The city of Philadelphia is still riding high off of the Eagles’ dominant run to the Super Bowl and victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. After an electric parade down Broad Street, the Philly faithful are already looking ahead hoping to add to their trophy case in 2025.

Given the current state of the 76ers, that next title hope is likely on the shoulders of the Phillies. Bryce Harper knows it, and after getting close a few times in recent years, he says watching the Eagles bring championship glory to Philadelphia has only added to his motivation to bring the city another ring.

“Yeah it's sick. I mean, why would you not want it?” Harper told Philadelphia radio station 94WIP. “Anytime that you're able to do that, especially in the city of brotherly love, I heard it's the best thing in the world. … If I didn't say I was excited to hopefully do that one day I'd be nuts, because that was pretty electric."

Harper added that former teammate Jayson Werth has often expressed to him just how wild Philly can get when rallying around a champion.

Harper and the Phillies have made a few solid runs at a title in recent years, reaching the World Series in 2022 and losing the NLCS in seven games in 2023, but have yet to reach the same heights the 2008 Phillies reached in their magical run to a championship.

Harper and the Phillies kick off their 2025 campaign on Thursday, March 27 against the Washington Nationals.

A lot has been said in recent weeks about Liverpool offloading Luis Diaz this summer.

With hindsight on side, Arne Slot and Co would now have kept a tighter grip on their Colombian attacker, with the South American winger already up to 11 goals and six assists donning a new shade of red at Bayern Munich.

Back at Anfield, both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak remain goalless in Premier League action, on the contrary.

Still, he isn’t the only sale this summer that will be plaguing the stuttering reigning champions with Jarell Quansah now in the good books of England manager Thomas Tuchel, after leaving Merseyside behind for his own German challenge.

Why letting go of Quansah was a mistake

The bumper summer transfer window also saw Trent Alexander-Arnold leave Liverpool behind for a major move to Real Madrid, with the Reds suffering in the right-back department ever since.

At the time of writing, Conor Bradley is the only fit and available natural right-back option for Slot, with the Northern Irishman arguably struggling last time out against Manchester City, as Jeremy Doku stole the show with a masterclass down Bradley’s right flank, with a mammoth seven successful dribbles completed.

To further add to the underperforming outfit’s woes, Jeremie Frimpong has failed to settle in properly with injuries galore. If Liverpool could turn back time, therefore, they would surely look to keep Quansah around for longer to boost their depleted numbers, even if he was largely a bit-part player when still situated in England.

He has seized his chance at Bayer Leverkusen, though, despite making just 55 senior appearances for the Reds over several years, with a calm and collected 90% pass accuracy averaged across eight Bundesliga games to date, on top of two goals being put away in all competitions.

This drastic upward trajectory has even resulted in the aforementioned Tuchel stating that he is a “tiny bit ahead” of Trent in the England senior set-up, with a first Three Lions cap coming his way earlier in the month versus Albania.

It remains to be seen what role Quansah has in the upcoming World Cup, but he isn’t the only former Liverpool starlet shining bright away from their once-boyhood club, with Slot and Co very much dropping the ball, again, when ditching a homegrown version of Ryan Gravenberch for just £15m.

Liverpool lost a homegrown Gravenberch for just £15m

While Liverpool has fallen off the horse multiple times this season, the Dutchman has largely been consistent with his classy displays from the middle of the park.

Indeed, the former Ajax boy wonder turned guaranteed Liverpool starter has even been labelled as “one of the best” in the world in his position by Reds-based writer DAVEOCKOP this season, with four goal contributions next to his name in Premier League action, also coupled with an eagerness to get stuck in, as seen in 4.9 duels being won on average.

In stark contrast, a waning Alexis Mac Allister has no goals to shout about, winning just a weak 2.5 duels per game as Gravenberch has often had to do double the work this season to make up for his below-par teammate.

If only the short on confidence side had Tyler Morton to fall back on in the holding midfield positions to partner their star-man, instead of having to rely on the lethargic number ten.

The former Anfield prodigy is now living up to his billing of being a “complete midfielder” on the books of Lyon – as he was once labelled by Como scout Ben Mattinson – to be viewed in the same light as Gravenberch.

Attempted passes

57.02

53.84

Pass completion %

82.7%

88.9%

Progressive passes

4.90

5.10

Progressive carries

1.79

1.92

Shot-creating actions

2.33

2.34

Tackles

1.79

1.97

Interceptions

0.70

1.64

Blocks

0.70

0.75

Clearances

1.56

1.52

FBref even suggests that the midfield pairing are alike, and the numbers above do not lie, with Morton even surpassing his counterpart over the last year in terms of attempted passes made per 90 minutes, as an assured presence centrally.

He isn’t a million miles off the heavily lauded Gravenberch either when looking at the head-to-head defensive numbers, with the 23-year-old managing to stand out in such a way, even as his Ligue 1 employers loiter in seventh spot in the current league standings, to further ramp up their similarities.

Further hailed as a “beautiful” talent to watch with this sublime assist in November by journalist Bence Bocsak, it must be a sickening pill to swallow on Liverpool’s end that they let a Gravenberch-type asset go for only £15m.

At least with Quansah, they managed to drain Leverkusen of £35m, but in the case of Morton, they sold up way too prematurely and way too cheaply, as the 23-year-old now aims to mature into a consistent Gravenberch-style midfielder in France.

Semenyo upgrade: Liverpool prepare £88m bid for "best player in the world"

Liverpool are getting ready to sign an out-and-out winger after selling Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 18, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta oversaw one of the busiest and productive summer transfer windows in recent memory at the Emirates, but an unmissable January opportunity could be too good to ignore.

Berta broke the club’s total transfer window record with an unprecedented summer spending spree nearing £270 million, backing Mikel Arteta to the hilt as Arsenal attempt to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.

The Gunners made eight major additions to their squad, addressing key areas of weakness and adding real depth that had been lacking in previous campaigns.

The jewel in Arsenal’s summer recruitment crown was Viktor Gyokeres, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon to finally solve the club’s long-standing centre-forward problem. The Swede’s agent even waived his £6 million commission to help facilitate the deal after two seasons of Gyokeres free scoring in Portugal, and while he hasn’t exactly hit those heights just yet, it could simply be a matter of settling in as he also fights to return from injury.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi was another major coup, with the ex-Real Sociedad maestro bolstering Arsenal’s engine room and allowing Declan Rice more freedom to roam forward. Arsenal beat Tottenham to the signing of Eberechi Eze as well, tempting the former Crystal Palace star from under Thomas Frank’s nose in what was one of the best transfer hijacks in recent memory.

Noni Madueke — who seriously impressed prior to being sidelined with a knee injury — Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard made up the rest of Berta’s recruitment drive, and all of them have barely set a foot wrong thus far when fit and available.

Given Arsenal aren’t usually active in January, with the exceptions of Jorginho, Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior in recent years, alongside their record-breaking summer, you could be forgiven for thinking that the winter could look fairly quiet at N5.

However, recent reports indicate that may not be the case.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard’s deals both expire in 2027, meaning Arsenal must think about the long-term when it comes to Arteta’s left wing.

As such, some media sources believe that Arsenal could make a move for Lyon’s Malick Fofana, and they retain an interest in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

Arsenal given £35m Rodrygo discount as Real Madrid star vies for January move

The Brazil international was a summer target for Arsenal, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, and exploratory talks were held over a potential deal back in May.

Links continued into 2025, but the cost of a deal and difficulties surrounding the mere logistics appeared to thwart a transfer to north London.

However, according to TEAMtalk, Arsenal remain keen on Rodrygo ahead of January, and the ‘frustrated’ Real forward is increasingly tempted to leave the Bernabeu in pursuit of more game time.

What’s more, Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Rodrygo, with Xabi Alonso’s side dramatically reducing their asking price by £35 million — opening the door for Berta to potentially strike a deal.

His summer price tag was around £88 million, but Real have now slashed it to around £53 million amid interest from Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The 24-year-old’s situation at Real has become increasingly uncertain after falling down the pecking order and starting just two La Liga games this season, with Rodrygo struggling to cement a regular position and casting doubt over his place in the team.

With the 2026 World Cup looming, Rodrygo will be desperate to play regularly and ensure a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Arsenal could offer him a route out, but it is also believed that title rivals City are the favourites for his signature as things stand. Despite not being fancied by Alonso, teammate Jude Belligham has previously called Rodrygo the club’s most “gifted” and “underrated” player.

West Ham striker Niclas Füllkrug is facing his final two months at the club, amid credible reports that the injury-prone forward is eyeing a January exit.

Fullkrug, who missed 28 games for club and country combined last season, has looked more and more like yet another torrid centre-forward investment by David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the Hammers board since his £27 million arrival from Borussia Dortmund last year.

Achilles tendon

08/09/2024

02/12/2024

16

Hamstring injury

11/01/2025

01/04/2025

12

The 32-year-old’s stay in east London has been marred by constant fitness issues and a struggle to adapt to Premier League football, with his stellar Euros and 16-goal haul for Dortmund at the end of 23/24 seeming like a lifetime ago.

Fullkrug’s managed three goals and two assists in 27 total appearances for West Ham when he has been available, but even that return is uninspiring at best.

Nuno Espirito Santo is poised to welcome Fullkrug back from his latest injury after the November international break, according to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, but the former Bundesliga star may not be donning Claret and Blue for too long afterwards.

Supporters and critics alike held hope that Nuno could inspire a ‘Chris Wood-esque’ transformation for Fullkrug.

However, as backed up by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the number nine has already decided to depart Rush Green once the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

The main questions now are: who would buy Fullkrug given his injury record, who could West Ham sign to replace him, how much money could the London side realistically recoup from his sale and what are the key conditions of his departure?

Well, as per an unnamed football agent, at least one of these queries has been answered.

West Ham set out key Niclas Füllkrug transfer condition before January

Speaking to West Ham insider Claret & Hugh, the mystery representative explained that, while the Hammers are actively looking to find him a new club, West Ham will not let Fullkrug leave at all unless they source a replacement first.

The attacker was brought in with high hopes of ending West Ham’s long line of failed striker signings, but Fullkrug actually ended up being one of their more disappointing buys in that area.

Right now, Nuno has precious few alternatives, with fellow injury-prone ace Callum Wilson and youngster Callum Marshall standing out as their only natural options.

West Ham’s boss experimented with Lucas Paqueta as the false nine against Brentford and Leeds to no avail, prompting him to start Wilson against his former club Newcastle last weekend as the Irons won their first home game of the season.

Even if they can’t find a buyer for Fullkrug, West Ham simply must bring in a number nine when the winter window opens, and it is believed that they’ve reached out to former Brentford star Ivan Toney over a potential loan to buy deal.

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Cacá, que pertence ao Tokushima Vortis, do Japão, e está cedido ao Athletico-PR até o meio do ano, entrou na mira do Corinthians. A diretoria alvinegra busca um empréstimo com opção de compra já estipulada. A informação é do UOL.

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O Corinthians quer fechar a contratação até sexta-feira (16) para poder inscrever Cacá na primeira fase do Paulistão. O zagueiro de 24 anos vinha sendo utilizado pelo Athletico-PR na temporada passada, mas perdeu espaço após a chegada do técnico Juan Carlos Osorio e vem treinando separado no Furacão.

Desta forma, o clube paranaense não irá exercer a opção de compra estipulada em 3 milhões de dólares (R$ 15 milhões na cotação atual), e deve abrir caminho para o Corinthians negociar os termos com o staff do atleta.

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Cacá despontou no Cruzeiro e foi vendido ao futebol japonês por R$ 10,7 milhões, assinando contrato até o fim de 2025. Pelo Athletico-PR, o zagueiro de 24 anos soma 20 jogos e dois gols.

A contratação de mais um zagueiro se tornou prioridade no Corinthians após a inesperada saída de Lucas Veríssimo. Nesta janela de transferências, a diretoria alvinegra já contratou Félix Torres e Gustavo Henrique para o setor.

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➡️ Veja os grupos e datas dos confrontos no Paulistão

MAIS REFORÇOS

Além de Cacá, o Corinthians trabalha para regularizar Matheus França, Igor Coronado e Pedro Henrique visando as últimas rodadas da primeira fase do Paulistão. Tanto o lateral-direito do Flamengo quanto o atacante do Internacional estão realizando exames médicos no CT Joaquim Grava e devem ser anunciados nas próximas horas, enquanto o meia está deixando a Arábia Saudita rumo ao Brasil na sexta-feira (16).

Tudo sobre

Athletico-PRCorinthians

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is apparently making plans for the possible arrival of Brentford forward Kevin Schade as new co-sporting director Fabio Paratici works on a deal behind-closed-doors.

The 23-year-old, who was signed by Frank in a £22 million deal from SC Freiburg just over two years ago, has gone on to seriously impress at the G-tech Community Stadium.

Schade initially joined on loan in January 2023, but after Brentford made his stay permanent, the German sought to repay their faith.

While he missed almost the entirety of his full debut campaign with a hip adductor injury, Schade fired back to full form and fitness in 2024/2025 — bagging 12 goals and three assists in all competitions under Frank whilst playing in every single Premier League match for them.

The former Bundesliga sensation is already off the mark and running for Keith Andrews’ new-look Brentford side this season too, and he’s now attracting serious attention from N17.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg recently, Tottenham are among the teams keeping close tabs on Schade, and the Germany international is “one to watch” this season with his contract expiring in under three years.

Frank’s obvious tie with Schade from their time together at Brentford has also led to speculation that Spurs could try their luck at a January deal.

This is now backed up by an intriguing update via CaughtOffside and journalist Mark Brus, who shared what Frank has now got in mind for Schade at Tottenham.

What Frank has "already" planned for Schade at Tottenham

Quoting multiple sources of his, Brus claims that Frank has “already planned how he’d slot into the system” for Spurs, with another source reporting “Paratici is working behind the scenes” on a deal.

Another source adds that Tottenham see Schade as the “perfect profile” to come in and bolster Frank’s attacking options.

However, this all being said, the Bees are known to be stubborn negotiators and have placed a £48 million price tag on the forward’s head as we slowly enter 2026.

Frank, amid his wave of injury problems, still has Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison yet to return, and once they come back, it’ll be difficult to see where Schade could fit in given their current wide options.

Kevin Schade’s best games for Brentford this season	Match Rating
West Ham 0-2 Brentford	8.26
Brentford 3-2 Liverpool	8.00
Brentford 2-2 Chelsea	7.35
Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa	7.31
Brentford 3-1 Man United	7.03
via WhoScored

Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus also stand out among their crop right now, with Mikey Moore also to return from his loan spell at Rangers at the end of the season.

Spurs arguably have more pressing matters to deal with, like their potential need for a reliable striker.

Paratici and co-director Johan Lange have been linked with a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney or Juventus star Dušan Vlahović amid the uncertainty surrounding Richarlison’s future and Dominic Solanke’s fitness woes.

That being said, if Frank is indeed already making plans to slot Schade into his Spurs setup, the Dane appears to be serious.

Sisters Kathryn and Sarah Bryce scored half-centuries to guide The Blaze to a 44-run bonus point victory over Somerset on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in a rain-shortened Metro Bank One Day Cup match at Taunton Vale Sports Ground.Sarah Bryce top-scored with 68 from 54 balls, hit 12 fours and shared in an opening stand of 76 inside 10 overs with Georgie Boyce as The Blaze posted 252 for 6 in a contest reduced to 33 overs-a-side. Kathryn Bryce then made 63 not out from 60 balls with eight fours, staging a partnership of 72 with Orla Prendergast, who weighed in with a forthright 46. Charlie Dean did her best to keep Somerset in contention, returning figures of 3 for 50 from seven overs.Chasing a revised target of 214 in 26 overs, Somerset never recovered from the wreckage of 9 for 4, Cassidy McCarthy taking three wickets in a devastating eight-ball burst that all but settled the outcome during the powerplay. Amanda-Jade Wellington raised a defiant 28-ball 53 and Fran Wilson hit 33, but McCarthy finished with 3 for 12 as the home side were bowled out for 169 in 22.2 overs.Victory cemented The Blaze’s position in the top three and materially improved their prospects of making the final stages of the 50-over competition, but Somerset are now out of contention with two games remaining.Making the most of short boundaries and a quick outfield, Boyce and Sarah Bryce accrued 11 boundaries on their way to 61 without loss from a seven-over powerplay after being put in on a drying surface. When the seamers struggled to contain the flow of runs, Somerset turned to spinners Dean and Wellington in an attempt to turn the tide.England international Dean struck in her second over, persuading Boyce to drive to mid-off and depart for a run-a-ball 31 with the score 76 for 1 in the 10th over. But there was no dislodging Sarah Bryce, who went to an assured half-century from 40 balls with 10 fours, the Blaze wicketkeeper-batter growing in stature all the time.There was a sense of relief within Somerset ranks when offspinner Chloe Skelton bowled Bryce in the act of cutting in the 18th, her dismissal providing the home side with much-needed respite. Thereafter, Prendergast and Kathryn Bryce proved adept at finding the gaps, the pair combining clever placement and forceful running in staging a third-wicket stand of 73 in eight overs.Ireland international Prendergast seized on anything wide or short of a length, pulling Alex Griffiths for the first six of the innings and then driving Skelton for four as returning rain rendered control difficult for the bowlers. She had raised 46 off 31 balls and helped herself to five fours and a six when she skied a catch to backward point off the bowling of Wellington as The Blaze slipped to 195 for 3.Somerset continued to fight back, Dean bowling the dangerous Georgia Elwiss and then pinning Ella Claridge lbw to further reduce their opponents to 212 for 5 in the 29th. But Kathryn Bryce continued to carry the fight to Somerset, raising her 50 via 52 balls with her sixth four and putting on 34 for the sixth wicket with Michaela Kirk, who contributed a useful 17 from nine deliveries.A further downpour caused seven overs to be lost and, when Somerset resumed their innings, they were required to score a further 209 at 8.36 an over. Their task quickly became even more difficult, Bex Odgers pulling McCarthy’s first ball to square leg and fellow opener Niamh Holland nicking a catch behind off the bowling of Grace Ballinger.Generating pace and swing aplenty, McCarthy bowled Sophie Luff and Dani Gibson with successive deliveries, at which point she had taken three wickets in eight balls and the home side were deep in trouble on 9 for 4. Kirstie Gordon then had Dean held by Kirk on the midwicket boundary as Somerset slumped to 22 for 5.Wilson and Wellington did their utmost to make a game of it thereafter, staging a face-saving alliance of 69 in 6.5 overs in the late-afternoon sunshine. Not afraid to play expansive strokes, these two raised a quickfire 50 from 33 balls in a blaze of boundaries, Wellington plundering five consecutive fours off the bowling of Prendergast to put the visitors on the back foot for the first time.Elwiss accounted for Wilson, caught at short fine leg, but the defiant Wellington went on to post a rapid 50 from just 26 balls with 10 fours. She was run out by Kathryn Bryce soon afterwards, her dismissal signaling the end of meaningful West Country resistance.

Manchester United might be in the market for a striker during the January transfer window. The Red Devils signed Benjamin Sesko over the summer, but he picked up a knee injury during their most recent Premier League clash, a 2-2 draw away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Even if that blow doesn’t prove to be a severe one, as is expected, the Red Devils could still be in need of a new number nine in the winter window. When Sesko is absent or injured, it leaves Joshua Zirkzee as the only senior striker in the squad – although 17-year-old Chido Obi could also be called upon.

It seems as though Ruben Amorim’s side may have a centre-forward in mind if they dip into the market.

United’s centre-forward target

At this stage, it is unclear how much INEOS will put into the transfer kitty for Amorim to dip into in the January market. However, there has been a clear plan to back the Portuguese, so there could well be funds made available.

Transfer Focus

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

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If that is the case, the Red Devils could be looking to win the battle to sign Brazilian striker Vitor Roque. The 20-year-old is someone United are racing to sign, according to Pete O’Rourke, transfer correspondent for Football Insider.

However, they will not be the only Premier League club looking to sign the striker in a couple of months.

Londoners Chelsea and Spurs are in the frame too, although it could be a deal that is ignited “more in the summer” if reports are to be believed. As for a price, reports in Spain indicated that he could cost as much as £44m.

Why Roque would be a good signing

Whether this is a move that happens in January or the summer, there is no doubt that United would be buying an exciting young talent. Although he struggled during his first stint in Europe at Barcelona, Roque has proven he has plenty of ability since.

Nowadays, the one-cap Brazilian international is plying his trade back in his home country, for Palmeiras. His form has been impressive in 2025, too. In 52 games across all competitions, Roque has found the back of the net 20 times and assisted five goals.

In the Brazilian top flight, the 20-year-old has played his best football. He’s made 30 appearances in the competition this calendar year, bagging 16 times, at better than a goal every other game.

Described as an “unstoppable” force by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Roque’s underlying numbers back up how well he has played.

For example, he’s averaging 0.76 goals per game, which places him in the top 6% of Brazilian top-flight strikers.

Rique key stats in Brazilian top flight

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Goals

0.76

94th

Expected goals

0.58xG

92nd

Goals per shot

0.21

89th

Shot-creating actions

4.07

88th

Take-ons completed

1.85

97th

Stats from FBref

If this deal gets over the line, it could be like the second coming of Matheus Cunha for United. Roque’s fellow Brazilian has not set the world alight in terms of goals and assists, with just one to his name so far against Brighton and Hove Albion.

But, he has still played superbly, and shown exactly why United paid the £62.5m fee to Wolverhampton Wanderers. After a wonderful performance away to Liverpool, journalist Sam Pilger described him as “an incredible signing” for the Red Devils.

If United were to sign Roque, they would love for him to have such an impact, even if he wasn’t able to chip in with goals and assists as much as you might expect. There are similarities between the Palmeiras star and United’s new number 10, with both exciting Brazilian forwards who can be a real difference maker.

For a fee of £44m, this is certainly an interesting move for the Red Devils. They may need him in January, but if they end up getting him in the summer, Roque could be an exciting addition to their attack, just as Cunha has been so far this season.

With Sesko scoring just twice so far this term, injury or not, the Old Trafford side could be in need of a suitable rival in that number nine berth.

Related Man Utd "monster" is fast becoming their new Vidic and it's not De Ligt

Ruben Amorim may have uncovered Manchester United’s new Nemanja Vidic.

Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha used Cristiano Ronaldo as part of a point to bite back at Jamie Carragher after the pundit's criticism of the Bayern Munich loanee. After struggling in his maiden season in Germany due to injuries and poor form, Palhinha returned to the Premier League in the summer, but not everyone has been convinced by his Spurs performances.

• What Carragher said about Palhinha

  Following Spurs' 1-0 loss to Chelsea at home earlier this month, where Thomas Frank's men had a nightmare outing, former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Carragher savaged Palhinha for a poor showing, as he said: "Palhinha hasn't got the quality. For a player playing for Tottenham in central midfield, for me, that's a pass you have to be able to make. He can't make it.

  "Palhinha is on the ball, five touches because he hasn't got the confidence or the ability. What you've got is you've got a lack of courage and confidence from certain players, but you've also got a lack of ability of certain players."

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ronaldo not immune to criticism from pundits

  Palhinha has now hit back at Carragher. "I saw it because some people sent it to me, I can't say I didn't see it," the midfielder said of the analysis. "I don't care what the people say. If he speaks bad things about Ronaldo, he can speak about everyone. Some people need to speak about another to be on the screens on the TV. My life is not about that, definitely. 

  "It makes it a bit embarrassing seeing sometimes the ex-players speaking that way. They speak and they look sometimes like superstars on their past, I don't have problems to say. I think he should have seen probably more games of me at Tottenham. I think I am having a top season."

  He added: "I don't care too much because we have a lot of birds speaking all the time about us and trying to drop us. It is about how we react. And the way I reacted was scoring a goal after he said this to me, against Copenhagen. I just want to keep doing my job and show what I am capable to do because I am really proud what I have been doing until now. We are really motivated and have everything to reach a good result."

• How is it going for Palhinha at Tottenham?

  The Portugal international, who joined Bayern from Fulham in the summer of 2024 for around £47 million (€56m/$61m), was initially seen as an ideal partner for Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in the centre of the park. However, he struggled to establish himself and failed to meet expectations. 

  Palhinha made just 25 appearances in all competitions in the last campaign, with only 10 starts, and his transfer is now regarded as one of Bayern’s more disappointing investments in recent years. After just one season, he was loaned to Tottenham as Bayern sought to cut their losses.

  This season, Palhinha has featured in 18 matches across all competitions under Thomas Frank and has rediscovered himself as he has scored four goals, including a strike in a 2-0 win at Manchester City, and has provided two assists.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tottenham could sign Palhinha permanently

  According to multiple reports, Tottenham are in advanced talks with Bayern to sign Palhinha permanently next summer and have agreed to pay a transfer fee in the region of £25m (€30m/$33m). However, it remains uncertain whether Bayern would accept a lower offer, or if Tottenham intend to finalise the deal in the upcoming winter transfer window or wait until the summer.

  Palhinha and Spurs will be back in action on Sunday in the Premier League as they take on rivals Arsenal in the north London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

تحدث النجم المصري محمد أبو تريكة لاعب منتخب مصر والأهلي السابق، خلال الأستوديو التحليلي بشبكة قنوات “بي إن سبورتس”، عن محمد صلاح جناح ليفربول، ومدربه آرني سلوت، ومستوى الفريق وسبب تراجعه، ودور المحترف المصري في ذلك.

وقال أبو تريكة: “سلوت أصبح يقدم أعذارًا كثيرة، أمامه 20 مباراة حتى شهر مارس، عليه تحسين الفريق والنظر لنفسه، وليس الحديث عن المنافسين والتحكيم والأرض”.

وأضاف: “تحدث (يقصد سلوت) وركز في فرقيك فقط، هو مطالب بالتعاقد مع مدافع في انتقالات يناير، لا يوجد خط في ليفربول بحالته الطبيعية، لا الدفاع ولا خط الوسط ولا الهجوم، جميعهم بهم مشاكل لا تليق بالمستوى ولا المركز الحالي بحامل لقب الموسم الماضي”.

وردًا على إمكانية الربط بين تراجع مستوي ليفربول وتراجع مستوى محمد صلاح، رد أبو تريكة: “صلاح ليس متراجعًا وحده، الفريق بأكلمه وجميع خطوط الفريق متراجعة، في مرحله من المراحل يجب على الفريق أن يدعم نجمه وليس العكس”.

وأوضح: “في الفترة السابقة صلاح تحمل مسؤولية الفريق، والآن دور الفريق والصفقات الجديدة هي التي تدعم وتلعب كرة، هناك في الفريق العديد من اللاعبين الموهوبين ذات الجودة العالية، هؤلاء اللاعبون يقدمون أعلى المستويات مع منتخبات بلادهم”.

اقرأ أيضًا | محمد صلاح يحقق رقمًا تاريخيًا جديدًا مع ليفربول بسبب مباراة نوتينجهام

وأكمل: “شاهدت فلوريان فيرتز مع منتخب ألمانيا، تواجد في كل مكان بالملعب، يلعب وهو سعيد ومستمتع باللعب، العيب لا يكمن في اللاعبين ولكن في المدرب، على سلوت النظر لفريقه، وليس للمنافسين، عليه محاولة تنظيم لعبه”.

وأشار: “بالنسبة لصلاح الناس تتحدث عنه أرقامه، هذه أرقام عظيمة ومهولة في أقوي دوري في العالم يتحمل مسؤولية الفريق منذ 8 مواسم، تراجع مستواه له أسباب عديدة، وهذا التراجع ليس هو السبب الوحيد فيه”.

وتابع: “يقول الناس صلاح هو السبب، حسنًا فلننظر ماذا سيحدث لليفربول خلال تواجد صلاح مع منتخب مصر في كأس أمم إفريقيا، سيغيب عنهم حوالي 6 أو 7 مباريات.. الفريق سيكون جيدًا في هذه الفترة، وسأخبركم لماذا”.

وأتم: “لأن سلوت من نوعية المدربين الذين حين يملكون عدة خياريات، يشعر بالتشتت، الآن الإصابات وصلاح سيتواجد في أمم إفريقيا، سيحمد الله حتى يركز وسيقول الحمد لله كي يركز ويضع تشكيلاً، وجدول المباريات سيساعده وسيحسن ترتيبه في جدول الدوري”.