As she stood on the podium to receive her silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Harmanpreet Kaur’s body language told you of the hurt of having missed another golden opportunity to beat Australia in a final.Minutes later, as she gathered her thoughts to speak to the media, Harmanpreet was a lot more accepting of the result and spoke of the effect it could have on a young generation of Indian women who want to play the sport.”I’m happy and satisfied with the way we played throughout,” Harmanpreet said after India fell short of the gold medal by nine runs. “I know we were close to winning gold, but all around our performance was great. This is the first time we got to play in this tournament and we’re happy to have won a silver medal.”A medal is something people back home will get inspired by, and they could start playing cricket. As a team, we want to inspire young girls. Doing well on this platform will motivate a lot of people back home.”Related

• Mooney, Gardner and Schutt lead Australia to gold in pulsating final

• Tahlia McGrath plays CWG final despite testing positive for Covid-19

Even as the gold medal slipped out of their reach, India won plenty of admirers with their actions even before a ball was bowled in the final. Australian allrounder Tahlia McGrath testing positive for Covid-19 cast a shadow over her participation, even as the CWG rules deemed her fit enough to play.The toss had to be delayed in the wake of this development, but Harmanpreet later explained the sequence of events that led to McGrath’s inclusion in Australia’s XI.”They informed us before the toss,” Harmanpreet said. “That was something not in our control. The CWG had to take a decision and we were okay with it since she [Tahlia McGrath] wasn’t very ill, so we decided to play. We had to show sportsman spirit. I’m happy we didn’t say no to Tahlia, it [missing the final] would have been very hard-hitting for her.”Once they took the field, India played aggressively, like they had all tournament. They attacked with the bat to score 150-plus in four of their five matches, and in the absence of veterans like Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey, a young bowling attack showed India’s future is in skilled hands.Renuka Singh, in particular, was menacing with her late inswing. Offspinner Sneh Rana handled high-pressure situations with maturity, while Deepti Sharma and Meghna Singh were also impressive in patches.In the grand finale, India’s fielding was top notch. Radha Yadav pulled off a superb run-out at the bowler’s end – back-flicking the ball between her legs during her follow through – to dismiss the dangerous Meg Lanning, and then took a diving catch at point to dismiss McGrath. There was also a one-handed stunner from Deepti and a catch running back by Meghna, all of which contributed to India restricting Australia to 161 for 8.2:23

Rodrigues: ‘This team has a lot of potential and will do wonders’

“If you want to beat this Australian team, you have to field well,” Harmanpreet said. “If you give them easy runs, they can easily take the game away. We discussed it in the team meeting and Radha set the example for us.”The effort we put up today is something we wanted to do. I know the last 2-3 overs [in the chase] were not in our favour but throughout the game, the way we played was outstanding to watch. We’ve been working on our fielding for a long time. I’m happy with the way we fielded today.”During the chase, India lost two early wickets but Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues added 96 to revive India’s gold-medal hopes, before they lost their last eight wickets for 34 runs.”After losing two crucial wickets, the way Jemi and I batted was much needed at that time,” Harmanpreet said. “You need to hold your nerves. We were nearly there. Maybe if Pooja [Vastrakar] or I were around, we could’ve won the game. But that is part of the game; sometimes, some things you can’t control. It is great learning for us.”I am someone who is always looking for one more batter in the side. Unfortunately, we’re working on that. Once we get that, this thing [collapsing] will go away. Every time in big finals, we make the same mistakes again and again [with the bat], that is something we have to improve. We don’t do these mistakes in the league phase or in bilateral. That is blocking our mind somewhere.”When asked to sum up where they are as a team, Harmanpreet echoed Lanning’s thoughts that India weren’t far away from becoming a dominant force.”Yes definitely, I know we could’ve easily won gold, but something is better than nothing, at least we got silver,” Harmanpreet said. “We deserved it for so much hard work. If not gold, we’re satisfied with what we got today.”[As a team] we are on the right track, we just need to keep working hard. As Lanning said, we’re not far from dominating across formats.”

Leeds United are fighting to secure promotion to the Premier League this season after they just fell short at the final hurdle at the end of Daniel Farke’s first year at the club.

The Whites lost 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley, one step away from the top-flight, after they missed out on automatic promotion by finishing in the top two.

They are currently on course to right that wrong as they sit in first place in the Championship table after 26 games, one point ahead of Sheffield United and Burnley.

The West Yorkshire outfit could have been three points clear at the top of the table if they had avoided dropping a two-goal lead to Hull away from home at the weekend.

Despite the strong position that Leeds are in at this moment in time, Farke could look to use the January transfer window, which officially opened for business last week, to bolster his squad.

The German head coach is reportedly looking to add another forward to the group and has his eyes on a player from one of the club’s Championship rivals.

Leeds United eyeing Championship star

According to LeedsUnitedNews, the Whites are interested in a deal to sign Middlesbrough centre-forward Emmanuel Latte Lath in the January window.

The report claims that Leeds are considering a bid to tempt the striker away from Michael Carrick’s team ahead of the second half of the season, as they want to add another number nine to their squad.

It states that Latte Lath is a player that the club like and one that they are now weighing up an offer for, although there is no mention of how much they would be prepared to spend on the attacker.

The outlet adds that Premier League sides West Ham United, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town are also keen on a deal to sign the 26-year-old marksman, which shows that there is plenty of competition for his services this month.

Meanwhile, Football Insider claims that Middlesbrough are demanding a fee of £15m in order to part ways with the Ivory Coast international, amid plenty of interest from elsewhere in snatching him away from Teeside.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It now remains to be seen whether or not any of the Premier League clubs or Leeds are willing to match their demands to pay £15m for the Boro sensation before the end of the January transfer window.

If the 49ers can strike a deal to bring Latte Lath to Elland Road ahead of the second half of the season, the 26-year-old star will have to compete with the strikers that Farke already has at his disposal.

The form of Leeds United's strikers this season

The Whites already have three recognised centre-forward options in the current first-team squad, in Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph, and Patrick Bamford on the books.

They have contributed with 12 goals and eight assists between them in the Championship so far this season, with the majority of those coming from Piroe – the first-choice number nine for Farke.

The Dutch forward has been incredibly clinical in front of goal for the West Yorkshire outfit with a return of ten goals from 7.52 xG in the second tier, which shows that he has more than made the most of the chances that his teammates have created for him.

Appearances

26

10

26

xG

7.52

1.91

4.86

Goals

10

0

2

Assists

5

0

3

As you can see in the table above, Bamford and Joseph have not had as much luck in front of goal with the high-quality opportunities that have come their way in the Championship – with two goals from almost eight Expected Goals.

These statistics suggest that Leeds could be in trouble if Piroe suffers an injury, as the other two forwards in the squad have been unreliable in the final third this term.

However, the signing of Latte Lath could provide Farke with an even bigger talent than Piroe, rather than just coming in as a back-up for the Dutch attacker in January.

Why Leeds should sign Latte Lath

The Middlesbrough striker has proven himself to be a lethal forward at Championship level since his move to Teeside from Atalanta in the

summer of 2023.

He has produced an eye-catching return of ten goals and three ‘big chances’ created in 17 starts in the second tier so far this term, which means that the Boro star has found the back of the net as many times as Piroe has in Leeds’ team.

This shows that the £15m-rated marksman can offer a similar goalscoring threat to the Dutchman, but he can also provide a superior presence on the pitch. Latte Lath has won 43% of his duels, winning 3.6 per match, whilst Piroe has lost 75% of his battles and only won 1.2 per outing.

This suggests that the Ivorian forward could be a better option in tough away games to hold the ball up when the team is under pressure, as he is better at duelling with defenders, and that could have been useful in the 3-3 draw away at Hull when Leeds lost a two-goal lead.

Starts

31

23

xG

12.74

11.62

Goals

13

16

xG differential

+0.26

+4.38

Big chances created

3

3

As you can see in the table above, Latte Lath also outperformed Piroe at the top end of the pitch with his performances for Middlesbrough in the 2023/24 Championship campaign.

The clinical Boro star has scored 26 goals in the Championship since the start of last season, compared to Piroe’s 23, and started eight fewer matches than the Dutch striker last term, which suggests that the potential is there for him to offer Leeds a greater goal threat in the number nine role.

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Leeds United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the centre-forward this month.

ByDan Emery Jan 7, 2025

Therefore, Farke could sign an even better player than his current striker because Latte Lath has the technical and physical qualities to be an outstanding centre-forward to fire the club to promotion this year.

Rangers and Philippe Clement are reportedly pushing to sign a £6m player on loan in the final days of the January transfer window.

Rangers transfer rumours

Those behind the scenes at Ibrox have been relatively quiet in the winter market, with Rafael Fernandes’ loan move from Lille the only incoming so far. There have been rumours of numerous outgoings, though, including Hamza Igamane and Jefte attracting interest from Premier League clubs.

Instant Igamane replacement: Rangers could sign amazing "goal machine"

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ByBen Gray Jan 30, 2025

Everton have been linked with a move to sign Igamane, whereas Chelsea have made contact with Jefte over a potential summer move to Stamford Bridge.

Clement recently addressed the speculation surrounding Jefte and Chelsea, saying: “So I know that kind of club. I had some players going there or similar clubs. Maybe one day, no not maybe, if he makes a normal evolution what he has been doing now, I think one day he will be ready for that.

“But at the moment it’s too early and I think this is a really good place for him to develop. So he’s totally not busy with all these rumours, totally not.”

There is still time for Rangers to bring in more players before Monday’s deadline, and a new target has emerged for those in Glasgow.

Rangers pushing to sign Bobby Clark on loan

According to DaveOCKOP, relayed by The Daily Record, Rangers are one of four clubs looking to sign Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Bobby Clark on loan.

Alongside the Gers, Championship clubs Derby County, Hull City and Swansea City are also interested in the 19-year-old, who left Anfield for Salzburg in a £6m transfer last summer.

Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders was the man who brought Clark to Austria, however, he has since been sacked and a return to the UK could therefore be on the cards for the teenager before the deadline.

Called a “dynamic” player by Mark Guidi following links of a move to Celtic in 2024, Clark has also been hailed by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who said: “Controlling a football game, with all the excitement inside that he definitely still has, is fantastic. Bobby, it’s really nice to see the boys develop and flourish, to be honest.”

Central midfield

60

Left midfield

19

Left-winger

5

Attacking midfield

3

Defensive midfield

3

Right midfield

2

Right-winger

1

A central midfielder who can also play as an attacking midfielder or as a left-midfielder, Clark holds a career-high €8m Transfermarkt valuation and is under contract with Salzburg until 2029.

He made 14 senior appearances for Liverpool after progressing through the academy and Clark has featured 20 times in all competitions for Salzburg in 2024/25.

A late loan move could be one to keep an eye on, though, with Clark potentially rivalling the likes of Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron in Rangers’ midfield.

The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool

It's looking like a summer of change for members of the U.S. men's national team. Even as Mauricio Pochettino readies his squad for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, some key players will be sorting their club situations.

One player needs that change most of all. If you've been following along, you know who.

It's no secret that Gio Reyna needs something to change, and reports increasingly indicate it will come this summer. He looks set to finally leave Borussia Dortmund, which could be the jumpstart he needs after several rough seasons. Reyna's next move is a mystery at the moment, but it is crucial for his career.

He's not the only American making club news. As opposed to Reyna, several key USMNT stars may actually be staying put this summer. Stability is key ahead of the World Cup and, for a player such as Weston McKennie, that stability will also be a reward for a job well done.

Regardless of whether players are staying or going, speculation is spinning ahead of what will certainly be an important summer.

GOAL tracks all of the American player movements in the USMNT Transfer Notebook, a recurring feature covering the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.

• Getty Images
  

  Gio Reyna finally set to call time on Dortmund

  Better late than never, right?

  According to Bild, Reyna's time at Borussia Dortmund is nearing an end, and it's not the end anyone would have expected three years ago. The USMNT midfielder will limp towards the summer window after another wasted season and, in that summer window, he'll finally move on. There are suitors, clubs willing to bet on Reyna's potential. But picking the right club will determine the trajectory of Reyna's career.

  Clubs in Spain, Italy and France are interested, which means that Reyna seemingly won't need to take a gigantic step back. He will, however, have to pick his spot. His next club will need to be one that offers him a legitimate chance to play. After spending so long on the bench, Reyna can't afford to get caught up in a positional battle at a club above his level. This is about rebuilding and making up for lost time.

  What's the highest level he can achieve? What clubs can offer him what he's looking for? What position will he play long-term? These are all big questions for Reyna and his representatives to answer this summer. Reyna has at times been linked to clubs such as Fiorentina in Serie A and Marseille in Ligue 1.

  A World Cup is looming but, in some ways, that's not the big storyline here. Reyna's next move is about more than 2026; it's about redefining his career and putting it on some sort of path forward after, at best, treading water for multiple years.

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• Getty Images
  

  Weston McKennie set for Juve stay?

  Every summer, Weston McKennie is linked with a Juventus exit but, by the time the transfer window ends, he's still wearing that famous black and white shirt. It seems there will be no such drama this summer, nor should there be. McKennie has earned it.

  After once again asserting himself as a bright spot during a low period in Turin, McKennie will reportedly sign a new deal to stay at Juventus. Reports emerged last week that an extension is "closer than ever" which is good news for the American midfielder. His current deal is set to expire in 2026, but McKennie will reportedly earn a nice pay raise to sign on for a few extra years. There won't be another tumultuous summer, but rather a more relaxed one with a new contract in hand.

  For Juventus, tying up McKennie makes more sense than ever. He's been ubiquitous for the team, playing in all sorts of positions under Thiago Motta. With Motta sacked due to the club's struggles, a new coach will be coming in – and will likely see McKennie as a versatile piece that can plug gaps for a team in transition.

  That's what Juventus are right now: in transition. When you're in that circumstance, it's important to tie up those players you can rely on to help make the process smoother. The club clearly sees McKennie as one of those pieces, both in the short term and beyond.

• Getty Images
  

  Premier League clubs eyeing Nathaniel Brown

  Nathaniel Brown isn't with the USMNT – at least not yet. His international future remains up in the air and, if reports are to be believed, so too is his club future.

  The German-born left-back has an American father but has represented Germany on the youth level. His breakout with Eintracht Frankfurt this season, though, has put him into the spotlight. Brown said last year that he had not yet been in contact with U.S. Soccer but, and there's been no real indication of where he'll play his international soccer.

  "I'm not thinking about it," he told Kicker. "My focus and my head are on the German under-21s."

  Scouts from the Premier League are watching. According to TBR Football, Manchester City, West Ham and Arsenal were in attendance to watch Brown during Frankfurt's recent Europa League clash with Tottenham. He's certainly earned the attention. His three goals and five assists in 21 Bundesliga appearances have made Brown one of the Bundesliga's top young talents.

  With the World Cup looming, Brown remains a USMNT wild card but, no matter where he ends up internationally, Brown looks set for a big leap on the club level soon.

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  A new era coming for Milan

  Sergio Conceicao most certainly won't survive this Milan season, which means change is coming for Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah. Well, to be fair, the correct term would be "more change" as they head towards their fourth manager since moving to Milan.

  Reports indicate that Igli Tare is the favorite to be named Milan's sporting director and, according to Gazetta dello Sport, Max Allegri might be the next man on the bench. Serie A fans will know Allegri well, as will Milan fans. Prior to his two stints with Juventus, in which he won five league titles, Allegri led Milan to the 2010-11 Scudetto as part of a three-and-a-half-year stint.

  Allegri is a winner. What he isn't is an attack-minded wizard. His teams are notably hard to break down, but they're not the most aesthetically pleasing to watch. That matters, in particular, for Pulisic, who will reportedly remain a pillar of the team under the new regime. As for Musah, his versatility could be an asset under Allegri, who could unlock him in ways some of Milan's other coaches haven't been able to.

  Change is coming to Milan as they look set to miss out on Europe next season. How will that impact the Americans? If Allegri is the choice, you can expect a different-looking Milan next season.

علق ماهر غريب مدير إدارة الإعلام بنادي الزمالك، على قرارات لجنة التظلمات بشأن أزمة مباراة القمة أمام الأهلي، والتي انسحب منها الأخير، وذلك ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وأسفرت القرارات عن اعتبار الأهلي خاسرًا بنتيجة 3-0، فقط دون خصم 3 نقاط إضافية، وتحميله كامل الخسائر المادية الناتجة عن عدم إقامة اللقاء.

وقال ماهر غريب في تصريحات عبر قناة “الزمالك”: “نحن أمام واقعة انسحاب مكتملة الاركان، خسائر أكثر من 100 مليون جنيه، وجمهور الناديين في الملعب، وجياني إنفانتينو وموتسيبني كانوا متواجدين في مصر، كيف وصلنا لهذا المستوى؟”.

طالع أيضاً.. عاجل | أول تحرك من الأهلي بعد قرار لجنة التظلمات بشأن مباراة القمة

وتابع: “من يتصور أن الملف أُغلق إلى هذا الحد، الملف أصبح أكثر سخونة، أحيي مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك على إصدارهم بيانا بعدها بدقائق”.

وأضاف: “نادي الزمالك هو صاحب حق وقضية كبيرة لن يتنازل عنها، الزمالك يبحث عن عدالة”.

وأفاد: “مخطئ من سيتصور أن الزمالك سينتظر بيراميدز، الزمالك صاحب حق، لا يصح أن يتم تطبيق القانون على نادي ولا يُطبق على نادي آخر، الزمالك لو كان عاشر الدوري أو ثالث لن يصمت”.

وأتم: “يوجد شق مستعجل في المحكمة الدولية ومن المفترض من أسبوع إلى عشرة أيام يصدر الحكم، الزمالك يتحرك من أجل اصدار مبدأ العدالة”.

Manchester United are expected to be busy in January, and now a fresh report has claimed that one of their highest earners could be departing the club alongside academy star Marcus Rashford before the end of the month.

Marcus Rashford set for exit

It appears highly unlikely that Rashford will still be a member of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United squad come the end of the transfer window, with an Old Trafford exit highly-anticipated for the Premier League star.

The 27-year-old netted the first goal of Ruben Amorim’s reign, but following comments about being open to a departure he has not featured for the club in almost a month, with his last appearance coming against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

As per Sky Sports, the Red Devils are ready to let him leave this January but are “leaning towards” a straight loan move in order to try and raise his price tag ahead of a summer sale. His brother and agent has been in Milan in recent days discussing a potential move to Serie A, while there is also believed to be interest from across the Premier League, though it is stressed that “all options remain open”.

However, his hefty wages make a continued exile unlikely from a financial standpoint given Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s previous reported fury at the Red Devils wage bill, which he feels is well beyond what is should be given the return on investment his side are receiving from those under massive contracts.

As a result, a re-integration or a departure seem likely, and with no signs of the former all signs currently point to a mid-season exit. Now, another player could be set to follow him out of the Old Trafford exit door.

Man Utd ace closer than ever to exit

That comes according to a report from Caught Offside, who report that Manchester United high-earner Casemiro is now “closer than ever” to a departure from Old Trafford this month amid strong interest from Saudi side Al-Nassr.

The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order in Manchester since his arrival at the club two and a half years ago, a transfer which then Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag hailed as “magnificent”.

Man Utd make new approach for £30k-p/w Brazilian INEOS wanted before Ugarte

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He has started just three Premier League games under Ruben Amorim, and has been an unused substitute on a further five occasions as the new Manchester United boss searches for a winning formula.

Taking home a massive £350,000 a week at the Theatre of Dreams, Manchester United will be keen to move him off if he is not a regular starter, and to that end his availability has reportedly caught the eye of Al-Nassr, where former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo currently plies his trade.

Casemiro so far this season
Appearances	22
Starts	16
Tackles and interceptions per 90	5.05
Pass Accuracy	79.3%
Errors leading to a shot	3

As per the report, Amorim “is poised to allow Casemiro to leave Man United in this window” and Al Nassr are “believed to be pushing to get a deal over the line this winter”, with the Saudi side “prioritising” a move for the decorated Brazilian.

For his part, Casemiro “is ready to seriously consider an offer” should it arrive, in what is likely to be the only opportunity to continue earning anything like what he is currently paid at Old Trafford. For the Red Devils, shifting one or more of their highest earners this winter may be considered a huge success.

They may have continued their impressive Champions League form on Wednesday night, but domestically, Arsenal’s season has not gone as planned.

Mikel Arteta’s side came into the campaign hopeful of finally getting their hands on the title, but as things stand, they find themselves six points off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Worse still, the North Londoners crashed out of the FA Cup at home to a dire Manchester United side and will have to overturn a 2-0 deficit away to Newcastle United next month to make it to the League Cup Final.

Games

22

7

4

1

Wins

12

5

3

0

Draws

8

1

0

0

Losses

2

1

1

1

Goals For

43

14

11

1

Goals Against

21

2

5

1

Points

50

16

/

/

There have been issues across the pitch for the Gunners, but it is in attack where much of the frustration stems, and while he has shown glimpses of quality this year, Gabriel Martinelli continues to underwhelm.

It has been almost two years since we have seen the mercurial Brazilian at his dangerous best, and now the club might be losing patience with him as well, with recent reports touting a Premier League star who could be his potential replacement with a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal chasing Premier League game-changer

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are interested in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, whom they have identified as their top alternative to the injured Bukayo Saka.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, they are not the only team keen on the Ghanaian international, as the report has revealed that fellow Premier League sides Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are keeping tabs on the situation.

On top of the potential competition, the Gunners will also have to stump up a sizable fee, as according to the report, the Cherries are reluctant to sell their star, whom they value at around £50m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Semenyo’s ability and potential, it is well worth pursuing.

Moreover, while he might be seen as a player to cover for the injured Saka, he could also be the long-term upgrade on Martinelli.

How Semenyo compares to Martinelli

Okay, so the first thing to point out is that, yes, in the immediate future, Semenyo would be an excellent stand-in for the injured Saka, as following Jesus’ injury against United, the only somewhat natural option Arteta has on that side is Ethan Nwaneri.

However, due to his impressive versatility combined with the fact he’s one of the few genuinely two-footed players in the Premier League, the Bournemouth ace’s long-term role at Arsenal would likely be off the left, as we don’t know if there is a player in world football that the manager would start over a fit Saka on the right.

So, how does the 25-year-old dynamo stack up to Martinelli, who would likely be his main competition for game time on that side of the frontline?

Appearances

23

31

Minutes

1908′

2161′

Goals

7

7

Assists

4

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.32

Minutes per Goal Involvement

173.45′

216.1′

Well, from a pure output perspective, it’s a clear win for the “unplayable” winger, as dubbed by football journalist Ed Aarons, as in just 23 appearances totalling 1908 minutes this season, he has scored seven goals and provided four assists, which comes to an average of a goal involvement every 2.09 games, or every 173.45 minutes.

In contrast, the former Ituano gem has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 31 appearances, totalling 2161 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.1 games, or every 216.1 minutes.

Moreover, on top of being able to produce impressive levels of output for a team outside the traditional ‘big six,’ the “versatile forward,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also a big game player, having scored a goal against Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest and providing an assist home and away against Newcastle United, all this season.

Ultimately, while he might not be the biggest name around, Semenyo has cemented himself as one of the most exciting and effective forwards in the Premier League this year. Therefore, Arsenal should be doing all they can to bring him in this month, even if it could be bad news for Martinelli’s long term future at the club.

A better signing than Cunha: Arsenal pushing to land £65m star in late deal

The incredibly promising forward would be a much better signing for Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 23, 2025

Things are heating up ahead of the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka game at the 2022 Asia Cup, a must-win match for both teams, with players, past and present, on both sides having taken pot shots at the opposition in the lead-up. Following Bangladesh team director and former captain Khaled Mahmud’s comments on match eve that this Sri Lanka side has no bowlers of note, which in itself was a response to Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka having earlier in the week talked down Bangladesh’s attack, former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has got in on the act. He tweeted on Thursday morning: Later in the day, Nurul Hasan, the Bangladesh wicketkeeper who’s missing the Asia Cup due to a finger injury, tweeted: Today’s match will decide which of the two teams proceed to the Super 4s from Group B, alongside Afghanistan, who have already beaten both. Sri Lanka lost to Afghanistan to kick off the tournament, bowled out for 105 before Afghanistan chased down the target with eight wickets and 59 balls to spare. In the aftermath of that rout, looking ahead to a must-win game for his side, Shanaka had said: “Afghanistan has a world-class bowling attack. [But] we know Fizz [Mustafizur Rahman] is a good bowler. Shakib [al Hasan] is a world-class bowler. But apart from them, there is no world-class bowler in the side. So if we compare with Afghanistan, Bangladesh is an easier opponent.”Bangladesh, in turn, were beaten by Afghanistan by seven wickets two days ago, setting up a straight knockout with Sri Lanka. Mahmud was harsh on his team’s batters following that, but also took time to have a go at Shanaka. “I don’t know why Dasun made that comment,” he said. “Definitely Afghanistan has a better squad. He said we have only two bowlers in our line-up, but I don’t see any bowlers in Sri Lanka. At least Bangladesh has world-class bowlers like Mustafiz and Shakib. They don’t even have that.”Both teams have previous history, triggered by Nazmul Islam’s “naagin dance”, which escalated from a wicket celebration to a tool for players on both sides to rile up opposition, all eventually ending in ugly scenes at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo following a close-fought and ill-tempered Nidahas Trophy game in March 2018, which included a smashed dressing-room door. Shanaka had played that match, and Nurul was a substitute who was entangled in on-field arguments on the day.

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Dos 32 jogadores oficialmente integrados ao elenco profissional do Corinthians, 15 são crias da base do clube, sendo 11 pelo menos nas duas últimas temporadas. No Timão há 10 anos, e atual capitão da equipe, o goleiro Cássio naturalmente se tornou um ‘tiozão’ entre a garotada.

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> GALERIA – Relembre a sequência invicta do Corinthians contra o São Paulo na Neo Química Arena

> GALERIA – Relembre a sequência invicta do Corinthians contra o São Paulo na Neo Química Arena

> TABELA – Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule os próximos jogos

Há alguns atletas que têm sido presença constante em listas de relacionado, como o zagueiro Robert Renan, o meia Matheus Araújo e os atacantes Giovane e Wesley, mas esses ainda não estão oficialmente no time profissional.

Exceto os citados acima, Cássio não enxerga as crias da base corintiana que estão no elenco principal como meninos, justamente pelo tempo em que eles já estão correndo junto com o ‘time de cima’. E essa sensação segue mesmo em momentos como os de clássico, como o que o Timão tem pela frente neste domingo (22), contra o São Paulo, pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão, na Neo Química Arena.

– Desde os 17 anos tem clássicos com estádio lotado, em Copa São Paulo, Sub-17, torcida dos times. Questão de clássicos eles já sabem da importância. E eu não os vejo mais como meninos. Alguns que sobem para completar treino não têm tanta experiência, mas os que estão no grupo não vejo como meninos, já estão há uns dois anos – disse o goleiro corintiano em entrevista coletiva concedida nesta sexta-feira (20).

Cássio disse que todo o elenco tem dado suporte uns para os outros, não só para os atletas mais novos, mas destacou que isso não é o suficiente se os garotos não estiverem focado em trabalharem e evoluir.

– Eu tenho aprendido na vida, no futebol e na vida, a gente tem aprendido, que a gente pode dar suporte, pode ajudar e temos ajudado. Todos os jogadores que passaram no Corinthians tiveram suporta, não só meu mas de outros jogadores, como eu cheguei me 2012 eu tive suporte, mas se você não quiser evoluir o jogador pode ser um fenômeno, não vai. Se não se dedicar não vai – pontuou Cássio.

Para falar da garotada, Cássio voltou há seis temporadas, quando não vivia boa fase e passou até um período no banco de reservas, perdendo a vaga, naquele momento, para Walter. E justamente uma postura de trabalho e busca por evolução, que ele vê nos jovens do atual elenco corintiano, foi o fundamental para ele retomar a boa fase.

– Passei um momento difícil, fui para o banco e precisei mudar a postura. Vejo o Du Queiroz, Maycon, que saiu e voltou, e até outros jogadores que foram vendidos e hoje estão muito bem, são jogadores de Seleção, e na minha opinião o Corinthians tem uma das melhores safras, que tem vontade de evoluir, melhorar. Se eu parar aqui vou falar até uns 10 nomes. São meninos que querem evoluir e fazem um bom trabalho no dia a dia – disse Cássio.

– São meninos de idade, mas já com alguns anos de rodagem, time profissional. É legal ver esses
jogadores evoluindo. O Du não foi um dos primeiros a subir, subiu porque faltou jogador para completar. Pega Raul, Adson, João (Victor), (Lucas) Piton, são meninos comprometidos. Mérito deles, de trabalho, vontade de evoluir, melhorar. A gente tá aqui para dar suporte. Grupo unido, forte, não tem vaidade. Todos se respeitam e não olhamos a idade. Mas a vontade de vencer, ser melhor e pegar os números e momento que o time está vivendo – acrescentou.

Mesmo com a postura de liderança e suporte para os mais jovens, Cássio não se vê como o cara do elenco, mas valoriza todo o grupo.

– Grande esperança do Corinthians é o time. Não me coloco a ver nessa maneira (protagonismo). Muitas bolas não vão chegar ao gol, porque a defesa, meio-campo e ataque não deixam chegar. Não vou me preparar diferente a depender do adversário. Fico feliz em poder ajudar, em ter defendido pênalti na Colômbia (contra o Deportivo Cali, pela Libertadores), ter defendido bolas, evitado de tomar gols. É o time, conjunto, mas não me apego nessa de que hoje eu defendi e o time ganhou, é o Corinthians. É o Corinthians que está em primeiro lugar, equipe, conjunto, elenco. Momento que estamos vivendo é de conseguir coisas boas por causa do elenco e comprometimento de todos – afirmou o goleiro.

Ainda assim, a fase de Cássio na meta corintiana é ótima. Até os dois últimos jogos, contra Boca Juniors (ARG), pela Libertadores, e Internacional, pelo Brasileirão, o goleiro estava há sete jogos sem sofrer gols.

– Difícil falar, porque quanto mais tempo passa você está mais experiente. Eu, honestamente, foco no trabalho. Quando as coisas estão ou não estão bem continuo trabalhando. Não tem outro caminho. Eu tento me dedicar diariamente, independentemente de críticas ou elogios. Não somos o melhor quando somos elogiados, nem o pior quando somos criticados. Tem uma linha de trabalho. Fico feliz de não tomar fols. Quando não tomamos fica mais fácil ajudar o time sair vitoriosos. Mas não só cabe a mim, mas todo o time ajuda a não tomar gols. Mas não me apego muito (aos números), sou bem centrado, sou ser humano também, acerto, erro, faz parte do processo, mas a equipe é muito grande, 30, 40 milhões de torcedores, pressão grande. Viemos de dois anos sem títulos, não conseguimos manter o Corinthians entre as melhores equipes, mas vamos nos dedicando – disse Cássio.

Além dos recordes recentes, Cássio tende a se tornar neste ano o segundo jogador com mais partidas disputadas pelo Corinthians ainda em 2022, sendo o primeiro entre os goleiros, ultrapassando Ronaldo Giovanelli. Falta apenas 13 jogos para que o camisa 12 do Timão atinga o feito.

– Bem honestamente, não estou nem pesando (em ultrapassar o Ronaldo). Muitas coisas que fico sabendo sobre números é a assessoria que me passa. Um orgulho chegar aos números que tenho alcançado, títulos, conquistas. Conseguir alcançar um cara como o Ronaldo, os números que ele chegou, referência. Mas isso vamos olhar quando eu parar de jogar futebol – destacou o atual dono da meta corintiana.

Cássio tem 587 jogos pelo Corinthians. No momento ele é o sexto com mais partidas disputadas pelo clube, mas falta somente três jogos para que ele chegue à quinta colocação, onde está Biro-Biro, e 11 para ultrapassar Zé Maria, atualmente o quarto colocado. Depois da dupla vem Ronaldo e posteriormente Luizinho, o Pequeno Polegar, que tem 20 jogos a mais que o goleiro corintiano.

Só no Campeonato Brasileiro, o Timão tem mais 31 partidas a ser disputada ainda neste ano. Além de mais, pelo menos, duas pela Copa do Brasil, na qual o clube alvinegro já está classificado às oitavas de final, e na Libertadores o Time do Povo ainda tem o último compromisso pela fase de grupos, onde basta um empate em casa contra o lanterna do grupo, o Always Ready, da Bolívia, na próxima quinta-feira (26) para avançar às oitavas, onde terá pelo menos mais duas partidas.

Caso chegue na final das duas competições mata-mata que está vivo, o Corinthians terá mais 47 partidas até o fim do ano.

Com Cássio titular em todas, o goleiro se isolará como segundo atleta com mais jogos pelo Timão, mas ainda ficará longe para assumir a ponta, que tem o ex-lateral Wladimir como dono, com 806 apresentações com a camisa corintiana.

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Antony hailed former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag as he expressed his gratitude to the Dutchman.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

Antony praised ex-Man Utd boss Ten HagCredited Dutchman for shaping his careerAntony left United three months after Ten Hag was sackedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Antony moved to Old Trafford shortly after Erik ten Hag took charge at United in the summer of 2022. Before starting their journey together in the Premier League, the Brazilian winger had spent two years under the Dutch manager's tutelage at Ajax. Antony slowly fell out of favour under Ten Hag at Manchester United though. He eventually left the English giants three months after the head coach was shown the door, with the winger moving to Real Betis on loan.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ANTONY SAID

Speaking to , Antony said: "Erik ten Hag is a coach I'm very grateful to. He helped me a lot in the Netherlands, and in England too, even though the opportunities didn't come the way I wanted to. But that's the coach's choice, I don't hold any grudges or anything. On the contrary, I'm very grateful for everything he's done with me, for all the conversations too. He's a coach who will certainly be in this story because he helped me a lot."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Since moving to La Liga, the Brazilian has somewhat revived his career. He has scored four goals and provided as many assists in 16 matches across all competitions. He has played an important role in Real Betis winning six out of their last eight La Liga matches, which has catapulted them to sixth place and are now on course to secure an Europa League spot.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?

The 25-year-old will be back in action for Manuel Pellegrini's side this Monday when they take on Girona in La Liga.