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تحدث محمد حمدي وأحمد سامي ومهند لاشين، ثلاثي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بيراميدز، عن مواجهة نهضة بركان في السوبر الإفريقي.

وقال حمدي عبر قناة “النهار”: “ستكون مباراة كبيرة أمام نهضة بركان، سنواجه فريقًا محترمًا وكبيرًا ويمتلك خبرة في إفريقيا، ومن الجيد أن المباراة ستقام في ملعبنا”.

ومن جانبه، أكد أحمد سامي: “بيراميدز أثبت نفسه منذ تأسيسه، أصبح فريقًا كبيرًا وسيظل كبيرًا، في بدايات المواسم الأولى لم يكن هناك توفيق في تحقيق الفوز، ولكن بعد ذلك وُفِّقنا”.

طالع.. رسميًا | بيراميدز يتخذ قرارًا جديدًا بشأن رمضان صبحي وأسامةجلال

وأكمل: “كان هناك توفيق في النهائيات وحققنا أكثر من بطولة، وتركيزنا الآن أن نكمل المشوار الذي بدأناه، المباراة كبيرة جدًا، وكل تركيزنا أن نفوز ونحصد بطولة جديدة”.

وواصل: “الكرة حاليًا لا يوجد فيها ما يسمى داخل ملعبك وخارجه، والدليل على ذلك أننا واجهنا الأهلي السعودي على أرضه ووسط جماهيره وفزنا عليه، الكرة تعطي الفريق صاحب التركيز الأعلى”.

وأشار زميله مهند لاشين: “أمامنا مباراة كبيرة وتحدٍّ قوي، المباريات الكبيرة تحتاج أن تحقق فيها نتائج تُضاف إلى تاريخك كلاعب وإلى تاريخ النادي”.

وأتم: “مباراة السوبر الإفريقي مهمة، وستكون أول بطولة سوبر إفريقي في تاريخ النادي، ونحن كلاعبين نتعامل مع الموضوع بكل جدية”.

ويستعد فريق بيراميدز لمواجهة نهضة بركان المغربي، في نهائي كأس السوبر الإفريقي، يوم السبت المقبل. 

Gambhir makes it clear that he wants Test hopefuls to take domestic cricket seriously, and play the Ranji Trophy if they are not committed elsewhere

Alagappan Muthu05-Jan-2025Following India’s defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, questions loom over the futures of India’s captain Rohit Sharma, who stood himself down in the Sydney Test, and senior batter Virat Kohli, who fell for his seventh score of 20 or less in the series.Head coach Gautam Gambhir offered them support but left the big decision to the players.”I can’t talk about the future of any player,” Gambhir said at the press conference after the series. “It’s up to them as well. But yes, what I can say is that they still have the hunger. They still have the passion. They’re tough people. And hopefully they can continue to take Indian cricket forward. But ultimately, as we all know, that whatever they plan, they will plan for the best interest of Indian cricket.”Related

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Rohit has averaged 10.93 over his last eight Test matches with only one fifty-plus score. He spoke to at lunch on the second day and said that he had taken the decision to sit out the fifth Test because he thought it would have been hard for the team to win carrying so many out-of-form batters.He also clarified that he wasn’t retiring from Test cricket yet.Kohli, meanwhile, has been left frustrated by his vulnerability outside the off stump. He made an unbeaten hundred in Perth but all eight of his other trips to the crease have ended with his outside edge being snaffled up by the wicketkeeper or in the slips. In Melbourne, when that happened, he slumped over his bat. He had been playing an innings that looked, in Steven Smith’s words, like a masterclass until then. In Sydney, when it happened again, he yelled at himself and punched his leg.”First of all, every individual knows where their game and hunger is,” Gambhir, who had himself gone through a phase late in his career where he was out of form but battling to make the team. “That’s the most important thing for any sport and any profession. It’s not just about the sport.”It’s about how hungry you are, how passionate you are, and whether the team is moving forward with your contribution or not. Because ultimately, it’s neither my team, nor your team, it’s the country’s team. I believe, as I said, there are very honest players in our dressing room who know how hungry they are.”But yes, as far as my question is concerned, my biggest responsibility is that I have to be fair to everyone in that room. Not only one or two individuals. If I’m fair to only two or three individuals, and not to everyone else, then I’m being dishonest to my job. So whether it’s a player who hasn’t debuted yet, or a player who has played 100 Test matches, my simple goal in my job is that I have to be absolutely fair and equal to everyone.”India do not have another Test match to play until June 2025, when they tour England for five games. Rohit will be 38 by then and Kohli will be pushing 37.When asked about his thoughts on a long-term roadmap for the team in red-ball cricket, and whether it was time to invest in youngsters, Gambhir said, “Look, it’s too early to talk about it. The series has just got over. I think we still have five more months to plan where we want to head towards. But it’s not the right moment right now for me to talk about that. Where are we going to be after five months?”A lot of things change in sport. Forms change. People change. Attitude change. Everything changes in sport. And we all know that five months is a long time. So, let’s see before the [England] series what’s going to happen. But whatever will happen, will happen for the best interest of Indian cricket.””If you don’t give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the desired players what you want in Test cricket”•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesGambhir: ‘I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket’India next play England in a T20I and ODI series at home in January-February before moving to the UAE for their share of fixtures in the Champions Trophy, which is being hosted by Pakistan. For the players who do not make those squads, there is the option of playing the Ranji Trophy, which resumes after a break on January 23.”I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket,” Gambhir said. “That is how much importance domestic cricket needs to be given. Not only one game. If they’re available and they have the commitment to play red-ball cricket, everyone should play domestic cricket. As simple as it can get.”If you don’t give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the desired players what you want in Test cricket.”

It’s almost time for Chelsea to return to action.

The Blues will very much undergo a truncated pre-season schedule, having won the Club World Cup on 13 July, surprisingly defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final in New Jersey.

Thus, Enzo Maresca’s team will have just two pre-season fixtures before their Premier League opener, welcoming Bayer Leverkusen to Stamford Bridge on Friday night, before taking on AC Milan in West London on Sunday.

Before then, will the Blues continue to make more signings?

Chelsea's search for even more attacking talent

Fair to say, Maresca has plenty of attacking options at his disposal.

Estêvão Willian, Jamie Gittens, João Pedro, and Liam Delap have all already arrived this summer, but the Blues are far from done yet, with potentially two new forwards on their way.

First, as reported by James Olley of ESPN, Chelsea are close to signing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of €50m (around £44m), with the Dutchman eager to make the move.

Meantime, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are still pursuing Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, adding that “no talks” have begun just yet, but the Argentine is “keen” on the move.

Elsewhere, Romano notes that the transfer is “not expected to be imminent” but that Garanacho is prioritising a move to Chelsea, with the Blues focussing on outgoings for now.

Transfer Focus

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

Garnacho was told to find a new club by manager Rúben Amorim back in May. Currently part of Man United’s infamous ‘bomb squad’, not with the first-team squad in the US, rather left behind at Carrington, alongside fellow outcasts Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia.

Just a few weeks ago, it was reported that Man United valued Garnacho at £70m. Still, now that it’s public knowledge he has been cast aside, James Ducker of The Telegraph believes he is available for £40m, with Chelsea in pole position to snap him up.

What Alejandro Garnacho would bring to Chelsea

At the start of the window, Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian reported that Chelsea are ‘priori­tising the addition’ of a right-footed left-winger, with Garnacho very much their top target for this role.

​​​​​His performances for Manchester United have certainly caught the eye, with Statman Dave labelling him one of the two “brightest young talents on the planet” as recently as October, alongside Lamine Yamal, which is high praise indeed.

Elsewhere, Kurosh Moghtader of Total Football Analysis labels him a ‘reliable attacking outlet’ who still has ‘room for improvement’, with Andy Mitten of The Athletic believing his ‘work rate’ and finishing have both got better in recent times.

When looking to compare Garnacho to a former Chelsea player of the not-too-distant past, he is stylistically most similar to Joe Cole.

Like Garnacho, Cole arrived from a Premier League rival as a 22-year-old back in 2003, namely West Ham United, having come through the Hammers’ academy, and made quite an impact during his seven seasons at Stamford Bridge.

In Chelsea blue, Cole made 282 appearances, scoring 39 goals and registering 47 assists, winning three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the EFL Cup.

At his best, Tom Mason of The Guardian believes Cole was ‘breathtaking’, praising his ‘creativity, flair, technical ability and vision’, adding that he was ‘always willing to receive a pass and take on the responsibility’.

Meantime, Sam Wallace of the Independent heralds his ‘silky touch’, noting that his best years came under José Mourinho when deployed as a left-winger in a ‘clearly defined’ role.

Well, in Maresca’s current set-up, Garnacho, who was hailed as “electric” by Statman Dave, could certainly thrive in a similar way.

So, let’s assess how Cole at West Ham and Garnacho at Manchester United compare to one another.

Appearances

184

144

Minutes

13,250

8,359

Goals

18

26

Assists

9

22

International caps

10

8

As the table documents, when comparing Garnacho of the present day to Cole just before his move to Chelsea, the Englishman was more experienced, but the Argentine had produced a greater output in terms of goals and assists.

Cole arrived in the summer of 2003 as part of Roman Abramovich’s first spending spree, alongside Claude Makélélé, Hernán Crespo, Adrian Mutu, Juan Sebastián Verón, Scott Parker, Glen Johnson, Alexey Smertin, Geremi, Wayne Bridge, Damien Duff, and many, many others.

Well, 22 years on, Chelsea are adopting a similar approach in the transfer market, and all available evidence suggests that Garnacho could thrive in a similar way.

Chelsea looking to do "early deal" for potential £44m-plus striker after Hato

Another centre-forward signing on the horizon?

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 2, 2025

Former Arsenal man Jermaine Pennant has told Football FanCast that the Gunners should be targeting their next big move in the coming weeks, having already wrapped up a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres in recent days.

Latest on Arsenal's remaining transfer business

It’s over. It’s finally over.

Having toyed with the idea of plumping for RB Leipzig starlet, Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has steered the club in a different direction, having wrapped up a belated deal for Swedish supertstar, Gyokeres.

The £55m striker – who scored 97 goals in just 102 games in Lisbon – is the latest addition amid a hectic summer of activity for those at the Emirates, with the 27-year-old joining Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera and Martin Zubimendi in bolstering Mikel Arteta’s ranks.

Six signings in the can, although there appears to be room for a little more, with the north Londoners also said to be in the mix for Real Madrid sensation, Rodrygo, amid his uncertain future at the Bernabeu.

That search for a left-winger also seen Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon emerge as a potential option, while elsewhere, the Dutch duo of Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato have also both been linked – albeit with the young pairing looking set to join Chelsea.

Perhaps the most concrete target remains that of Eberechi Eze, however, with that potential acquisition one that is already sparking notable excitement…

Pennant thinks Arsenal could make a "great signing"

With Gyokeres now signed, sealed and delivered, the Gunners are moving on to new targets, with the aforementioned Pennant – speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of Adventure Gamers – tipping his former side to tie up a deal for Crystal Palace talisman, Eze.

The England international – who scored at Wembley to help steer Palace to FA Cup glory last season – has been earmarked as a leading target for Arteta and co throughout the summer window, having spent the past five years at Selhurst Park.

Latest reports have indicated that the north Londoners have even agreed an initial fee for the £100k-per-week playmaker, with Eze fresh off the back of having chipped in with 25 goals and assists in all competitions in 2024/25.

Eze record vs the ‘Big Six’ – all comps

Club

Games

Goals

Assists

Arsenal

7

1

0

Chelsea

9

1

1

Liverpool

7

1

1

Manchester City

9

2

1

Manchester United

11

0

0

Spurs

7

3

1

Total

50

8

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

Reportedly available for around £68m, as Pennant suggested, the 27-year-old could well prove to be a “great signing” for the Emirates side.

Related Jermaine Pennant tells Arsenal to sign "big-name" £85m Gyokeres alternative

Former Arsenal man Jermaine Pennant has tipped the Gunners to make another “big-name signing” this summer

Posts ByRobbie Walls Jul 24, 2025

“I’ve left the door open for him to approach me… [but] that might never happen,” South Africa white-ball coach says

Firdose Moonda09-Sep-2024

Rob Walter on Quinton de Kock: “We have to just allow him to have his space, to play league cricket and to do what he needs to do”•ICC via Getty

South Africa remain unsure about the availability of Quinton de Kock, who was omitted from a second successive series post the T20 World Cup, in the format.De Kock, who is no longer nationally contracted but has not announced a complete international retirement, missed the three T20s against West Indies last month and will not play in two matches against Ireland later this month. South Africa will then play four T20Is at home against India in November as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup ramps up.Asked if there was any clarity on de Kock’s availability, white-ball coach Rob Walter indicated that there would not be any for some time. “I don’t know, to be dead honest. For the next little while, there will be no conversations between myself and Quinny as to whether he wants to play for South Africa again,” Walter said at a press conference. “I’ve left the door open for him to approach me if and when he wants to do that. That might never happen.”Related

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De Kock retired from Test cricket in 2021 and from ODIs after the 50-over World Cup last year. At the time, Walter had said de Kock intended to step away from all international cricket but was persuaded to stay on for the 2024 T20 World Cup and allowed to miss a bilateral series in the lead-up to play at the BBL. By making that allowance, South Africa demonstrated a fundamental shift in their usual selection policy, which requires players to be involved in at least some international cricket ahead of major tournaments – and was the reason AB de Villiers’ request to make a comeback at the 2019 ODI World Cup was denied – and illustrated the power of leagues. The decision paid off as de Kock finished as South Africa’s highest run-scorer at the T20 World Cup, and was key to their run to the final.Since then, de Kock has played in MLC and the CPL and will play at the SA20 and IPL, all of which will mean he is still eligible for South Africa, although Walter was careful to underline that his place was not guaranteed. “There might be a conversation and also that conversation does initially mean it will lead to him being selected,” he said. “We have to just allow him to have his space, to play league cricket and to do what he needs to do. What will become more and more important is performance. He’s not exactly old [de Kock is 31] so from here on in, it’s a performance-based conversation.”Walter has put no timeline on de Kock making a final decision and in his absence, South Africa continue to invest in Reeza Hendricks in the opening role and have options between Kyle Verreynne, Ryan Rickelton and Heinrich Klaasen as wicketkeepers. Of those four, only Klaasen is not part of the squads to play Afghanistan and Ireland in the UAE. He pulled out of the CPL for personal reasons and remains unavailable for the time being. “He has some family matters that he is dealing with currently,” Walter confirmed. “As soon as that position has changed, he’ll obviously fall back into playing again.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers may have to deal with interest from other clubs in his top players yet again during the summer transfer window.

The Northern Irish head coach’s plans were disrupted around this time last year when Denmark international Matt O’Riley left to sign for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.

There are now clubs reportedly interested in snapping up the club’s key players this year, as Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with an interest in Japan international Daizen Maeda.

Turkish giants Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, are also reportedly interested in a deal to sign the winger from the Scottish giants this summer.

The Japanese forward produced 16 goals and ten assists in the Scottish Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, and it would be a big blow for the Hoops to lose him to Spurs or Fenerbahce ahead of next season.

Celtic would have to go back into the market to bolster their options on the flanks, and Rodgers could be on the lookout for his next version of Scott Sinclair.

Why Scott Sinclair was a star for Brendan Rodgers

The English attacker played for the Northern Irish head coach at both Swansea and Celtic earlier in his career and caught the eye with his performances at the top end of the pitch.

Sinclair racked up 95 goals and 49 assists in 238 appearances for the manager at those two clubs combined, and no player, Luis Suarez and Jamie Vardy included, has scored more goals for Rodgers to date.

The former Great Britain Olympic star was particularly impressive for Celtic as a right-footed left winger who thrived as both a scorer and a creator of goals, cutting in from the left to provide a huge threat in front of goal.

19/20

2

0

0

18/19

28

9

3

17/18

30

9

10

16/17

35

21

7

As you can see in the table above, Sinclair enjoyed a hugely successful first season at Parkhead with a return of 28 goals and assists in 35 Premiership matches.

The winger signed for the club in the same summer that Rodgers made the move to Glasgow in 2016, as he joined from Premier League side Aston Villa for a reported fee of £3m.

That £3m transfer fee looks like a bargain in hindsight because he went on to deliver plenty of goals and assists for the Scottish giants as an impressive and exciting left-sided attacker for Rodgers.

He was a star for the Northern Irish head coach because he could provide consistent quality in the final third, and the Celtic boss could unearth his next version of Sinclair by signing one of the club’s current transfer targets.

Celtic identify winger as top target

According to Celts Are Here writer Mark Hendry, Celtic have identified Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha as a top target for the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Belgian forward is a target for the club because Rodgers would like to bolster his options in the wide areas, which suggests that he could be signed irrespective of any exit for Maeda.

Transfer Focus

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

Hendry’s article adds that the club have monitored the 24-year-old for some time and that he remains ‘active’ on their shortlist, as they eye a deal for the wing wizard.

The journalist states that Royal Antwerp look set to cash in on the Pro League attacker this year to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of next season, as his current contract with the Belgian side is due to expire in the summer of 2026. His valuation, as per Transfermarkt, currently stands at £4.6m

Celtic could, therefore, take advantage of that situation to swoop in and agree a deal for the left-sided forward, who could be Sinclair 2.0 for Rodgers at Parkhead.

Why Balikwisha could be the next Sinclair

Like the English forward, who played for Bristol Rovers this season, Balikwisha is a right-footed forward who predominantly plays off the left flank, cutting in onto his favoured foot to make things happen in the final third.

This immediately suggests that they are stylistically similar and could, therefore, fulfill a similar tactical role within Rodgers’ system, whilst starting on the left wing in his favoured 4-3-3 set-up.

Balikwisha also has the quality to make a real impact in the final third. He returned from injury during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign to deliver four goals and seven ‘big chances’ created in just 12 Pro League starts.

The Hoops target has shown that he has the potential to be a Sinclair-esque figure on the left wing if put in the right environment, as he caught the eye in limited game time.

Starts

27

12

xG

6.46

2.65

Goals

7

4

Big chances created

6

7

Key passes per game

1.5

1.6

Assists

5

3

As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha has consistently outperformed his xG in the Pro League since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, whilst regularly creating three chances every two games on average.

One scout, Emir, on X, claimed that the winger has the quality at the top end of the pitch to “wins games on his own”, which is backed up by the statistics above as he can score and assist goals at a good level in Belgium.

A move to Scotland to play in an incredibly dominant Celtic team could allow him to flourish, as Maeda did this season with his 26 goal involvements in the Premiership, and truly reach Sinclair’s level of goals and assists under Rodgers.

Balikwisha has also shown potential in Europe, with two goals in seven games in the Champions League in the 2023/24 campaign, which suggests that he could hit the ground running in the league phase of the competition next term for the Hoops.

Celtic can unearth Jota replacement in "phenomenal" star who's like Foden

Celtic could unearth a surprise replacement for Jota by bringing this star back to Parkhead.

ByDan Emery Jun 8, 2025

Overall, the Royal Antwerp star could be an excellent signing for Celtic due to his age, his contract situation in Belgium, and the potential he has to be Sinclair 2.0 for Rodgers as an electric winger who can score and assist goals from the left flank.

Everton are stepping into a new era at Bramley-Moore Moore-dock, and David Moyes will be delighted with his team’s progress since replacing Sean Dyche in the dugout.

Moyes saved a sinking ship, sealing a comfortable 13th-place Premier League finish despite the Toffees’ relegation fears when he joined in January.

Change is afoot. The Blues are ready to bring in a raft of additions as they step into a new home, but outgoings are also to be expected; Charly Alcaraz is in the process of becoming a permanent member of Moyes’ squad, but the rest of the loanees will depart next month.

The futures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane and Seamus Coleman are uncertain at this time, with the veterans, who combine to earn £235k per week, all just one month away from free agency.

Incomings are expected. While Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is the most exciting name on The Friedkin Group’s radar right now, he’s not the only one on the list, with an audacious deal for Liverpool prospect Ben Doak also being explored.

Everton looking at two Liverpool players this summer

The Times have revealed that while Everton have pitched their project to Delap, who is set to leave the relegated Tractor Boys this summer, internal talks have also been held regarding a move for Scotland international Doak, who Liverpool value at £30m.

This, it goes without saying, would be a tricky one to navigate. Liverpool and Everton are fierce local rivals, the last direct transfer between the two clubs dating back to January 2002, when Abel Xavier left Goodison Park to join Liverpool in a deal south of £1m.

Doak, heading the other direction, would mark a bigger move indeed, with former Scotland manager Craig Levein even saying, “this kid could be a world-class player.”

Doak has been out injured with a hamstring issue sustained in February but made his mark beforehand, notching ten goal involvements from 24 Championship fixtures. With Jack Harrison set for release, he could prove a huge upgrade.

Though it’s difficult to compare Championship metrics with those in the top division, peering at Doak’s campaign when lined against Harrison’s, you begin to understand the electric upgrade Moyes would score, with the Scottish teenager also sharpening a skill set that could produce prolific results at the highest level in the future.

Matches (starts)

34 (24)

24 (21)

Goals

1

3

Assists

1

7

Shots (on target)*

0.9 (0.2)

1.1 (0.6)

Pass completion

73%

84%

Key passes*

1.0

1.9

Dribbles*

0.7

1.5

Ball recoveries*

2.1

2.8

Tackles + interceptions*

1.2

1.3

Duels won*

2.6

3.8

And Doak isn’t even the only Reds talent on Moyes’ radar, with another Liverpool up-and-comer being considered.

According to Caught Offside, Everton are one of five clubs who are keen on signing Reds defender Jarell Quansah this summer.

They have now learned what they will need to pay if they are to sign the centre-back in the coming months, with Liverpool placing a £29m price tag on the central defender.

A host of Premier League clubs are interested in the 22-year-old, while Borussia Dortmund and, in particular, Bayer Leverkusen are also keen.

Why Quansah would be a "monster" for Moyes

The English talent is highly rated but has struggled for minutes under Arne Slot’s wing this season, and while a rogue shout, Everton could provide him with a star role without the need to relocate.

However, Quansah has certainly made his name known over the past few years, having now earned 58 senior appearances for the Reds, winning the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.

Though the 6 foot 5 talent’s displays this term have left something to be desired, his potential is incontrovertible. In fact, if Quansah were to move to Everton, develop his defensive principles through Moyes’ coaching while working on his impressive technical ability, he may well find himself rivalling Jarrad Branthwaite for the crown as Everton’s star centre-back.

In 2023/24, Branthwaite took to life as a Premier League regular seamlessly, leading Manchester United to consider a £75m bid for Everton’s colossus and prompting talent scout Jacek Kulig to hail him as an “absolute monster.”

Well, Kulig also described Quansah as a “monster” of a centre-back for his emergence in Jurgen Klopp’s system that same term, with his metrics underscoring his value as a prototypical modern centre-half.

As per FBref, Quansah ranked among the top 3% of Premier League defenders in 2023/24 for goals, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 11% for aerial duels won and the top 4% for tackles won per 90, emphasising his roundedness.

Branthwaite, conversely, has struggled to showcase the scope of his ball-playing skills, hemmed in as he is in a counter-attacking system. This is partly why he has reportedly considered leaving Everton in recent months, for he has been overlooked by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel once again.

Would Quansah entertain a controversial move to the blue half of Merseyside? Only time will tell. But Everton could do with such a player, bringing a complete skill set into the defensive fold, crucial as Michael Keane supposedly gears up to depart.

After more than two decades without any direct business between the two Merseyside giants, it seems unlikely that Liverpool would entertain the sales of two of their biggest prospects in the same transfer window.

But then, Liverpool are gearing up for a summer spending spree, and Everton could boldly take advantage, securing two talented stars who could shape Moyes’ project over the coming years.

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Ahead of a summer full of potential sales, Aston Villa could now lose one of Unai Emery’s most important players to Barcelona amid reports that he’s now ready to leave the club.

Why Aston Villa may need to sell

After the Premier League received a glimpse of their potential troubles when they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in the January transfer window, Aston Villa could be in for a long summer. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would particularly exacerbate their PSR problems to the stage that they may be left with no choice but to sell once again.

Many have had their say on the potential problems that Aston Villa face this summer and former Villans chief Keith Wyness, who now runs a football consultancy which advises top clubs, has been among those.

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ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025

Wyness recently told Football Insider: “The issue with PSR is not surprising. They’ve been sailing close to the wind. It’s only been the cleverness of Monchi and the recruitment team which have got them out of trouble so far.

“They’re going to have to do it again. It may be a player sold that the Villa fans are not happy about. That’s where the value will be. When you look at what Emery has done with squad strengthening, the fans will forgive him and allow him to get the resources to go ahead in the market – and meet PSR.”

Just who heads for the exit door with that said is now the big question. Emery’s squad is one filled with talent, there’s no doubt about that, but whether the Spaniard will help open the door for the likes of Ollie Watkins or Morgan Rogers to leave remains to be seen this summer. Instead, it could be another Aston Villa who heads for a summer exit.

Barcelona plotting move to sign Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are now targeting a move to sign Emiliano Martinez, who is ready to leave Aston Villa for a ‘bigger club’ when the summer transfer window arrives.

The Argentine shot-stopper has rebuilt his career at Villa Park over the years and become one of the best in the world in his position – winning the Yashin Trophy twice. Now, however, with Barcelona calling, the 32-year-old could be set to depart.

What certainly shouldn’t be seen as a positive sign over his future for those at Villa Park is just how emotional Martinez looked following his final home game of the season. The former Arsenal man even looked to be waving a tearful goodbye to the fans.

A player who was praised for an “incredible” save by legend Alessandro del Piero in Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw against Juventus earlier this season, Martinez would be an undeniable loss for those in the Midlands.

Leeds United are now racing for the signature of an “amazing” defender, who could be available for a bargain fee in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Leeds' summer transfer plans taking shape

Leeds’ promotion from the Championship was confirmed after Burnley defeated Sheffield United 2-1 on Monday night, and while they will still be keen to wrap up the league title, the 49ers Enterprises can now start to make more concrete plans for the summer transfer window.

With the Whites now set to be playing in the Premier League next season, Kalvin Phillips is interested in a return to Elland Road, and Manchester City are willing to take a huge loss on the £45m fee they shelled out in the summer of 2022.

Phillips may tick some boxes for Daniel Farke, with the manager believed to be keen on bringing in players who have Premier League experience, and the likes of Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson are also on the shortlist.

Farke is clearly keen to bolster his squad in a number of areas, in order to avoid an instant return to the Championship, and Leeds have now joined the race for a defender, with a report from Football Insider naming them as potential suitors for Vancouver Whitecaps’ Dembo Saidykhan, who can play as a centre-back or as a right-back.

Saidykhan’s impressive performances in the MLS have attracted the attention of a number of European clubs, with Wolves also set to be in the race for his signature, and there is a feeling he could be available for a bargain fee.

The defender’s contract is set to expire at the end of the year, which means Vancouver Whitecaps may choose to sanction a departure this summer, in order to make sure they don’t miss out on a transfer fee entirely.

Related Leeds now considering promotion move for "sensational" England international

Leeds United are already looking to the summer transfer window after smashing Stoke City on Monday.

Posts ByBarney Lane Apr 21, 2025 "Amazing" Saidykhan impressing for club and country

The report states the Gambian has caught the eye at international level, and he has clearly impressed compatriot and former footballer Cherno Samba, who believes he could go on to have a great career.

The 21-year-old is clearly showing promising signs, so Leeds should look to snap him up this summer, especially considering he could well be available for a bargain fee, but they must also bring in players with experience in a major European league.

Saidykhan is yet to prove himself at a high level, and Farke would be gambling with instant relegation back to the Championship if he didn’t bring in another centre-back, with Modibo Sagnan, of Ligue 1 club Montpellier, among the potential targets.