تحدث أوناي إيمري، المدير الفني لفريق أستون فيلا، عن الخطأ الفادح الذي ارتكبه الحارس إيميليانو مارتينيز والذي تسبب في هدف ليفربول الأول ضدهم، بأقدام المصري محمد صلاح.
واستضاف ملعب “أنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول وأستون فيلا، في الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.
وحقق ليفربول فوزًا بهدفين دون رد، حيث سجل محمد صلاح الهدف الأول بعدما استغل خطأً فادحًا من جانب إيميليانو مارتينيز، بعدما مرر كرة خاطئة، كان يريدها أن تصل إلى زميله باو توريس، ولكنها وجدت طريقها إلى المصري.
اقرأ أيضًا.. “لا نراه كثيرًا”.. سلوت يعلق على إنجاز محمد صلاح بعد هدفه أمام أستون فيلا
وقال أوناي إيمري، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “ليفربول إيكو” الإنجليزية: “علينا أن نحاول اللعب بشخصية من خلال هيكلنا وأدوارنا، وأن نتخذ تمركزًا جيدًا”.
وأضاف: “كان باو توريس يجيد مركزه من خلال التمريرات، ولكن في تلك الحالة فقد الكرة، كان الأمر سهلًا على محمد صلاح، كان خطأً فادحًا، لكنه جزء من عملي وتحت مسؤوليتي”.
وواصل: “أتقبل ذلك ونبني فريقًا هنا من خلال الأسلوب الذي نريد الحفاظ عليه في عمليتنا مع النادي وفي المباريات القادمة، يجب أن نتجنب الأخطاء الفادحة، مثل تلك التي ارتكبناها في الهدف الأول الذي استقبلناه”.
واستطرد: “لكن هذا جزء من عمليتنا وسنحللها لتحديد كيفية بناء الفريق في ظل هذه الظروف للمباريات القادمة”.
Rajat Patidar was only fit to bat and was named on the substitutes’ list
ESPNcricinfo staff23-May-20253:08
Flower confirms Salt and Patidar’s availability for SRH clash
A Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side led by Jitesh Sharma asked Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to bat first on a fresh Lucknow track. Jitesh said they wanted to use the early moisture in the surface. Phil Salt was fit and named in the XI, while regular captain Rajat Paitdar was only fit to bat but not to field so he was named in the substitutes list.SRH welcomed back Travis Head, who missed their last match because of illness, Abhinav Manohar and Jaydev Unadkat. Mohammed Shami, who had also missed the last match, was named in the substitute list so he could come in when SRH bowl.This was an important match for RCB, who had already qualified for the playoffs, but were in contention for a top-two finish, which can give them cushion in the playoffs. RCB were second on the table with 17 points, but had a game in hand over Gujarat Titans (GT), who had 18 points. The third team in the race for a top-two finish was Punjab Kings (PBKS), tied with RCB on 17 points from 12 matches.Sunrisers Hyderabad 1 Travis Head, 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Ishan Kishan (wk), 4 Nitish Reddy, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 Aniket Verma, 7 Abhinav Manohar, 8 Pat Cummins (capt.), 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Eshan Malinga, 11 Jaydev Unadkat Impact sub options: Mohammed Shami, Harsh Dubey, Sachin Baby, Zeeshan Ansari, Simarjeet SinghRoyal Challengers Bengaluru 1 Phil Salt, 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Mayank Agarwal, 4 Jitesh Sharma (capt. & wk), 5 Romario Shepherd, 6 Tim David, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Yash Dayal, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Suyash Sharma Impact sub options: Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh
تحدّث الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن حالة أحمد سيد زيزو، جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، وموقف بعض اللاعبين الأجانب، موجّهًا رسالة مهمة إلى جماهير الكرة المصرية.
وقال شوبير في برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأحد: “يُعاني زيزو من نوع من أنواع الإجهاد في العضلة الخلفية، وقد نصحه الأطباء بعدم المشاركة في المباريات حتى لا يتطور الأمر من إجهاد بسيط إلى شد أو تمزق، ولذلك حرص الجهاز الطبي على حمايته”.
وأضاف: “قال زيزو لهم: يا جماعة، هذه إصابة قديمة وأنا معتاد عليها، وقد لعبت بها من قبل سواء مع المنتخب أو مع الزمالك، فوثق به المدير الفني بالفعل، لكنه فضّل إبقاءه على دكة البدلاء حتى لا تتفاقم الإصابة، ولهذا السبب لم يشارك زيزو في المباراة، خوفًا من تفاقم حالته”.
وعن موقف اللاعبين الأجانب في الأهلي، قال شوبير: “يا جماعة، ملف اللاعبين الأجانب بالكامل في يد المدير الفني يِيس توروب، وهو من سيقرر من سيستمر ومن سيرحل”.
وأوضح: “هناك حديث عن جراديشار، وأشرف داري، وأليو ديانج، وهؤلاء بالفعل تدور حولهم بعض الأحاديث، لكن لا يوجد شيء رسمي، والأرقام التي ترددت حول طلب ديانج 2 أو 3 ملايين دولار مقابل التجديد غير صحيحة على الإطلاق”.
طالع أيضًا | “هيتجنن”.. تفاصيل جديدة عن وضع إمام عاشور الطبي وموعد عودته لـ الأهلي
وتابع: “توروب يحب جميع اللاعبين ويتعامل معهم باحترام كبير، حتى بعد المباريات يحرص على تحيتهم ومصافحتهم، وهذا واضح في شخصيته، وهو أيضًا ينتظر عودة أشرف داري للملاعب، كما فعل مع شكري الذي بدأ المشاركة تدريجيًا”.
وأضاف: “الإصابات كثيرة جدًا هذه الأيام في جميع الأندية، ففي الزمالك مثلًا هناك عدي الدباغ، ومحمد شحاتة، وناصر منسي وغيرهم، وهذا الأمر يؤثر في أداء كل الفرق، ويدفع المدربين إلى تطبيق مبدأ التدوير بشكل مستمر”.
وأردف: “انظروا إلى مباراة الأمس مثلًا، كان أحمد رمضان بيكهام قائد الفريق، وبعده ديانج، ثم مصطفى شوبير، أي أن الأمور تتغير يومًا بعد يوم، أما عمر كمال، فالبعض قال إنه سيرحل، لكنه شارك وسجل هدفًا، ونال إشادة كبيرة من المدرب، وهذا دليل على أنه يحظى بثقته”.
واختتم: “من فضلكم يا جماعة، لا تتسرعوا في الحكم على اللاعبين أو المدربين، كرة القدم يوم لك ويوم عليك، كما نرى في أوروبا، الأهم أن نساند ونشجع بهدوء، ونترك المدربين يعملون في أجواء مستقرة، لأن العصبية لا تفيد أحدًا”.
GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Pulisic sitting on top of Serie A's scoring charts
It might incite a double-take, but yes, U.S. international Christian Pulisic sits at the top of the Serie A Golden Boot race with three goals. That's ahead of noted attackers such as Inter's Marcus Thuram or Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic.
While it is unlikely Pulisic will have a sustained run at the top of scoring charts in Italy's top flight – he's never tallied more than 12 league goals in a season – he can look to players such as Ousame Dembele or Mohammed Salah as wingers who have been unlocked as attacking threats under unique tactical setups.
Whatever new AC Milan manager Max Allegri is doing, it seems to be bringing out the best in the 27-year-old. And his uptick form is critical, too. are quietly mounting a real challenge for the Scudetto and face their first real test in Napoli this weekend.
Getting a result Sunday could be massive for both Allegri and Pulisic. At Crystal Palace, Chris Richards' stock is rising as he continues to shine on the club's stout backline. While he isn't a household name in the Premier League, he is one of the league's top defenders and will have a gruelling test ahead with table-topping Liverpool.
As for Josh Sargent, the Championship's best player in August has been MIA on the pitch for Norwich since returning from international duty. Can that change against second-placed Stoke?
GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad this weekend.
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Pulisic's sensational start
The goal tally stands out, but the underlying stats behind Pulisic's start to the club season are equally impressive.
He is taking 2.8 shots per game, 2.4 of which, on average, are on target – both categories are third in Serie A. Overall, he is putting 83 percent of his shots on target. It's unlikely those numbers will stay as is, and his xG of just 0.80 suggests he will regress to the mean.
But there are several other stats that suggest his world-class performance isn't just limited to what he's done on the scoring end. He's seventh in big chances created (two), expected assists per game (.38) and dribble success rate (40 percent).
He's also contributing on the defensive end, with five tackles and 16 duels won. This all points to not just an attacking player in good form, but one who could potentially challenge for Player of the Season in Seria A. While much was made of his transition to striker, as opposed to his natural winger role, the move so far has played to his strengths.
Pulisic kept his hot streak going for Milan with another goal on Tuesday, this time in Milan's 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Lecce. With Napoli coming to the San Siro on Sunday, Milan will need another well-rounded outing from their No. 11. have Serie A's second-best attack with nine goals and its third-best defense with three conceded. Milan have allowed just two goals – second in the league – this season.
There are two defensive-minded coaches in Allegri and Antonio Conte on the touchlines – which suggests this will be a match with limited chances. If Pulisic can make an impact, it will be another signal the American is taking his game to another level.
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Can Sargent get back to his best?
On the other end of the form chart is Sargent. After capturing the imaginations of fans in the English Championship in August, scoring six goals in five games, the 25-year-old has been largely quiet in his last two outings for
Some of that is to be expected; it was unrealistic to expect the forward to maintain that pace. But something is amiss. Sargent took just 13 touches of the ball against Coventry, with one shot, and connecting on just two passes in 83 minutes. He was much better against Wrexham, with triple the shots and a more cohesive part of the attack, but he still wasn't able to find a goal contribution in Norwich 3-2 loss.
This all came after a substandard outing with the USMNT in the September camp, in which Sargent was given a rare start. Against South Korea, the numbers were similar to what he did against Coventry in the Championship, taking zero shots in 62 minutes and not making a single pass. Confidence could be a factor.
With a crucial match against Stoke on Saturday, Sargent needs to get back to his best for not only his club but his chances of being a part of the 2026 World Cup roster. His decision to reject a move to the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg is well-documented, which means he has to be dominant in the second division to gain recognition.
Norwich's promotion hopes are slipping with each game. Yes, it's just six matches into the season, but the team is 15th in the table. That wasn't expected, especially with Sargent in the squad. Things need to change, and change fast.
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Big test for Richards
Modest-budgeted Crystal Palace have three Premier League clean sheets this season, and Richards has played a big part. The 25-year-old U.S. international is everywhere for the Eagles, thriving in a three-man backline that allows him to play up to his strengths as a centerback.
Whether it's aerial duels, where he's won an impressive 70 percent, or duels on the ground, a strong 73 percent, Richards has emerged as a key part of Oliver Glasner's backline.
Richards will be needed when Palace host Liverpool at Selhurst Park. The Reds sit at the top of the table, barnstorming through England with a league-leading 11 goals. The Eagles, on the other hand, have been under the radar but are a surprising fifth, thanks to their stingy defense – tied for first in goals allowed at just two. This is a classic attack vs defense matchup, as both teams excel at the other's weakness.
Palace's attack has been inconsistent this season, likely feeling the impact of losing Eberechi Eze on deadline day to Arsenal. Yet, Glasner is arguably the Premier League's most prepared manager at the moment, extracting incredible value from a relatively small and mostly young squad.
Bring out the popcorn for a match which could see Richards' star get bigger – if Palace pull off the upset.
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McKennie hosts Musah
Neither Weston McKennie nor Yunus Musah has gotten off to the start they would have envisioned in a World Cup year. McKennie has made just two starts, and Musah has played just 109 minutes in three Serie A outings, with 90 of those coming while with AC Milan prior to his loan to Atalanta. Both have chances to change their fortunes when the Old Lady host La Dea.
Juventus are the second-best team in Serie A with 10 points, while Atalanta are fifth. While the Turin side has traditionally dominated, with 67 wins to their favor, Igor Tudor has struggled in his matches against Ivan Juric – with a 1W-1D-2L record.
And this match is equally significant to the Americans on both squads. The U.S. call-ups could be announced within the next week, and Mauricio Pochettino has indicated this will be his A team. Both McKennie and Musah desperately need to prove why they should be included ahead of October's friendlies.
With less than two weeks until the end of the summer transfer window, Celtic have now reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign an attacking target for Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic still chasing reinforcements
Even after another flawless start to the Scottish Premiership campaign, defending champions Celtic are still on the hunt for reinforcements this month. The Bhoys will be well aware of just how important it is to build whilst on top and even though the likes of Benjamin Nygren represent that ambition, there’s still room for more fresh faces.
One of the players who has found himself on Celtic’s radar as of late is Jamie Vardy. The former Leicester City forward thrived under Rodgers at the King Power and could now reunite with his old manager now that he has left the Foxes as a free agent.
Even at 38 years old, Vardy would still have plenty to offer the current Celtic side both on and off the pitch. Just last season, the Premier League veteran scored 10 goals in all competitions as a struggling Leicester side suffered relegation. Any concerns that he wouldn’t be able to leave his mark on the Scottish Premiership should, therefore, be put to rest.
Vardy’s not the only target on Celtic’s radar, however, and it looks as though they’re now edging closer and closer to finally welcoming a long-term target.
Celtic reach agreement in principle for Balikwisha
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Celtic have now reached an agreement in principle to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Royal Antwerp. As ever with the winger, though, the deal is far from simple. As per Tavolieri, even though that agreement has been reached and a medical was scheduled, there remains internal issues that need solving before Balikwisha can become a Celtic player at long last.
It’s somewhat of a groundhog day for Celtic fans, who were denied the chance to welcome Balikwisha last season when he suffered an untimely injury.
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Now, one year on, it looks as though there are other issues standing in the way of any deal becoming official. Whether that finally changes in the next 11 days is the big question.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he wants to add more players to his attacking arsenal before the end of the summer transfer window.
Speaking after the 1-0 win over St Mirren, the Hoops boss said: “It’s just about improving. There’s areas that we want to improve in the forward line. That’s something that we hope we can do over these remaining weeks.”
The Scottish Premiership champions kicked off their defence of the title with a win, thanks to a late goal from Luke McCowan, but it was far from an assured performance.
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
There were some underwhelming performances from a number of Celtic players across the park on Sunday, and one of those flops was Hyun-jun Yang.
Why Celtic need to sign a new right winger
After selling Nicolas Kuhn to Como, the South Korean forward appears to be the first-choice right-wing option for the Hoops, and he does not look ready for that responsibility.
Yang is a very capable and useful squad player for Celtic to have, as evidenced by his return of six goals and six assists in 34 appearances in all competitions last term.
The 23-year-old forward has not shown that he can deliver outstanding quality on a consistent basis, though, and failed to register a single shot, completed dribble, or chance created in almost an hour against St Mirren.
Yang did not take his opportunity to show that he can be the replacement for Kuhn, which is why the club should be pushing to bring in a new right winger to allow Rodgers to ditch the South Korea international from the starting XI.
Calcio Mercato recently reported that Celtic are interested in an ambitious loan swoop for Liverpool outcast Federico Chiesa, alongside Premier League side Fulham.
Why Celtic should sign Federico Chiesa
The Italy international, who is reportedly on £150k-per-week wages at Anfield, would come in as a big upgrade on Yang and allow the manager to drop the current Hoops forward down to the bench.
Chiesa, who was described as a “top-level player” by commentator Seb Hutchinson, only made 14 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool last season, starting once in the Premier League, which means that it is difficult to judge him on his time in England.
Liverpool's FedericoChiesaand Alexis Mac Allister
The 27-year-old star’s form for Juventus in the 2023/24 campaign, prior to his move to Anfield, though, suggests that he could be a terrific player for Rodgers to call upon.
xG
6.43
Top 32%
Goals
9
Top 23%
Shots on target
27
Top 14%
xA
5.58
Top 3%
Chances created
54
Top 3%
Crosses completed
40
Top 3%
Assists
2
Top 38%
As you can see in the table above, Chiesa caught the eye as both a goalscorer and a creative threat across 33 outings in the Serie A for the Old Lady that term.
The Italian forward scored more goals (nine) in one of Europe’s major leagues than Yang has managed in over two years at Celtic in all competitions (seven), which speaks to the gap in quality between the two right-sided attackers when it comes to scoring goals.
Chiesa, who scored 32 goals during his time at Juventus, could thrive if given regular game time as a loan signing for the Scottish giants, after a year of riding the bench for Liverpool.
The Italy international thrived as a regular for the Old Lady in the 2023/24 campaign and could get back to his best, providing a regular threat as a scorer and a creator of goals, by coming in to replace Yang as a starter at Parkhead.
Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool
It is not an easy deal for Celtic to do, though, as he is a full international who has proven himself in one of the best leagues in Europe, in Italy, so is likely to have plenty of suitors, including the aforementioned Fulham.
If the Scottish giants can find a way to agree a deal with Liverpool and convince Chiesa to make the move, though, then Rodgers can ruthlessly ditch Yang from the starting XI.
The series, which Pakistan won 2-1, drew widespread attention for the pitches that were prepared
Danyal Rasool07-Nov-2024
Fans, camera, action: Turning pitches in Multan and Rawalpindi helped Pakistan mount a stirring comeback from 1-0 down•PA Images via Getty Images
The surfaces Pakistan prepared for the recently concluded three-Test series against England have been given a seal of approval by the ICC, who labelled the pitches for all three Tests “satisfactory”.The series, which Pakistan won 2-1, drew widespread attention for the pitches that were prepared. In the first Test, the surface appeared exceedingly flat, with Pakistan posting 556 before England racked up 827 for 7 declared, the highest total ever made in Pakistan, and the fourth highest in the history of Test cricket. It was only a third-innings collapse from Pakistan that forced a result that had appeared exceedingly unlikely when, halfway through the fourth day of the Test, the second innings was yet to conclude.Related
ICC rescinds demerit point for Rawalpindi pitch
Rawalpindi pitch gets 'below average' rating
Following that innings defeat, Pakistan radically changed their pitch-preparation philosophy. A new selection committee that included Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed decided to reuse the same surface for the second Multan Test, using giant fans to dry the pitch out. Preparation for the third Test in Rawalpindi – a venue that has historically taken little spin – also involved large fans as well as wedding-style heaters with windbreaks to help break the surface up.Both strips gave spinners plenty of help, with sharp and early turn as well as uneven bounce, and all 40 of England’s wickets in the last two Tests fell to spin. Pakistan won the second Test on the morning of the fourth day, while the Pindi Test didn’t even make it to lunch on day three.There was little public complaint from England, and Pakistan maintained they were within their rights to prepare surfaces that offered them home advantage following their chastening defeat on a flat track in the first Test. The ICC appears to have accepted that view, giving each of the strips the lowest rating that does not amount to a censure.The ICC rates pitches, and outfields, for all international games on a scale of very good to unfit: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory and unfit. One demerit point is awarded to venues for an unsatisfactory rating, and three for an unfit rating. If any ground receives five or more demerit points in a five-year rolling period, it is suspended from hosting any international cricket for 12 months.This was the third consecutive Test in Pindi where the pitch came under scrutiny. In March 2022, the surface was given a “below average” rating on the scale the ICC used at the time, and docked a demerit point. It was given the same rating for the Test against England later that year and awarded another demerit point, though this was later rescinded on appeal.
He made an unbeaten 182 in Galle and helped Sri Lanka move to a commanding position
Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Sep-2024
Kamindu Mendis drives towards the covers•AFP/Getty Images
Kamindu Mendis became the fastest batter to 1000 Test runs in 75 years, as he hit an unbeaten 182 in Sri Lanka’s first innings against New Zealand in Galle. Having got there in 13 innings, Kamindu equalled Don Bradman’s pace to the milestone. The two of them are now third-equal fastest in Test history, with only Herbert Sutcliffe and Everton Weekes having achieved the feat in fewer innings (both 12).He got there in style too, launching the left-arm fingerspin of Rachin Ravindra for six down the ground to move past the score of 178 that he needed to move to a career tally in the quadruple figures. What is extraordinary about his achievement is that 634 of his current 1004 runs have come from a batting position of No. 7 or lower. This particular innings, however, came from No. 5, with Kamindu having moved up the order starting with this series.Kamindu not only averages 91.27, he’s also scored relatively quickly, maintaining a strike rate of 65.02. Nine times in his 13 innings he’s crossed 50, five times he’s crossed 100, and twice he’s gone past 150 – this 182 not out being his highest score. His average is highest at home, but he has now hit hundreds across three different series this year, in three different countries – Bangladesh, England, and Sri Lanka.Related
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Mendises hit powerful centuries to put Sri Lanka in position of dominance
By getting there in 13 innings, Kamindu has easily bettered the Sri Lanka record, previously held by Roy Dias, who had achieved it in 23 knocks. Last year, Yashasvi Jaiswal had become the fastest batter of the 21st century to 1000 runs, getting there in 16 outings.Sri Lanka moved to a commanding position in the Galle Test, thanks in part to Kamindu’s innings. Though he was the top scorer, Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis also scored a century each.
Already closing in on signing Zepiqueno Redmond on a free transfer, Aston Villa have now reportedly followed that by opening talks to sign another teenage talent this summer.
Redmond completes Aston Villa medical
Welcoming their first striker since losing Jhon Duran in the January transfer window, Villa are set to officially sign Redmond at the start of next month after he passed a medical at the club. The 18-year-old will leave Feyenoord at the end of his current deal this summer, before becoming a free agent and arriving in the Midlands in a bargain deal.
Despite his place as a rising star rather than an established mainstay at the top level, Redmond has already earned impressive praise.
Speaking to reporters, the forward’s former coach at Zwervers, Ricardo Veerman, revealed how talented Redmond was at a young age, saying: “What stood out was that he was younger than the other boys around him. You can tell pretty quickly if a kid has something, but he had something truly special.
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“He could dribble past defenders with ease and scored a lot — often three times per match, sometimes even more. He was one of the key players, although that’s a funny thing to say about someone that age. Coaches around us were always asking who he was and how old he was.”
Since then, Redmond has risen through the ranks at PSV to earn opportunities in the Eredivisie and Champions League. Now set to become an Aston Villa player, the young forward could be joined by another emerging attacking talent as the Villans look to go two for two in this summer’s transfer window.
Aston Villa open talks to sign Jesus Rodriguez
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have now opened talks to sign Jesus Rodriguez from Real Betis this summer. The 19-year-old winger impressed many in Spain last season and even managed to get on the scoresheet twice to only add to a growing reputation.
Described as “fearless” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Rodriguez could become an unexpected replacement for Marcus Rashford if he hits the ground running. The latter is set to return to Manchester United now that his loan spell is over and it remains to be seen whether Aston Villa attempt to secure his signature on a permanent deal.
Rodriguez, at just 19 years old, could offer Unai Emery to perfect solution. Having already signed Redmond, it looks as though Villa’s current focus is on welcoming young talent and the Real Betis star is seemingly next on the list.
A talented winger who has already made his mark on senior football, it’s clear to see why the Midlands club are so interested in Rodriguez.
Setting their sights on a crucial summer transfer window fresh from Championship promotion, the 49ers are now reportedly ready to launch their move to sign an attacking reinforcement for Leeds United this summer.
49ers ready to back Farke with big summer spend
After securing the Championship title with 100 points and a better goal difference than Burnley, Leeds have already commenced their summer plan. Names such as Beto, Jamie Vardy and Caoimhin Kelleher have all been mentioned on the 49ers’ radar as they look to make a statement ahead of the Whites’ return to the top flight next season.
Vardy would be a particularly interesting signing. At 38 years old, it’s easy to assume that his days as a Premier League striker are behind him. Those assumptions have been proved wrong throughout the current campaign, however. In a struggling Leicester City side, the veteran forward managed nine goals in all competitions, with eight of those coming in the Premier League.
Set to become a free agent following the expiration of his current Leicester deal next month, Leeds could do a lot worse than boosting their squad with the addition of a Premier League-winning striker.
Those at Elland Road aren’t shying away from just how difficult the Premier League will be next season, either. Club chairman Paraag Marathe told fans in a club statement after promotion was sealed: “The Premier League is where Leeds belongs, and our goal is to establish a long-term presence there. With that in mind, we have been quietly preparing the club for this moment.
49ers now in talks to sign "great" relegated star in bargain deal for Leeds
He could commence their summer business.
2 ByTom Cunningham May 14, 2025
“The road ahead won’t be easy but we are ready to step confidently into this next chapter. Above all, this is your club and your promotion. I want to thank each and every one of you, along with the players and every member of staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, for your tireless commitment in pursuit of this unforgettable moment.”
Leeds ready to launch Geubbels move
If it’s not Vardy, then it seems as though those in Yorkshire still want to sign an attacking addition this summer. According to Berliner Kurier, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 49ers are now ready to launch a fresh bid to sign Willem Geubbels from St. Galen this summer, handing Leeds and Daniel Farke an instant boost.
The Frenchman was reportedly on Leeds’ radar in January before a deal never took place. This time around, however, the Whites have Premier League football to offer and the forward, himself, is open to leaving St. Gallen.
Once tipped for great things, injury problems have often prevented Guebbels from reaching his top potential. After scoring 16 goals in all competitions this season, though, Leeds could offer him a route back to where he belongs at the top level.
It would be quite the story if the 23-year-old managed to fight his way back from obscurity surrounded by injuries all the way to the Premier League, but it remains to be seen whether Leeds can win the race for his signature.