وجه أحمد بلال مهاجم الأهلي الأسبق، انتقادات قوية للإعلامي مدحت شلبي بسبب تصريحاته الأخيرة ضد محمود الخطيب رئيس القلعة الحمراء.

وقال أحمد بلال في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “النهار”: “الأيام الماضية شهدت العديد من النقاشات، حيث تحدث الكابتن مدحت شلبي وتطرق إلى الكابتن محمود الخطيب، مع كامل احترامنا وتقديرنا لمدحت شلبي، الذي يمتلك خبرة تمتد لخمسين عامًا في الإعلام، وهو شخصية مهنية محترمة جدًا، إلا أنني أود قول كلمتين”.

وأكمل: “كابتن مدحت حتى الآن لم تعتذر للكابتن الخطيب، لم تقل أنا آسف أو حقك عليّ أو تجاوزت في حق الكابتن الخطيب، وهذا الكلام لم يصدر منك، رغم أنك إعلامي محترم ومحبوب، ونثق بك ونستمع إليك، والناس تأخذ بكلامك وتتأثر به، لذلك ليس من المنطقي أن يتم إيقاف برنامجك خلال 24 ساعة بسبب هذه الافتراءات”.

وواصل: “محمود الخطيب رجل محترم ومهذب جدًا، لا يصدر عنه أي كلام جارح، يتعامل بالقانون والأوراق الرسمية، وهو رجل ملتزم يحمل النادي الأهلي على كتفيه، وحقق نجاحات كبيرة جدًا، فلماذا هذا الهجوم؟ وما الداعي؟ ولماذا هذا التوقيت؟ لماذا يتم الطعن في الخطيب بهذا الشكل؟، ماذا فعل الخطيب لك شخصيًا حتى تتحدث عن أحداث من عام 2012 و2013، وتذكر أنه قال إنه مريض”.

وأردف: “أنت إعلامي محترف، لديك خبرة طويلة، واعٍ ومثقف، لكن يبدو أنك لم تستمع جيدًا للنصائح، ولم يحذرك أحد من الدخول في هذا الموضوع الحساس، والترند ليس بهذه الطريقة يا كابتن مدحت، هل هذا أسلوب إعلامي، وهل يصح أن يُقال هذا الكلام على التلفزيون؟ هناك أناس يصدقون ما يُقال، ويتابعون ويثقون للأسف”

وزاد: “هذا هو النادي الأهلي وهذا هو محمود الخطيب، الذي يملك ظهيرًا قويًا يدافع عنه، ربما يقبل الخطيب الاعتذار غدًا، لكن يجب أن تعتذر أولاً، وتحدثت عن خسارة الأهلي 120 مليون جنيه بسبب ريبيرو وكولر، وتساءلت عن دور الدولة ومن سيحاسب الأهلي، ولكن ألم تحسب المكاسب التي حققها الأهلي”.

خاص | حكم مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في الدوري المصري

واستطرد: “هل تريد أن يصبح الأهلي مثل أندية أخرى تواجه أزمات مالية مثل الزمالك، الذي تحدث نائب رئيسه عن ديون بقيمة 2.5 مليار جنيه، وألا يصعب عليك حال الزمالك، هل تريد الأهلي أن يصبح مثل الزمالك أو الإسماعيلي أو غيرهما من الأندية التي تعاني”.

وأضاف: “نحن نريد أن تكون جميع الأندية مثل الأهلي ملتزمة، تدفع مستحقات اللاعبين والمدربين، ولا تواجه إيقاف قيد، واسم مصر يجب أن يبقى نظيفًا، لا أن يشتكي الأجانب من أنديتنا، الأهلي يلتزم بعقوده، ويحقق أرباحًا، وفي عام واحد، حقق الأهلي دخلاً يتراوح بين 14 و15 مليون دولار”.

وأتم: “الأهلي باع لاعبين مثل وسام أبو علي وكذلك حصل على 9.5 مليون دولار من كأس العالم للأندية، و2.5 مليون دولار من بطولة إفريقيا، وإذا كان عليه 120 مليون جنيه، فهو قادر على سدادها دون أزمة، والأزمة الحقيقية هي عدم الدفع، أو أن يشتكي النادي في الفيفا، أو يواجه إيقاف قيد، والمفروض أن نشيد بالأهلي لالتزامه، لا أن نهاجمه بهذا الشكل”.

علق حازم إمام، نجم الزمالك السابق، على أداء الأبيض خلال الفترة الأخيرة، متحدثًا عن أبرز المشكلات الفنية والنفسية التي يعاني منها الفريق، مُقدمًا تحليلاً تفصيليًا لأداء اللاعبين وأسباب تراجع النتائج رغم السيطرة الواضحة في معظم المباريات.

وقال حازم إمام في تصريحات عبر برنامج “الحريفة” على إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم”: “الزمالك تعادل أمس، وهو ليس في المركز الثاني كما يظن البعض، الفريق خسر المباراة السابقة، وتعادل مع الجونة، ولكن الغريب هذا الموسم أن الزمالك يقدم أداءً جيدًا في بداية المباريات، باستثناء مواجهة الأهلي، التي كانت أقل فنيًا بكثير، الفريق يبدأ المباريات بشكل قوي ومسيطر، ثم يتراجع فجأة ويستقبل هدفًا، سواء من هجمة مرتدة أو تسديدة بعيدة، وكأن الحظ يعانده”.

وتابع: “كرة القدم في النهاية توفيق من الله، فمثلًا في مباراة الأمس لم تكن هناك أي هجمة خطيرة باستثناء فرصة واحدة فقط التي سُجل منها هدف غزل المحلة، في مباراة الجونة أيضًا، تعادل الزمالك بهدف من تسديدة واحدة، وكذلك في مباراة وادي دجلة، وفي مواجهة الأهلي كان متقدمًا ثم استقبل هدفًا في الشوط الثاني، الفريق استقبل حتى الآن سبعة أهداف في الدوري، جميعها جاءت في الشوط الثاني، وهذه إشارة واضحة على وجود مشكلة حقيقية في التركيز خلال النصف الأخير من المباريات”.

وأضاف: “أي محلل أداء، حتى وإن كان مبتدئًا، سيلاحظ أن الزمالك يعاني في الشوط الثاني؛ لذلك، يجب على الجهاز الفني إيجاد حلول مثل تأمين الخط الخلفي أو زيادة الضغط أو تغيير أسلوب اللعب حتى لا يتكرر نفس السيناريو، على سبيل المثال، الهدف الأول الذي دخل مرمى الزمالك أمام مودرن، من كرة ثابتة بعد ركنية ارتدت بطريقة غريبة، ثم توالت الأخطاء نفسها في المباريات التالية أمام وادي دجلة والجونة والأهلي وغزل المحلة”.

وأردف: “في كل مرة، حين يستقبل الزمالك هدفًا، أشعر أن اللاعبين يتوترون بشكل مبالغ فيه، فجأة يبدأ الفريق في لعب الكرات الطويلة غير المفهومة، وتجد لاعبين يمررون الكرة بشكل عشوائي، حتى في مواقف لا تستدعي ذلك، على أي لاعب يرتدي قميص الزمالك أن يتحلى بالثقة، لأنه يلعب في نادٍ كبير، مثله مثل الأهلي أو بيراميدز، اللعب تحت الضغط في نادٍ جماهيري يجب أن يكون دافعًا، لا عبئًا”.

طالع أيضًا | الزمالك على صفيح ساخن.. مفاجأة بشأن مصير فيريرا وبديله

وواصل: “جمهور الزمالك كان حاضرًا بكثافة رغم التعادل السابق، وهذا يعكس دعمه الكبير للفريق، لذلك لا يجوز أن يفقد اللاعبون ثقتهم بمجرد استقبال هدف، لست ضد فكرة الكرات الطويلة، لكن يجب أن تُلعب لمن؟ ما الهدف منها؟ بالأمس لعب الزمالك كرات عالية كثيرة، ولكن لم يكن هناك من يستغلها بالشكل الأمثل”.

واستمر: “أتذكر عندما كان مانويل جوزيه مدربًا للأهلي، كان يدفع بوائل جمعة كرأس حربة إضافي في الدقائق الأخيرة لاستغلال الكرات الهوائية، وهو ما نراه في أوروبا أيضًا مثلما يفعل ماجواير مع مانشستر يونايتد، بالأمس، قام فيريرا بإجراء تغييرات عديدة، وكان أحمد ربيع أحد الإيجابيات، فهو لاعب مميز منذ أن كان في البنك الأهلي، يجيد اللعب برأسه، ولديه نزعة هجومية قوية، وسيُحدث الفارق في وسط الملعب بجانب دونجا وحاتم سكر عند عودته”.

وأوضح: “بعد التعادل، أخرج فيريرا عمرو ناصر ودفع بسيف الجزيري، رغم أن الموقف كان يتطلب الإبقاء على الثنائي معًا للعب الكرات الطويلة، ثم قام بإخراج أحد لاعبي الارتكاز، كان من الممكن الدفع بحسام عبد المجيد للأمام كمهاجم إضافي بجوار سيف الجزيري، خاصة أن الكرات العرضية كانت تُشكل خطورة حقيقية على دفاع غزل المحلة”.

واستطرد حازم إمام: “في أكثر من كرة عرضية بالأمس، بدا واضحًا أن دفاع المحلة يعاني من التعامل مع الكرات الهوائية، إذًا، لماذا لم يواصل الزمالك اللعب بهذه الطريقة؟ كان من الممكن أن يُبقي على ثنائي هجومي في العمق ويطلب من الأجنحة إرسال كرات عرضية متكررة، خصوصًا أن الفريق كان مستحوذًا تمامًا على مجريات اللقاء”.

وأردف: “شاهدنا لقطة غريبة في الدقيقة 97، عندما قام محمد صبحي بتنفيذ كرة عرضية بعد رمية تماس، رغم أنه ليس متخصصًا في ذلك، لم أفهم الفكرة من أن يترك اللاعبون تنفيذ الكرة لحارس المرمى في آخر فرصة بالمباراة، هذه اللقطة أوضحت حالة الارتباك التي يعيشها الفريق في الدقائق الأخيرة”.

وأكد: “أحيانًا يكون التوفيق هو الفارق بين الفوز والتعادل، لكن الزمالك بحاجة إلى شخصية قوية داخل الملعب، صحيح أن الفارق في النقاط مع الأهلي أو بيراميدز ليس كبيرًا، لكن المشكلة تكمن في فقدان التركيز وقت التقدم، الزمالك دائمًا يبدأ بشكل جيد ويتقدم في النتيجة، ثم يفقد السيطرة تدريجيًا”.

وأوضح: “الإحصاءات تؤكد أن الزمالك لم يكن سيئًا فنيًا، فقد سدد الفريق 25 كرة مقابل تسديدتين فقط لغزل المحلة، وبلغت نسبة الاستحواذ 66% مقابل 34%، كما وصلت دقة تمريرات الزمالك إلى 80% مقابل 68% للمحلة، ونفذ الفريق 35 كرة عرضية مقابل 7 فقط للمنافس، بالإضافة إلى 10 ركلات ركنية مقابل ركنية واحدة”.

واختتم: “الأرقام كلها في صالح الزمالك، لكنه يفتقد للفعالية الهجومية والشراسة داخل منطقة الجزاء، الفريق يلعب بشكل منظم ويمتلك الاستحواذ، لكن دون إنهاء فعّال للهجمات، وكأن الأداء مجرد استحواذ ليس حقيقي، الزمالك يحتاج فقط إلى اللمسة الأخيرة والحفاظ على التركيز حتى النهاية”.

MatériaMais Notícias

da bet7： Eliminado precocemente no Campeonato Paulista e Libertadores e flertando com a zona do rebaixamento no Campeonato Brasileiro, o Corinthians tem na Copa do Brasil o seu principal alento na temporada. Enquanto o técnico Luxa possui na competição a sua maior segurança no cargo até o momento. 

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da dobrowin： Luxemburgo tem apenas 33,3% de aproveitamento à frente do Timão, com somente quatro vitórias conquistadas. Uma delas é que dá sobrevida ao treinador na equipe alvinegra até agora: a sobre o Atlético-MG, no dia 31 de maio. Os corintianos eram vistos como eliminados nas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil, ao perder o jogo de ida por 2 a 0, em Minas Gerais. Mas venceram o Galo pelo mesmo placar na volta e se classificaram nos pênaltis. A partir dali, o objetivo de Luxa no Corinthians passou a ser claro: conquistar o torneio mata-mata, enquanto foge da zona do rebaixamento no Brasileirão. 

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

O treinador, no entanto, tem encontrado dificuldades para afastar o perigo do Z4. O Timão é o primeiro time fora da ‘zona da confusão’, termo usado pelo próprio Luxemburgo, a um ponto do Goiás, que abre o grupo. Das últimas quatro rodadas, em três o clube alvinegro precisou torcer por uma combinação de resultados para não entrar no pelotão.

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Assim, sobra a Copa do Brasil para mostrar serviços. E o adversário das quartas de final gera uma certa animação aos corintianos. Já que o América-MG vive uma realidade parecida com a do Corinthians. O Coelho briga para fugir da zona do rebaixamento no Brasileirão, mas, no momento, não está conseguindo, pois é o penúltimo colocado da competição. E em termos internacionais, a equipe mineira está nos playoffs da Copa Sul-Americana, assim como o Time do Povo. Por outro lado, no único encontro entre as equipes nesta temporada, a vitória foi dos americanos.

Além do fator esportivo, ir o mais longe possível na Copa do Brasil é importante para o Corinthians aliviar a parte financeira. O clube já não conseguiu atingir duas metas da previsão orçamentária para essa temporada: chegar pelo menos à semifinal do Paulistão e às oitavas de final da Libertadores. No Brasileiro, a projeção é de sétimo lugar, o que é muito difícil no cenário atual, mas não é descartado internamente. Isso porque a comissão técnica acredita que pode levar a equipe até ao grupo de classificados à principal competição continental – o que, dependendo do decorrer da temporada, pode significar até o nono colocado do Brasileirão. 

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+ Confira a tabela da Copa do Brasil no Lance!

A Copa do Brasil, então, é um ponto fora da curva para o Timão até nos termos das finanças. Já que na estimativa para a temporada, o previsto era que o clube chegasse até as oitavas de final, o que já foi ultrapassado com a classificação sobre o Atlético-MG, há pouco mais de um mês. Assim, o Corinthians já arrecadou R$ 7,6 milhões na competição, R$ 4,3 milhões a mais que o previsto. Caso passe pelo América-MG, a equipe alvinegra chegará a R$ 16,6 milhões embolsados no torneio. O que já vai superar o que ficou pelo caminho na Libertadores, pois a classificação às oitavas de final na competição continental renderia aos cofres corintianos 1,25 milhões de dólares (R$ 6 milhões, na cotação atual).

Derby County are now keen on signing a 100+ career goal forward this summer, with John Eustace personally driving the move, according to a report.

Derby's summer transfer plans taking shape

It was always going to be tough to avoid relegation from the Championship in Derby’s first season back in the second tier, but having just about got the job done, Eustace will be looking to bring in signings capable of helping his side push up the table next season.

The Rams have set out to raid some of their Championship rivals next summer, having submitted a bid for Hull City right-back Cody Drameh, although they did not receive the response they would’ve been hoping for, with the proposal being knocked back.

Drameh is not the only defender in Eustace’s sights, however, with enquiries also being made over centre-back Ricardo Santos, who is available on a free transfer upon leaving Bolton Wanderers.

Derby now fighting Blackburn for midfielder who won 139 duels this season

John Eustace could have a say in the transfer saga…

BySean Markus Clifford May 11, 2025

The Championship outfit are clearly keen to bolster their options at the back, despite maintaining a decent defensive record throughout the 2024-25 campaign, given their league position, shipping just 56 goals across the campaign.

However, there is also an eagerness to strengthen their attacking options, with a report from Derbyshire Live revealing Derby are now keen on a move for Andi Weimann, who previously spent three years at Pride Park from 2015 to 2018.

Eustace is personally pushing for the Rams to bring back Weimann, who will be available on a free transfer, should the forward fail to agree a new contract to extend his stay with current employers Blackburn Rovers.

"Incredible" Weimann could be tempted by Derby move

The 33-year-old clearly has a strong relationship with Eustace, with the 45-year-old also signing him for Blackburn last summer, and he received high praise from his manager last season, who said: “It doesn’t matter how old he is (or) how young he is when you have a player of that quality.

“Everyone can see the impact he has had on and off the pitch. We are very fortunate that he decided to sign here.”

Former Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson is also an admirer of the Austrian, describing his desire and work ethic as “incredible”, and he has a plethora of experience at Championship level, which could be very useful for Derby.

The Blackburn forward has spent the majority of his career in the second tier, scoring 74 times in the competition, and after picking up seven goals last term, he now has over 100 career goals to his name.

As such, Weimann could be a fantastic signing for Derby, who will be hoping his existing relationship with Eustace will be helpful in convincing the attacker to move to Pride Park.

The Notts skipper’s crisp 100 came after Worcestershire were bowled out in 31.1 overs at New Road

ECB Reporters Network25-May-2024Nottinghamshire skipper, century-maker and long-time Manchester United fan Haseeb Hameed had an all-round day to remember as Worcestershire were outplayed on an unhappy return to action at Visit Worcestershire New Road in their Vitality County Championship encounter.Worcestershire, back at their headquarters after flooding led to the first two games with Durham and Somerset being moved to Kidderminster, were bowled out in just 31.1 overs. A combination of a bowler-friendly wicket, a probing performance from the four-pronged seam attack and one or two undistinguished strokes enabled Nottingham to seize the initiative with the ball.Then Hameed heard of the Red Devils triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final before pressing home Nottinghamshire’s advantage with Joe Clarke during the evening session during a partnership of 147. Hameed reached three figures shortly before the close from 214 balls with nine fours before he was dismissed shortly before the close to leave Clarke unbeaten on 73.But Worcestershire were left to rue dropping Hameed on 36 and Clarke before he had scored, the latter off Nathan Smith who was the pick of the home attack, just as they threatened to keep Nottinghamshire’s advantage in check at what would have been 90-4 had the chances been taken.Groundstaff worked through the night to ensure play could get underway on time after yesterday’s wash-out. Both teams and staff lined up for a minute’s applause before the start of play in honour of Worcestershire spinner, Josh Baker, who passed away aged 20 three weeks ago.Worcestershire opener, Ed Pollock, came in for his first appearance of the season in place of Kashif Ali who was taking a break from the game. Nottinghamshire pace bowler Luke Fletcher was recalled in place of Olly Stone – and was soon making his mark after Hameed won the toss and chose to bat on a green pitch.His former Trent Bridge colleague Jake Libby fell to a stunning low catch at second slip by Calvin Harrison away to his left. Dillon Pennington, on his first return to New Road since leaving Worcestershire last summer, then knocked out Pollock’s middle stump after he pushed forward.Harrison held onto another smart catch at slip to account for Gareth Roderick off Fletcher who then had Rob Jones, after he went for an expansive drive, caught by Tom Moores who had replaced Joe Clarke behind the stumps. The procession of wickets continued with Lyndon James’ angled in delivery trapping Worcestershire Club captain Brett D’Oliveira lbw.Fletcher was rested after a spell of 9-5-18-3 but there was no let-up for the home side. Matthew Waite flicked at James and was taken by Moores diving to his left at full stretch, and Adam Hose went to pull Pennington and top-edged a return catch.Nathan Smith came down the wicket to Paterson and was lbw and the same bowler had Joe Leach pouched at backward drive. Adam Finch showed some defiance in striking Pennington for six over mid wicket before caught behind off his ex-team-mate.When Nottinghamshire batted, openers Haseeb Hameed and Ben Slater looked comfortable and scored freely as the 50 came up in the 17th over. There were few alarms for the duo although Hameed on 26 edged left armer Ben Gibbon just short of second slip.But a breakthrough finally came with Nottinghamshire just three runs in arrears when Slater on 41 pulled Smith straight to Gibbon at fine leg. There was more joy for Smith when Will Young tried to get his bat out of a way of a delivery but only deflected the ball onto his stumps.Smith should have had a third wicket in three overs but Roderick dropped Joe Clarke before he had scored – a rare let-off by the consistent keeper. Hameed also had an escape on 36 at first slip immediately after tea off Finch before going onto complete a 50 from 110 balls.Clarke followed him to that milestone from 86 balls as the pair gradually accelerated during the final session. Hameed went to three figures but did not add to his total before he was trapped lbw by Waite after striking nine fours in his 219-ball innings.

Steven Gerrard is probably the most influential and peerless Liverpool affiliate of the 21st century, and that reputation isn’t going to budge.

Maybe, Trent Alexander-Arnold stood a chance of knocking his hero away from top spot, but he’d have needed to devote the entirety of his career to his boyhood club to achieve this, and instead will sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer aged 26.

Trent’s decision heightens the situation going on at both of Liverpool’s defensive flanks. Andy Robertson, 31, still has a year left on his deal but has waned in influence and security this term, and heirs are being considered ahead of the transfer window.

Despite the issues Liverpool have faced at left-back, Cody Gakpo has still managed to go from strength to strength on the left wing, lacking the desirable stream of creative support though he has.

Cody Gakpo's season in numbers

It’s interesting that Gakpo should have hit his smoothest stride in a Liverpool shirt this season despite Robertson’s declining creative output.

This isn’t to say that the left-back has completely lost his way, but there’s no question things have been taken down a notch. That’s not true in Gakpo’s case, though, with his efforts this year leading to a return of 17 goals and six assists across all competitions, including 29 starts.

A shrewd and dynamic grtasp of the fundamentals had led Jurgen Klopp to play the Dutchman across a wide range of roles last season, but Arne Slot has shaved the fat off Gakpo’s game, limited him to a goalscoring duty off the left flank.

Centre-forward

27

12

4

Left winger

12

3

3

Right winger

7

1

0

Central midfield

7

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It’s paid dividends, with pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch agreeing that he has “gone up another level” in his countryman’s tactical set-up.

As per FBref, the 25-year-old ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored per 90, highlighting Slot’s success in sharpening his clinical edge into something keen and deadly.

Robertson still plays his part, crisp in possession and with a close-knit connection with Virgil van Dijk, but Liverpool are ready to sign an upgrade who could take Gakpo to the next level.

Liverpool chasing new left-back

Following the latest from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are indeed ready to address their left-back conundrum after Robertson’s up-and-down season, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez at the top of the shopping list.

With the Cherries, who are pushing for Europe, ready to sell the 21-year-old for a £45m figure, this is one FSG will be giving their full consideration to.

However, Kerkez is the prototypical modern full-back and would make Slot’s system that much better.

Imagine Gakpo & Milos Kerkez together

Gakpo is chiefly a goalscorer, but he’s also a forward of impressive physicality, causing problems for opponents and getting stuck in with duels and dribbles.

Kerkez will take his game to the next level.

The Bournemouth man might only be young but he’s made quite the name for himself across the past year, posting two goals and five assists in the Premier League this year, creating eight big chances, as per Sofascore, winning 60% of his ground duels and averaging 4.5 ball recoveries per game.

Also ranking among the top 14% of full-backs in the English top flight this term for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, the Hungary international has the burners to apply pressure on his opponents ahead of him, thus allowing Gakpo the time and space to find better positions and maybe lift his goal tally even higher next year.

It’s worth noting Robertson, having failed to register a goal contribution in the league this year, has averaged 0.2 dribbles per game, evening out to one every five matches.

Luckily, Gakpo has stepped up and produced the goods, impressively winning 56% of his ground duels, completing 60% of his dribbles and missing just six big chances in the Premier League, as per Sofascore, having converted nine strikes.

With something young and hungry behind him, overlapping and proving a general thorn in his opponents’ sides, Kerkez is exactly what Liverpool need, having already been singled out as a “machine” by Sky Sports’ Izzy Christansen for his tireless and combative performances.

Kerkez’s strengths as an attacking full-back are exactly what Slot needs, perhaps demonstrating a style of football that Robertson would have been able to match and even surpass back in his pomp, but Father Time has crept up on the Scotland skipper after so many years of gruelling service at Liverpool.

While Robertson should keep his place in the Liverpool squad (meaning Kostas Tsimikas will need to be sold), Kerkez should find himself taking the first-choice spot, not only completing the defence and restoring some much-needed creativity to the wide positions but driving Gakpo’s journey even further into the limelight.

Athletic and adventurous, Kerkez has dazzled for Bournemouth this season, a core part of Andoni Iraola’s efforts and, just maybe, success in securing a place on the continent for the first time in the Vitality Stadium’s history.

But Liverpool need a new left-back, and he fits the bill. Bringing such pace and potency down the channel, such energy and enthusiasm, Kerkez would be sure to elevate Gakpo’s game to the next level, striking the perfect balance that could see Slot defend his Premier League crown.

Better than Rogers: Liverpool could see £65m bid accepted for 18-goal star

Liverpool are in the market for new forwards this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 5, 2025

Barcelona are aiming to make Lionel Messi the centrepiece of a special ceremony planned for the reopening of the newly renovated Camp Nou.

Barcelona plan Messi tribute at Camp Nou reopeningCeremony scheduled for 2026-27 season, pending roof installationMessi currently plays for Inter Miami in MLSFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a report from , Barcelona are planning to invite Messi back for a tribute during the grand reopening of the renovated Camp Nou. The club intend to stage the ceremony once the new roof installation is complete, which is expected to occur in the summer of 2026. Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami in MLS, is viewed by the board as the central figure for the occasion.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona are undertaking major renovations of Camp Nou, with the full reopening of the stadium scheduled for the 2026-27 season. The tribute is seen as an official farewell and celebration for Messi, who departed the club in 2021 after 778 appearances, 672 goals, and 35 trophies. The club view the event as a key moment in reconnecting with its historic identity and fanbase and a special occasion to see both Lamine Yamal and him under the same roof.

DID YOU KNOW?

Messi last played for Barcelona in May 2021 before joining Paris Saint-Germain. He is currently under contract with Miami and was part of the side that won the 2023 Leagues Cup, the club’s first major honour.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Barcelona will monitor the progress of the stadium renovation over the next year. If the roof installation is completed in the summer of 2026 as planned, the Messi tribute and reopening ceremony will take place in the 2026/27 season. If delayed, the event will be rescheduled to align with the full completion of the Camp Nou project.

Real Madrid have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Club World Cup Round of 16 tie against Juventus, as Brazilian wonderkid Endrick has rejoined the squad in Florida. The 18-year-old striker has recovered from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for over a month and will now continue his reintegration under Xabi Alonso in Palm Beach, Florida.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Endrick rejoins Real Madrid squad after hamstring injury recovery
• Won’t face Juventus but eligible for Club World Cup
• Xabi Alonso assessing youngster's fit ahead of new season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Endrick has officially joined Real Madrid's training camp in Palm Beach after completing a month-long rehab for a hamstring injury. While it is likely that he won’t feature against Juventus on Tuesday in their Round of 16 clash in the Club World Cup, his return is seen as a major step toward full match readiness.

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• RealMadrid.com
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Endrick was included in the Club World Cup squad before the FIFA deadline; however, he is unlikely to be risked right away. Xabi Alonso is keen to assess the young forward's fitness and his fit within his evolving side ahead of the new season as Los Blancos look to dust off their horror 2024/25 season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Endrick had remained in Madrid working with club physios since the start of the Club World Cup. Gonzalo Garcia has stepped up during the group stage, netting twice in Kylian Mbappe's absence, meaning Endrick will need to impress in training to earn his minutes under the Basque coach.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ENDRICK?

  Endrick will train with the full squad over the coming days as Alonso decides when to ease him back into action. He may not play in the Juventus clash on Tuesday, July 1, but his progress will be closely watched throughout the tournament, and he could even be loaned out this summer.

These first-time auction buys could become key movers for their franchises if they are played this season

Sreshth Shah19-Sep-2020Josh Philippe, Royal Challengers Bangalore
Philippe, a wicketkeeper-batsman from Australia, was one of the stars of the Big Bash League’s 2019-20 season. He started the tournament with a bang, hitting 81 not out against Perth Scorchers and ending the game with a massive six that landed on the roof of the SCG pavilion. He went on to score four more fifties for Sydney Sixers in the tournament, including one in the final. Philippe, 23, has shown both impeccable timing and a 360 game in his short career. RCB were lucky to pick him up for just Rs 20 lakh (about US$27,000) in the last auction, which was before the BBL season. Philippe was recently included in the Australia squad for the ODI and T20I series in England, though he did not make his international debut. He has earned high praise from big names – Adam Gilchrist has said he could be a “catalyst for change” in Australia’s white-ball squad, while RCB team-mate AB de Villiers has said he sees some of his younger self in Philippe.Ishan Porel, Kings XI Punjab
Porel, 22, is a seamer who can consistently hit the 140kph mark. He first drew attention during India’s successful campaign at the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, in which he took 4 for 17 in the semi-final, against Pakistan, and then bowled a tight opening spell in the final, against Australia. Since then, he has become the de facto leader of the Bengal bowling line-up and helped Bengal reach the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy final. He was part of the India A team that toured New Zealand in January 2020 and took eight wickets in three games. Porel began as a back-of-a-length bowler, but over the past few years he has learned to swing the ball and begun bowling fuller to succeed in Indian conditions.Tom Banton, Kolkata Knight Riders
At 21, Banton is already one of the most talked about batsmen on the T20 circuit. In 40 T20 matches, he has an average of nearly 30 and a strike-rate of 154.16. Banton rose to prominence during the 2019 English summer, when he scored 454 runs for Somerset in the Royal One-Day Cup, including 112, 59 and 69 in the three knockout games. He also scored 549 runs in the Vitality Blast, including a hundred and four fifties. He was then picked up by franchises for both the BBL and the Pakistan Super League and had impressive innings in both competitions. He has also become a regular member of England’s white-ball squads. Banton grew up playing field hockey and that helps him play outrageous reverse-sweeps and scoops, which makes him an entertaining batsman to watch.Ravi Bishnoi, Kings XI Punjab
A modern-day legspinner who prefers his googly to the traditional legbreak, Bishnoi was the leading wicket-taker at the 2020 U-19 World Cup, collecting 17 scalps in six games at an average of 10.64. He admires Rashid Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal, and his fast run-up allows him to get extra zip and bounce. It will help Bishnoi, still just 20, that Kings XI Punjab’s head coach is Anil Kumble, the former India legspinner. Bishnoi recently said he had been learning to bowl the flipper from Kumble.Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajasthan Royals
Jaiswal, an 18-year-old left-hand batsman from Mumbai, was the Player of the Tournament at the 2020 U-19 World Cup, in which he scored 400 runs at an average of 133, including four fifties and a century. By then, Jaiswal had already impressed for the Mumbai senior team – he scored three centuries, one a double, for Mumbai in the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Jaiswal’s consistency and aggression made him a hot commodity at the auction, and he was sold for Rs 2.4 crore (about US$338,000). With Ajinkya Rahane no longer at Rajasthan Royals, there’s a good chance Jaiswal will be one of their first-choice openers.

Five IPL franchises have expressed a “soft” interest in buying a stake in London Spirit, the Lord’s-based Hundred team, according to Mark Nicholas, the MCC president who is set to take over as the club’s chairman in October.Nicholas was speaking at Lord’s to announce plans for the inaugural “World Cricket Connects” symposium – an event due to be hosted by MCC on July 5, and intended to “help shape cricket’s ongoing global success and provide balance across its huge spectrum of stakeholders”.The initiative reflects MCC’s intention to “improve its global contribution” by offering a neutral canvas on which the sport’s most influential figures can meet and discuss the future of the game. BCCI secretary Jay Shah, whom Nicholas described as “the most powerful man” in world cricket, is expected to be among the 110-plus attendees, alongside other senior figures from the sporting and administrative sides of the game, including senior IPL figures and a host of influential current and former cricketers including Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Rahul Dravid.MCC’s own ambitions are a crucial part of cricket’s changing landscape, with the chief executive, Guy Lavender, recently writing to its members to ask whether the club should accept the ECB’s offer of a 51% stake in London Spirit as part of the drive to privatise the Hundred.Under the proposed model, the eight Hundred “hosts” – seven counties plus MCC – will be given majority stakes in their respective teams, with the ECB selling the remaining 49% to private investors, which will be finalised through a bidding process.Although the club’s rules allow a final call without a vote, Nicholas stressed MCC wanted to ensure it had the backing of its 24,000-strong membership, describing the move towards private equity as a “monumental” step which would eventually prove beneficial for the growth of game at all levels.”What we are putting to a vote is to accept the ECB’s offer of a 51% share of this franchise,” Nicholas said. “We will always be a members’ club. The first target is membership harmony [because] as a member you are entitled to a view. It’s very easy to knock people back because they’re difficult, but actually there is quite a lot of good thinking that comes out of activism. You have to treat people with respect, and hear their view.”Nicholas pointed out that cricket across the globe was a “booming franchise opportunity”, so it was only wise for the English game, MCC included, to cash in, especially having failed to capitalise on the original Twenty20 Cup concept more than two decades ago.”We missed out on T20 in 2003 where we could have grabbed it,” Nicholas said, recalling how English cricket squandered its first-mover status, with the IPL coming into being in 2008. “India thought quicker than us and were smarter than us, as India often is. India moves at an extraordinary pace to make things work.Related

• Ticket prices back in spotlight as England seal series in front of empty seats

• MCC begins search for new chief executive as Guy Lavender steps down

• ECB secures counties agreement on Hundred 'direction of travel'

• Mark Nicholas steps down from Southern Brave board ahead of MCC executive role

• ECB finalises process for Hundred private investment

“So the Hundred has given us another opportunity. The [MCC] membership quite likes being part of the chat, not being consigned to a piece of history. The members I talk to really love the idea of having a team, love the opportunity that it brings. There will be financial opportunity, either in growth of the equity or in sale of the equity.”The ECB has appointed Raine Group and Deloitte as advisors for the Hundred privatisation. While there’s no formal deadline, the ECB is eager to finalise terms by the end of the year, but as Nicholas conceded, there are a number of issues that still need resolving.”The real truth is that not everything is clear yet,” he said. “For example, how would the bidding process take place? What’s the rollout of these franchises in the bidding? We don’t know that yet. The ECB haven’t declared that. We have met the investment bank – I’m not sure they even know yet. There’s still a lot for us to learn.”Some of the potential bidders will be present at the World Cricket Connects event, which takes place on the eve of the MCC World Cricket Committee meeting, and Nicholas said it was important to listen to those voices.”They have dominated to this level by owning teams, driving forward a new financial model, and developing it extraordinarily,” he said. “There’s a very wide list of attendees, and I think that’s the advantage of the event. They would never otherwise come together.”