شهدت تدريبات فريق الزمالك، المقامة حاليًا على ملعب النادي، خوض لاعب الفريق أحمد سيد زيزو، تدريبات منفردة، وذلك قبل مواجهة ستيلينبوش الجنوب إفريقي.
ومن المقرر، أن يلتقي الزمالك مع ستيلينبوش، غداً الأربعاء في إطار مواجهة الإياب لدور ربع النهائي (دور الـ 8)، على ملعب استاد القاهرة، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
وأفاد مراسل بطولات بأن زيزو خاض التدربيات بشكل منفرد، في مران اليوم، بعد قرار استبعاده من مباراة ستيلينبوش.
وكان مصدر أوضح عبر “بطولات” أن زيزو خارج حسابات الجهاز الفني لنادي الزمالك في مباراة ستيلينبوش، بعد التأكد من توقيعه للنادي الأهلي.
يذكر أن زيزو خرج بتصريحات عبر حساباته الرسمية على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، أكد فيها أنه لم يوقع لأي نادي في الفترة الحالية، منتظر موقف الزمالك حتى نهاية بطولة الكونفدرالية.
طالع | زيزو يعلنها لأول مرة: لم أوقع لـ الأهلي.. وأنتظر عرض الزمالك حتى النهاية
تجدر الإشارة إلى أن مباراة الذهاب التي أقيمت بين الزمالك وستيلينبوش في جنوب إفريقيا، انتهت بالتعادل السلبي. كواليس مران الزمالك
Hampshire have announced the signing of Ben McDermott, the Australia batter, for their Vitality Blast campaign.McDermott, 27, has enjoyed a stellar recent run of form, finishing as the leading run-scorer in the 2021-22 Big Bash before notching his maiden international half-century for Australia, in the T20Is series against Sri Lanka, last week.”Ben is an exciting talent and we are really pleased that he’s joining us for the Vitality Blast,” Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said. “He had an excellent BBL and his power and ability to clear the ropes make him an excellent fit for us. We are looking forward to seeing him in a Hawks shirt this summer.”McDermott, the son of former Australia fast bowler Craig, has played two ODIs and 20 T20Is since first being capped in 2018. In this season’s BBL, he scored 577 runs with a strike rate of 153.86 for Hobart Hurricanes, which included back-to-back hundreds.He was due to play for Derbyshire in the 2020 Blast but had his contract deferred by the Covid-19 pandemic. He then featured in just two first-class matches for the county last summer before being called up for Australia’s tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh.McDermott said: “I am really excited to join the Hawks for this summer’s Vitality Blast. I’m looking forward to joining James Vince and the team at the Ageas Bowl and am hoping I can contribute to a successful T20 campaign.”
Leeds United were left frustrated at the weekend after their 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park pushed out them outside of the automatic promotion places.
The Whites went into the gameweek in first place but Sheffield United’s 1-0 win over Sunderland on Friday meant that they travelled to Lancashire in second.
A win would have moved them back to the top of the table but, instead, a penalty from Todd Cantwell was enough to seal all three points for the home side.
Burnley’s win later that day then meant that the West Yorkshire outfit ended the weekend in third place, outside of the top two and back inside the play-off places.
Daniel Farke will be hoping that his side can avoid the play-offs this time around, after losing to Southampton in the final last season, and the German head coach could use the January transfer window next month to bolster his squad.
Adding an attacking threat from a midfield position could be one of the items on his agenda, as the Whites have struggled to provide much in the way of quality from that area of the pitch.
Leeds United's attacking contributions from midfield
In the 2024/25 campaign, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, Ethan Ampadu, and Ilia Gruev have combined for zero goals and one assist in the Championship, with Rothwell providing it.
This shows that Farke does not have a regular source of goals or creativity from his options in the middle of the park, which has hindered the team when the attacking players have not been at their best.
That was also an issue for the German boss during the 2023/24 season, as the likes of Ampadu, Gruev, Archie Gray, despite playing at right-back as well, and Glen Kamara all failed to offer much in the final third.
23/24 Championship
Starts
Goals
Assists
Ethan Ampadu
49
0
1
Glen Kamara
36
0
3
Ilia Gruev
23
1
1
Archie Gray
43
0
2
Stats via WhoScored
As you can see in the table above, those four players combined for just one league goal in the entire campaign, which was Gruev’s free-kick against Norwich in the second-leg of the play-off semi-finals.
In his two title-winning seasons with Norwich in the Championship, Farke had central midfield players with the quality to provide goals and assists to help out the attack.
Kenny McLean and Mario Vrancic combined for five goals and 11 assists in the 2020/21 campaign. Vrancic, McLean, Tom Trybull, and Moritz Leitner also combined for 16 goals and 14 assists in the 2018/19 season.
These statistics show that the German tactician always had midfield players who could step up with goals and assists to help his team to promotion in both of those seasons, whilst he – simply – does not have that level of attacking quality in that area of the pitch at Elland Road.
However, Farke could bring in a player with the potential to improve that side of the team’s performance during the January transfer window.
Leeds United's interest in Scottish starlet
The Boot Room recently reported that Leeds United are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller ahead of the second half of the season.
It was claimed that the Whites have sent scouts to watch the Scotland U21 international in action in the Scottish Premiership, but they are far from alone in that respect.
A host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Brighton, have also been sending scouts to keep tabs on his performances north of the border.
The Boot Room added that Rangers and Celtic are also interested in keeping him in Scotland, whilst Atalanta and Bologna pose a threat from the Serie A.
This shows that Leeds face plenty of competition from some huge clubs across the United Kingdom and Europe, which means that it could be a difficult deal to get over the line in January.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It was also claimed that Motherwell are set to demand a fee of around £5m for their impressive academy graduate, who the Whites must now push to win the race for as he could be a dream signing for Tanaka and Farke.
Why Lennon Miller would be a dream signing for Ao Tanaka
The Scottish sensation has been in impressive form for Motherwell in the Premiership this season and his performances suggest that the potential is there for him to come in and offer the Whites what they currently lack in the middle of the park.
Tanaka has been a fantastic performer in midfield since his move from Fortuna Dusseldorf, with a 92% pass completion rate and 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game across 15 outings in the Championship.
He has provided a metronomic and combative presence for the West Yorkshire outfit, with his ability to retain possession at an impressive rate, whilst also being able to consistently make defensive interventions to win the ball back for his side and cut out attacks for the opposition.
However, Tanaka has yet to score his first goal for Leeds and has not provided any assists from midfield, which suggests that he could thrive alongside a midfielder who can offer more quality at the top end of the pitch.
24/25 season
Ao Tanaka (Championship)
Lennon Miller (Premiership)
Appearances
15
13
Goals
0
2
Big chances created
0
6
Assists
0
4
Key passes per game
0.8
2.0
Pass accuracy
92%
74%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Miller has provided regular quality from a midfield position for Motherwell, with eight goals and ‘big chances’ combined in 13 games.
The 18-year-old star, who was described as a “ridiculous” talent by pundit James McFadden, still has plenty of years left ahead of him to take his game to another level and offer even more in the final third.
Therefore, Miller could come in as a dream midfield partner for Tanaka, as the Japanese maestro can provide defensive strength and passing quality, whilst the Scottish ace can offer a big threat as a scorer and a creator to add another side to the team’s attacking play.
Leeds have found a "monster" who's now a potential £50m star in the making
Daniel Farke has hit the jackpot with the impressive Leeds United leader.
Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the chase for a very highly-rated forward as his January transfer isn’t entirely ruled out, with reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic name-dropping Spurs as potential contenders.
Postecoglou hints at January plans as Spurs target new wide forward
In the build up to January, there have been reports suggesting that Spurs are targeting a new defender and wide forward, with manager Ange Postecoglou also suggesting that the club could make new signings in the winter window.
Spurs now table £20m+ bid to sign "magician" who's been compared to Messi
He would be an incredibly exciting signing for Postecoglou if they can pull it off.
ByBen Browning Dec 2, 2024
Speaking in a recent press conference, the Australian admitted that he’s held meetings with technical director Johan Lange over strategy, and claimed his side could dip their toes into the market if they think it is necessary.
“We’re always planning, planning for every scenario. A lot of it will depend on where we are as a squad at that time,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s plans for January.
“Between now and then, it is only really [Cristian] Romero and [Micky] van de Ven who will be back in that time frame, but Richy [Richarlison] will hopefully be back in the new year, and we will just assess where we are squad-wise but certainly, with Johan [Lange] I’ve already had a number of meetings for a strategy in January.
“I think last year we did a little bit of business which ended up helping us, but nothing concrete now, because January is always tricky, and it depends on where we are squad-wise.”
Bournemouth vs Tottenham
December 5
Tottenham vs Chelsea
December 8
Southampton vs Tottenham
December 15
Tottenham vs Liverpool
December 22
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham
December 26
In terms of the wingers they’re reportedly looking at, it is believed Southampton winger Tyler Dibling is attracting attention from Tottenham, amid his excellent start to the season at St. Mary’s and comparisons with Man City star Jack Grealish (Football Insider).
As well as the English sensation, reports in the Spanish media have claimed that Tottenham view Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo as a key potential transfer target, with his contract including a £50 million release clause.
Tottenham join Arsenal in race for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams
Ornstein, writing in a piece for The Athletic, has now named Spurs as potential contenders to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
The Spain star has enjoyed a brilliant last 12 months, winning Euro 2024 with his country and racking up an incredible 19 assists in all competitions last term. The £200,000-per-week left-wide man is off the mark with two goals and five assists so far this season, and he has many admirers heading into 2025.
Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the race for Williams, whose contract includes a “fairly low” £46 million release clause for a player of his calibre, and while his January exit is unlikely, it also isn’t entirely ruled out either.
As well as the north London duo, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Liverpool are also keeping tabs on his situation at Atheltic, with all the aforementioned clubs real admirers of Williams.
Após dois dias de ausência, o atacante Jô voltou a treinar com o elenco alvinegro na tarde desta quinta-feira (10), no CT Joaquim Grava. OCorinthians realizou o penúltimo treino preparatório para o duelo de sábado contra a Ponte Preta, às 18h30, na Neo Química Arena, válido pela décima primeira rodada do Paulistão.
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> GALERIA – Veja o retrospecto do Timão no Paulistão desde o novo formato
Na terça-feira (8), o camisa 77 havia sentido uma indisposição estomacal que o deixou de fora das últimas duas baterias de treino. Felizmente, o atleta se recuperou e participou normalmente das atividades.
Quem está próximo de retornar é Roni.O meio-campista iniciou a transição com a preparação física após se recuperar de dores no músculo posterior da coxa direita, mas não deve ganhar minutos diante da Ponte.
Após o aquecimento eum trabalho de rondo, o técnico Vítor Pereira organizou uma atividade tática de movimentação dos atletas por setor. Por fim, preparou um treino de enfrentamento em campo reduzido.
> TABELA – Confira e simule os próximos jogos do Corinthians no Paulistão
Alguns atletas permaneceram no gramado para complementos de finalização com o suporte dos assistentes técnicos do clube. Como a imprensa não teve acesso ao treino, não foi possível determinar quais jogadores fizeram a última atividade.
Assim como nos últimas três dias, o zagueiro Robert Renan, convocado durante a tarde para jogos-treino com a Seleção Brasileira Sub-19 participou do treino do Timão nesta quinta-feira.
Na sexta-feira (11), no período da tarde, o Corinthians realiza o último treino no CT Joaquim Grava para a partida diante da Ponte.
What are some of the contests that could decide the outcome of the Test series?
Andrew McGlashan02-Mar-2022
Josh Hazlewood has dominated against Babar Azam•Getty Images
Shaheen Shah Afridi vs everyoneHasan Ali has an injury. Haris Rauf has Covid. Shaheen Shah Afridi was vital to Pakistan’s chances anyway, but that has only increased in recent days. It is remarkable to think he is still only 21. He was the leading quick bowler in Test cricket during 2021 with 47 wickets at 17.06. Australia had a brief taste of his rapid, late swing during the T20 World Cup – albeit with the white ball – when a stunning opening over removed Aaron Finch and very nearly Mitchell Marsh although they, and more specifically, Matthew Wade had the final say. In these Tests, his early duels with David Warner could be key: Afridi averages 18.34 against left handers. Warner has a phenomenal record against Pakistan (he averages 108.40) and was savage on them during the 2019-2020 series in Australia but Afridi has grown over those intervening two years. The issue for Pakistan will be that it can’t be all on Afridi’s shoulders.Related
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Can the short ball work to Smith?The last time Australia played overseas during the 2019 Ashes, Steven Smith produced one of the finest series of all time with 774 runs at 110.57. Since then, however, he has averaged 36.86 from 14 Tests with just a single century against India. Some of that has been attributed to the sickening blow he took from Jofra Archer at Lord’s, although he made a double century on his return from concussion. There has certainly been a concerted approach to bowl short at the body since then – a tactic well-executed by Neil Wagner in 2019-2020 – which has also kept his scoring rate down. Since October 1, 2019, Smith has fallen 10 times to deliveries logged as short-of-a-good-length or short in ESPNcricinfo’s data. However, there have been other plans that have worked well, too, including R Ashwin’s approach and a heavy leg-side field set by India. Afridi has the pace to potentially trouble Smith with the short delivery, but Pakistan will have to be wary of bowling him into the ground and the likelihood of playing three quicks (more on the balance of the side below) may also limit being able to have operate in lengthy short-ball spells.Mohammad Rizwan could be important against Nathan Lyon•Getty Images/AFP
Babar Azam vs Josh HazlewoodBabar Azam is a wonderful batter, but few have troubled him like Josh Hazlewood who has claimed him six times (the next most is three dismissals to the same bowler). It does need noting that four of those came early in Babar’s career on the 2016-17 tour of Australia and on the previous tour in 2019-2020 he left a mark with a century in Brisbane and 97 in Adelaide although Hazlewood removed him twice. Australia always target the opposition captain and if Hazlewood can keep a hold over Babar it could be a major factor in the series. Although Babar has remained a consistent run-scorer in recent times, it is 11 Tests since he has scored a century. Hazlewood is not actually an incumbent in the side after missing most of the Ashes with a side strain but it would be a huge surprise if he did not return.The approach against Nathan LyonOne of the big decisions Australia need to make is around the balance of their attack. It would seem likely that Nathan Lyon will be lone the specialist spinner for the first Test at least and how Pakistan go about playing him could be a key feature. Although Australia now have the benefit of a five-strong attack with Cameron Green, there will likely be occasions when Pat Cummins will want to lock Lyon in from one end. Two important figures in Pakistan’s batting order in this regard will be Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan who are both excellent players of spin. Fawad’s Test career is remarkable in many ways with an 11-year gap shortly after a century on debut and now he has five hundreds in just 15 matches. Rizwan, meanwhile, has only been dismissed once by a spinner in Test cricket.Australia’s all-round advantageThe injury to Faheem Ashraf removes one of the key match-ups, at least for the first Test, with Green and leaves Australia with a much stronger all-round option to balance their side. Pakistan have called up Iftikhar Ahmed, who has played three Tests, and the uncapped Mohammad Wasim jnr, but neither have the pedigree of Ashraf who averages 35.11 with the bat and can both chip in with wickets and take pressure off the specialist bowlers. This is Green’s first international series overseas but he comes off an Ashes where his bowling came to the fore and then he found form with the bat in the latter stages.
“It’s pretty rare for a cricketer these days to get three months off, so I’m really going to make the most of it.”
AAP27-Mar-2022Australia legspinner Adam Zampa is confident his upcoming three-month break won’t leave him short of a gallop for this year’s T20 World Cup on home turf.Zampa is currently in Pakistan preparing for Australia’s three-match ODI series and one-off T20 clash. But with his wife due to give birth in June, Zampa is expected to miss the mid-year tour of Sri Lanka, which features three T20s, five ODIs, and two Tests.The T20 World Cup starts on October 16, and Zampa is confident he will have enough cricket under his belt despite the long mid-year break.Related
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“It’s pretty rare for a cricketer these days to get three months off, so I’m really going to make the most of it,” Zampa said ahead of Tuesday’s ODI series opener against Pakistan in Lahore.”Potentially the next game of cricket that I’ll have is the 100-ball competition [starting in August], and then we’ve got a lot of cricket after that. I sat down with [selector] George Bailey yesterday and there’s potentially 15 games of cricket for me before the World Cup.”There’s going to be a lot of rest coming up for me, but then definitely enough cricket before it gets real again.”Zampa played a key role in Australia’s T20 World Cup win in November, further cementing his status as one of the team’s most important white-ball players. But the 29-year-old says it felt vastly different earlier in his career.”I feel like I don’t have to look over my shoulder too much with selection,” Zampa said. “When you’re younger, you naturally probably look over your shoulder, you doubt yourself a lot more.”Aaron Finch has helped me massively with my game. He backs me in when I’m out there, and he lets me run my own show with my bowling, and has been really good with his own ideas as well.”I’ve been in this team for six years now. You never want to use the word comfortable, but I definitely back myself in a lot more these days.”I can go out there and maybe experiment and put things on the line for the team to try to do my role.”Australia are brimming with confidence after securing a 1-0 Test series win in Pakistan. But with stars such as David Warner, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Steven Smith all missing from the white-ball component of the tour, Australia face a challenge to come away with victory.”It’s going to be a difficult challenge,” Zampa said. “The plus that comes from that, as it always does when these things happen, is you build depth.”
Enzo Maresca has enjoyed a brilliant start to life as Chelsea boss, creating a settled side that looks as though it can challenge for a top-four spot in the Premier League.
After the first 11 games of the new campaign, the Blues occupy third place, sitting ahead of London rivals Arsenal and nine points off runaway leaders Liverpool.
Their start to the Europa Conference League campaign has also been exemplary, achieving a 100% start from the first three matches – sitting top of the table within the new group phase.
Whilst many doubted the Italian’s appointment from Leicester City during the off-season, he’s walked in like a breath of fresh air and made the Blues a threat at both ends once again.
However, the current international break could disrupt their momentum, or even throw a curveball into the mix should any player pick up an injury for their nation.
Chelsea players who featured for their nation on Thursday night
Striker Nicolas Jackson has enjoyed a superb start to the campaign, registering a total of six goals and three assists in his first 12 outings in all competitions.
The 23-year-old was in action for Senegal on Thursday, featuring for just 64 minutes as they claimed a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in their AFCON qualifying group.
However, it was a performance to forget for the attacker, completing just nine passes throughout his display and registering a total of 20 touches – an average of one touch every three minutes.
He also missed a big chance and was caught offside, as he was eventually replaced by Habib Diarra, the man who eventually scored the winner in the affair.
Fellow forward Christopher Nkunku has been restricted to appearances off the substitutes bench after Jackson’s form at Stamford Bridge this season, putting his Chelsea career in jeopardy.
It was different for France last night despite the absence of Kylian Mbappé, replacing Bradley Barcola with just 19 minutes remaining in their UEFA Nations League clash with Israel.
However, despite featuring for far fewer minutes than his Blues teammate, he managed more passes and touches – looking sharp off the bench for Didier Deschamps’ side, playing with a point to prove.
One other Blues player stole the show for his nation, potentially now putting himself in the drivers seat to start over a rival player going forward.
The man who needs to replace a £144m talent for his nation
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke was handed a start for England in their 3-0 win over Greece, in what was a crucial game in their Nations League group if they are to finish at the summit.
The 22-year-old produced a superb display within his 66 minutes on the pitch, achieving a 94% pass completion rate, brilliantly setting up Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins for the opener within the first ten minutes.
Madueke also attempted two dribbles, whilst winning four of the six duels he attempted, looking to force himself into the plans of new England boss Thomas Tuchel, who takes over from Lee Carsley in the new year.
The “ridiculous” Blues talent, as dubbed by Sam Matterface on commentary, was handed a 9/10 match rating by The Independent’s Luke Baker, a signal of how impressive he was in the victory.
Noni Madueke vs Greece
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
66
Touches
46
Passes completed
30/32 (94%)
Assists
1
Shots taken
2
Dribbles completed
1/2 (50%)
Duels won
4/6 (67%)
Fouls won
3
Stats via FotMob
His display in Athens was full of direct runs and positive attacking play – something which England have desperately lacked at times with Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side.
The Arsenal ace, who’s valued at £144m via CIES Football Observatory, has made 42 appearances for his country to date but has withdrawn from the current squad after a knock picked up against Maresca’s side.
However, he may struggle to regain his starting role in the England side after Madueke’s performance last night, undoubtedly doing the Chelsea talent’s confidence wonders and allowing him to play a crucial role at club level as a result.
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The Chelsea talent could be a crucial player for Enzo Maresca in the years to come.
Fair to say, things are going rather well for Chelsea right now.
On Sunday, despite being 2-0 down inside 11 minutes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Blues fought back to beat fierce rivals Spurs 4-2 in some style.
Jadon Sancho’s stunning strike got the comeback started and then Enzo Fernández lashed home the go-ahead goal from the edge of the area, with Cole Palmer also converting a pair of penalties, the second of which was an outrageous, audacious Panenka that capped off a memorable comeback.
Enzo Maresca continues to insist Chelsea are not in the title race, but the Blues are now clear of both Manchester City and Arsenal in second, a mere four points adrift league-leaders Liverpool, albeit having played a game more.
They will be seeking a fifth successive Premier League victory when West London rivals Brentford visit Stamford Bridge next Sunday and, with this followed by games against Everton, Fulham, Ipswich, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and then Wolves, Chelsea appear likely to be hanging around the title conversation a little while longer.
Chelsea's excessive spending on forward players
Since Todd Boehly, José E. Feliciano and Behdad Eghbali purchased Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in the summer of 2022 for a reported £4.25bn, the club have been rather active in the transfer market haven’t they?
Since July 2022, a total of 39 senior players have arrived at the club, costing in excess of £1bn in transfer fees.
When looking at attackers alone, the Blues currently have nine in their first-team squad, acquired for £347m.
Cole Palmer
£42.5m
João Félix
£45m
Mykhailo Mudryk
£62m
Pedro Neto
£54m
Noni Madueke
£28.5m
Jadon Sancho
Loan + £25m
Christopher Nkunku
£53m
Marc Guiu
£5m
Nicolas Jackson
£32m
First-choice centre-forward Nicolas Jackson was much maligned last season, but still scored 17 goals in all competitions, with Rúben Díaz of Opta’s The Analyst arguing that his first campaign at Stamford Bridge “has actually been a success”.
Approaching the midway point of this campaign, Jackson has taken his game to another level, netting eight times in the Premier League already, leading to wide-spread praise of the Senegalese international, including from Sean Walsh of Goal, who asserted he is now “London’s best striker”.
So, does Jackson’s impressive form mean Chelsea won’t dip into the market for a striker in 2025? No, almost certainly not.
Chelsea looking at Nicolas Jackson rival in 2025
According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all remain interested in Dušan Vlahović.
Bailey claims Juventus may be forced to sell in the near future, struggling to pay his £200k-per-week wages, while his contract expires in June 2026 meaning, if he cannot agree a new deal in Turin, next summer would be la Vecchia Signora’s last opportunity to recoup a big fee.
Vlahović has perennially been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal ‘actively attempting to sign’ the Serbian striker back in January 2022, according to David Ornstein, but instead moved to Juventus from Fiorentina for a reported fee of £63m.
Vlahović has scored 50 goals in 118 appearances for I Bianconeri, on target nine times this season to date, most notably bagging a brace as ten-man Juve fought back from a goal down to defeat RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Analyst Ben Mattinson described him as an “insane ball-striker” and his second goal at Red Bull Arena emphasises why.
Nevertheless, Vlahović has been heavily criticised for his performances this season, struggling to fit into Thiago Motta’s new style, with his manager saying the striker “must accept criticism” back in September, with Parshva Shah in Goal adding the centre-forward certainly hasn’t “hit the levels expected of him” since swapping Florence for Turin.
So, could a move to West London next summer reignite his career, and how does Vlahović compare to Nicolas Jackson?
Appearances
67
60
Minutes played
4,721
4,709
Goals
30
25
Expected goals
27.5
26
Shots
205
135
Shots on target %
34.1%
48.1%
Shot-creating actions
104
126
Progressive carries
52
96
Take-ons attempted
56
135
Touches
1241
1337
The table underlines that, stylistically, Vlahović and Jackson are very different strikers.
At one end of the scale, the Serbian is a pure-centre-forward, having fewer touches, and significantly fewer dribbles but attempting vastly more shots, leading to him having scored marginally more goals during a near-identical number of minutes.
On the flip side, the Senegalese striker gets involved in build-up play more frequently, hence why he’s attempted an exponentially higher number of dribbles and progressive carries, racking up many more touches as well as shot-creating actions.
Nevertheless, the fact Vlahović and Jackson are so different could be exactly why Chelsea are interested in signing the Juventus front-man, adding an extra dynamic to their already free-scoring forward line.
8/10 Chelsea star was even more 'dazzling' than Palmer vs Spurs
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Newcastle United are believed to be happy to sell a “unique” player during the January transfer window, according to a fresh update regarding his future.
Newcastle transfer news
One player who the Magpies have been linked with signing in recent days is Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush, who is enjoying a fantastic season for the Bundesliga club. Scouts are said to have been sent to watch the 25-year-old in action, having registered 18 goal contributions (11 goals and seven assists) in just 11 league appearances in 2024/25 to date.
In what would be a shock signing, in many ways, Paul Pogba has also emerged as a rumoured transfer target for Eddie Howe, with the 31-year-old available to play again in 2025 after completing a ban. The free agent has reportedly turned down Neecastle’s advances, though.
Miguel Almiron has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park plenty of times in recent months, with the Magpies targeting upgrades in his right-sided attacking role. One such figure is PSV Eindhoven ace Johan Bakayoko, who is a young winger with so much potential.
In terms of other attacking targets, Bournemouth hero Antoine Semenyo has been backed to join Newcastle, too, having matured into one of his side’s most important players. He is also predominantly right-sided, however, so it is unlikely that both he and Bakayoko would come in.
"Unique" Newcastle player allowed to leave
According to a new report from The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards, Newcastle and PIF will let Almiron leave in the January window, allowing the £60,000-a-week winger to enjoy a new challenge in his career, possibly in Saudi Arabia.
The Paraguayan is happy to move on to pastures new and find another club, having increasingly struggled to become an important part of Howe’s plans at St James’ Park.
A January exit for Almiron makes complete sense of everyone involved, with the winger clearly no longer an influential figure at Newcastle, and understandably wanting more playing time at the age of 30.
He has always been a popular figure among Magpies supporters, such is his team ethic, but a lack of end product has too often been a problem, with only 30 goals coming his way in 216 appearances in a wide attacking role.
That said, Howe has always been a big fan Almiron, heaping praise on his “unique” style last year, saying: “He’s (Almiron) a unique footballer. I don’t think there’s anyone better at doing what he does – all energy, all action. I’d like to see his physical stats today because I’m sure they’d be through the roof.”
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Given his age, however, and the fact that he is out of contract in the summer of 2026, now feels like the right time to move him on, receiving a fee for his services and using those funds to find a superior replacement in January or next summer, making this one to watch in the coming weeks.