Luís Castro comentou pela primeira vez sobre as sondagens e interesses que têm recebido do futebol árabe. O treinador afirmou que está focado em continuar fazendo seu trabalho no Botafogo e não descartou uma saída no futuro.
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– Não vou fazer comentários a respeito. Eu mesmo resolvo estas situações de vida. Quero paz. Estou focado no Botafogo. Meu caminho neste momento é o Botafogo. Algo mais no futuro decido com meu agente – declarou Luís Castro para ESPN.
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O treinador ganhou muita repercussão depois dos resultados positivos do Glorioso na temporada. O time é líder do Brasileirão e está vivo na disputa da Sul-Americana. O técnico está no final do seu contrato e seu futuro no clube está indefinido.
+ Botafogo inicia conversas para renovar seu vínculo com Luís Castro
O Botafogo aproveitou este período sem jogos da data Fifa para descansar os jogadores e prepará-los para os próximos compromissos da temporada. A equipe alvinegra entra em campo na próxima quinta (22), diante do Cuiabá, às 20h (de Brasília), na Arena Pantanal, pelo Brasileirão.
U.S. international Christian Pulisic powered AC Milan to a 2-1 win over Napoli on Sunday, recording both a goal and an assist in the clash with the defending champions. After the victory, Pulisic said it sends a strong message to Serie A, praising the team’s defense and spirit as a driving force behind their success.
'We feel incredible'
Pulisic expressed immense pride in his team's resilient performance after Pervis Estupinan 57th-minute red card forced Milan to defend their lead with one fewer player.
“We feel incredible, honestly,” Pulisic said in an interview with . “Just the spirit of the team the way we fought. Also after the red card, we really gave everything and it’s a special feeling now for us.”
The American believes to the top of the table sends a message to other Serie A teams.
"It sends a message for sure,” Pulisic said. “That we’re a good team, we’re a strong team, you know we can score goals, but we can defend like this. And we have a good spirit and I think it shows a lot for sure.”
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Fighting against skepticism
USMNT icon Tony Meola praised Pulisic following his exceptional performance in AC Milan's victory. The American remains on the top of Serie A scoring chart, but Meola believes Pulisic continues to get treated with skepticism despite his success.
“If you remember, his first year everyone was like can he get 10 goal contributions? I said he was at least a 20-goal contribution guy throughout the season. But then the story was, can he do it again? And then the story is can he follow that up, right? It’s like people don’t want to believe in him sometimes," Meola said on . "They know he’s got it but they’re almost waiting for the other shoe to drop and he continues to get better.”
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'He’s right there with Clint'
Meola suggested that Pulisic's primary motivation is being recognized for his skill rather than being evaluated through the lens of his American background.
“He has said time and time again, ‘I want to show you I’m a good footballer.' Not [just that] I’m a good American footballer, that I’m a good footballer," Meola explained. "Take the American tag off of me, look at me like everybody else. And that’s what American players are trying to do but this guy has taken the torch."
Meola's also positioned Pulisic among the pantheon of American soccer legends despite the winger being just 27 years old.
“We talk about Clint Dempsey all the time and he was incredible in Europe,” Meola said. “At some point we’re going to talk about Christian and his career and it’s going to be the top American player that’s gone over to Europe. I think he’s right there. Clint, I know that’s a different debate, but he’s right there with Clint.”
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Picking up momentum
Pulisic's exceptional club form comes at an opportune moment for both Milan and the USMNT. and the American will take on Juventus on the road on Oct. 5 before the international break begins. Then Pulisic travels stateside as the USMNT will face Australia and Ecuador in friendly matches.
Alejandro Garnacho has been told how he could become a £40 million ($54m) bargain for Chelsea after being bombed out of Manchester United.
Argentina international sold by Red Devils
Concerns regarding attitude played down
Palmer backed to overcome injury issues
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Having once been the hottest prospects at Old Trafford, Argentina international Garnacho finds himself taking on a new Premier League challenge at 21 years of age. Chelsea are prepared to wipe his professional slate clean in west London.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Questions have been asked of Garnacho’s attitude, as he fell out with former boss Ruben Amorim, but there is no doubting that a potential match-winner has arrived at Stamford Bridge. It is now up to Enzo Maresca to bring the best out of an enigmatic talent.
WHAT DI MATTEO SAID
Roberto Di Matteo has no concerns regarding Garnacho’s character, with the Chelsea legend – speaking in association with – telling GOAL: "I don’t think he can rock the boat at Chelsea, there is a good group, a good team environment. Also, the manager has a good grip on the team.
"Let’s not forget he is only young, 21, so still needs to learn and mature as a person and as a football player. Sometimes when you are young you can make some mistakes, he just needs to learn from that. He’s coming into a team with a good hierarchy, they can help him to fulfil his potential.
"You can see that he has a tonne of potential and if he can manage to grow and develop and become the player that he thinks he is and we all hope he can be, then it becomes a bargain to sign him for that price."
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DID YOU KNOW?
Garnacho will be hoping to grace the 2026 World Cup next summer. New club colleague Cole Palmer is looking to do likewise with England, and Di Matteo is confident that injuries will not hold the Blues’ No.10 back. He said: "The World Cup is 10 months away from now. I don’t think there is a risk. Obviously he needs to stay fit, but it’s part of a player’s life to have some injuries. He doesn’t get major injuries.
"On reflection, the fact that the club played in the summer in the FIFA Club World Cup, it is going to be interesting – not just for Chelsea, but the other teams that were involved in that and made the latter stages of the competition, Real Madrid, PSG and Chelsea – to see what the implications are for the players in the season. We don’t have any data, any historical data, to see what it means because it was the first edition.
"For Cole Palmer, I don’t think we need to be concerned about him. Once he gets into his stride, he is going to show all of the quality and ability that he has."
Wolverhampton Wanderers are now plotting a move for an “elegant” player who they made a bid for during the January transfer window, according to a new report.
Wolves set sights on new defender
Rayan Ait-Nouri and Craig Dawson departing Molineux means Vitor Pereira will be tasked with bringing in new options in defence this summer, and there is a strong desire to bring in a new centre-back.
With Wolves recording the worst defensive record outside the Premier League relegation zone last season, it is no surprise that signing at least one new centre-back is on the agenda, and a number of potential targets have been identified.
Target
Current club
Potential cost
Christopher Wooh
Rennes
Over £4m
Igor Julio
Brighton
Under £13m
Jhon Lucumi
Bologna
£24m
The need to sign a new defender may also be exacerbated by the fact January signing Nasser Djiga could be making a move north of the border to Rangers, as revealed by Liam Keen.
There has now been a new update on Wolves’ interest in Udinese’s Thomas Kristensen, with a report from Football Insider revealing they are plotting a move for the defender, who they made a £12m bid for in the January transfer window.
Despite that offer being knocked back, the Old Gold are ready to rekindle their interest in Kristensen, having been long-term admirers, but there could be competition in the race for his signature, with AFC Bournemouth and Como said to be eyeing moves of their own.
"Elegant" Kristensen could be solid signing for Wolves
Scout/analyst Jacek Kulig has previously dubbed the Dane an “elegant” and “dominant” centre-back, while also praising him for his ability in aerial duels, which has regularly been on display over the past year.
Indeed, the 6 foot 6 colossus has been able to use his frame to his advantage, placing in the 90th percentile for aerials won per 90, when compared to other centre-backs in the top five leagues in Europe.
Wolves make first approach to sign £34m Club World Cup goalscorer
He’s been in excellent form at the Club World Cup.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025
There are also some indications that Wolves could stand a good chance of luring the 23-year-old to Molineux, given that he expressed his desire to move to the Premier League in an interview with Zach Lowy last season.
“If you want to improve as a defender, Italy is the best place to do it. Right now, I’m here in Udine, I have a lot to improve on, and Udinese is a great place to improve…but I still have a dream of playing in England one day.”
Kristensen could now be ready to take the next step in his career, having made his mark during his second season in Italy, so it is promising news that Pereira’s side are now ready to rekindle their interest.
تسبب منتخب فرنسا في إثارة حالة من الغضب الشديد لدى باريس سان جيرمان، بسبب النجم عثمان ديمبلي، بعد مباراة الأمس ضد منتخب أوكرانيا، في إطار التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم.
وخاض منتخب فرنسا مباراته الأولى في تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026، حيث حقق فوزًا على أوكرانيا بهدفين دون رد (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).
وشارك عثمان ديمبلي في تلك المباراة كبديل، حيث دخل مع بداية الشوط الثاني، ولكن تم استبداله في الدقيقة 81 بداعِ الإصابة.
وجاءت إصابة ديمبلي بمثابة ضربة لـ باريس سان جيرمان، خاصة أن زميله في الفريق ومواطنه ديزيري دوي تعرض لإصابة على مستوى ربلة الساق في المباراة نفسها واضطر إلى الخروج بين الشوطين.
وذكرت شبكة “rmcsport” الفرنسية أن منتخب فرنسا أثار غضب باريس سان جيرمان بقوة، خاصة أن ديمبلي لم يكن مؤهلًا للمشاركة في مباراة الأمس بعدما تعرض لإصابة في أوتار الركبة، في ساقه اليسرى، خلال لقاء تولوز يوم السبت الماضي.
ولكن هذه المرة عانى ديمبلي من إصابة في الفخذ الأيمن، ولم يرغب باريس سان جيرمان من الأساس في إشراكه في مباراة الأمس بين فرنسا وأوكرانيا.
وأوضحت أنه حسب مصادر مطلعة، فإن باريس سان جيرمان يشعر بالغضب الشديد لأنه حذر الجهاز الطبي لمنتخب فرنسا من عدم مشاركة ديمبلي، حتى قبل بدء المعسكر التدريبي، نظرًا لإرهاق اللاعب.
ورأى باريس سان جيرمان أن هناك خطرًا كبيرًا قد يواجه ديمبلي حال مشاركته، ولكن مسؤولي منتخب فرنسا تجاهلوا الأمر تمامًا.
وأفادت إنه حتى بعد المباراة ومع تصاعد غضب باريس سان جيرمان، ساد شعور بالتجاهل من جانب الاتحاد الفرنسي، مع التزام الأخير بقاعدة أن اللاعب ملزم بالتوجه إلى المنتخب الوطني حال استدعائه، وينطبق ذلك على ديمبلي رغم إصابته أمام تولوز، طالما لم يتم استبعاده بقرار رسمي.
من جانبه، برر المدرب ديدييه ديشامب قراره بمشاركة ديمبلي، مؤكدًا أن اللاعب كان لائقًا، حيث قال: “لولا ذلك لما أشركته، كما أن تلك إصابة في الفخذ الآخر، كما أنه لم يشعر بأي ألم قوي لأنه كان في حالة جيدة، لسوء حظه حدث ذلك، لولا كونه لائقًا لكنت أشركت لاعبًا آخر”.
وشدد: “ولكن بالنظر إلى الحالة البدنية والذهنية لـ ديمبلي، وكذلك رأيه، لم يكن هناك أدنى قلق”، ورغم ذلك ألمح إلى إمكانية استبعاد الفرنسي من المباراة المقبل ضد أيسلندا، حيث هناك توقعات بإمكانية مغادرته المعسكر في الساعات المقبلة.
The magic number would appear to be 109, to judge by the two very contrasting clashes that have so far taken place in Group B of the T20 World Cup 2024.In Barbados on Sunday evening, Namibia grunted and ground their way to two precious points thanks to David Wiese’s heroics in the Super Over, having only just managed to match Oman’s all-out total of 109 off the very last ball of their original 20 overs.And then two days later, on the same surface at Bridgetown (albeit a less slow and sticky version to judge by the fluency of Scotland’s openers) George Munsey and Michael Jones dispatched England’s bowlers for 90 runs in ten overs either side of a two-hour rain delay … which, by the time DLS had worked its magic, meant England would have needed a target of, yes, 109 had the weather not closed back in to ruin the afternoon’s entertainment.And so it’s back to Bridgetown we go for two teams that have been on a significant roll since the end of their respective campaigns at the last T20 World Cup in 2022. Last year, both Namibia and Scotland topped their regional qualifiers, in Africa and Europe respectively, with six wins out of six, against such less-vaunted opponents as Italy and Tanzania. Now, however, they go head-to-head with rather more than trans-continental bragging rights to play for.England’s habitual discomfort against European opponents has seen to that. Irrespective of whether Tuesday’s washout was an opportunity won or lost for Scotland, the fact that Group B’s top seeds fell short of their anticipated two points means the door is ajar for a notable upset, particularly if Australia can inflict further damage on England’s standing in Saturday’s heavyweight clash.David Wiese and Ruben Trumpelmann are key performers for Namibia•ICC/Getty Images
In the meantime, all that matters is victory here and now. If Scotland can grab the extra point that eluded them last time out, then maintain their 100% record in T20Is against Oman when they meet in Antigua in Sunday, then they will go into their final group game against Australia next week with qualification in their own hands. It’s a lot of “ifs” at this stage, of course. But one fewer than they needed at the start of their campaign.As for Namibia, a three-point gap at the top of Group B beckons if they can make it two wins from two – and if they need any extra incentive, they need only rewind to their last T20 World Cup campaign two years ago, when qualification for the main event beckoned after their impressive victory over Sri Lanka in their opening fixture, only for the Netherlands and UAE to rip their dream away. They’ll be doubly keen to ensure this latest strong start doesn’t go to waste.
Form guide
Namibia TWWLL Scotland LWLWW
In the spotlight: Munsey and Trumpelmann
In an innings of two halves on Tuesday, Jones made the running for Scotland prior to the rain-break, including with what looked set to be the moment of the day – a violent pick-up off Chris Jordan that smashed a solar panel on the roof at midwicket. But then, in the 22-ball resumption, it was all about George Munsey, who clobbered 23 from his remaining 12 balls, including a stunning switch-hit six that a left-handed KP could scarcely have timed any better. Namibia, however, know from recent experience that that shot is a Munsey trademark – at Kirtipur in February 2023, he unfurled a similar stroke for four to bring up his maiden ODI hundred, and seal a stunning ten-wicket win with a massive 167 balls to spare. In 2017, he scored his only first-class hundred against the same opponents, in the Intercontinental Cup in Ayr.Left-hander George Munsey hit Adil Rashid for a right-handed six earlier in the tournament•Getty Images
Munsey, however, will remember all too well what happened the last time he encountered the left-arm swing of Ruben Trumpelmannat a T20 World Cup. Facing up to the first ball of the match, in Abu Dhabi in 2021, Munsey climbed into a cut but misjudged the width, and hacked the ball onto his own stumps. Three balls later, Scotland were 2 for 3, as Calum McLeod and Richie Berrington were blasted from the crease with an aplomb to rival Mitchell Starc. And auspiciously for Namibia, Trumpelmann has started this latest tournament with similar devastation. Two balls versus Oman, two wickets in the bag, as both Kashyap Prajapati and Aqib Ilyas fell to savage, stump-seeking lbws.
Pitch and conditions:
The good news is that the weather in Barbados seems significantly better than it has been for the first week of the tournament. Only a small chance of rain is anticipated for each day until Sunday.
Team news
Namibia endured a scare in their opener against Oman but came through in the end. An unchanged team could be in the offing.Namibia (probable): 1 Michael van Lingen, 2 Nikolaas Davin, 3 Jan Frylinck, 4 Gerhard Erasmus (capt), 5 JJ Smit, 6 David Wiese, 7 Zane Green (wk), 8 Malan Kruger, 9 Ruben Trumpelmann, 10 Bernard Scholtz, 11 Tangeni LungameniPrecisely two Scotland players got to sample the atmosphere of a Caribbean World Cup on Tuesday, but the confidence that Munsey and Jones will have telegraphed through their unbroken stand should not be underestimated. There’s no reason to think there’ll be any tweaks to the line-up that was trusted for their opening outing.Scotland (probable): 1 George Munsey, 2 Michael Jones, 3 Brandon McMullen, 4 Richie Berrington (capt), 5 Matt Cross (wk), 6 Michael Leask, 7 Chris Greaves, 8 Mark Watt, 9 Brad Wheal, 10 Chris Sole, 11 Brad Currie
Stats that matter
Namibia are playing in their third consecutive T20 World Cup, after qualifying for the 2021 and 2022 events. They have won five of their 12 matches to date, including the recent Super Over victory against Oman.
Namibia have beaten Scotland in each of their three previous T20Is, including their only previous clash at a World Cup – a four-wicket win at Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Since then, however, Scotland have won five of the six ODIs that the two teams have ever contested – including the aforementioned Munsey masterclass in February 2023.
Quotes
“Every game at a World Cup is a big game regardless of who the opposition is, so nothing changes in terms of process and preparation. We might not have as big a crowd watching us, but we still know it’s just as big a game and we need to win to really compete here.” Brad Wheal, Scotland’s seamer, is braced for an important showdown.“The associates are ready. They want to play. They’re raring to go.”
Arsenal are set for a significant call over potentially selling a “difference-maker” this summer, amid a serious issue which could determine his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta makes PSG vow after Arsenal loss to Bournemouth
The Gunners have a season-defining Champions League semi-final second leg tie against PSG on Wednesday – a match that will truly shape the course of their 2024/2025 campaign and determine the success of Arsenal’s year.
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Mikel Arteta’s side trail 1-0 on aggregate, courtesy of Ousmane Dembélé’s early winner at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, and they go into a testing clash at the Parc des Princes off the back of a shock defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
However, Arteta has vowed to use the frustration and upset from that loss to Andoni Iraola’s side as fuel to overcome PSG in the French capital.
“We certainly wanted to create a really good vibe, a positive result would really help us to build what we wanted towards Wednesday,” Arteta said in a post-match press conference.
“What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy. So, make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final.”
One player who has been unable to contribute recently is 2024 summer signing and Italy international Riccardo Calafiori.
The £42 million arrival has spent the last month out with a knee injury, and despite some excellent performances, injury absences have been the story of his first season.
Arsenal set for "big decision" over selling Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori has been called a “difference-maker” for Arteta when fit and available, but reports from Italy are now claiming that Arsenal are prepared to sell the defender this summer as a result of his fitness issues.
Speaking to Football Insider, former chief Man United scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the beautiful game, says that Arsenal have a “big decision” to make over letting Calafiori return to Serie A.
“It’s a decision Arsenal and Arteta have got to make,” he told Football Insider.
“They will know the extent of his injury issues and whether it’s going to keep cropping up. Then, they’ll weigh that up against what they know he can do when he’s fit and they’ll decide whether it’s worth keeping him on.
“There is interest in a move back to Italy and AC Milan have been mentioned as one of those teams. If Arsenal can make back the money they spent on him last year, they might think it’s the best thing to do given how many games he’s missed.
“His injuries are a major concern because if he can only play in 15-20 games a season, he’s not going to be somebody they want to keep on the books. But at the same time, there are a few players who look like they’ll leave Arsenal this year.
“They can’t let too many of them go because their depth is already an issue. So it’s a big decision for them to make and one they’ll sit down and discuss soon.”
Four wins on the trot in the Premier League – the last of which came resoundingly against Manchester United – have put Newcastle United in a strong position as they look to return to the Champions League.
Winning at home against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening would certainly help to consolidate their position, one point behind third-place Nottingham Forest while holding a game in hand.
The chance to make it count has arrived, but Oliver Glasner’s Palace have been in fine fettle of late and boast a box of dangers that Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones – Eddie Howe is absent, recuperating from pneumonia – will need to ensure do not spring a trap at St. James’ Park.
24/25
Premier League (A)
0-0 draw
23/24
Premier League (A)
2-0 loss
23/24
Premier League (H)
4-0 win
22/23
Premier League (A)
0-0 draw
22/23
Carabao Cup (H)
0-0 (3-2 p.) win
Four of the past 14 meetings between the two sides in all competitions have been goalless draws, but with such impressive attacking armouries, you feel that this evening-lit fixture could bring the fireworks.
Newcastle team news pre-Crystal Palace
Centre-backs Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman are still sidelined, with left-back Lewis Hall also not expected back before the end of the season.
Newcastle defender Sven Botman.
Tindall is unlikely to make sweeping changes to the team that thrashed the Red Devils on Sunday, but one or two tweaks could be enforced.
Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali should reprise their places in midfield, arguably the finest central trio in the Premier League right now.
However, despite his recent purple patch, there might be just cause for Harvey Barnes to return to the bench for this one. Here’s why.
Why Tindall should drop Harvey Barnes
Barnes put on a second-half clinic to thwart Man United and take his haul, impressively, to eight goals and three assists from just ten Premier League starts this season.
With three in his past two, the 27-year-old is riding the crest of a wave, his clinical edge coming up trumps with Alexander Isak four top-flight games without a goal and Anthony Gordon only returning off the bench on Sunday after his red card suspension.
However, Gordon is now back and offers a more dynamic threat. Given the Eagles’ shakiness during their 5-2 thrashing by Man City at the weekend, Gordon’s multi-skilled approach could be the best way to funnel through to Isak while upholding a balanced attacking threat.
Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore
Jacob Murphy, on that note, is effectively undroppable on the right. So consistent. So cool. So collected.
Anthony Gordon celebrates for Newcastle
With a return of nine goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, Gordon knows he could do better in that regard. But the England international brings so much more than direct goal involvements.
As per Sofascore, he’s averaged 1.9 key passes and won 4.7 duels per Premier League game this term, making good on the self-said proclamation that he’s a “nightmare for anyone” he plays against.
With this extra match wedged into Newcastle’s run-in, shuffling the pack would be a good way to keep things fresh and maintain form. Saturday evening, after all, brings an away trip to CL-chasing rivals Aston Villa.
Gordon has been an immense part of the Magpies’ rise, and while Palace’s Eagles are flying high themselves, adding Gordon to the starting line-up would be the perfect way to overwhelm a backline that has shown its chinks in recent games.
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And so, Manchester United are Bilbao-bound again. The Europa League final awaits…
Having cruised to a surprise 3-0 win away from home last week at San Mames, the Red Devils endured a typically nervous start on what should have been a routine night at Old Trafford, with Mikel Jauregizar’s first-half stunner sparking renewed hope for a depleted Athletic Club side.
The away side’s dominance continued in the early knockings of the second period, with United looking set to potentially pay for their inability to kill the tie sooner, with Alejandro having spurned a gilt-edged chance before the break.
Thankfully for Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese rolled the dice with his 60-minute substitutions and the right number came up, with the introduction of Mason Mount, in particular, helping to reinvigorate the misfiring hosts.
Two stunning strikes from the Englishman – which marked his first goals at the Theatre of Dreams in any competition – bookended further efforts for both Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund, with the Premier League side romping to a 7-1 aggregate scoreline in the end.
Mason Mount
It was a night that began in shaky fashion, but this one was all about the finishers – in truth, it was the night that Mount finally came to the party.
Mason Mount's magic Man Utd moment
What a week it has been for the former Chelsea man. Handed his first start since his return from injury against Brentford at the weekend, the 26-year-old duly popped up with the opener at the Gtech, before again delivering the goods this time around.
In truth, Amorim’s repeated praise for the injury-hit playmaker has looked more like blind faith than anything else in recent months, with Mount seemingly heading the way of a litany of failed signings before him. Indeed, two goals and only one assist in 41 games before Thursday night’s encounter made for grim reading.
And yet, is there life in this £55m man? On the evidence of last night, there certainly is, with the forgotten talent sparking United’s in-game comeback with a delightful cruyff-turn and curler into the far corner.
As journalist Samuel Luckhurst noted, there were shades of Federico Macheda’s famous Aston Villa effort about that equaliser, although Mount went on to emulate a far more notable name in David Beckham at the death, having lofted the ball into the empty net from range.
Amid a largely wretched two seasons in Manchester, the Champions League winner has hardly come close to reaching the heights of his fellow number seven, although this electric cameo – hopefully – can be the start of something brighter.
In the short term, perhaps the Cobham graduate has etched his name into Amorim’s showpiece starting lineup. The same is also true of Amad Diallo.
Man Utd star now "has to start the final"
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and well, that is certainly true in the case of Amad.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The shining light of Amorim’s early tenure, the Ivorian was cruelly struck down by injury in mid-February, having at that stage looked almost certain to miss the remainder of the campaign.
Having since defied the odds to work his way back to fitness, the 22-year-old has simply picked up where he left off earlier this year, as indicated by his stunning strike off the bench against the Bees on Sunday.
GK
Andre Onana
RCB
Matthijs de Ligt
CB
Harry Maguire
LCB
Leny Yoro
RWB
Noussair Mazraoui
CM
Bruno Fernandes
CM
Casemiro
LWB
Patrick Dorgu
RAM
Amad
LAM
Mason Mount
ST
Rasmus Hojlund
Again called upon as an impact player on Thursday night, the former Atalanta starlet quickly showcased why he now “has to start the final”, according to Luckhurst, after putting in a dazzling 30-minute showing.
Involved in the initial build-up to Mount’s first of the night, having surged down the left flank, the diminutive speedster was particularly crucial in teeing up Hojlund late on, having skipped his way into the penalty area before picking out the goal-shy Dane from the byline.
As he showcased amid that assist, Amad is simply a relentless and electric presence down that right flank. At one stage, he evaded his man with a sensational turn on the halfway line, albeit with teenager Harry Amass unable to convert at the end of that fine sweeping move, following another key intervention from Mount in between.
In all, that 8/10 showing – as per Luckhurst – from the dynamic left-footer saw him successfully complete 100% of his attempted dribbles and win 100% of his total duels, taking no time at all to get up to the speed of the game.
Amad Diallo
That standout cameo may suggest that Amad – and Mount too – could well be vital in helping to change the game in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, although Thursday served as a reminder as to why he simply must be in the starting XI, be it as a wing-back or a number ten.
With options now there for Amorim to call upon, as his squad edges back to full fitness, perhaps United may well finally peak at just the right time. Bring on Bilbao!
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West Ham United’s Conference League-winning side of 2022/23 will go down in history at the London Stadium.
What a night it was for Hammers fans, with Jarrod Bowen becoming an instant legend of the club, scoring the winning goal to secure a late 2-1 win over Fiorentina.
West Ham supporters will surely remember the members of that team fondly for a long time. While some of them have now left the club, such as Declan Rice and Said Benrahma, several members of that squad are still playing at the London Stadium today, including matchwinner Bowen.
Another of those players still at the club is Tomas Soucek, but ahead of the summer transfer window, his future is up in the air.
The latest on Soucek's West Ham future
It does not appear as though Soucek will still be a West Ham player in five months, when the 2025/26 campaign will get underway.
The Czech Republic international is reportedly set to leave the club, according to Claret and Hugh, a reputable West Ham news source.
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek
The Hammers-themed website spoke with a Premier League agent who said the 30-year-old ‘would like a new deal’, but at this stage, the East Londoners aren’t prepared to give him one, due to his age and the fact he has just two years left on his current contract. It is believed he could fetch upwards of £15m this summer.
It would surely be a shame for Hammers fans to say goodbye to a player who has given the club so much over the years. He’s donned the famous Claret and Blue shirt 241 times so far, scoring 40 goals and grabbing 13 assists.
Tomas Soucek scores for West Ham
He’s skippered the East London outfit at times, too, including once this season in a 3-2 win over Fulham, where he got on the scoresheet.
That goal was a classic Soucek strike, arriving into the box and getting on the end of a cross, this time with his foot, although it is often with his head.
However, the Czech star is not the only Hammers man who might be in line to leave this summer, with one high earner a player they could consider selling,
The West Ham player who should follow Soucek out of the door
There are famously two Czech players at West Ham, with Vladimir Coufal someone who has played a big part in their recent success over the years.
However, with the competition at right-back strong, and his high wages, there is every chance he could be in line to leave.
West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal.
His involvement in the Premier League for the Hammers this term has decreased. Coufal has played just 18 times in the top flight, starting nine of those in total. He has not registered an assist and has actually only created one big chance, as per Sofascore.
With the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer for £15m from Manchester United, and the switch to a back three, it does feel like Coufal’s role in the side has diminished, and it would surely not be surprising to see him depart.
West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal.
Yet, he has been a wonderful servant for the club over the years. In total, the 32-year-old has played 176 games for the Irons, grabbing 20 assists in that time. Former club captain Rice once called him an “outstanding” player too. Sadly, he is not that anymore.
Coufal record by season for West Ham
Season
Games
Minutes
Assists
2020/21
36
3265
7
2021/22
34
2654
5
2022/23
38
3096
1
2023/24
47
4061
7
2024/25
21
1085
0
Stats from Sofascore
All good things must come to an end, and with the lack of involvement for Coufal in 2024/25, plus the fact he is coming towards the twilight of his career, the Hammers could well look to cash in.
He earns a sizeable amount per week too, a reported £35k to be exact. This would save West Ham money in the long term, given he earns £1.82m per year. It certainly feels like the money can be reinvested elsewhere.
Vladimir Coufal.
Coufal has given lots to West Ham, and has been a loyal servant for the club. However, given his lack of involvement this season, and the cash the club can save on his wages, it might make sense if he was moved on at some stage soon.
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