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Female state cricketers will have to wait for an expansion to their domestic playing schedule although those on the fringes of national selection will have more opportunity in the coming season with an Australia A-England A limited-overs series set to run alongside the Women’s Ashes.Last season, the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) was the only state competition to run in full despite plenty of disruption due to the pandemic with the 29-match tournament played between late January and late March as it navigated various border closures and restrictions.However, there has been a push to increase the tournament to a full home-and-away campaign to provide more than eight days of state cricket in a season.The 2021-22 WNCL season, which will be announced on Wednesday along with the other domestic and tour match schedules, is set to start in late September – at the time Australia are playing India – and consist of four blocks of fixtures through early October, December, January and February with the WBBL played in the October-November window.The January block of matches will provide preparation for the Ashes which will begin later that month. While that is being competed for, there will be three T20s and three one-dayers between the second XIs of both nations.Among those calling for more domestic cricket last season was New South Wales allrounder Sammy-Jo Johnson who is one of the players pushing for higher honours and would likely feature in an Australia A side.”You can’t pick an Australian team without this tournament,” she said in February. “The Big Bash is the shopfront window there, but the hard work goes on back at your states where these girls bust their backsides for months at a time to play only eight games of cricket.”Credit to CA and the ACA for extending that because it was only six, but I’m hoping we can get a full home-and-away season at some point where we’re playing 12-plus games in a summer.”Peter Roach, Cricket Australia’s head of cricket operations, said there were a number of factors to consider before expanding the tournament.”It’s a combination of age-group, A-tours and camps to make sure they are playing the right cricket at the right time,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “The women’s game is probably still going through that transition of how much cricket they play. We have an undefined FTP at the moment in the women’s space so we are working through that to try and get some consistent windows in international cricket. Then over time I’m sure we’ll settle on a more consistent schedule. Will that look like eight WNCL games? Can’t answer that, but we are continually assessing it.”One of the other key debates in the women’s game at the moment is how to provide a better support structure to prepare for Test cricket if that format is to have a sustained place in the calendar. England and India resumed Tests last month and both teams will play Australia during the upcoming season.Roach said that “anything is possible” with regards to there being multi-day cricket at domestic level but also believes that preparing for a format does not have to solely be based on the level below.”What is worth pointing out is that there’s a lot of different ways to prepare players for international cricket,” he said. “We understand Test cricket is a passion for them which is great and we’d be disappointed if it wasn’t. The players’ association is working through that with us at the moment to say what’s the best way to structure our domestic cricket in the future. We often default to answer of it being more, but there’s different ways of finding the right solution.”Meg Lanning has said how she hopes the squad will be able to organise some long-form preparation ahead of the pink-ball Test against India in Perth which starts in late September. India will have a one-day warm-up match before the start of the ODI series which begins their tour.As previously reported, on the men’s domestic scene there will be six rounds of the Sheffield Shield before the BBL with five before the Afghanistan Test. There will also be an Australia A-England Lions match running concurrently with the first men’s Ashes Test.

Fans might be crying out for signings down Anfield Road but Liverpool are actually in a very good position, having won Arne Slot's first game at the helm against Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

Three points to start the campaign is not the extent of the positivity, with Jurgen Klopp leaving the Merseyside squad in a highly promising position, with a strong framework and an abundance of varied potential.

But that's not to say that it's been flawless. A dogged pursuit to sign Martin Zubimendi ended with no gain, while key triumvirate Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all into the final year of their contracts and without any sign of a resolution.

Such worrying possible outgoings on that front will surely influence transfer thinking, and with Joel Matip now gone and Joe Gomez being linked with a move away, Reds supporters might be treated to a defensive signing before the end of the month.

Liverpool transfer plans

Liverpool have not signed a centre-back since Ibrahima Konate's £36m release clause at RB Leipzig was met in 2021, and now is surely the time to refresh the ranks.

As such, there might be something in whispers that Liverpool are gearing up to sign Marc Guehi this month. As per The Athletic, Liverpool appreciate the England star and could look to accelerate their interest following Crystal Palace's decision to reject four Newcastle United bids, holding out for £75m.

That would mean that FSG would need to sanction an outlay to the same tune as the one-time signing of Van Dijk from Southampton for the same fee – this feels unlikely; Guehi is a talented player but such a figure doesn't really align with Liverpool's circumspect transfer approach.

£75m would also be the required price were Liverpool to sign Everton sensation Jarrad Branthwaite, who has seen his odds slashed on a cross-Merseyside switch this month – make of that what you will.

It's a big figure and something that Liverpool will be unlikely to sanction, with FSG preferring to complete shrewder deals and turn budding talents into top-class superstars.

Cody Gakpo is one example, with his present market value surpassing both of the English transfer targets…

Cody Gakpo's transfer value in 2024/25

It's January 2023, and Gakpo has just announced himself to the major stage following a sensational campaign in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup.

The Netherlands international had attracted attention from Manchester United and a deal looked to be close, but Liverpool swept by and hijacked the deal, signing Gakpo on an initial £35m deal.

He arrived at a turbulent time, and while he's ebbed and flowed, Gakpo looks ready to tackle the 2024/25 season after a strong finish to the Klopp era and further international success at Euro 2024 in Germany.

He has bagged a decent return of 23 goals and nine assists from 46 starting appearances at Liverpool, made all the more impressive when noting that Klopp played him across a wide range of roles, leaving him unable to nail down the fluency that comes with a determined place in the starting 11.

And anyway, his underlying numbers are a thing to behold. Hailed for his "special skill set" by Klopp's former assistant manager Pep Lijnders, the 25-year-old will be itching to showcase his quality under Slot's management.

Assists

0.25

Top 17%

Shot-creating actions

4.19

Top 7%

Passes attempted

31.88

Top 11%

Progressive passes

4.19

Top 7%

Progressive carries

2.36

Top 20%

Successful take-ons

1.62

Top 12%

Tackles

1.16

Top 11%

Because of all this, it's no surprise that Gakpo's market value has shot right up, with CIES Football Observatory's number-crunching model working out that the Dutchman currently bears a market value of £88m, placing him in a higher bracket than both of the aforementioned defensive targets.

It's a testament to FSG's model that Gakpo was found and acquired for a comparatively small figure before being sharpened on Merseyside to a point that sees him regarded among the highest-valued forwards in the Premier League.

The £120k-per-week ace was introduced off the bench in Liverpool's season opener but will feel that he has plenty to give this year and could prove his lofty worth as the campaign goes on, especially if Slot allows him to maintain a more sustained attacking position at the front of the ship.

He notched three goals and an assist over five matches for Oranje in the summer and looked a real menace in a left-sided attacking role – a deployment that he was given sporadically last year.

There's been a real clamour for signings at Liverpool and understandably so. Left wing has been one of the more talked-about positions, and Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon was even reported to have agreed to a £75m deal with the Reds before the Magpies, sweating over a Premier League profit and sustainability (PSR) breach, found an alternative, less damaging route to delve down.

But with Slot adamant that the fleet-footed Luis Diaz is going nowhere, that hardly looks to be detrimental to the prospect of success this season, especially when considering Gakpo's quality in the role.

He's one of the most underrated players in Liverpool's first team and could be in line for a big campaign that will finally announce him as one of the Premier League's very finest forwards. With so much yet to give, Liverpool have definitely hit the jackpot with this one.

Liverpool can land "immense" £38m titan who'd be better than Branthwaite

This would be a statement signing from FSG…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 20, 2024

An "outstanding" Manchester player has now reached an agreemnt to join a new club this summer, according to an update from the reliable David Ornstein.

Man City transfer news

Pep Guardiola continues to keep an eye on potential signings ahead of the new Premier League season, as his side look to win an unprecedented fifth title in a row. Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has been linked with a move to the Etihad, which could in turn allow City to cash in on midfielder Mateo Kovacic. The former only has one year remaining on his current deal and is weighing up his options this summer.

Similarly, there is also a chance that Jack Grealish could be sold before the end of the current transfer window, which may pave the way for Eberechi Eze to seal a move to the Cityzens, having caught the eye so much for Crystal Palace in recent seasons.

One of the most impressive players at Euro 2024 was Spain star Dani Olmo, who played a big role in his country going all the way in the competition, scoring three goals in as many starts, as well as registering two assists. He is another rumoured target for City, as RB Leipzig try and keep hold of one of their standout performers.

With doubts surrounding Ederson's future at the Etihad, it is only natural that a fellow world-class goalkeeper has been lined up as a replacement, with Paris Saint-Germain and Italy stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma backed to come in as his potential successor.

"Outstanding" Man City youngster close to sealing exit

According to Ornstein on X, Julian Alvarez will join Atletico Madrid once personal terms are agreed, in a deal that is expected to be worth at least £81.5m. A "total agreement" has been reached, so the young forward's deal with his new club is the only step left standing in the way.

City supporters could find themselves divided when it comes to City's decision to allow Alvarez to leave, considering what an impressive footballer he is. While he hasn't always managed to nail down a spot in the team, he has so often delivered on the pitch, scoring 36 goals in 103 appearances.

The 24 year-old World Cup winner has been such a model of professionalism during his two-and-a-half-year stint at the Etihad to date, which hasn't been lost on Guardiola either.

Man City set to loan out "impressive" ace who could be Gvardiol 2.0

The Cityzens youngster is poised to complete a move away from the club this week.

ByDan Emery Aug 5, 2024

The fact that City are willing to move Alvarez on surely suggests that they have a replacement lined up, with one report claiming that Atletico star Joao Felix could be that man in a swap deal. While that looks unlikely after this new update, a top-quality footballer needs to come in before the new Premier League season starts.

Over the last couple of transfer windows, Liverpool’s midfield has undergone somewhat of an overhaul, with the Reds aiming to push back towards a Premier League title fight.

Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai both arrived at Anfield in big-money transfers, with the duo making a combined 66 appearances in the league during the 2023/24 campaign.

However, new boss Arne Slot still wants more reinforcements at the heart of his side, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi edging closer to agreeing a deal to move to Merseyside this summer.

It had recently been reported that the Reds had advanced talks and could be prepared to pay the Spaniard’s €60m (£51m) release clause, fending off interest from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the race for the 25-year-old.

Whilst he is undoubtedly a marquee signing that would transform Slot’s three-man midfield, he could yet target another talent to potentially feature alongside Zubimendi this season.

Liverpool want £20m ace who Klopp loves

According to GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool still have Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Manu Kone on their shortlist alongside Zubimendi, in an attempt to increase squad depth in midfield.

The 23-year-old, who’s part of France’s side for the ongoing Olympic Games, made 22 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, scoring once, as Mönchengladbach narrowly avoided relegation to the German second-tier.

A prior report claims that the German side only want a fee in the region of £20m to part ways with the youngster after their rapid decline in recent years.

It’s not the first time the Reds have been linked with a move to sign the Gladbach ace, with former boss Jürgen Klopp trying on numerous occasions to bring the Frenchman to Merseyside, but to no avail.

However, Liverpool could get their man this summer, with Kone potentially able to form an excellent partnership with Zubimendi should the pair complete their respective transfers.

Why Kone and Zubimendi would be perfect together for Liverpool

A natural number six has been on the agenda for some time at Anfield, with Slot’s side needing a player who can sit and regain possession, before supplying the passes to the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to cause chaos in the final third.

The Spaniard would be the perfect player to do just that role, with his average of 1.7 tackles per 90 in LaLiga an impressive tally and one that would allow for added cover to the backline.

He also is more than capable of picking out a pass, finishing the campaign with an 86% pass completion rate, with an average of 5.2 progressive passes per 90 falling straight into the hands of fellow new addition Kone.

The “incredible” Frenchman, as described by scout Antonio Mango, had an impressive personal season despite Gladbach’s failures – averaging four progressive passes per 90, along with 2.4 progressive carries – making him perfect ahead of Zubimendi in a three-man system.

Manu Kone's stats per 90 in the Bundesliga (2023/24)

Statistics

Tally

Games played

22

Goals

1

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

4

Progressive carries

2.4

Successful take-ons

2.1

Tackles won

2.6

Stats via FBref

He also managed an average of 2.1 successful take-ons, demonstrating his ability to get past a man and get into forward areas, potentially allowing Salah to further increase his goal tally in 2024/25.

However, from time to time, he’s going to be unsuccessful in his attempts at carrying the ball forward, but he’s more than able to regain possession, as shown in his tally of 2.6 tackles won per 90 – making him the perfect box-to-box option for Slot.

Whilst it’s unclear whether the signing of the Sociedad talent would prevent a move for Kone, their respective figures over the last 12 months demonstrate how well they could work together in Liverpool’s midfield.

The duo would provide added stability at the heart of the side, handing the club the perfect opportunity to push towards a Premier League title push in the Dutchman’s first campaign at the helm.

Having previously been identified by Klopp a year ago, now could be the time for Kone to finally arrive at Anfield under the new regime.

Related He's like Suarez: Liverpool could land bargain £150k-p/w Gordon upgrade

The Reds could turn their attention elsewhere this summer.

Posts 1 ByRobbie Walls Aug 8, 2024

Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar could opt to re-sign a former Arsenal star to replace an exit-bound member of their squad.

Players who could still leave Arsenal before deadline day

Emile Smith Rowe sealed his £35 million move to Fulham earlier this week, with the Whites announcing his club-record capture as the Hale End academy graduate waved goodbye to Arsenal.

Arteta and Edu discuss signing Brazil ace as £50m Arsenal player nears exit

The Gunners chiefs have held internal talks over a move.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 3, 2024

The 24-year-old, who played just 13 Premier League games under Mikel Arteta last season, started just three times and was largely out of action due to a knee injury – with Arsenal making the business decision to sell given Smith Rowe had just two years left on his contract.

Arteta would've liked to keep Smith Rowe at Arsenal in an ideal world, according to reliable journalist Charles Watts, but the Spaniard could well see the midfielder's transfer fee reinvested in a move for the heavily linked Mikel Merino.

Appearances

115

Goals

18

Assists

13

Yellow cards

2

Red cards

0

Minutes played

5,846

Arsenal are pushing to sign Merino from Real Sociedad, coming after his excellent campaign at club level and impressive performances for Spain at Euro 2024. To fund further additions, it is believed a host of other players could be sacrificed after Smith-Rowe.

Indeed, it is believed both Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are in talks to leave Arsenal as well, with the former attracting interest from Marseille and the latter previously linked to a West Ham move.

We relayed a report this weekend that Nketiah is on the verge of leaving as Arsenal consider signing Joao Pedro from Brighton, so the Englishman's exit could well be one to watch.

The same can be said for his compatriot, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has been heavily linked with an Emirates Stadium exit after losing his No 1 spot to David Raya last season.

"It’s a matter of when Ramsdale leaves, not if," said Watts to CaughtOffside recently.

"The key thing for Arsenal is getting value for money. I saw an initial fee of £15 million mentioned in reports last week and that is quite frankly ridiculous. Arsenal signed Ramsdale for nearly £30m two years ago and he has developed into a far better 'keeper since then.

"He’s still young, he’s homegrown, an established England international and has a long-term contract."

Edu could re-sign Wojciech Szczesny to replace Ramsdale at Arsenal

As rumours continue to circulate around the 26-year-old and his future, with Arsenal apparently prepared to entertain loan bids for Ramsdale, there has been an update courtesy of HITC.

The outlet claims Edu and co could turn to a former star to fill the void left by Ramsdale – Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny. The £197,000-per-week ace could be on the way out of Juve soon, and he's apparently an option to succeed Ramsdale alongside Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia.

Arsenal could re-sign Szczesny to replace Ramsdale and fill the No 2 slot behind Raya, or perhaps even compete with the Spaniard, so it will be interesting to see how much it would cost to get the Pole back to north London.

Do those big-name transfers make sense for MLS clubs, and could any of the three have a Messi-like impact on the league?

Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami in MLS in July 2023 was earth-shattering. The Argentine, coming off of lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and en route to his eighth Ballon d'Or, launched a movement the likes of which the league has never seen.

His move from Europe to MLS was unquestionably the most impactful, but there were predecessors: David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and David Villa, among others. They all found relative success in the league, even if not to the level of Messi – not only has he led the Herons to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield and the No. 1 overall seed in the 2024 MLS Playoffs, he's also been core to record attendance, streaming growth, revenues and overall interest in the league.

Other ex-European stars such as Xherdan Shaqiri, Andrea Pirlo, Steven Gerrard, Ruud gullit and Rafa Marquez – they did not find success in MLS. Rather, they were disastrous signings that, in retrospect, are absolute head-scratchers.

As a result of those moves, front office members around the league are now more judicious when considering bringing in aging European talent. Even in 2024, the Olivier Giroud experiment with LAFC is off to a underwhelming start, while Marco Reus has yet to find a spot in the LA Galaxy's starting XI.

Looking ahead to 2025, there's even more questions about how to pursue European stars, and if they're worth the flyer for a potential transfer. Notably, the three in regular consideration are Manchester city star Kevin De Bruyne, Al Hilal and Brazil attacker Neymar and Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann. There are positives and negatives for each, though there's no doubting their talent. But do they make sense for MLS clubs to pursue? And could any of the three make a Messi-like impact on the league?

The rumor mill, as is always the case in soccer, is swirling. Neymar recently bought a house in Florida, while De Bruyne's agent has already held talks with 2025 expansion franchise San Diego FC, and both are out of contract at the end of the 2024-25 season. Griezmann, meanwhile, is a U.S. sports fanatic – from the NBA to the NFL, he has stated multiple times he is appreciative of sporting culture and wants to end his career stateside.

Which might be a good fit? How might it all go wrong? GOAL examines the pros and cons of each potentially making a move to MLS.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pro: Neymar is a global superstar with Messi-esque reach

  Arguably the greatest Brazilian attacker since Pele, Neymar is a genius on the pitch. On his best day, he is a top-three player in the world, and his impact for club and country has never gone unnoticed.

  Since his emergence on the world's stage as a teenager in Brazil with Santos, to his brilliance with Barcelona, PSG and on the international stage with the Selecao, he has been an absolute joy to watch. Wherever he goes, wherever he plays, fans follow and he puts on a show. When he takes to the pitch, he's a pure entertainer, with delightful footwork, maddening ball-skills and a soccer IQ that's second only to Messi among present-day footballers.

  If he were to come to MLS, it would be a must-watch event week-in and week-out. He's a player made for the stage, for the limelight. He wants the cameras, the chants and the fans – and so does MLS. He is a name that sells, from jerseys to tickets to sponsorships – there is no better "next step from Messi" than the 32-year-old winger.

  That, and MLS could provide the spark to get him the competitive games he needs ahead of leading his nation in the 2026 World Cup.

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• Con: Neymar's injury history is troublesome

  Since his transfer to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, the Brazilian has barely played. After tearing his ACL on international duty in a 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier in the fall of 2023 with Brazil, he's only recently returned – only to walk off the pitch with a hamstring injury, ruling him out for an additional 4-6 weeks.

  Factor in his other-wordly salary of $3,225,125per-week in Saudi Arabia, and there are some red flags over recruiting his services in MLS. For any team to take a flyer on him, they would have to offer him a contract to become one of the league's top-earners, but with his injury history, would it be worth it?

  With a handful of MLS teams still playing on artificial turf surfaces, there are even more questions that come with his arrival. Would he avoid those stadiums? Is he healthy enough to play in the congested schedule of the league that includes domestic and continental cup competitions? What about the salary cap – could any club actually afford him?

  The Brazilian has been the darling of the for over a decade, and is widely-regarded as one of the greatest performers of the 21st century on the pitch, but it's been a few years since he's been at his best. Is he worth the risk? Those are the questions front offices have to ask if they consider recruiting the 32-year-old.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pro: Griezmann actively wants to join MLS

  Fascinated will all things American sports, Griezmann is a no-brainer signing for MLS. He's already gone on the record saying he wants Atletico Madrid to be his "last club" before a stateside transfer, and he recently retired from international duty with France.

  World Cup winner with in 2018, runner-up in 2022 and with two third-place finishes in Ballon d'Or, the Frenchman should be at the top of every team's shopping list. A brilliant forward who can play in a two-striker or single forward formation – and can be adaptable to the No. 10 role, too – the 33-year-old is the ideal forward for any MLS club looking to elevate their attack.

  It's not often a player comes forward and expresses desire to play elsewhere while under a contract with a club in a different country, and MLS should capitalize on his willingness.

  With a contract expiring in 2026, the question is how to recruit his services before that deal runs out, and then of course – where he lands. Could it be Los Angeles, or even Sporting Kansas City, after the Frenchman was pictured swapping signed shirts with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes last November?

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  Con: Griezmann is not a classic superstar

  The thing about playing for France, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid – while winning trophies with all three of them – is that other people win trophies too. And sometimes, you get overshadowed by teammates – at times deservingly, and at times for no reason other than pure fame.

  At Barcelona, Griezmann was second to Messi, and with Atletico, a mix of Joao Felix, Alvaro Morata and the manager, Diego Simeone. With , it was the Mbappe show every single time they took the pitch, even though Griezmann has been their most consistent performer for the past eight years on the international level. And if it wasn't him, it was another star, such as Giroud or Paul Pogba. There was always a bigger name in the headlines.

  As a result, there's skepticism around a potential move for the 33-year-old, as he never had the draw of those he was surrounded by. Will he sell jerseys? Tickets? A move for someone of his caliber takes more into account than his performances on the pitch, which ultimately prompts all of those questions.

  There's no worries if he will perform, but rather, can he live up to expectations in being the face of the club domestically?

MatériaMais Notícias

De olho do clássico contra o Palmeiras, neste sábado (25), às 19h, pela 22ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, na Neo Química Arena, o Corinthians terá uma alteração certa em relação ao último jogo, quando empatou em 1 a 1 contra o América-MG, em Itaquera. Com a suspensão de Gabriel, expulso contra o Coelho, Cantillo e Xavier saem na frente por uma vaga no time titular do Timão no Dérbi.

>> Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule os próximos jogos
>> Baixe o novo app de resultados do L!

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Desde que chegou ao clube do Parque São Jorge, o técnico Sylvinho tem mantido o esquema 4-1-4-1, ainda que com postura diferentes entre as fases.

No início, quando não tinha muitas opções de qualidade na armação, o primeiro homem do meio campo era justamente Cantillo, já que o treinador apostava nas bolas longas do colombiano. Com a chegada de Giuliano e Renato Augusto, Gabriel, que vinha jogando na frente do primeiro volante, para dar qualificar a marcação central, foi recuado para o ser o primeiro atleta do meio.

Portanto, para o clássico deste fim de semana, o treinador corintiano precisará ter uma noção da proposta que quer para a partida. Caso queira manter uma ideia de um volante marcador, a tendência será a entrada de Xavier naquela faixa de campo. No entanto, caso Sylvinho queira apostar em um atleta com mais presença como titular na temporada, até mesmo com o próprio técnico, a entrada de Cantillo ganha força.

O camisa 24 foi titular em todas as partidas do Timão entre a oitava e a 14ª rodada do Brasileirão. Por conta de um problema na coxa direita, ficou fora do duelo contra o Santos, pela 15ª partida da competição nacional, onde começou a sequência corintiana sem derrotas, que já dura sete jogos. Quando retornou, no compromisso seguinte, contra o Ceará, já foi para o banco de reservas, onde permaneceu desde então, e nem entrou durante os jogos contra o Vozão, Athletico-PR, Grêmio, Juventude, Atlético-GO e América-MG.

Nesta temporada, Cantillo tem 24 jogos disputados, sendo 18 como titular. Sob o comando de Sylvinho, foram 15 partidas, 13 como titular.

Já Xavier jogou bem menos, 15 vezes, cinco delas começando em campo. Como atual técnico, foi apenas um jogo na titularidade, o empate em 1 a 1 contra o Fluminense, fora de casa, pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão, no dia 27 de junho. Portanto, há cerca de três meses que o camisa 39 não inicia um compromisso pelo Timão.

Dificilmente outro atleta pode ser alternativa para o lugar de Gabriel, contra o Palmeiras. Já que Roni está em recuperação de uma lesão no joelho com retorno previsto em cerca de um mês. Du Queiroz também é volante, tem sido relacionado, mas a preferência da comissão técnica tem sido utilizar o jovem da base como uma opção à Fagner, na lateral-direta. Mandaca é outra alternativa remota, já que teve pouquíssimas chances entre os relacionados com Sylvinho.

Além do Dérbi, Gabriel ficará fora do confronto diante do Red Bull Bragantino, fora de casa, no dia 2 de outubro, pois, além de ser expulso após o apito final contra o América-MG, havia recebido o terceiro cartão amarelo com bola rolando. Com isso, o vencedor na disputa interna por uma vaga na primeira faixa do meio-campo tende a ter duas oportunidades como titular com treinador.

A top Rangers transfer target has joined another club on a deal worth double captain James Tavernier's salary, according to a fresh update this week.

Rangers transfer news

This has been a highly impressive start to the summer transfer window at Ibrox, with a host of new faces already added to Philippe Clement's squad. That includes the likes of Jefte, Mohamed Diomande and Liam Kelly, while Oscar Cortes has also secured another season on loan from Lens, having been injury-plagued after joining in January.

It looks as though Rangers' summer business is far from done, however, with numerous rumours continuing to emerge regarding potential incomings in the next few months.

One player who has been linked with a summer move to Ibrox is Tottenham outcast Ryan Sessegnon, with the Englishman seen as an ideal player to get the best out of Rabbi Matondo, though he now looks close to joining Crystal Palace.

In terms of possible outgoings at Ibrox this summer, Tavernier has been backed to bring an end to his legendary stint at the club, linking up with former manager Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in the process. An "astronomical" offer has reportedly come his way which could be too great to turn down.

Why Rangers missed out on "wonderful" target

According to a new claim from The Athletic, Rangers missed out on the signing of former West Ham player Ben Johnson because of huge wage demands, which is why he ended up joining newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town.

The Englishman is now earning £60,000 per week at Portman Road, which is double Tavernier's total of £30,000-a-week – the second-highest at Ibrox currently, behind Connor Goldson (£37,000).

Not signing Johnson as a replacement for the skipper is a shame for Rangers, considering what a versatile option he would have been, proving to be adept at shining as a right-back, centre-back and midfielder.

Stuart Pearce has been a big admirer over the years, too, once saying: "He's a wonderful professional to deal with and work with. We're very proud to have him out of our academy system as well, which is a real plus for us, especially with the connection to this club with the academy.

"I think he's just developing and getting better and better, and like with all young players, the more game time they have, the better they'll get, so I am delighted for the boy."

This is a sobering update for Rangers, however, in terms of highlighting the vast difference in wages between the Premier League and Scottish Premiership.

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For a promoted team to be able to offer £60,000 per week to a player is the stuff of pipe dreams for the Gers – a whopping £12.5m over the four-year period he has signed for Ipswich – and they will instead have to look at cheaper options moving forward.

Paul Pogba is reportedly in advanced talks to join Marseille in January after seeing his four-year suspension reduced to 18 months.

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Pogba can play again in March 2025World Cup winner linked with MarseilleWould reunite with Mason GreenwoodFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Pogba was handed a four-year ban for a doping offence in February, but that was reduced to 18 months after the French midfielder appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. According to CAS, Pogba didn't intend to ingest the banned substance DHEA and has been cleared to resume his football career in March 2025, although it's expected he will shortly leave current club Juventus.

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Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Pogba and Juventus are expected to agree to terminate his contract, which runs until 2026, meaning he will become a free agent. While there has been talk of Pogba heading to MLS, journalist Malick Traore claims the 31-year-old is in advanced discussions over a move to Marseille. The two parties have reportedly been in talks for several weeks and Pogba could sign for the Ligue 1 side in January, when he is allowed to begin training again.

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Pogba's compatriot and friend Patrice Evra has already pushed for Marseille to sign the midfielder. A move to the Stade Velodrome would see him reunite with former Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood.

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Pogba, who spoke of his delight after his suspension was reduced, will be getting in shape as he prepares to make his highly-anticipated return to action.

It was a mixed bag of a season for Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Ange Postecoglou got off to a flying start with a ten-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, but a slew of injuries saw the wheels come off partway through the campaign, and a string of defeats towards the end saw them just miss out on Champions League qualification.

However, considering people's expectations before things kicked off, securing Europa League football for 2024/25 isn't too bad.

On top of that, the club welcomed a number of impressive signings over the summer, like James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, and one more who is now worth substantially more than club captain Son Heung-min.

Brennan Johnson's Spurs career

The Lilywhites completed the £47.5m signing of Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest on deadline day last summer, and while there was some excitement around the arrival of a young attacking talent who had scored ten goals and provided three assists in 44 games the season prior, the fee raised a few eyebrows.

It wasn't the easiest start to life in North London for the Welshman, and he was even described as "disappointing" by Gary Neville in a game against Manchester United a few months in.

However, as the season went on, the 23-year-old seemingly grew in confidence, and fans started to see more of what he could offer on the pitch.

In all, the Nottingham-born winger made 34 appearances for the Lilywhites, in which he scored five goals and provided ten assists. This means he averaged a goal involvement every 2.2 games, which is a reasonably impressive return for his first season in the team.

Appearances

32

2

Goals

5

0

Assists

10

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.46

0.00

Moreover, the "superb" gem, as he was described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was also relatively unlucky this season, with Understat recording him as having an expected goals figure of 11.90 in the league, meaning had he been able to take his chances better, he could have ended the campaign with another six goals to his name.

Now, while this is undoubtedly his fault to some extent, the fact that the Welshman was able to produce such a high figure in just 32 league appearances is an achievement in itself and lends credence to U23 scout Antonio Mango's description of the winger as being "a real handful."

In all, while Johnson's first season wasn't the most straightforward, he showed his ability towards the end of it, and as a result, his valuation has actually increased.

Brennan Johnson's transfer valuation in 2024

According to CIES Football Observatory, Johnson is now worth €60m, which converts to around £51m, or about £3.5m more than he cost Spurs last summer.

1

Dejan Kulusevski

€80m(£68mm)

24

2

Brennan Johnson

€60m(£51m)

23

3

Timo Werner

€20m(£17m)

28

4

Manor Solomon

€10m(£9m)

24

4

Bryan Gil

€10m(£9m)

23

5

Mikey Moore

€5m(£4m)

16

5

Yago Santiago

€5m(£4m)

21

His new price tag also makes him the second most valuable winger at the club, behind Dejan Kulusevski and ahead of Timo Werner.

It also means the 23-year-old is now worth twice as much as his captain, Son, whom CIES price at €30m, or around £26m.

This isn't to say that the Welshman is double the player of the South Korean, as the latter's return of 17 goals and ten assists in just 36 games this season highlights how he is still one of the best attackers in the league.

Instead, it is likely due to the fact that he is turning 32 this summer, and his £190k-per-week contract is set to expire next summer – both things that significantly affect a player's resale value.

Ultimately, Johnson isn't a better player than Son – very few players in the league are – but his slightly increased valuation validates his signing and acts as a reminder that, at just 23, he has plenty of potential.

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