Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is personally eager for the club to move for a “versatile” player who’s impressed club scouts, as the Lilywhites continue pursuing their second January signing after missing out on Randal Kolo Muani.

Juventus win race for Kolo Muani as Tottenham miss out

Over the last week and beyond, Spurs and Juventus were reliably believed to be tussling for Kolo Muani’s signature – but a winner of the race has now been confirmed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

£27m player ready to join Tottenham if clubs can agree January deal

Spurs hold a serious advantage over fellow competitors.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 11, 2025

On Tuesday evening, Romano dropped his famous “here we go” as Juve pipped Spurs in the battle for Kolo Muani’s signature – dealing bad news for Postecoglou, technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy, as they are forced to return to the drawing board.

The 26-year-old PSG outcast was deemed by Spurs one of the best attackers available for hire on the January market (David Ornstein), so this news will come as a real blow for the club as they also prepare for a tense North London Derby against Arsenal this evening.

Following their snubbed advances to sign Kolo Muani, Postecoglou’s side remain in the market for a new forward, and the Australian has pleaded for his side to bring in some “help” for striker Dominic Solanke.

“If we can get him some help, yeah. Dom has just been outstanding in the way he’s carried the frontline for us during this period,” said Postecoglou on support for Solanke.

“With Dom being a new player, it probably would have been easier for him to slip in and do his job but he’s taken on the responsibility of helping the whole team. He’s been great for us. I really feel there is more to him and his game. We’ll be able to get more out of him if we can him some help.”

As well as another attacking option, reports suggest they’re in the market for another midfielder. Tottenham are targeting Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi as one option for that role, while it is believed Palmeiras star Richard Rios is on their agenda as well.

Ange Postecoglou really wants Richard Rios at Tottenham

As per CaughtOffside, sharing an update on their links to the Colombia international, Postecoglou is personally “very keen” for Tottenham to sign Rios.

This follows reports that Spurs had an official bid rejected for Rios very recently, and while it is unclear how much they offered, he could actually be snapped up for much cheaper than his £84 million release clause.

The 24-year-old signed a new contract in October 2024, including the seismic clause, but reports in South America claimed soon afterward that Palmeiras won’t sell for any less than £13 million (Hoy Diario del Magdalena via Sport Witness).

Rios is said to have really impressed N17 scouts as well. However, Spurs face stiff competition from Everton and Nottingham Forest, who are pushing hard to land the South American.

“Richard is a versatile player who can fit into several roles in midfield,” said Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira. “His ability to both defend and attack makes him a valuable asset for any team. We are excited to see what he brings to our squad.”

MatériaMais Notícias

De volta à elite do futebol brasileiro nas últimas temporadas, o Red Bull Bragatino se consolida como um dos times fortes do país e tem incomodado seus rivais paulistas nos encontros ao longo da temporada.

Porém, nesta edição do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Massa Bruta não tem sido tão eficaz como já foi antes e ainda não venceu os gigantes do estado.

Quando encarou o São Paulo, o Bragantino abriu o placar no Nabi Abi Chedid e levou o empate nos minutos finais. Agora, o algoz foi o Corinthians, que mesmo em Bragança, levou a melhor com o gol de Renato Augusto.

Palmeiras

Para acabar com a má fase nos jogos contra os rivais do estado, o Bragantino terá no próximo sábado o Palmeiras, no Allianz Parque.

Vale citar, que os dois se enfrentaram no último Paulistão na casa Alviverde e deu Palmeiras.

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The 2024/25 Premier League season has been dominated by Liverpool’s brilliant start under Arne Slot, Manchester United’s continued fall from grace, Nottingham Forest’s unlikely Champions League bid and contentious refereeing decisions.

The latter is often the main talking point come Saturday evening, let alone Monday morning. William Saliba’s contentious penalty against Brighton saw the referees under the spotlight once again last weekend, while Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall was the centre of controversy in the EFL Cup when he perhaps ought to have walked before his late winner against Liverpool.

Here, FootballFanCast looks at 11 of the most controversial refereeing decisions of the current Premier League campaign, and why they’ve left players, managers and fans alike angry.

10 of the worst referee mistakes in football history

Some say it’s the hardest job in football, but these refs got it really, really wrong.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 7, 2025

11

Declan Rice second yellow v Brighton

Referee: Chris Kavanagh

Declan Rice was sent off during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton in August after being shown a second yellow card after poking the ball away from Joel Veltman as he prepared to take a free-kick.

While by the letter of the law, the decision was correct, it incensed many Arsenal fans, and has continued to do so because other similar incidents have since gone unpunished.

Even referee Chris Kavanagh, who showed Rice the red, said he “didn’t like” the decision, but “had no choice”.

10

Pedro Neto penalty claim v Crystal Palace

Referee: Tim Robinson

Chelsea were 1-0 up against Crystal Palace when Pedro Neto and Tyrick Mitchell sprinted towards a loose ball just inside Palace’s penalty area.

Neto beat Mitchell to the ball, poking it away with his toe, while Mitchell missed it, instead connecting with Neto’s legs and sending him to the ground.

Match official Tim Robinson judged Mitchell to have fairly won the ball, as did the VAR. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, later told Sky Sports that he would have pointed to the spot.

9

Ait-Nouri handball claim v Nottingham Forest

Referee: Peter Bankes

Viewers were left puzzled as to why Rayan Ait-Nouri was not penalised for what appeared to be a blatant handball during Wolves’ 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.

Referee Peter Bankes dismissed appeals for a penalty after Ola Aina’s cross struck Ait-Nouri’s arm. VAR checked the incident and agreed with the on-field decision.

After the game, a tweet from the Premier League Match Centre account revealed that Ait-Nouri had escaped punishment because his arm was deemed to have been in a natural position when the ball struck it. An interesting call, to say the least.

8

Jhon Duran red v Newcastle

Newcastle United 3-0 Aston Villa, December 26

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran was sent off when he was deemed to have intentionally stamped on Magpies defender Fabian Schar during Villa’s 3-0 loss at St James’ Park.

While some, including in the video below, agreed that it was right for the Colombian to be sent off, others, including former Villa star Dean Saunders, were outraged.

“There was no intent!” raged Saunders on TalkSPORT. “If you watch, Duran is trying to get to the ball past Schar.”

Duran reacted angrily to his sending-off at the time, kicking a water bottle as he left the pitch and having to be restrained by a member of Villa’s backroom staff. He was later charged by the FA with improper conduct.

7

Ebere Eze disallowed goal v Brentford

Referee: Sam Barrott

Crystal Palace midfielder Ebere Eze was controversially denied a brilliant free-kick goal in the Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to Brentford back in August.

Eze had scored directly from a wide free-kick with the game goalless, but referee Sam Barrott had blown the whistle before the ball crossed the line for a foul by Palace’s Will Hughes.

Because of the early whistle, VAR was unable to review Hughes’ supposed foul, or Eze’s goal.

Eze later claimed that Barrott admitted to making an error by disallowing his goal, telling BBC’s Match of the Day: “I was told [by the referee] that he blew too early and made the mistake. It could have changed the game but we have to deal with it.”

6

Issa Diop foul v Liverpool

Referee: Tony Harrington

Liverpool fans were left baffled when Fulham defender Issa Diop wasn’t shown a red card during the Reds’ 2-2 draw with the Cottagers in mid-December.

While challenging Andy Robertson for a bouncing ball, the French defender missed the ball and instead sunk his studs into the knees of the Scotsman, leaving him writhing in pain on the floor. Diop was only shown a yellow card by referee Tony Harrington, with the VAR deciding against overturning the original call.

To add insult to injury, Robertson was later sent off for a challenge on Harry Wilson.

5

Leandro Trossard second yellow v Man City

Referee: Michael Oliver

Weeks after Declan Rice’s dismissal against Brighton, Leandro Trossard left his Gunners teammates in a similar pickle after being given a second caution, which also came from delaying the restart following a foul.

Leading 2-1 against champions Manchester City moments before half-time, the Belgian barged into Bernardo Silva, with referee Michael Oliver awarding the home side a free-kick.

Trossard appeared to kick the ball away after the whistle, which Oliver took as seeking to delay the restart of play despite Silva being prone at the time, while the winger protested his innocence as he may have been looking to set Gabriel Martinelli clear.

It was certainly on the pettier side as red cards go, and it was made all the more sickening for Arsenal given that Mateo Kovacic had escaped the same punishment for a pair of more egregious misdemeanours in a previous meeting (under Oliver) – even before they were pegged back by a late equaliser.

Every Premier League team's worst referee

Which referees are full of bad omens and shocking statistics? FFC breaks down each PL club’s least-wanted referee.

1

By
Stephan Georgiou

Oct 2, 2024

4

Matthijs de Ligt foul v West Ham

Referee: David Coote

In what proved to be Erik ten Hag’s last game in charge of Manchester United, the Red Devils were tied with West Ham at one goal apiece when United defender Matthijs de Ligt conceded a late penalty.

Referee David Coote did not initially give a spot-kick, but it was overturned by VAR official Michael Oliver, who adjudged De Ligt to have fouled Hammers striker Danny Ings.

Jarrod Bowen stepped up and fired home, sealing victory for West Ham. Ten Hag was sacked less than 24 hours later.

Former Premier League referee Howard Webb, who is chief of refereeing body PGMOL, told Premier League’s Match Officials Mic’d Up show that he thought the decision to award the penalty was incorrect.

“I think this is a situation where we’d leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it’s called. On balance, I don’t think it’s a penalty kick,” he said.

We suspect that United fans may be grateful it was given.

3

William Saliba foul v Brighton

Referee: Anthony Taylor

“I’ve never seen a decision like this in my career,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said after his side conceded a penalty against Brighton.

With Arsenal leading 1-0 thanks to Ethan Nwaneri’s goal, Joao Pedro went to ground following a clash of heads with Saliba while both contested a looping ball.

Referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty and the VAR saw no reason to overturn his original call.

However, other angles of the incident appeared to show Saliba getting a touch on the ball before catching the Brazilian, which is what angered Arteta, whose side ultimately dropped two points because of the decision.

2

Pervis Estupinan challenge v West Ham

Referee: Rob Jones

Late on in West Ham’s recent draw with Brighton, Hammers defender Maximilian Kilman advanced the ball into midfield only to be met by a flying Pervis Estupinan, who appeared to leave the floor with both feet, clattering into Kilman with his studs up.

Referee Rob Jones immediately produced a yellow card, but it was then checked by VAR official Paul Tierney. His decision? Somehow, no red card.

أوضح محمد صبحي، حارس مرمى نادي الزمالك، حقيقة ما انتشر حول غضبه وظهوره بإلقاء قميصه على الأرض بعد تغييره في مباراة فريقه أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا التي أقيمت أمس الجمعة، في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وكان محمد صبحي تعرض للإصابة، خلال مباراة فريقه أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا، وتم تغييره، إلا أن الكاميرات أظهرته هو يلقي قميصه في الأرض غاضبًا، ومنفعلًا بشدة.

وقال صبحي عبر حسابه على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “إنستجرام”، :”أنا أحترم كيان نادي الزمالك وأتشرف أنني لاعب في نادي الزمالك العظيم والكبير”.

وأضاف: “أنا لم أقصد من بعيد أو قريب الإساءة للنادي ولا لجماهيره ولا لتيشيرت نادي الزمالك العظيم”.

وواصل: “كل ما في الموضوع إنني في الفترة الأخيرة، كنت أركز بشدة في التدريبات وأعمل على نفسي باجتهاد، عندما شاركت في مباراة سيراميكا كليوباترا تعرضت للإصابة، هذا كان سبب حزني”.

طالع | أول تعليق من محمد عواد بعد إحالته للتحقيق في الزمالك

وأتم: “هذا للتوضيح، منعًا لنشر أخبار غير صحيحة بالمرة، عاش نادي الزمالك وعاشت جماهيره العظيمة”.

وكان نادي الزمالك تعادل مع سيراميكا كليوباترا، بنتيجة 2-2، في إطار مواجهة الجولة الخامسة من المرحلة النهائية لبطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

Glasgow Rangers signed Rafael Fernandes earlier in the January transfer window, but so far, this has been the only new arrival at Ibrox.

Philippe Clement is under pressure to bring in another player or two before the window closes. While the Premiership title is certainly out of reach, going on a run in Europe, plus winning the Scottish Cup, may galvanise the Gers.

Celtic are the runaway leaders domestically and their transfer business looks like it could be excellent. Kieran Tierney looks set to rejoin the club, while former winger Jota could also return to Celtic Park on an £8m deal from Rennes.

Add in the fact they are about to sell Kyogo Furuhashi to the Ligue 1 side in the opposite direction, the Parkhead outfit are showing Rangers exactly how to operate in the January transfer window.

The Light Blues have shown interest in a few former players themselves, however. Nikola Katic has been linked with a return, but it is Ryan Kent who might be a more attractive option…

Rangers could pull off their own Jota coup

With Celtic closing in on sealing a deal for Jota, who was excellent during his time in Glasgow, could Rangers perhaps seal their own masterclass by luring Kent back to the club in the near future?

Transfer Focus

Reports from Turkey earlier in the transfer window linked Kent with a move back to Rangers, as a six-month offer was apparently on the table for the Englishman.

With Rabbi Matondo being allowed to leave, plus Oscar Cortes suffering with injury issues, some added quality on the left flank might not be a bad idea, that’s for sure.

Would the fans see the Kent who shone in his first three seasons? Or the player who looked like a shadow of his former self between 2022 and 2023?

Ryan Kent’s Rangers statistics

Kent failed to settle at Fenerbahçe, making just 19 appearances for the Turkish club and struggling to showcase his true talents on the continent.

The former Liverpool winger was at his best for the Gers between 2018 and 2021. During his first three seasons, not only did he score 27 goals, but the winger recorded 27 assists, culminating in the club winning the Premiership title for the first time in a decade during 2020/21.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

44

3

10

2021/22

46

3

19

2020/21

52

13

14

2019/20

34

8

4

2018/19

43

6

9

The Light Blues even reached the final of the Europa League the following campaign, with Kent praised for his performances by producer Andrew Dickson, who said that the attacker was “unplayable”, especially against Borussia Dortmund.

His form tailed off in his final two seasons, scoring just six goals across all competitions, which might put some supporters off with regard to seeing him back at Ibrox.

If he is able to get back to 100% full fitness, however, Kent could be a solid signing by Clement, especially as it wouldn’t cost the club anything.

With Jota closing in on a return to Celtic, Clement could follow suit by signing a former winger who has plenty to prove.

Whether it works out or not remains to be seen, however.

Rangers have struck gold on "thunderous" star who is worth more Fernandes

Rangers have a player in their squad who has seen their market value increase rapidly.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jan 25, 2025

Symonds’ kids, Billy and Chloe, ran drinks during Australia’s fielding stint, and spent the innings in the team dugout

Andrew McGlashan28-Aug-2022Andrew Symonds’ children were at the centre of tributes to him during the opening ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe in Townsville.The outfield was emblazoned with Roy 388 – Symonds’ nickname and Test cap number – in memory of the former allrounder who died in a car accident west of Townsville in May.Related

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Symonds’ children, Billy and Chloe, were part of the pre-match ceremony, standing alongside Aaron Finch and Steven Smith for the anthems where there was a moment’s silence for Symonds. They then helped run the drinks during Australia’s fielding stint, and spent the innings in the team dugout.At the interval, Symonds’ family members Laura Vidmar, sister Louise and mother Barbara – along with his children and close friend Jimmy Maher – walked to the pitch to lay his baggy green, his bat, his Akubra hat, a fishing rod and a crab pot at the wickets. Symonds’ two dogs, Buzz and Woody, also walked to the centre.”What he did as a player was remarkable,” Finch said ahead of Australia’s match against Zimbabwe. “He was someone who put bums on seats, he was box office with bat and in the field. [It’s been] a really sad time obviously for Australian cricket over the last little while. It’ll be nice to have some tributes and his family here.The late Andrew Symonds’ kids, Chloe and Billy, run drinks during the game•AFP/Getty Images”For someone who was so laidback, his depth of knowledge of cricket and players was second to none. I think the larrikin tag was there, but the deep knowledge of the game was outstanding as well.”Earlier in the week, Australia coach Andrew McDonald had said Symonds was a cricketer who had changed the game.”Roy was an amazingly talented, natural cricketer and a brilliant team-mate. He loved playing for his country and his mates,” McDonald told the . “He had a significant impact on the game, particularly here in Queensland as well as across Australia and the world.”Roy also had a huge influence on inspiring the new generation of cricketers. He changed white-ball cricket just as Dean Jones did in his time. They were two of the true legends of Australian cricket. It is a great tragedy he is gone, but it is fitting we get the opportunity to honour him here in Townsville, and the local fans will be able to pay their respects to a true great.”It is expected that the grandstand at the Riverway Stadium will be renamed after Symonds in the near future.Symonds played 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Australia, which included his central role in winning the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and a maiden Test century against England in the 2006-07 Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Newcastle United have rode the crest of a wave over the past month, crafting a seven-game winning run that has propelled them into fifth place in the Premier League.

An emphatic 2-0 win at the Emirates on Tuesday evening has also put Eddie Howe’s side in command of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. Arsenal are a great team but will need to claim a two-goal victory at St. James’ Park just to take the fixture to a penalty shootout.

Magpies fans are on the fringes of dreamland right now but know that football’s ebb and flow could pull their team back from the ascendency if opportunities aren’t grasped this month.

Alexander Isak has scored 14 goals from 15 games and is “the best striker in the Premier League right now,” according to pundit Jamie Carragher, but he needs more support, and Newcastle need to act.

Newcastle eyeing January signing

Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy have been excellent recently, and while the former is one of the prized wingers in the Premier League, his right-flanking peer is prone to choppy form and, at 29, needs competition.

Well, according to The i Paper, Newcastle are still monitoring Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo as sporting director Paul Mitchell weighs up a winter bid.

The Cherries hardly want to sell their deadliest attacking outlet and have priced him at £50m, but Newcastle need one more piece to complement their rich frontline and perhaps make Isak even better – imagine that.

Imagine Antoine Semenyo & Alexander Isak

Bournemouth signed Semenyo from Bristol City for a £10m fee in January 2023 and he has gone from strength to strength over the past two years, becoming a “key player” – as The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell has said – in Andoni Iraola’s thriving system.

Hailed as “almost unplayable on his day” by reporter Ed Aarons, Semenyo has been one of the main men at the Vitality Stadium this season, posting seven goal contributions from 21 Premier League matches as Bournemouth exceed expectations, currently nestled in seventh place, above Manchester City.

Murphy has been in fine fettle this term but Semenyo carries more technical quality and forward drive in the final third, ranking among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this year for shots taken (4.24) per 90, as per FBref.

It could be just what Isak needs, for the Sweden star is much more than a simple goalscorer, perhaps the most complete forward in England.

Matches (starts)

19 (19)

17 (13)

Goals

5

3

Assists

2

7

Shots (on target)*

4.1 (1.2)

1.3 (0.4)

Pass completion

77%

77%

Big chances created

7

9

Key passes*

1.2

1.3

Dribbles (completed)*

2.2 (58%)

0.5 (35%)

Ball recoveries*

5.3

2.4

Total duels (won)*

6.8 (45%)

1.6 (33%)

Semenyo and Isak are both 25 and thus could forge a lasting partnership at St. James’ Park, with the electric Anthony Gordon younger still at 23.

Isak has of course been incredible this season, striking at a devastating rate over the past few months and beating Mohamed Salah to the Premier League Player of the Month award for December.

Newcastle’s talisman is perhaps not quite so devastating in front of goal as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, for example, but he definitely brings more to the table.

As per FBref, the £120k-per-week ace ranks among the top 12% of Premier League forwards in 2024/25 for assists (0.25), the top 8% for shot-creating actions (3.69) and the top 5% for successful take-ons (1.60) per 90, showcasing skills that make him the protean, slippery customer that he is.

Moreover, Isak has created seven big chances and averaged 1.7 key passes per top-flight fixture this season, as per Sofascore, also in the thick of the action with 34.8 touches on average, which is high for a centre-forward.

He drops deep, influences play and pushes forward with lightning-fast speed to create a sense of synergy that most teams can only dream of – usually after the Magpies have blown them away.

Given that Semenyo is a goalscoring winger who fires fusillade upon fusillade of barrages on his enemies, this could be the kind of dynamic duo that Howe loves – just take a look at how it’s working out with Gordon on the alternate wing.

1.

Alexander Isak

7

2.

Dominic Solanke

6

3.

Raul Jimenez

5

4.

Michail Antonio

4

4=

Nicolas Jackson

4

4=

Jean-Philippe Mateta

4

4=

Ollie Watkins

4

4=

Jamie Vardy

4

This hasn’t been sustained throughout the campaign; Newcastle toiled through the early knockings. However, Howe’s tactical nous has presented itself once again, with the interpersonal skills to get the whole squad on board showcased too.

Murphy is industrious and talented in his own right, but Semenyo would bring something different that could work wonders as Newcastle chart a course back into European competition next season.

It’s a move that Newcastle need to make. While £50m is a massive sum, Newcastle are prepared to spend big in order to achieve their goals. Further to that point, right-winger Miguel Almiron is expected to be sold either this month or at the end of the season, easing PSR-related concerns and freeing up space in, look at that, Semenyo’s realm.

Will Newcastle get the deal done? Analyst Ben Mattinson described Semenyo as the “perfect January signing” for any top team, when discussing Arsenal’s intrigue in the Bournemouth man, but Newcastle have already stabbed a blow into the Gunners’ season on the pitch and could translate their trick in the market this month.

Their own Vini Jr: Newcastle chasing £34m ace who'd be unplayable with Isak

Newcastle could look to enhance their exciting frontline this year.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 9, 2025

Following the shock news that Jhon Duran is set to join Al-Nassr for a hefty fee before the end of the transfer window, Aston Villa have reportedly set their sights on signing a replacement worth £25m.

Aston Villa transfer news

At some stage, the Villans were always going to have to decide between Ollie Watkins and Duran, especially if they wanted to create spending power of their own and avoid profit and sustainability issues. Now, it seems as though they’ve made their choice after reportedly rejecting Arsenal’s £60m bid to sign Watkins at the same time as accepting a €77m (£64m) to sell Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

What Duran’s pending exit will certainly do is hand Aston Villa some room to manoeuvre on the incomings front in the closing days of the window and that could yet see an instant replacement arrive.

Aston Villa now plotting hijack to sign "physical" £25m Disasi alternative

This would certainly ignite their Midlands rivalry…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 30, 2025

According to Galatasaray reporter Yakub Cinar, as reported by Haber Sabrikirmizi and relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are now plotting a move to sign Baris Alper Yilmaz, who has already been the subject of West Ham United’s rejected bid worth €30m (£25m) this month.

With added spending power, however, it remains to be seen whether Villa will enter the equation and offer Galatasaray an offer that they can’t refuse before Monday’s deadline. Villa sporting director Monchi is reportedly a big fan of the forward which could yet play a large part in his side’s pursuit either this month or in the summer when searching for a Duran replacement.

"Elusive" Yilmaz would replace Duran's goals

Whilst there’s no denying that Watkins is the undisputed main man in Unai Emery and Villa’s frontline after their decision to sell Duran, they could still do with replacing the latter’s goals from the bench and Yilmaz could do exactly that. The Turkey international impressed at the Euros last summer and has since taken that form into the current Galatasaray campaign.

Minutes

1,620

638

Goals

10

7

Assists

1

0

The forward has earned plenty of praise throughout his career and was even backed to thrive in the Premier League if he completes a move by former Turkey international Selcuk Inan, who told reporters as relayed by the Liverpool Echo: “I think Baris Alper Yılmaz can play very comfortably for many teams in the Premier League at the moment. He’s a very special player.

“We worked a lot together. If Barıs Alper improves himself with his final ball, he can easily play for the best clubs in the world such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal. He’s a player with a lot of potential. Hopefully, he will get that chance and represent them.”

MatériaMais Notícias

A vitória de 2 a 1 do Ypiranga sobre o Remo, segunda-feira passada, pela Série C do Campeonato Brasileiro, levou o time de Erechim para o sétimo lugar na tabela de classificação, com 12 pontos ganhos.A entrada do time no G8, zona de classificação para a segunda fase, deixou o lateral-esquerdo Vitinho animado para a sequência.

– O campeonato está muito equilibrado. Prova disso é que do terceiro ao oitavo lugar todos os times têm 12 pontos. Quem conseguir uma sequência de bons resultados pula na frente e fica com mais tranquilidade para trabalhar – disse Vitinho.

Revelado pelo Grêmio, Vitinho é uma das promessas da base do Tricolor Gaúcho e vem sendo um dos destaques do Ypiranga na Série C. Titular após a saída de Diego Porfirio, que foi para o Coritiba, ele projeta um jogo complicado contra Altos, domingo, às 15h, no Piauí.

– Nosso adversário está na lanterna e vai querer se recuperar em casa a todo custo. Vamos precisar fazer um jogo com inteligência e focado durante os 90 minutos para voltarmos com os três pontos – finalizou.

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The 2022 Women’s Asia Cup will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Bangladesh, from October 1 to 16, with seven teams competing in the T20 tournament.The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is yet to officially announce the dates of the tournament, but the details were confirmed to ESPNcricinfo by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) women’s committee chairperson, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel.The tournament will take place after the 2022 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in the UAE concludes in the last week of September. The ICC released its first-ever women’s Future Tours Programme last week, in which the first two weeks in October had been earmarked for this year’s Women’s Asia Cup.According to the tournament itinerary accessed by ESPNcricinfo, India – the most successful team in the history of the competition – Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and UAE, are the participating nations besides the hosts, and will arrive in Bangladesh on September 27 and September 28.”The proximity to the airport and the hotel where the seven teams are expected to stay makes the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium the best choice for the BCB,” Chowdhury, who is also a BCB director, told ESPNcricinfo on Monday. “Ground 1 of the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is where we are looking to host the Women’s Asia Cup matches and Ground 2 is where the training will take place.”No women’s international matches have been held in Bangladesh since Pakistan’s tour of the country in October 2018. The 2022 Asia Cup will also be the first time since the 2014 T20 World Cup that Sylhet will host any women’s international fixtures.”As host nation, Bangladesh has delivered several major men’s and women’s continental and world events in the past,” said Chowdhury. “This year, we are happy to welcome the Asian Cricket Council’s Women’s Asia Cup to our country for the first time, specifically to Sylhet, which was home to matches during the 2014 men’s and women’s T20 World Cups, too.”With Bangladesh recently being named by the ICC as the hosts of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, Chowdhury said talks are firming up between the BCB and the ICC to stage the knockouts of the world event at the Sylhet International Stadium.”We are making all arrangements to welcome spectators, including school students, for all the matches of the Women’s Asia Cup because we want to generate substantial interest around women’s international cricket and the Bangladesh women’s team leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup,” Chowdhury said. “We are planning on advertising both tournaments well given we are working with the ACC and ICC to make the Asia Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, respectively, a success.”As things stand, we might even see the semi-final and final of the 2024 T20 World Cup also being played in Sylhet, so we are looking forward to putting up a good show for the Women’s Asia Cup. The ongoing 12th edition of the Women’s National Cricket League is also being played in Sylhet, so there’s already a fair bit happening in the city as far as women’s cricket, especially in the T20 format, goes.”The Women’s Asia Cup – which has been played in the T20 format since 2012 – is usually a biennial competition, but was last held in 2018 with unfancied Bangladesh clinching a final-ball thriller over six-time winners India in Kuala Lumpur, to lift their maiden major title. The 2020 edition, which was scheduled to take place in Bangladesh and later postponed to 2021, was eventually cancelled.Among the seven teams set to play, UAE and Malaysia booked their berths through the qualifying route after entering the final of the 10-team ACC Women’s T20 Championship that took place in June. UAE, undefeated and eventual champions in that competition, defeated the hosts Malaysia in the final by five wickets.