Tag Futebol

خاض فريق برشلونة مباراته المؤجلة أمام أوساسونا في منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني، وحقق الفوز ليرفع رصيد نقاطه  إلى 63 في الصدارة.

والتقى برشلونة مع أوساسونا على ملعب “مونتجويك” في مباراة مؤجلة من الجولة السابعة والعشرين للدوري الإسباني “الليجا”.

وتم إعادة جدولة تلك المباراة لتقام مساء الخميس، بعد وفاة أحد أفراد الطاقم الطبي لبرشلونة يوم المواجهة في وقت سابق من شهر مارس الجاري.

وتمكن برشلونة من تحقيق الفوز بثلاثة أهداف دون مقابل، وأصبح رصيده 63 نقطة في صدارة الترتيب. ترتيب الدوري الإسباني

1. برشلونة، 63 نقطة.

2. ريال مدريد، 60 نقطة.

3. أتلتيكو مدريد، 56 نقطة.

4. أتلتيك بلباو، 52 نقطة.

5. فياريال، 44 نقطة.

6. ريال بيتيس، 44 نقطة.

7. مايوركا، 40 نقطة.

8. سيلتا فيجو، 39 نقطة.

9. رايو فاليكانو، 37 نقطة.

10. إشبيلية، 36 نقطة.

11. خيتافي، 36 نقطة.

12. ريال سوسيداد، 35 نقطة.

13. جيرونا، 34 نقطة.

14. أوساسونا، 33 نقطة.

15. إسبانيول، 28 نقطة.

16. فالنسيا، 28 نقطة.

17. ألافيس، 27 نقطة.

18. ليجانيس، 27 نقطة.

19. لاس بالماس، 25 نقطة.

20. بلد الوليد، 16 نقطة.

ويمكنك مطالعة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني بشكل محدث من هنا.

The FIFA Club World Cup, taking place in 2025, is the newest club competition that will take place in the United States next summer.

The event highlights the ever-growing nature of FIFA, with countries represented from each of the six international confederations: AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA.

In December 2022, the FIFA Council approved the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup from its current seven-team tournament to one comprising of 32 teams. Rather than being held every December, the tournament would now be held every four years, taking place in the summer months.

Champions League 2024/25: How the new format works & current standings

UEFA has changed the Champions League format for the 2024/25 season. Here’s an overview of how things work and the current standings after Matchday 2.

1 ByAlex Caple Oct 2, 2024

In its current guise, the FIFA Club World Cup features just seven clubs, with the champions from UEFA and CONMEBOL receiving byes into the semi-finals. Manchester City won the 2023 edition after a 4-0 victory over Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense.

FIFA is expanding the tournament to increase interest and global appeal, with more teams taking part from previously neglected African and Asian confederations such as CAF and AFC, which will help to up its popularity and reach.

Club World Cup qualified teams

The qualification format is slightly more complicated compared to the previous editions of the tournament. Previously, a club secured a place in the Club World Cup if they won their federation’s continental championship.

With the expansion to 32 teams from 2025 onwards, there are several spots up for grabs in every international federation aside from OFC, with just one team making it via the ranking pathway.

Four teams from CAF, AFC and CONCACAF will qualify. If a team has won the continental championship more than once in the preceding four years, another team will qualify via the rankings.

Europe will have 12 qualifiers – four via the champions pathway and eight from the ranking pathway, with the latter taking overall performances in the Champions League into account. South America’s CONMEBOL federation has the second-highest number of entries. Six teams – four from the champions pathway and two from the rankings pathway – will qualify for the tournament.

Finally, one club from the host nation will take part, making up the 32 teams to fight it out for the title.

Team (country)

Nation

Federation

Method of qualification

Al Ahly

Egypt

CAF

CAF Champions League winner

Wydad

Morocco

CAF

CAF Champions League winner

ES Tunis

Tunisia

CAF

CAF ranking pathway

Mamelodi Sundowns

South Africa

CAF

CAF ranking pathway

Al-Hilal

Saudi Arabia

AFC

AFC Champions League winner

Urawa Red Diamonds

Japan

AFC

AFC Champions League winner

Al Ain

UAE

AFC

AFC Champions League winner

Ulsan HD FC

South Korea

AFC

AFC ranking pathway

Chelsea

England

UEFA

UEFA Champions League winner

Real Madrid

Spain

UEFA

UEFA Champions League winner

Manchester City

England

UEFA

UEFA Champions League winner

Bayern Munich

Germany

UEFA

UEFA ranking pathway

PSG

France

UEFA

UEFA ranking pathway

Inter

Italy

UEFA

UEFA ranking pathway

Porto

Portugal

UEFA

UEFA ranking pathway

Benfica

Portugal

UEFA

UEFA ranking pathway

Borussia Dortmund

Germany

UEFA

UEFA ranking pathway

Juventus

Italy

UEFA

UEFA ranking pathway

Atlético Madrid

Spain

UEFA

UEFA ranking pathway

RB Salzburg

Austria

UEFA

UEFA ranking pathway

Monterrey

Mexico

CONCACAF

CONCACAF Champions Cup

Seattle Sounders

United States

CONCACAF

CONCACAF Champions Cup

Club Leon

Mexico

CONCACAF

CONCACAF Champions Cup

Pachuca

Mexico

CONCACAF

CONCACAF Champions Cup

Auckland City

New Zealand

OFC

OFC rankings pathway

Palmeiras

Brazil

CONMEBOL

Copa Libertadores winner

Flamengo

Brazil

CONMEBOL

Copa Libertadores winner

Fluminense

Brazil

CONMEBOL

Copa Libertadores winner

River Plate

Argentina

CONMEBOL

CONMEBOL rankings pathway

Boca Juniors

Argentina

CONMEBOL

CONMEBOL rankings pathway

Inter Miami

United States

CONCACAF

Host nation slot

TBD

Brazil/Uruguay

CONMEBOL

2024 Copa Libertadores winner

Club World Cup format and draw details

The format of the Club World Cup will be the same format used in the World Cup between 1998 and 2022, with the exception of a third-place play-off.

Eight groups of four teams will compete in a round-robin phase. The top two finishers in each group will secure a place in the round of 16.

From the round of 16 to the final, a direct single-match knockout stage will take place, with there being no third-place playoff. The draw for the group stage took place in December 2024.

FIFA Club World Cup Current Champions Manchester CityFounded 2000Most Championships Real Madrid (5)

DAZN

Watch all FIFA Club World Cup games free on DAZN. The biggest clubs and the best players in the world compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Watch Every Game Live on DAZN Club World Cup host and venues

The United States was announced as the host nation in June 2023, with the tournament being held between 15th June and 13th July, during the traditional off-season for many countries.

12 venues will host 63 matches during the tournament. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York, New Jersey. A full list of the venues can be seen in the table below.

Stadium

City and state

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Atlanta, Georgia

TQL Stadium

Cincinnati, Ohio

Bank of America Stadium

Charlotte, North Carolina

Rose Bowl Stadium

Los Angeles, California

Hard Rock Stadium

Miami, Florida

GEODIS Park

Nashville, Tennessee

MetLife Stadium

New York, New Jersey

Camping World Stadium

Orlando, Florida

Inter&Co Stadium

Orlando, Florida

Lincoln Financial Field

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lumen Field

Seattle, Washington

Audi Field

Washington, D.C.

Tournament controversy

While the event will give opportunities to teams who may never have had the chance to participate in the previous version of the tournament, the expansion has also garnered plenty of controversy.

One such complaint is the fact the event adds even more matches to the global footballing calendar than ever before. The recent expansion of the UEFA Champions League means the top teams are playing more continental fixtures compared to years gone by.

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) says that the expansion is placing more stress on professionals as they are being pushed too hard.

Even the players are concerned over the way the game is going. “We have too many games, and it’s putting our careers and health at risk,” said Ballon d’Or winner Rodri in September, a week before the Spaniard tore his ACL, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

The midfielder played a staggering 50 games for Manchester City last term before featuring six times for his country as they won Euro 2024. Rodri would have only taken a couple of weeks off before going again in August, heightening his chances of injury.

Why Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or

Not even a season-ending injury could stop Manchester City’s Rodri from claiming football’s biggest individual prize.

ByBarney Lane Oct 28, 2024

Another controversy surrounds the broadcast deals for the tournament. FIFA is yet to secure any media deals for the competition with less than 12 months until it begins, although the $4bn (£3.1bn) target set by the governing body appears to have put the majority of potential broadcasters off.

Apple had reportedly made a $1bn deal for the global rights, according to The Athletic. However, FIFA reverted to a traditional media rights sale.

Club World Cup 2029

The 2029 edition will be the second event to feature 32 teams, which will feature the winners of the four previous continental championships.

In terms of hosting, Australia and New Zealand are preparing a joint bid to host the 2029 tournament.

Furthermore, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco – who are all hosting the 2030 World Cup – are looking at a bid for the second edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in order to prepare for the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.

Readers like you help support Football FanCast. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Chelsea will be without an “absolute dream” player in their squad until “November or December”, as he attempts to recover from an injury problem.

Chelsea winning streak ends with 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side brought Chelsea’s winning streak in all competitions to an end, holding the Blues with 10 men after midfielder James Ward-Prowse was sent off for obstructing a goalscoring opportunity by stopping the ball with his hand.

Chelsea could sign perfect Madueke upgrade with move for £42m "road runner"

He’s shaping into a top talent…

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 8, 2024

It was a chaotic, action-packed 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge – filled with clear goalscoring opportunities, heroic saves and plenty for the highlight reel at both ends. Chris Wood handed Forest a shock lead soon after the second-half restart, poking the ball past Robert Sanchez from close range, but it didn’t take long for Noni Madueke to level the score again with a low effort past Matz Sels.

The Forest keeper then had a blinder to stop Chelsea from taking the lead, denying superstar forward Cole Palmer with a heroic double save from inside the area, before Sanchez matched it at the other end by clawing an effort away from the top corner.

Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures	Date
Liverpool (away)	October 20
Newcastle (home)	October 27
Man United (away)	November 3
Arsenal (home)	November 10
Leicester City (home)	November 23

Selz was then on hand again to deny a gaping free header from Christopher Nkunku, who arguably really should’ve given Enzo Maresca’s side the lead, and they were very nearly made to pay when Jota forced an excellent diving save from Sanchez from inside the area.

The scores ended level, but it was definitely one of the most entertaining draws of the Premier League season to date.

“I think first 45 minutes we didn’t concede nothing, we controlled the game, created the chances and the performance was very good because you can get frustrated against this kind of team,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Forest.

“But, as I said, compared to the Brighton game it’s a completely different kind of game so you need to learn how to play.

“I thought first half was top and then second half we concede the goal and become a little bit more up and down. After we score immediately and then again we were in control.

“Probably the red card we think most of the time that 11 vs 10 is more easy but probably today was even more difficult as they were a line of five with more players inside the box defending. Then you take the risk to lose some balls and you concede counter attacks or set-pieces that they are very strong. But overall I thought the performance was very good and I think we deserved to win the game.”

Nicolas Jackson put in a “frustrating” performance against Forest during an otherwise excellent start to the season, while Palmer was unlucky not to add to his scintillating goal tally.

Omari Kellyman out until "November or December" at Chelsea

One player who didn’t play a part against Forest, and is yet to make his debut for the club after joining in the summer, is midfielder Omari Kellyman.

The 19-year-old is currently out with a hamstring injury, with journalist Ben Jacobs sharing an update on when he could return. The reporter, taking to X, writes that Kellyman won’t return for Chelsea until “November or December”.

The west Londoners don’t want to rush him back, though, so there is no set return date just yet as they wait for how he fairs during the rest of his rehabilitation. Reports have claimed that Chelsea may even loan Kellyman out in January once he returns to fitness, as they seek to hand him game time over the second half of the season.

“Omari always had his place in the group,” said Derby County’s Lead Foundation coach, Josh Butler, to The Athletic on Kellyman.

“There were other players who were a bit louder but he was the chilled one. I’ve known him for 12 years and he’s always been the same; low maintenance, no dramas. The extent of his success will be circumstantial because it won’t be down to talent or attitude. His greatest strength is that you can’t not like him. He’s an absolute dream for a football club.”

Manchester United’s recent uptick in form was halted by Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace over the weekend, as despite having the chances, Erik ten Hag’s side simply couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.

However, unlike some of the draws last season, there shouldn’t be too much panic over the result, as the fact that the Red Devils were creating chances to begin with is an encouraging sign.

That said, with the club set to kick off their Europa League campaign against FC Twente tonight, Ten Hag should make some changes to his lineup, including one that could result in those chances being put in the back of the net.

Why Ten Hag should drop Zirkzee

So, one of the players who should miss out on the starting lineup later today is former Bologna ace Joshua Zirkzee.

Now, in his short United career so far, the Dutchman has both impressed and frustrated fans, as, on the one hand, he’s shown some brilliant technical ability in attack and helped create a number of chances for his teammates, but on the other, he’s also snatched at and missed a fair few created for him.

It’s this duality in his game that led to the Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst awarding him a 6/10 for his display against Palace on Saturday, considering he played two key passes but missed a big chance himself in his 61 minutes of action; it’s a rating that seems entirely fair.

Now, there is certainly an argument to be made that the 23-year-old’s creativity outweighs his lack of ruthlessness, but Ten Hag needs a number nine who’s going to finish his chances, especially in this new Europa League format in which missteps at this stage can lead to more games down the line.

Overall, it appears Zirkzee will play an important role for United this season, but due to his workload and underwhelming finishing, he should be dropped for tonight’s game.

Why Rasmus Hojlund should start

Yes, it should probably come as no surprise that, with Zirkzee dropping to the bench, it should be Rasmus Hojlund who comes in to make his first start of the season.

The Danish marksman has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since late July, but now he’s seemingly fit again, Ten Hag has to get him involved in the first team and up to speed as soon as possible, and tonight’s home game represents the perfect opportunity to do so.

The former Atalanta ace endured a mixed start to life at the Theatre of Dreams last season, with his first Premier League goal not coming until Boxing Day, but considering the pressure on his shoulders from that £72m price tag and the fact he’s still only 21 years old, he looked impressive.

For example, in his 43 appearances for the Red Devils, the “exceptional talent”, as dubbed by Harry Maguire, scored 16 goals and provided two assists, meaning in his debut campaign for arguably the biggest club in England, he averaged a goal involvement every 2.38 games.

Moreover, his underlying numbers were also encouraging; according to Understat, the København-born gem scored his ten league goals from an expected goals figure of 9.34, lending credence to the idea of him being a clinical finisher.

Hojlund’s 23/24
Appearances	43
Goals	16
Assists	2
Goal Involvements per Match	0.41
All Stats via Transfermarkt

Ultimately, Zirkzee hasn’t done too much wrong in a United shirt this season, but he is not a cold-blooded goalscorer. In contrast, Hojlund has shown a lot of promise in his time at the club, so he needs to start tonight to get him fit and firing for the next league fixture on the weekend.

"Phenomenal" 3-5-2 manager liked by Ratcliffe to replace Ten Hag at Man Utd

Potential Erik ten Hag replacements continue to be linked.

By
Henry Jackson

Sep 24, 2024

ظفر فريق يوفنتوس بديربي إيطاليا وتغلب على إنتر ميلان، بهدف دون مقابل، خلال المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين مساء الأحد.

وحل إنتر ميلان ضيفًا على يوفنتوس بملعب “آليانز ستاديوم” في إطار مباريات الجولة الخامسة والعشرين للدوري الإيطالي.

ولاحت فرصة في البداية ليوفنتوس بعد تمريرة من ماكيني إلى نيكولاس جونزاليس الذي لم يستغل هفوة دفاعية من إنتر ميلان.

ثم أهدر باريلا فرصة لإنتر ميلان ولكن حكم المباراة أشار إلى وجود تسلل على لاعب النيراتزوري.

وعقب ذلك تصدى دي جريجوريو ببراعة لفرصة من إنتر ميلان، وأهدر دومفريس فرصة ثانية.

وسدد فرانشيسكو كونسيساو تسديدة تصدى لها يان سومر حارس الإنتر في الدقيقة 22.

ولاحت فرصة للإنتر لكن لاوتارو مارتينيز سدد تسديدة ضعيفة لم تكن كافية لتهديد مرمى يوفنتوس.

توالت الفرص بأخرى لكولو مواني لكن تدخل بافارد في التوقيت المناسب، ورد لاوتارو بفرصة للإنتر لكن تسديدته كانت أعلى من اللازم، تلاها تسديدة مماثلة من الأرجنتيني مرت دون خطورة.

اقرأ أيضًا | فيديو | روما يتغلب على 10 لاعبين من بارما ويواصل نتائجه الجيدة في الكالشيو

أعقب ذلك تسديدة قوية من دومفوريس لكن القائم كان عائقًا أمامه في الدقيقة 43 من عمر المباراة.

في الشوط الثاني استمر إهدار الفرص من الطرفين، حتى تمكن كونسيساو من تسجيل هدف يوفنتوس الأول ف الدقيقة 74 بعد تمريرة من كولو مواني عقب مجهود فردي وسط دفاع الإنتر.

وكاد يوفنتوس يضيف الهدف الثاني بعد دقيقة واحدة، لكن دومفريس أنقذ الكرة من على خط المرمى.

حسمت المباراة بفوز يوفنتوس بهدف دون رد ليرفع رصيده للنقطة 46 في المركز الرابع، وتجمد رصيد إنتر ميلان عند النقطة 54 في المركز الثاني خلف المتصدر نابولي بفارق نقطتين. هدف فوز يوفنتوس أمام إنتر ميلان

Buttler injury opens door to extended run in ODI squad after luckless tour of India

Matt Roller25-Jun-2021At the start of March, Sam Billings was full of positivity about an upcoming three-match period that could have locked him into England’s T20 World Cup squad: he had not been given an opportunity in their T20I series in India, but had expected to play all three of the ODIs that followed before trying to force his way into the Delhi Capitals team in the IPL. “It’s really exciting,” he said at the time. “The strategy was always to give myself the best chance of being selected in the World Cup.”But things have not gone to plan. Billings suffered a shoulder injury diving on the boundary in the first ODI, ruling him out of the next two games, and after starting the IPL on Delhi’s bench, was in line to make his first appearance of the season against Kolkata Knight Riders but watched as the worsening Covid-19 situation caused the tournament to be postponed. That meant a flight home to the UK and 10 days of self-isolation in a hotel room, “watching the planes fly over [Heathrow] Terminal Five”.Desperate to get onto the pitch, he was the first English IPL player back in the County Championship, playing straight after his quarantine period was complete, before spending three weeks as a back-up wicketkeeper in the Test squad – dropping a tough catch at fine leg when he got onto the pitch as a sub fielder – and playing three Blast games for Kent, taking his social-media trolls to task after an innings of 30 off 30 balls on a tough Cardiff pitch proved to be match-winning.”It’s just nice to be playing, full stop,” he said on Friday morning, before England’s T20I squad travelled from Cardiff to the Ageas Bowl. “I think [last night] was my fourth innings of the summer and my fifth since January. It’s been an experience, definitely, to say the least.”It has been deflating at times, not playing any cricket and missing out on all fronts, really. It’s kind of been a close shave in all formats at the moment and it was just nice to be back out there playing last night: it’s a lot better than running the drinks.”In that light, Billings’ innings of 24 off 29 balls was more important than the numbers suggest. He put on 54 off 48 balls with Liam Livingstone for the fifth wicket, and while he chopped on against Wanindu Hasaranga with 13 runs required, their stand had secured the game after a nervous stumble to 36 for 4 in the run chase.Specifically, Billings highlighted the fact that, while in years gone by, he might have looked to play some shots and “make a statement”, he instead focused only on taking the game deep and nudging ones and twos to build a partnership on a turgid pitch.Related

Sam Billings: 'I just want to be tricky to bowl at'

Livingstone makes virtue of versatility in pitch for World Cup role

England's bowlers set up big win before Buttler seals 1-0 lead

“Last night was really pleasing from my point of view,” he said. “In the past I would have tried even harder to make a bit more of a statement as opposed to just getting the job done. It was a real shame to get out but to get stuck in and play the role that was needed for the team: it wasn’t pretty from Liam and I at times but ultimately it’s about getting the side over the line.”In the past, I’ve put way too much pressure on myself, but I think last year for me was a huge turning point. I put myself under a lot of pressure, of course, when I got that opportunity initially, but the consistent run of games against very good attacks in Australia and Pakistan really give me confidence just to back my own game, and it was a consistency more for me that was really pleasing last year.”[Last night] was my fourth game in about six months so for me the pressure was actually off a little bit in that I just concentrated on doing the basics really well. When you haven’t played in a while, you just strip it right back and concentrate on those kind of things. And I’m 30 now – I’m no spring chicken anymore – so I’ve got a bit of experience behind me. The age thing definitely helps in giving you some perspective.”Billings was likely to continue in the middle order during the ODI series against Sri Lanka regardless, but Jos Buttler’s injury – confirmed on Friday to be a calf tear, which had opened up a spot for Billings in the second T20I – effectively locks him in as a middle-order batter. While Ben Stokes is certain to come back into the side when fully fit, Billings will have an opportunity to build on an impressive run last summer against Ireland and Australia, which included his first international hundred, and force some tricky selection decisions further down the line.”In terms of ODIs, I had a really good summer last year and averaged 83 [78.75] throughout that summer in that format so I would be pretty disappointed if I didn’t get a gig. But this team is a very hard one to get into to.”[England] have two of the best white-ball batsmen and wicketkeepers in the world [in Buttler and Jonny Bairstow] but at the end of the day, you never know with injuries. You have just got to try and offer as much as you can to any side you go into. The more options you can give any side, it definitely helps your case; I’m working on the offspin as we speak…”

Over the last 12 months, Levi Colwill has become an integral part of the Chelsea squad, once again proving how impressive the club’s academy is at producing elite-level talent.

The 21-year-old broke into the Blues’ first team last season after various loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton and Hove Albion, making 32 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino in all competitions during 2023/24.

He continued his run in the first team under new boss Enzo Maresca in the opening encounter of the Premier League season, featuring for the entirety of the game in the 2-0 defeat against Manchester City.

He registered a 98% pass success rate, making four clearances and two interceptions – starring despite the narrow loss to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Colwill looks to have cemented his place as a regular starter in the Chelsea squad, potentially being joined by one player at the heart of the defence in the near future.

Chelsea make contact to sign defensive star

According to reports, via TEAMtalk, Chelsea have made contact with the agent of Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez over a potential move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the transfer deadline in just ten days time.

The 27-year-old was left out of Arne Slot’s first squad for the trip to Ipswich Town last weekend, potentially not being a part of the Dutchman’s plans during his time in charge at Anfield.

However, the Blues are also joined in the race by Newcastle United and Aston Villa, who are also said to be keeping a keen eye on the Englishman’s situation.

The report states that the Reds could demand a fee in the region of £45m for his signature, a figure that could put Maresca’s side off a potential move this summer.

However, he would be an excellent upgrade on one player who looks set for his own move away from Stamford Bridge in the coming days.

Why Gomez would be an upgrade on Chalobah

Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah could be set for a departure from his boyhood side after being excluded from the club’s pre-season tour of the US, whilst failing to be selected for the season opener last weekend.

The 25-year-old has also been forced to train with the club’s academy side in recent weeks, potentially leaving the club in a £25m deal before the window slams shut.

Given his situation, the club will want to offload him to make a profit whilst also boosting their PSR standing, potentially avoiding a points deduction in the months ahead.

When comparing Chalobah to Gomez on a statistical basis, the Liverpool ace would be a huge upgrade, offering added reinforcements to Maresca at the back in his attempts to secure a top-four finish during his debut campaign at the helm.

The “exceptional” talent, as described by former boss Jürgen Klopp, excelled in possession last season, averaging more progressive carries and progressive passes per 90 than the Chelsea man – making him a great fit for Maresca’s possession-based system.

However, he also dominated defensively, completing more interceptions and tackles per 90, whilst also winning 30% more aerials, potentially providing the Blues with added defensive solidity – starring alongside Colwill at the heart of the defence.

How Gomez & Chalobah compare per 90 in the PL (2023/24)
Statistics (per 90)	Gomez	Chalobah
Games played	32	13
Minutes played	1786	952
Progressive carries	2.2	0.5
Progressive passes	5.1	2.9
Interceptions made	1	0.8
Tackles won	1.6	1.1
Aerials won	76%	46%
Stats via FBref

Whilst it may be a harsh way for Chalobah’s Chelsea career to come to an end, it’s evident that the Italian doesn’t see him as part of his plans, wanting more competent ball-players in his system.

Gomez has showcased his talents with the ball at his feet, whilst also having the ability to improve the club’s poor defensive record from the last 12 months, which saw them concede 63 times in 38 Premier League matches.

The £45m figure quoted may seem like a steep price tag, but he would certainly improve the options currently available to the Blues boss, whilst handing him a potentially superb right-foot, left-foot partnership between Gomez and Colwill at the back.

Chelsea could repeat Sterling signing with deal for £250k-p/w "phenomenon"

It’s never a dull day at Stamford Bridge…

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 20, 2024

Aston Villa could move for a £300,000-per-week midfielder, amid reports they're pushing to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

Monchi and NSWE restructure Villa squad in busy transfer window

After a phenomenal 2023/24 season, in which they sealed a top-four place and qualification for the Champions League, transfer chief Monchi and NSWE have been very busy this transfer window – both in terms of incomings and outgoings.

Aston Villa tell £17 million striker's camp they want to sign him for Emery

They’ve informed his club as well.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 3, 2024

The Midlands side have splashed £150 million in total on new recruits this summer, including a £50 million deal for Belgium international midfielder Amadou Onana, who comes as their latest confirmed signing through the door.

All of Aston Villa's confirmed summer deals
Player	Fee paid
Amadou Onana	£50 million
Ian Maatsen	£38 million
Jaden Philogene	£18 million
Cameron Archer	£14 million
Samuel Iling-Junior	£12 million
Lewis Dobbin	£10 million
Enzo Barrenechea	£7 million
Ross Barkley	£5 million
via Transfermarkt

Going in the opposite direction, Brazil international ace Douglas Luiz will be a sore miss for Villa next season after his move to Juventus, considering he racked up 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions under Emery last season.

Moussa Diaby also joined Al-Ittihad for around £50 million, just one year after completing a multi-million-pound switch to the Premier League from Bayer Leverkusen, so the revolving door at Villa has kept swinging throughout this transfer window.

Multiple reports have claimed that Villa are also pushing to sign Felix from Atletico Madrid as well, so Monchi may not be done after splashing the cash, despite concerns surrounding PSR since the beginning of this summer.

Felix has been described as Emery's "dream target", and the Portugal international could work wonders to replace Diaby following his move to the Middle East. Felix's best season came during the 2019/2020 campaign at Benfica, where he racked up 15 goals and seven assists in the Primeira Liga alone.

He's spent the last one and a half seasons on loan spells elsewhere, though, with Felix joining Chelsea temporarily before he swapped Madrid for Barcelona last campaign.

This indicates that the 24-year-old's future could be far away from Diego Simeone's first team, and perhaps a move to Villa is one to watch.

Aston Villa could move for Jack Grealish alongside Felix

Rumours have also linked Villa with an audacious swoop for ex-captain and club star Jack Grealish, who missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Euros.

The £300,000-per-week midfielder endured a stop-start season at Man City last campaign, despite being a key player in their treble-winning side the season prior, and journalist Dean Jones has suggested on the Ranks FC Ultras podcast that Villa could make a move to re-sign Grealish – even if he deems it unlikely the player will leave.

"There was a story that came out about Aston Villa considering a move for Jack Grealish," Jones said.

"I have to be careful with this one. It was mentioned to me by someone else and I had heard this whisper about Aston Villa potentially going for Jack Grealish. They’re showing ambition with Joao Felix and the rest of it, but there was a feeling they might test the water on Jack Grealish.

"My hunch is that Grealish is going nowhere.

"I was speaking to somebody at Man City last week and Grealish has come back as the fittest member of the squad, he’s extremely hungry, he wants to bounce back from the misery of missing out on the England squad."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke highly of new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim as he sees a 'nice challenge' ahead for the Portuguese.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Arteta praised AmorimWished him luck for his future at Old TraffordMan Utd and Arsenal will lock horns on December 4Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Arsenal manager heaped praise on Amorim for the work he did at Sporting CP, where he won four trophies in four years, including two Liga Portugal titles. Arteta feels that the Portuguese coach now has a big challenge ahead of him in managing one of the most iconic clubs in the world and wishes the best for his future at Old Trafford.

AdvertisementWHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

Speaking to reporters, the Spaniard said: "Amorim is an excellent coach, with a special career, who achieved something historic at Sporting, especially in terms of form. He has a very nice challenge ahead of him at one of the most important clubs in the world and I hope it goes well for him."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 39-year-old's debut game in charge of United did not go as planned. The team did get off to a dream start at Ipswich as Marcus Rashford handed them the lead in the second minute of the game from Amad Diallo's assist. However, former Chelsea youth player Omari Hutchinson scored a deflected equaliser to seal a point for Ipswich. While Amorim failed to register a win, he did bring new ideas and formation to the team which could eventually work in the club's favour in the long run.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The Red Devils are scheduled to face the Gunners on December 4 but before the mega clash, they will face Bodo/Glimt and Everton in their next two fixtures in the Europa League and the Premier League, respectively.

Liverpool fans have taken a huge hint about the futures of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk after seeing the 2025 calendar.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Liverpool release calendar for next yearThree stars placed in interesting monthsReds could lose trio at end of the seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The three Reds stars could leave the club at the end of the season as their contracts expire in the summer. Liverpool are hopeful of convincing all three to stay at Anfield, but the release of their official calendar for next year has fans talking.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Journalist Sam Munnery pointed out that the trio all appear in the early months of the new calendar, with Alexander-Arnold chosen as the face of February, Salah appearing in March and Van Dijk's picture placed in April. Should any of them leave in the summer, they will not be appearing on fans' walls during the 2025-26 campaign.

DID YOU KNOW?

While Liverpool would prefer to keep Salah, they are already said to be lining up a successor with Omar Marmoush and Ryan Cherki linked to the Reds. Van Dijk, meanwhile, has said that "discussions are ongoing" between him and the club over a new deal, while Alexander-Arnold has stayed silent amid reports he is on his way to Real Madrid next year.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Liverpool are top of the Premier League with a five-point lead over Manchester City. Arne Slot's side are in action again on Sunday when they visit Southampton, but it has been reported that Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk are injury doubts.