The Orioles fired Brandon Hyde early into the 2025 MLB season after limping to a 15–28 start. Now, Baltimore is closing in on a deal for his replacement.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Orioles are set to name Craig Albernaz as their new manager. The 42-year-old is the associate manager for the Guardians, having been in that role since 2024. Previously, he was the bench coach for Cleveland. Before that, he'd served as a bullpen coach for the Giants and spent time managing in the Rays' minor-league system.
Albernaz was reportedly a sought-after managerial candidate for a number of MLB teams this offseason, but he'll ultimately head to Baltimore to take the reins of a team that is just two years removed from winning 101 games in the regular season.
Before starting his coaching career, Albernaz was a catcher in Tampa Bay's farm system from 2006 to 2013 and joined the Tigers' system in 2014. He never played in an MLB game.
Hyde had been the Orioles' manager since 2019. The team made the postseason twice in his tenure, but never won a single playoff game. He was ousted in May following the team's poor start and was replaced by interim manager Tony Mansolino. Mansolino was a candidate to be named the full-time manager, but it seems Baltimore's front office was more impressed by Albernaz.
Albernaz inherits an Orioles roster with plenty of young, exciting talent including former top prospects in Jackson Holliday, Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson and Samuel Basallo.
Sometimes, you just don't have a good day at work. We've all been there. Such a day unfortunately came for future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw on Sunday during the Los Angeles Dodgers' game against the Milwauke Brewers. Kershaw cruised through three innings and looked to be on track towards earning a victory after the Dodgers spotted him a 3-0 lead.
But the wheels fell off in the top of the fourth inning.
The Dodgers defense let Kershaw down, committing a pair of errors that led to to the Brewers plating three runs. In the top of the fifth, Kershaw exited the game after hitting a batter, then allowing a single, after which the Dodgers committed another error.
The southpaw kept his cool on the mound in the midst of the errors but let his frustrations out when he got back to the dugout.
These have to be among the most frustrating days for a starting pitcher. The win is seemingly within the team's grasp, and then, because of circumstances out of the pitcher's hands, the lead disappears.
Manchester United have reportedly launched a €28 million (£25m) bid for Olympiacos youngster Christos Mouzakitis. The offer, however, has been deemed far below Olympiacos’ expectations, opening the door for rivals Real Madrid, Arsenal and Brighton to potentially force their way ahead.
United make first move for Mouzakitis
Mouzakitis has captured the attention of scouts across the continent after a sensational breakthrough season in Greece, one that culminated in him winning Tuttosport’s Golden Boy Web Award with more than one million fan votes. The accolade placed him ahead of celebrated young names such as Arda Guler and Jobe Bellingham. Emerging from Olympiacos’ academy as one of their brightest talents in a generation, Mouzakitis has combined composure on the ball with athleticism and has shown surprising defensive intelligence, which are notable qualities given that he began his football journey as a goalkeeper.
His performances last season thrust him into the continental spotlight, as he emerged as a key figure for a team that not only excelled domestically but also broke historic ground. Alongside fellow academy star Babis Kostoulas, Mouzakitis helped deliver Olympiacos the UEFA Youth League title in 2024, the first time a Greek club had ever lifted a European trophy at youth level. That achievement was followed by Olympiacos’ senior team winning the Europa Conference League months later, further fuelling international attention towards the youngster.
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Interest intensifies as United, Arsenal, Brighton and Madrid circle
According to United have been tracking Mouzakitis for more than a year, with club scouts alert to his potential since he began surfacing in Greece’s top flight. Brighton, meanwhile, have also monitored him closely, especially after signing Kostoulas for nearly £30m ($40m) last summer. Real Madrid have likewise been proactive. Xabi Alonso, who was on the touchline overseeing Madrid during their 4-3 Champions League victory in which Mouzakitis featured for the full 90 minutes, praised the teenager’s maturity beyond his years.
That match was reportedly watched closely by representatives from United and Chelsea, reaffirming the midfielder’s ability to hold his own against elite opposition. Arsenal, too, have entered the equation and are believed to be assessing their options ahead of the summer window. With Mikel Arteta reshaping his midfield dynamics, a versatile, press-resistant talent such as Mouzakitis fits the type of long-term profile the club has targeted in recent years.
Olympiacos reject early bids as valuation battle begins
While interest is overwhelming, Olympiacos are in no hurry to sell. The Greek champions are demanding a sum close to €40m (£35m/$47m) for any January move, placing the bar well beyond both Manchester United’s €28m bid and Real Madrid’s marginally higher offer. Sources close to Olympiacos insist the club will not entertain negotiations unless an offer surpasses €30m (£26m/$35m). The club views him as a cornerstone for the next stage of their sporting project, especially given his contract status, influence and trajectory. Mouzakitis’ value continues to rise, bolstered by his seven caps for the Greek national team and his strong involvement for Olympiacos this season, where he has registered two assists in 10 league appearances and featured five times in the Champions League.
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United’s long-term midfield puzzle complicates the chase
United's midfield is expected to undergo a substantial rebuild by 2026, with significant uncertainty surrounding the futures of several players. Casemiro’s contract expires at the end of the season, while Bruno Fernandes is expected to strongly reassess his position at Old Trafford following the 2025-26 campaign. The club are also open to letting Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte leave in January should appropriate offers arise.
Alongside this, United have been linked with a series of midfield options like Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, among them. Mouzakitis sits high on their list, but club executives believe the most sensible window to complete a deal would be the summer of 2026, giving them time to plan a full integration strategy and avoid inflated mid-season prices.
For now, the Greek club hold all the leverage. Unless a club steps forward with a bid approaching €40m, the teenager is expected to remain in Piraeus for the foreseeable future. But with three of Europe’s heavyweights circling, it will be difficult for Olympiacos to hold on to their prized asset beyond the summer of 2026.
Os capitães dos 20 clubes da Série A do Campeonato Brasileiro estão conversando num grupo de WhatsApp para deliberar sobre a paralisação da competição. O debate foi levantado por Nenê, meia do Juventude, que teve os jogos adiados por conta da delicada situação no Rio Grande do Sul. A informação foi publicada primeiramente pela “GZH”.
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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
Nenê começou a conversa no grupo, que foi criado antes do Brasileirão começar, dando um panorama de tudo que está acontecendo no Rio Grande do Sul. O capitão do Juventude entende que a competição deve ser interrompida, com o adiamento de todos os jogos, ao invés de só os do Internacional, Grêmio e Juventude.
Os capitães se manifestaram, prestaram solidariedade e estão à disposição para ajudar. Porém, não debate ainda não avançou ao ponto dos jogadores pedirem a suspensão das próximas rodadas.
continua após a publicidade
A conversa vai continuar nesta quinta-feira (9) no mesmo grupo do WhatsApp. Um número maior de adesão dos capitães precisa acontecer para que o Brasileirão seja paralisado.
Sri Lanka were unable to chase down a target of 242
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Sep-2025
Nigar Sultana gives a pep talk to the Bangladesh team•ICC via Getty Images
Bangladesh edged out Sri Lanka by the narrowest of margins – one run – in the Women’s World Cup warm-up match in Colombo on Saturday.Sri Lanka stumbled early in a chase of 243, slipping from 56 for 1 to 86 for 4, but Kavisha Dilhari and Nilakshika Silva steadied the innings, both scoring half-centuries. Dilhari’s 63 came to an unfortunate end when her bat slipped off her hand and hit the stumps after a shot over midwicket. Nilakshika continued the fight, making 75 off 78 before falling in the penultimate over.At 218 for 5 with 46 overs gone, Sri Lanka seemed in control, needing 25 from 24 balls. However, a collapse followed, left-arm spinner Nahida Akter triggering the slide, dismissing Piumi Wathsala and Anushka Sanjeewani in the 47th over before removing Nilakshika in the 49th. In the final over, Marufa Akter defended nine runs as Sri Lanka lost three wickets, including a run out, and fell short.Earlier, Sri Lanka made an early breakthrough with Udeshika Prabodhani dismissing Fargana Haque in the second over. Rubya Haider and Sharmin Akhter rebuilt with a 90-run stand, but Dilhari struck twice to remove both. Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, and Dilhari all took two wickets as Sri Lanka restricted Bangladesh to 242 for 8, with Sharmin’s 71 being the highlight.
Everton’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday emphasised the rekindled spirit with David Moyes at the helm.
Work is still being plied in the hope of finding consistency across the park, but after such a fierce stream of summer departures, the Friedkin Group and Moyes and technical director Angus Kinnear can only be praised for reshaping the squad with talented and committed players.
Everton have 11 points after seven matches, and they are eighth in the standings.
However, there are still improvements to be made. Moyes made the point that multiple windows would be needed to lift the squad to the desired, collective standard, and the issues in the final third so far this season have been an illustration of that.
Everton's striker struggles
Dominic Calvert-Lewin left Everton at the end of his contract in June. He played on Merseyside for nine years and was at times considered among the finest strikers in the country.
But injuries and poor form across his final campaigns at Goodison Park made a renewal for the high-salary star difficult. And anyway, Beto had found form in Moyes’ system, scoring seven goals in the Premier League before the end of the campaign.
Beto has struggled to maintain a purple patch since that burst last spring, and with £27m summer signing Thierno Barry yet to adapt to the English game, the Toffees are being hindered by poor quality in the final third this term.
Even so, Everton have come on leaps and bounds, with the likes of Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye spearheading a sharp upturn in general attacking skill.
If the nines fail to raise their game, there’s little question that a new striker will be on the agenda in 2026. With the club going from strength to strength, a focal talisman of the likes of some of the former heavyweights would be nice.
Take, for example, a new version of the man Wayne Rooney believes is Everton’s best scorer for two decades.
Everton's finest modern striker
In 2020, when Rooney was interviewed by The Times and asked to name his finest Everton XI of players he’s played with, he admitted reluctance not to name Duncan Ferguson as his striker, but Big Dunc had to fall behind another.
Five years is a long time, but it’s hard to stake a compelling argument that any who has played for Everton in the intervening years surpasses Romelu Lukaku.
GK – Nigel Martyn
RB – Seamus Coleman
CB – Phil Jagielka
CB – Sylvain Distin
LB – Leighton Baines
CM – Thomas Graveson
CM – Idrissa Gueye
RW – Tim Cahill
CAM – Marouane Fellaini
LW – Steven Pienaar
CF – Romelu Lukaku
Speaking to The Times, Rooney waxed lyrical over the Belgian: “Lukaku is the best goalscorer Everton have had in the last 20 years. His link-up play isn’t the best but he just scores and with his power was another like Fellaini who, when he was on it, was almost impossible to play against.
“I know the fans will expect me to choose Duncan, and as good as he was and as much as I loved him as a player, I can’t ignore Lukaku. His goalscoring for Everton was phenomenal.”
The hulking centre-forward has wandered across Europe, playing for a vast range of clubs and winning plenty of silverware. However, there’s a case to be made that he was at his most fearsome when leading the line at Everton.
A knack for scoring goals was built around the usage of his physical attributes, with powerful, sinewy strength coupled with lethal bursts of pace, darting into dangerous positions and brushing aside defenders.
Everton
166
87 (27)
Manchester United
96
42 (12)
Chelsea
59
15 (2)
West Brom
38
17 (4)
Former Blues boss Roberto Martinez once hailed the 32-year-old’s “elite brain”, proving he was more than just his muscles, and indeed four terms at the club, between 2013 and 2017, saw him hit 20 goals on three occasions, with Martinez also claiming him to be an “iconic figure of Belgian football”.
Given that he was sold to Manchester United for an initial £75m fee at the end of that stint, it’s hard to argue against Farhad Moshiri and the Blues having hit the jackpot. If only they had better applied the recoup and avoided years of struggle.
Ferguson holds a greater legacy, having played 272 games for Everton and having scored 72 goals, but in terms of sheer quality and wow factor when plying their trade in Liverpool, Rooney’s probably fair in his argument that Lukaku takes the cake.
How Moyes must long for such a centre-forward now. It’s easier said than done, but if the Scotsman can land himself a new version of the powerhouse, this Everton project might just become a whole lot more exciting.
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Whilst it’s often big-money transfers that steal the headlines, nothing beats success from the academy. Discovering the next Harry Kane is still just as important as it was finding the original. Even in football’s current climate, academies still have an invaluable part to play in producing the greatest players in the world.
Whether it’s in English football, Amsterdam or La Masia, the next generation of stars need a platform to start somewhere. Building one of the best academies can be just as crucial as having the largest budget if used right – have both and the possibilities can be endless.
The CIES Football Observatory has now identified football’s best academies based on three factors…
Players – how many players in 49 worldwide leagues they’ve trained for 3 years between their 15th and 21st birthdays Minutes – official game-time from those players in the last year Level – the level of clubs those players have played for
Five Premier League sides feature in the top 100 academies in the world, but none of them crack the top ten. Manchester City sit highest at 21st, Arsenal are ranked 48th, and Chelsea just about make the top 50. Meanwhile, Manchester United sit 56th and Liverpool sit 75th in a ranking that they should hope to improve.
105.1
Benfica (POR)
93
2,582
0.807
98.7
Barcelona (ESP)
76
2,773
0.875
98.3
River Plate (ARG)
97
2,305
0.805
97.6
Ajax (NED)
80
2,690
0.841
95
Boca Juniors (ARG)
86
2,516
0.808
83.4
Sporting CP (POR)
76
2,488
0.811
77.9
Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)
77
2,532
0.732
77.0
Defensor SC (URU)
88
2,222
0.726
74.8
Real Madrid (ESP)
58
2,817
0.853
73.8
Velez Sarsfield (ARG)
70
2,406
0.805
10 Velez Sarsfield (Argentina)
One of three Argentine clubs in the top 10, Velez Sarsfield are not a well-known club but their academy has produced some undeniable gems. Both Nicolas Otamendi and Diego Simeone graduated from the Argentine club before enjoying fantastic careers in European football.
The former even became a Premier League winner at Manchester City and is now playing his football at Benfica in the latter years of his career. Nowadays, the likes of Dilan Godoy could be next in line to benefit, having been promoted from Sarsfield’s academy and enjoyed first-team football for the first time this season.
9 Real Madrid (Spain)
Atletico Madrid's PabloBarriosin action with Real Madrid's Fran Garcia
A less surprising name on the list, Real Madrid are ranked 9th in CIES’ list of the world’s best academies. It’s easy to assume that they’d be higher, given their place as arguably the world’s biggest team, but their focus has often been set on welcoming Galactico-esque signings such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Nonetheless, that’s not to say their academy hasn’t produced some impressive talent in recent years. The likes of Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia both came from Madrid’s academy and both now play their part in Xabi Alonso’s first-team squad.
8 Defensor SC (Uruguay)
Like Sarsfield, Defensor SC’s inclusion on this list will surprise many, but the Uruguay-based side have trained as many as 88 current professional players at the time CIES conducted their rankings.
They have been one of the most consistent breeding grounds for young talent in South America and have helped the likes of Maxi Gomez on their way. Given the influence that South America has on the transfer market these days, with Moises Caicedo and Murillo arriving before thriving in the Premier League, Defensor could be ones to watch.
7 Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Having trained 77 active players, Dinamo Zagreb find themselves higher than Real Madrid on this list. Having produced the likes of Luka Modric, however, that should come as little surprise.
It’s not just the veteran midfielder still representing the academy, either. Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol also graduated from the Croatian club and is now a Premier League winner. Now, questions will arrive as to who the next big product to come out of Zagreb will be. Whoever it is has quite the shoes to fill.
6 Sporting CP (Portugal)
The academy that made the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo, Sporting CP discovered a gem and have used their academy ever since. These days, graduates such as Goncalo Inacio, Geny Catamo and Geovany Quenda are stealing the show in products that reflect the success of Ronaldo after the academy was named after one of football’s greatest-ever players.
Aside from the Real Madrid legend, one stat which really stamps home the impact of Sporting’s academy is the fact that 10 of their graduates played their part in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory.
5 Boca Juniors (Argentina)
The second Argentine team in the top 10, Boca Juniors remain one of the biggest clubs in South America and their academy reflects that. Icons such as Carlos Tevez have come through what is known as ‘The Boca Factory’ and the likes of Alan Varela and Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur have followed suit in recent years.
The Boca Factory doesn’t look likely to cease production anytime soon, either, given Valentin Barco has emerged from the academy into European football in the last two years.
4 Ajax (Netherlands)
Who remembers Erik ten Hag’s 2018/19 Champions League side? It was built on the success of Ajax’s famous academy and would have been enough to make the late-great Johan Cruyff proud.
In a golden generation, Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Donny van de Beek all stole the spotlight and soon secured moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs in Barcelona and Manchester United. Whilst those in Amsterdam are still seeking their next crop of generational talent, they have still made CIES’ top 10 football academies in the world.
3 River Plate (Argentina)
Argentina really is the place for young talent. Alongside Boca and Sarsfield, River Plate have been ranked inside CIES’ top 10 and sit as high as third. It’s no wonder, either. They’ve trained 97 active players and are responsible for blessing European football with talents Julian Alvarez and Real Madrid’s latest young gem Franco Mastantuno.
When it comes to attacking stars, there aren’t many more reliable clubs in world football than River Plate. Both Madrid clubs have benefitted from that and Man City could be next in line if Claudio Echeverri realises his increasingly-impressive potential.
2 Barcelona (Spain)
Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez – the list could go on. La Masia remains the most famous football academy in world football, even if CIES have deemed it second best. Just when they seemed down and out on Europe’s top table, the Spanish giants turned towards their academy to unearth some undeniable gems.
The odds that they would find the exact player to take Lionel Messi’s throne seemed impossible, but up stepped Yamal – a player who already looks destined to break records at just 18 years old.
1 Benfica (Portugal)
It takes a lot to beat La Masia and Barcelona on this list, but Benfica have done exactly that. Edging out their Spanish counterparts, Benfica trained as many as 93 players during CIES’ latest ranking and many of those stars are performing at the highest level.
Some of the best talents to benefit from their focus on young stars over the years include Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves – now one of the best midfielders on the planet – and Man City’s Bernardo Silva many moons ago.
It’s an academy which has funded Benfica over the years thanks to big-money moves for Joao Felix as well as others and now one that they’ll hope to see result in Liga Portugal glory in years to come.
Aston Villa fans will be glad the football is back doing the main talking again when it comes to their beloved side.
After a turbulent summer saw PSR-related issues trouble their transfer activity, a slow start out of the blocks in the Premier League further piled on the misery.
Thankfully, after a winless six-game stretch of form in both August and early September, Unai Emery’s men have now bounced back with four straight victories collected in all competitions.
Still, after this season is over and done with, Villa will likely have to come to terms with some disastrous casualties, alongside also getting rid of some personnel that won’t irk fans that much at Villa Park.
How Aston Villa can solve their PSR headache
While they haven’t been at their terrifying best so far this season, it goes without saying that keeping both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers at the West Midlands giants this summer was a big relief to the Villans.
After all, even if they have only accumulated three goal contributions between them this campaign so far, losing both star assets would have been disastrous, with a crazy 42 goal contributions picked up in league action between them across the 2024/25 campaign.
Villa will surely have their resolve tested again in the summer when it comes to their standout duo, with Chelsea once touted to be considering a colossal £100m bid for the services of Rogers, a move that would no doubt ease any existing PSR worries.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have also consistently been tipped to make a statement move for the 29-year-old striker, but in the back end of his prime is unlikely to fetch a similar sum.
Not every potential sale will be seen as a demoralising development, however, with Emiliano Buendia perhaps finally getting the move away he desires.
Recent reports suggest that the rejuvenated South American – who recently scored in the Europa League for Emery’s men against Feyenoord – might well be offloaded still to smooth out PSR-related difficulties.
While the ex-Norwich City attacker has managed to turn his up-and-down Villans career around in recent times, there is one figure in Emery’s camp who is seriously on borrowed time as his contract begins to wind down.
Not just Buendia: Emery signing is on borrowed time at Aston Villa
Buendia has miraculously fought back from some very serious injury issues to return to the Spaniard’s first team picture, having been sidelined for a mammoth 56 games courtesy of a cruciate ligament tear.
Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia battles for possession.
Ross Barkley might well have been looking at the Argentine midfielder for some inspiration, having had various injury issues of his own to contend with, but he doesn’t look as if he’s capable of a similar resurrection story to the rejuvenated 28-year-old, as he continues to stare his Villa Park exit in the face.
It’s been a sad decline for the former Everton playmaker, with Barkley actually once cutting a refreshed figure pulling on a Villa strip.
He initially joined on loan five years ago and tallied up three league strikes across his debut season in the West Midlands, which included a fierce effort which helped Villa pick up all three points against Leicester City in 2020.
He eventually return for good in the summer of 2024, with an alleged £5m forked out to obtain his services from Luton Town.
At the Hatters, Barkley rediscovered the swagger and vigour that made him such an exciting commodity back in the day at Everton.
Teammate at the time, Andros Townsend, said he was “outstanding”, while Paul Merson claimed that “Barkley is not far off player of the season” when lighting up Kenilworth Road for one season.
Five goals and seven assists came his way but he has struggled to pin down a starting spot since his return to the claret and blue half of Birmingham, as his exit now looks to be on the horizon.
Worryingly, only six minutes of Premier League action has been handed to the ex-England international in 2025/26, with the decision to leave him out of Villa’s Europa League squad entirely only further reinforcing his precarious status in the camp.
Games played
54
Goals scored
7
Assists
2
Games missed through injury
33
Wage per week
£60k-per-week
Contract expiry date
June 2026
With his contract also expiring next June, and his wage coming in at a high £60k-per-week despite being a reserve presence, it does feel as if it’s a foregone conclusion that Barkley will depart Villa very soon, with his promising first spell at the club now feeling like a lifetime ago.
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Leeds United are interested in completing the signing of an international ace, with the individual in question potentially replacing goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Farke rues Leeds missed chances in defeat
The Whites were beaten 2-1 at home to Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime, giving a solid account of themselves but ultimately leaving with nothing.
While Leeds manager Daniel Farke saw plenty that he admired in defeat, he also rued the missed opportunities that came his side’s way at Elland Road.
“So, first, the overriding feeling is we are disappointed because we are playing for results. You want to win points. This is why we play football and for that we are disappointed. Apart from this, I have to say just many compliments to the lads for this performance because after this game I would normally be disappointed even with the draw, not even to speak about a loss. We were the better side today.
“We were the better side in all aspects. We had more possession, we had more passes, we had more expected goals, we had more shots, we had more shots on target, we had more big chances created, we had more big chances missed and we had more corners. Football is decided by goals. We missed too many of the good chances today in the first half and the second half. At this level, each of the little mistakes is punished.”
Away from the on-pitch action, Leeds have now been linked with a move for a new signing when the January transfer window arrives.
Leeds want to sign international goalkeeper
According to journalist Christian Martin [via Sport Witness], Leeds want to sign Ecuador goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle in 2026, with the 29-year-old currently plying his trade at L.D.U. Quito in his homeland.
He is valued at £2.2m by his club side, with his possible suitors willing to spend that much on him, and the Whites could sell £30,000-a-week Meslier in order to make room for him.The Frenchman was in the squad for the defeat to Spurs but is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning a January exit could be on the cards.
Not a huge amount may be known about Valle, considering he isn’t playing in Europe at the moment, but he has international pedigree, which immediately catches the eye.
He has won two caps for Ecuador, appearing for his country earlier this year, so he will be hoping to feature at next summer’s World Cup, and moving to a Premier League club midway through this season could aid his chances of doing that.
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At 29, Valle is now a hugely experienced figure who would add much-needed depth for Leeds between the sticks, with Meslier showing too often that he isn’t at the level required to be a genuine option for Farke now, proving to be an error-strewn figure.
Should Valle arrive, he would then battle Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow for a spot in Farke’s matchday squads.
After yet another draw in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers are now expected to sign a defensive reinforcement in a last-gasp deadline day deal for Russell Martin.
Rangers set for busy deadline day
Without a win in their first four Scottish Premiership games under Russell Martin after their latest draw against Old Firm rivals Celtic, Rangers are in desperate need of last-minute additions.
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The Gers have had a nightmare few weeks under the former Southampton boss, from crashing out of the Champions League to then losing star man Hamza Igamane, but could yet enjoy a turning point if they get deadline day right.
The manager himself, meanwhile, once again chose to remain optimistic after his side’s 0-0 draw against rivals Celtic in what was a poor game between two sides that haven’t been at their true best as of yet this season.
Martin is adamant that the 49ers still have faith in his project and that could once again be showcased in the transfer market. With the hours ticking away on deadline day, the American owners are still reportedly eyeing some last-minute deals.
The likes of Youssef Chermiti, for example, are still on Rangers’ radar whilst another deal for a much-needed defensive reinforcement is expected to reach completion.
Rangers expected to sign Cornelius
According to Sky Sports, Rangers are now expected to sign Derek Cornelius from Marseille in a last-minute loan deal. The central defender, who can also play as a left-back, should offer Martin some welcome cover in both areas and potentially the addition that finally helps his side back to winning ways.
As highlighted by the Rangers Journal, Cornelius is particularly one to watch in possession and that should suit Martin’s style of play far more than his current options.
The Marseille man particularly stands out for his progressive passing ability, which is something Rangers have arguably lacked. As much as he is a defensive addition, having a defender who is capable of ending an opposition’s press with one line-breaking pass can quickly turn defence into attack in rapid fashion.
Derek Cornelius
Meanwhile, at 27 years old, Cornelius is not an inexperienced option like Rangers have already signed this summer. He should be able to hit the ground running from the off at Ibrox.