Rangers are now reportedly prioritising a deal to sign a 6’4 midfield star for Danny Rohl in January after sending scouts to watch their target in action.

Rohl makes first Rangers transfer request

It’s been a solid start from Rohl, even when considering the last two frustrating draws against Falkirk and Dundee United. The former Sheffield Wednesday boss has at least steadied the ship and should have the chance to stamp his mark on his Rangers side in January.

Without the influence of failed sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the young manager is likely to have a larger say on potential incomings and he’s already made his first request as a result.

Rangers must sell flop who's "worse than Chermiti" as Rohl eyes new signing

Glasgow Rangers must sell this flop in the January transfer window as Danny Rohl eyes a signing in his position.

ByDan Emery Dec 5, 2025

According to recent reports, Rohl has personally commenced a scouting mission to sign a clinical striker after asking the 49ers to sign him a reliable goalscorer, dynamic midfielder and versatile full-back.

Speaking to reporters about the winter window earlier this month, the Rangers boss said: “In general, I’m in a conversation with Andrew (Cavenagh) nearly every two or three days.

“I think this is crucial. He will be also in, in the next couple of days, so we will have the next meetings. I give my feedback every day or every matchday back to him. What I see is not just about positions, also what is important for us as a group – which profiles we need.

“From the skills, from the tools, from a specialist in some areas, I think this is crucial. It’s not just about the physical speed, it’s also the mindset, how quick is the mind at the moment, how quick you can receive the ball, how quick you can accelerate our game.”

Now, with that in mind, Rangers have reportedly identified their first potential signing for Rohl in Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl this winter.

Rangers prioritising Hjerto-Dahl deal

According to TeamTalk, Rangers are now prioritising a deal to sign Hjerto-Dahl in the January transfer window after sending their scouts. Rohl reportedly wants the 6’4 box-crashing star to match his request for a new dynamic midfielder at Ibrox.

The Gers aren’t the only club interested, however. Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton & Hove Albion, Bournemouth and Sunderland have all reportedly maintained contact in the race to secure Hjerto-Dahl’s signature.

A former Liverpool target who was dubbed “strong” by scout Kai Watson earlier this week, Hjerto-Dahl is certainly someone to watch.

Given the amount of interest in his signature, it would undoubtedly be a major coup if Rangers managed to land the 6’4 Norwegian midfielder in January. As first signings go, Rohl would be landing an excellent addition ahead of Premier League clubs.

Not just Miovski: Rohl must drop Rangers flop who lost 86% duels

With the January transfer window only a few weeks away, Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl will already be thinking about the positions that he wants to strengthen in.

There are several areas of the squad that could do with improvement ahead of the second half of the season, given that the Gers are nine points adrift of first place, and attacking midfielder is one of those positions.

Thelo Aasgaard was brought in from Luton in the summer transfer window, as one of 12 arrivals, and the number ten has failed to deliver regular quality on the pitch, with as many red cards (one) as goals (one).

The Norway international has produced one goal and one assist in 22 appearances, per Transfermarkt for Rangers, and his assist was a simple pass to Djeidi Gassama, who raced forward and scored from distance against Dundee.

Rangers told to sign Championship star in January

Now, the Light Blues have been predicted to make a move to re-sign one of their former players, who would arrive at Ibrox as an upgrade on Aasgaard.

Transfer Focus

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

Speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, as relayed by The Scottish Sun, Livingston first-team coach Marvin Bartley has tipped Rangers to bring Joe Aribo back to the club in the January transfer window.

When asked about a possible deal, Bartley said: “I think that is one that could happen.”

“When a player enjoys somewhere, and obviously he had to leave because it was a really good offer that he got down the road, and he has not played as much football as he wanted to play. He is still a really, really good footballer and did well for Rangers. I wouldn’t be massively shocked if he came back in January.”

The Scottish Sun explains that Aribo is reportedly set to leave Southampton, whom he joined from Rangers for £10m in 2022, and could be available for a fee of £1.5m, amid interest from teams in Turkey.

Why Rangers should bring Joe Aribo back to Ibrox

For a fee of £1.5m, a deal to bring the Nigeria international back to Ibrox seems like a no-brainer on paper, because he still has plenty left to give at the age of 29 and has already proven himself in a Rangers shirt.

Plenty of players, most recently Steven Davis, Leon Balogun, and Allan McGregor, have returned for second spells in Glasgow, so it is not out of the ordinary for the club to re-sign one of their former stars.

Aribo’s current availability, as he has not started a league game for Southampton this season, provides the Light Blues with the perfect chance to bring him back for a fraction of the fee they raked in for him in 2022.

The left-footed star is a proven performer in Scottish football. During his time at Ibrox, the 29-year-old midfielder scored 26 goals and provided 25 assists in 149 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

This shows that the £70k-per-week ace offered a regular threat at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Ibrox giants, whilst playing as a central midfielder, as an attacking midfielder, or on the right wing.

21/22

8

6

20/21

7

4

19/20

3

8

Total

18

18

As you can see in the table above, Aribo was as impressive at scoring goals as he was at creating them in the Premiership during his three season stint in Glasgow, which shows that he knows how to deliver quality in the top-flight.

Aasgaard, however, has failed to show that he has what it takes to be a consistent and reliable performer for Rangers in any competition, let alone the Premiership, which is why Rohl should be looking for an upgrade on him in January.

Aribo, who Ezri Konsa said has a “languid” style, has scored nine goals in 111 matches for Southampton to date, per Transfermarkt. He has not been as prolific as he was for the Gers, but 53 of those games came in the Premier League against high-quality opposition.

However, returning to the Premiership could reignite his career because it is a level that he is comfortable at and knows how to perform in, as evidenced by his time with the Gers before he moved to England.

Rohl must replace Rangers star who's having an "amazing time" at Ibrox

Danny Rohl must replace this Glasgow Rangers star when the January transfer window opens for business.

ByDan Emery 6 days ago

Therefore, Aribo could return to Ibrox as a big upgrade on Aasgaard in the number ten position as a player who can deliver goals and assists, to win crucial points for the team, on a regular basis, whilst the Norwegian has struggled on both fronts.

Nottingham Forest are now pursuing a January move for an “outstanding” British player, having monitored him closely over the past few weeks.

Forest looking to improve defence after Everton setback

Forest have certainly made progress since the arrival of Sean Dyche, now sitting two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, and they have often looked solid from a defensive point of view, keeping four clean sheets in their last seven matches in all competitions.

The Tricky Trees aren’t in the clear just yet, however, being brought back down to earth with a 3-0 defeat against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last time out, with Dyche critical of some aspects of his side’s performance, saying: “We were nowhere near it on the physical side. We had the ball in many places but the decisions went against us.”

The manager also added: “The players deserve a lot of credit, but they have to fight and play to their shape. We were well short of that.”

With Dyche perhaps looking to make his own mark on the squad he inherited, Nottingham Forest are now pursuing a January move for a new defender, namely Sassuolo’s Josh Doig, according to a report from Tuttomercatoweb (via Sport Witness).

However, the Italian side have no interest in sanctioning a departure this winter, as Doig is regarded as one of their most important players, so it may be difficult to tempt them into a sale.

The Scottish defender has been monitored closely over the past few weeks, but there are some doubts over whether the Tricky Trees need to bring in a new left-back, with Neco Williams and Oleksandr Zinchenko already on the books, and Botafogo’s Cuiabano set to return next month.

Related Nottingham Forest could launch 2026 move for £44m striker compared to Tevez

The Tricky Trees are looking to sign a new centre-forward next year.

Posts 1 ByDominic Lund Dec 8, 2025 "Outstanding" Doig impressing in the Serie A

Lauded as “outstanding” by coach Neil Critchley, the Scot has certainly impressed in the Serie A over the past year, ranking very highly across a range of defensive statistics, when compared to other full-backs.

Josh Doig’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Interceptions

1.53 (92nd percentile)

Blocks

1.53 (87th percentile)

Aerials won

1.62 (91st percentile)

Former Hibernian teammate Lewis Stevenson has also waxed lyrical about the Sassuolo star in the past, saying: “He has the potential to go to the top level. He is 6 foot 3, fast, strong. Even just looking at him with his top off – without meaning to sound creepy – he looks like Ronaldo, with that kind of physique. He just is an athlete.”

The Edinburgh-born defender has been a key player for the Italian side so far this season, making 13 Serie A appearances, and he earned his first cap for Scotland in a 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein in the summer.

That said, given that Dyche already has Williams and Zinchenko at his disposal, bringing in a new left-back shouldn’t be a priority this winter.

تمكن منتخب سوريا، من تحقيق الفوز على تونس، في إطار منافسات دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس العرب.

وواجه منتخب سوريا نظيره تونس، في تمام الساعة الثالثة عصرًا بتوقيت القاهرة، على ملعب أحمد بن علي، في الجولة الأولى من المجموعة الأولى من بطولة كأس العرب. 

طالع.. قناة مجانية تُعلن نقل مباريات كأس العرب 2025

ويقع منتخب سوريا في المجموعة الأولى في مجموعات كأس العرب رفقة منتخبات قطر وتونس وفلسطين. 

وحقق منتخب سوريا الفوز بهدف دون رد، على منتخب تونس، في افتتاح مباريات كأس العرب في نسخته الثالثة الدوحة 2025. 

وأحرز هدف منتخب سوريا الوحيد في مرمى تونس، اللاعب عمر خربين في الدقيقة 48 من عمر الشوط الثاني، من ركلة حرة مباشرة ليضعها بشكل رائع في شباك نسور قرطاج. 

وحاول منتخب تونس إدراك التعادل عن طريق سيف الجزيري في الدقيقة 70 من تسديدة قوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء، ولكن تمر بجوار الشباك. 

وبهذا الفوز رفع منتخب سوريا رصيده إلى ثلاث نقاط، في صدارة المجموعة الأولى، في انتظار مباراة منتخب قطر أمام فلسطين التي ستنطلق في السادسة مساء بتوقيت القاهرة.  أهداف مباراة تونس وسوريا في كأس العرب 

Dropped catches haunt West Indies as New Zealand take a 481-run lead on third day

Shashank Kishore04-Dec-2025

Centuries from Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra underpinned New Zealand’s domination on Day 3 in Christchurch, as the hosts transformed a modest 64-run advantage into a towering lead that now feels insurmountable.The pair’s third-wicket stand of 279 ensured a potentially gripping third day went flat halfway through. West Indies merely went through the motions, sitting back and hoping for a declaration to bring them some relief from being run ragged. This was New Zealand’s highest partnership against West Indies since 1987 – surpassing Martin Crowe and John Wright’s 241-run stand.Things could’ve been a lot different had they caught better.Ravindra’s innings began under a cloud of uncertainty. On 8, Kemar Roach grassed a sumptuous flick at midwicket as he threw himself at the ball one-handed. On 14, Kavem Hodge put down a regulation catch at slip, leaving Justin Greaves to wear the frustration of being the unlucky bowler twice in two overs. The charmed streak continued when another thick outside edge flew over the slips on 17.For the first half hour after lunch, Ravindra seemed to live on borrowed time. But once he survived that turbulent spell, the tentativeness gave way to assurance, and the elegance that has come to define his best batting was out in full glory. He raced to 176, before being knocked over late in the day by an Ojay Shields yorker.By stumps, New Zealand had added 395 to lead by 481. For the record, West Indies will have to achieve the highest successful chase to win at Hagley Oval – 285 is the highest fourth-innings score chased down at this venue.Before Ravindra arrived, Devon Conway and Latham played a solid first hour, focusing on crease occupation in a bid to lay a strong platform. Latham left well early on, while Conway exhibited his artistry – playing the cover drives and on-drives – early in the innings.Rachin Ravindra hit 27 boundaries in his 185-ball stay•Getty Images

Roach moved the ball away appreciably early on to have Conway in a hint of trouble, while Jayden Seales got the ball to lift off a length to have Latham looking scratchy early on. The first 17 overs produced just 35; Latham survived a thick edge that raced between second slip and gully on 29.Conway set himself in, and was out slashing to deep point for 39 as Hodge plucked a superb catch while moving halfway in from the ropes. Initially off balance, Hodge back-pedalled to complete the catch. One wicket became two when Roach had Kane Williamson nicking behind with a perfect out-swinger.Having got off the mark with a top-edge for six off Greaves, Williamson was troubled by his late movement before Roach had him in the last over before lunch, with New Zealand effectively 164 for 2. The spell after lunch was perhaps West Indies’ best chance to get into the game as they routinely created chances, only for them to be grassed.If the first session was about the hard grind, the second was about accumulating and pressing home the advantage. Ravindra didn’t take long to march into the 40s, and even got into a bit of a scrap with Seales. The pair brought up their century stand off just 126 deliveries, with Ravindra’s enterprise allowing Latham to also open up after getting past his half-century.Latham was particularly punishing square of the wicket on both sides, with the cuts and pulls, as he pounced on a tired attack that kept pounding the ball in even as the surface appeared to have lost a lot of the venom seen on the first two days. Latham brought up his century first, while Ravindra got there with a pull through midwicket – his second successive century.After he passed a hundred, as West Indies went defensive, Latham brought out the inventive batter in him – scooping and paddling his way to a couple of boundaries. It seemed inevitable the pair would bat through, but a lapse in concentration late in the day saw them fall in back-to-back overs. But even those two wickets were no consolation for West Indies as they face an uphill battle for survival.

Don MacKinnon, who heads the NZ20 Establishment Committee, believes the game needs to look beyond the Super Smash

Nagraj Gollapudi27-Nov-2025New Zealand is finally set to enter the world of privately owned T20 leagues, with plans afoot to start NZ20, a tournament comprising six privately owned franchises in January 2027. The league’s operating model would be similar to that of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with the tournament receiving the license from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), but managed independently.Plans don’t currently have NZC approval, but if they do secure that, NZ20 will replace the Super Smash, the current six-team competition. That tournament is now two decades old and is played by the local cricket associations in New Zealand: Auckland, Northern Districts, Wellington, Central Districts, Canterbury and Otago. It is managed by NZC, whereas NZ20 will have teams with private owners.According to Don MacKinnon, who heads the NZ20 Establishment Committee, the concept for the league originated from former New Zeeland greats including Stephen Fleming who then engaged with the New Zealand Players Association (NZPA} to gauge whether the time had come for a franchise-based league. MacKinnon, a professional lawyer who heads the country’s Sports Integrity Commission, and has served as a director on the NZC Board, was approached about three months ago to see if the concept was feasible.In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, MacKinnon said NZ20 was an “extremely viable” project and it was the “ideal” time to launch.”The concept is a pretty simple one really. It’s to see if New Zealand cricket could provide us with a clean window, which in our mind is absolutely essential for a very short privately owned competition, ideally in the peak of summer in New Zealand,” MacKinnon said. “So ideally for a men’s competition in the month of January at potentially a lot of our holiday venues, some of our beautiful grassbanks ground and a short fan-centric, fun type competition, but one played by the very best players in New Zealand and hopefully some internationals.”‘Super Smash not working’The absence of a New Zealand T20 league until now has been notable, especially as its players and coaches have been popular in leagues across the globe. But MacKinnon said collective belief among former players was that the time was ripe for New Zealand to create its own domestic brand.Back in 2014 the NZC Board had turned down the idea of such a league because it did not believe it could create a successful product and would “struggle” to compete with the likes of the IPL and BBL. MacKinnon agreed with that decision but pointed out the time now was right to “develop our own unique competition.” He said that NZ20 would not be aping the IPL or BBL.”We are looking at something very boutique, very New Zealand centric, a unique experience for players who come here, as I said, small grounds, a great lifestyle, something that we think players would love to be involved in.”Finn Allen is among the New Zealand players who play overseas in the January league period•Sarah Reed – CA / Getty ImagesMacKinnon said the Super Smash was “not really working with the fans” and has become more of a “development” competition for players. NZ20, MacKinnon believes, has the potential to “reenergise domestic cricket” in New Zealand. “What’s different about it? Well, it’s partly driven out of private investment and so you get the ability to be very innovative. You have the ability to have greater capital, to invest in better fan experience both at the ground but also whether you are watching on television or online. We also think that if we get this right, we will attract the very best New Zealand players back into our domestic competitions.”MacKinnon did not disclose whether IPL franchise owners were looking to invest, but said there was strong interest both from India as well as other investors globally. “We’ve also looked really closely at some of the models around the world and particularly the CPL where the league owners and the team seem to have done a great job in moving that competition not only into a point of profitability but also has really engaged fan interest. So that’s one of the models we’re looking at very closely. But by no means the only one.”NZ players ‘would desperately love’ to play NZ20The current plan involves starting the men’s tournament in January 2027 followed by the launch of the women’s league in December 2027. The biggest challenge remains finding a clear window with the BBL, SA20 and ILT20 running simultaneously in January. Those tournaments generally involve the participation of several New Zealand international.MacKinnon acknowledged that hurdle, but believed current New Zealand players were keen to participate. “We appreciate we won’t be able to attract everybody that we’d like to have, but the feedback from current New Zealand players is they would desperately love for this tournament to go ahead and would do everything to participate in it.There would be plans to launch a women’s edition later in 2027•Getty Images”So that’s the first goal. We are designing this competition very much along the lines that we want the Lockie Fergusons and the Finn Allens of this world and the Kane Williamsons playing in it. So that’s the most important goal because at the moment a lot of those players aren’t playing in our Super Smash.”MacKinnon is confident NZ20 can attract “marquee players” if they get the right owners. MacKinnon also highlighted one of its USPs would be to allow players to own a stake in the league. “We also are looking at a model where the players may well have an ownership share of the league,” he said. “And we are doing that because we want an extremely high level of access to player intellectual property. We want to be able to open our players up to the wealth. And to do that, that intellectual property needs to be very readily available.”NZC approval</h2.NZC approval will have to come swiftly if NZ20 is to take off by January 2027. MacKinnon emphasised that his committee wanted to work with NZC. In fact, the NZ20 committee comprises two members from NZC's board along with representatives from NZPA and members associations.MacKinnon said that NZC had told the NZ20 Committee they were looking at various options. "We have been in constant discussions with the New Zealand Cricket Board over the last two to three months. They have been excellent to deal with. They have been very clear to us that while they're excited by this project, they have other options they're looking at including quite clearly whether they wish to consider trying to get a team into the Big Bash."MacKinnon said he would obviously like NZC to pick NZ20 as the "preferred option" but admitted ideally he would want the final decision to be made as soon as possible. "At the same time we are proceeding on the basis that we believe we will get a license and we are continuing to talk to investors and making progress in that regard. We would love to be in a position by the end of January [2026] to have some real certainty about whether we can make the competition start in January 2027 and that's our timeframe."

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos vai contratar um goleiro na janela de transferências do meio do ano, que abre no dia 10 de julho. Nomes ainda estão sendo discutidos e os próximos seis jogos serão fundamentais para definir como o clube alvinegro vai agir no mercado.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! Santos no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Peixe

A ideia da diretoria é dar confiança para Gabriel Brazão. Contratado no início desta temporada, o atleta entrou no decorrer do jogo contra o América-MG, na última rodada da Série B, quando o titular João Paulo rompeu o tendão de Aquiles do tornozelo esquerdo. Até a abertura do período de contratações, são sete jogos para que ele conquiste confiança na equipe.

Com isso, o nome de Marcelo Grohe, que voltou a ser pauta imediatamente após a lesão de João, perdeu força internamente. A direção santista fez um contato com o estafe do profissional, mas o desejo dele em ter um contrato até o fim de 2026 afastou inicialmente o interesse do Peixe, que não formalizou proposta e não pretende realizar neste primeiro momento.

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Sem plena confiança em Diógenes, reserva imediato da meta santista atualmente, a ideia é contratar um goleiro para a suplência, caso Brazão se destaque. Ao contrário, o nome de Grohe pode retornar à pauta.

Hoje, o principal cotado para ser contratado é Hugo Souza, que pertence ao Flamengo e está emprestado ao Chaves, de Portugal, até o meio do ano. Neneca, como também é chamado, tem vínculo até dezembro do ano que vem, mas o interesse do Peixe é tê-lo, inicialmente, até o fim desta temporada.

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Além dele, Jordi, do Novorizontino, e Pedro Rocha, da Ponte Preta, também estão no radar. O primeiro agrada até mais a direção do Santos, mas ainda está atrás de Hugo Souza na lista de preferências.

A preocupação é que os times do interior paulista dificultam uma possível liberação, já que ambos são adversários diretos na segunda divisão do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Tudo sobre

Santos

Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi have been ruled out of the series-deciding third ODI against India due to injury.Left-arm seamer Burger suffered a hamstring injury that curtailed his participation in the second ODI in Raipur, while de Zorzi experienced a right hamstring strain towards the end of South Africa’s chase and retired hurt on 17 after the 45th over.The CSA said that both players underwent scans on Friday, which confirmed the extent of their respective injuries. “De Zorzi has also been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India, which gets underway on Tuesday, and will return home,” the release said. “No replacement has been named.”Related

• Conrad hopes SA's young batters learn from Kohli, Rohit and 'grow from there'

• Nandre Burger and de Zorzi pick up injuries during Raipur ODI

Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been withdrawn from the T20I squad as well, as he did not “progress as expected during the final phase of his rehabilitation” from a left hamstring injury. Fast bowler Lutho Sipamla has been added to the side.

South Africa’s T20I squad

Aiden Markram (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, and Tristan Stubbs

Premier League title winner Jamie Vardy has made history in Italy by becoming the first English player to win the Serie A Player of the Month award. The evergreen striker, who is now 38 years of age, is currently on the books of Cremonese. He linked up with them over the summer and has enjoyed a productive start to life outside of his comfort zone.

• Italian job: Vardy to star in documentary alongside wife Rebekah

  Vardy became a free agent when seeing his contract at Leicester expire. He helped them to a stunning title triumph in 2016 and took in 500 total appearances for the Foxes, scoring 200 goals and earning 26 England caps.

  With no plans to hang up his boots any time soon, Vardy has embraced a new challenge alongside wife Rebekah and their children. They are set to star in their own documentary series, which will lift the lid on a surprising Italian job.

  Vardy will have plenty to smile about on camera as he has landed a top prize in Serie A. He starred across the month of November, with a memorable goal being recorded against Turin-based giants Juventus. He was nominated for a monthly gong alongside AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Napoli winger David Neres, Genoa's Leo Ostigard and Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese.

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• History made: Vardy lands top Serie A prize

  Vardy topped the poll, with Serie A chief executive Luigi de Siervo saying: "Vardy is truly a player from another era. One of those talents who, with their history, their achievements and the indomitable spirit with which they live every match, best express the romance of football.

  "His arrival at Cremonese was greeted with great enthusiasm by all Serie A fans, and Vardy is repaying them with top-level performances, innate leadership and important goals, the result of the competitive spirit and shooting skills that have always distinguished him."

  Vardy has become the first Englishman to win a prize that was first handed out in 2019. Since then, countrymen such as Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ashley Young and Tammy Abraham have graced the Italian top-flight.

• Just like Ronaldo: Vardy tipped to play into his 40s

  He has four goals in total for Serie A new boys Cremonese through 10 appearances. Vardy is just the second player, after Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, to net more than three goals for a promoted team at the age of 38 or over – with Zola achieving that feat for Cagliari prior to ending the 2004-05 campaign with nine efforts to his name.

  Vardy may go on to better that total, allowing another entry in the record books to be secured. He has been showing no sign of slowing down, with his game all about high energy and clever movement.

  It is being suggested that Vardy could have several seasons left in him yet, with there every reason to believe that he can emulate the efforts of Portuguese GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo – who is still playing at the age of 40 with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

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• Getty
  

  Vardy contract: When deal at Cremonese expires

  European football expert Andy Brassell has told : "There's still plenty in there, I feel. To have that sort of pressure off, I suppose in a way it must make him feel like going back and achieving stuff with Leicester.

  "Leicester, who were never fancied to stay up. Then they were never fancied to be in the European mix. Then they were never fancied to win the league, win the FA Cup. And I guess, obviously, Cremonese is very different.

  "Culturally, he's at a different point in his career. But I do think there's a little bit of him that feels, yeah, this is the perfect fit for me. With Serie A as well, it's got an incredible history of strikers in their mid to late 30s scoring a lot of goals.

  "I mean, straight away, if you're Vardy, and you know anything about Italian football history, you're thinking I'm modern-day Antonio Di Natale or Fabio Quagliarella or any of those guys. Why can't I keep going until I'm 40, 41?"

  Vardy only signed a one-year contract when heading to Italy, which is due to expire in the summer of 2026, but Cremonese have a performance-related extension option that can be triggered at any stage.

Nick Woltemade has hit back at the “absurd” criticism aimed at Germany teammate Florian Wirtz after the Liverpool star’s slow start in the Premier League, insisting the £116 million signing will prove his quality in England. With Wirtz yet to score for Liverpool and facing scrutiny over his adaptation, Woltemade’s public defence adds fresh weight to calls for patience.

Wirtz struggling to find his feet at Liverpool

Wirtz has come under mounting scrutiny after a difficult start to his Liverpool career following his record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen. Despite arriving as one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders, he has so far registered just four assists in all competitions, with only one coming in the Premier League. His frustrations peaked when his strike against Sunderland was ruled an own goal, denying him what would have been his long-awaited first Liverpool goal.   

The criticism surrounding Wirtz has intensified as Liverpool struggle for consistent form under Arne Slot, leaving supporters and pundits questioning how quickly he can adapt to the Premier League. By contrast, his Germany teammate Woltemade has flourished since joining Newcastle, leading to comparisons between their respective transitions.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWoltemade launches defence against 'absurd' Wirtz criticism

Reports in Germany highlighted increasing debate around whether Wirtz can meet the expectations attached to the £116m fee Liverpool paid in the summer. The spotlight on him has been relentless, particularly as Liverpool rely heavily on his creative role in Slot’s evolving system. It is within this context that Woltemade has stepped forward to defend him and call out what he views as unfair commentary. 

Speaking to Stern, Woltemade rejected the mounting criticism of his international teammate. “This is a pseudo-discussion. Anyone who understands something about football sees what incredible skills he has. Flo will make his way, even in the Premier League.”

Wirtz yet to kick off his Premier League tally

Wirtz’s move to Liverpool was always expected to involve a challenging adaptation period due to the physical intensity and pace of the Premier League. His numbers reflect that difficulty, with zero goals and zero assists in 13 league appearances despite flashes of the playmaking quality that defined his success at Bayer Leverkusen. The tactical demands placed on him under Slot have also differed greatly from the highly structured system he thrived in under Xabi Alonso.   

Woltemade’s defence follows similarly supportive comments from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who has urged Wirtz not to become distracted by discussion around his fee. The German midfielder continues to show strong involvement outside of goals and assists, contributing through link-up play, pressing and space creation, which his teammates believe will soon translate into end product.

His early adaptation issues mirror those faced by many playmakers moving from the Bundesliga to England, where the rhythm of matches and defensive aggression can be a shock even for elite talents. Despite this, Wirtz has shown promising signs in the Champions League, where he has already provided decisive assists.

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Getty Images SportWirtz remains a crucial part of Liverpool's plans

Wirtz is expected to retain a key creative role in Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures against Leeds United and Inter Milan, as Slot continues to build an attacking structure that maximises his strengths. A first Premier League goal could significantly reduce the scrutiny he faces and serve as a turning point in his adaptation. As for Woltemade’s comments, they add a strong voice of support from within the German national team camp, reinforcing the belief that Wirtz’s long-term potential remains unquestioned.