Luke Shaw has been dropped from Manchester United's squad against Wolves just one game after returning from injury, and Red Devils fans are livid.

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Shaw dropped from Man Utd squadOnly played once since injury returnFans are furious with left-backFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Shaw returned to action for Manchester United for their insane Europa League comeback against Lyon after another lengthy injury lay-off, and the England international played 75 minutes at Old Trafford on Thursday. However, the left-back has been dropped from the Red Devils' squad for their Premier League clash against Wolves, with the official reason having been labelled as 'rest', and some fans are livid.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Manchester United fan @j_Amufc said: "Played on Thursday to get injured in time for a Sunday roast and easter eggs, Sir Luke Shaw."

@timexx47 said: "The ghost member of the squad whom Man Utd must buy out his contract and part ways."

@Babayaga09OP added: "Luke Shaw will take 365 working days to recover now."

United fan @isaacngobi94 claimed: "Any serious team would have sold Luke Shaw 2 seasons ago."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Shaw has often been criticised for being injury-prone and unfit in general. The England international has only made 20 appearances for the Red Devils over the last two seasons, with just 1365 minutes logged.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Ruben Amorim has called up Manchester United U21's Tyler Fredricson to the squad in place of Shaw and has handed the 20-year-old his debut against Wolves. He will take up a place in the Red Devils' back-three alongside Victor Lindelof and Noussair Mazraoui.

Leicester City are now one of four clubs lining up a late move to sign a new winger in the final weeks of the January transfer window, as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League come the end of the campaign.

Leicester City transfer news

Currently in the bottom three of the Premier League and on course for an instant return to the Championship, Leicester were expected to be active in the January transfer window in a bid to try and reverse their fortunes under Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

But despite confirmation that they were going to receive no sanction for potential financial fair play breaches, a fact that was announced earlier in the month, they have still been very quiet in the winter window.

So far, the Foxes have only added fullback Woyo Coulibaly to their ranks, while they sold Tom Cannon to Sheffield United in a bid to free up funds this January. With that money, they have reportedly made a bid to sign Strahinja Pavlovic from AC Milan, but their winter transfer window has yet to truly kick into gear.

That could spark a scramble in the final days of the window as they look to deliver fresh faces to Van Nistelrooy, who is said to have only taken the job with the promise of January additions being made available. With a tricky run of games ahead, they will need to move fast to secure new players before the winter window slams shut.

Tottenham Hotspur (Away)

Everton (Away)

Arsenal (Home)

Brentford (Home)

West Ham United (Away)

Now, they are reportedly in the hunt for a much-needed new forward at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester City chasing EFL winger

That comes as Football Insider report that the Foxes are one of four sides lining up a move to try and sign Cardiff City winger Ollie Tanner in the final 10 days of the transfer window as they look to bolster their frontline.

Still just 22-years-old, Tanner has lit up the Championship this season despite having just two goals and two assists to his name, but he has been unable to keep the Bluebirds out of a relegation scrap themselves.

Despite that, he has reportedly caught the eye, with Leeds United, Burnley, Southampton and Leicester all reportedly on his tail as they plot a late move for the man who has played for the likes of Bromley, Folkestone Invicta and Lewes before getting his big move to the second tier.

When quizzed, Cardiff boss Omer Riza played down the links, explaining: “No. Ollie’s a young lad, he’s one of ours and he’s doing really well. We need him, like we need all the other players in our team, and he’s doing well. He’s focused on doing his job at Cardiff and that’s it, really.”

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And the 6 foot 1 inch forward still has two and a half years left to run on his £390,000 a year deal in Wales, which could see Cardiff hold out for a significant fee to release him mid-season amid their own relegation struggles.

Tanner, who was hailed as “strong” by his former coach, can play on either flank or even at left-back if required, and is highly regarded by Cardiff. However, could the opportunity to play in the Premier League and follow in the footsteps of Jamie Vardy make his mind up?

Chelsea emphatically ended their five-match winless run in the Premier League with a deserved victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca has impressed since replacing Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout last summer but the Italian tactician would have faced heavy criticism had Chelsea failed to win once again and squander the chance to capitalise on Newcastle’s defeat on Saturday.

That wasn’t the case, with three points taking the Blues back into the top four. There were several standout performers, with Trevoh Chalobah standing out after being recalled from his loan stint at Crystal Palace.

Trevoh Chalobah's impressive return

With Wesley Fofana out for the long term and Benoit Badiashile sidelined too, Chelsea needed reinforcements at centre-back this winter, but opted for the shrewder route than making a transfer signing, bringing Chalobah back to the Bridge.

Maresca might have pushed him out the door last summer but the English defender proved he’s worthy of a space in the squad this season after picking up the Man of the Match award against the Old Gold.

He assisted Noni Madueke’s sealing strike, though was left feeling humorously aggrieved given that his goalbound header was turned in by his friend when within a whisker of the line.

But that doesn’t detract from an impressive display that saw him win six duels, make seven clearances, complete 96% of his passes as well as his one attempted dribble, as per Sofascore.

Chalobah might have earned the MOTM award, but he wasn’t actually the best Blue on the field. Indeed, Reece James put in a masterful display as he continues his resurgence. It’s wonderful to see.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Reece James's performance in numbers

James has endured a torrid time over the past several campaigns, suffering greatly from injury problems that have precluded him from performing anywhere near his immense apex.

Against Wolves, though, the 25-year-old earned his first starting berth in the Premier League since the beginning of November, having scored off the bench against Bournemouth last time out.

James was handed an 8/10 match rating by The Evening Standard for his labours, praised for his ability to mix it up on both sides of the field and do so with panache and power.

Minutes played

77′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

93

Accurate passes

60/67 (90%)

Key passes

2

Dribbles (completed)

2 (2)

Tackles

3

Interceptions

1

Total duels (won)

12 (9)

Successfully completing both of his dribbles and winning a whopping nine of 12 contested duels, he was rightfully described as a “joke of a footballer” by reporter Felix Johnston.

He also praised him for looking “levels above” his teammates, James’ return to fitness and form comes at the perfect time for Chelsea as they begin to mount their Champions League charge.

He’s completely undroppable when at his best. The exciting thing is that James didn’t even play at his best last night, but he was still too much for Wolves to handle for large portions. Give it time, and he shall be dominating from the right flank.

The west Londoners might not be playing in Europe’s elite competition this term but they are in a fantastic position to raise their station through qualification – sure to be eyeing silverware in the FA Cup and Conference League too.

Back to winning ways. Chelsea fans will be delighted – but perhaps just as much so by the return of this version of James. He’s going to make all the difference.

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ذكرت تقارير صحفية، عن اقتراب نجم إفريقي بارز، من الانضمام إلى صفوف إنتر ميلان الإيطالي، خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية المقبلة.

ووفقًا لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”، فإن نادي إنتر ميلان يرغب في التعاقد مع مهاجم مميز لتعزيز الفريق استعدادًا للتحديات التي سيخوضها الفريق الموسم المقبل.

وارتبط اسم الدولي النيجيري أديمولا لوكمان نجم أتالانتا، بالعديد من الأندية الكبرى بعد الأداء القوي الذي قدمه مع الفريق الإيطالي المواسم السابقة تحت قيادة المخضرم جيان بييرو جاسبريني.

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ويريد إنتر دفع 40 مليون يورو للتعاقد مع صاحب الـ22 عامًا، قادمًا من أتالانتا، بعقد يمتد لمدة 5 سنوات مع دفع راتب 4.5 مليون يورو سنويًا.

المتوج بالبالون دور الإفريقي عام 2024 سجل ما بين 15 و20 هدفًا لأتالانتا الموسم الماضي وهو ما يعتبر خيارًا مثاليًا لتشكيلة هجومية تضم الأرجنتيني لاوتارو مارتينيز والفرنسي ماركوس تورام.

Liverpool were a day late and a dollar short in the Premier League last season, and in hindsight, the great Jurgen Klopp’s decision to stand down looks to have been the correct decision.

Arne Slot is thriving at the helm, lifting a gifted group of players and pushing them toward a top-flight title challenge and perhaps a shot at the Champions League trophy too.

FSG are stuck with a bit of a reputation for being overly wary in the transfer market, something that was reflected through Federico Chiesa being the only addition to Slot’s project thus far (he’s suffered with injuries and has only started one match).

But January. Ah, January. It’s a month for action, as far as the Anfield bosses are concerned.

Liverpool's best January signings

In recent years, Liverpool have pounced on multiple winter opportunities to strengthen their frontline, bringing in Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo in successive January windows. Both have been staples for Slot’s team this season.

Way further back, though, you’ll find the £23m deal to sign Ajax’s Luis Suarez was pulled off on deadline day in January 2011. The Uruguayan might not have lifted any silver but he’s an iconic Redman, one of the very best.

Of course, no January acquisition can confidently claim that they have been better, more transformational, than Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool’s all-powerful captain left Southampton for Merseyside in a £75m deal at the 2017/18 campaign’s midpoint, proving the catalyst for illustrious success.

One of the greatest defenders of his generation, the Netherlands titan is still starring for title-chasing Liverpool and is undoubtedly one of their most iconic players.

Now, Liverpool are eyeing up another exciting winter recruit in Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Liverpool's perfect Kvaratskhelia alternative

Paris Saint-Germain are looking to complete a deal for the Serie A leaders’ wantaway winger this month, but numerous sources – including The Athletic – report that Liverpool are attentive to the situation and could seek to hijack the deal.

Not to be pragmatic, but PSG are in control of the race as things stand, and anyway, Liverpool might be better off launching a bid for a Premier League star instead.

Indeed, as per Sky Sports this month, Liverpool have been monitoring Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and might be tempted into completing a deal, though the Bees would look to claim at least £50m for their prized forward.

Sky Germany have recently revealed that Arsenal have shortlisted the French forward and Newcastle United are known admirers too. If Liverpool have the funds to spend on such a player, why not act now?

Why Liverpool should sign Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo has gone from strength to strength under Thomas Frank this season, scoring 13 Premier League goals – a haul bettered only by Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

1.

Mohamed Salah

18

2.

Erling Haaland

16

3.

Alexander Isak

13

3=

Bryan Mbeumo

13

3=

Cole Palmer

13

Kvaratskhelia is the bigger name, to be sure, but Liverpool’s shrewdness might just pay off, should they move for Mbeumo. Analyst Ben Mattinson has actually hailed the French ace for emitting “Mane at Southampton vibes,” practically begging for a high-profile suitor to come along and place him in a more prominent position.

The 25-year-old has his prime years ahead of him, as did Mane when Liverpool snapped him up from the Saints for a £34m fee in June 2016, when he was 24.

Mane scored 120 goals and added 42 further assists across 269 appearances for the Anfield side, winning the whole gamut and being described as a “machine” in the final third by Jurgen Klopp.

Principally playing off the left, the Senegal superstar’s positional flexibility has been one of his main strengths throughout a storied and successful career, something that Mbeumo could emulate as his belated natural successor.

Mbeumo could further mimic the now Al Nassr player by arriving from a ‘lesser’ Premier League club and becoming one of Europe’s superstars, very much in line with the way in which FSG like to conduct themselves in the transfer market.

Moreover, Slot has shown that he’s partial to shuffling his forwards about, with Luis Diaz in particular playing regularly and with great success at number nine. This is something that Jurgen Klopp did with Mane, and Slot could now follow suit.

Mbeumo has properties that are well-suited to the striker’s department and boasts an impressive record when Frank has shifted into the number nine spot. Let’s not forget that Ivan Toney left last summer and took all his potency with him, but it’s scarcely been felt with Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa combining emphatically.

Right winger

60

22

17

Centre-forward

28

10

3

Attacking midfield

29

2

1

As per FBref, the £45k-per-week ace ranks among the top 5% of Premier League positional peers this season for goals scored (0.65) and the top 13% for crosses made (4.92) per 90.

He’s athletic and balanced in the execution of his attacking qualities, with the positional flexibility and, of course, innate goalscoring ability perhaps giving the claim that he’s got Mane-esque talents some substance.

Liverpool are looking for a new forward, with Kvaratskhelia as the name in circulation right now. However, Mbeumo might be the better pick, with the skills and style to make him Slot’s very own version of Mane.

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Stats highlights from the fourth ODI between Australia and India in Canberra where the hosts stretched their undefeated home streak to 19 matches on the trot

Bharath Seervi20-Jan-201619 Consecutive ODIs without defeat for Australia at home – 18 wins and a no-result. They last lost to South Africa in November 2014 at the WACA. West Indies had a run of 18 home games without defeat from 1986 to 1990 and Sri Lanka 17 from 1996 to 1998.1 Australian bowler with a five-for when the opposition made more than 300 before Kane Richardson. Nathan Bracken had taken 5 for 67 at the Wanderers when South Africa chased 434 in 2005-06. Richardson’s 5 for 68 in this match are his best figures in ODIs and it is also the first time a bowler has taken a five-for at the Manuka Oval in eight ODIs.671 Runs scored in the match, the third-highest ever for an ODI in Australia. The top spot in this list also came recently, when the hosts and Sri Lanka tallied 688 runs in 2015. This is the 13th instance when both teams have made 300-plus totals in an ODI in Australia. Six of them have come in the last two years, and three in this series. India’s total of 323 is the fourth-highest by a team batting second in ODIs in Australia.162 Innings Virat Kohli has taken to score 25 ODI centuries making him the fastest to the mark and by some distance too. The old record was held by Sachin Tendulkar – 234 innings in 1998. Three other batsmen have at least 25 centuries in ODIs: Ricky Ponting (279 innings), Sanath Jayasuriya (373) and Kumar Sangakkara (378). This was Kohli’s fifth century against Australia in ODIs, the third-most by a batsman after Tendulkar (nine) and Desmond Haynes (six). With this century, Kohli now has nine centuries across all formats in Australia – five in Tests and four in ODIs. He equals Jack Hobbs and David Gower’s record for most centuries by visiting a batsman in Australia.2 Australia batsmen who have scored 2000 ODI runs in fewer innings than Aaron Finch’s 54 – David Boon (52) and Matthew Hayden (53). Greg Chappell and George Bailey also got to the mark in 54 innings. Steven Smith completed his 2000th ODI run in this match too, playing his 55th innings. Finch scored his seventh ODI century in this match. Among Australia openers, only four have scored more.187 Runs added by Finch and David Warner for the first wicket – Australia’s second-highest opening stand in ODIs against India, after the 212-run partnership between Boon and Geoff Marsh in Jaipur, in 1986.212 Partnership for the second wicket between Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, the third-highest for any wicket against Australia in Australia; the second, third and fourth on the list have all been by Indian pairs. It was also the second-highest partnership in a chase that ended in defeat. The highest, also by India, is 223 between Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja in Colombo (RPS) in 1997. Sri Lanka won that game by two runs. Kohli has now been involved in eight double-century stands, the most by any player going past Ponting and Upul Tharanga, who have seven each.131.33 Australia’s average opening stand at the Manuka Oval in Canberra from three innings. Warner and Finch, who put on 187 today, had added 118 against South Africa in 2014-15 while Finch and Watson combined for 89 runs against West Indies in 2012-13. In 13 innings at this venue, visiting teams’ opening partnerships have averaged 33.84, with three fifties including the 65 runs put on by Rohit and Dhawan in this match.0 Dismissals in 90s for Warner in his international career, before his 93 in this innings. He has got to the 90s 21 times in his international career prior to today’s match, and converted them into centuries on 20 occasions – 16 in Tests and four in ODIs. He was 90 not out once in a T20I against Sri Lanka at the SCG in January 2013.16 Wickets lost in the match after the 35th over – the most that have fallen after this cut-off in ODIs since 2002. Both the teams lost their second wicket on 37.3; while Australia managed to score 128 runs at 10.10 sine then, India were could add only 46 runs for their last eight wickets.74 Balls taken by India to reach 100 in this ODI – second-fastest by any team against Australia since 2002. The fastest came in 68 balls by New Zealand at the Gabba in February 2009, a 22-over ODI interrupted by rain.72 Innings taken by Dhawan to complete 3000 ODI runs – fewest by an India batsman beating Kohli, who did it in 75 innings. Only Hashim Amla (57 innings) and Viv Richards (69 innings) have been faster, while Gordon Greenidge and Gary Kirsten also took 72 innings. Dhawan is also the second-quickest to nine ODI centuries in terms of innings; only Amla (52 innings) has scored as many in fewer innings. Click here for the list of fastest batsmen to 3000 ODI runs.77 Runs conceded by Ishant Sharma in the match – most by an India bowler in an ODI in Australia, beating Debasis Mohanty’s 76 runs against Pakistan in Hobart in January 2000. Ishant’s 4 for 77 is the third-most expensive four-wicket haul in ODIs. Richardson’s 5 for 68 in the second innings is the joint-fourth expensive five-wicket haul in ODIs.2 Times, including India in this match, a team has been bowled out in an ODI after losing their second wicket at a score of 250 or more. India were the team on the receiving end in the other instance as well: against South Africa in the 2011 World Cup. They were 267 for 2 in Nagpur and collapsed to 296 all out. India lost their last eight wickets for 46 runs in last 12 overs in this ODI, which is the fourth-lowest aggregate by those wickets in an ODI for India.3 Instances of a team failing to chase a target despite having two centuries in the innings, including this match. And India have been involved in all of them. Azharuddin and Jadeja’s tons went in vain against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 1997 while Zimbabwe’s Stuart Carlisle and Sean Ervine felt the sting against India in Adelaide in 2003-04.

It’s been a tough season for Arsenal this year.

Mikel Arteta’s side came into the campaign hoping that this would be the year they finally toppled Manchester City in the Premier League, and while they’re six points clear of the Champions, they’re six points behind current leaders Liverpool.

This drop-off is due to several reasons, from suspensions to injuries and a lack of cutting edge in attack, especially from those off the left, like Leandro Trossard, who’s produced just six goal involvements so far.

So, recent reports linking the club with an incredibly exciting left-sided gem should excite the Arsenal faithful, especially as he could get the Belgian firing again.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in Club Brugge’s talented full-back, Maxim De Cuyper.

The report has revealed that the Gunners are currently leading the chase for the 24-year-old, but fellow London sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the exciting player.

The report does not mention a price, but given that Brugge’s most expensive departure of all time was the €36.5m – £30.2m – transfer of Charles De Ketelaere to AC Milan and that the left-back is valued at just €12m – £10m – by Transfermarkt, we can’t see this potential deal costing the North Londoners an arm and a leg.

Overall, it could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given De Cuyper’s ability and potential, it’s one well worth pursuing, especially as he could revive Trossard.

How De Cuyper could revive Trossard

Now, one of the benefits of signing De Cuyper is that he’s shown over the last few years that he’s versatile enough to play on either side of the defence and even further up the pitch.

However, left-back is his preferred position; therefore, it’ll be those out on the left wing, like Trossard, who will be most affected by him.

Fortunately, the Knokke-Heist-born dynamo appears to be an incredibly gifted attacking full-back, and that’s the reason he’d be able to revive his fellow compatriot out on the left.

For example, in just 24 appearances this season, the promising prospect, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “one of the best left-backs” around, has scored one goal and provided four assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 4.8 games.

Just imagine how much more effective the Gunners’ Belgian winger could be with the 6 foot full-back hurtling down the pitch, ready to overlap or play a killer pass through the lines for him to get on the end of.

That said, if his raw output from this season isn’t enough to convince you, perhaps his underlying numbers will be.

According to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across the next best 14 competitions, the left-footed star sits in the top 1% of full-backs for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the top 2% for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 3% for attempted passes and the top 7% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area, all per 90.

Ultimately, Arsenal’s left-hand side has been underwhelming so far this season, and while signing a new forward could help, signing a new attacking full-back to get the most out of their current attackers might be an even better idea.

Therefore, Arteta and Co should do what they can to sign De Cuyper as soon as possible.

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1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 24, 2024

da apostaganha： And so, it’s finally over. That gloriously fruitful Celtic and Kyogo Furuhashi relationship has come to an end, with the Japanese sensation embarking for pastures new at Ligue 1 outfit, Rennes.

da pinnacle： Having been mooted as a potential target for Premier League champions, Manchester City, over the summer, an exit for the former Vissel Kobe striker did appear inevitable at some stage, with his return of 85 goals in 165 games at Parkhead having unsurprisingly not gone unnoticed.

That said, to have allowed the 30-year-old to depart mid-season – and to a struggling French side, no less – is a decision that will continue to come under scrutiny, not least as the Hoops prepare for a Champions League playoff tie against Bayern Munich next week.

The Old Firm giants did at least manage to rake in a £10m fee for a player who had cost them just £4.6m back in the summer of 2021, yet after spending £8m of those funds on Jota’s homecoming – alongside bringing in Jeffrey Schlupp on loan – no further permanent moves were made before the window slammed shut.

Celtic's failed pursuit of a striker

To have allowed the window to come and go without replacing Kyogo is a puzzling move for the Parkhead hierarchy to have made, with club legend Chris Sutton having stated that Brendan Rodgers and co were in need of a “top class centre forward” as the deadline drew closer.

There may be wisdom in avoiding overpaying or rushing into a panic buy, with the summer window not too far away, yet having likely been aware of Kyogo’s desire to depart for months, it is difficult to understand why an adequate successor was not lined up.

It had looked at one stage that the Hoops were pushing on in an attempt to revive their interest in former target, Mathis Kvistgaarden, albeit with Brondby holding firm over their desire not to sell the 22-year-old marksman.

The Danish striker has been in red-hot form this season with 14 goals in all competitions, ensuring he could have been a worthy, long-term rival for Adam Idah in the Celtic ranks.

That pursuit was also followed by apparent interest in Sevilla’s Kelechi Iheanacho – whom Rodgers had worked with at Leicester City – although the Nigerian ultimately signed on the dotted line for Middlesbrough, with the Scottish champions left empty-handed.

While Rodgers does have £9.5m man, Idah, to call upon – as well as ex-Shamrock Rovers loanee, Johnny Kenny – the Northern Irishman may need to get creative to find his new Kyogo over the coming months.

The Celtic star who could replace Kyogo

With just six Premiership goals to his name this season – and 11 in all competitions – Idah hasn’t quite picked up where he left off last time around, scoring nine times in just 19 games after initially signing on loan from Norwich City.

His recent brace against Aston Villa in the Champions League has further outlined his potential, but if Rodgers is looking to find a striker in the mould of Kyogo, then perhaps Daizen Maeda is the man.

With Jota able to slot in on the left flank, while Nicolas Kuhn remains on the opposite side, deploying Maeda through the middle may be the perfect solution to fitting all three attackers into the starting lineup.

Maeda’s Celtic record by position

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Left-winger

94

33

19

Right-winger

21

2

3

Centre-forward

11

8

2

Left-midfielder

1

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

The 22-cap Japan international has rarely featured in that central berth for Celtic, although – as indicated above – it has worked wonders when he has done so, with ten goal involvements in just 11 outings as the number nine, according to Transfermarkt.

Chalkboard

Expand Collapse

Equally, the 27-year-old has regularly operated ahead of Kyogo in that role for his country, having been hailed as “an absolute livewire” by pundit Rio Ferdinand at the 2022 World Cup.

Also lauded as a “one-man closing down machine” by Sutton in the past, the relentless forward is the perfect option to lead the press as the spearhead of the attack, mimicking his compatriot in never giving a defender a moment’s peace.

What also gives Maeda an advantage over Idah is just how prolific he has been already this season, having scored 16 times – while registering eight assists – in all competitions.

There may be the issue of why should the former Yokohama man be relocated if he is already thriving, yet with Jota now back in the picture, that new look attack could truly wreak havoc on the rest of the Premiership.

Idah, it must be said, offers a great focal point and physical presence at 6 foot 3, yet if it is a Kyogo replacement Rodgers is after, then Maeda may well be the perfect in-house solution.

Related Imagine him & Jota: Celtic have made D-Day offer to sign "fantastic" ace

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal for the Premier League ace.

Posts 2 ByDan Emery Feb 3, 2025

تحدث عبد الناصر محمد، مدير الكرة بنادي الزمالك، عن معسكر الفريق الذي أقيم في العاصمة الإدارية خلال الفترة الماضية، ضمن الاستعدادات للموسم الجديد 2025-2026.

وخاض الزمالك معسكره المغلق في العاصمة الإدارية، ولعب خلاله 3 مباريات ودية، أمام فرق رع والشمس ووادي دجلة.

وحقق الزمالك الفوز على رع ودياً بهدف دون رد، قبل أن يفوز على الشمس بخمسة أهداف مقابل أربعة، وخسر المباراة الأخيرة أمام وادي دجلة بالأمس 1-0.

وقال عبد الناصر محمد في تصريحات للمركز الإعلامي: “لاعبو الزمالك رجال أوفياء ومخلصون جدًّا لناديهم، ولم يخرج أي لاعب عن النص طوال فترة المعسكر، وكانوا الأكثر التزامًا وانضباطًا، وأوجّه الشكر لهم”.

وأضاف: “الفريق استفاد من المعسكر بصورة كبيرة وحقق الأهداف المطلوبة منه قبل انطلاق الموسم الجديد”.

طالع | تطورات جديدة في أزمة أحمد فتوح مع الزمالك.. وقرار منتظر

ومن المقرر أن يستأنف فريق الزمالك تدريباته يوم الإثنين 28 يوليو، في إطار إعداد الفريق للموسم الجديد، بعد قرار المدرب البلجيكي بحصول اللاعبين على راحة غدًا الأحد عقب ختام المعسكر بالعاصمة الإدارية.

ويستهل الزمالك الموسم الجديد، ببطولة الدوري التي تنطلق 8 أغسطس المقبل، وتقام قرعة المسابقة غدًا الأحد 27 يوليو.

يذكر أنه من المقرر أن يلعب الزمالك مباراتين وديتين في الفترة القادمة أمام غزل المحلة وبروكسي، ضمن الاستعدادات للموسم الجديد 2025-2026.