Leicester legend Jamie Vardy expressed his frustration in a social media rant after the Foxes' relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

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Vardy slammed Leicester City on social mediaFoxes suffered second relegation in three seasonsLost 1-0 to LiverpoolFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Nine years on from their Premier League title victory, Leicester's relegation from the top-flight was confirmed after they went down 1-0 against Liverpool at home on Sunday. The drop to the second tier marks their second relegation in just three seasons as they have managed to register just four wins in the 2024-25 campaign thus far.

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As Leicester's relegation was confirmed, club legend Vardy apologised to the fans while slamming the team's performance as a "total embarrassment". The 38-year-old forward, who is in the final months of his existing contract, appeared in 31 league matches thus far where he scored seven goals and provided three assists.

WHAT JAMIE VARDY SAID

On the social media, Vardy wrote: "At this point, I don't even know what to say. No words I have can ever express my feelings of anger and sadness with the way this season has gone. There are no excuses. Collectively, as players and as a club, we failed. There is simply no hiding, and I refuse to entertain any suggestion of doing so.

"Having been at this club for so long, we've experienced so many highs and successes – and this season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment. It hurts, and I know you're feeling it too."

The veteran forward concluded: "To the fans: I'm sorry. Sorry we haven't performed and sorry we end the 2025 season with such a sh*t show."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LEICESTER CITY?

Ruud van Nistelrooy's side will face Wolves in a difficult away fixture on Saturday in the Premier League.

فشل منتخب مصر في حصد المركز الثالث ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب، بعد الخسارة أمام نيجيريا، بركلات الترجيح، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الأحد.

والتقى منتخب مصر مع نيجيريا، في مباراة تحديد المركزين الثالث والرابع لمنافسات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب التي تقام في مصر خلال الفترة الحالية.

وكان منتخب مصر، تقدم عن طريق اللاعب عمر أسامة، بالهدف الأول في الدقيقة الثالثة من عمر الشوط الأول للمباراة.

طالع | عمر أسامة يسجل هدف منتخب مصر الأول أمام نيجيريا هدف مصر الأول أمام نيجيريا في كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب

وتعادل لـ منتخب نيجيريا مع بداية الشوط الثاني، لاعبه بيديمي أمولي، في الدقيقة 47 من زمن المباراة، ليلجأ المنتخبان إلى ركلات الترجيح.

وفي ركلات الترجيح، استطاع منتخب نيجيريا أن يحسم اللقاء لصالحه بالفوز بنتيجة 4-1، حيث أهدر لاعبو منتخب مصر ركلتي جزاء.

منتخب مصر كان قد خسر في دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا أمام المغرب، بهدف دون رد، بينما منتخب نيجيريا خسر أمام جنوب إفريقيا.

Liverpool are now eyeing a move for a “phenomenal” left-back, who could be brought in to replace Andy Robertson this summer, according to reporter David Lynch.

Robertson's form called into question

The Reds are showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of the title, having not lost in the Premier League since the defeat to Nottingham Forest back in September, but they have been involved in their fair share of draws.

Arne Slot’s side dropped two points at home against Fulham in December, after Robertson was dismissed early in the first half, at which point the left-back was called into question by Jamie Carragher.

“Robertson is having a tough time and it’s a very unforgiving position. He doesn’t look like he’s running back fully, he’s had a whack then gingerly goes to control the ball before getting a red card. He needs help. Liverpool haven’t got any back-up and it’s something they need to address in January.”

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FSG ultimately opted to hold fire on any winter additions, and the Scot has shown signs of improvement over the last few weeks, looking solid in the 2-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth at the weekend.

Slot will be hoping Robertson remains dependable for the rest of the season, but Liverpool are now looking at options for the summer, with Lynch recently revealing they are eyeing a move for Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez.

The reporter said: “The one obvious area for improvement understood to be being targeted is left-back. Andy Robertson is beginning to look less capable of producing his best form three times a week and perhaps better suited to the back-up role currently occupied by Kostas Tsimikas.

“There is well-documented interest in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, though Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez has also been watched closely.”

The 23-year-old has a €35m (£29m) release clause in his contract, but there is a feeling he could be available for slightly less.

Gutierrez impressing Slot

Ahead of the Reds’ Champions League tie against Girona earlier this season, Slot admitted the left-back had caught his eye, saying: “Last season I watched quite a lot of them, because I found it really interesting what he (Michel) did with the left full-back (Gutierrez).

“He’s still doing it this season as well, playing so inverted, having such a free role from that position – at that moment of time, you didn’t see that so often. That was interesting to see.”

The full-back has been one of Girona’s most consistent performers in La Liga this season, averaging a 6.89 WhoScored match rating, and he has showcased his attacking ability over the past year, ranking in the 89th percentile for assists per 90.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has also lauded Gutierrez as “phenomenal”, while insisting he “would be a starter” for some top clubs across the continent, so it is exciting news that Liverpool are in the race for his signature.

However, it will be a shame if Robertson is moved on, given how vital a part he played in the Reds becoming Premier League and European champions once again during the Jürgen Klopp era.

Bowler glad to have repaid Warwickshire’s faith after injury-wrecked season

Vithushan Ehantharajah29-Sep-2022It says a lot about Liam Norwell’s drive that he hopes his 9 for 62, which dragged Warwickshire to safety with a five-run victory over Hampshire, will allow his team-mates and fans to forgive him for his absences this season.Norwell’s figures – the 12th best in first-class cricket for Warwickshire – saw a fourth-innings target of 133 defended on a remarkable final day of the 2022 County Championship season. It brought just a second win of the season for Warwickshire but one that lifted them above Yorkshire, who will play Division Two cricket next season after defeat to Gloucestershire on Wednesday opened the door for their relegation rivals.Warwickshire were spared the ignominy of going down as defending champions, a success Norwell was very much a part of, with 49 dismissals at an average of 18.26 in 2021. This season, however, back issues, a concussion sustained in the second match of the season against Essex and a right elbow injury restricted him to three Championships appearances coming into this last round. Such ailments are an occupational hazard for bowlers but Norwell seems to have taken them to heart.Related

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Warwickshire stayin' alive in fight for Division One survival

Liam Norwell's career-best nine-for saves Warwickshire's season in five-run thriller

That he was even available to play here was a surprise to many. Following consultation with doctors, his prospects of playing again this summer were rated at “10%”. After getting through all eight games in the Royal London Cup, the club felt the best course of action was to sit out the remainder of the season to avoid pushing it too far.However, with the bowling stocks low, especially after Jayant Yadav and Mohammed Siraj returned to India, Norwell put himself forward to head coach Mark Robinson as a possible solution. And how. Even with little preparation and lacking full match fitness, he dug deep to bowl all but three of the 23.5 overs sent down from Edgbaston’s Pavilion End, and was relentless throughout.”I feel like I’ve let the lads and the management down quite a bit this year,” an exhausted Norwell said afterwards.”Personally, I’m as frustrated as anyone about how the season has gone. Back issues, concussion, tearing my elbow – I’m as frustrated as anyone. I believe, without trying to sound arrogant, if I played more this season, we wouldn’t be in this position… I just have that confidence in myself. And I hope I proved that today.”Of that, there can be no question. His performance, which began with 4 for 36 in the first innings, will go down as one of the most remarkable in the club’s history. Indeed England have closely monitored Norwell, as someone with both the frame and skills to challenge batters of the highest quality. This display simply confirmed what they saw in the former Gloucestershire man.Back in March, he was the first bowling reserve for the tour of West Indies, and was close to a full call-up as Mark Wood struggled with an elbow injury of his own in the first of the three Tests. Norwell, however, revealed he would not have taken the call, let alone the opportunity. A couple of weeks after he was told to wait on standby, his newborn contracted meningitis and nearly lost his life.Thankfully, his son – their second child – is healthy now. And after such a finish, the attention of selectors will be piqued once more. Test captain Ben Stokes was clearly impressed, championing the spell on social media. Norwell, however, feels his time has passed.”I’ll be honest, now I’m 30 and there are younger lads come in like [Matthew] Potts, I don’t think I have got a chance. But I will keep putting in performances and you never know.”After not wishing to be arrogant by rightly claiming greater availability would have prevented Warwickshire being involved in a dog fight at the end, dismissing his own England prospects is perhaps a dip too far into modesty. Understandably, his focus is on resting up, getting fitter over the winter and playing all of next season. But the skills on show, whether unerring accuracy or clever use of the knuckleball, were sure signs of a bowler with a strong command of his craft.The mindset, evidently, is already there. Not just coming back from injuries, or the character showcased in the two match-deciding spells but even at the tea break when he took himself to one side to maintain his focus. “I sat by myself, to be honest with you,” he said.”I felt quite emotional at tea and I wanted to make sure I was the man to drive us over the line. I got our physio to get me some food and I just sat in the table in front of the viewing area and just looked out onto the pitch. It’s what I did last year when we won the Championship, just to try and keep myself focused. I thought if it worked last year it might work this year. Luckily it did.”He did admit to one moment of weakness. Upon taking the wicket of Keith Barker, bowling the left-hander to make it 91 for 7, his left hamstring began cramping, causing more discomfort than the right elbow which was sore but manageable. At the end of the over – Norwell’s 14th – he asked his captain Will Rhodes if he could come off. The reply could not be misinterpreted.”I have to give Will credit. I tried to take myself off after the Keith Barker wicket. I was cramping. I won’t use the language he used but he basically said ‘you’re bowling until the end of the game’. Him and Dom Sibley just kept getting around me and they kept pumping me up and getting me going.”Along with encouragement from his team-mates, he had Warwickshire’s physio for company down at fine leg. At the start of his last over, defending just five, he produced a beauty to uproot James Fuller’s middle stump when the bowling allrounder looked set to win Hampshire the game. Four balls on, a full, inswinging delivery wrapped Mohammad Abbas on the pads to confirm the win and survival.”I just went a bit mad,” Norwell said of the final celebration. “All the emotions came out, I was nearly in tears. It means a lot to me – I feel like I’ve let everyone down this year by not playing.”Helping us stay up and put in that performance I hope is repaid the lads and supporters for not playing.” It is safe to say it has.

The January transfer window was a quiet period for Leeds United, but despite it being well claimed they didn’t complete any business, a reliable reporter has now stated that a signing was made, but there was no announcement.

Leeds United’s January transfer window

At the start of the transfer window, Daniel Farke made it clear that he wasn’t a fan of January moves and therefore wasn’t looking to do much business. The Leeds boss wasn’t lying, as it was very quiet at Elland Road, but towards the end of the transfer window, Leeds did start to look at some potential new arrivals.

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Farke admitted that business for Leeds was there to be done if the right player was available and found: “I trust this group, and if we go with this group, I am confident we can finish in a top position.

“I think it is also our responsibility, as key people in the club, to explore if there is something to improve the group a bit and make it a higher probability, we are successful. If we find something and think it’s a good addition and affordable, we will go for it. And if not, then no.”

Coventry City

A

Millwall

H

Watford

A

Sunderland

H

Sheffield United

A

One player Leeds were looking to sign late on in the window was Southampton’s Cameron Archer. The Whites had a loan offer turned down by the Saints, and with the forward keen on joining the Championship side, Leeds were expected to make a new offer. The 49ers also had their eyes on Adam Armstrong of Southampton, but they missed out on his signature too as he reunited with Tony Mowbray at West Brom.

Leeds signed a young goalkeeper in January

According to Alan Nixon, relayed by Leeds United News, Leeds signed teenage goalkeeper Robbie Cook during the January transfer window but never announced it.

The Yorkshire side were heavily linked with signing the Australian from Perth Glory before the transfer window opened, as were other teams from England. A week into the transfer window, it was claimed that Leeds had won the race to sign the 17-year-old, but there have also been conflicting claims that Cook remains on trial at Thorp Arch. However, Nixon reported on Tuesday that, in fact, Leeds had signed Cook but “never bothered advertising it”.

In December, it was reported that Cook had been on trial with the Whites, and they were ready to offer the young shot stopper a contract after impressing. Furthermore, Manchester United were also interested in signing Cook, but it was claimed that Leeds had fended off their rivals to secure the signing.

Cook’s potential arrival at Leeds would probably see him join the club’s academy side first, with the view to him working his way up to the first team. Leeds will see Cook, though, as a player who can work his way into the first team and be a candidate to replace Illan Meslier in the future and become their long-term number one goalkeeper. If he does join or has joined Leeds, he has the opportunity to learn from Meslier, Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns, three experienced goalkeepers in English football.

Durham took one wicket at Seat Unique Riverside before rain intervened to halt their charge for victory against Sussex and take the game into the final day.On a day which only saw 14 balls delivered, Ben Raine still found time to pin Dan Ibrahim lbw for a duck before showers ended the session and eventually the day after just 10 minutes of play, Sussex adding three runs to their overnight score to be 9 for 4.The inclement weather continued to keep the players off the field when eventually the umpires called the close at 3:40pm local time, with the visitors still 288 runs behind and likely needing to bat the final day out to rescue a draw.

Mills replaces Topley for England while UAE’s Nawaz is pushed up to the main squad after Fahid fractured his left foot

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Oct-2022

Kasun Rajitha will fly to Australia from Sri Lanka as soon as possible•ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images

Right-arm fast bowler Kasun Rajitha has replaced fellow speedster Dushmantha Chameera, who suffered a grade two tear in the calf of his left foot, in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad. Rajitha, who last played a T20I in October 2019, is in Sri Lanka and will travel to Australia as soon as possible.In addition to Chameera, batter Danushka Gunathilaka has also been ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a hamstring tear. Ashen Bandara, one of the travelling reserves, will replace him. Gunathilaka had missed the match on Tuesday.Chameera winced and walked out of the field after bowling the last over of his spell in Sri Lanka’s win over UAE. The injury is connected to his ankle and calf issue that kept him out of the Asia Cup last month. Arjuna de Silva, head of SLC’s medical advisory committee, confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that Chameera will be undergoing an ankle surgery and said, “The previous injuries were on the anterior part of the ankle, but this is in the calf. It’s a grade-two tear.”Rajitha was called up to the T20I squad for the home series against Australia in June but did not get a game. He then picked up a sole wicket in three outings for SLC Blues in the SLC Invitational League in August, which was his last T20 outing. His last international match, though, was the Test against Pakistan in July this year.Meanwhile, Tymal Mills has replaced Reece Topley, who injured his left ankle, as a like-for-like in England’s squad. Topley had suffered the injury after standing on the boundary cushion during a fielding drill ahead of England’s warm-up match against Pakistan.For UAE, travelling reserve Fahad Nawaz replaced Zawar Farid, who fractured his left foot.

One of the more problematic positions in Manchester United’s squad so far under Ruben Amorim is left wing-back. The Red Devils have two natural left wing-backs in their squad, namely Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

However, injuries have affected the pair, with the England international currently out and the Dutch star still regaining full fitness after 18 months on the sideline. Diogo Dalot is the man who has played there most under Amorim so far, featuring 11 times as a left wing-back under the new United boss. However, given he is right-footed, it is far from ideal.

Thus, it might not be a surprise that United are chasing someone to play wing-back, and are looking at a player with Premier League experience.

Man United's left wing-back target

The player in question here is Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell. The 25-year-old has been an important player under Oliver Glasner this term, but, with his contract due to expire in the summer, his future is up in the air.

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According to a report from Rob Dawson of ESPN, United have made an enquiry about a potential move for Mitchell. It appears that this is a deal they would try and do this winter, rather than waiting until his contract expires in the summer.

However, they are not the only big Premier League side showing an interest in signing the defender. Earlier in the window, Football Insider reported Arsenal were considering a move, and in December the likes of Atletico Madrid and AC Milan were also interested.

Why Mitchell would be a good signing for Man United

Once again, it has been a solid season for Mitchell, despite Palace struggling for form under Glasner. He has been a key player, starting every single game in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, which is 26 in total.

Crucially, and one of the reasons United might want to sign Mitchell, is the fact he has played as a left wing-back for the Eagles this term. He has been productive there, too, with three assists in the top flight this term, including one against Brighton and Hove Albion in a 3-1 win in the derby.

He also just so happened to lock down man of the moment Amad when Glasner’s side met Erik ten Hag’s men earlier in the season. The score finished 0-0 with the Ivorian failing to get the better of Mitchell, who won six of his duels. In comparison, United’s star winger lost seven of his eight duels.

So, on that evidence, he’d be a pretty handy player to acquire. Meanwhile, should United bring Mitchell to Old Trafford this winter, he would likely be an alternative signing to another target, Patrick Dorgu. According to Fabrizio Romano, ‘club to club talks have already started’ between the Red Devils and the Dane’s club Lecce.

However, a deal is not a guarantee at this stage, hence the focus from United on a wide range of wing-backs. Dorgu has played 22 times for Lecce this season, mainly as a right winger, and has three goals to his name in Serie A, to go along with his two strikes last term.

There are some differences between the Palace star and the 20-year-old Dane. One of the biggest is the fact Mitchell is perhaps better than his counterpart defensively, with football analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “solid lockdown defender”.

In fact, Mitchell’s superior defensive ability is reflected in the FBref stats, over the course of the last two domestic seasons. For example, the Englishman has averaged 3.53 tackles and interceptions per game compared to 2.93 for Dorgu.

In terms of the quality on the ball, there is not too much of a drop-off. The Eagles star averages 2.46 progressive passes and 1.32 progressive carries each game, whereas the 20-year-old Lecce man averages 2.69 progressive passes and 2.69 progressive carries.

Mitchell and Dorgu key stats compared
Stat (per 90)	Mitchell	Dorgu
Tackles and interceptions	3.53	2.93
Ball recoveries	5.57	4.67
Progressive passes	2.46	2.69
Progressive carries	1.32	2.69
Passes into penalty area	0.91	0.87
Stats from FBref

Signing Mitchell would certainly not be a terrible move for the Red Devils. Not only is he a great defender, better than Dorgu statistically, but is also good on the ball and can create chances, as his three assists this term suggests.

He is a ready-made, Premier League quality wing-back who could be a great value solution for Amorim. This might be a fantastic signing from United this winter.

He's way better than Dorgu: Man Utd plotting move to sign £51m PL star

Manchester United are planning on strengthening in the January transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 21, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

No próximo mês, a janela de transferências abrirá novamente, e clubes como o São Paulo estarão de olho para a compra e venda de jogadores. Uma condição define alguns movimentos da janela nacional: o limite de sete jogos no Brasileirão em que o jogador não pode disputar o torneio por outra equipe, o que afasta a possibilidade de transferência para outro time da elite. O Tricolor tem atletas importantes que ainda não atingiram esse limite e podem despertar interesse de outros clubes.

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Tabela
> Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro e simule os próximos jogos

A lista conta com jogadores que brigam pela titularidade, reforços desta temporada e joias da base.Patrick, Toró, Nikão, Luan, Miranda, Arboleda, Reinaldo, Gabriel, Andrés Colorado, Talles, André Anderson, Rigoni, Igor Vinicius, Juan e algumas joias como Caio, Beraldo e Luizão, são os jogadores que podem atuar em outra equipe do Brasileirão.

Alguns atletas dessa lista, como Miranda, Toró, Gabriel, Reinaldo, Rigoni e Igor Vinícius já podem assinar pré-contrato com outra equipe a partir de julho. Em alguns casos, uma compensação financeira pode fazer com que os atletas saiam do time antes do final do ano. No entanto, ainda não há negociação com nenhum desses jogadores.

Outros jogadores estão a um jogo de completarem o sétimo pelo São Paulo no Brasileirão: Arboleda, Reinaldo e Rigoni. Desses três, apenas o zagueiro equatoriano não tem chance de enfrentar o Coritiba, quinta-feira (09), às 20h, no Couto Pereira, por estar servindo sua seleção.

ENTENDA A REGRA DA CBF
De acordo com o Capítulo 3 (Da condição de jogo dos atletas) do Regulamento Específico da Competição do Brasileirão de 2022, “um atleta somente poderá ser inscrito por outro clube do Brasileirão Assaí, após o início do CAMPEONATO, se tiver atuado em um número máximo de 6 (seis) partidas pelo clube de origem”.

§ 1º – Considera-se como atuação o ato do atleta entrar em campo para a disputa da partida, desde o início ou no decorrer da mesma.

§ 2º – O atleta que tenha atuado por um clube no CAMPEONATO somente poderá atuar por mais um clube.

§ 3º – Uma vez iniciado o CAMPEONATO, cada clube poderá inscrever até 5 (cinco) atletas anteriormente inscritos por outros clubes do Brasileirão Assaí, sendo no máximo 3 (três) atletas de um mesmo clube.

Chelsea are planning on sending more wonderkids to Liam Rosenior's Strasbourg following the success of Andrey Santos.

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• Santos to leave Strasbourg and return to Chelsea
• Blues impressed by Brazilian's displays in France
• Clubs connected by ownership group

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Strasbourg, the sister club of Chelsea, are once again set to be the beneficiaries of their ties with the Premier League giants, as two wonderkids in highly-rated Mathis Amougou and Kendry Paez could join the Ligue 1 outfit on a season-long loan deal ahead of the 2025-26 season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Reports from L’Equipe suggest that Strasbourg may sign 19-year-old Amougou, a France youth international who joined Chelsea from Saint-Etienne in January. Since his move to Stamford Bridge, Amougou has had limited opportunities, making just two appearances for Chelsea with only 22 minutes of playing time. A loan move could further his development, as he could get regular minutes under Liam Rosenior in France. Additionally, L'Equipe also report that Ecuadorian prodigy Paez, who's currently training at Strasbourg, could also be sent on a season-long loan to Stade de la Meinau. Paez was signed from Independiente del Valle in 2023 but officially join after his 18th birthday.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Amougou's move to Strasbourg makes even more sense considering the fact that Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos would be returning to Chelsea after spending the 2024-25 season on loan under Rosenior. Blues manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen to assess Santos further during the upcoming Club World Cup, with the Italian seemingly impressed with his vital contributions from midfield at Strasbourg.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Chelsea and Strasbourg are both hoping to compete in next season's Champions League, though they would need approval from UEFA to both compete due to multi-club ownership rules.