا من الناحية الفنية ولا من حيث العمر، وإذا لم يُنفذ ما تم الاتفاق عليه فسأنسحب، لأنني لا أقبل الإهانة من أي جهة، كنت متفائلًا بالعمل مع هذه المجموعة، لكنني لم أذهب لأتعرض للإهانة”.

وأتم: “منتخب مصر يواجه أزمة كبيرة في ملاعب التدريب، فالملاعب الفرعية في استاد القاهرة مؤجرة لرجال أعمال يملكون أندية في الدوري، وعندما أذهب للتدريب يُطلب مني دفع مقابل مالي، رغم أننا نمثل مصر في البطولة”.

It was a rueful thing to watch Trent Alexander-Arnold opt against continuing his Liverpool journey and instead sign for Real Madrid in June, deciding against renewing his contract on Merseyside.

The 26-year-old’s image in his home city has been tainted by the decision, but the decision was his and he left Anfield as one of the most decorated and accomplished players in the club’s modern history, instrumental in the success of the Jurgen Klopp era.

There was much hope that Liverpool might have retained his services, but FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes moved swiftly to sign a shrewd replacement in Jeremie Frimpong, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5m.

The Netherlands international has an infectious personality and is one of the fastest players in the game; however, Frimpong and pre-existing talent Conor Bradley have left something to be desired this term.

Liverpool's right-back conundrum

It’s somewhat telling that Dominik Szoboszlai has played a couple of games in an unnatural right-back berth this season.

The versatile Hungarian has impressed and, in fact, been one of Liverpool’s most impressive players this season, but Frimpong and Bradley should both be gunning to nail down starting spots with consistency.

Frimpong’s early foray into the season was disrupted by an injury sustained on his Premier League debut, while Bradley has spent much of the Slot tenure battling against setbacks of his own.

Neither have covered themselves in glory so far this year. Bradley has started both of Liverpool’s past two matches in the top flight, but he was hooked at the interval against Palace after struggling when on the ball and failing with four of five attempted dribbles.

Of course, the unconvincing form of Ibrahima Konate has hardly helped matters. As with Alexander-Arnold, the Frenchman is being courted by Real Madrid as he heads toward the expiry of his contract, and he has toiled through a number of games already this year.

It all comes back to that wish that Alexander-Arnold still plied his trade with his boyhood club. But, looking a bit further back, we can see that Liverpool may regret having sold their new version of the homegrown hero.

Liverpool sold their next Trent

In July 2022, Nottingham Forest completed the £17m signing of Neco Williams from Liverpool, the Wales international leaving the Reds in search of regular first-team football.

The young full-back had featured 33 times for Liverpool’s senior set-up, claiming six assists, and had completed a half-season loan out with Fulham in the Championship before making the move, thus spending the full span of the Tricky Trees’ Premier League journey since promotion of their own.

Billed as Alexander-Arnold’s understudy at Slot’s Liverpool, Williams had spent his early days cutting his teeth at Liverpool by watching the Three Lions star’s unique ball-playing game and weaving elements into his own style of play.

Trent hailed him as “an amazing talent” with a “bright future”, and now that Williams is realising his potential at Forest and Alexander-Arnold is playing in Spain, there might be a sense of ruefulness from some within the FSG hierarchy that he wasn’t kept on the books for longer.

He’s not his predecessor in Red, let’s be clear about that. Alexander-Arnold made 354 appearances for his boyhood club and registered 92 assists across all competitions, scoring some fantastic goals besides.

Talking of his one-of-a-kind technical qualities, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher once remarked that “it’s like having Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back”, such is the depth of his skillset.

Williams is wholly different, but perhaps that would be a good thing in this current Slot side, with an emphasis having been placed this summer on reorienting the creative hub to the attacking midfield area.

Though there’s no question that Bradley and Frimpong are talented players with experience at the highest level, Williams’ naturally sturdy defensive style and his ability to operate across a number of positions could have been perfect for Slot, who is presently in a struggle to get a tune out of his existing options.

Middling returns from a creative standpoint hardly tell the full story as far as Williams’ progress at the City Ground is concerned. He became an invaluable player for Nuno, playing on both defensive flanks. Furthermore, Klopp once acknowledged Williams’ “incredible” attacking ability.

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And his consistency within a Forest side that has shifted from relegation battlers to high-flying Europa League contenders has served as a further illustration of his quality.

Data-driven platform FBref also reveal he ranks among the top 17% of full-backs across Europe over the past year for shots taken and the top 18% for carries into the penalty area per 90, with his offensive metrics sure to rise higher still now that Ange Postecoglou is in the hot seat.

Williams signed a new contract at Forest this summer, running until 2029. His ability to have made headway sustainably and across a series of years has been telling, and were he still in the Liverpool mix, it might have been a fantastic dimension for a Slot backline that perhaps needs a bit more security and balance.

Having settled into his role as an established Premier League player, averaging 6.7 successful duels and 2.3 tackles per game, creating a chance every match besides and completing 89% of his passes, Williams is the full package, and could have been a real asset at Liverpool, had he been given time to bloom.

Alas, it wasn’t to be. Liverpool have a wealth of talent at their disposal, but Alexander-Arnold is no longer part of the crew, and Slot has problems that he needs to fix.

Liverpool have a future Ballon d'Or nominee who could soon dethrone Salah

Liverpool will hope this young star can go on to become the club’s next Mohamed Salah.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 29, 2025

It was San Francisco Unicorns’ fourth win in four games, and Texas Super Kings’ first defeat in MLC 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2025

Finn Allen and Matthew Short gave Unicorns 83 runs in the powerplay•Sportzpics for MLC

Faf du Plessis slammed a 51-ball 100, but he had to do it alone, pretty much, for Texas Super Kings. That was the difference between Super Kings and San Francisco Unicorns on the day, since Unicorns had two men doing it, doing it at well over a-run-a-ball, and doing it for long enough. The quick half-centuries Matthew Short and Finn Allen hit were not only enough to take Unicorns over the line in a chase of 199, but get there with 23 balls in hand. The win kept them at the top of the MLC 2025 table with four wins in four, with Super Kings one spot below after their first loss.Super Kings were asked to bat, and du Plessis had two big partnerships for the first two wickets, but he had to contribute exactly 100 runs to those, which added up to 166. In the first stand, of 97, Devon Conway was unusually slow, scoring 23 in 23. In the second, worth 69, Saiteja Mukkamalla did better than Conway had, contributing 38 to du Plessis’ 30, though they went at roughly the same strike rate.To make matters worse for Super Kings, Mukkamalla, du Plessis and Marcus Stoinis fell in an eight-ball spell to Xavier Bartlett and Haris Rauf, and that derailed them at a point when they looked good to top 200.Faf du Plessis did most of the scoring for Texas Super Kings while he was around•Sportzpics for MLC

Du Plessis, though, was supreme in getting his first fifty-plus score since April 29, when he hit 62 in 45 balls for Delhi Capitals against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025. There were six fours and seven sixes in his innings as he scored at a strike rate of exactly 200 before being dismissed.But even if Super Kings had crossed 200, it’s unlikely Allen and Short would have cared.Allen barely got any of the strike in the first three overs as Short sped off the blocks, getting to 33 in 16 balls even as Allen was 1 off 2. After that, though, it was a different story. Over four, five and six went for 10, 23 and 15, and Unicorns were 83 for no loss after the powerplay and Allen was 34 off 16 to Short’s 46 off 21.The runs kept coming, and the half-centuries too, as the two took the total to 117 before being separated when Short holed out off Daryl Mitchell for a 29-ball 61. Allen was on 52 at that point in the ninth over, and batted on to score 78 in 35. When he was dismissed, by the impressive Adam Milne, Unicorns were just 30 runs away with 7.4 overs to go. Jake Fraser-McGurk took care of most of those with a 25-ball 37.

تحدث ييس توروب، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، عن المواجهة المرتقبة أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، والمقرر إقامتها غدًا الخميس في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة.

وقال ييس توروب في تصريحاته خلال المؤتمر الصحفي: “هذه هي المرة الأولى لي في المشاركة ببطولة كأس السوبر، لقد حضرت عدة معسكرات من قبل في الإمارات، وأتمنى أن تكون هذه البطولة هي الأولى لي مع الأهلي، لم آتِ لأتحدث عن المباريات السابقة، وقد قلت بعد المباراة الماضية إنني أتعلم دائمًا من مباراة لأخرى، وأنا حريص على تطوير الأداء، ودائمًا أتطلع إلى الخطوة المقبلة، وأضع نصب عيني الوصول إلى النهائي”.

وتابع: “إمام عاشور ومحمد شريف يتدربان بشكل جيد من أجل العودة، ولديهما رغبة كبيرة في المشاركة بالمباريات، شاركا في مران الأمس وسيشاركان اليوم أيضًا، وسننظر إلى أدائهما، ونحن ننتظرهما”.

طالع أيضًا | والد أشرف داري يوضح لـ “بطولات” موقفه من الرحيل عن الأهلي

وأضاف: “متشوق جدًا لمشاهدة الجماهير في الملعب، وأتمنى أن يشجعوا اللاعبين بكل حرارة من أجل تحقيق الانتصار، لقد شاهدت الجماهير في مباريات سابقة، لكن بالتأكيد أتطلع لمشاهدتهم هنا في الإمارات”.

وواصل: “الهجوم يُحقق لي الفوز في المباريات، لكن الدفاع الجيد هو الذي يُحقق الألقاب، أنا دائمًا أعمل على التنظيم الدفاعي والتماسك بين الخطوط، فكلما حافظنا على شباكنا نظيفة، زادت فرصنا في الفوز، نعمل بالطبع على الجانب الهجومي، لكن الجانب الدفاعي بالنسبة لي في غاية الأهمية ونركز عليه كثيرًا”.

واختتم: “في المباراة الماضية، صنعنا 21 محاولة على المرمى مقابل محاولة واحدة فقط لفريق المصري، هذا المثال يوضح كيف نعمل على الجانبين الدفاعي والهجومي، صحيح أننا افتقدنا تسجيل الأهداف، لكننا نعمل على حل هذه المشكلة، وهذا يؤكد أننا نركز على تطوير الأداء في كلا الجانبين”.

Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur haven’t been afraid to splash the cash in their attempts to catapult themselves closer towards Premier League glory.

However, they’ve found out first hand that spending big money doesn’t equal immediate success, with numerous players unable to have the desired impact in North London.

In the summer of 2019, the Lilywhites hierarchy forked out a then club-record £62m for the signature of French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele – but it would be a deal that proved to be a disaster.

He racked up 91 appearances during his five-year spell in England, but he was massively questioned over his lack of fitness and constant attitude problems under various managers.

As a result, the club let him leave for nothing last summer, subsequently joining Nice on a free transfer and departing as one of the club’s worst signings in history.

However, one other huge addition will be hoping he doesn’t endure the same fate after his own transfer to join Thomas Frank’s side during the recent transfer window.

Mohammed Kudus' immediate impact at Spurs

In one of his first moves as Spurs manager, Frank decided to fork out a reported £55m for the signature of winger Mohammed Kudus from London rivals West Ham United.

The Ghanaian featured for the Hammers over a two-year period before moving across the capital, with real hope he could provide a new dimension to the Lilywhites’ attack.

He may have only featured in nine games to date, but the 25-year-old has already made an immediate impact in North London throughout 2024/25.

The attacker has registered four assists to date – the most of any player in the squad – highlighting his ability to create endless opportunities for those around him.

However, he also recently netted his first goal for the club in the last outing against Leeds United, with such a strike securing all three points for Frank’s men.

It may only be early days in his career with Spurs, but Kudus has already demonstrated his quality and is arguably making himself one of the first names on the teamsheet.

However, despite his impressive form in North London, he’s now valued lower than one player who joined the club for a fee lower than his in recent times.

The Spurs star who’s valued more than Kudus

Spurs’ Europa League triumph last campaign is evidence that their work in the transfer market has been hugely effective, despite also wasting huge amounts of money on players not at the level required.

Bargain additions such as Lucas Bergvall had huge parts to play in their recent European triumph, with the Swedish international exceeding everyone’s expectations throughout 2024/25.

He only joined last summer for a reported £8.5m from homeland club Djurgarden, with very few supporters expecting the 19-year-old to have an immediate impact in the first-team.

However, the injury crisis allowed the youngster to stake his claim for a regular starting role, racking up 45 appearances across all competitions in his debut year.

His talents catapulted the club to the Europa League title, which has seen them qualify for the Champions League – allowing them to attract world-class talents to Frank’s side.

As a result, the hierarchy completed the £52m signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in the closing stages of the summer window – finally ending their hunt for a new number ten.

The Dutchman arrived with huge expectations after his form in the Bundesliga last campaign, subsequently ending the year with 17 combined goals and assists in just 25 outings.

However, his time in England is yet to take off, only registering one assist in his first seven outings – but he will certainly need time to settle, given he’s just 22 years of age.

It’s not stopped Simons from receiving heaps of praise from numerous high-profile names, with one analyst even labelling the youngster as a “phenomenal” talent.

Games played

7

Minutes played

420

Assists

1

Shots taken

1.4

Pass accuracy

88%

Successful passes

30

Chances created

1.8

Dribble success

55%

Dribbles completed

1.8

Fouls won

1.4

He’s also seen his market value soar in recent months after his transfer, with CIES Football Observatory now valuing the sensation at a staggering £97.3m.

Such a figure is nearly two times higher than the fee paid for Kudus this window, further highlighting how highly rated the Dutchman is despite his early struggles in the Premier League.

Whilst Kudus has hit the ground running, he does have prior experience in England’s top-flight, with Simons likely to have the same impact in the near future once he’s settled.

However, there’s no denying the Lilywhites have a potential world beater on their hands, with the prospect of the aforementioned starring together for years to come a hugely exciting one for the fanbase.

The "Irish Isak" is heading to Spurs and he could become their new Kane

Tottenham have continued their trend of signing elite youth prospects to underlay the first team.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 9, 2025

US Soccer generated $263.7 million in revenue during 2025, a 37-percent increase over 2024 and the highest in eight years, according to the federation's annual financial report. The 2017 totals were tied to the hosting of the 2016 Copa America. The 2025 figures point to the buzz for next year's World Cup, with a majority of matches in the U.S.

Getty Images SportCommercial momentum

Another indicator of excitement toward the 2026 World Cup is the sponsorship element, as the USSF saw a 19-percent increase to $121.1 million. 

The federation secured deals with The Home Depot, Bank of America, Henkel, Jim Beam and Haleon during its fiscal year. 

However, it is worth noting USSF actually saw a decrease in its net profit, going down from $9.1 million in 2024 to $8.3 million this year.

AdvertisementRevenue by yearsU.S. Soccer financials, 2016–2025

Fiscal year Revenue ($) Expenses ($) Investment return ($) Change in net assets ($)

2016125,301,588109,809,361-570,58914,921,6382017290,198,512221,826,5836,855,88275,227,8112018102,164,601109,192,1975,289,330-1,738,2662019108,660,552131,804,5736,035,122-17,108,8992020135,444,082165,056,1541,442,126-28,169,946202161,223,41773,704,21712,479,092-1,7082022119,477,884145,366,2484,109,727-21,778,6372023147,147,798187,937,4611,321,306-39,468,3572024192,191,562190,910,7047,826,7289,107,5862025263,740,683261,932,3806,462,3608,270,663Other sources of income

Outside of sponsorship, USSF also drew a significant amount of revenue from philanthropic contributions, raising $50.3 million. The federation's $250M National Training Center project outside Atlanta has also spurred a sharp increase in fundraising activity.

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Getty ImagesLooking ahead

November promises to be a busy month for US Soccer's two senior teams. Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT host friendlies against Paraguay on Nov. 15 and Uruguay on Nov. 18. Emma Hayes' USWNT will play Italy on Nov. 28, followed by a rematch against Le Azzurre on Dec. 1.