Celtic in Old Firm race for Scott McKenna this January

Celtic are hoping to lure Scottish centre-back Scott McKenna to Parkhead as Brendan Rodgers seeks to bolster his defence this January.

In the Scottish Premiership, Celtic's defensive record is strong. The Hoops, eight points clear at the top of the table, have only let in 15 in their first 22 matches. The only team to have conceded fewer is their Old Firm rivals, who also have two games in hand.

However, against stronger opposition in the Champions League, Brendan Rodgers' side have looked more exposed. Across their six matches, Celtic conceded 15 times, and that was a big part of the reason why they finished bottom of their group and exited Europe altogether heading into the new year. Only Belgian side Antwerp (17) conceded more in that phase, and so it's not particularly surprising that the club are seemingly intent on bolstering their backline in January.

McKenna emerges as Celtic target

According to Sky Sports, both Celtic and arch-rivals Rangers are interested in Scott McKenna of Nottingham Forest. Forest have made him available for transfer this month, paving the way for a battle between the Old Firm clubs.

There's a possibility that McKenna could move north of the border on loan first, and then join his new club on a permanent deal come the summer when his Forest contract expires.

McKenna started Forest's first five Premier League games this season, but hasn't featured at all since. In December, the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel revealed that the club had banished him from first-team training ahead of an anticipated January exit. Even the sacking of Steve Cooper and the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo as his replacement has failed to bring about an improvement in his situation.

Rodgers could get his man from 2018

It's a surprise to see McKenna treated this way. Signed in 2020 from Aberdeen, he's played 105 games for Forest, nearly half of which (51) came in 2021/22 as they achieved promotion back to the English top flight. The centre-back was instrumental in that achievement, winning man of the match when they beat Huddersfield in the play-off final (Sky Football).

He remained an important figure last season as Forest prolonged their return, starting 20 of the 25 games for which he was available, but now he's been completely frozen out.

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He'll be a familiar name for Celtic fans given his time with Aberdeen and his international career with Scotland, which now spans 30 caps (including one at the last European Championship). Manager Rodgers will certainly be familiar too, having made an attempt to bring him to Parkhead during his first stint as Celtic boss in 2018.

According to Football Scotland, Aberdeen rejected an initial £3.5m bid, and then Celtic refused to return with a better offer. Two years later, when he got his move to England, they may have thought that the ship had sailed, but with McKenna still of a decent footballing age at 27, Rodgers could finally get his man. If it is to be an initial loan, then it could come down to which Glaswegian club is willing to pay a greater share of his Forest wages, and which offers him a more significant role in the squad.

AI predicts how many goals Watkins, Gyokeres & Osimhen would score for Man Utd

For the third summer in succession, Manchester United appear set to bring in a new centre-forward once again, with new boss Ruben Amorim simply crying out for a prolific presence to lead the line.

Not since the days of Robin van Persie has a United player hit 20 goals in a Premier League season, with the young duo of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scoring just seven times between them in the top-flight in 2024/25.

Matheus Cunha has already arrived through the door – with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo expected to follow – although neither man is an orthodox number nine, ensuring further reinforcements are still needed.

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With that in mind, we’ve asked the AI tool ChatGPT to predict which of the Red Devils’ leading targets would prove to be the biggest hit at Old Trafford next term, fitness permitting.

Viktor Gyokeres – 15-20 Premier League goals

By all accounts, the man whom Amorim truly wants is his former Sporting CP talisman, Viktor Gyokeres, with prior reports indicating that the clinical Swede is open to joining United, even amid the lack of Champions League football.

While recent speculation would suggest that it is Arsenal who are more likely to win the race for the 27-year-old’s signature, there remains a glimmer of hope that he could end up in Manchester instead – not least if the Gunners plump for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The former Coventry City star – who has scored 97 times in just 102 games in Portugal – would certainly represent an upgrade on Amorim’s current attacking options, although the prospect of “tougher defences” in the Premier League, in the view of ChatGPT, could hamper his impact somewhat.

Ollie Watkins – 18–22 Premier League goals

The latest high-profile name to emerge as an option for the Old Trafford side appears to be Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, with reports indicating that contact has already been made regarding a possible move for the England international.

While at 29, the former Brentford man would buck the trend of INEOS’ recent youth-centric transfer policy, his proven Premier League quality has made him an attractive prospect, having hit double figures in each of his five top-flight campaigns.

In the view of ChatGPT, the experienced marksman could thrive when supplied by the service of the likes of Bruno Fernandes, as “United historically create more chances”, ensuring “Watkins would likely see more high-quality opportunities”.

Victor Osimhen – 20-24 Premier League goals

Watkins’ recent Premier League experience will count for a lot, but it seemingly isn’t everything. If you can score regularly across Europe, surely you can do the same in England?

That appears to be the case with regard to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian believed to be among the players that United are considering, amid his expected exit from the Serie A side.

Viktor Gyokeres

39

Kylian Mbappe

31

Robert Lewandowski

27

Harry Kane

26

Victor Osimhen

26

Mateo Retegui

25

Alexander Isak

23

Omar Marmoush

22

Erling Haaland

22

With 151 goals to his name in 264 senior career games, across his time in France, Belgium, Italy, Germany and Turkey, the 26-year-old represents an almost guarantee of goals, having bagged 37 times in just 41 outings on loan at Galatasaray in 2024/25.

According to ChatGPT, that momentum could well be maintained in Manchester, as “his proven scoring consistency, physicality, link-up play, and aerial threat suggest he could swiftly hit the 20‑goal mark in the Premier League”.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

49ers ready to move for £4m Leeds target with personal terms not an issue

Leeds United are beginning to make moves in the transfer market and are now said to be readying a swoop for one man who has emerged as a January target.

Leeds United January rumours…

Having a squad filled with good depth is important for any side who aspires to gain promotion from the Championship and Leeds will feel no different in that respect as they search for quality reinforcements over the course of this month.

Daniel Farke has already publicly heralded the news that recruitment expert Nick Hammond will be staying on until the summer of 2024 at Elland Road, as he stated late last year:

"He is brilliant. He is key to our success in the recent months by gaining more and more stability for this club. I have great support with Angus and Nick and Gretar in different roles."

Leeds United hold talks over Hellas Verona left-back Josh Doig

He could be set for a change of scenery this month…

BySean Markus Clifford Jan 1, 2024

Spezia goalkeeper Bartomej Dragowski is a target for the Whites in a move that could potentially re-unite the Poland international with his former teammate Ethan Ampadu. The report states that Hull City are also keen on the 26-year-old and indicated that both clubs could soon make contact with the Serie A side to discuss a deal for Dragowski.

Villarreal striker Ben Brereton Diaz is also believed to be on Leeds United's radar according to journalist Ben Jacobs; however, he may be pursued in the summer rather than this month should the Whites gain promotion.

Now, another man who could join Farke's men has emerged and formal talks have now been pencilled in concerning his potential arrival, with the 49ers Enterprises now into their first winter window in charge

Leeds United plan Nathaniel Adjei talks…

According to LUFCFANZONE, Leeds United have scheduled formal discussions over a proposed swoop for Hammarby defender Nathaniel Adjei, who is also attracting interest from Ipswich Town and Millwall, as the outlet explained on social media platform X:

Personal terms and a £4m fee not being a problem is an encouraging development as the Whites look to recruit in the central defensive department, especially when factoring in backline injury concerns involving the likes of Pascal Struijk, Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas. Adjei is capable of filling in at right-back, which could offer some wider added depth.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.

Labelled a "monster" in the media on X, Adjei made 26 appearances across all competitions in 2023, registering one goal in the process (Adjei statistics – Transfermarkt).

Nathaniel Adjei statistics in 2023 (Sofascore)

Tackles won per game

1.0

Clearances per game

2.7

Accurate passes per game

40.8 (88%)

Touches

59.2

Average match rating

6.84/10

It remains to be seen whether Adjei will end up at Elland Road, though Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises certainly look to be pulling out all the stops to land their man.

Newcastle now racing to sign £51m forward who Shearer thinks is "superb"

Potentially in a position to spend again at long last this summer, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a £51m striker who’s already received high praise from Alan Shearer.

Newcastle preparing for crucial Arsenal clash

There were stages in the first half of the season in which it seemed like Newcastle could miss out on Champions League football, as though their transfer failure was going to catch up to them. Now, however, with the Carabao Cup under their belt, the Magpies could finish as high as second in the Premier League. In fact, if they beat Arsenal this weekend, then Eddie Howe’s side will go above the Gunners and into the top two.

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Howe is well aware of the importance of his side’s trip to The Emirates this Sunday, too, as they look to take a major step towards Champions League qualification. He told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “It’s not done yet. The picture can change game to game and I think we’ve got to be really focused on our next game and trying to win it.

“We have been, our preparation has been good and the focus is there from the players. Nothing is achieved until it’s achieved. We have to be single minded in that and not get distracted.”

Liverpool (C)

83

36

Arsenal

68

36

Newcastle United

66

36

Chelsea

66

37

Aston Villa

66

37

Manchester City

65

36

Nottingham Forest

62

36

Those at St James’ Park need no reminder about the impact that Champions League football could have on their summer transfer window, either. A place among Europe’s elite could help convince Alexander Isak to stay put amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, whilst also helping to attract key upgrades for Howe in the coming months.

Newcastle join race to sign "superb" Pedro

The Magpies could even attract a Premier League rival with Champions League football to offer. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Joao Pedro, who Brighton & Hove Albion have valued at a hefty €60m (£51m) amid interest from Tyneside as well as Liverpool, Aston Villa and others.

Whilst a deal to sign the forward won’t come cheap, Pedro would provide Newcastle with an instant fail-safe in the event that Isak departs. The Brazilian, who has scored 10 goals and set up another six this season, has the potential and quality to replace the Swede in the long-term. What’s more, he’s also already got a fan in the form of Newcastle legend Shearer.

The iconic goalscorer sung Pedro’s praises on Match of the Day after he scored in Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in November, saying: “He was superb today and they just edged it in those forward positions. They are really strong with him, Rutter, Mitoma and Welbeck. Their understanding and they linked really well today in Rutter and Joao Pedro.”

The approval of Shearer certainly goes a long way in Newcastle, but whether it’s enough for PIF to make their move for Pedro remains to be seen this summer.

Dream Rodrygo alternative: Man City chasing “generational” £87m sensation

It might well be the case that Manchester City look to reinforce in attack over the January transfer window. It was not really an area of focus for the East Mancunian side over the summer transfer window, with Rayan Cherki the only attacking player joining the club.

They’ve added to their attacking depth over the last few transfer windows, bringing the likes of Savinho and Omar Marmoush to the club.

However, they have played just 644 minutes combined in the Premier League, and it seems Pep Guardiola is still looking to add to the depth in forward areas.

Thus, the Citizens have been linked with some big-name attackers.

City’s latest transfer target

It seems like City aren’t afraid to splash the cash as they look to improve the quality of their attack.

Transfer Focus

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

One player who has been linked is Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with Guardiola’s side reportedly considering a £70m move for the Brazilian.

However, another player the Citizens are linked with is RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. According to a report from Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, City are said to be one of the clubs that have the Ivorian winger ‘in their sights’ ahead of a potential transfer.

Yet, this deal will be neither cheap nor straightforward. Several of City’s Premier League rivals are keen on the 19-year-old, including Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, with other clubs not named.

The fee will be astronomical, too. Leipzig are reportedly set to ask for upwards of £87m, and hold strong negotiating power because there is no release clause in his contract.

Why Diomande would be a good signing

If City were to pay the fee for Diomande, there is certainly evidence to suggest it would be a good piece of business and would strengthen out wide.

Despite being just 19 years of age, the winger is already a “defender’s nightmare” according to football scout Antonio Mango, having also been described as a “generational” talent by journalist Bence Bocsak.

It has been a really strong start to the season for the Ivorain winger. He’s shone for Leipzig, making 11 appearances across all competitions and racking up 11 goals and assists in that time. That includes six goals and three assists in 14 games in the Bundesliga.

One of the benefits of Diomande’s game is the fact that he can play on either flank. It is no secret that Guardiola likes the versatility in his attackers, and that is something the Leipzig number 49 would be able to offer the Catalan coach

Signing Diomande could be a brilliant alternative to Rodrygo for City.

Of course, the Los Blancos winger is one of the most reputable in the world, with over 100 goals and assists in less than 300 games for the Spanish giants.

He ended his 32-game goalless run against the Citizens in the Champions League last week, showing how deadly he can be at his very best.

After the game, Guardiola said he told Rodrygo himself “how good he is” and described him as “a player from another level.”

Naturally, that fuelled conversion surrounding a City move for the Brazilian. However, if that doesn’t materialise, signing Diomande could be an apt alternative.

He is equally as effective when it comes to chance creation and is arguably even more direct.

Indeed, that is something backed up by the numbers on FBref, where the two players are similar. This season, the Ivorian has completed 4.24 successful take-ons and played 1.41 key passes on average per 90 minutes.

In comparison, Rodrygo only averages 2.56 take-ons and plays 1.4 key passes each game.

Key passes

1.41

1.4

Progressive passes

4.04

3.26

Goal-creating actions

0.81

0.23

Take-ons completed

4.24

2.56

Ball recoveries

5.76

4.42

No matter who City sign, they are going to have to pay a large fee, such is the nature of the market and the fact that selling teams can demand a large fee. Yet, £87m may be seen as a real investment for Diomande.

He is a quick, direct winger who loves to take defenders on one-vs-one. It will encourage City that he already has impressive final third output, too.

At just 19 years of age, he is an investment for the present and future.

Man City offer Real Madrid shock swap deal to sign "the next De Bruyne"

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He's even better than Miller: Celtic circling to sign "tenacious" £9m star

Celtic have bolstered their squad with the likes of Benjamin Nygren, Kieran Tierney, and Callum Osmand this summer, but they have yet to add any more players to their midfield ranks.

The Hoops have been linked with an interest in Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller, but they may end up missing out on a move for the Scotland international.

Como, who just signed Nicolas Kuhn from Celtic, Ipswich Town, and Southampton are all reportedly keen on the Scottish star, and Celtic were not mentioned in that latest report.

Miller produced two goals and eight assists in 32 matches in the Scottish Premiership last season, which is why he is an attractive target for clubs, but the Hoops are now eyeing up a star who is even better than the teenage gem.

Celtic circling around deal for Serie B star

Whilst a move for the Motherwell talent may not be looking likely, given that they were not mentioned in the latest batch of clubs interested in him, Celtic could still find a new midfield star.

Transfer Focus

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

According to The Boot Room, the Premiership champions are one of the sides ‘circling’ around a potential deal to sign Salvatore Esposito from Serie B team Spezia this summer.

The report claims that the Hoops have been keeping tabs on the Italy international and are now one of a clutch of clubs looking to snap him up ahead of next season.

Salvatore Esposito.

It states that the likes of Sunderland, Rangers, Everton, and Fulham are also showing an interest in the £9m-rated star, who may be allowed to leave on loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.

Why Celtic should sign Salvatore Esposito

Brendan Rodgers should work hard to win the race for the Italian star’s signature this summer because he would be an even better signing for the club than Miller for next season.

Both players are central midfielders who can combine impressive contributions at the top end of the pitch with steely defensive work in the middle of the park, which makes them both valuable players to have in a squad.

Salvatore Esposito for Italy vs England.

However, their respective performances in the 2024/25 season suggest that it would be Esposito who would have a bigger impact on the pitch for the Hoops next term.

The Spezia maestro, who was described as a “tenacious” tackler by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was sensational in the Serie B last season with his ability to win duels and tackles, as well as score and create goals.

Appearances

34

32

Goals

7

2

Big chances created

18

12

Assists

9

8

Tackles per game

1.8

1.8

Duels won per game

7.3

5.7

Ground duel success rate

67%

58%

As you can see in the table above, Esposito scored five more goals and created six more chances, despite only playing two more games, in the league, which suggests that he would provide Celtic with a greater threat at the top end of the pitch.

His defensive numbers, in terms of duels won, tackles won, and his success rate in duels, also suggest that the Spezia midfielder would provide more protection in front of the back four than Miller would.

These statistics suggest that Esposito would be even better for Celtic than Miller would be next season, due to his qualities in and out of possession in the middle of the park, which is why he would be an even better signing for the club.

At the age of 24, he may not be a teenager like the Motherwell gem, but the Italian star is still young and has plenty of time left for him to develop and grow with Rodgers at Parkhead.

Celtic could land better winger than Balikwisha in "electric" £3.5m star

Celtic could land an even better signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha by swooping for this star.

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It is now down to the club to strike a deal with Spezia to bring the Italy international to Glasgow, so that the club can move on from any interest they may still have in Miller.

More vital than Isak: Key Liverpool target now ready for medical in London

Liverpool so often wrap up all their business nice and early, so prudent are FSG. But not this time, deals have dragged over to the eleventh hour, but Red fans won’t care a jot.

After weeks of posturing, Newcastle United have finally opened the door for Liverpool to sign Alexander Isak in what will prove a British-record £130m deal, including £5m in solidarity figures.

Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, but Liverpool may yet seal a signature considered even more important for the fluency and stability of Arne Slot’s project.

Liverpool confident they will sign Premier League star

As per transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are growing in confidence that a deal can be pulled off for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

Though Liverpool have agreed personal terms with the England international and have the blessing of Palace chairman Steve Parish, Eagles first-team manager Oliver Glasner has been loath to let the star centre-back leave, and everything hinges on sufficient replacements being welcomed through the gates.

Liverpool have offices in London, and thus a medical will take place in the capital if the Merseysiders get the green light at this late hour. Palace are holding out for £40m and a deal is “expected to happen”.

Why Marc Guehi could make a bigger impact than Isak

Guehi, 25, has been at Crystal Palace for four years after leaving Chelsea for an £18m fee, failing to break into the Stamford Bridge senior side.

But no matter, he’s only gone from strength to strength since, captaining Palace to an incredible FA Cup triumph last year before beating Liverpool in last month’s Community Shield clash.

Crystal Palace'sMarcGuehilooks dejected.

Hailed as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, the £50k-per-week Guehi has so much quality, and he might even prove to be a better deal at this stage than Isak, who is going to cost FSG a pretty penny indeed.

Liverpool have started the current campaign imperiously from an attacking standpoint, and they were rather good in front of goal last term too.

Highest-scoring Premier League Clubs (24/25)

Rank

Club

Position

Goals

1.

Liverpool

1st

80

2.

Man City

4th

66

3.

Newcastle

3rd

65

4.

Arsenal

2nd

63

5.

Tottenham

16th

62

Data via Premier League

The thought of adding Isak to the fold is frightening, to be sure, but given the fragilities of Ibrahima Konate over Liverpool’s opening fixtures in August, and then the Frenchman’s injury scare and ever-looming contractual expiry date at the end of the term, signing Guehi might actually prove to be the most important of the two deadline-day deals for Liverpool.

The England international showcased against Aston Villa on Sunday his aptitude on the ball, scoring a looping finish with the skill of a seasoned attacking midfielder.

And Sofascore record that he has also won 75% of his duels across his opening three matches of the Premier League term. Without a doubt, he has what it takes to become a superstar in Liverpool’s ranks, potentially succeeding Virgil van Dijk as the club’s standout defender over the coming years.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi

Liverpool have completed the most incredible of transfer windows, but despite all the flashy business at the front end of the field, Guehi might just prove to be the shrewdest and most impactful of the lot.

Van Dijk-esque: Liverpool can forget Guehi with D-day bid for £23m "leader"

Liverpool are looking to sign a centre-back before the transfer window slams shut at 7pm.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 1, 2025

Clube interessado em zagueiro do Corinthians vive problemas com o fair play financeiro em seu país

MatériaMais Notícias

da stake casino: Interessado no zagueiro Raul Gustavo, do Corinthians, o Bordeaux, da França, possui problemas financeiros.

Na última sexta-feira (27), o time francês recuou na investida pelo meia Vitinho, do Athletico-PR, mesmo após trocar minutas contratuais com o jogador, que já tinha até mesmo traçado planejamento mara morar na França.

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continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasAthletico ParanaenseBordeaux recua por Vitinho, do Athletico-PR, mas Dínamo de Kiev mantém investidaAthletico Paranaense27/08/2021CorinthiansCorinthians encerra a sua preparação para enfrentar o Grêmio; confira os relacionados e a provável escalaçãoCorinthians27/08/2021CorinthiansCorinthians aguarda chegada de documentos para liberar Léo Natel a clube do ChipreCorinthians27/08/2021

da mrbet: O Bordeaux está pressionado pelo fair play financeiro no futebol francês que, obriga o clube a vender um atleta para equilibrar as contas, o que não aconteceu em tempo hábil para o acerto com Vitinho.

No caso de Raul Gustavo, no entanto, há um otimismo dos franceses por conta do valor inferior na negociação, que não deve ser afetado pelo fair play financeiro. A oferta por Vitinho feita pelo Bordeaux girava entre 6 e 10 milhões de euros (R$ 36,8 a 61,3 mi), enquanto a por Raul é de 2 milhões de euros (R$ 12,2 mi).

Ainda que esteja envolvido na negociação, Raul Gustavo foi relacionado para o duelo entre Grêmio e Corinthians, neste sábado (28), às 21h, na Arena do Grêmio, pela 18º rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

A janela de transferências para o futebol francês se encerra nesta terça-feira (31).

Slot drops early hint about Isak's likely Liverpool role against Everton

After finally making his first Liverpool appearance against Atletico Madrid, Alexander Isak will have his sights set on the Merseyside derby against Everton and Arne Slot has already dropped a hint about his potential role.

Isak makes Liverpool debut

It was never going to be a game that saw Isak steal the show in the same way that he so often did for Newcastle United. He’s not quite there yet, as he works his way back to sharpness. But the Swede certainly showed plenty of glimpses.

What particularly stood out is how Florian Wirtz also burst into life for the first time in Liverpool colours when combining with his fellow summer arrival. That partnership, if it continues to click, will be one to watch.

Although it’s difficult to criticise a side that have won four from four in the Premier League, Liverpool looked far more balanced against Atletico Madrid before complacency forced them into winning late on once again.

Isak, Mohamed Salah, Wirtz and Cody Gakpo formed a formidable frontline, whilst Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch proved that they’ll be a tough midfield partnership to break up for the rest of Slot’s options in that department.

Jeremie Frimpong’s influence should also be noted. The addition of a natural, overlapping full-back – which Szoboszlai did not provide – allowed Salah the space that he has been craving to cut inside and return to his most influential form.

Not Salah or Van Dijk: Liverpool star is now "one of the best in the world"

Liverpool left it late once more to collect a Champions League victory at Anfield over Atletico Madrid.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 18, 2025

Finally complete now that Isak is up and running, the depth of quality that this current Liverpool side have at their disposal should be frightening for any Premier League rival. But after making his debut against Atletico Madrid, will Isak start against Everton in the Merseyside derby this weekend?

Liverpool vs Everton: Slot drops early Isak hint

Speaking about the Swede’s potential role against Everton, Slot told reporters that, whilst Isak surprised him, fans shouldn’t get their hopes too high for another start in a matter of days. Instead, Anfield may be forced to welcome their new star striker from the bench on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, such is the depth of talent in Liverpool’s squad, it will likely be Hugo Ekitike who starts against Everton. The Frenchman has scored two Premier League goals in four games and has looked more than capable of pushing Isak all the way for a starting place this season.

محامي سيف الجزيري يوضح حقيقة عرض الوداد.. وينتقد إدارة الزمالك

تحدث أنيس بن ميم محامي سيف الجزيري مهاجم الزمالك، عن أسباب تقديم شكوى ضد القلعة البيضاء بداعي تأخر الحصول على المستحقات المالية للاعب في الفترة الماضية، موضحًا حقيقة تلقي عرض من الوداد المغربي.

وطالب سيف الدين الجزيري بمستحقاته المتأخرة، في خطاب رسمي من محامي اللاعب قبل اللجوء إلى فيفا وفسخ تعاقده.

وقال أنيس بن ميم في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس”: “اللاعب يستحق الحصول على مبالغ مالية متأخرة تصل لـ 8 أو 9 أشهر، وكان متعاونًا مع النادي، لكن هذه الفترة صعبة على لاعب محترف”.

وأكمل: “أرسلنا إنذارًا للنادي وهناك مهلة 15 يومًا، لو لم يدفع النادي المستحقات سيتم فسخ التعاقد، وأنا جئت من تونس إلى القاهرة يوم 27-11 حتى ننهي كافة الأمور بشأن التجديد بعد أن اتفقنا على كل شيء”.

طالع | أحمد سالم يرد على منشور الجزيري المثير للجدل ويتساءل: ما فكرة الأخطاء الفادحة ضد الزمالك؟

وتابع: “تفاجأت أن النادي يريد أن يُجدد اللاعب بتخفيض 40%، وهذا العرض تم رفضه”.

وأضاف: “سيف يتدرب وينفذ تعليمات المدير الفني، وعندما يجلس على الدكة يكون بناءً على وجهة نظر المدير الفني، وعندما شارك سجل أهدافًا ويقوم بواجباته وملتزم فنيًا مع النادي”.

واستطرد: “عقد الجزيري ينتهي 30 يونيو، اللاعب ذكر النادي بمستحقاته، هل يوجد لاعب أجنبي لا يحصل على مستحقاته منذ 9 أشهر؟ أو يتم الضغط عليه ويُقال له خفض راتبك الجديد 40% حتى تحصل على مستحقاتك المتأخرة؟ ومع ذلك هو لاعب محترف ويعرف قيمة الزمالك وشرف له ارتداء القميص الأبيض الذي لعب به أساطير في الكرة المصرية”.

وأشار: “سيف الجزيري شارك في كأس العالم ومؤهل للمشاركة مع منتخب تونس في أمم إفريقيا، وكل هذا بفضل الزمالك، سلوك اللاعب وتصرفاته تدل على احترامه للنادي، لكن الحقيقة المعاملة معه لا ترتقي للاحتراف من قبل الإدارة، واللاعب عليه ضغوط وحملة على السوشيال ميديا من أجل التجديد”.

وبسؤاله هل هناك عرض للاعب من الوداد؟، أجاب: “لم ندخل في مفاوضات مع أي ناد لأن الجزيري لاعب محترف وملتزم بعقده مع الزمالك”.

واختتم: “اللاعب لا يشعر أن الإدارة تحميه، لسنا عندنا دليل على أن هناك حملات ضده، لكن الجزيري يشعر بذلك، من خلال الأخبار التي تتداول بشأن البحث عن مهاجم جديد، رغم أنه ساهم في العديد من المباريات الكبيرة والأهداف الكثيرة وكان أحد الداعمين للفريق”.

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