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MatériaMais Notícias

Welington, lateral-esquerdo do São Paulo, foi o convidado desta segunda-feira (8)do podcast ‘A Rodada’, do Lance!. Revelado na base do Tricolor paulista, o jogador é uma das importantes peças de Rogério Ceni em seu elenco atual, constantemente presente nas escalações do treinador.

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>ATUAÇÕES: Calleri é o único que se salva em derrota do São Paulo para o Flamengo

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O atleta falou sobre a situação de Igor Gomes com a torcida são-paulina. Os dois foram criados na base da equipe. Porém, diferente do lateral-esquerdo, o meia sofre uma pressão maior dos torcedores.

Isso ficou explícito no último sábado (6), quando o Tricolor foi derrotado pelo Flamengo, por 2 a 0. A partida foi válida pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

Ao ser substituído no segundo tempo por Rodriguinho, Igor Gomes deixou o estádio do Morumbi – palco do jogo – sob fortes vaias da torcida. O jogador chegou até a ser defendido por Rogério Ceni durante a coletiva de imprensa.

– Eu já saí vaiado do Pacaembu por todo mundo. É parte da vida quando você se expõe publicamente, quando as notícias vão afetando o torcedor, pode acontecer uma vaia. O importante é que eles tenham cabeça boa, não desistam, nós não vamos desistir de ninguém até o fim do ano. São esses jogadores que encerram o ano, se não houver mais vendas – disse Rogério Ceni na ocasião.

Welington saiu em defesa ao seu companheiro de equipe. De acordo com ele, mesmo com as críticas, Igor Gomes consegue se manter tranquilo e com uma mentalidade forte.

– O Igor tem uma mentalidade muito avançada. Penso comigo mesmo, por ser jovem, ele se mantém bem tranquilo. É um baita jogador, acho que ele já demonstrou isso. Não só para mim, mas para todos. É normal do jogador – disse.

O lateral ainda destacou que se trata de um atleta de qualidade. Conforme suas palavras, se não fosse este o caso, o meia não vestiria a camisa do Tricolor.

– Tem vez que não via bem, mas tenho certeza que a cada jogo ele demonstra isso e sobre o porquê está no São Paulo. Se ele não tivesse capacidade, não estaria no São Paulo. Então, no vestiário é bem tranquilo. Não tem porque não dar força para ele, é um moleque do bem – concluiu.

Nottingham Forest are considering making a move to sign a “skilful” £20 million star in the summer, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

The Reds have nine games to go in the Premier League to fulfil their dream and secure a place in next season’s Champions League. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been outstanding all campaign, with midfielder and captain Morgan Gibbs-White at the heart of that.

Nottingham Forest join battle to sign "monster" Gibbs-White replacement

He’s one of Europe’s most impressive young talents.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 16, 2025

His performances have caught the attention of some of the big teams in the Premier League, but according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Forest will “do everything they can” to keep hold of the Englishman this summer. O’Rourke goes on to add that securing Champions League qualification will put the Reds in a stronger position to retain their best players.

As they look to keep hold of Gibbs-White, according to TEAMtalk, Forest are keeping a close eye on Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham ahead of the summer.

Forest are among the Premier League teams keeping a watchful eye on the Black Cats midfielder and could be ready to pounce should Sunderland fail to seal promotion. However, the Championship side are not looking to sell or negotiate with any team, meaning a big offer may have to arrive for them to be tempted.

Nottingham Forest considering move to sign £20m+ star

It is not only a new midfielder the Midlands side want, as according to reports from Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are weighing up a move to sign defender Fikayo Tomori from Italian giants AC Milan.

The report claims that there is a concrete possibility that Milan look to sell the English defender this summer as long as they receive a €25 million transfer fee, which is roughly £21 million. Forest are keeping an eye on his situation, but they are not alone, as Newcastle United are also weighing up whether to make a move or not.

However, they may hold a small advantage, as Tomori already knows two Forest players in Ola Aina and Callum Hudson-Odoi, as he played with the pair at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could also be potentially interested in a deal for Tomori after they looked to sign the centre-back during the January transfer window. The Italian giants already have in mind replacements for Tomori should he leave the San Siro.

Apps

14

Starts

11

Clean sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

1.6

Balls recovered per 90

3.0

Clearances per game

2.2

Touches per game

56.7

Passing accuracy per game

45.4 (93%)

The 27-year-old has been with Milan since July 2021, and while he was an instant regular in the team, this season he has lost his place, playing just 14 times in Serie A. Despite the disappointment of this season, Tomori has been largely successful in Italy, with him being described as a “skilful” defender by Franco Baresi.

He previously told The Daily Mail: “He is young and has played well so far when he’s had the chance. He is skilful and has great physical attributes. He is still adapting to the Italian league, and I think he can only grow as a defender and help us out.”

Barcelona have confirmed that Ferran Torres has undergone emergency surgery for appendicitis and is now unlikely to feature again this season.

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Barcelona confirm Ferran Torres underwent surgerySuffered abdominal pain before appendicitis diagnosisUnlikely to return to action before the end of the seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Torres has been in superb form this season as Barcelona's super-substitute for all of their front-three. The 25-year-old had struggled for form under Xavi Hernandez since joining the Catalan side from Manchester City, and had been considering a departure from the side before Hansi Flick's arrival changed his mind, as the Spaniard decided to stay put.

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Torres' decision to stay at Barcelona seemed odd initially, as he was going to be behind Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha in the pecking order. While the same remained true for the major part of the season, Torres became an integral part of the squad and has reached 26 goal contributions in 1921 minutes of action, mainly as a substitute.

TELL ME MORE…

Barcelona have now announced that Torres is likely out for the rest of the season after undergoing emergency surgery on Wednesday. Suffering from abdominal pain throughout the day, the Spaniard underwent tests at Hospital de Barcelona before an emergency appendectomy was performed.

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WHAT TORRES SAID

On Instagram, Torres posted a photo of himself from the hospital bed and captioned the post: "Appendicitis over!!! Time to support the team tonight from here to win La Liga!"

Manchester United are in dire need of improving their poor form this season having now slumped to 15th in the Premier League, and although relegation seems unlikely, they are set for a record-low finish in the Premier League.

United’s most recent game saw them make their final trip to Goodison Park to face Everton. The Toffees were the better side for much of the 90 minutes, but United managed to claw back a 2-0 deficit to draw, thanks to an inspirational performance from Bruno Fernandes.

It was not just United’s captain who stood out, with new signing Patrick Dorgu also impressing.

Dorgu's time at United so far

The Red Devils made Dorgu the first major signing of the Ruben Amorim era at the back end of the January Transfer window. They signed him from Serie A strugglers Lecce, for £25m up front and a further £4.1m in add-ons.

So far, the wing-back is just three games into his United career. His debut came in the FA Cup against Leicester City, where he featured for the first half. He has also played two games in the Premier League, getting 90 minutes under his belt against Tottenham Hotspur and, most recently, Everton.

The Denmark international was certainly one of the better United players against the Toffees. The Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst was impressed by his performance, giving him a 7/10. He explained that Dorgu ‘has not been ground down by the pressure of playing for United’ so far.

Goals and assists will surely follow soon, too. Before his move to Old Trafford, the young wing-back scored three times and grabbed one assist for Lecce this season, showing his threat in front of goal.

In fact, that is as many goal involvements as a former United full-back, who perhaps Amorim wished he could call upon if he was still in his prime.

Former Man United star is now on par with Dorgu

There are plenty of former Red Devils stars performing well since leaving the club. One of the best recent examples of this is Antony, who has five goal involvements in six games since his loan move to Real Betis.

Well, another player who is doing well after leaving United is Ashley Young. Make no mistake about it, the former club captain was exceptional during his time wearing the famous red shirt, and only left in 2020 on a free transfer to Inter Milan, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge of the club.

The former England international made more appearances for United than he did any other club over his career.

He played 261 games, scoring 19 goals and grabbing 32 assists. Perhaps his best game came against Arsenal in the famous 8-2 win in 2011, where he scored two and assisted three.

The further he got into his United career, Young’s role in the side changed. He went from dynamic and tricky winger to marauding full-back, capable of playing either side. His versatility became key for the managers he had at Old Trafford.

Left midfield

74

12

10

Right-back

56

2

4

Left-back

55

1

7

Left-wing

29

3

9

Right midfield

20

0

1

Right-wing

6

0

0

Second striker

3

0

0

Central midfielder

2

0

0

Centre-back

1

0

0

Now plying his trade for Everton, Young also has four goal involvements this season, just as Dorgu does for Lecce. However, the former England international has one goal and three assists for the Toffees, playing as a flying full-back. At 39 years of age, the former United number 18 is still going strong.

It does make you consider how much Amorim would have appreciated Young this season if he was still at Old Trafford. Given the versatility of the former United skipper, the ability he has to whip in a deadly cross, and the fact he is still contributing to goals, he could have been an ideal wing-back.

Better than Dorgu: Man Utd must regret selling "monster" star for just £5m

Manchester United once sold a defender who is even better than Patrick Dorgu.

4 ByDan Emery Feb 24, 2025

وجّه السيد الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي، رئيس جمهورية مصر العربية، التهنئة إلى نادي بيراميدز وجماهير الرياضة المصرية، بمناسبة التتويج بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا لكرة القدم لأول مرة في تاريخ النادي.

وجاءت تهنئة الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي عبر صفحته الرسمية على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، حيث قال: “أتقدم بخالص التهنئة إلى فريق بيراميدز وجماهير الرياضة المصرية بمناسبة تحقيق هذا الإنجاز التاريخي بالفوز بدوري أبطال إفريقيا لكرة القدم لأول مرة في تاريخه”.

وأضاف سيادته: “إن هذا الانتصار يجسد روح العزيمة والإصرار التي لطالما ميزت الرياضة المصرية، ويؤكد قدرة أنديتنا على التنافس بقوة في الساحة القارية والدولية. وأتمنى استمرار النجاحات للكرة المصرية في كافة المحافل”.

طالع أيضًا | خالد الغندور بعد تتويج بيراميدز: رمضان صبحي “الطموح” أخذ بثأر الأهلي من صن داونز (فيديو)

ويُعد هذا التتويج هو الأول قارياً في تاريخ نادي بيراميدز، بعد فوزه على صن داونز الجنوب إفريقي بنتيجة 3-2 في مجموع مباراتي النهائي، ليضيف صفحة جديدة إلى تاريخ الإنجازات الرياضية المصرية.

ويُعد نادي بيراميدز من الأندية الحديثة على الساحة الكروية المصرية، إذ تأسس في عام 2008 تحت اسم “الأسيوطي سبورت”، قبل أن يشهد تحولاً جذريًا في 2018 عقب انتقال ملكيته إلى المستشار السعودي تركي آل الشيخ وتغيير اسمه إلى “بيراميدز”. ومنذ ذلك الحين، بدأ النادي في فرض نفسه كمنافس قوي بين كبار الكرة المصرية، إلى جانب الأهلي والزمالك.

وعقب عام واحد فقط، انتقلت ملكية النادي إلى رجل الأعمال الإماراتي سالم الشامسي، ليستمر في دعم المشروع الرياضي للنادي، وعلى مستوى البطولات، نجح بيراميدز في التتويج بلقبه المحلي الأول بفوزه بكأس مصر الموسم الماضي على حساب نادي زد، قبل أن يحقق إنجازه الأكبر هذا الموسم بالفوز بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا للمرة الأولى في تاريخه.

Everton won’t have spent long licking their wounds after being dumped out of the FA Cup by Bugbear opponents Bournemouth, for the Merseyside derby is merely one day away.

David Moyes has bigger fish to fry. Ending an overlong wait for a trophy will have been shelved somewhere in the Scottish manager’s agenda, but the coming months of the current campaign must be used to safely avoid relegation from the Premier League and build a foundation for coming years of success.

With three wins from three in the top flight, Moyes is flying, making tweaks to shift away from the monotony of Sean Dyche’s struggles.

Despite the attacking struggles at Goodison Park, Everton have found a saviour in Iliman Ndiaye.

Iliman Ndiaye could be Everton's saviour

Ndiaye, 24, has bagged three goals from three recent Premier League matches, taking an already exciting start to life on Merseyside and stating that he can be a talisman under new management.

As per FBref, the Senegal winger also ranks among the top 8% of positional peers in the Premier League this year for successful take-ons per 90 and the top 19% for pass completion, perfectly illustrating his layered threat.

Dyche’s Everton tenure came crashing down in the end but his £15m signing of Marseille’s talent has served as a shining light for a team that may now begin to change their narrative in the Premier League.

More firepower will be needed over the coming transfer windows, however. Believe it or not, Everton actually had a better version of Ndiaye in their ranks but failed to unlock his full potential. He’s now a superstar.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Expand Collapse Everton must regret selling Ndiaye upgrade

Causality is a very real thing in football, and the truth is that Ademola Lookman would not be the same player that he is now had he never left Everton.

But the club’s conditions precluded him from doing so and had Moyes been at the helm instead, in a different world, Everton may have got so much more out of Atalanta’s trophy-winning sensation.

It was Everton who gave Lookman his first big break, paying £11m to Charlton Athletic to claim the then 19-year-old’s signature in January 2017.

Lookman, then lacking the potency and sharpness that he has crafted in recent years, managed to net just four goals for the Toffees, playing 48 times.

Still, a promising loan spell with RB Leipzig later prompted the German side to fork out £22.5m for the dynamic winger, who had failed to win over former manager Marco Silva. In hindsight, it was the wrong move, for Lookman now boasts elite status.

Ademola Lookman – Career Stats by Club

Club

Apps

Goals

Assists

Atalanta

105

46

25

Charlton

49

12

3

Everton

48

4

2

Leicester

42

8

5

Fulham

35

4

4

RB Leipzig

24

5

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

Remember, last summer Atalanta were understood to be open to cashing in on their Ballon d’Or nominee and had priced the Nigeria international at €70m (roughly £58m), which stands as a whopping £35m increase from the fee that Everton accepted to jettison him off to the Bundesliga.

He could have banked Everton quite the pretty penny or indeed plied his trade in Moyes’ team as their star man. Ndiaye is fantastic, full of life and energy, but he’s not on the 27-year-old’s level yet.

Indeed, while Lookman’s career highlight is rightly the hat-trick that won Atalanta the Europa League last season, he’s also been immensely consistent in front of goal, scoring 31 goals and supplying 17 assists across all competitions over the past two years, a whopping 31 more goal involvements than Ndiaye over the same time frame. Specifically, broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos hailed Lookman for his “monster year” of 2023/24.

Moreover, he’s not only a marksman. FBref record that he ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and progressive carries and the top 2% for tackles per 90.

The full package, the winger attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain last year and is undoubtedly one of the finest former Everton stars currently kicking balls about today.

Related Worth way more than Van Dijk: Everton hit gold on "physical beast"

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Feb 7, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Após anunciar 27 nomes para os amistosos de junho, o técnico Tite respondeu perguntas dos jornalistas e analisou a evolução do jovem atacante Rodrygo, do Real Madrid, que marcou dois gols, nos acréscimo, na semifinal da Champions League, diante do Manchester City. O comandante também analisou os adversários asiáticos e pontuou que ainda existem vagas na seleção de olho na Copa do Mundo.

RelacionadasFora de CampoGabriel Jesus tem convocação contestada por torcedores na webFora de Campo11/05/2022Futebol InternacionalReal Madrid x Levante: saiba onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo da La LigaFutebol Internacional11/05/2022Seleção BrasileiraTite analisa convocação de Danilo, do Palmeiras, e ampliação da lista: ‘No aspecto ofensivo, dá possibilidades’Seleção Brasileira11/05/2022

– Eu tenho que falar do Jair Ventura, foi ele quem o lançou no Santos. e foi ele que possibilitou em um papo que tivemos para falar sobre todas as características e qualidades do atleta. E ali houve um acompanhamento do atleta , assim como todos. Buscando esse olhar mais crítico – disse.

+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro
​
O treinador também fez questão de frisar que ainda existem espaços a serem preenchidos na seleção. Segundo o comandante, existe uma disputa em determinadas posições mesmo com o tempo diminuindo com a proximidade do Mundial.

– A gente tem uma alegria e uma responsabilidade muito grandes. A concorrência é para todos. É para o Rodrigo Caio, que voltou agora depois de meses. É para Danilo, que foi convocado agora. Lucas Veríssimo. A gente vai trabalhando e acompanhando estes atletas na evolução até o finalzinho. Nós reunimos toda a comissão técnica, e cada um tem sua autonomia para escolher os 26. Eu fico só ouvindo. É assim que eu trabalho. Discordamos, falamos, pegamos dados físicos, clínicos, técnicos, o modelo de jogo. Debatemos até chegar a um resultado final. Agradando a alguns, desagradando a todos. Mas todos estão no contexto – ressaltou.

+Agente de Gabriel Jesus confirma interesse do Arsenal e coloca ‘mais seis clubes’ interessados no jogador

Entre essas lacunas a serem preenchidas, o treinador explicou o momento do meio-campista Bruno Guimarães, atualmente no Newcastle. Ele também frisou a presença de três laterais-esquerdos (Alex Sandro, Alex Telles e Guilherme Arana)na lista, uma opinião que foi corroborada por César Sampaio durante a coletiva.

– Assim como os três laterais que nós convocamos. Está aberto e ninguém vai esconder aqui. Vocês têm que disputar e é uma mensagem a todos. o Bruno que disputa com todos os outros segundo meio-campistas, sim. Estejam na sua melhor condição e falo de todos os planos: físico, técnico, tática, emocional, privado, de preparação – disse o treinador, e César Sampaio acrescentou:

-Temos oportunidade de ver os três juntos (laterais-esquerdos). Estamos acompanhando. Quanto mais chance tivermos de ter essa prova real e ajustes nos treinamentos, melhor – completou o ex-volante da seleção brasileira.

Por fim, Tite também teceu uma análise sobre os adversários asiáticos.Os duelos contra Coreia do Sul e Japão serão disputados nos dias 2 e 6 de junho, em Seul e Tóquio. Para substituir o confronto cancelado contra a Argentina, a CBF busca um adversário africano.

+Tite analisa convocação de Danilo, do Palmeiras, e ampliação da lista: ‘No aspecto ofensivo, dá possibilidades’

– São equipes rápidas. Em que a relação tempo-espaço fica diminuída. Diferente da Turquia, que enfrentamos, que é uma equipe mais pesada, posicional. Elas te trazem uma velocidade muito maior ao jogo. Fora a qualidade técnica individual – explicou, e Juninho explicou como as datas das apresentações.

– Está programada para o dia 26 a chegada dos que não jogarão a Champions. Os que jogarão a Champions está prevista a chegada para o dia 31 – finalizou Juninho.

Confira abaixo a lista de convocados:

Goleiros: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City) e Weverton (Palmeiras);

Zagueiros: Eder Militão (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG) e Thiago Silva (Chelsea);

Laterais: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Danilo (Juventus), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Manchester United), Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG);

Meio-Campistas: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Danilo (Palmeiras) Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paquetá (Lyon), Philippe Coutinho (Aston Villa);

Atacantes: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Atlético de Madri), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Richarlison (Everton), Raphinha (Leeds United), Rodrygo (Real Madrid) e Vini Júnior (Real Madrid).

Everton find themselves just four points above the relegation zone, sitting 16th place in the Premier League after 22 games played. The Toffees are the second-lowest scorers in the division, with only Southampton scoring fewer this season.

Top scorer, Iliman Ndiaye, has made 24 appearances since joining the club, scoring six goals in a total of 1,949 minutes played so far and put in one of his best performances of the campaign against Spurs last time, scoring a sublime solo goal.

However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had a tougher season in front of goal, scoring three goals in 21 appearances, totalling 1,569 minutes played.

This could see David Moyes’ side acquire another striking option in the January window, to help ease the load of Ndiaye and replace the injured Armando Broja who is expected to be out for a long period of time.

Everton looking at new forward in January

According to reports from journalist Graeme Bailey, Everton have made contact with Ligue 1 side Monaco, enquiring about the availability of Swiss forward, Breel Embolo.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

West Ham are also mentioned in the report as an interested party, with both clubs looking to strengthen their attacking ranks this window.

The reports state Monaco are ready to let the striker leave this month, having already signed a forward replacement. However, Italian side Como – managed by Cesc Fabregas – are said to have stolen a march in the chase for Embolo’s signature, and therefore the Premier League clubs will face stiff competition.

Embolo has made 26 appearances in all competitions for the French outfit this season, scoring five goals and supplying five assists.

How Breel Embolo compares to Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Whilst Calvert-Lewin offers a brilliant outlet as a target man for Ndiaye to play off, Embolo could bring a different dynamic, possessing the speed to keep up with Ndiaye on the counter, which could make them an incredibly effective double team in transition.

Breel Embolo vs Dominic Calvert-Lewin comparison

Stats (per 90 mins)

Embolo

Calvert-Lewin

Goals

0.22

0.17

Assists

0.27

0.06

xG

0.62

0.35

xAG

0.24

0.03

Progressive Carries

0.95

1.26

Progressive Passes

2.15

1.03

Shots Total

2.63

2.64

Goals/Shot

0.24

0.18

Aerial Duels Won

2.22

4.71

Stats taken from FBref

When comparing both Embolo and Calvert-Lewin, you can see how the Swiss striker comes out on top. He is a more clinical finisher, providing more output with both goals and assists, but also contributing more with link-up, making 2.15 progressive passes per 90 himself.

Embolo was previously labelled as a striker with “raw pace” by analyst Raj Chohan back in 2021 and hailed for his “electric” qualities by FIFA’s Tom Cameron. This could unlock more of Ndiaye’s creative qualities, being able to carry the ball inside and play Embolo through, making clever movements in behind Premier League defensive lines.

If Everton managed to sign Embolo, they would have two different types of striker in the squad for Moyes to choose between.

One is more of a target man and an outlet from crosses (seen by his aerial duel numbers), perhaps being useful from the bench late in games, whilst Embolo could provide more pace and movement in behind for the Toffees.

Related Their new Ndiaye: Everton make move to sign exciting £14m star

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jan 22, 2025

Whilst West Bromwich Albion’s main priorities at this moment in time rest on appointing a new manager, the January transfer window will also obviously be on the club’s mind.

After all, the Baggies will need some new recruits here and there to ensure they can sustain a battle for the rest of the season to be in and around those Championship playoff spots, regardless of who Carlos Corberan’s successor ends up being.

Whilst the rumour mill is very active in throwing out names in that regard, it is also going into overdrive with some rumoured incomings on the pitch at the Hawthorns, with this exciting loanee touted to make a move to the West Midlands.

West Brom make enquiry over Championship star

As per a fresh report by the Daily Mail Online, West Brom have made an enquiry about snapping up Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas, who is known to Championship fans already for some standout moments on loan at Stoke City this season.

Sheffield United are also named as an onlooker keen on adding the 19-year-old winger to their ranks this month, but the Baggies could hold an advantage in this tussle.

Koumas’ father Jason was a beloved figure for the promotion candidates when he dazzled defences on a regular basis as a maverick in the middle, with those at the Hawthorns now hoping his son can be equally as spellbinding in attack if a move does materialise.

It remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool will cut short the Stoke deal to allow West Brom to swoop in, but if a deal were to happen, Koumas’ addition might well have the same impact as Mikey Johnston’s arrival in through the door last January conjured up.

What Koumas can offer West Brom

The teenager will obviously hope he has a bright future at Anfield ahead, but in the here and now, the 19-year-old would love to make a step up the division and show the Baggies what he’s made of in the midst of a promotion push.

In a Stoke camp that has underperformed to the point where a managerial dismissal took place, the raw Welshman has still managed to stand out with an encouraging four goals and two assists tallied up from 29 appearances, which included this acrobatic effort against Bristol City sailing in back in October.

Koumas’ career numbers so far

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Stoke

29

4

2

Liverpool (first team)

1

1

0

Liverpool U21s

21

9

5

Liverpool U18s

24

18

6

Liverpool (youth league)

6

2

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Koumas could also take to the pressure of playing for a team near the top of the Championship table in his stride, having scored on his senior debut for the Reds after lighting up many a youth pitch for his boyhood employers, with Jurgen Klopp labelling his contribution as “wonderful” to watch.

Of course, he won’t walk straight into the side, with the likes of Johnston shining in recent weeks in attack after he was once just a loan punt himself.

Now, he’s a consistent performer for his side week in week out after penning a permanent deal last transfer window, with nine goals and four assists amassed from 42 games.

There would have been some anxiety in the air that the Republic of Ireland international would be a flop, having put in some solid but unspectacular numbers for Celtic with 13 goals and 12 assists tallied up in Glasgow, but he would ultimately explode into life in England.

At least in this instance, it’s known that Koumas can perform at the level – and with the added plus that he can play all across the attacking positions – this will surely be an addition the new West Brom boss will love working with.

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Posts 2 ByKelan Sarson Jan 7, 2025

Leeds United are back in action in the Championship for the first time since Christmas as they travel to Stoke City for an away match on Boxing Day.

The Whites are currently second in the division and will be hoping to maintain their place in the automatic promotion spots with a win over Narcis Pelach’s side this evening.

Daniel Farke’s men ran out convincing 4-0 winners against Oxford United at Elland Road last weekend, thanks to goals from Dan James, Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson, and Manor Solomon.

The German head coach could still make some changes to his starting line-up from that match, however, and one player who could be dropped is Joel Piroe.

Why Joel Piroe could be dropped

The Dutch forward was selected to start as the number nine for Leeds against Oxford and was directly involved in one of the four goals, teeing up Solomon to score in the second half with a pass into the box for the winger.

Piroe, however, has only scored one goal in his last seven games in the Championship and his all-round play has still left plenty to be desired.

Shots

3

Goals

0

Passes completed

10

Duels won

0/2

Dribbles completed

0/0

As you can see in the table above, the former Swansea marksman was a lightweight at the top end of the pitch, completing just ten passes and losing 100% of his duels, whilst he was also wasteful with his shot attempts.

The left-footed forward’s work out of possession has been dismal throughout the season, as he has lost a staggering 73% of his duels on the ground and in the air.

With this, and the hectic festive schedule, in mind, Farke must drop the Leeds lightweight to the bench and offer Mateo Joseph another chance to impress from the start.

Why Mateo Joseph should start

The Spain U21 international, who was once described as “dynamite” inside the box by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has started ten of his 22 appearances in the Championship so far this season.

Despite his inexperience and age, having turned 21 in October, has fared better in duels than Piroe, winning 36% of his ground duels and 30% of his battles overall, which suggests that he offers slightly more than the Dutchman in physical contests.

Joseph has scored two goals, created four ‘big chances’, and recorded three assists in the division, despite only starting ten games, and this shows that the youngster does have the ability to make an impact in the final third.

However, the academy graduate has only scored two goals from 3.61 xG, and his wasteful finishing could be why Farke has not opted to select him as a starter week-in-week-out over Piroe.

The Dutchman’s poor display, despite assisting the fourth goal, against Oxford could provide Joseph with an opportunity to come in and show the manager that he has what it takes to be the leading number nine for Leeds moving forward this season.

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