Presidente do São Paulo define Marinho como 'plano A': 'Esperamos o mais rápido possível uma posição'

MatériaMais Notícias

A prioridade de contratação do São Paulo para a abertura da nova janela de transferências, no próximo dia 3 de julho, é o ponta Marinho, do Flamengo. E isso que fala é o próprio presidente Julio Casares, que em entrevista à ‘ESPN’, definiu o jogador como o ‘plano A’ do Tricolor para reforçar seu plantel.

– Não vou fixar um dia, segunda ou terça, mas é claro que esperamos o mais rápido possível uma posição do Marinho, que nos interessa, mas sem afetar a relação ética entre os clubes, e também deixando que ele preserve sua questão interna, de direitos, acredito que essa medida judicial foi nessa linha. O São Paulo aguarda uma definição, ele é um plano A nosso, mas podemos caminhar para um outro plano em caso de não concretização. É um bom jogador, esperamos que ele tenha essa tranquilidade (para resolver a situação).

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+ São Paulo tenta ‘all-in’ por Marinho, Diogo Barbosa saindo de um Tricolor para o outro… o Dia do Mercado!

Casares se refere principalmente à decisão de Marinho de entrar na Justiça para ser reintegrado aos treinos do Rubro-Negro, após ser afastado pela diretoria da equipe carioca.

– Eu acredito que a medida judicial dele (Marinho) seja de preservação dos direitos que deva ter. O São Paulo tem tido com Marinho e Flamengo uma relação muito ética. Tanto a diretoria do Flamengo, o Marcos Braz, o Bruno (Spindel), o (presidente, Rodolfo) Landim, o São Paulo tem tido muito cuidado nessa relação ética.

O LANCE! apurou que não caiu bem entre os cartolas são-paulinos a decisão do jogador de 33 anos de entrar na Justiça pedindo a reintegração aos treinos do Rubro-Negro. Marinho foi afastado do elenco flamenguista por ter se recusado a viajar com a equipe carioca para o Chile, no duelo contra o Ñublense, pela Copa Libertadores. O atacante justificou que tinha dores musculares e por isso não seguiu a norma.

Na avaliação do São Paulo, não tinha a necessidade do ponta criar litígios com o Flamengo, já que está de ‘malas prontas’ para se transferir. A preocupação tricolor é que o clube da Gávea pode simplesmente mudar de ideia quanto a liberar Marinho sem custos como represália a ele pela atitude. O camisa 31 rubro-negro tem contrato somente até o final do ano com os cariocas.

Apesar do tom público de Casares, há uma falta de paciência interna. Tanto que o clube do Morumbi oficializou na manhã desta sexta-feira (9) um aumento não só no salário, mas também no tempo de contrato oferecido ao jogador e estabeleceu este final de semana como prazo para receber uma resposta para que ele troque definitivamente o Flamengo pelo Tricolor.

A nova oferta enviada pelo Tricolor atende os dois anos de vínculo que o jogador exigiu na contra-proposta. E subiu a oferta salarial em quase R$ 100 mil. Mesmo assim a quantia fica abaixo do que Marinho sinalizou.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados do Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

NOVELA SE ARRASTA

Conforme o L! revelou, com sondagens do futebol árabe, Marinho respondeu a proposta de contrato feito pelo São Paulo. Mas apesar do jogador de 33 anos ter topado diminuir o salário atual de quase R$ 800 mil que recebe no Flamengo, o valor ofertado ainda é bem maior que o oferecido inicialmente pelo Tricolor.

Não é o único empecilho para o clube do Morumbi. Segundo apurado pelo L!, o São Paulo teria proposto a Marinho um vínculo até o final do ano que vem. Mas, através de seu estafe, o jogador enfatizou que os planos são de assinar um contrato pelo menos até o meio de 2025.

Marinho pediu aproximadamente R$ 650 mil mensais para defender o São Paulo. O valor fica abaixo somente do ordenado ganho por Calleri, o topo da folha salarial do atual elenco tricolor. E tem quase o dobro do que o Tricolor se propôs a pagar.

Segundo Carlos Belmonte, diretor de futebol do São Paulo, as peças foram colocadas na mesa. E agora cabe ao jogador definir se pensa de fato o seu futuro atuando no Morumbi.

– Marinho é um grande jogador, mas, obviamente, é um trâmite difícil. Conversamos com o Flamengo, com o Marinho, mas não tem nada certo. O São Paulo tem sua condição financeira, seu orçamento, e seguirá seu orçamento. Se for possível em algum momento ter um grande jogador como o Marinho, muito bem. Antes de conversar com o Marinho, conversamos com o Flamengo. Se der certo, ótimo. Se não der certo, seguimos nosso caminho buscando outros atletas.

– Tem uma perspectiva em cima do jogador, não tem o interesse nenhum de prejudicar o jogador, mas oFlamengonão pode ser prejudicado. A gente quer equacionar isso e tenho certeza que, apertando um pouquinho dali, um esforço maior daqui… só que o esforço tem que ser dos três, doFla, doSão Pauloe doMarinho. Não tem que ter esforço de dois – destacou o vice de futebol rubro-negro, Marcos Braz.

Mesmo um acerto parecendo longe, pelo lado são-paulino há otimismo. Principalmente pelo fato de o ponta ter se mostrado flexível para receber menos. E também pelo bom relacionamento dele com o técnico Dorival Júnior, que vem ajudando a diretoria nos esforços para convencê-lo.

Ainda assim, não significa que o Tricolor seja o único na disputa pelo experiente jogador, já que depende de quanto os árabes se mostrarão dispostos a gastar. E se de fato Marinho tem o interesse de seguir atuando no Brasil. Caso a coisa se transforme em um leilão, o clube paulista indica que desistirá da negociação.

Australia hope Healy can play as a batter in Ashes Test

Georgia Voll could make a Test debut while Beth Mooney will take the keeping gloves

Andrew McGlashan23-Jan-2025Australia remain hopeful that Alyssa Healy will be fit to feature in the day-night Ashes Test at the MCG, and have named her in a 13-player squad, but it will be as a batter only if she does recover in time.Healy was ruled out of the first T20I at the SCG with a stress reaction in the same foot that she injured at the T20 World Cup. With Healy not keeping Beth Mooney will take the gloves for the Test, which may result in her moving down the order, which would increase the chances of a debut for Georgia Voll.If Healy ultimately did not make the Test, then Tahlia McGrath would again stand in as captain.Related

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Allrounder Ashleigh Gardner is expected to recover from her calf strain in time for the Test but is doubtful for the final T20I in Adelaide. Heather Graham has been added to that squad as cover.”We’re pleased with the form of the 13 players that have taken part in the series to date and feel it’s a squad that offers a variety of options when it comes to selecting the makeup of the Test side,” national selector Shawn Flegler said. “Alyssa has been named in the squad as a batter only and we’ll give her as much time as we can to prove her fitness ahead of the match. Ash will continue to be assessed daily… at this stage, she is on track to be available for the Test match.”Mooney’s experience wicketkeeping in longer-form cricket is limited and she is aware it will be a new physical challenge.”I don’t think I’ll be able to walk after if I have to keep but we’re pretty lucky in the Australian team where we’ve got lots of players that can step into different roles,” she said after the first T20I. “But when [Healy’s] been out, I’ve been able to step into that role and got some good feedback along the way, so just happy to do what’s required of the team.”If Voll did debut at the MCG, it would complete a full set across the three formats in less than two months following the start of her ODI career against India and then a T20I debut at the SCG.Beth Mooney on keeping in a Test match: “I don’t think I’ll be able to walk after”•Getty Images and Cricket Australia”I’m more than happy to try and do a job up the top of the order,” Voll told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday. “I love batting there and batting up the top with Beth Mooney was pretty cool [in Sydney]. I’m more than happy to fit in wherever the team needs.”Megan Schutt has again been named in a Test squad despite often saying her days in the format are over, but the pink-ball day-night element to this game may see her come into consideration for the final XI.The other decision that will need to be made is whether to play both Alana King and Georgia Wareham, who have caused England huge problems in the limited-overs matches.The match will be the first day-night Test at the MCG and the first women’s Test match at the venue since 1948-49.Australia squad for Ashes TestAlyssa Healy (capt), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney (wk), Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

Celtic now submit £1.5m bid to sign 17 G/A forward, they've had a response

Celtic have now submitted an opening bid for a forward who was regularly among the goals in the 2024-25 season, a report has revealed.

Hoops keen on new forward amid Maeda uncertainty

In Kyogo Furuhashi’s absence from January onwards, Daizen Maeda well and truly stepped up last season, providing 16 goals and seven assists in the Scottish Premiership, while also scoring seven goals en-route to the Scottish Cup Final.

As such, it is little wonder the Japanese forward is attracting attention from elsewhere, with Everton recently joining fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in the race for his signature.

Brendan Rodgers recently dropped an update on the situation, in which he confirmed the 27-year-old has remained professional, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

As exciting as Balikwisha: Celtic contenders to sign "outstanding" star

Celtic are one of the contenders to secure a deal for a star who would be as exciting as Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

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Dan Emery

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After being impressed by Maeda’s performance in the 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United, Rodgers said: “I don’t think there have been any developments on that, but he’s a professional and his focus is very much on here.

“Yeah, all the players, all the players had a real good focus, and I’ve always said there’s not a friendly game when you play for Celtic. There are always tests for you, but the players came through really, really well. Daizen, all the guys, they worked really well.”

Daizen Maeda in action for Celtic.

However, with the forward’s future very much up in the air, Celtic have now set their sights on a new winger, namely Go Ahead Eagles’ Jakob Breum, with a report from The National revealing they have submitted an opening offer of £1.5m for his services.

However, the bid was way below Go Ahead Eagles’ asking price of £5m, meaning it was knocked back, with club director Jan Willem van Dop saying: “There has been a bid for Jakob Breum from a foreign club,

“We are so far apart there. You have to stand your ground. He may have to realise that it could be very good to stay with us at least until the winter break, just like Oliver Edvardsen.”

Breum regularly among the goals in the Eredivisie

The 21-year-old enjoyed his best campaign to date last season, amassing a total of 17 goal contributions for Go Ahead Eagles across all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Eredivisie

26

10

5

KNVB Beker

3

1

0

UECL Qualifiers

2

0

1

As such, the versatile forward, who is capable of playing on both wings and in attacking midfield, could be an exciting signing for Celtic, although, given that the 2024-25 season was his first real eye-catching season numbers-wise, it is clear to see why they’re unwilling to pay £5m.

Consequently, it could be wise to move on to alternative targets, of which there is no shortage, with it recently being revealed the Hoops are now stepping up their pursuit of Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who has 46 goal contributions in 141 games for Royal Antwerp.

He'd be the new Kudus: West Ham keen on signing "electric" £23m star

After defeat in their Premier League Summer Series opener on Saturday night, West Ham United supporters are extra eager to see their side make signings.

At the weekend in East Rutherford, the Hammers were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United at MetLife Stadium, with Jarrod Bowen halving the deficit in the second half, but this failed to spark a full-scale comeback.

Of course, it’s only pre-season, so the results are essentially meaningless, but a front two of Bowen and Niclas Füllkrug, with Luis Guilherme the only attacking player introduced as a substitute, underlines Graham Potter’s need for reinforcements.

With that in mind, are the Irons about to sign a “brilliant talent”?

West Ham's search for a new attacker

The most notable transfer news of West Ham’s summer so far is the departure of Mohammed Kudus, sold to fierce rivals for a reported fee of £55m, which will certainly make the London derby between the two on 13 September an interesting affair.

The departure of Kudus certainly leaves an enormous void in terms of quality in the Hammers’ forward line, so are they about to address this?

Well, according to a report by Julien Laurens of ESPN, West Ham are ‘keen’ to sign Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen, with Wolves also interested.

He adds that the 25-year-old is ‘open to a move’ to the Premier League, valued at around £23m by die Werkself.

So, could he soon swap North Rhine-Westphalia for East London?

How Amine Adli would improve West Ham

Adli began his senior career at Toulouse, scoring eight Ligue 1 goals in 2020/21, on top of seven assists, for les Violets, thereby earning a move to Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen forward Amine Adli.

Since, in 142 appearances for die Schwarzroten, he’s racked up 23 goals and 24 assists, helping Bayer win the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal double unbeaten in 2023/24, claiming the club’s first-ever Meisterschale.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “electric” talent while Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis describes him as a ‘versatile’ attacker who favours playing on the right, thereby able to cut inside onto hs left foot.

Meantime, Phenom Akpan of Breaking the Lines notes that he is ‘a fantastic ball carrier’ who possesses ‘intelligent movement’ and sublime ‘pace’, all attributes that sound reminiscent of a certain outgoing Kudus, do they not?

So, let’s assess how the duo compared to one another last season.

Goals

0.3

0.2

Shots

1.6

1.6

Shots on target

0.9

0.8

Shooting accuracy %

53.85%

47.83%

Chances created

1.4

1.1

Passes attempted

37.6

26.7

Successful dribbles %

48.4%

48.4%

Touches

59.5

52.2

Average SofaScore rating

6.87

6.82

As the table outlines, on a per-90 basis, Adli’s statistics last season were more impressive than Kudus’, albeit the Moroccan international did only play 759 minutes in the Bundesliga, starting just six times, hence why he’s seemingly set to be on the move.

The numbers also underline why West Ham may have identified Adli as the ideal Kudus replacement, given how similar their statistics are in terms of shooting, chances created, touches and, most notably, dribbling.

Bayer Leverkusen'sAmineAdliin action

Thus, everything suggests that Adli would be an excellent addition for West Ham, something for their downbeat fan base to get very excited about.

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Elanga's dream CF: Newcastle exploring move for £50m Ekitike alternative

Newcastle United supporters are starting to get excited ahead of next season.

On Friday, Anthony Elanga was unveiled as the Magpies’ first summer signing, arriving from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £55m.

Now, will Eddie Howe add more attacking firepower to his front line?

Newcastle's search for a new striker

Elanga’s arrival makes him the second-most expensive signing in Newcastle United history, behind only compatriot Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak

2022

Real Sociedad

£63m

Anthony Elanga

2025

Nottingham Forest

£55m

Sandro Tonali

2023

AC Milan

£55m

Anthony Gordon

2023

Everton

£45m

Joelinton

2019

Hoffenheim

£40m

Harvey Banres

2023

Leicester City

£38m

Sven Botman

2022

LOSC Lille

£35m

Bruno Guimarães

2022

Olympique Lyonnais

£33.5m

Tino Livramento

2023

Southampton

£32m

Now though, the Toon Army could be about to spend big again because, as reported by Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle are exploring a move to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

The DR Congo international is also reportedly a target for Tottenham, with Sam Tabuteau and Dom Smith of the Evening Standard noting that the Bees value him at around £50m.

The other striker on the Magpies’ list is Hugo Ekitiké but, as documented by Luke Edwards of the Telegraph, Eintracht Frankfurt are only prepared to sell the Frenchman for his £86m release clause, so could Wissa become Newcastle’s primary target?

Why Yoane Wissa would improve Newcastle

Wissa joined Brentford from Lorient in the summer of 2021, following the Bees’ promotion to the Premier League, for a reported fee of £8.5m and, fair to say, this has proved to be money well spent.

He has scored 49 goals in 149 appearances for the West London-based club, bagging 19 in the Premier League last season, a tally only bettered by Mohamed Salah, Isak, Erling Haaland, Chris Wood and teammate Bryan Mbeumo.

Then-Brentford manager Thomas Frank described Wissa as a “super player”, adding “he’s got that nose for goals”.

Meantime, Mark Bruce of Breaking the Lines believes he is the most underrated forward in the Premier League, outlining his threat as a penalty box poacher.

So, let’s take a deeper dive into his statistics.

Minutes

2,919

53rd

Goals

19

6th

Non-penalty goals

19

=2nd

Expected goals

18.5

4th

Shots

90

10th

Shots on target

41

5th

Touches in the box

163

14th

As the table outlines, Wissa is a top-level penalty-box striker, ranked joint-second in the Premier League for non-penalty goals last season, despite being down in tenth in terms of shots, underlining his clinical edge.

Yoane Wissa scores late on for Brentford vs Crystal Palace.

This would make him a dream signing for new man Elanga, given his proficiency when it comes to chance-creation, as documented in the table below.

Assists

11

3rd

Completed crosses

8

52nd

Shot-creating actions

102

30th

Goal-creating actions

18

6th

Big chances created

9

38th

Progressive carries

102

25th

As emphasised by the numbers, only two players, namely Salah and new teammate Jacob Murphy, registered more assists than Elanga in the Premier League last season, while the Swede also ranked very highly when it comes to chances created and progressive carries.

He formed an exceptional partnership with a former Magpie, the aforementioned Wood, firing Nottingham Forest into Europe, so he could do the same with Wissa in the North East.

Thus, should Newcastle get a deal over the line to sign the DR Congo international striker, he and fellow new recruit Elanga could form an unstoppable partnership.

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BySean Markus Clifford Jul 13, 2025

He's perfect for Zubimendi: Arsenal lead race to sign "one of the best DMs"

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces a huge task ahead of him in the 2025/26 campaign, potentially coming under serious pressure should he fail to win a trophy.

The Spaniard has now been in the role at the Emirates for five and a half years, with his only trophy coming in the FA Cup back in his first season at the helm.

In the Premier League, the Gunners have finished as runners-up in each of the last three seasons, being unable to make that final step and end the two-decade wait for a league triumph.

Arsenal manager MikelArtetaduring a lap of appreciation after the match

Investment is needed from the hierarchy during the off-season if they are to finish at the top of the table next time around, handing the manager the tools he needs for success.

With the transfer window now in full swing, countless names have been mentioned as options for Arteta, leading to moves being made on various deals.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

A striker has been firmly on their radar over recent weeks, leading to talks being held with the representatives of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, but no agreement has yet been reached.

Moves have also been made to sign PSG wonderkid Warren Zaire-Emery, looking to take advantage of his situation in France which has seen him losing his starting place in Luis Enrique’s side.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann

However, they may look past a deal for the teenager, given the progress that has been made to sign Sevilla star Lucien Agoume, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Gunners are leading the race for his signature, with fellow English sides Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also firmly in the race for his signature.

It also states that the 23-year-old is available for a fee in the region of £20m this summer, potentially forming an excellent partnership with one other talent in North London.

Why Arsenal’s £20m target would be perfect alongside Zubimendi

Over recent months, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been the name on all supporters’ lips after he’s been consistently linked with a move to Arsenal.

It was confirmed back in January that a deal had been agreed to land the 26-year-old this summer, but such a move has been quiet over the last couple of weeks.

That was until Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal is imminent with the midfielder still set to make the move to the Emirates despite interest from Real Madrid.

It’s been reported that the hierarchy are set to pay just over his €60m release clause in his contract, securing the deep-lying option Arteta has been crying out for.

However, he could thrive alongside Agoume in North London next season, with the Frenchman having all the tools to star in the middle of the park and giving the Gunners a new dimension.

Lucien Agoume in action against Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.

Agoume, who’s been labelled “one of the most talented defensive midfielders” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed 83% of passes and achieved a dribble success rate of 76% – subsequently able to drive forward after Zubimendi regains possession for the side.

He’s also created 1.2 chances per 90, showcasing his ability his progress the play and aiding the attackers in front of him to thrive and bolster their title credentials.

Games played

35

Goals & assists

4

Passes completed

83%

Dribbles success

76%

Chances created

1.2

Tackles won

1.4

Interceptions made

1.7

The 23-year-old’s talents continue without the ball, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and making 1.7 interceptions per 90, handing Arteta an added ball-winning option alongside Zubimendi and taking some of the pressure off his shoulders as a result.

£20m in today’s market would be a superb piece of business by the hierarchy, landing a young player who could improve massively in the years ahead given his tender age.

The prospect of a partnership between Agoume and the Spaniard at the heart of the side is certainly an exciting one, handing Arteta the strength and depth he needs to push for the title in 2025/26.

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Norwich City now join Birmingham in race to sign "fantastic" ace for £0

Norwich City have now joined Birmingham City in the race to sign a “fantastic” Championship defender on a free transfer, according to a recent report.

Liam Manning delighted to start new era at Norwich

The Canaries have finally found a replacement for Johannes Hoff Thorup, who was sacked back in April. After assessing their options, the club announced on Monday that Liam Manning would be leaving Bristol City and taking over at Carrow Road.

Manning had been in charge of the Robins since November 2023, taking charge of 82 matches, 28 of which he won, and his final act was leading them to the Championship play-offs last season, although they were hammered by Sheffield United 6-0 on aggregate.

Manning has now put that behind him, as he reveals it is a “privilege and honour” to have the opportunity to work at Norwich.

“I’m privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to work for this fantastic football club. It’s a wonderful club with a big history and tradition.

Games

222

Won

97

Drawn

49

Lost

76

Points per game

1.53

“It’s clear, there has already been a lot of valuable groundwork laid in recent seasons – it’s now important we build further on that and move the club forward.”

Norwich join Birmingham in race to sign Harry Darling

The Canaries are not wasting any time when it comes to helping Manning strengthen his new side, as according to The Pink Un, Norwich are now the latest team to show interest in signing defender Harry Darling.

The 25-year-old is coming to the end of his contract at Swansea City, and while the Welsh side have offered him new terms, he remains undecided about his future. The likes of Bristol City and Sheffield United are keeping an eye on his situation, while Birmingham City have been linked with a move for Darling since April.

These three teams have now been joined by the Canaries, as Manning eyes defensive reinforcements. Darling is not the only defender on Norwich’s radar, but given he will cost nothing in terms of a transfer fee, a quick deal would allow them to plan the rest of their summer spend knowing they have an experienced new addition in the bank.

Apps

112

Goals

12

Assists

6

At this stage nothing is advanced, but Manning working with Darling during their time at MK Dons may hand Norwich an advantage in a busy race for his signature.

The 24/25 season was another impressive campaign for Darling, as he scored five goals in 39 Championship games, while his defensive work was up to scratch too, as Swansea boss Luke Williams labelled him “fantastic” for his performance against West Brom as they claimed a hard-fought point.

“He is fantastic at defending the goal, competing for everything with the opposition. But he also had plenty of brilliant actions in helping us to build up to try and score. He was brilliant; he’s an excellent player.”

He's better than Gittens: Chelsea in talks to sign "world-class" £64m star

With just a couple of games to go in the Premier League this season, Chelsea sit in a superb position to claim a top-five place and secure a Champions League spot.

The Blues are two points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, but could be set for a last-day showdown with the Reds at the City Ground – in what will undoubtedly be a nervy affair.

However, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign, Enzo Maresca deserves tremendous credit for the work he’s done during his first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager EnzoMarescalooks on before the match

The Italian has achieved a 60% win rate in the role, with the prospect of winning the Europa Conference League firmly within their own grasp ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg against Djurgarden.

However, given their previous work in the transfer market, it would be no surprise to see them spend big again to take the side to the next level under the manager’s guidance.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer

Since Maresca took the reins back in the summer of last year, he’s desperately been in the market for a new talisman to help lead the line and take Chelsea to the next level.

Liam Delap has been one player who’s been on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, potentially moving to the Blues after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts

However, he’s not the only attacking player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao once again emerging on their shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Blues have begun talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a move to the club after registering 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the Portuguese international is seen as a top-level reinforcement for Maresca, taking the side to the left level as a result – but it’s previously been reported he could cost in the region of €80m (£64m).

Why Chelsea’s £64m target would be a better signing than Gittens

Over the last couple of months, Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move to land Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens this summer, but no deal has yet been agreed with the Bundesliga side.

Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in action

The 20-year-old has impressed in Germany this campaign, registering 12 goals and three assists to date, with other English sides such as Liverpool and Arsenal also interested in his signature.

The former Manchester City youngster looks almost certain to return to England this summer, but the Blues should look to swerve a deal despite their keen interest.

Such an interest in Leao proves the club are evaluating all options to improve their attacking department, needing to make the right call over whom to land to fill the void in the final third.

When comparing the Milan star’s stats with those of Gittens, he’s managed to outperform in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Maresca’s side.

AC Milan's RafaelLeaocelebrates scoring their first goal

Leao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Dortmund star’s, whilst also completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries per 90, along with more passes completed into the final third – having the tools to aid other people in improving their own tallies in the final third.

How Leao compares to Gittens in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Leao

Gittens

Games played

33

30

Goals & assists

16

11

Progressive passes

3.6

2.1

Passes into final third

1.5

0.8

Shot-creating actions

4.4

3.7

Take-ons completed

46%

45%

Aerials won

57%

41%

Stats via FBref

His all-round dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, potentially offering Maresca an added option in central areas should they fail to land a new striker.

£64m may appear to be another hefty fee to splash out on a new signing, but Leao has proven in Serie A this campaign that he has all of the qualities needed to improve the Blues squad.

As a result of the latest transfer story, the hierarchy should look to forget about any deal to land Gittens in the coming months, subsequently putting all of their focus into a deal for the Milan star.

The perfect Jackson upgrade: Chelsea ready to bid for £76m "complete CF"

Chelsea are looking to add a new striker to their ranks this summer

ByJoe Nuttall May 7, 2025

Total cost of Virgil Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract is over £40,000,000

Liverpool have confirmed a new contract for Virgil van Dijk, fending off interest from the likes of Bayern Munich to keep the captain on Merseyside for two more years.

Liverpool seal new contracts for key stars

The Reds could officially win the Premier League this weekend in what has been a brilliant first campaign under Arne Slot. Should Arsenal suffer defeat against Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon, Liverpool could seal the title with a win at Leicester City shortly after.

However, away from the pitch, a hot topic of conversation has been on the futures of star trio Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk. Salah, as we know, has officially signed a new two-year contract at Anfield, whereas Alexander-Arnold looks set to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano had recently said that Van Dijk is set to join Salah in signing a new Liverpool contract through until 2027, and talking recently, the skipper was asked about his pending new deal: “I think first, all the focus should be going to the Hillsborough anniversary. I think that’s the main thing and then we’ll see. The focus will still be on Leicester, but maybe there’s some news. I know … but I don’t know.

“I love the club, that’s pretty obvious. I think you can see that in the way I speak about the club, the way I work for the club in terms of what I do on the pitch on and off the pitch, and that will always be the same.”

Club have accepted "brilliant" star's exit as Liverpool line up Mane 2.0

He’s enjoyed an excellent season…

1 ByTom Cunningham Apr 16, 2025 Van Dijk signs new Liverpool deal worth over £40m

Bayern Munich were keen to sign Van Dijk on a free transfer, seeing the centre-back as a ‘unique opportunity to strengthen its defence with experience, leadership and proven quality’, but it has now been confirmed by Liverpool that Van Dijk has signed a new contract at Anfield.

Rumoured to be on £220,000-a-week beforehand, Van Dijk has become a Liverpool legend since joining from Southampton back in 2017, winning numerous trophies, and David Ornstein reports the new two-year deal is now worth £400,000-a-week.

Ornstein confirms there are no pay cut or break clauses, which will guarantee the Netherlands star is paid £41,600,000 through to the summer of 2027, by which time he’ll be 35. This is even more than the fee Liverpool paid to Brighton for star midfielder Alexis Mac Allister (£35m), but Reds fans will feel their captain deserves every penny.

Games

314

Goals

27

Assists

13

Yellow cards

25

Red cards

1

Minutes played

27,925

Trophies won

8

Talking after penning terms, Van Dijk said: “I’m very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it. “It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.”

Van Dijk is now the highest paid defender in the top flight and will be the second-highest paid player in any position once Kevin De Bruyne departs Man City this summer, behind only Erling Haaland who sits on £500,000-a-week at the Etihad.

Two teams with points to prove provides ingredients for Ashes epic

Australia were left feeling “hollow’ by how the 2023 series ended but it’s still more than 10 years since England toppled them outright

Valkerie Baynes10-Jan-20252:25

Charlie Dean: We don’t have as many Ashes scars in this team

Both protagonists enter this chapter of the Women’s Ashes with points to prove. It’s a scenario that might seem unlikely given that Australia have held the Ashes for a decade, but that’s not the full story.For starters, this year’s hosts are never done – it’s what’s made them dominant for so long. The fact that they were very nearly brought undone in the drawn 2023 series, should fuel Australia’s desire to win this one outright, while giving England confidence.Add disappointing T20 World Cup campaigns for each side less than three months ago, where Australia were knocked out in the semi-finals and England failed to progress beyond the group stage, and this weekend’s opening ODI in Sydney looms as a thriller – weather permitting.Related

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England won both white-ball legs at home in 2023 to level the series eight points all after Australia had won the Test. With the four-day, pink-ball Test at the MCG coming at the end of this edition, England can put themselves in prime position beforehand, if they can match their earlier form in the three ODIs and three T20Is.Hoping to play a role is England’s ever-reliable seamer Kate Cross, just as she did on her Ashes debut in 2014, the last time her team won them on Australian turf.Cross is still managing her recovery from a back injury suffered during last month’s tour of South Africa but, on or off the field, she offers considerable wisdom, having taken three wickets in each innings as England won the Perth Test – then worth six points – to open that series.And, while last year’s Ashes provided plenty of learnings, she believes more recent events could be a factor.”Even the aftermath of the World Cup that’s just happened probably is playing a bit of a role in both teams – maybe both teams might feel like they’ve got a point to prove,” Cross told ESPNcricinfo.”What we gained from that 2023 Ashes was, when we play our best cricket, we can beat the best in the world, and that’s the confidence that you take from a series like that. It was more around the way that we played our cricket that pleased us all the most and what we were the most proud of. We came away from that series with a draw but two white-ball series to our name.”When you beat Australia in two white-ball series, of course it’s going to give you confidence but having said that, that was on home soil and it was 18 months ago, a lot’s changed since then. As much as you can draw confidence from it you also need to realise that this is a fresh start and it starts at nil-nil on Sunday.”ESPNcricinfo LtdCross is one of a handful of players remaining from the 2013-14 series alongside Danni Wyatt-Hodge, current captain Heather Knight, Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt from England and Australia’s Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy and Megan Schutt.Her over-riding memory of that time was the Test and she has tried to emulate that early performance in midst of a brutal nationwide heatwave ever since.”That was my debut so I didn’t have a clue how to play the red-ball format,” Cross said. “It’s just experience [that’s changed]. I’ve not tried to change my blueprint too drastically from that series in particular.”The December before that I’d made my white ball-debut. Obviously you want to evolve as a player, but you also have to remember what gets you to your international debuts and that was something that I’ve tried to remember and keep hold of throughout my career.”When I’m keeping it simple and I’m trying to be as consistent as I can as a bowler, then that’s when I’m at my best. I might not have the pace that some of the youngsters have got coming through, but I would always pride myself on being a reliable bowler for any captain. That’s where I found success in that Test match back in 2014.”Australia’s celebrations at the end of the 2023 were muted•Getty ImagesBack then, after winning the Test and the first ODI, England had one hand on the trophy but a mini fightback from Australia in the next two games meant that it wasn’t until the first T20I in Hobart that England retained the Ashes.Wyatt-Hodge doesn’t remember a lot about that series, but she does recall the defining moment – and the celebrations that followed. As Cross said, much has changed since then.Wyatt-Hodge was known as much then for her offspin as her batting potential, the latter having completely overgrown any designs she might have had on being a bowler, such has been her success as a powerful T20 opener and ODI finisher over years since.Long retired is Charlotte Edwards, who delivered the Ashes with her unbeaten 92 off just 59 balls as England won the first T20I to take an unassailable lead of 10 points to four with two games to spare.

“It was probably the weirdest feeling I’ve ever had because I’ve never really lost a game and then had to celebrate winning”Phoebe Litchfield on the 8-8 draw in 2023

“I don’t really have that many memories apart from Lotti getting all those runs down at Hobart,” Wyatt-Hodge said. “I remember running onto the pitch, celebrating with her, and then we had a great night out in Hobart after.”They’re my biggest memories of the Ashes in 2014. It’s been 10 years since we’ve got it so it’d be amazing if we did it again. It starts at nil-nil and it’s just really exciting. Especially for me, I don’t even know how many Ashes I’ve played in, but I’ve still got those nerves and excitement and that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?”Australia, meanwhile, will be looking to avoid the emptiness of their 2023 celebrations, as described by young opener Phoebe Litchfield.”Both teams were probably left a bit hollow after that series, knowing we’d retained it but haven’t truly deserved it, so this time around we are definitely keen to win it outright,” Litchfield said this week. “It was probably the weirdest feeling I’ve ever had because I’ve never really lost a game and then had to celebrate winning. It was quite foreign.”And it was probably just because the team has succeeded so much, and the start we had last time, we were six points up, and only needed one more to retain it, let alone win the thing. By the end of it, it was a bit hollow.”1:51

Georgia Voll talks Women’s Ashes

Ashleigh Gardner, who starred in the 2023 Test with eight second-innings wickets and 12 for the match, believes Australia have made great strides in their one-day game, citing series victories over India 3-0 and New Zealand 2-0 this season.”I know with the ball, looking back in England, we probably didn’t execute well enough but we’ve done a lot talking,” Gardner said. “We’ve got some players who are playing different roles at the moment with ball in hand and with the bat as well, it’s making sure we are taking the game on and not worrying about the consequences.”Looking back more recently at the ODIs we’ve just played, I certainly think we did that, different people stood up at different times, and it’s super exciting to see where this team can be.”Both squads look similar to 2023 with a number of players on either side taking further steps in their development.Litchfield is firmly established in Australia’s top order and 23-year-old allrounder Annabel Sutherland is in prime form after back-to-back ODI centuries against India and New Zealand in December.Georgia Voll, who shone on her international debut in the series against India in the absence of injured captain Healy, further pressed her Ashes cause with a fifty opening alongside Healy for the Governor General’s XI in the washed-out warm-up on Thursday.Kate Cross is one of the survivors from England’s last Ashes victory•Getty ImagesHealy was unable to test her hopes of returning to wicketkeeping duties after a knee problem when play was abandoned in the 29th over of the 50-over-a-side contest, although she came through a practise session afterwards unscathed.After the previous Women’s Ashes in England drew bumper crowds, played alongside the men’s version amid high stakes when the home side dropped the first T20I, the hope is that the Australian public will be similarly captivated this time.Cricket Australia said this week that while venues, capacities and scheduling were different, the series was “tracking significantly above” the 2017-18 Women’s Ashes, with 2021-22 affected by Covid restrictions. “We expect this women’s international series will be the highest attended in Australian cricket history,” CA said.Cross said: “The beauty of the 2023 Ashes was that the narrative was created. We were six-nil down and then fought our way back to six-all and that created a lot of interest. Naturally having the men’s Ashes side by side to ours made cricket the talk of the town a little bit during that summer.”I’m hoping what doesn’t happen this time is that because the games are quite close together and it’s all played over such a short period that we lose that narrative. You want to give the public the time to realise what’s going on and get behind – obviously they’ll be getting behind the Aussie girls over in Australia – but you still want the crowds to be in.”With 10 days of cricket scheduled over 22 days from January 12 to February – three ODIs, three T20Is and the Test – this tale may not be epic in length but if history serves as it so often does in the Ashes, it could be epic all the same.

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