Their new Olise: Crystal Palace could end the window with a bang

Crystal Palace got off to a rough start, losing their opening game of the Premier League season 2-1 to Brentford. After an Eberechi Eze goal was disallowed to give them a 1-0 lead, Brentford struck in the 29th minute, Bryan Mbeumo scoring the goal to put the Bees ahead.

Palace only created one big chance, compared to Brentford's three, with those attacking woes having also been on show last time out, having failed to fire during the 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham United.

Those early season struggles have highlighted the Eagles' need for creativity after the loss of Michael Olise this summer, who joined Bayern Munich.

Michael Olise for Crystal Palace

Olise made 19 appearances for Palace in all competitions last season, scoring ten goals and providing six assists in his 1,278 minutes played, after coming back from multiple hamstring injuries that kept Olise out for a total of 195 days.

Now, however, the Eagles could be able to finally fill the Frenchman's shoes

Crystal Palace transfer news

According to reports from The Standard earlier this week, Palace are among the Premier League clubs interested in Chelsea star, Raheem Sterling. However, his £300k-per-week wages could make it difficult.

It was made clear to Sterling last week that he is "out of the project" according to Fabrizio Romano, after Enzo Maresca said he had told Sterling "he will have no minutes here".

Sterling made 43 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last season, scoring ten goals, and providing eight assists in 2,771 minutes played.

Sterling vs Olise comparison

Pep Guardiola once described Sterling as "decisive" to what Manchester City have done in recent years, the Englishman – who was also dubbed a "leader" at Chelsea by Conor Gallagher – having scored 131 goals for the Cityzens and provided 73 assists in his 339 games for the club.

Now that Palace has the task on their hands to replace the output of Olise, Sterling's Premier League experience and output could be exactly what they need, and could be the perfect platform for Sterling to re-discover his best form.

Sterling vs Olise comparison

Stats (per 90 mins)

Sterling

Olise

Goals

0.33

0.70

Assists

0.26

0.42

xG

0.30

0.39

xAG

0.20

0.41

Progressive Carries

5.45

4.79

Progressive Passes

3.55

5.49

Key Passes

1.36

2.54

Successful Take-Ons

2.05

2.82

Shots Total

2.29

3.94

Shots on Target

0.88

1.41

Shot-Creating Actions

3.86

5.77

Stats taken from FBref

Now it's worth pointing out straight away, Sterling only betters Olise in one of these metrics, and that is progressive carries per 90, whilst Olise is better in every other metric. However, we know Sterling hasn't quite found his best levels at Chelsea and could improve these numbers vastly in the correct environment.

Despite not being at his best, Sterling still offers good goal and assist numbers, creates 3.86 shot-creating actions for himself or others per 90, and still looks to beat his man 1v1, averaging 2.05 successful take-ons per 90, attempting 6.00 take-ons per 90.

The 27-year-old does average fewer shots per 90, and shots on target per 90 than Olise, but in four of the last seven seasons, Sterling managed a goals/shot ratio of 0.20+, and if he could recapture this efficiency in front of goal, that would certainly help the Eagles find the net more often.

Sterling also brings the versatility to play off both flanks, making 22 appearances from the left last season, and 11 appearances from the right wing, as well as playing six games through the middle, as either an attacking midfielder or centre forward.

This direct nature in attack could help Palace to create more "big chances", and having an experienced Premier League goalscorer on their books wouldn't hurt, especially if he can find his top form.

Raheem Sterling

There'd certainly be worse ways to replace Olise in Oliver Glasner's attacking ranks…

Concrete option: Crystal Palace working on deal to help replace Olise

Palace continue to make recruitments in order to replace Olise attacking output

ByConnor Holden Aug 22, 2024

West Ham still have chance to sign "powerful" Duran alternative after twist

As they continue to solve their striker problem, West Ham United still reportedly have a chance to sign an alternative to Jhon Duran, who they've seen bids rejected for this summer.

West Ham transfer news

With Michail Antonio now 34 years old and showing signs of slowing down last season, West Ham's pursuit of a striker has been no surprise this summer. As things stand, new boss Julen Lopetegui has just Jarrod Bowen to call on when it comes to reliable options to lead the line – and the England international is naturally a winger. One injury to the former Hull City star could leave West Ham with a short supply of goals to deal with.

Lopetegui's own Payet: West Ham lead race for £35m "wizard"

This talented forward must be signed alongside Jhon Duran.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 27, 2024

As the transfer window has ticked by, the name consistently mentioned has been Duran's. But after Aston Villa rejected West Ham's reported bid of £32m plus Lewis Orford, it remains to be seen whether the forward will complete a move to the London Stadium in the next month, and that could see them move onto an alternative option.

According to Sky Sport's Patrick Berger, West Ham are still in with a chance of signing Artem Dovbyk from Girona this summer after the forward rejected a move to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid. That said, it is AS Roma who are now leading the race for the Ukraine international's signature, though the Hammers are named as having an outside chance in a deal worth a reported €40m (£34m).

After winning La Liga's Golden Boot last season, it could even be argued that West Ham would be signing a better player in Dovbyk than Aston Villa forward Duran ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

"Powerful" Dovbyk is better than Duran

At 20 years old, Duran represents quite the risk for West Ham, and if they want to solve their striker problem once and for all, it is Dovbyk they should be turning to this summer. For a similar price, the east Londoners would be getting a player in the prime of his career fresh from an outstanding goalscoring campaign capped by a Golden Boot.

Goals

24

5

Assists

8

0

Minutes

2,587

475

Expected Goals

24.2

2

Whilst Duran's expected goals tally highlights how clinical he was when he was offered a chance at Villa Park last season, his lack of experience represents the risk that West Ham would be taking. Dovbyk, meanwhile, was the main man at Girona last time out, maintaining a clinical rate himself, but with a greater sample size.

Artem Dovbyk celebrates for Girona.

Described as "powerful" by analyst Ben Mattinson, the 27-year-old now has quite the decision to make after rejecting the chance to join a European giant in Atletico Madrid this summer.

Stephen Fleming steps down as Trent Rockets coach, Andy Flower confirmed as replacement

Jonathan Batty replaces Lydia Greenway as Oval Invincibles coach in women’s Hundred

Matt Roller23-Feb-2021

Andy Flower has replaced Stephen Fleming as Trent Rockets coach•Getty Images

Stephen Fleming has stepped back from his role as Trent Rockets’ coach in the Hundred, with Andy Flower confirmed as his replacement.Fleming, the long-term head coach of IPL side Chennai Super Kings, took part in the competition’s inaugural draft in October 2019, but opted against travelling to the UK this summer. It is understood that Fleming had intended to bring his family over, but was unclear whether he would be able to do so with the country still in lockdown and decided to resign from the job.”I’m really disappointed that I won’t be coach of the side this summer but ultimately family has to come first,” Fleming said. “The current global crisis has made it very difficult to travel and the extra time needed for quarantines has made it hard to get the right work/home balance.  Andy is a world-class coach with experience all over the world and I’m sure the Trent Rockets men’s team will have a fantastic first season of the Hundred with him behind them.”Related

The Hundred to launch with women's fixture on July 21

The Hundred – men's draft announcements

The Hundred – full 2021 squad lists

Flower: Looking after the person more important than developing the player

Flower, his replacement, has a growing reputation as a franchise coach. He is currently with Multan Sultans in the PSL after leading them to the top of the group stages in his first season. He has also coached Maratha Arabians to an Abu Dhabi T10 title, finished as a runner-up with St Lucia Zouks in the CPL and Delhi Bulls in the Abu Dhabi T10, and worked as Kings XI Punjab’s assistant coach in last year’s IPL.Flower was involved in the Rockets’ recruitment in Monday’s draft, which saw them sign Timm van der Gugten and Samit Patel to complete their squad. However, it is understood that some squad members were unaware of the change of coach until Tuesday.”Stephen will be a tough act to follow, but the guys put together a really strong squad in the original draft with a mix of international and local talent,” Flower said. “We have built on it in this draft with van der Gugten and Patel joining.”Flower’s appointment will reignite the debate over the absence of any British head coaches in the men’s Hundred, which came in for criticism when jobs were initially offered in 2019. All eight head coaches in the men’s competition are from overseas, though the majority of support staff are British.Jonathan Batty will replace Lydia Greenway as Oval Invincibles head coach•Getty Images

There has also been a change of head coach in the women’s competition, with Lydia Greenway stepping down from her role at Oval Invincibles. She will be replaced by Jonathan Batty, the former Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and Surrey wicketkeeper, who was in interim charge of South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy last summer.It is understood that Greenway is still likely to be involved in the competition as a commentator, having previously worked for both Sky Sports and the BBC.

Imagine him & Summerville: West Ham make contact to sign Havertz 2.0

West Ham United are demonstrating some convincing ambition in the transfer market this summer, with Julen Lopetegui whipping his outfit into life after succeeding David Moyes at the start of the summer.

A host of exciting signings have been made but there is plenty more to do in east London, with the role of starring talisman still advertised despite the likes of Michail Antonio and Danny Ings residing in the ranks.

Max Kilman (£40m)

Flynn Downes (£17m)

Luis Guilherme (£25m)

Said Benrahma (£13m)

Wes Foderingham (free)

Thilo Kehrer (£9.5m)

Nathan Trott (£1m)

Ben Johnson (free)

Divin Mubama (free)

Angelo Ogbonna (free)

Lopetegui is polishing his team but now is the time for a new focal frontman, and recent reports suggest that the perfect addition is being lined up.

West Ham targetting striker

According to Tuttosport, West Ham are looking to inject some mettle upfront through the signing of Juventus' Arkadiusz Milik, with the 30-year-old centre-forward on the market this summer.

Efforts are being made to sign Leeds United's attacking linchpin Crysencio Summerville to strengthen the flank, meaning that moving to sign Milik could prove to be an astute option.

Juventus are hoping to collect around €7m (£6m) for the Poland international's sale, so the Irons faithful could yet see two more exciting attacking additions to bolster Lopetegui's accord.

Arkadiusz Milik in action for Poland

However, with Brentford and Everton also sniffing around, United technical director Tim Steidten might want to pull the trigger on this one with haste, with the trio of Premier League clubs having all lodged enquiries regarding a deal for the experienced number nine.

What Arkadiusz Milik would bring to West Ham

Milik has led a storied, wandering career, featuring across Europe and earning 73 international caps for Poland, scoring 17 times.

He has been firmly placed in a peripheral role with the Old Lady of late, however, earning just nine starts across the 2023/24 campaign. Of course, the Pole did score eight times, speaking of his inborn goalscoring instinct.

And so what? He's not just a goalscorer. As per FBref, the 6 foot 1 striker ranked among the top 12% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues last season for shots taken, the top 8% for pass completion, the top 13% for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for interceptions per 90.

Such technical soundness has led him to be linked with some of the continent's most creative strikers, with Arsenal's Kai Havertz even considered to be of a similar style by FBref's statistic-crunching algorithm.

Havertz, who Arsenal signed from Chelsea in a deal worth about £65m last summer, grew in strength throughout the 2023/24 campaign, producing some terrific numbers toward the business end after a slow – but still spirited – start, ultimately scoring 14 goals in all competitions.

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz

So unique in his approach to the forward game, Havertz is technically gifted and silky-smooth in his movements, threading the team together. Indeed, he ranked among the top 15% of forwards in the Premier League last year for pass completion, shot-creating actions and aerial duels won, the top 9% for passes attempted and the top 11% for progressive passes per 90.

His proclivity for popping up in big, all-important moments was a thing to behold, and having averaged 5.3 successful duels per game too, he has the combative sheen necessary to serve his multi-functioning attacking role well. Milik, to a different degree, could operate as such at the Hammers spearhead.

Carlo Ancelotti once hailed Milik's "sensational" striking ability, and indeed he has demonstrated time and time again throughout his career his aptitude as his team's frontal focal point.

How Milik could thrive alongside Summerville

Imposing, intelligent and crafty, the £73k-per-week ace could prove to be the aforementioned Summerville's dream partner up front, bouncing off the Dutchman's electrifying pace and fear-inducing dribbling skills to quite the resounding effect.

Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville

Playing that Havertz-like position, he would help the Leeds man's shooting ability to flourish, providing selfless, ball-playing support to maximise the pace and power of his flanker.

Furthermore, think of Jarrod Bowen. The Three Lions star is West Ham's main man from an attacking standpoint, the fulcrum of Moyes' illustrious tenure. He tallied 20 goals from 44 appearances last season, so clinical, so effective as he alternated between centre-forward and right-wing.

1.

Jarrod Bowen

44

20

2.

Mohammed Kudus

45

14

3.

Tomas Soucek

52

10

4.

Lucas Paqueta

43

8

5.

Michail Antonio

32

7

5.

James Ward-Prowse

51

7

Bowen was a machine in front of goal last year; Brentford boss Thomas Frank even hailed him as "unplayable"; West Ham must now complete two deals to place a player of similar quality on the alternate wing in Summerville, and, centrally, weave it all together with the deployment of Milik.

Summerville, after all, bagged 19 goals and nine assists in the Championship last season, crowned the division's MVP following his ground-shattering individual success.

It would be criminal for the dynamo to be plying his trade below Premier League level next season, and West Ham must now ensure that they complete two impactful signings to ensure that Lopetegui's newly formed philosophy goes off without a hitch.

Imagine him & Summerville: West Ham 'close' in on exciting new signing

West Ham looking to add firepower along with Summerville in attack

ByConnor Holden Jul 23, 2024

Birmingham struck gold on star worth more than Bielik who Davies will love

Birmingham City won't fondly look back on their 2023/24 campaign any time soon, with the crushing blow of relegation still raw to those at St. Andrew's.

The best way to get over such a blow would be to immediately bounce straight back to the Championship, not wanting to prolong their stay in League One for too long, before re-entering the second tier revitalised and ready to compete at that level again.

With Chris Davies now at the helm, a bright future could be on the horizon, with the former Tottenham Hotspur assistant manager no doubt assessing his squad ahead of the challenging third-tier season that awaits him.

So, who could star under the new manager? Well, he should be safe knowing that this Blues face could be a top performer when dropping down a division.

Lee Buchanan's transfer to Birmingham

Signed before a ball was kicked last season, Lee Buchanan could have been one of a number of players shown the exit door this summer, considering his side's disastrous showing in the Championship.

Yet, Buchanan – who was purchased for a sizeable £1.3m reportedly – will remain in Davies' starting XI for the drop-down, as the 23-year-old showed flashes of the quality that saw him win a bumper move to Werder Bremen in 2022, after initially coming through the Derby County youth ranks.

The ex-Rams defender would go on to make 32 league appearances in total, keeping a respectable nine clean sheets whenever he was fielded.

One performance, in particular, against Preston North End – where the Blues won 1-0 to keep their hopes of staying up alive at the start of April – will have caught Davies' eye when pondering his team for League One, with Buchanan showing that he can complete his defensive basics well with six clearances amassed and six duels won.

Stat

Buchanan

Minutes played

90

Touches

100

Key passes

1

Clearances

6

Tackles

2

Duels won

6/7

Interceptions

2

Shots on goal

1

Stats by Sofascore

But, as can be seen when glancing at the table above, he was equally lively in trying to make things click going forward, accumulating a ridiculous 100 touches, with one shot at goal even clipping the crossbar.

As a result, the new Blues boss will be excited to see what he can do at League One level, considering Buchanan netted in the Bundesliga during the 2022/23 season for ex-club Bremen, showcasing his obvious pedigree.

The 23-year-old is even worth more than Krystian Bielik in the current Birmingham camp, according to Football Transfers, which could mean if this move doesn't work out down the line, they could cash in for some serious profit.

Buchanan's transfer value in 2024

According to the site, Buchanan's transfer value has already soared all the way up to £3.2m, with the left-back's reputation in the game not yet taking a bruising.

Bielik, who was once a record capture for his ex-employers in Derby at £10m, has found his value has shrunk all the way down to a lesser £2.8m, in contrast, as Davies now weighs up what importance his new 26-year-old player will have in his somewhat new-look team next season.

The Polish defensive midfielder, who can also be beneficial to his side as a centre-back, will also be one that could be pushed nearer to the exit door soon owing to his high wage demands, which comes in at a hefty £20k-per-week for the low level.

With Jordan James the only other player in the Birmingham ranks at the moment boasting a higher worth than Buchanan, as the 19-year-old has a £6.3m price-tag slapped above his head, the 5 foot 9 full-back will have a major role to play in the West Midlands side striving to win promotion.

It will be intriguing to see Davies in the main managerial hot seat as a relative unknown entity in this position, hoping players such as Buchanan can perform, so he doesn't up being another casualty in the dug-out at St. Andrew's if it all goes pear-shaped.

Twine signs & PL loanee in: Chris Davies' dream lineup at Birmingham

Birmingham City will look to make a whole host of new signings to attempt an immediate return to the Championship.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 11, 2024

Southampton reach agreement with £42k-p/w ace ahead of permanent transfer

Southampton have reportedly reached an agreement with an “incredible” player ahead of a permanent St Mary’s transfer.

Southampton planning for Premier League return

The Saints and Russell Martin secured promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking following a Championship playoff final win over Leeds United last month.

Following the victory at Wembley, Martin admitted that he isn’t planning on changing his style for the top flight in 2024/25.

“For me, if you win this way, it’s the best way. There’s no right or wrong way but it’s what I believe in, it’s what we believe in. And we finally won something doing it … so I guess it will be some form of validation for some people. I love what we do and I’m not going to change and I’m sure it will start – it probably already has – that we won’t play this way in the Premier League and all of that stuff, the scrutiny and the intensity that will come with that. It is up to us to prove ourselves right and make sure we embrace it without losing who we are.”

Southampton now eyeing move for "intelligent" £35,000-a-week La Liga ace

He has some Premier League experience…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 6, 2024

The club will more than likely be busy in the summer transfer window looking to bolster their squad, with a permanent move for Taylor Harwood-Bellis already secured due to an obligation to buy clause in his loan deal from Manchester City. Meanwhile, there have been rumours about a return to the south coast for Adam Lallana, whereas a bid has been made for teenage forward Jeronimo Domina.

Alongside Harwood-Bellis, the Saints could also look at permanent moves for fellow loan stars Flynn Downes and Ryan Fraser from West Ham and Newcastle United respectively, and it looks as if there has been a development with the latter.

Southampton reach Ryan Fraser agreement

According to The Athletic, Newcastle are looking to offload Fraser this summer and the player ‘has agreed a deal with Southampton’. It is added that ‘there are just details to be finalised with Newcastle’ ahead of a St Mary’s return.

Fraser played his part in the Saints’ promotion-winning campaign, making 44 appearances across the season, scoring eight times and registering three assists. The 30-year-old, on £42,000-a-week, started against Leeds at Wembley and was hailed as “incredible” by Martin following the win.

"Me, him and Matt Ritchie had many an evening in the Scotland squad where we would usually end up wrestling or fighting on some level.

"I know he's strong. I know he's aggressive. People questioned why we signed Wee Man. I knew him so well as a teammate and he has had a really tough couple of seasons. He has been incredible for us. "Not just with his performances but in training every day, the way he is has been amazing."

A permanent move to the south coast appears to be on the cards, and he’ll offer Martin plenty of Premier League experience back in the top flight, looking to add to his 173 games in the division next season.

João Gomes pode aumentar a lista: veja promessas da base negociadas pelo Flamengo em 2021

MatériaMais Notícias

O volante João Gomes pode ser mais um jogador formado na base do Flamengo a deixar o clube. Na última semana, o Rubro-Negro recebeuuma proposta do Al Ain, dos Emirados Árabes, e o jogador pode estar de saída do time que o revelou para o futebol. Por isso, a seguir, o LANCE! relembra jogadores da base que foram negociados recentemente pelo Fla.

>ATUAÇÕES: Gabi comanda vitória do Fla sobre o Santos e recebe a maior nota

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A mais recente venda foi de Klebinho, que rescindiu com o Flamengo para fechar com oGuayaquil City, do Equador, até dezembro de 2022 – na negociação, o clube carioca manteve uma parte dos direitos econômicos. O jogador foi revelado na base rubro-negra e teve algumas oportunidades na equipe profissional em 2018 e 2019.

Entre 2019 e 2020, o lateral-direito foi emprestado ao Tokyo Verdy, do Japão. Por lá, disputou 31 partidas, não marcou gols, mas contribuiu com quatro assistências. Antes de ser negociado para o time equatoriano, Klebinho teve uma rápida passagem, também por empréstimo, pelo Cruzeiro. Hoje, o Flamengo conta com Isla, Matheuzinho e Rodinei para a posição.

>Com Andreas, Flamengo já tem 20 jogadores que fizeram gols na temporada

> Veja a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Ainda em janeiro deste ano, o Flamengo vendeu Yuri César aopara o Shabab Al Ahli Club, dos Emirados Árabes. Com a transação, o Rubro-Negro recebeu cerca de R$ 31 milhões.

Vale lembrar que Yuri César estava no Fortaleza, onde chegou por empréstimo em março de 2020. Assim, a diretoria do Leão do Pici informou que o clube cearense recebeu R$ 1,15 milhão pela venda do atacante.

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No mesmo mês, o Flamengo acertou a venda do atacante Lincoln para o Vissel Kobe, do Japão. Com a negociação,o Rubro-Negro receberá 3 milhões de dólares (cerca de R$ 15,6 milhões na cotação da época), em parcelas a serem depositadas ao longo de 2021.

Com um contrato de três anos e opção de extensão por mais um, o Vissel Kobe adquire 75% dos direitos econômicos do atleta. Vale lembrar que, inicialmente, a oferta japonesa foi pelo empréstimo do atacante, mas Lincoln foi negociado em definitivo.

Lincoln foi formado nas divisões de base do Rubro-Negro e tinha contrato válido até dezembro de 2023. Na equipe profissional do Flamengo desde 2017, o centroavante já disputou 64 partidas e marcou oito gols pelo Rubro-Negro. No entanto, eleperdeu espaço no elenco profissional nas últimas semanas de 2020 e, mais recentemente, não fazia mais parte dos planos do clube.

Em fevereiro, o Flamengo emprestou o meia-atacante Bill aonipro-1, da Ucrânia. O vínculo é por uma temporada, mas o clube, no site oficial, confirmou que existe uma opção de compra definida.

Segundo o jornal “O Dia” reportou na época, a opção de compra estabelecida por ambas as partes equivale a 1 milhão de euros (cerca de R$ 6,6 milhões, na cotação de quando o acordo foi firmado).

Uma das principais promessas recente da base, Bill chegou ao Flamengo após se destacar pelo Nova Iguaçu e tem, ao todo, 62 gols em 187 partidas pelo clube – um gol e três jogos pelo time profissional. Campeão da Copa São Paulo em 2018, o atacante disputou a Série B do Brasileiro de 2019 pela Ponte Preta e, em 2020, esteve cedido ao CRB, onde teve uma passagem apagada e uma saída conturbada.

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Em março, foi a vez do zagueiro Natan se despedir do Flamengo. O defensor chegou porempréstimo válido até janeiro de 2022, com cláusula que obriga o Braga a exercer a opção de compra do jogador caso o mesmo atue em um número mínimo de jogos. Ao todo, a transação pode render R$ 27 milhões aos cofres do Flamengo.

De imediato, o clube recebeu R$ 5 milhões pelo empréstimo de Natan até dezembro. Ao fim da cessão, o Red Bull Bragantino terá que desembolsar mais R$ 22 milhões para contratá-lo em definitivo.No entanto, a negociação, que envolveu três times, foi complexa. Abaixo, o L! explica.

Os direitos de Natan são divididos entre Flamengo, que tem 60%, e Porto Vitória, clube do Espírito Santo que detém os outros 40%. Na negociação, o Rubro-Negro receberá uma fatia de 22% da equipe capixaba antes de vender 70% para o Red Bull Bragantino.

Dessa forma, ao fim da transferência em dezembro de 2021, o Flamengo manterá 12% dos direitos de Natan, o Porto Vitória ficará com 18% e o RB Bragantino será o detentor dos 70% restantes. Os detalhes da divisão dos direitos econômicos foram divulgados inicialmente pelo jornalista Venê Casagrande, do jornal “O Dia”.

Em abril, foi a vez de Pepê deixar o Flamengo para acertar com o Cuiabá por três anos. Revelado nas categorias de base do Rubro-Negro, o meio-campista ainda tinha mais dois meses de contrato com o clube carioca, que permaneceu com 20% dos direitos econômicos.

Em 2020, Pepê ganhou chances em sequência a partir de novembro, com a chegada de Ceni, participando de dez rodadas na reta final do Brasileiro.No início desta temporada, ele foi titular nas cinco partidas do Campeonato Carioca, período no qual o Rubro-Negro atuou com um time alternativo comandada por Maurício Souza, do time sub-20.

Ainda vale lembrar que em dezembro do ano passado, o meia teve o vínculo renovado – se encerrava na virada para 2021 – até junho deste ano. Uma nova extensão foi estudada, mas a pauta não avançou. Pepê também esteve perto de deixar a Gávea rumo ao Botafogo em 2020, mas negócio travado pela rivalidade na última hora.

Outro jogador a deixar o Flamengo para acertar com o Cuiabá foi o lateral João Lucas. Em maio, o jogadorfoi emprestado pelo Rubro-Negro ao Dourado até o fim de 2021 para a disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro.

João Lucas foi contratado pelo Flamengo após se destacar pelo Bangu no Carioca de 2019. No Rubro-Negro, ele fez parte do elenco campeão da Libertadores em 2019 e do Brasileirão em 2019 e 2020, além da Recopa Sul-Americana, da Supercopa do Brasil 2020 e do Carioca em 2020.

No contrato de empréstimo, ficou acordado que o Cuiabá arcará integralmente com os salários do lateral-direito, mas não terá opção de compra. Para concretizar a negociação e não correr o risco de perder o jogador de graça, o Flamengo estendeu o contrato com João Lucas até junho de 2022.

Em junho, o Flamengo oficializou o empréstimo de Richard Riosao Mazatlán, da primeira divisão mexicana.O volante colombiano, que passou pelas divisões de base do Ninho do Urubu, assinou vínculo com o clube até 30 de junho de 2022. Assim, ele prorrogou seu contrato com o Rubro-Negro até junho de 2023.

Richard chegou ao Flamengo em 2019 após chamar a atenção pela seleção de futsal da Colômbia. O jovem meio-campista se adaptou rapidamente ao campo e, na temporada passada e na atual, participou da conquista do Campeonato Carioca sub-20. Fora isso, ele foi campeão do Estadual, do Brasileiro, do OPG e da Supercopa em 2019.

Com a idade estourada para jogar no time sub-20, Richard atuou em quatro partidas nesta temporada, todas pelo Estadual. Além disso, ele vinha com pouco espaço – o último jogo ocorreu no dia 27 de março e por poucos minutos na reta final.

No mesmo mês, apenas dois dias depois,Montpellier anunciou o zagueiro Thuler, ex-Flamengo, como reforço para a temporada 2021/22. O jogador chega ao clube francês por empréstimo e assina por um ano. Há uma opção de compra após este período, avaliada em 2,5 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 14,6 milhões na cotação da época). De imediato, o time da Gávea recebeu 200 mil euros pelo acordo (R$ 1,1 milhão, também na cotação da época).

O zagueiro, vale lembrar, tem vínculo com o Flamengo até dezembro de 2024. Cria do Ninho, Thuler estreou entre os profissionais em 2017 e viveu o melhor momento no clube em 2019, com 17 partidas, participando das conquistas da Libertadores e do Brasileirão. Entretanto, ele perdeu espaço e não atuava desde novembro de 2020.

Em julho, foi a vez de Ronaldo se despedir do Flamengo. Revelado pelo clube em 2015, o volante estava fora dos planos do até então técnico Rogério Ceni, ele assinou com Shimizu S-Pulse, do Japão. Como o contrato com o Rubro-Negro expirou, o clube não recebeu pela transferência.

Vale lembrar que oFluminense chegou a apresentar uma proposta ao jogador e quase conseguiu fechar o contrato, mas a oferta do clube japonês foi maior. Em março, o Cruzeiro também demonstrou interesse por Ronaldo, que tentou uma rescisão amigável com o Flamengo, porém sem sucesso.

Em julho, o Flamengo finalizou a operação para a transferência de Hugo Moura ao Lugano, da Suíça. No acordo, estava previsto o empréstimo do volantepor um ano, sem compensação financeira, e com opção de compra estabelecida no contrato.

A contratação de Hugo Moura, inclusive, foi um pedido do técnico Abel Braga, que está no Lugano desde junho. O treinador trabalhou com o volante em 2019, nos tempos de Flamengo, e foi ele justamente quem promoveu o jogador aos profissionais.

No ano passado, ele esteve cedido ao Coritiba e, apesar do rebaixamento, foi um dos destaques da equipe no Campeonato Brasileiro. Com 23 anos, Hugo Moura tem contrato com o Rubro-Negro até dezembro de 2023. Na temporada atual, ele soma 20 partidas e um gol marcado, no clássico contra o Botafogo pela Taça Guanabara.

Em agosto, o Fulham, time da segunda divisão inglesa, oficializou a compra de Rodrigo Muniz, ex-Flamengo.Na negociação, o Rubro-Negro, que não divulgou números oficiais da transação, manteve 25% dos direitos do jogador, vendido por 8 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 50 milhões na cotação da época).

O pagamento, vale destacar, será realizado em duas parcelas de 4 milhões de euros: uma em 2021, e a segunda, em 2022.Artilheiro de diversos torneios nas divisões de base, Rodrigo Muniz passou a receber oportunidades na equipe principal do Flamengo em 2020, e correspondeu à altura. Em 32 partidas – sendo dez como titular – o atacante marcou dez gols.

Como um “Garoto do Ninho”, o atacante ainda conquistou o Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20 e a Supercopa do Brasil Sub-20, em 2019. Além disso, faturou a Copa do Brasil Sub-17, em 2018.

'We ate them alive!' – Unhappy Erik ten Hag demands Man Utd be 'more clinical' after wasteful display in Crystal Palace draw

Erik ten Hag urged Manchester United to be more clinical as they once again dropped points against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

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  • Ten Hag unhappy with United result
  • Man Utd held to a goalless draw
  • Manager wants players to be more clinical
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Red Devils failed to find the back of the net even once despite being the more dominant side as Crystal Palace held them to a goalless draw in a Premier League clash on Saturday at Selhurst Park. Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho missed two big chances in the first half, the second of which saw him hit the crossbar from inside the box.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Ten Hag was expectedly unhappy with his team's inability to convert chances despite showing domination on the pitch as he urged the players to be more clinical. United have managed to score just five goals in as many matches in the league so far this season.

  • WHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID

    Speaking to after the match, the Dutch coach said: "When we don't win, I'm not content. We should have won. I think first half, we ate them alive. Then in the second half, it was more in the balance but first half, we should have scored one or two goals."

    When specifically asked if their poor finishing let the team down, Ten Hag added: "I don't think [so], we played very good. Total control of the game. In and out of possession, I think we played very good. The only thing was in the box, that is where the game is always decided. We should be more clinical there."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

    With seven points from their first five Premier League games, the Manchester club find themselves 11th on the league table. They will be next seen in action on Wednesday evening as they take on Twente in their Europa League opener.

7/10 Celtic star has made himself undroppable before Old Firm clash

Celtic took another step in the right direction as they attempt to win the Scottish Premiership title for the third season running with a 3-0 win over Hearts on Saturday.

The Hoops hosted the Jam Tarts at Parkhead and secured a comfortable victory in Glasgow, thanks to two first-half goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and a late penalty from Matt O'Riley.

Brendan Rodgers' side are bidding to ensure that they do not end the campaign without a trophy to show for their efforts, having been knocked out of Europe and the League Cup earlier this term, and have a huge match upcoming in the title race against Rangers next weekend.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers watches on.

One player who has played themselves into being undroppable for the Old Firm clash with his performances in recent weeks is forward James Forrest, who put in a fantastic display against Hearts.

James Forrest's performance against Hearts in numbers

The experienced winger was selected to line up on the left side of the attack on Saturday, with Daizen Maeda returning to the bench, and justified his selection with a fine showing.

Forrest, who was handed a match rating of 7/10 by the Daily Record, did not register a goal or an assist for his efforts throughout the afternoon against Steven Naismith's side but did offer quality in and out of possession.

The Scottish whiz had more touches (50) of the ball than Kyogo (20), who scored the first two goals for the Hoops, and this speaks to how frequently he got on the ball in an attempt to make things happen.

Minutes played

84

Sofascore rating

7.6

Key passes

2

Dribbles completed

3/4

Duels won

7/11

Tackles won

3

Pass accuracy

86%

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed speedster created two chances, was efficient in his dribble attempts, and worked hard for the team defensively to make tackles in order to break up Hearts attacks.

Why James Forrest is now undroppable

The 32-year-old Celtic star has stepped up in recent weeks with a string of superb performances on the flank, which is why he should now be undroppable for Rodgers heading into the clash with Rangers at Parkhead next Saturday.

In his last seven appearances for the Bhoys in all competitions, Forrest has racked up an eye-catching four goals and one assist for the Scottish giants.

Celtic winger James Forrest.

Maeda – the manager's alternative option for the role on the left of the front three – has scored four goals and provided two assists in 23 Premiership starts this season.

This suggests that the Scotsman could, given his recent output in front of goal, offer more than the Japan international in the final third, which is why he deserves to keep his place in the team.

Forrest, who has won 52% of his ground duels in the league, also works hard for the team, as shown by his three tackles won on Saturday, to go along with his attacking actions.

The veteran forward should, therefore, be undroppable after his latest impressive showing on the left wing, given his superior attacking statistics in comparison to Maeda and red-hot form in the final third.

Football's craziest transfers: Sleeping on the bench?! How Julien Faubert snoozed his way through a bizarre spell at Real Madrid

The Frenchman's shock loan to the Spanish giants promised so little, and still managed to deliver even less

It was a season to forget for Real Madrid. Despite having a squad full of big names, the 2008-09 campaign was a total failure as they finished well behind Barcelona to surrender their La Liga crown, and crashed out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey embarrassingly early.

There was, however, something about that diabolical year that gives it a special place in the annals of football history, as it involved one of the most baffling transfers in modern history.

When the kings of Europe put in a call to sign West Ham's unspectacular full-back Julien Faubert, both his agent and the player himself suspected they were on the wrong end of some bizarre prank. Imagine, then, the reactions of football fans around the continent when the one-time France international was unveiled as a new addition at Santiago Bernabeu.

What followed was not a simple flop signing. It was a mystifying and humorous debacle that included accidentally skipped training sessions and supposedly falling asleep on the bench, bringing something memorable to an otherwise empty season in Madrid.

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    State of play

    Real Madrid had built a rather strong squad for the 2008-09 season. The Spanish giants boasted the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Fabio Cannavaro, Raul, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Iker Casillas, Marcelo, Arjen Robben, Gonzalo Higuain, Wesley Sneijder, Guti, Gabriel Heinze and Javier Saviola in their ranks.

    The pressure, then, was on coach Bernd Schuster to improve on the previous campaign's results as, despite having won La Liga, their last-16 Champions League elimination did not sit well with the club's hierarchy and fans, and much more was expected this time around.

    By early-December, though, Madrid's season was almost in ruins. They sat fifth in the table after losing 4-3 to Sevilla, and with a Clasico against Barcelona up next, they could not risk the degradation continuing, so they sacked Schuster and brought in Juande Ramos.

    He managed to turn things around – only after losing 2-0 to Barca – but it was clear the squad needed more work in January. And so, they dipped into the transfer market, signing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Ajax and Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth.

    That, apparently, wasn’t enough, as the Bernabeu decision-makers decided to make one last signing on the final day of the transfer window – bringing in Faubert from West Ham. The Frenchman joined on an initial loan deal with an option to sign him to a three-year contract in the summer.

    It was a bewildering transfer, sure, but an opportunity for the right-back to prove his worth and earn a tremendous step up to the biggest team on the planet. Did he seize the opportunity and make the most of it? Well, there’s a reason this isn’t the story of 'Julien Faubert, Real Madrid legend'.

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    'No time for this bullsh*t'

    Faubert was hardly a phenomenon for West Ham. Having struggled with injuries in his first season at Upton Park, he was not setting the world alight in his second. He started 15 of their 23 Premier League games in the first half of an inconsistent campaign under Alan Curbishley, who was later replaced by Gianfranco Zola. So, it's easy to understand why his own agent was confused when the Spanish giants came calling in January.

    Yvan Le Mee later told the story: “I called a friend in Spain. I said: ‘Look, somebody from Real Madrid called me about Faubert. It’s so strange.’ He called the sports director to check and phoned me back. ‘Yvan, it’s true. They want to see you at 7am tomorrow at Heathrow airport’.”

    Even Faubert was in disbelief. "We were on the team bus making our way to Upton Park to play Fulham," he said years later. "I received a call from this French guy at Real Madrid and he said to me: ‘Hi, I work for Real Madrid and we have to talk to you.’ I told him I have an important game to prepare for and I don’t have time for this bullsh*t. I switched off my phone, we played the game and after the match I switched on my phone and saw around 30 text messages and 50 voicemails. That’s when I knew it was serious.

    "So I called my manager and he said to me we have to talk with Real Madrid because they are in a hotel at Heathrow. It was the last day of the transfer window and we went there and started to negotiate."

    Even as the negotiations started, it was unclear if Madrid really wanted Faubert. They were hoping to sign Antonio Valencia, but were hesitant to meet Wigan’s £25 million demands. It was coach Ramos, fresh off of a spell at Tottenham, who had been pushing for them to sign Faubert instead after being impressed by him in the London derby matches against West Ham.

    Soon, talks with Wigan over Valencia broke down and Faubert became the only option with the transfer window nearing its end, and a loan deal was arranged.

  • The journey begins

    Even after Madrid confirmed the signing of Faubert, few could still believe it. The perplexing nature of the move is perfectly captured in Madrid icon and honorary president Alfredo Di Stefano’s utter shock as he stared at the new signing while holding up his shirt to present him to the press.

    Faubert had come through the same youth academy as Madrid and Fance legend Zinedine Zidane, but no one was under any illusions that he would replicate his compatriot.

    The full-back had to wait just over a week for his debut. He was named on the bench for a La Liga game against Racing Santander and replaced Robben for the final 30 minutes as Madrid went on to win 1-0. His performance did nothing to stun coach Ramos, though, as it would be over a month before he would play again – coming off the bench again to play 24 minutes in a 5-2 win against Athletic Club.

    That would be his final appearance – 54 minutes in total, meaning Madrid paid €28,000 per minute considering the €1.5 million loan fee they spent to bring him in.

    “I didn’t have the opportunity to show what I could do on the field. I worked hard, but Robben played in my position. A player who scored goals in every game,” Faubert said.

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    Benched

    The shock of the move and his failures in the Spanish capital made Faubert a bit of a laughing stock. One criticism he received was that he was not fit enough to play for Los Blancos, which he explained away in hilarious fashion, saying: “I have never been a slim or slender player. I was in shape, it must be the colour of the white shirt that makes you gain weight!”

    Things only got worse, though. He was left out of the squad for a game against Recreativo Huelva on a Saturday evening in April. When the team got together the next day for training, Faubert was nowhere to be seen, as he thought he had the day off.

    “I always asked some player who spoke English or Lass Diarra what schedule we had and that time I left without asking. That went against me,” he said.

    He ended up receiving a fine, even if Ramos did not take it too seriously. “The boy had a lapse, but nothing more,” he said. "He thought that Sunday was a day off, as was the natural rule . It was a lapse, and there is no problem.”

    The comedy only increased from then, culminating in him being ridiculed for apparently falling asleep on the bench in a match against Villarreal. Faubert has always denied that his eyes were closed, but he did admit that he had such a relaxed, disinterested demeanour because he was “angry” that he would not get to play as the season neared its end.

    The following week, his final game at the Bernabeu, fans held up a banner that read: "Thank you for everything, Faubert".

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